Foreign Holidays Don't Fizzle During Recessions

While a recession takes hold worldwide, it seems people are not holed up inside their homes. In fact, despite the recession in Europe and elsewhere, people are spending money on foreign holidays. People may be forgoing other luxuries, but vacations are not one of them for the most part.

Travelers from Britain, Germany and Scandinavia are indulging in their desires to get away from grey, mood-sapping, dreary winters. Increasingly they are heading for Tenerife in the Canary Islands.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands and has the biggest population of this island group. Tenerife has an area of 2.057 square kilometers. It sits 200 miles off the west coast of Northwest Africa.

A Spanish archipelago, the Canary Islands is a popular family winter destination. Tenerife offers a relaxing beach getaway, the perfect remedy to the winter doldrums of central and northern Europe.

Tenerife has lush forests, beautiful and exotic flora and fauna as well as mountains. The island also has deserts, volcanoes and gorgeous coastlines.

Tenerife is a year-round destination. The high season for the island is December to February. Airfares are attractive in November through the first half of December.

During high season, you can find travel deals to the island, but you have to shop around. You can try the last-minute option if you have the freedom to just pick up and go. With the exception of Easter time, travelers traditionally find lower airfares from March to May as well.

With the current economic situation travel agencies, resorts, hotels and airlines will be jostling for every tourist dollar available. These enterprises will be looking to hold onto their market shares. There are deals to be had if you're patient and comparison-shop.

While northern Europeans look for warm destinations, their American and Canadian counterparts are doing the same. A popular winter destination for travelers from both countries is Florida. This state offers their fellow Americans and visiting Canadians beautiful coastlines and beaches. They also offer them familiar North American food and accommodations.

With resorts, hotels and airlines trying to make their way through the recession in North America, price-cutting is occurring. Travelers who are budget conscious will find attractive packages here too, if they shop around.

Along with Florida, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica traditionally have good pricing for travelers. For Canadians, Cuba promises an inexpensive tropical respite during the winter months.

Why are Europeans and North Americans not foregoing fun in the sun during these recessionary times? The reason may be the emotional, mental and physical boost that the sun and warm climates give us. They soothe us, invigorate us and put those at ease smiles on our faces.

It's a fact that there are benefits to getting the proper amount of sunshine. Combine that with fresh ocean breezes and warm waters and you have a recipe for restoration of the body, mind and spirit. That's why warm weather vacations are so popular. That's also why it takes more than tough economic times to stop people from traveling.

Research shows that getting a daily dose of sunshine may lessen cancer risks. Sunshine in the appropriate doses may also help the immune system fight infections. Some researchers believe that daily does of sunshine and a vitamin D supplement are beneficial.

Mentally and emotionally, feeling better in the sun contributes to feeling better physically. Some of those aches and pains just seem to go away.

The skin produces vitamin D when we spend time outside in the sun. However, it's estimated a billion people worldwide are deficient in the vitamin. The sun and supplements can help but the key is not overdoing sun exposure. Small daily does are sufficient.

Travelers from northern climates worldwide will continue to take those foreign holidays. Many will not let a recession put a crimp in their vacation plans.

For many, a holiday is essential; many other things are not. During these recessionary times, they'll cut a host of other things, except holidays in warm sunny places.

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