Winter Vacation Destinations: New Zealand

Winter Vacation Destinations: New Zealand
By Dan Rosen

There I was, sitting in my office, gazing through the window at the falling snow, daydreaming of warmer days. Ever so slowly, an idea began to take form.

Why not leave the cold, dreary winter behind, and head for warmer climes. But where would I go? The southern hemisphere seemed a good option, but I immediately realized that I had to narrow it down a bit, or I might have a problem getting an airplane ticket. A quick internet airline check and I reached a brilliant decision.

I called my wife and told her to pack us a couple of bags and to meet me at the airport. She's used to my antics, but this seemed a bit more spontaneous than usual.

" Where are we going?" she asked.

"To the jewel of the South Pacific" was my reply. No need to elaborate. Everybody knows that New Zealand is the jewel of the South Pacific.

Just about 15 hours later, our Singapore Airlines 747 touched down in Christchurch, a beautiful garden city seemingly transported directly from England.

Customs was a breeze (make sure you don't have any fruit or other foodstuffs with you or you're liable for a steep fine), and we headed directly to the Maui campervan (that's what they call RVs down here) depot. After a brief and friendly introduction to the vehicle and the city, a quick and delicious cappuccino in one of the city's vibrant cafes, we were ready to hit the road.

New Zealand is a land of contrasts. From modern, dynamic, sophisticated cities to pristine natural wonders, New Zealand is above all a land of tranquility and beauty. This South pacific island paradise is also every RVer's dream destination. All your RVing needs are well catered for - take note, though, New Zealand follows the great British tradition (remember, independence was only in 1907, even though H.R.H. Elizabeth II is still head of state) and so New Zealanders still drive on the wrong (left) side of the road. This can be a bit of a traumatic experience, but luckily it only takes a day or so of driving to get used to it.

Few places on earth can rival the natural splendors of New Zealand. Packed into an area about the size of Great Britain or Colorado, the unpolluted air, the clear, pristine pools and streams, the natural wonders and the myriad of outdoor and sporting activities make it the ideal vacation destination. Especially at this time of year, as the freezing winter of North America and Europe becomes a distant memory in this (mostly) sun basked paradise of the southern hemisphere.

The majority of the New Zealand population is of English, Irish and Scottish descent, so the main spoken language in the country is English - although their accent may take a bit of getting used to. Approximately 15% of the population is of Polynesian descent, mainly originating from the Maori, who reached New Zealand about the year 800 A.D. Both English and Maori are official languages of New Zealand. Formerly a British colony, New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907.

Since the mid 1980s, New Zealand has been transformed from an agrarian economy dependent almost completely on the British market to a more industrialized, free market economy capable of competing globally. New Zealand is a classic vacation destination for all tastes. From ultra- sophisticated, luxurious vacations to great back-packing holidays, and anything in-between, New Zealand has it all. Based on their simplicity of style, casual elegance and unbeatable reliability, New Zealanders have mastered the art of meeting the varied demands of travelers, ensuring you nothing less than a wonderful vacation.

The two main islands that make up New Zealand are remarkably different, despite their close proximity. The South Island's main geophysical feature is the Southern Alpine Mountain Range that runs down the length of the Island. This range gives the South Island its diversity. The northern part of the South Island is the sunniest part of New Zealand, while the west is probably one of the wettest locations in the world. The east is very similar to the English countryside and the center of the island is mountainous and perennially snow capped. The small city of Queenstown that lies to the south of South Island is New Zealand's second most popular tourist destination. This town is the main location for skiing and other action adventures such as Bungee Jumping and Jet boating. The city is also very close to the popular Milford and Routeburn hiking trails, as well as to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, two majestic fiords that offer absolutely stunning scenery - one of the main reasons that many people visit New Zealand, and definitely shouldn't be missed.

The North Island, only a short ferry ride away, has a warmer climate and also all of the country's volcanoes. Most of the thermal activity, such as geysers, thermal rivers and boiling mud pools, are located on North Island as well.

New Zealand's North Island is characterized not only by the geothermal activities, but also by its many fine beaches, which only get better the further north you go. The regular rainfall and volcanic soil ensure that North Island is very green and lush. One of the North Island's highlights is the city of Napier, an entire town designed in the Art Deco architectural style of the 1920s and 30s. The city was destroyed in a severe earthquake in 1931, and completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style.

Nowhere else in the world can you see such a variety of buildings in this classical style in such a concentrated area. Napier's Art Deco is unique, due to its Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, a renowned admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the center of the Hawke's Bay region.

No article on New Zealand can be complete without a few words describing its well known trademark - New Zealand sheep, which you see just about everywhere you go.

New Zealand is home to some 45 million sheep, which outnumber the human population by a factor of 11 to 1. Considered the finest wool producer in the world, New Zealand's wool output is second only to that of Australia. But visitors to this wondrous, beautiful country be warned - two weeks just won't cut it. While the country is not much larger than the state of Colorado, if you want to justify your flight time make the most of your visit, a month would just about do it. Six weeks is much better, though. And the best way to do it is by campervan - to get right uo to the grass roots, so to speak.

So, if you have a month or more to spare, and love absolutely jaw-dropping scenic vistas, then New Zealand is the place for you. So don't procrastinate - get out there now. Remember, it's nice and warm down under at this time of the year.

Happy travels,

Dan

Dan Rosen is a professional traveler and travel writer. He constantly travels the world in search of the perfect travel adventure.

You can get more great travel ideas on his website: http://www.campertrails.com

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Looking For A Winter Break?

Looking For A Winter Break?
By TJ Tierney

Want to escape the winter chill, but find beach holidays boring? Why not try a sightseeing holiday in the west of Ireland.

Many visitors see Ireland as a leafy green island, full of pubs, clubs and thatched cottages. And to be honest- theyre not far wrong. The more west you travel, the more remote it becomes with a stunning landscape running the entire west coast.

Starting at the Ring of Kerry and running north for 470 Miles (approx), till you enter the splendid Co Donegal, the battered west coast remains unspoiled with towering cliffs and sandy beaches.

Three weeks ago I travelled this journey, starting in Killarney, Co Kerry, and ending up in Dunfanaghy, Co Donegal. This twelve day trip brought me to many remote areas, including some of the more well knowing sites: Cliffs of Moher, Killarney National Park, and Connermara to name a few.

Ireland has the lowest population density in Europe so there is lots of room on the roads, which make driving these remote areas a pleasure.

For the more adventurous there are several boat trips along the coast to some of Irelands most remote islands. The coastline and the islands are littered with a wide range of fauna - a perfect habitat for so many different species.

The most popular months for visiting Ireland are between June and September, but dont let this turn you away from a winter break. Ireland doesnt have an extreme climate: the weather is normally mild throughout these winter months.

The harsh Atlantic Ocean hammers the west coast most of the year round. While not renowned for water sports, the Atlantic waves make this region of Ireland attractive to the brave surfer.

If you do have time to spare, a tour of the west of Ireland should take three weeks at the very least. You could spend weeks in Killarney alone, but if time allowed you, its well worth spending a day there, at the very least.

With such a wide variety of places to visit along the coast, a quick break here is a must for any person in love with the great outdoors. The Irish landscape is one of Irelands greatest attractions. Magnificent scenery has attracted many visitors to this part of Ireland for years, some travelling for the scenery, and more travelling for the song and dance. Whether youre looking for excitement or just want to sit back and relax in the lush countryside - coastal Ireland has it all.

TJ Tierney. Award winning Irish Landscape Photographer. If you are looking for more tips visit: Photo tips. To view some of his images visit his on-line gallery: Pictures of Ireland.

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Kauai Winter Rental Is It Any Different Than What You Get In Summer?

Kauai Winter Rental Is It Any Different Than What You Get In Summer?
By Troy Shanahan

Hawaii is another name of Heaven, if you did not know. Only that this connotation is not applied for the Heaven in they sky, but on Earth. The whole world looks at this string of Islands as the most beautiful creation of God. For those who can afford it, there is nothing more exquisite than a break in Hawaii; for those who cannot, it remains a wish cherished and hoped-for lifelong.

Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands of Hawaii (though I do not know which island is not) and is also dubbed by the natives as the Garden Island. Its summer and winter differ in temperature by a meager 5-10 degrees. Hence the Kauai winter rentals do not really differ too much from their summer counter parts.

Perfect For Relaxation As Well As Adventure

There are many resorts here on this lovely island, and the Kauai winter rentals are awesome. As it is, Kauai is one of the most suitable places for both relaxation and adventure. The winter in Hawaii is not different than the summer, other than that you are warned not to use the sea in some places because of sudden high tides and huge waves. While this is not safe for children and ordinary sea-bathing people, it is a dream come true for surfers.

In fact, for a long time, the best place in the world to surf was Hawaii. For many, it still is the best surfing place. You can have the best of both worlds here. You can have sea sports like surfing and, on the other side, you have the rugged cliffs and majestic waterfalls, which leave you spell bound. For those who did not know, Jurassic Park was shot here on Kauai. The Kauai winter rental will let you have the fun of both.

The Kauai winter rental will offer the opportunity to enjoy Hawaii both on land and on sea. Very few locales can give so much variety and so much natural bounty to enjoy. There has been no instance yet where anyone got bored even if they came year after year to Hawaii. There is something here that can make each moment special. It is like every day is a gift that you need to unfold slowly to savor the pleasure.

For all this and more, much more than you can ever think of, check out the offers for Kauai winter rentals and have the time of your life!

Visit http://www.kupaianaha.com and read about rooms for rent on Maui.

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Hello from Ottawa Confederation Park Celebrates Winterlude

Hello from Ottawa - Confederation Park Celebrates Winterlude
By Susanne Pacher

Confederation Park is one of the main centres of Ottawa's Winterlude Festival, and what was excellent for us was that we were staying right across the street at the Lord Elgin Hotel. So all we had to do was literally cross the street and we were right in the heart of the action.

Winterlude is Ottawa's winter festival, organized by the National Capital Commission. It brings together exciting events and activities for the whole family and most of the activities are free of charge. Naturally, Winterlude is a big draw for tourists: last year the festival attractived approximately 650,000 visitors.

You would think that Ottawa is a city of bureaucrats, who maintain a stiff upper lip at all times. Far from it, as we had already seen during our Friday night outing to Fat Tuesdays in the ByWard Market, Ottawans know how to party and Winterlude is a 2 week long excuse for everyone to get out and celebrate winter.

Winterlude is hosted throughout the entire city, so here is a summary of some of the main Winterlude Locations:Confederation Park is hosting the Casino du Lac-Leamy Crystal Garden, an outdoor entertainment venue that includes the Crystal Lounge, a variety of food vendors and outdoor sculptures.

When we headed out on Saturday morning, we walked right into the ice carving competition where 7 or 8 ice carvers were working on frozen blocks of ice, using a variety of electric and hand tools to give shape to the creatures of their imagination. Chain saws were being used, electrical grinding tools and hand chisels slowly but surely created recognizeable objects. Teddy bears, choo-choo trains and cartoon characters were coming to life right in front of our very eyes.

Confederation Park also hosts the Fire and Ice Culinary Demonstrations, and renowned chefs and media personalities compete for the Winterlude Ice Chef titles. Another Winterlude location just minutes away is the American Express Snowbowl, a stage located right in front of the Government Conference Centre. This year's lineup includes Tom Cochrane and Red Rider, Mes Aeux, Jully Black, Doba Caracol, Daniel Lanois and many more.

On our way back from Darcy McGee's on Saturday evening we walked down to Confederation Park and on to the American Express Snowbowl and caught a bit of a live concert. The stage was set against the National Conference Centre and was beautifully illuminated in orange, pink and purple shades and the crowd was enjoying the live music. The Rideau Canal Skateway is another official Winterlude location. This past weekend I had a chance to experience the Canal myself, and on a beautiful crisp winter day, it was an exhiliariting experience to glide almost weightlessly across the frozen expanse of the 7.8 km long Rideau Canal, indeed the world's largest natural ice skating surface, according to the Guiness Book of World Records.

The Rideau Canal Skateway itself hosts a variety of activities: you can get a taste of Aboriginal culture, traditions and cuisine at the Pig Island Aboriginal Village. The Canadian Tire JumpStart Activity Centre at Fifth Avenue allows children to test their hockey skills and they can also try out the Jumpai trampoline system. Union Station at Rideau Street provides a 1920s ambience: the history of the railway yards on the banks of the Rideau River is recounted on displays and interpretive panels. This past Saturday, the 26th Annual Bed Race on Dow's Lake combined athleticism, ingenous engineering and fundraising for a great day of charity and hilarity.

Another opportunity for fundraising is coming up on February 19, 2006, when Canadian Tire invities you to participate in the Great Skate from 11 am to 3 pm on the Rideau Canal Skateway on Fifth Avenue. Proceeds will go to Canadian Tire JumpStart, a charitable program created by the Canadian Tire Foundation for Families that helps kids in financial need participate in organized sports and recreation. On the other side of the Ottawa River in Hull, Quebec, is Jacques-Cartier Park, official location of Snowflake Kingdom and another official Winterlude site. It offers the Ice Hogs Winter Sports Adventure, individual slides of different slopes which will provide fun to the whole family.

Northern Place is a snow shelter and presents the enchanting world of Aboriginal cultures with aboriginal shows and traditional demonstrations. The Ice Hog Amphitheatre is home to the Ice Hog's Walkabout, and in case you didn't know, the Ice Hogs are Winterlude's official mascots. Children can get a hug from one of their favourite mascots - Mama, Papa, Noumi and Nouma. The Snowflake Kingdom also presents Exprience Maneige, an opportunity for 5 to 8 year old children to go downhill skiing. And a restaurant festival preceeds Winterlude. This year Taste of Winterlude was held from January 20 to February 2, 2006, where many popular restaurants in Ottawa-Gatineau served up their specialties in affordable prix-fix menu format. We missed the restaurant festival, but good food was not lacking during our past 2 days in Ottawa. Our enjoyable dinners at Fat Tuesdays and Darcy McGee's gave us a sample of some of the culinary treats on offer in Ottawa.

Winterlude offers a wide variety of activities, and fortunately this past weekend we had a chance to participate in just a few. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and hope to come back to Ottawa for another festival, maybe even the famous Tulip Festival this coming May.......

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons.The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/storiesphotos/ottawaconfederationpark.htm)

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Tahoe City Winter Retreat

Tahoe City Winter Retreat
By Jennifer Weiss

The next time you want to spend your winter vacation surrounded by a pristine, mountainous landscape, head to Tahoe City for a relaxing getaway filled to the brim with outdoor recreational pursuits. Located close to the downhill adventures of the Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, winter guests can enjoy everything spectacular about this area during a snow-filled winter retreat.

The Alpine Meadows Resort is the perfect jumping off point for a ski or snowboarding excursion down a diverse collection of runs. With more than 100 runs designated 25 percent easier, 40 percent more difficult, and 35 percent most difficult/expert, everyone in your family can spend days on the slopes without ever incurring the same challenge twice. As the less experienced snow lovers learn to glide safely down wide, rolling runs, the veterans in your group can tackle the dramatic drops and hidden kickers that make Alpine Meadows breathtaking.

For those who want even more ski and snowboarding adventures off the slopes, there are two terrain parks and a superpipe just waiting to text your abilities and freeriding skills. The Gravity Cavity Superpipe, a new addition to the park, is ideally located so there is minimal sunlight on its 18.5 foot walls while the terrain parks offer more than 25 rails, hits, and quarterpipes. Whether you want to let loose and work on some new moves or begin to work your way onto more difficult features, the terrain park is the perfect cap to a well-rounded day.

Cross-country skiing enthusiasts should never feel left out since the nearby Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is the perfect place for a physically demanding afternoon complete with scenic landscapes. Make your way over any of the 19 groomed trails that suit your abilities for some of the most awe-inspiring views of Lake Tahoe while gliding across open meadows, taking on thrilling descents, and overcoming difficult climbs. Those who prefer all of the scenery without the strenuous exertion, however, should hop aboard a snowmobile for a birds eye view of Lake Tahoe or Squaw Valley.

While Alpine Meadows certainly has a lot to offer in the way of downhill thrills and excitement, there are several nearby resorts that can easily be accessed by car if your need for even more snow-covered adventures becomes too much to ignore. The Homewood Mountain Resort, with 56 runs of pure adrenaline, is just a few minutes away while the massive Squaw Valley, boasting 177 runs in addition to other outdoor activities such as snow tubing and cross-country skiing, is only a short mornings drive to exhilarating open bowls.

When you want to escape to this picturesque region and soak in the stunning natural beauty that abounds around every corner, consider Tahoe City vacation rentals for your accommodations needs. With a Tahoe City home or condo rental, you are just steps away from an afternoon of skiing on a gorgeous mountain peak or snowshoeing across Lake Tahoes dazzling terrain in search of some of the most breathtaking views of the lake. To realize the relaxing Lake Tahoe ski retreat you always imagined, begin your search for a Tahoe City condo rental today and enjoy all of the amenities of home in this winter wonderland.

TripHomes.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Tahoe City vacation rentals for your next trip to the Lake Tahoe area.

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Why Confine Your Holidays To Summer When Winter Getaways Can Be Exciting Too?

Why Confine Your Holidays To Summer When Winter Getaways Can Be Exciting Too?
By Martin McAllister

For most people, summer is the most enjoyable season of the year, not least for the glorious weather and the long hours of sunshine it brings, but also because it's the best time of year for people to take fantastic vacations. Winter vacations are seen to be slightly more problematic. While holidays in the summertime can incorporate a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, or the ever-popular sun-bathing, the colder temperatures in winter mean that holiday activities can prove to be more complex to plan. However, there exists a huge variety of options available to you if you're looking to take the perfect winter family holiday in America.

Visit Methow Valley, Washington, for instance: Washington's stunning North Cascades allow for holiday makers to revel in some of the best natural scenery in the USA and enjoy a fantastic skiing holiday at the same time. Methow Valley is the perfect location for a fun winter family trip, and is maintained by the Methow Valley Sports Trail Association (MVSTA), a non-profit organisation which built the valley's 200km trail and now runs ski school clinics, races and family-centred events throughout the year.

Another fantastic winter holiday location to consider is Lake Tahoe; the famous freshwater lake on the border of California and Nevada and located close to Carson City. Like Methow Valley, Tahoe has a number of ski resorts and is popular for both summer and winter recreation. At 1645 feet deep and 192 square miles large, Lake Tahoe is one of the deepest and largest lakes in the United States - in fact, only Oregon's Crater Lake is deeper, at 1930 feet. Carefully protected by the United States Forest Service, and steeped in ancient natural history, the whole family will love exploring the environs of Lake Tahoe in the winter.

However, if skiing and winter outdoor activities dont appeal as holiday pastimes, but you're still looking for a fantastic winter getaway, you can always take your family to Orlando, Florida. Here you can visit Walt Disney World and take advantage of the special rates that the theme park offers during particular winter months. Or, if you're going to be travelling during Christmas, your family will love visiting Hershey, Pennsylvania. The home of Hershey's candy, the fabulous Hershey Park is converted into Christmas Candyland in December and a staggering one million Christmas lights are put up on display. Typically running for a month prior to Christmas, Hershey's Christmas Candyland will provide your kids with a tremendous amount of fun for the festive season, and adults are sure to have a great time too!

Other popular winter holiday destinations in the United States include Yellowstone National Park, Wisconsin Dells and Alaska. Other ideas to think about, if you're looking to get out of the country on your winter getaway, would be to take a Caribbean cruise, maybe visit Sweden's famous Ice Hotel, or perhaps even go snowboarding on Canada's Mount Tremblant. Various large hotel chains offer special winter deals, so you and your family will never be short of affordable options to choose from when planning your perfect winter getaway.

Martin Mcallister is a freelance online journalist. He now lives in Edinburgh and enjoys travelling and winter pursuits.

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The Perks of a Winter Park Vacation Home

The Perks of a Winter Park Vacation Home
By Caitlin Moore

Youre oh-so-excited about your next vacation, and youve even started packing already. You check things off in your head as you sit in traffic; ski gear, sweaters, new bootswhat else is there to do? You suddenly realize youve been avoiding something because its such an integral yet tricky component of the leaving town process; locating a place to stay that wont let you down or break the bank. This is your least favorite part about preparing for a trip, (who daydreams about booking a hotel?) but you know it has to be done.

It sounds like youve yet to become acquainted with the idea of a vacation rental. Perhaps you always thought it would cost too much to stay in a well-equipped condo with tons of amenities. Sure, youd like more space than you usually get in the average hotel room, but isnt traveling supposed to be a little tight? Not necessarily. Things will go a lot smoother and tempers will flare on far fewer occasions if everyone in your group has enough room to spread out and enough conveniences to feel taken care of.

For example, your upcoming trip to Winter Park, Colorado is something that everyone has been looking forward to. You chose this spot for its amazing ski conditions, snowboard-friendliness, and for the fact that its the closest major resort to the Denver airport. Why not continue the theme of expediency as you pick out a place to stay?

A ski-in, ski-out condo with cathedral ceilings and a wraparound deck offering a staggering view of the magnificent peaks would be your dream set-up. There is a place like this, a few places like this, actually, and they arent just reserved for the rich and famous. Every year, normal, noisy, fabulous-in-their-own-way families just like yours unpack their bags in spacious mountain homes with all the amenities of home.

Dont worry about packing your hair dryer or your favorite robe, as these will be waiting for you in your home away from home. Dont even make the mistake of bringing too many clothes along, because the washer and dryer on the premises will let you keep your laundry perpetually clean and your suitcases light.

Your last vacation usually took a nose dive in the evenings, when everyone fought over the shower, sleeping arrangements, and what to watch on TV. This time, youll have the kids inventing all new things to argue about as there will be plenty of bathrooms, beds, and entertainment options for all. From the pool table to the hot tub, everyone will keep themselves busy in the not-too-close quarters of your temporary hideaway.

Some vacation rentals are more extravagant than others of course, but with a little research youll surely be able to fine one that suits you and your companions as well as your pocketbook. Remember, Winter Park is also an exciting place to visit during the summer, and the prices will be much lower.

After youve heard about the hiking, biking, kayaking, festivals, shopping, and dining options that the warm weather months offer to visitors, youll feel perfectly pleased to check out the Rockies in their summer splendor. A chalet tucked away in a grove of blue spruce or an apartment within the village, which will be bustling with music and entertainment of all kinds, by the way, will make you happy that you chose to come during Winter Parks off season. As youll tell your friends when you return, theres nothing very off about wildflowers, refreshing breezes, and all the rugged outdoor adventures you could ask for.

If you still feel a bit hesitant, just think of the heroic role youll play in the eyes of your family after they walk through the doors of a vacation rental that exceeds their highest expectations. Just a little research on your part will surely uncover the perfect place, so take your time to locate the getaway spot that will truly take you far from your present state of mind.

Go online to find a Winter Park Vacation Rental that youll feel comfortable in, and get ready to replace your daydreaming with a bigger and better reality.

HomeAway.com has thousands of vacation rental listings located all over the world, so make this your first stop on the way to planning a fabulous trip.

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Winterize Your Vacation Rental Home By Advertising Online

Winterize Your Vacation Rental Home By Advertising Online
By Jeffrey Smith

Even with winter right around the corner, second home owners can see a boost in rental income during the typically slower Labor Day to Memorial Day period if they follow tips for winterizing their homes and realize the importance of Internet advertising in appealing to travelers.

Vacation rental owners whose properties arent in popular winter destinations often face challenges in renting their homes during the traditional off-season, says Christine Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner and Profit from your Vacation Home Dream.

Vacation rental home Web sites give owners the opportunity to quickly and inexpensively respond to seasonality and market trends by offering nightly rates and special offers.

For second home owners she offers these tips to attract winter renters and boost off-season bookings:

Advertise on the Internet. Even during the off-season, vacation homeowners should continue to advertise on vacation rental Web sites. The majority of travelers use the Internet for vacation planning, so keep your home listed on sites with detailed property descriptions, photos and search options that make it easy for travelers. Keep your contact information and availability calendar current.

Get the most for your money and time. On average, vacation rental Web Sites charge approximately $150 to list one property. However, with the HomeAway Network, owners get quite a bargain by paying $299 to advertise on all four of HomeAways sites including CyberRentals.com, GreatRentals.com, A1Vacations.com and its US flagship site, HomeAway.com. Another perk: owners only have to update their property listing once and the changes appear across each of the sites in the network.

Offer nightly rates. During peak season, many homeowners require a minimum week-long stay. However, during the off-season, offer nightly rates to encourage extended weekend rentals.

Advertise special offers. Off-season specials, such as rent three nights-get one free and senior citizens and military discounts often attract vacationers who have flexibility to travel year-round. E-mail past guests with a special VIP package that includes reduced rates and a bottle of wine or dinner gift certificate.

Welcome children. According to the National Association for Year-Round Education, more than two million children are enrolled in year-round schools, which means their families can take advantage of lower-priced vacations during off-peak periods. Make sure you emphasize family attractions and activities.

Winterize. Play up local winter fun in your property descriptions. Feature and use photographs of fireplaces, winter activities, mountain hiking and snow. If your home lacks winter appeal, consider adding a hot tub it quickly pays for itself.

Accept pets. During the last three years, more than 29 million Americans brought their pets on trips further than 50 miles away, according to the Travel Industry Association of America. Who travels during the off-season? Travelers whose travel dates are not constrained by their childrens school schedules. Or people with their other children their beloved pets.

There are several great places to advertise your vacation rental home online, including HomeAway.com, CyberRentals.com and GreatRentals.com. At HomeAway, there is also a Vacation Rental Owner Community where you can get tips and advice.

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Summer and Winter Safaris in South Africa

Summer and Winter Safaris in South Africa
By Sarah Manners

South Africa is a country synonymous with the concept of safari. Safari is the Swahili word meaning long journey, it is most often used to describe overland adventures through African national parks and reserves to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. South African reserves encompass every possible landscape; from deserts, bushveld and forests to mountains and coastal regions. Home to over 100 game and nature reserves South Africa is Africas premier safari destination. Out of all these reserves the internationally renowned Kruger Park and its surrounding reserves is the most popular amongst safari goers.

The Kruger National Park

Each year approximately half a million domestic and international tourists visit this premier game reserve. The Kruger National Park is a 2 million hectare park that was established in 1898 to protect South African wildlife and is today an unrivalled leader in environmental management. Surrounding the Kruger National Park are several smaller game reserves, there are no fences between any of these reserves allowing the animals to roam free. The area is most celebrated due to the fact that it is Big Five country, during your stay you will have the opportunity to observe every one of the members of the Big Five: the Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Cape Buffalo.

Luxury Safari Options

Safari tends to be associated with roughing it and while a few years ago that was what safaris were about, fortunately you no longer have to concern yourselves with the thought of outdoor ablutions or a lack of electricity. Today all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the power of nature envelop you.Luxury safaris are extremely popular amongst visitors to South Africa, the thrill of the wild is effortlessly combined with 5 star guest lodges and amazing entertainment. You really do get the best of both worlds with a holiday option such as this. One of the most luxurious accommodation offerings is Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson. Situated in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve which is one of the Krugers fenceless neighbours this 5 star reserve offers safari travellers everything they would expect from a South African safari and more. From morning and evening game drives with experienced game rangers and the luxurious massages youll receive at the aromatherapy spa to the amazing African and international cuisines a safari holiday at Ulusaba will not disappoint.

Summer vs. Winter

Theres nothing better than an African summer; the days and nights are warm, the vegetation is lush and the heat of the day is broken by the sporadic bouts of thundershowers in the late afternoon. The summer months last from October to March and in the main game viewing areas (Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal) summer temperatures range from 16C to 32C and in isolated cases can exceed 40C. The summer months at these reserves are renowned for the host of beautiful migrant birds and the newborn additions to the animal families within the park (November and December). With the exception of the Western Cape, South Africa experiences summer rainfall so its winters are generally quite dry.

Due to the dry weather the bush at the game reserves tends to be dry and thin which enhances visibility. Water is quite scarce at this time of year so it is more likely that you will see large herds of elephant or antelope gathering around the waterholes. During the winter months (May July) the temperatures range from 5C to 24C, the mornings and evenings tend to be quite cold but the days are rather pleasant so be sure to pack some warm items for your winter safari. Game concentrations are high during the winter months you will see a variety of species which are sometimes harder to spot in summer Experience the majesty of the African Big Five during a winter safari in South Africa we can guarantee you wont be disappointed.

A South African safari is an amazing experience regardless of what time of year you decide to visit. Each time of year has its own unique appeal to safari travellers - from the lush vegetation, hot weather and afternoon thundershowers of summer to the colder, dryer, peak game viewing months of winter the South African Game Reserves will not disappoint.

The privately owned Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is the epitome of luxury safari travel. The exclusivity of Ulusaba affords us the luxury of personally looking after each guest and you can be sure that staff will be on hand to share in your adventures as well as to look after your every need.

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France Ski Headlight Destination For The Winter Holidays

France Ski, Headlight Destination For The Winter Holidays
By Planigo Tourisman

The first winter show-offs are already here and the passionates for the great white circus are getting ready to help them discover this years treasures of a winter spent in the mountains.In fact, skiing and gliding have become in all their aspects star attractions for the French winter offers and also for the European neighbors, who are trying to take advantage of their generous spare time at this time of the year.France has become one of the most attractive destinations for the quality of its skiing domain but also for other essential fortes, represented by the exquisite cuisine and the welcoming atmosphere.

With more than 4000 installations, the French mechanical park is the most important in the world and it proposes the most advanced technologies.Each French ski-resort has its particular features and if you are a mountain ski fan, you will definitely be heading towards Val Thorens, La Plagne, Serre Chevalier or Tignes, while the passionates for surf will certainly choose Avoriaz, Les Deux Alpes or even Mribel. The cross-country skiers will have no rest on 12000 km of tracks essentially grouped around Savoie and Haute Savoie.The only worry of a gliding fan during the weeks preceding your departure: find a place to stay corresponding with your needs and budget.The choice is also extremely rich in this area, with hotels situated just at the bottom of tracks, with vacation residences or even, for the ones with more money to spend, locations with individual chalets.

The French middle budget for a skiing week was of 1365 in 2005, three times bigger than the one allocated in 1998.

Last check up regarding the equipment: in this area, the locations are rich in offer, as they offer several types of equipment, and they are able to renew their patrimony once every three years.So, locations, lodging, equipment Once theese are cleared out, the adventure can begin, with excitement, hot wine and guaranteed skiing ambient.

Planigo Editorialhttp://www.planigo.com/ski-resorts/en/France-South-Alpes.html

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Boat Tour from Cologne to Koenigswinter

Boat Tour from Cologne to Koenigswinter
By Manfred Richter

If you're visiting Cologne, Germany, it might also be a great idea to allocate 1 day for a boat tour from there all the way to Koenigswinter. The ticket office is located in front of the boats' port near Cologne's old town. This tour is daily and takes 4 hours forth and due to downstream current, 3 hours back. Just sit back and relax while enjoying smaller town views south of Cologne. The boat docks in four ports before reaching Koenigswinter but you don't have to do something, just stay on your seat so new passengers won't get yours.

Koenigswinter is a town part of Nordrhein-Westfalen region located on the foot of the Siebengebirge, a mountain and hill range. It's famous for its small town charm, having a lovely promenade consisting of hotels, restaurants, cafes, old houses directly facing the river. Also experience its shopping - you can buy some souvenirs from the place. Go walk to its narrow old town streets, you can find some old wine houses and stores that might be of interest. But Koenigswinter is mostly famous for the Drachenfels Burg (dragon's rock castle) which is located on the tip of the Drachenfels, accessible by the Drachenfels Railway. Legend says that a dragon on this rock was slain by Siegfried, a German epic hero.

On the way down from the Drachenfels, you can visit the Drachenburg (castle). This castle was built in 1882 by Baron Stephan von Starter, a successful stock trader but he actually never lived here. From the castle, prefer to walk on your way down, stop by the Winzerhaeuschen and get yourself some refreshing drinks. From there, continue walking down to the Honighaeuschen, the honey houses, don't just get too near to it. If you still have time, visit the Nibelungenhalle, a reptile zoo, just right next to the honey houses.

For families with children who want to visit the place, there's a SeaLife in Koenigswinter. It's a sea aquarium where you can experience the creatures up close. It's located directly in front of the river port. Aside from that, there's also an open-air swimming pool and fun area called Lemmerzbad located in a nature park below the castle.

Don't forget to be at the port on time so not to miss your boat back to Cologne. Have a nice trip!

View Koenigswinter Picture Gallery at Capturedplaces.com

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Golf Vacations to Cure Your Snowy Winter Blues

Golf Vacations to Cure Your Snowy Winter Blues
By Michael Buczek

Winter is coming, and with that, comes the snow and the cold weather. This means that your golf clubs are already put away or are about to be put in storage for the season. With many if not all golf courses across the middle of the United States closing up shop for the season, how can you get your fix of the links other than by watching some pros play on the Golf Channel? I will tell you how. Take a trip to a Myrtle Beach Golf resort. With temperatures across the US falling to freezing or nearly freezing, why not treat yourself to Myrtle Beach's temperate climate. During the months of December through March, Myrtle Beach has an average daily high of 62F which makes this the perfect golf destination.

The area offers a variety of accommodations including Myrtle Beach Condo Resorts and packages for golf vacations. One option to plan is to book everything separately including accommodations and golf tee times. Sometimes this approach can take more time, effort and money to do. A better way to plan is to look into the many golf resorts with courses and accommodations right at the same location. When booking this way, you can save time, money and effort, as many of the resorts will give you first choice on tee times for the onsite course, or an affiliation with a nearby course that offers discounted rates. Many of these resorts will have a golf concierge that can give recommendations, or make tee times for you.

Myrtle Beach has many other perks, and one is the miles of sandy beaches. If you need a break from the fantastic golfing, or there or, lounging on the beach can be a great way to relax or spend some time with family and friends. Other activities around Myrtle Beach include fine dining, a great nightlife, theme parks and other water sport activities.

Getting to Myrtle Beach couldn't be easier. The airport is located near the downtown area with many airlines flying in year round, and others fly seasonally. Either way, a good deal can be found. The airport features rental car agencies right on site, or you can arrange for a taxi or private shuttle service to take you directly to your accommodations. Most major airports have direct flights into Myrtle Beach, with smaller airports offering flights with layovers.

With golfing, beaches and many other activities, Myrtle Beach can be the winter destination you have been looking o escape the cold. Now is the time to plan your winter vacation getaway.

Mike Buczek works for Blizzard Internet Marketing representing Premier Resorts. For more information on a Myrtle Beach Golf Resort go to http://www.barefootgolfresort.com/

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Winter Prom Party at Jackson New Hampshire

Winter Prom Party at Jackson, New Hampshire
By Marsha Maung

Come along for a new type of prom party in our Jackson Winter Prom Party Limousine. Our driver will take you and your friends the classic White Mountain Villages of Jackson, New Hampshire. It is said that for almost 200 years, the Jackson Hampshire area has held a special attraction for visitors from around the world.

Jackson and the classic White Mountain villages of Bartlett, Glen and Intervale have been a popular destination for winter visitors and this is definitely one place you and your prom party friends will have wonderful memories to keep for a long time.

If you and your prom party friends think that having a winter prom party is only about staying indoors and chill out, well, think again. At Jackson, New Hampshire, there are a lot of things that you can do outdoors and one of such is snowmobiling. Rated number 1 in the East by Snow Country and Skiing Magazines, Jackson Ski Touring is said to be the heart of the village.

Step out and enjoy some of the finest tracks in the world, as Jacksons 154km of trails are renowned for the quality of the grooming and for the fun and adventure they provide. The trails entwine through the village and lead into mountains and valleys for more challenging cross country skiing journeys. An interesting point that you and your party friends should take not of is that the trails lead from inn to inn and to about 12 restaurants. So, anytime you feel tired or need a drink or some food, there is always one nearby. An important thing to note though, is that as with all outdoor activities in winter, it is important that you and your prom party friends are prepared. Dress for snowmobiling as you would for downhill skiing and that means you will require thermal underwear, moisture resistant outerwear, wool socks, mittens and warm boots. It is best that you and your prom party friends eat a hearty meal before heading out and be sure to bring water and a light snack for later along the trails.

When you and your prom party friends return from your snowmobiling trip, and hunger strikes, it would be a great idea to have your dinner at the Wentworth. The proper attire eating at the Wentworth is elegant casual, meaning jackets are not required, but denim jeans, t-shirts and such are not considered appropriate.

Even though you and your prom party friends may be exhausted after a long day of snowmobiling, be assured that your Jackson Winter Prom Party Limousine driver is standing by to bring all of you back to your home sweet home.

UsCoachwaysLimousine is a leading US-based limousine service provider with an impressive list of limousine service clients. Check out http://www.uscoachwayslimousine.com for more info.

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Wintertime Fun in Alaska Alyeska Ski Resort

Wintertime Fun in Alaska - Alyeska Ski Resort
By Ron Richards

If you are a winter sports enthusiast, then the Alyeska Ski Resort is the place to be! Regardless what your sporting interest, you are sure to find it at this phenomenal complex tucked away in the lovely Chugach Mountains on the states south central coast. Rated a four diamond hotel by the American Automobile Agency, this resort is the only four diamond in the entire state. Conveniently located a mere 40 miles from the bustling hub of Anchorage in the quaint town of Girdwood, this resort is easily reachable from the airport or port. The resort is lovely year round, but it certainly comes alive during the winter, when outdoor and winter sports enthusiasts alike flock in the great outdoors to pursue their passions.

Whether you are an old pro or a newbie, the Alyeska Ski Resort has your ticket! For less experienced folks, enjoy a lesson in skiing or snowboarding on the resorts more beginner-friendly hills. These classes range in experience from beginner to intermediate, allowing individuals to learn new techniques or simply serve as a much needed refresher. Classes are available for individuals of any age and are usually performed in a group, although individual lessons are offered. For the more advanced winter sports enthusiasts, the runs are phenomenal! Mount Alyeska features an average annual snowfall of over 600 inches, skiers and snowboarders have truly found paradise on earth.

For youngstersor just the young at heart---hit the slopes at Glacier Tube Park. Visitors of all ages will jump at the chance to whiz down these soft, powdery runs on a large inner tube. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, the Glacier Tube Park is a popular spot at the Alyeska Ski Resort. Many adults enjoy the tube park, especially those who are a bit too hesitant to entrust their life to a pair of skinny skis or a single snowboard!

The fantastic winter sports opportunities at the lovely Alyeska Ski Resort are just one aspect of the wintertime fun. The hotel itself is truly phenomenal, offering every imaginable amenity found within the state of Alaska. Designed in a gorgeous chateau style, you will soon forget you are in the Alaskan wilderness, as the massive hotel boasts 307 guest rooms, a phenomenal Royal Suite, and three spectacular townhouse suites. From curling up in front of a cozy fireplace with a cup of warm cocoa to indulging in a luxurious bubble bath in the rooms fantastic tub, your room will be calling you off the slopes and into its warm haven.

The exquisite Alyeska Ski Resort is the perfect getaway for the entire family. Whether you are an avid skier or choose to stick to the bunny slopes, you cannot go wrong choosing this world class resort.

A lifelong Alaskan, Ron Richards lives in the beautiful Matanuska Valley. Ron invites you to come and see Alaska. One excellent way to enjoy Alaska is by taking an affordable Alaska Cruise. Visit http://findanalaskacruise.com

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Hiking in the Rocky Mountains Winter Park Colorado

Hiking in the Rocky Mountains - Winter Park, Colorado
By William Fisher

600 miles of trails stretch throughout Winter Park and the Fraser Valley. Whether you choose to follow a babbling brook, stroll through a wildflower meadow, or climb up the side of a mountain, Winter Park offers hiking for every skill level.

Winter Park Resort has 50 miles of trails that are accessible by chair lift. At the top of the lift you will find the Sunspot, which is a great place to get a bite to eat and enjoy the 360-degree views of surrounding mountains.

Berthoud Pass also offers a high starting point, but you can get there by car instead of a chair lift. Hiking along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which follows the Divide from Mexico to Canada, gives you a feeling of being on top of the world. You can also access the Divide from Rollins pass. It tends to be a little less crowded, but that is because the road up is a little bumpy, unlike Berthoud Pass.

For those looking for a challenging hike, give Byers Peak a try. Reaching the peak at 12,804 feet may be difficult, but the views from the top are spectacular. Devils Thumb, 12,000 feet, is a nice area for hiking, however it is best known for snow shoeing during the winter months.

After taking a nice morning hike you can relax and enjoy some free music concerts that can be found just about everywhere in Winter Park all summer long. Music and food festivals also take place in the area, but generally cost up to $40 for admission. Events like the Jazz Festival and the Food, Wine & Beer Festival may require advance planning for stays in Winter Park.

It would be impossible to cover all of the hiking trails of Winter Park and the Fraser Valley in one short article. However, once you get to here, there are numerous free trail guides that can be found at most establishments.

Stay Walking Distance From Winter Park Resort:
Slope View Bed & Breakfast Just a five minute walk from Winter Park Resort
970-531-2386
http://www.slopeview.com/

Written by William - Owner & operator of a true extreme sports b & b. http://www.slopeview.com/

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Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival Culinary Treats Arts and Entertainment

Presenting: Toronto's WinterCity Festival - Culinary Treats, Arts and Entertainment
By Susanne Pacher

There is no doubt that Canada is a northern country and that our winters here in Toronto can sometimes be a little harsh. But that's no reason to hold anyone back from getting out there and enjoying the city to the fullest.

To ease the winter blues, the City of Toronto has developed a series of special events dedicated to bringing the city to life in the middle of winter. The WinterCity Festival is a city-wide celebration of Toronto's culinary offerings (the popular Winterlicious restaurant promotion), a wide variety of free entertainment events and a showcase of Toronto's vibrant arts scene, featuring live music, dance, theatre, spectacle shows, rink-side concerts and even aerial acrobatic performances. Throw in a number of child-friendly events, and WinterCity has something for everyone in the family.

I had a chance to talk to Grant Ramsey from the City of Toronto who is one of the key people behind WinterCity and he is providing a much more detailed overview of all the special events, artistic and culinary treats on offer.

1. Please give us an overview of Toronto's WinterCity Festival. When did it come into being? When and where is it held?

This year will be the fourth WinterCity held. Prior to the name change, it was called WinterFest, which took place on one weekend. Since expanding the festival, it now runs for two-weeks and is held primarily at Nathan Phillips Square from, Jan. 27 to Feb. 9

2. Please tell us more about the Wild on Winter Series.

The Wild on Winter Series (WOW!) combines some of the best performances in Toronto. Two large outdoor spectacle shows, Walk the Plank and Il Corso, which take place on Saturday and Sundays of both weekends, feature some of the best pyrotechnic, special effects and sound displays in North America. Other WOW! Series performers include, stellar Canadian talent presenting the best in dance and live music all at Nathan Phillips Square.

3. Please tell us more about the Warm-up Series? Where does it take place, what events does it include?

The Warm up series offers great discounted events at some of Torontos hottest destinations. For those who just cant brave the cold, The Warm Up Series offer excellent interactive entertainment at The Toronto Eaton Centre and other venues around the city.

Toronto Eaton Centre Schedule: - Spin Cycle Monday, January 30: 12:30 & 5:30 pmThe international vaudevillian duo of Greg Tarlin and Kristi Heath combine their talents as award-winning circus performers, Second City comedy veterans and skilled writers to engage, amaze and entertain with skills that include juggling, unicycling, stilt dancing and more.

- The Silk Road Acrobats Three Man Acrobats & Hula Hoop Act Tuesday, January 31: 12:30 & 5:30 pmThis performance combines the grace, delicacy and poise of the Chinese acrobatic tradition with the power and athleticism of Russian acrobatics. Three professional acrobats perform multiple towers, falls and strength poses along with an up-beat performance using a multiple hoop apparatus.

- The Silk Road Acrobats Seven Man Acrobats & The Female Contortion DuoWednesday, February 1: 12:30 & 5:30 pmProfessional acrobats perform an amazing group demonstration of strength, coordination, group dynamic and impeccable timing. While balancing delicate vases on their hands and feet, the acrobatic female duo perform graceful contortions and remarkable poses, creating an effect that is truly enchanting.

- High Strung Aerial Acrobats Dy-no-mite Thursday, February 2 & Saturday, February 4, 12:30 & 5:30 pmA two-woman high energy aerial show with a sassy disco flair. Performed to hits from the 70s, like Disco Inferno, Ring My Bell and Macho Man, the show features aerial straps, a swinging ladder and trapeze. Throw in some audience participation, acrobatics and a kick-ball change or two, and you have a spectacle like no other.

- High Strung Aerial Acrobats Impressed Friday, February 3 & Sunday, February 5: 12:30 & 5:30 pmWitness aerial dance artistry, superior and surprising manipulations, and skills that seem to defy gravity. Wonder and marvel as these two breathtaking airborne lovelies perform startling acrobatic feats. Events & Shows hosted by some of Toronto's top attractions

Don't miss this series of special WinterCity events at Toronto's top urban destinations. For more details, contact each attraction directly.

4. Please tell us about the WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People.

WinterCity Weekend SeeSaw at Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young PeopleMeet four ordinary kids coping with the ups and downs of their lives. Paige, the popular yet insecure girl. Adam the tough bully who is also a budding artist, shy Josh who learns magic tricks in order to become invisible and Charla the new girl who wants to be everybody's friend. (recommended for ages 9-12)

Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 2 pmKids and adults WinterCity price just $12 each. Regular price $15-20 each165 Front Street East416-862-2222www.lktyp.ca

6. You also have an event planned that involves Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and the CN Tower. Please tell us more about that.

Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose & friends visit the CN TowerJoin Franklin the Turtle, Elliot Moose and their author friends, Elizabeth MacLeod, Irene Luxbacher and Aubrey Davis, at the CN Tower. Enjoy winter crafts, no-bake chocolate recipes, storytelling and more.

This fun filled event is included with your special CN Tower coupon admission of 3 people for $30

Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 2911 am - 4 pm3 people for $30301 Front Street West416-868-6937For full details on this event please visit, www.cntower.ca

6. You also offer special free skating events, beer tastings, a big band event, discounted opera events and theatre performances, please provide an overview of those.

DJ Skating Night @ HarbourfrontSlide down to Harbourfront's beautiful rink and skate to music including house, progressive and breaks with DJs Phantasm, Simon Jain and Tommy Gunners!

Free hot chocolate! Skate rentals, sharpening, lockers, snacks and drinks all available.

Friday, February 3, 20068-11 pmFREE235 Queens Quay West, South of York Quay Centre416-973-4000www.harbourfrontcentre.com

A Bite before TwilightUnder 30? Join the Canadian Opera Company for a feast of traditional Bavarian fare at the exciting Bier Markt Esplanade and a quick update of he story so far before gorging on the dramatic final installment of Wagner's epic Ring Cycle - The Twilight of the Gods (Gtterdmmerung). Meet other young opera lovers and fortify yourselves with beer and worst, fine food and good cheer in preparation for the experience of a lifetime.

Saturday, February 4, 2006$60 for opera ticket and meal (includes taxes and gratuity)4 pm dinnerBier Markt 58 The Esplanadewww.thebiermarkt.com

6 pm performance of GtterdmmerungHummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts1 Front St. E. www.coc.caTo order tickets, call: Ticketmaster at 416-872-2262

A Return to the Golden Era of Swing at Casa LomaDance the night away in one of Toronto's most beautiful rooms with the Toronto All-Star Big Band. Resembling a Mediterranean Courtyard, Casa Loma's The Conservatory is a spectacular setting with its gleaming brass doors, opulent marble and 30-foot stained glass dome. One of the most exciting bands around, the 17-piece Toronto All-Star Big Band, cooks with its powerful tributes to the heady hits of the 1930s and 40s. It's like watching Goodman, Dorsey, and Miller live.

Saturday, February 4, 20068:00 pm$25.00 per person (includes G.S.T. and finger foods)Tickets available on-line at www.casaloma.orgOne Austin Terrace416-923-1171www.casaloma.org

Letters from LehrerCanStage offers a 20% discount to the February 9th performance of Letters from Lehrer - written and performed by Richard Greenblatt featuring the words and music of Tom Lehrer.

There will be a Satirical Lyric Writing workshop for the closet songwriter. This pre-show workshop will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by the performance at 8 pm.

Thursday, February 9, 20066:30 pm to 7:30 pm (workshop)8 pm (performance)20% discount on regular priced ticketsRegular price range: $26 to $51 Berkeley Theatre26 Berkeley StreetBox Office: 416-368-3110www.canstage.com

Coupons for discounted rates are available by visiting: http://wx.toronto.ca/inter/se/coupons.nsf/coupons?openform where they can be printed.

7. Please tell us about Winterlicious, Toronto's winter restaurant promotion.

The phenomenally successful restaurant promotion Winterlicious, presented by American Express, returns to Toronto January 27 February 9, 2006. The fourth annual Winterlicious is part of the WinterCity Festival, an award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Torontos culture, creativity and cuisine.

More than 120 participating restaurants will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu where patrons can sample the establishments tasty fare at fantastic price points. Prix fixe menu price categories are $15 or $20 for Lunch and $25 or $35 for Dinner. Prices are per person, plus taxes and gratuity. Beverages are additional. In addition to the hugely popular prix fixe menus, 10 establishments will be offering unusual food-related events. These culinary experiences allow guests to savour delectable meals followed by dancing, unique tours and other rare experiences. To obtain details on the Winterlicious Culinary Experiences, the public can visit www.toronto.ca.

In past years Torontonians and tourists alike have enthusiastically celebrated Torontos diverse and innovative cuisine with delicious menus available at restaurants city-wide. Winterlicious 2005 sold more that 183,000 meals over the 14 days an increase of 67% from the previous year and resulting in an estimated $6.4 million in economic activity.

8. Please tell us about the family entertainment offered in the American Express Cool Ice Lounge, including ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment.

The third annual WinterCity Festival, the City of Torontos city-wide celebration of the world's coolest winter city, presents the most fun one family can have with 200,000 pounds of ice at temperatures below -5 C the American Express Cool Ice Lounge.

Created by Custom Ice Art and managed by the Liberty Entertainment Group, The American Express Cool Ice Lounge is Torontos first ice lounge ideal for the whole family.

During the day, stroll through the Ice Lounge enjoying contemporary ice sculptures, carving demonstrations and live entertainment. Stop for a beverage and snack at the ice bar and relax on the frosty furniture. Catch ice carving demonstrations twice a day at 2 & 5 pm on January 28 & 29 and February 4 & 5, 2006.

By night, this venue is transformed into a frozen night club venue complete with icy seating, an ice bar, and Toronto DJ's spinning the latest tunes.

During the day, the American Express Cool Ice Lounge will include live family entertainment, including:

The Magical Comedy of Stephen ElvaySunday, January 29 & Saturday, February 4 at 12 noon & 6 p.m.Witty, engaging and supremely entertaining, Elvay is one of Canada's funniest and most popular entertainers. His fast paced and visual extravaganza of comedy and magic is expertly interlaced to provoke mystery and laughter.

Flying Debris ShowSaturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.Kansas, USA native Richard Holmgren brings his hilarious comedy, amazing magic and unmatched juggling skills to the WinterCity festival. Youll be amazed by the wide variety of objects flying through the air during his show.

Flyin BobSaturday, February 4 & Sunday, February 5 at 1:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m.This one man three ring circus from Red Deer, Alberta has been entertaining audiences across Canada and around the world for the last seventeen years. Flyin Bobs action packed show showcases his own brand of physical and verbal comedy, energetic juggling, spectacular balancing, and audience participation.

Scot Free Daredevil Stunt ShowSaturday, January 28 & Sunday, February 5 at 12 noon & 6 p.m. One of Torontos favourite performers! Check out this skillful mix of character comedy, exciting daredevil stunts, sharp improvised wit and audience interaction. Fun for all ages, come see if this daredevil gets off Scot Free!!

9. Please tell us about Soup's On! - a special event offering cooking demonstrations and soup tastings.

Soups On!, presented by Liberty Tax Services, offers cooking demonstrations and soup tastings from Torontos top chefs matched with live performances from some of Torontos most diverse bands.

The world of soup is vast and sophisticated. There are thick soups such as bouillabaisse that nearly cross the line from soup to stew, thin clear consomms, and everything in-between. Nearly all cultures have their own soup specialties: hearty Russian borscht, garlicky Spanish gazpacho, and Pot-au-Feu, a French clear soup made from boiled beef and vegetables.

Featuring soups from Spain to China and Jamaica to Greece, the Soups On pavilion will have something for everyone. Hosted by food enthusiast Marty Galin, chefs from Toronto-area restaurants will provide live cooking demonstrations in a heated pavilion on Nathan Phillips Square with the public able to taste-test the results while listening to music from the themed country.

10. Please tell us about the Tower of Light performance.

Torontos 14 day city-wide celebration, the WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, presents the North American premiere of The Tower of Light, a large-scale outdoor production blending fireworks and fire sculptures, music, lighting, special effects and spectacular visual images. The production is performed January 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.

Framed by the silhouette of Torontos City Hall, this 30-minute production features a 15m tower of light and a carefully orchestrated outdoor performance of vibrant special effects and atmospheric music. Buckets of fire rise up into the sky as the lighthouse pulses with flares. Fireworks erupt from every level as the performers dance beneath the silver rain. The show comes to a dramatic close with a spectacular fireworks finale.

Walk the Plank is widely recognized as one of the UKs leading producers of innovative shows and magical spectacles. The company was established by John Wassell and Liz Pugh, its current management team, in 1991. Site-specific shows and fireworks have been a feature of the companys work since the beginning, but this area of work has expanded and developed over recent years. In 2001 Walk the Plank undertook its first international work with shows in Singapore and Portugal.The Tower of Light has been performed at the Singapore Arts Festival, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival.10. Please tell us about Il Corso, a 60-minute open-air theatre spectacle.

11. Please tell us about Il Corso performance, based on a book by Pablo Neruda.

WinterCity presents the North American premiere of Il Corso, a 60-minute open air theatre spectacle featuring actors, acrobats and musicians from Germanys Theatre Pan-Optikum. The production is performed February 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. outdoors at Nathan Phillips Square.

Il Corso will take place all over Nathan Phillips Square as the venue is transformed into a stage. Individual spectators will continually change their positions as they are caught up in the movement and, ultimately, even become part of the performance. Featuring a wall of fire, dancers on 10 ft. sway poles and huge metal structures including a human propeller, the production combines dramatic movement, installations, music, text, huge expressive images and pyrotechnics.

Il Corso tells the story of a human being in search of fulfillment and happiness and is based on The Book of Questions by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. The 74 short poems contained in the book are structured as two-line verses raising 316 puzzling questions. Many of Nerudas questions are ones children sometimes pose such as Where do shadows disappear to? and Why are leaves green? These questions often expose the fact that adults cannot explain everything they claim to know. As Neruda says, What we know is so small and what we assume so great.

In 2001, the Kunstfest Weimar art festival opened with Il Corso. In 2002, Il Corso was chosen from 80 invited open air productions and awarded 1st prize at the street theatre festival in Holzminden, after which Il Corso played 27 times in Germany and the Netherlands. Il Corso is currently the most played open air production in Europe.

10. What about the Winter Moves dance performances?

As part of the WOW! (Wild on Winter) Series, The WinterCity Festival presents Winter Moves dance performances from four of Canadas top contemporary dance companies. Performances take place outside at Nathan Phillips Square on Festival weekends. Participating companies include:

Company Blonde Company Blonde has a unique and vital presence in the independent dance scene in Canada. Since its inception in 1999, Company Blonde has been dedicated to creating dance works that are accessible to a vast audience of all ages blending comedy and theatre with classical modern dance. Company Blonde will perform:

Awright, Awright, Awright! Clad in bright 70s style one-piece snowsuits this highly energetic piece was designed for the outdoors but has found its way onto many small stages. The dancers (Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush) arrive in a car, music blaring, put out a few plastic palm trees and dance with all their heart to the pop music of Outkast. It is nearly impossible to resist shakin it along side them. Awright, Awright, Awright! premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in March 2004 and has been performed many times since, at schools, on stages indoor and out and always in snowsuits.

Binder Twine This hilarious Wild West piece features outlaws, saloon girls, line dancers, tumble weed and baked beans! Featuring dancers Monica Dottor, Michelle Debrouwer, Jennifer Helland, Sunny Horvath and Nicole Rush Binder Twine premiered at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival in April 2005 and was performed at the T.O Twang Festival at Harbourfront in August 2005.

CORPUS Founded in 1997, CORPUS is devoted to creating original work for broad audiences including children. Led by Sylvie Bouchard and David Danzon, CORPUS is known for its precise and surrealist humour, the company combines contemporary dance and physical theatre. CORPUS will perform:

Les moutons (The Sheep) Les moutons is a humorous live installation where reality meets fantasy. Meet Julie, Marie-Louise, Bernadette and Cesar, three healthy young sheep and an old ram. The Shepherd is here too, talking you through a carefully studied overview of sheep behavior.

Tina Fushell / Choreographer / Dancer Born and raised in St. John's, Nfld., Tina Fushell studied at the Quinte Ballet School and the School of Toronto Dance Theatre. In 2002 Tina co-founded Ambitious Enterprises (AE) with Kate Franklin and Samm Higgison, producing the At the Wrecking Ball series, a now yearly event which has garnered much praise for the young company and ushered in a new generation of choreographers and collaborators from various disciplines. Tina Fushell will present:

sTOries sTOries is performed to live jazz music. This contemporary dance piece is inspired by Torontonians stories about Winter. The highly physical sTOries features a trio of dancers (Tina Fushell, Anisa Tejpar and Kate Franklin) dressed for Winter in full wool skirts, blazers and boots.

Larchaud Dance Project is known for their strength-testing choreography and gravity defying movement and are certain to captivate, provoke, and entertain all audiences. Larchaud Dance Projects upcoming June 2006 production is based on the world and culture of videogames. Each piece in the show is based on a world/level of the game, albeit a jungle, a labyrinth, underwater, etc. At the WinterCity Festival, Larchaud Dance Projects will present:

Ice World Of all the levels of a videogame the ice world proves to be the greatest challenge. Not only must the players overcome the treacherous conditions of their environment, but they must conquer the evil Queen and her Henchman. It is she who controls this world, and in her defeat, they may progress onto the next level.

11. Toronto's WinterCity Festival will also feature a number of live music performances. Please tell us about those.

The WinterCity Festival, presented by the American Express Philanthropic Program, the award-winning 14 day city-wide celebration of Torontos culture, creativity and cuisine, will feature two weekends of FREE live music and DJs on an outdoor stage at Nathan Phillips Square as part of the WOW! (Wild On Winter) series. The WinterCity Festival takes place January 27 February 9, 2006.

Friday Jan. 27
Opening Concert

Les Batinses, 7:30 p.m.
This young sextet plays world music with a Qubcois slant. They embrace music from anywhere and everywhere to marry old-style folk and roots ballads with funk-driven acoustics.

Saturday Jan. 28
Sizzling Hot! Latin Dance Music

DJ Billy Bryans, 12 noon
Get on the ice and move! DJ Billy Bryans drops the latest in Latin music, reggaeton, salsa and the hottest timba cuts directly from Havana.

Chiva featuring Brownman, 12:30 p.m.
Torontos Chiva fuses seductive Colombian rhythms with funk grooves and urban hip-hop beats against a Latin-jazz backdrop.

Latin Roots Orchestra, 2 p.m.
With a nod to the golden age of Latin music, this Toronto group blends the hottest sounds of classic salsa with the latest hip-shaking Latin grooves guaranteed to burn up the dance floor.

Tumbao Inc., 3:30 p.m.
One of Torontos newest Latin orchestras, Tumbao Inc. offers catchy lyrics and memorable melodies combined with powerful percussive beats in merengue music and electronica.

Brownman & CRUZAO featuring Fito Blanko, 5 p.m.
Led by multi-award-winning trumpeter Brownman, CRUZAO mixes authentic Latin rhythms, jazz harmonies and modern urban grooves. CRUZAO is joined by special guest Fito Blanko, Torontos rising star of reggaeton.

Ricky Franco, 6:30 p.m.
Talented singer/songwriter/composer, Ricky Franco delivers slick vocals layered over powerful Salsa Descargas with a soulful edge and the popular dance rhythms of Bachata.

Between sets, DJs will spin. Following the final band, DJs will spin club music outside until 11 p.m.

Sunday Jan. 29
Cool Blues

Ndidi Onukwulu, 12:30 p.m.
A new voice in Toronto's blues community, singer/songwriter Ndidi Onukwulu was born in BC and grew up listening to a variety of music including Nigerian juju. Set for release early in 2006, her eclectic debut album defies labels.

Tyler Yarema, 2 p.m.
Originally from Thunder Bay, Toronto pianist-vocalist Tyler Yarema dishes up high-energy boogie-woogie complemented by a smooth, fiery vocal delivery.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons.The story with photos is published at Travel Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/storiesphotos/orlandoregionalhistorycenter.htm)

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A Walk through Winter Park A Hint of New England in Florida

A Walk through Winter Park - A Hint of New England in Florida
By Susanne Pacher

Just a few minutes north of downtown Orlando awaits Winter Park, a charming picturesque suburb steeped in history. After my excursion on the Scenic Boat Tour, my local expert Wanda Salerno took me on a little walk through town past beautiful historic neighbourhoods.

With is origins as a citrus growing region, Winter Park became a major destination for wealthy northerners during the early 1900s, who came into town by train to reach their elegant winter retreats, seeking shelter from the cold winters of the north. Elegant mansions and and stately old oak trees draped with Spanish moss bear witness to this historic era.

Wanda then took me through some of Winter Park's hidden courtyards, which are filled with specialty retail stores and galleries. Winter Park features a large variety of galleries and I had a chance to sample three of them, all of which carried vastly different artwork:

- Scott Laurent Collections
- Native Visions Gallery
- Timothy's

Our walk took us out on to Winter Park's main street, Park Avenue, which houses 10 blocks of specialty retailers, galleries and ecclectic restaurants. Park Avenue is flanked on its west side by Central Park which offers a welcome sanctuary of relaxation with its graceful fountain, walking paths and shaded benches.

We then went on to explore Casa Feliz (Happy House in Spanish), the signature residential work of renowned architect James Gamble Rogers II.

In 1932 Robert Bruce Barbour, a chemical engineer from Massachusetts, commissioned Rogers to design a home on Lake Osceola, which turned out to be the Andalusian-style masonry farmhouse that we see today. This home was not only cherished by Barbour, but by the community as well. Throughout its history, it has hosted garden club tours, symphony orchestra concerts, poetry social meetings and a dinner for author Sinclair Lewis.

In 2001, in order to prevent the house from demolition, Casa Feliz was moved across Interlachen Avenue to its present location on Park Avenue. This move was one of the most dramatic events in Winter Park's history. Casa Feliz was transported on 20 pneumatically levelled dollies, and an elaborate pulley system moved the house about 75 feet per hour. After the house was in position at its new location, skilled craftsmen worked on restoring it to its original 1933 condition. A special landscape design was commissioned to reflect the style of the era.

Today, Casa Feliz is available to rent for weddings, parties, business meetings and events. Its unique features provide the perfect backdrop for a truly memorable event.

As a centre of local culture, Winter Park also features three well-known museums:

- the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American art, which holds the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including Tiffanys 1893 Chapel. The museum also features paintings, furniture and other works primarily from the late 19th and 20th centuries.

- the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden: 3 acres of gardens, featuring sculptures and painters by Albin Polasek. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

- the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, which focuses on western world art of the 20th century and includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and other art from America and Europe. This museum is located at Rollins College, one of the top rated liberal arts colleges in the country.

The Winter Park Historical Museum examines various historic time periods, interchanging exhibits and rotating displays highlight some of the changes that have occurred in central Florida.

While I explored the town my husband actually played a round of golf at the 9-hole Winter Park Country Club, which is nestled beautifully inside Winter Park's historic neighbourhood. The WPCC is the second oldest golf club in the Central Florida area and makes its way through the downtown Winter Park area and provides a challenge to even the most experienced golfer. He enjoyed his outing, and a cost of $12, it was an extremely affordable outing on a well-maintained golf course.

We capped off our excursion with an enjoyable dinner at a restaurant called 310 Park Avenue, right on Winter Park's main strip. While a good portion of the Orlando area is very new, Winter Park is a welcome oasis of history and ambience that is perfect for a day of exploring.

For more information on Winter Park contact the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, www.winterpark.org.

Susanne Pacher is the publisher of a website called Travel and Transitions (http://www.travelandtransitions.com). Travel and Transitions deals with unconventional travel and is chock full of advice, tips, real life travel experiences, interviews with travellers and travel experts, insights and reflections, cross-cultural issues, contests and many other features. You will also find stories about life and the transitions that we face as we go through our own personal life-long journeys.

Submit your own travel stories in our first travel story contest (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/contests.htm) and have a chance to win an amazing adventure cruise on the Amazon River.

Life is a Journey Explore New Horizons.

The story with photos is published at Stories and Photos (http://www.travelandtransitions.com/storiesphotos/orlandowinterpark.htm).

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