Category — Winter Travel
Sand, Sleds, and Stalagmites: The Southwest
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
Before it’s too windy…
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
Turkey during turkey month?
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
Get It While It’s Hot…Or Cold
Summer is coming to its final third and snow is in sight. If you’re like me and are anxious to hit the slopes this winter or just get your boots wet, then you might want to start thinking about new winter gear. Before you start to consider the possible options of what you might buy, first consider where you might want to buy it. This questioning may lead you to grab your dogsled and travel to where the dollars are plenitful.
Puffy jackets, Princess Leia earmuffs, and hand warmers are just some of the necessities needed to make this upcoming winter bearable. Depending on the type of winter person you tend to be, clothing and gear will vary on the price since the value of the dollar and its relationship to the Euro is sluggish. The dollar recently has dipped for numerous reasons, giving Europeans or anyone using Euros to take advantage of this opportunity. As of right now the EURO/USD exchange rate is 1.3785 allowing many to fly abroad and pounce on these American sales as the dollar hovers at the value it has fallen too.
Coming to America is a great move to purchase winter gear. Buying this equipment in the summer or even the fall will end up saving you a bunch of cash. If you’re willing to jump on the slippery slopes with a snowboard, you might as well buy it from the best. Top selling snowboards from Burton distinguished as the Burton Cruzer ($299), the Burton Clash Board ($349), and the Burton Custom X Snowboard ($559) will all force you inside your pocket, but if you’re using your converted currency then your inclination may be to buy these high end snowboards. If you’re more of a skier and are looking for a pair that will really take off, try Skis.com to purchase a pair of Salomon Equipe Skis for $399 or the Salomon Scrambler Skis for $199 for a cheaper price.
Hop on the sale trail since most equipment is cheap now and will only get more expensive as the winter nears. Before making an appearance in the states, check some online American stores and have an idea what you’re willing to buy and the cost converted into Euros. Some good websites may include the Sierratradingpost.com, backcountry.com, and your more popular websites like REI.com. These websites will be a good starting point for buying cheaper winter gear like winter hats, gloves, jackets, thick socks, waterproof boots, and as well a number of undershirts. You want to be the first on the mountain, right? So make sure to purchase you gear abroad, take advantage of the “currency sale”. Ski the famous Alps that stretch through seven different European countries and have a reputation for being extremely difficult to maneuver.
Whatever your reason is for getting excited for winter, I’m sure the states have a way of making it cheaper, especially with the dollar creeping down.
August 6, 2007 No Comments
Best Winter Vacations
The winter so far has been mild this year in the Northeastern United States and most other places. Things still could change though and winter vacation season will sound a lot more appealing. Maybe the weather is reducing demand because the airfare prices are pretty low.
I looked at fare to these warm places on kayak.com for February:
If your city is not on the list, judging by the above fares you can bet that Florida will be among the most affordable. If you are one of our international readers, feel free to give suggestions for winter vacations and we’ll do a post about those. Email imcafee[at]gocurrency.com.
January 5, 2007 No Comments
Travel to Europe for Christmas: Winter Wonderland
One of the most picturesque times of the year to be in Europe is during the pre-Christmas season; especially in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Many of these regions are snow-covered and lit brightly for the holidays.
Austria has some particular traditions around Christmas times. Advent wreaths are a very important one in the country. They are usually decorated with ribbons and four candles to signify the four weeks leading to Christmas Eve. Innsbruck, and old town in Austria bustles with busy Christmas markets and the “sound of music” fills the air in Salzburg and Vienna.
Around Christmas time, Switzerland is a fabulous place for children. Numerous markets open in the streets with handmade treasures and activities for little ones. On December 6, St. Nicolas day, children set out their shoes in hope that Santa Claus will fill them with nuts, chocolates, tangerines and homemade cookies. Swiss children also look forward to receiving a graetimaa — man-shaped bread decorated with raisins and spun sugar.
In Germany, Christmas markets reign throughout the country, in towns small and large. Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Stollen breads are popular foods during the holiday season. Nurnberg, famous for packaging its delightful gingerbread in countless ways, has one of Germany’s best Christmas bazaars. Hand-carved wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, festive wreaths, and aromatic candles line the booths, when you stroll by cradling a cup of hot, spiced wine.
In the alpine areas of all three countries, winter festivals are spectacular. Running from November through February, these areas offer horse and carriage racing, hot air ballooning, ice-skating and more. This could make for a very romantic getaway or a family vacation. Germany’s “Viva winter Fun — Party at the Zugspitze” was one of last year’s most sensational.
December 6, 2006 3 Comments
7 Best Locations to Ski All Over the World
This winter season is quickly approaching, and vacation plans are hard to decide. As skiing comes to the minds of many chilly vacationers, consider looking all over the world, rather than staying with your local slopes. Here are 7 of the best slopes that the world has to offer skiiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. And it doesn’t hurt to explore the city a bit as well, after a long day of activity.
Aspen, Colorado, United States
Everyone’s heard of Aspen! Featured in many films and television shows, Aspen, Colorado also draws many celebrities. Although you might go for the location’s great ski offerings, you might find yourself meeting someone famous! Be wary though – Aspen gets a bit expensive.
Vail, Colorado, United States 
Vail is neighbor to the previously mentioned Aspen. However, it’s still nothing to laugh at – critics regard this legendary locale as one of the world’s top five resorts, and the best (and the largest) the United States has to offer. Let’s not forget all the other things Vail has to offer, like art galleries, ballooning, and much, much more.
Cortina, Italy
One of the world’s first ski resorts and a past host to the Olympic Games, Cortina boasts some very impressive slopes, and is Italy’s most stylish resort.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Tremblant was the first resort to open in Canada and the second in North America. Only an hour away from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant promises all kinds of activites other than skiing or snowboarding.
Stowe, Vermont, United States
Stowe is a beautiful location with classic New England charm. It’s linked to neighboring ski resorts so visitors have a larger variety. The resort also offers over 90 shops and 60 restaurants to ensure that visitors are comfortable and don’t need to travel too far away.
Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France
Chamoinix is the highest peak in the Alps, some of the most impressive mountains in the world. It hosted the first ever Winter Olympic Games, and remains in high regards to residents and tourists alike. It boasts one of the longest runs (Vallée Blanche), at 13.7 miles (22 km).
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is acclaimed as one of the most peaceful, picturesque mountains in the world. This is largely due to their mandated car-free environment. It has one of the largest lifts in the world, and is a great getaway for any city-dwellers.
November 28, 2006 1 Comment
Top 5 Winter Getaway Destinations
Travel and Leisure magazine’s Senior Editor, Heidi Sherman Mitchell recently suggested 5 inexpensive winter destinations for those looking to take a vacation after the hectic holiday season. The first thing you want to do is decide whether you want to go to a warm or cold spot. Then browse the internet for special deals on vacation packages. It’s peak season for areas with beaches or snow so plan your vacation early.
Mitchell’s top 5 winter destinations are:
1. Whistler, British Columbia: Whistler has become the “it” destination for winter. It’s set to host the Winter Olympics in 2010. If you love to ski, this is a great destination, because there’s great skiing as well as great non-ski activities. There are spas, great shopping, and dining. If you live on the West Coast, this is a definite must! Also, many of the locals are mostly between 20 and 34, so there’s a lot of ambient energy on the streets.
2. Lake Placid, N.Y.: A great place to visit if you live in the Northeast. The former Olympic site has a wide range of winter activities for both kids and adults. Visitors love the accessibility and family atmosphere.
3. Riviera Maya: Located on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, this area has become a popular destination for 2006. There’s so much going on there, and every range of spots for couples, families. You can find great flight deals right now, as well as some great hotel deals, because this region is trying to overcome the perception that Hurricane Wilma destroyed everything. The location is pretty much back in action and worth looking into.
4. Maui: We often think of Hawaii as a honeymooners’ location. But it’s a great vacation spot for those living on the West Coast. Maui boasts the Waianapanapa Black Sand Beach, a top-secret beach. The beaches of Maui are supposed to be some of the most glorious. If you are traveling during the winter season, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Maui’s largest visitors, the humpback whale, during their mating season.
5. Los Angeles: The city is undergoing a transformation. For example, check out the newly-redesigned Sunset Tower Hotel, as well as the new Hollywood Roosevelt, where the current Hollywood “A-listers” love to party. You can also cruise Melrose, Sunset Blvd and have access to beaches, hiking up Will Rogers Park. The city also has a lot more culture, and more money has been poured into the arts. Los Angeles also isn’t too expensive, compared to New York or San Francisco. The large amusement parks are also nearby, so it’s great for families who want to go to Disneyland, but you can also look into Hollywood or see the Guggenheim Museum.
November 19, 2006 1 Comment
Make your Money Go Further
Our monthly reports tell you what countries and currencies offer the best deals. Travel and buy smart!