From Europe with love

MANILA, Philippines - Husband and wife Ryan and Ella Uy are both young, well-traveled individuals who just love to explore the world, sample different cuisines, and learn of new cultures. But although the pair has ventured through many popular destinations such as Hong Kong, Canada, and Cambodia, among many others, they vowed not to touch Europe, and save the most romantic cities for their honeymoon trip.

It was June in 2006 when the couple visited Europe for the first time, with the expert help of Trafalgar Tours, the world’s leading guided vacation company, and its local partner Pan Pacific Travel Corporation. “It was my wife who suggested we tour Europe for our honeymoon, and I couldn’t argue with her decision—it was the best romantic experience ever,” shares Ryan, a marketing and sales manager of one of the top international airline carriers. The experience still vivid in his mind, he remembers the trip as if it just happened yesterday.

 â€œWe chose Trafalgar for our special vacation because we wanted to have a relaxing time together, where we can make the most out of our trip in the most hassle-free way,” says Ryan, commending most especially their Trafalgar travel director, who took very good care of them and all their needs.

It was all thanks to their tour director that they were able to sample Swiss local dishes, taste the pork knuckles in Munich, and get the best Florentine steak meals in Italy. But what was most memorable for the couple were those times that the travel director made special arrangements that resulted in sweeter, more romantic experiences around Europe.

 â€œDuring the time we were going around the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, the tour director arranged for a gondola that had a group of musicians serenading us,” recalls Ella of her favorite honeymoon moment. “We were with another couple also on their honeymoon, and it was just us on this private gondola – you can imagine how enjoyable that was. I really appreciated how the travel director was very thoughtful.”

For Ryan, the kiss they shared by the Eiffel Tower topped his list of most memorable moments. “Our travel director not only brought us to the famous tower, he knew the exact timing when it would light up at its most beautiful during the night, and even told us of the exact location where we’d be able to take the perfect photo,” he recalls.

So they set their camera on a tripod, positioned themselves in the best spot in front of the Eiffel Tower, and right on cue, kissed as the tower lit up the site and made it the most romantic place in the world. And the honeymooning couple went home with the loveliest photo souvenir of their trip, accompanied by an album full of other worthwhile memories around Europe.

Six years after their romantic celebration abroad, Ryan and Ella were once again Europe-bound, this time for their second honeymoon trip, and again via Trafalgar Tours. “They even gave us a token of appreciation because we were second-time travelers,” shares Ryan. “I think what makes trips via Trafalgar special are the little details they pay attention to, and the simple things they do to make your tour more enjoyable, convenient, and extra special.”

 â€œThis year, my wife and I are actually planning to visit Europe again, this time for the Scandinavian tour,” reveals Ryan with an excited smile. Now with two adorable sons Elijah and Ezekiel, Ryan and Ella are already thinking of where to take their kids next for more unique family bonding times together.

Indeed, with Trafalgar Tours to satisfy their endless craving for travel, adventure, food trips, and other once-in-a-lifetime experiences, there’s no stopping this jet-setting couple.

Trafalgar is the world’s leading guided holiday company offering exceptional quality and value itineraries to a range of exciting destinations. With some 65 years of experience and unrivaled local expertise, Trafalgar provides an authentic insider’s view to create truly unique travel experiences in Europe, Britain and Eastern Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, China, Mexico, Central and South America, USA and Canada.

Pan Pacific Travel Corporation is located at the G/F Pacific Place Apartelle Suite, 539 Arquiza cor J .Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila. For more information, call 523-1990, 526-6427, 536-1265/67 or e-mail trafalgarmanila@panpacifictravel.com.ph.