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The many faces of Carnival

21 Feb

by Tom DeFeo

Carnival is a traditionally Catholic celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, a 40 day

venice masks
Two masked figures at Venice Carnevale

period traditionally marked by peninental practices and the exclusion of meat, parties and other festivities.The first recorded Carnival took place in Italy in 1268. The origins of some of the best known traditions such as parading and masquerade balls also take root in Italian Carnival, the best known being the Venice Carnival, for its elaborate and city-wide masquerade ball.

Although today Carnival is slated as a Christian-specific celebration, some argue that it may have pre-Christian roots in earlier Roman and Greek celebrations. Many historians point to the striking resemblances to the Roman festival, Navigium Isidis, in which a parade of masked figures followed a picture of the Roman god Isis along with an adorned wooden boat (resembling a float) to the waterfront to celebrate the beginning of the sailing season.

 

 

rio carnival
Carnival Parade in Rio de Janiero

No matter what its origins may be, today Carnival has blossomed into a worldwide celebration with several different variations of the event taking place in cities all over the Christian world with notable celebrations in Rio de Janiero and New Orleans. Europe in particular is home to some of the oldest and noted Carnivals in the world, and whether it’s attacking bystanders with confetti and pig blatters in Belgium or spiking doughnuts on spearheads in Hungar

carnival prague
Masopust Festival, Prague

y, many have acquired their own unique traditions.

 

In Bohemia, the Carnival equivalent,Masopust festival, takes place during the days leading up to Ash Wednesday . In old Czech masopusttranslates into “meat fast.” While practices may vary region to region, it often concludes with a pork feast along with traditional masks and costumes. So this Tuesday get out and celebrate, however it may be custom, with the rest of Europe and the world.

Bus2Alps Promo Video

22 Jan

Where in the world is Matt Lauer? Hanging with Bus2alps at the top of Europe!

14 Nov

Interlaken Pow Pow Power Week

The Bus2alps Super Team (aka our Managers & Head Haunchos) spent this past week up at our home base in Interlaken, Switzerland to prepare for a massive season of Spring travel coming up next semester. After spending countless hours in the Alps planning new amazing trips around the world for next semester, they all took a break during the intense Power Week to do what Bus2alps does best: do crazy cool stuff in the mountains.

The Bus2alps team climbed to the top of Jungfrau Mountain and happened to get on the Today Show with Matt Lauer! Where in the world is Matt Lauer? He’s on the top of Europe with Bus2alps. Bear Grylls was there and he even got a chance to meet the Bus2alps crew and take pictures with us. Both Matt and Bear were really stoked that they saw the Bus2alps Staff up there because even they know that no one knows the Alps better than us. It’s where our company was born and it’s where we continue to take thousands of students each year to show them Swiss Alpine beauty and unforgettable adrenaline rushes in the one place that’s got it all. Our home is your home. See you in Interlaken!

Check out the videos of Bus2alps on the Today Show here:

http://allday.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/10/8733375-where-in-the-world-is-matt-standing-on-top-of-europe

 

And the 10,000th booker of 2011 is….

13 Oct

Last night, more than 80 student travelers joined Bus2alps for our celebration of our 10,000th passenger of 2011. Osteria Il Gatto e La Volpe was the place to be, with good food, great company, and awesome giveaways! To celebrate our record-breaking booking, we awarded the 10,000th customer a Golden Ticket for free travel! Congratulations to Karletha Jordan, who hit the milestone when she booked her trip from Florence to Budapest! Karletha attends the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is spending her fall semester studying abroad in Florence through Lorenzo de’ Medici.

With the Golden Ticket, Karletha receives a full refund on her trip to Budapest, free travel on any Bus2alps trip for the rest of the year, and her choice of a weeklong ski trip with Bus2alps America or a European Spring Break trip in 2012! In response to this prize, Karletha said, “I am very excited and thankful for Bus2alps for making it possible to travel in Europe for free.  I am so excited.  I love all the trips.  You guys do an amazing job, you set it up so it is laid back and fun and you can do things on your own time so I never feel rushed.  I love the atmosphere and your energy. I just love you guys and I’m glad i get to do my traveling with Bus2alps.”

While there was only one Golden Ticket winner, we didn’t end the celebration there. Students left the party with t-shirts, free dinner vouchers, and even free trips toInterlaken, Prague, and Vienna & Salzburg Plus we awarded the 10 finalists in the Golden Ticket running 20% off vouchers for any trip. It was a celebration of epic proportions, and we loved catching up with friends from past trips and meeting future travelers. If you thought this party was big, stay tuned when we hit 20,000 next year.

Jon Fauver, CEO of Bus2alps, in regards to the big milestone said,” Reaching the 10,000 mark yesterday is proof that we are on the right course. Bus2alps started by pioneering a new way for students to travel around Europe, and we are committed to maintaining our high standards and staying the leader in the market. Studying abroad can be one of the most influential parts of an undergraduate education, and Bus2alps makes sure students get the best experience possible during their time in Europe.  We have big plans for the future and are excited about our expanded trip schedule and departure cities for 2012.”

Thank you to the 10,000 friends who have made this year an unparalleled success. We look forward to the thousands more memories to come!

Oktoberfest 2011 with Bus2Alps.com

26 Aug

Oktoberfest 2011 with Bus2Alps.com from Paris, Prague, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Florence, Rome etc.

Mt. Tremblant Collegefest

22 Aug

Check Out our cool packages for the college fest 2012 mont tremblant of Bus2Alps America LLC. We do offer trips from New York City, Philadelphia and Boston.

Exclusive mountain party this weekend!

2 Feb

What’s more epic than a raging party on top of a mountain? One word… nothing. We’ll be getting the party started at the Teepee Bar on Kleine Scheidegg, a local watering hole in the Jungfrau Ski Region. As long as you are wearing your provided Bus2alps wristband, you will be hooked up with drink specials, blasting music, and free trip and activity giveaways. All in all an amazingly good time – Swiss alps style.  Known for their juicy burgers and spiked hot chocolate, the Teepee Bar is where it’s at. So if you haven’t planned your trip for Interlaken this weekend, stop waiting and start booking here.

Teepee Bar

Time to rage here!

The Weekly Ride – Jan 27, 2011

1 Feb

To view the ‘Bus2alps Weekly Ride’ newsletter in its original format, click here: http://myemail.constantcontact.com/The-Bus2alps-Weekly-Ride.html?soid=1101868580124&aid=gyDN3Vddj5o.


For those of you who have just recently started your study abroad experience, welcome one and all! By now you have unloaded your suitcases and have begun exploring your new home. Your time abroad will most definitely be some of the best months of your life so be sure to make the most of it!
 
For us here at Bus2alps, the semester has started off with a bang. We are going into our third weekend with a trip to Interlaken and in less than two weeks we will be switching gears and heading to Prague for beautiful scenery, amazing beer, and incredible nightlife. What more could you ask for? So get your friends together and get ready to ride with Bus2alps!
 
See you on the bus,
 
     The Bus2alps Crew
In this Issue
Upcoming Trips
What’s going on in your city
Travel Tips
Save 10%



Weekly Special
Package day trip with your Bus2alps Spring Break and weekend trips, and save an additional 5% off your entire booking. Add a third trip and save 7%.



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Upcoming Trips

Prague, Czech Republic – February 10, 24
clocktower teaser
The city of Prague is unlike any other. It’s charm, romance and fairy-tale qualities are to be seen in every nook and cranny. Not to mention, the beer and night-life are unforgettable experiences as well. Home to the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the John Lennon Wall and some of the best beer in the world, Prague will sweep you off your feet and leave you yearning for more. So pack your bags and get ready to enjoy a city that is historic as much as it is contemporary.

DEPARTS: Florence | Rome | Barcelona | Paris | London | Madrid | Amsterdam


Vienna & Salzburg, Austria – February 17; April 7
Vienna Teaser
Experience the Sound of Music as you sing atop a mountain. Marvel at the awe-inspiring palaces of the Habsburg empire. Enjoy Schnapps and Wiener Schnitzel. Get photo-happy as you explote the beautiful sites. With it’s rich history and culture, Austria will capture your heart. 
One country, two cities, one amazing journey.
 

DEPARTS: Florence | Rome 


Interlaken, Switzerland - February 3, 10, 17, 24;  March 3 

What better way to enjoy winter than a weekend in the Swiss Alps? From skiing or snowboarding the slopes, to canyon jumping or skydiving, Interlaken is the premier European adventure sports capital for the adrenaline junkie at heart. But no worries, there are tons of things to do for those of you who are looking for a more relaxing weekend too. In town you will find world-class spas and multiple Swiss chocolate
shops so mouthwatering you’ll be begging for more.

DEPARTS: Florence | Rome | Barcelona | Paris | Prague | London | Madrid

Eastern Arc Spring Break -  February 18; April 15
prauge teaser
Spend 10 days looping four of Europe’s hottest cities; Vienna, Prague, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Visit many of Europe’s most well-known sites including Prague Castle, Prague Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock, the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank’s House, Amsterdam’s canals, the Vienna Opera House, and the Hausburg Empire’s Crown Jewels. This amazing tour will connect history, culture, and major themes of these significant cities as well as the social and free-spirited nature through pub crawls and group dinners. 

DEPARTS: Paris

Previous Trip Photos

 

INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
 

group in zurich

canyon jump group


Upcoming Events
Florence
2/1 – 2 for 1 at Astor
2/2 – Wing Night at The Red Garter
2/6 – Super Bowl at Astor

Rome

2/2 – La Maison Welcome Party

Prague

2/4 – CEA Pub Crawl

2/6 – Superbowl at Belushi’s

 
Barcelona

2/2 – Wednesday Night Cooking Class 

2/6 – Superbowl at George Paynes

 

Interlaken 

2/5- Mountain Top Party. Exclusive event just for Bus2alps travelers in Interlaken this weekend. Discounts spiked hot chocolate and other specials 

NAPLES DAY TRIP
                                                          
group in naples
eating in naples



Past Trip Winners
Florence
Lucy Q. – 50% off Croatia
Kayley S. – 25% off Greece Easter
Skylar N. – 50% off Munich
Ashley G. – 50% Off French Riviera
Chealynn J. – Free Cinque Terre
Alex C. – Free Night Sledding
Lindsey G. – Free Prague
Matt P. – Free Greece Easter

Rome

Laura O. – Free Venice Carnival
Lauren P. – Free Amalfi

Barcelona 

Michael S. – Free Amalfi Coast
Teddy R. – Free Valencia for Las Fallas
Devon G. – 50% off any trip

Travel Tip of the Week
Hostel over Hotels
Stay at youth hostels while traveling instead of hotels….unless of course you want to bump into grandma in the hallway when you come home at 6am.

Check out the top reasons why:


 

Maximize Your Ride

Save money when booking your next Bus2alps trip by taking advantage of our package discounts:

Book two different trips together and receive 5% off your total purchase or book three different trips together and recieve 7% off your total purchase. 
 

Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. Contact a friendly Bus2alps Crew member for details and a special 5% off discount code for all other trips.

BUS2ALPS WELCOMES STUDENTS WITH A BANG

21 Jan

Bus2alps has kicked off the semester in Europe with a bang.  Every night of the week Bus2alps has been out on the town, meeting and greeting all the newcomers and building hype for what’s set to be the biggest semester yet!


The first few weeks of the study abroad experience can be overwhelming to say the least! Housing situations, uncooperative landlords and information overload, all combined with frustrating language barriers. It can all get too much for students, so what better to relax than to head out for a night on the town. Throughout Rome, Florence and Barcelona, Bus2alps has been organizing activities galore to help students relax, meet new friends and get settled into their surroundings. Our nights out have been a massive success and look forward to meeting everyone else who is touching down soon.

FLORENCE NEWS

The city of Florence sleeps during winter, but come January the town morphs into life as thousands of students arrive.  Bus2alps was in Florence ready and waiting to welcome the students and wasted no time in getting the party started. The first pub crawl of the semester was a staggering success with over one hundred students getting together for a sensational night.  Bus2alps teamed up with the boys at Florence Tonight Nightlife and took students on a tour of Florence’s best bars and clubs.  Throughout the course of the night we gave away prizes to numerous party goers.  The two luckiest kids won Bus2alps two signature spring break trips: Spring Break Greece and The Northern Loop (Prague, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris).  They certainly weren’t expecting to walk away with free spring break vacations either. “I can’t believe I won”, yelled a stoked Ryan of Kent State. “I never win anything…This is friggin awesome”.

The culinary delights of food and wine are a big reason many people come to Italy. With this in mind, Bus2alps teamed up with Il Gatto e la Volpe to offer students a giant family style dinner.  Over the course of the night “Fat John” and his waiters brought out tray after tray of mouth watering antipasti and delicious pastas. The wine flowed like water and soon enough the party continued next door to the adjoining bar.  Sophie Villani was the lucky one of the night, winning herself a free trip to Interlaken this coming weekend.  There’s always free trips on offer at Bus2alps events.

If you are in Florence and missed out on the pub crawl or welcome dinner, don’t despair as we’ll be running everything again in the coming weeks.

The next pub crawl will be Saturday 23rd January.  Meet at 8.00pm for an 8.30pm start, or 9.00pm for a 9.30pm start on the steps of the Duomo.

The next welcome dinner will Wednesday February 3rd. Come down to Il Gatto e la Volpe inbetween 8.15pm and 9.00pm to be seated.

ROME NEWS

Meanwhile in Rome things have also been popping as the students continue to roll into Bus2alps town. Bus2alps crew members Amanda and Dylan have been out on the town, partying with students in Campo de Fiori at all the big student bars.  The Scholar’s Lounge in continually packed with everyone watching sports and the Colosseum Pub Crawl was a night to remember.  Bus2alps have also struck up a special deal with the Colosseum Pub Crawl where our travellers get a better deal. Hit up Amanda@bus2alps.com for more info.

BARCELONA NEWS

Joey and Matty have Barcelona on lockdown and have been regulars on the Tapas/NFL/Clubbing circuits.  The weather may not have been kind to the students but spirits are high and everyone is settling into the Spanish way of life… “Manana…manana”.  In the coming weeks Bus2alps will launch a football night and get the Bus2alps Bike Tour started.  Free trips and prizes will be awarded at these events so stay tuned to make sure you don’t miss out.

 

INTERLAKEN THIS WEEKEND

This really is shaping up to be the best Bus2alps semester so far. We already have 100 students coming up to Interlaken this weekend (January 21st – 24th) from all our respective departure cities. Whilst competitors are struggling to fill buses, Bus2alps is ordering up extras – Proof that we are Europe’s No.1 student travel company. There’s another trip to Interlaken next week and the Venice Carnival and Munich Fruhlingsfest are fast approaching. Check out Bus2alps and get excited!

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