While traditions are an important part of the holiday season, this year, expand your horizons and learn how other cultures celebrate the holidays. Witnessing traditions from around the globe — from Christmas markets to holiday decorations — will bring a festive atmosphere to any trip. It’s also a perfect excuse to spend quality time with family and friends.

London, England
Many people love to travel during the holidays for one simple reason: extravagant decorations. One of the best cities for holiday decorations is London. Expect holly, mistletoe, and Christmas trees across the city, especially in places like beautiful Trafalgar Square. Experience a more intimate side of the city by choosing a London B&B for your accommodation.

Prague, Czech Republic
Travel to Prague during the holidays to experience one of the city’s oldest and most beloved traditions: the Christmas markets. The main squares of the city are home to these atmospheric, outdoor markets selling everything from handmade arts and crafts to spicy mulled wine. These markets are also known for their hot, delicious street food. Expect choral performances and a big Christmas tree in the Old Town Square as well. Make your visit especially festive with a stay at a seasonally decorated Prague bed and breakfast.

Paris, France

If you’re seeking Christmas romance, plan a trip to Paris. This gorgeous city becomes even more cheerful with holiday decorations and charming Christmas markets. Visitors can nibble on gingerbread while picking up gifts for family and friends back home, including everything from French delicacies (like cheese and sausage) to handmade toys and crafts. Finish your holiday-themed trip with an ice-skating excursion at Trocadero. Experience the local side of the City of Love by choosing a Paris bed and breakfast in a quiet neighborhood.

Dublin, Ireland
Leave it to the Irish to create one of the most festive atmospheres in Europe leading up to Christmas. On Dublin’s main, central strip, Grafton Street, street performers sing holiday carols and groups gather for photos around the big Christmas trees and twinkling lights. The cold weather is ideal for squeezing into a historic pub for a pint of Guinness while Christmas music plays in the background. Get to know how the locals celebrate by choosing an intimate city center bed and breakfast in Dublin.

Madrid, Spain

Madrid is home to some of the most impressive light displays on the continent. Escape the stress of the holidays for a relaxed trip to Madrid, where you can fill your days browsing the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor, checking out the famous nativity scenes at local churches, and ice skating at Retiro Park. Madrid is also a fabulous place to do some Christmas shopping at well-decorated department stores like El Corte Ingles. Witness even more local traditions by staying in a central bed and breakfast.

Back at home, it can be so easy to get wrapped up in the stress of the holidays. Escape this year with a trip abroad to experience how others make the season bright.

Updated by Emily Starbuck Crone

London may be an old city with historical landmarks, but that doesn't mean all of its B&Bs are decorated traditionally. Many London bed and breakfasts are located in historic properties that have been renovated with modern design, blending the old with the new. The UK's Prince William married Catherine Middleton in London today. They are a young, hip couple that had a traditional royal wedding in Westminster Abbey, also blendig the old and the new. In honor of their wedding, here are photos of some of London's modern B&Bs and small hotels.

Astor Hotel is located near the great shopping on Sloane Street and Brompton Cross, and it has 20 modern designer-appointed rooms:

Chumleigh Lodge Hotel is in North London and is modern and comfortable, yet affordable:

41 Rosaline Road is in a newly-renovated 1880s Victorian home with modern bathrooms. Its contemporary style is due to the fact that the owner is an interior designer!

If you need a nice place to stay near Heathrow Airport, Apple House Heathrow is just a five-minute taxi ride away and offers comfortable yet modern design:

Pelham Street is in a historic Georgian townhome, but features eclectic contemporary design and modern amenities, such as iPod docks in some of the rooms:

If you're interested in visiting the city, be sure to view all London B&Bs.

From now through February 28, get 35% off a stay at the Marble Arch Gloucester Hotel in London, England. This savings applies to all room types.

The hotel is located in Central London, perfect for those who want to sightsee. It's very close to Hyde Park, London's West End theatre district, and more. The property is very close to several tube stations. It was built at the end of 18th century during King George III's reign, making it a Georgian townhouse.

Guests have a choice of rooms with ensuite bathrooms or shared bathrooms. Marble Arch also provides free WiFi to guests.

Call +44 (207) 4866166 or email the innkeeper to book.

In addition to our $100 savings offer on London B&Bs, this recent article in Frommer's explains some of the other savings you can enjoy due to a much stronger dollar:

"Currently, you can travel mid-week during March and April on either British Airways or Virgin Atlantic and pay as little as $439 for a non-stop round-trip flight from New York (or Newark) to London Heathrow -- including taxes. From May, the flight prices go up somewhat and of course summer fares see another increase, but in general fares seem to be at least 20% less than they were during the same period last year. You'll also notice in the airfare breakdown that the flight price is often less than the applicable taxes so when comparing website prices, make sure you factor in the total price of flight plus taxes. If you are willing to sometimes stop en route, www.vayama.com can hook you up with some cheap airfares out of various cities."