While some of us are still trying to catch the last rays of summer sun, winter vacation planning should definitely be getting under way – especially if you want to get a good deal on some of the top spots.
My brood of six children enjoy a wide-range of winter-time activities. From my oldest, who could live her life in a bikini year ’round, to my youngest, who gets bored very easily. I’ve found that there are a plethora of destinations that can suit even the most finicky traveler.
Here, in no particular order, is my Top Ten list of Winter Vacation Destinations:
Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont. Located on 1,000 acres in Vermont’s majestic Green Mountains range near Jeffersonville, Smuggler’s Notch received a near perfect score from onthesnow.com’s readers in a survey on family-friendly ski resorts. Outdoor activities include tube sliding, snowmobile tours, ice skating, and dog sledding with Alaskan Huskies. Indoor fun can be found at the indoor pools and hot tubs or The Fun Zone Family Entertainment Center, which includes a miniature golf course and arcade. Teen Alley (13-15 year olds) and Outer Limits (16 and older) cater to the younger generation with X-Boxes, Wiis, and weekly special events, including a dodgeball tournament and dance party.
There are five condo communities that offer rentals at the resort. (Prices vary.)
www.smuggs.com
Traveler’s Tip: If you are an RCI member, you can exchange for lodging at Smuggler’s Notch. Members also receive special offers on lift tickets, children’s camps, equipment rentals, and other amenities. Not an RCI member, book your reservation now and receive 2008-2009 season rates. Worried that your plans might change? Don’t! While a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, reservations cancelled more than 7 days before planned arrival receive a full refund. (Reservations cancelled within 7 days receive a full credit that can be used within the next two years.)
Coconut Bay Resort and Spa, St. Lucia. For fun in the sun, there’s no place like the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort located on the far-less congested south side of the island. Easily accessible from Hewanorre International Airport, Coconut Bay houses two distinct wings to accommodate all travelers. “Splash” is family-friendly, while “Harmony” caters to adults only. Current rates run from $310 per person for either wing. Children 3 -12 stay with their parents for $55 each per night. Teens 13-27 are an additional $75 each per night. Families with children must eat on the family dining schedule.
For land lubbers, there is tennis, basketball, and volleyball. For those who like to get wet, Coconut Bay has the largest resort beach in St. Lucia. It also houses the largest water park on the island – providing hours of fun with slides, twisters, and tubing along its only “lazy river.
www.coconutbayresortandspa.com
Traveler’s Tip: While on the island, take a day trip to the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. You’ll be able to walk around the hissing bursts of steam and bubbling pools created by sulfur springs at this natural wonder.
Taos Ski Valley Resort, New Mexico. This family-owned and operated resort sits just outside the city of Taos, New Mexico, and caters to the whole family. While a variety of ski and snowboarding camps are offered to meet all skill levels, child care is also provided for guests as young as six-weeks old.
Restaurants include Tenderfoot Katie’s Cafeteria (salad bar, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches) and The Phoenix Grill, which offers outdoor seating and beer and wine when ordered with food.
While Taos has a municipal airport, the greatest availability of flights is into Albuquerque. You can then rent a car for the 2 hour and 15 minute drive up to the resort. Like to ride the rails? New Mexico just began service on a new commuter train line. It runs from Albuquerque to Santa Fe
www.skitaos.org
Traveler’s Tip: There are a multitude of housing options. From lodges and resorts in the villages near Taos Ski Valley to hotels and inns in the city of Taos, most are linked on the Taos Ski Valley website. You can check that site for specials on vacation packages as well. Currently a January special is being offered – purchase three nights of lodging and lift tickets and receive your fourth night free.
Ice Hotel, Sweden. Head north of the Arctic Circle to Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and check into the world’s largest hotel of ice and snow. Three types of accommodations are available. You may choose to sleep in an ice room, where your bed is a thermal sleeping bag laid out on reindeer skins on your bed of ice. Warm accommodations include two chalets and standard hotel rooms. Or, you may choose to hike out on a wilderness camp adventure, where cooking is done in huts and sleeping in primitive cabins. Hotel costs range from $382 to $765 per person per night, depending on your choice.
The Old Homestead is an historical log cabin, situated only 800 meters from the Ice Hotel. There guests can enjoy a dinner buffet of local delicacies. The Ice Hotel Restaurant, located in the permanent “warm” buildings serves many Swedish and Lappish dishes. You can dine on venison, reindeer, and arctic raspberries. To compliment the Ice Hotel experience, many offerings are served on ice plates made from the arctic waters of the Torne River.
While an attraction in itself, the hotel is not the only thing to see and do on this vacation. Hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobile and dog-sled safaris are also available.
www.icehotel.com
Traveler’s Tip: During the day the Ice Hotel operates as a museum and visitors meander in and out. Overnight guests only have access to their rooms after 6:00 p.m., and they are required to checkout shortly after they are awoken at 7:30 a.m. with a cup of warm lingonberry juice. Luggage cannot be taken to the “cold” rooms (it would freeze) but are stored by the hotel for the guest’s convenience.
Coldfoot, Alaska. From Fairbanks, The Alaska Adventure Company offers 3 day/2 night ($599 per person) and 4-day/3-night ($689 per person) travel packages to view The Northern Lights. With a combination of flights and ground tours, you can view the Trans Alaska Pipleline and cross the Arctic Circle. From the Coldfoot Camp, you’ll head to the Gold Rush town of Wiseman to view the Aurora Borealis. Optional packages include traveling the famed Dalton Highway into the Brooks Mountain Range, a dog-sled tour, and even an Arctic Mountain Safari.
www.alaskaadventurecompany.net
Traveler’s Tip: Traveling to Alaska can be as exciting as being in Alaska. For those daring to drive, The Milepost (www.milepost.com) offers tips and maps. Several airlines, including Alaska Airlines and Delta offer daily service to major cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Rail travel is available, but the Aurora Winter Train schedule only operates on weekends. (www.alaskarailroad.com)
Orlando, Florida. For much to do in a small radius, not many areas can compete with Orlando, Florida. It’s a perfect winter destination if you wish to get out of the cold.
In addition to the giants (Universal Studios and Walt Disney World), smaller attractions like Sea World, The Holy Land Experience, and Discovery Cove offer plenty of variety to any length vacation. For dinner and a show, make reservations at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater. You will celebrate a Princess’ birthday as you dine on steak or chicken. But don’t get too comfortable – an uninvited guest may arrive to ruin the festivities.
If you’ve never seen a Cirque du Soleil performance of acrobatics, dance, and live music, check out La Nouba. The circus-style characters perform two shows each night, Tuesday through Sunday, in Downtown Disney. For NASCAR fans, get behind the wheel yourself at The Richard Petty Driving Experience.
My personal favorite: For a rip-roarin’ night of family fun, head over to Disney’s Hoop-De-Doo Revue. It’s housed near Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Campground. For a set price, you get a Old West Saloon-style show and a delicious dinner. Performers often pull unsuspecting audience members into the act. Fried chicken and ribs is served all you can eat with a generous accompaniment of fixin’s (including a delicious cornbread) and dessert. Along with soft drinks, sangria and beer are also included in the price of admission.
Traveler’s Tip: Do some internet research, attractions often offer on-line discount coupons. Hotel accommodations, even in the peak winter months, can be found for as little as $39 per night – and most are within minutes of the major attractions. And, if your birthday falls during your vacation, check out Disney’s current promotion – gratis admission to a Disney theme park on the big day.
Lick Creek Summit, Idaho – If you’re really adventurous, head about 110 miles north of Boise to McCall, Idaho. There you’ll find Payette Powder Guides. Owners Chuck Rea and Marty Rood can provide you with a true backcountry winter adventure. Self-catered groups are welcome to rent their yurts, as long as a trip leader is certified in first aid/CPR and has completed a Level 1 Avalanche Safety course.
The best deal, however, is to join one of Payette Powder Guides’ fully catered backcountry ski trips. Costs run $495 per person for 3 days/2 nights and $595 per person for 4 days/3 nights. (Not including tax and guide gratuities.)
Rea and Rood also hold avalanche safety classes. Instruction includes how to identify avalanche terrain and how to test for weak layers. The January 2 and 3, 2010, class is only $199.
www.payettepowderguides.com
Traveler’s Tip: The group is running a Winter Solstice Special. A 3-day/2-night fully catered trip is heading out December 19-21 for only $395 per person.
Oahu, Hawaii. Looking for sunny winter days, look no further than Oahu, Hawaii, with average temperatures in the 70’s all year long. This island is 596 square miles of entertainment – regardless of what your idea of entertainment is. Want leisurely walks along the shore or a good book on the beach? Head to Waikiki. Want an educational experience? Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor. From Diamond Head to The Foster Botanical Gardens, from ski diving to scuba diving, from swimming with the dolphins to helicopter tours – you can find it in Oahu.
One of my favorite attractions: The Polynesian Cultural Center, a non-profit facility created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We walked through a cultural “village”, where my daughter could climb into a native hut and made her own poi with a mortar and pestle. We also enjoyed a luau and revue-style show. (www.polynesia.com)
Traveler’s Tip: Don’t assume you can’t afford a Hawaiian vacation. There are ways to cut costs. On my last trip, I rented an efficiency studio apartment. My daughter and I ate breakfast at the apartment and made sandwiches for lunches, we splurged by going to dinner shows and luaus in the evenings. Double think the rental car – at least until you check and see what kind of transportation is available through your hotel and what is within walking distance. The turn-down in the economy has hit Hawaii as well. Check on-line for hotel specials and airline deals.
Bogus Basin, Idaho – Encompassing 2600 acres that span three mountains, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is just 16 miles north of Boise. Run by the Bogus Basin Association, a charitable organization created by the Boise community nearly 66 years ago, winter recreations are affordable and family-friendly. Ski and snowboard schools offer instruction at all skill levels for ages three and up. There are numerous Nordic and snowshoe trails.
Day lodges and Yurts ($125/night) are available for rental. Pioneer Condos, which provide ski-in/ski-out accessibility to Bogus Basin, provide studio apartments that sleep 6 ($129/night) and 1-bedrooms that sleep 4-9 ($149/night. Two and three night minimums may be imposed.
www.bogusbasin.org
Traveler’s Tip: Check out the Pepsi Goldrush Tubing Hill. The $10 ticket includes tube rental (and tax)and access to the hill for 2 hours. Just make your reservations early. Only 100 tubes are allowed on the hill during each session.
Stowe, Vermont While there are plenty of retreats in Stowe, Vermont, this particular Top Ten entry is reserved for a uniquely special resort – The Trapp Family Lodge. This is the wonderful place that reminded the Von Trapp family, of The Sound of Music fame, of their beloved Austria. They relocated here after the war and started welcoming guests to a 27-room lodge in 1950.
The resort now spans 2,400 acres and houses a 93-room expanded lodge, very similar to the original, along with 100 two-bedroom chalets (time-shared) and 26 three-bedroom villas (whole or partial ownership).
With an on-site cross-country ski center and an indoor pool, you can mix active pursuits with quieter ones – like yoga or baking classes.
While Villa rentals (Friday to Friday) and Guest House rentals (Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday) are only available on a weekly basis, lodge accommodations can be booked nightly on either a Modified American (3-course dinner and full breakfast) or Breakfast (full country breakfast) plan. Rates vary by season, type of accommodation, and enhancements.
www.trappfamily.com
Traveler’s Tip: The Trapp Family Lodge houses the first cross country ski center in the country. 60 kilometers of groomed trails join 100 kilometers of backcountry trails to accommodate Nordic skiers and snowshoers.
Prices were verified at time of publication but are subject to change without notice.
