Hotel deals for five of Europe’s top Christmas markets by Agoda.com

Agoda.com has set up great hotel deals in popular European cities to help travelers experience traditional European Christmas Markets, a winter tradition going back hundreds of years.

The annual Christmas market tradition started around the early 14th century in Germany in the leadup to 25 December, the celebration of the birth of Jesus as told in the traditional Nativity story. Usually held in the town square – the center of the village or city most often used for various community events – the markets were places where people could stock up on food and winter supplies, meet with friends and catch up on the latest news and gossip. In that regard, they haven’t changed much in the ensuing centuries, although no one could have foreseen their emergence as a global tourist destination.

Although they originated in Germany, the tradition has spread to other European countries, and today can be found in most any big town or city throughout the region, usually beginning in late November.

No matter which market you visit, you can expect to see roughly the same thing – stalls set up selling local souvenirs, hot chocolate and mulled wine for sale, lights, music, carols, red cheeks and plenty of smiles and laughter. That being said, each market takes great pride in the individual touches and unique celebratory elements they’ve added over the years. For example, Nuremberg’s market is known for the Christkind, a girl chosen by a jury to represent the town during Christmas celebrations; Budapest’s market only allows objects handmade by local craftsmen to be sold at the event; and the market in UNESCO World Heritage Site Weimar is known for its unique Thuringian grilled sausages.

Below is a list of five of the most popular cities for Christmas markets in Europe, as well a few hotel specials that will place you close to the action. Don’t forget to bring your warm clothes!

Budapest
Zenit Budapest Hotel 4.5*
Stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy 33% off. Expires 31 March, 2014.

Kempinski Corvinus Hotel 5*
Book at least 7 days in advance and stay for a minimum of 3 nights and enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $120. Expires 20 December, 2013.

Nuremberg
NH Nuremberg City 4*
Stay for at least 2 nights and enjoy special Agoda.com prices from USD $129.

A&O Hotel & Hostel Nuremberg Hauptbahnhof 2*
Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $123.

Weimar
Hotel Dorint am Goethepark Weimar 4*
Book at least 10 days in advance and enjoy 15% off. Expires 30 December, 2013.

Leonardo Hotel Weimar 4*
Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $44.

Munich
Eurostars Book Hotel 4*
Enjoy 10% off your stay. Expires 31 December, 2013.

Regent Hotel 4*
Enjoy 10% off your stay. Expires 31 December, 2013.

Vienna
Hotel Am Stephansplatz 4*
Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $202. Expires 20 December, 2013.

Hotel Kummer 4*
Enjoy special Agoda.com prices from $85. Expires 20 December, 2013.

Cheap flights to Europe from Singapore with Qatar Airways latest offers

Finding reasonably and relatively cheap flights to Europe from Singapore is difficult but not impossible. Other than the famous flight booking sites, the web pages of airlines also offer very good offers on the route. One of the airlines, Qatar based Qatar Airways offers very good flight deals from Singapore to many destinations and it is worthwhile to check their Qatar Airways Singapore page and subscribe to their news letters for promotional flights.

If you are planning to fly to Europe from Singapore, Qatar Airways have a promotion which will be valid gor booking from now till 15th May 2013 for the travel period between 20th - 31st May 2013. Below are these attractive deals for flights to Europe from Singapore:

Flights to Barcelona from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1049,

Flights to Copenhagen from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1129,

Flights to Frankfurt from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1065,

Flights to London from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1075,

Flights to Madrid from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1059,

Flights to Milan from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1055,

Flights to Paris from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1049,

Flights to Rome from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 1059 and

Flights to Zurich from Singapore all in-fares Economy starting from SGD 999.

World's 5-star airline, Qatar Airways offers attractive deals for flights to Europe from Singapore.

Note that Qatar Airways flies to Doha first and then you change to a flight to one of the destinations at the airport. All-in-fares above are return economy tickets including all taxes, fees and surcharges. They are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

Travel deals Singapore : Travel Carnival by Deal.com.sg

DEAL.com.sg, a site offering some of the best deals in Singapore, is now offering several best price travel deals in its web site under Travel Carnival campaign. Travel Carnival offers many travel packages offered with heavy discounts to destinations in Europe, Asia and Africa.

Here are some travel deals from Singapore to several destinations under Travel Carnival

8D7N Tour package to Italy by Trafalgar - Romantic is what you hear most when it comes to Italy as most touching love stories and successful engagement proposals came from. Enroll yourself into a romantic journey with your loved one with this Italy Tour Package.

The capital of Italy, Rome will not let your hearts down with the historical monuments and architectures perfect for sight-seeing and photo snapping to share your moment with friends. Shop all you want when your guide set you free for your own time and you’ll never be disappointed with the unlimited selection of apparels because Italy is also well-known for being the top lead of fashion industry. Ferragamo, Prada, Versace, Gucci are few international brands that came right from Italy as well as top leading fashion magazine, Vogue Italia.

You can save S$1620 per person with this Italy tour covering Rome, Florence, Pisa, Siena & Venice. You can experience the beauty of ancient Romewith your own eyes, enjoy a speciality Tuscan lunch with wine made with locally sourced fresh produce, canal cruise in Venice, etc. For S$4268 per person, the package also includes 2 way flight between Singapore, guided tours and Italy by Emirates, 4 Star hotel accommodation and land transfer.

Travel Period : Dec 2nd 2012 to 31 Mar 2013
For details see 8D7N Tour package to Italy by Trafalgar.

Experience the beauty of Italy
with 8D7N Tour package

7D6N United Kingdom - Head over to London this season, where Oxford Street, Bond Street, Knightsbridge and many of the large department stores are festively decorated. Hot chestnuts are sold in the streets and choirs sing Christmas carols in Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. See all the highlights of the city during your included morning sightseeing with an expert Local Guide including Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the West End. Enjoy views of Buckingham Palace which is the London home and primary residence of the Queen.

For $3988 per person instead of $5888 (you save $1900 with 32% discount), this travel deal package takes you from Singapore to United Kingdom by Emirates where you will stay 6-night at Holiday Inn Regents Park. The package includes London tours and activities, all land transfers, all meals and taxes and surcharges.

Travel Period: 1, 8, 15, 25 Dec 2012
For details see 7D6N United Kingdom.

Experience an English Christmas this year
by this 7D6N United Kingdom travel deal

10-Day Historical Europe Tour Package - Experience historic Europe half the price. For only $988 (nett) per person instead of the usual $1888, you will have guided city tours in several European cities such as Paris all inclusive.

Travel Period: Untill 25 Oct 2013
For details see 10-Day Historical Europe Tour Package.

10-Day Historical Europe Tour Package

5D4N India Spiritual Rejuvenation Tour with Paragliding OR Trekking - India is known for its gritty surroundings as well as the historical landmarks. Rejuvenate spiritually in this tour, come and experience the grittiness and raw vibe of India. Participate in the melting pot of cultural diversity when you visit the Golden Temple where all sorts of people from different walks of life had come to witness the holy shrine for Sikhs from all around the world.

That's not all, visit Dalai Lama's house and the Buddhist temple in Mcleod Ganj. Inside the monastery there are several ancient images and statues that have been preserved for the public. To add in the fun in the tour you'll be entitled to a free paragliding or trekking, whichever that will suit your crave for some adrenaline fix.

To head on down to India and join the adventure, see 5D4N India Spiritual Rejuvenation Tour with Paragliding OR Trekking.

This year, visit Golden Temple

5D3N of fine dining, quality hotel and attractive shopping in Dubai - For only Only $1998 per person instead of the usual $2698, you will fly between Dubai and Singapore by Emirates, stay at Coral Oriental Dubai and enjoy Dubai attractions (like Desert Safari Tour) for 5 days 3 nights.

Travel Period : Until 27 January 2013
For details see 5D3N Dubai.

5D3N Dubai (no this is not the hotel you will stay)