One of the greatest opportunities that comes with winter is the ability to experience some southern locations without getting scorched. While they might look cool, the White Sands National Monument is one of these sizzling destinations. However, in the winter the mild and sunny weather is very pleasant, likely much more so than they cold gray winter skies at home. Often described as ‘otherworldly’ and likened to walking on the moon, this New Mexico natural adventure is unlike any other. The 73,600 acres of windswept dunes are breathtaking, surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert and set against a backdrop of the San Andres and Sacramento mountains in the distance. This expanse of uninhabited land as well as the dunes’ role as sound barriers create the effect of eerie isolation, a bizarrely enchanting experience.
There are many exciting ways to traverse this desert landscape. Among them is hiking any one of the many trails that offer a wide range of experiences and levels of difficulty. A favorite is the 4.6-mile Alkali Flat Trail, a well-marked guided tour of these endless dunes. Midnight hikes are a must on a visit here, where the moonlit dunes of reflective sand further the feeling of exploring another planet. Full of unusual experiences, sledding down the dunes is another popular activity. A visit in the winter allows comfortable daytime sunbathing as well, without getting fried. Camping is $3 per person per night and reservations can be made up to the last hour before sunset, encouraging spontaneity and adventure.
While in the neighborhood, another natural wonder to check out is the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, about 175 miles southeast of the White Sands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 100-mile long network of caves are some of the largest in the world. At just $6 admission per person, visitors have the option of either a guided tour or individual exploration. Paved, well-lit paths offer exciting but safe views of breathtaking rock formations in rooms as tall as 200 feet. From vast, moon-like gypsum dunes to deep, mysterious caverns, there is no better time to experience the natural wonders of the southwest than as an escape from harsh winter weather.
December 6, 2007 No Comments
While there is never an unpleasant season for weather in Napa Valley, fall is a particularly lovely time to visit. It is only this time of year in which those prized plants that are worshiped for their grapes also draw attention for their vibrant gold, red, and orange leaves. In addition to vineyard tours, another great way to witness the splendor of the season is on a bicycle. Smooth, winding roads roll over hills, forests, vineyards and meadows all sporting their flashiest colors right now. As an autumn cyclist you will not fall prey to the masses of tourists that are a serious summer hazard in the most popular areas of the valley. Still, if you are seeking seclusion on a bike regions such as the Pope Valley offer a wide range of leisurely to strenuous trails, all featuring privacy and peace. If you prefer your own two feet, Howell Mountain is a beautiful and challenging hike, eased by spectacular lookouts and opportunities for vineyard visits along the way.
In addition to a rich array of fall foliage hues, the bounteous farmer’s markets carry their own spread of autumnal tastes. The multitude of organic restaurants in the area also dress for the season, flavoring their sophisticated cuisine with freshness, health, and a culinary festiveness from ingredients that most certainly taste best in the season and scene of their origin. Terra, of nearby St. Helena, serves the local cuisine with a Tuscan aesthetic. Dessert and a nightcap are inevitable with the elegant Bounty Hunter wine bar just down the street. Further, a community of sophisticated lodging and spa options assures the thoroughness of your pampering.
If it is your intention to be eased into winter with gourmet meals, luxurious spas, scenic bike rides, and world class wine, there is no better destination than Napa Valley, California.
November 29, 2007 No Comments
As winter draws near our minds drift toward warmer, sunnier places. Lounging on beaches, swimming in the ocean, and slowly sipping cocktails all likely come to mind. While these are all activities it would be difficult to not enjoy, it could pay to consider alternative forms of relaxation as well. Why not try the ultimate exercise in seeking bodily and spiritual peace while in a naturally peaceful setting? This is the logic behind the private island resort of Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos. A wide range of yogic breathing therapy sessions will either introduce beginners or immerse those well acquainted with pranayama, a form of yoga which focuses on controlled breathing techniques as a way of fully releasing tension. Located on its own secluded island, Parrot Cay resort offers a way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Turks and Caicos far from the rowdy vacationers that flood its beaches during the peak season. In addition to offering privacy and serenity, this resort is extremely chic, creating an environment of simplicity yet indulgence. Comfortable yet minimalist beachside villas offer verandas and pools for luxurious relaxation and the ability to keep a clear mind. The resort’s top quality restaurant maintains the presence of nature on a wide wooden deck overlooking an infinity pool, and the airy bar allows the simultaneous enjoyment of drinks and the soft ocean breezes. The most enticing feature, however, may be the Shambala Spa. In addition to yoga and pilates retreats, this facility offers a wide range of decadent Asian-inspired treatments that are sure to chip away at your layers of accumulated stress. This award-winning resort provides an experience that is both of the highest quality and sophistication as well as a unique approach to relaxation in nature, which is sure to stand out against all those typical beach vacations.
November 15, 2007 No Comments
Fall is rapidly sliding by, and will soon take with it the opportunity to enjoy the wide array of hues currently put on display by trees all over the northeast. Now is a great time to escape the city for some fresh air, while it is still crisp fall breezes and not yet blustery, biting winter winds. Instead of the usual upstate and New England destinations, adventurous New Yorkers might find Shenandoah National Park an exciting alternative. Located just west of Washington, DC in Virginia, this expansive park has a wide range of hiking and camping options and is a spectacular way to experience the colors of fall. For example, the most popular hike known as the ‘Old Rag Ascent’ is a challenging 2.8 mile climb featuring thrilling rock scrambling, treacherous stretches along exposed ledges, slips through crevices and 12-foot cracks in the mountain, and several breathtaking views along the way that build the anticipation for the ultimate summit panorama. At this point many leaves have fallen, creating colorfully carpeted trails and clear views through the trees at more places than usual. Since the trees at higher elevations shed their leaves first, those less adventurous nature-seekers can easily enjoy the trees at peak foliage through a simple walk in the woods or even a trip along the scenic Skyline Drive which winds through the park, offering 75 different overlooks along the way. Additional ways to enjoy the park include bicycling, fishing, horseback riding, birdwatching, or searching for any of the numerous types of wildlife that are often spotted. This natural attraction is the perfect way to take a break from the city and really experience autumn at its best. Just rent a car, grab some hiking boots, and prepare to be dazzled by colors of nature.
November 8, 2007 No Comments
Now is a great time to visit all those colder locales before they become unbearably bitter. If you’ve been thinking about visiting Chicago, taking advantage of this mild autumn before it swiftly develops into a beast of a winter (as it always seems to do too quickly) might make an experience of this great city much more pleasant. There are deals at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile for several days in late November and early December. At $109 per night, this is a difficult-to-turn-down 45% discount from the usual rates for this time of year. The hotel itself has an excellent location in the heart of Chicago’s “Mag Mile,” known for its chic nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as several impressive architectural landmarks. Additionally, the hotel is also close to Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum, and the Shedd Aquarium, offering an educational break from the indulgence of shopping and nights out. At a 46-story height, the hotel has many beautiful views of the city to the outside and modern, luxurious accommodations on the inside. This is just one option of many for exploring the Windy City, but visiting while the current crisp fall weather is an attraction and not a force to be reckoned with something to keep in mind.
November 1, 2007 No Comments
For many the idea of traveling around Africa seeing multiple cultural centers, wildlife and natural attractions, and partaking in spontaneous adventures has never passed the imagination phase. For such a distant, inaccessible destination the idea of coordinating multiple excursions in one trip is daunting and may even seem utterly impossible. If only all of these things could be coordinated for us! Well they have been, and affordably so. The Shongololo Good Hope Express, snaking through South Africa, provides a luxurious and exciting way to hit all the desired destinations without renegotiating lodging after each one. In addition to convenience, this setup makes the trip much more affordable as well. Seventeen days of life on the train with more than six exciting destinations, meals twice a day, and a fleet of mini-vans available daily for sightseeing excursions comes to just $2,670 per person (including tax). Among the highlights of the trip are a panoramic route through the province of Mpumalanga (also known as “Land of the Rising Sun”), views of wildlife and natural landscapes in Kruger National Park, a Kingdom of Swaziland tour, a tour of the Cango Caves, Cape Town, and a tour of the Winelands, among others. This trip is available in all parts of the year (although cheapest in March, August, and November) so your call to the wild can be returned whenever it comes. For those of us who enjoy following our spirit of adventure, as chosen from a set of safe and numerous options, this private train trip is an answer that fits within your schedule and your budget.
October 25, 2007 No Comments
Turkey is a country that has a unique culture at an important point in its history, facing questions of religious and regional identity. Although it has always been an exotic, beautiful, somewhat off-the-beaten-path alluring destination, this time of sweeping change makes Turkey an even more exciting place to be right now. The timing works out well in this case, as the lovely autumn climate and many deals on flights are currently rolling in. For example, Turkish Airlines is offering roundtrip nonstop flight between New York and Istanbul for just $564, between the dates of October 26-November 1 and November 7-30. Flights to other less visited (and therefore usually more expensive) cities in Turkey are also very reasonably priced next month, such as Izmir for $689, and Antalya or Kayseri for $729. Many of these rates apply for flights leaving from Chicago as well. Additionally, the favorable exchange rate allows the affordability to continue after you step off the plane. From cultural and historical adventures such as ancient ruins to breathtaking natural wonders like Cappadocia, a trip to Turkey is an enchanting (and inexpensive) way to ease yourself into the winter.
October 25, 2007 No Comments
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