Top 10 Winter Getaways

Summer is typically the season that everyone thinks of when planning their vacations. But why not dare to be different and take a winter vacation getaway instead? If you are a skier, snowboarder, or just someone who enjoys the winter months, a winter vacation may be just what you have been looking for. There are plenty of spots around the world that make spectacular winter getaways.

Hershey. If you are traveling before or during the Christmas season, consider Hershey, Pennsylvania as your vacation destination. The home of Hershey's candy, Hershey Park becomes home to Christmas Candyland, where over one million Christmas lights are put on display. Christmas Candyland typically runs for a month prior to Christmas.

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Sweden. Located in the small riverside village of Jukkasjarvi, Sweden, Sweden's Ice Hotel is famous worldwide for great winter vacations. The hotel is created each winter out of 10,000 tons of ice from the nearby river and 30,000 tons of snow. The hotel features the famous Absolut Ice Bar, a winter favorite for the 21+ crowd.

Smile Thailand Top 10 Winter Getaways

Yellowstone. During the winter the Yellowstone National Park, a popular summer destination in the United States, offers Lodging and Learning programs where guests of all ages can stay at Yellowstone and participate in educational lessons during the winter. These programs offer a great way for visitors of all ages to learn about the beautiful and fascinating Yellowstone Park.

Wisconsin Dells. This small Wisconsin town offers a great winter vacation at the Great Wolf Lodge, home of huge indoor water parks. Great Wolf Lodge is a popular destination for families. Visitors of Wisconsin Dells get the best of both worlds with summertime perpetually recreated indoors and snow falling outdoors. Wisconsin Dells is located near both Milwaukee and Madison, Wisconsin.

New England. One of the most historical areas in the United States, New England is where the country was founded. In addition to the number of historical sites throughout the six states that make up the region (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont), you will also find plenty to do in the winter months. Maine offers one of the nicest ski resorts in the country in Sugarloaf USA, or you can try the beautiful White Mountain area of New Hampshire where you will find a plethora of ski resorts and the historical Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.

Orlando. If skiing is not really your thing and you are looking to get away from the snow for a few weeks then travel to Florida, one of the most frequented states in the US by vacationers each year. Walt Disney World offers discounted rates during specific periods of the winter months, considered the theme park's off-season. Not only will the parks and restaurants be less crowded than during summer or a school vacation week, but you will be able to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather during your stay.

Caribbean. Why not take a cruise during the winter months? Like Florida, a Caribbean cruise offers a change of pace from the snowy, cold winter months that you may be used to. Winter is typically a perfect time for a cruise because the weather in the Caribbean has calmed down. Summer is hurricane season, spelling trouble for cruises but winter is perfect for calm seas and a relaxing cruise.

Mont Tremblant. Located in the spectacular Laurentian Mountains of the Canadian province of Quebec, Mont Tremblant offers its visitors over 600 acres of land for skiing and snowboarding. Perhaps the best choice if you are looking to take to the slopes, keep in mind that the US dollar is worth more in Canada and can go further than it would on a vacation in the United States.

Alaska. If you are traveling with children, Alaska may be the perfect vacation choice for you. Offering everything from dog sledding, one of Alaska's most popular sports, to viewing the Northern lights, Alaska is one of the best winter vacation destinations. Although it is notorious for its cold, wintry weather, Alaska also holds a number of entertainment options that are likely to keep the whole family busy.

Lake Tahoe. For decades Lake Tahoe has been one of the top winter vacation destinations in the world. Located on the border of Nevada and California just west of Carson City, Nevada, you will find that Lake Tahoe has plenty of activities for everyone in the family. Lake Tahoe averages 360 inches of snow each year, making for a winter wonderland of fun on your winter vacation. There are a number of high quality resorts around picturesque Lake Tahoe and the Rocky Mountains make a fabulous backdrop for the perfect getaway.

Top 10 Winter Getaways

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Weekend Getaways and Mini- Vacations!

You need to get away, but don't have the time or money to take a week or two off to head to your favorite destinations. Many people count out taking a weekend and heading to a semi-local vacation spot that allows them to get away, relax, enjoy time alone or together, and find romance, rest, fun, or whatever it is you are looking for in a vacation.

The beauty of weekend getaways is that you can travel on a budget and not miss work, kids activities, and so forth. For a few years while in school, my wife and I never had enough time or money to take a full fledged trip, so we would take little weekend trips a few times a year experiencing more types of travel than if we had taken one big trip.

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So, we have put together a simple list of weekend getaways that you can print out and enjoy immediately. Many of the ideas we mention are generalized to any area of the world, however we will mention various locations that are close to where we live as examples. Use your imagination to brainstorm destinations that are within driving range and quite affordable.

Smile Thailand Weekend Getaways and Mini- Vacations!

1. Romantic Getaways: These are usually at the top of the list. With anniversaries, holidays, romantic events, and so on always around the corner, we need to be on our toes to come up with fresh ideas to sweep our significant others off their feet and keep the romance going. Rent out a bed and breakfast in a small town, grab a hotel in a romantic city like Paris, head to Las Vegas and enjoy all it has to offer. Romantic spots are as creative as you make them.

2. Sporting Events: Big sporting events like March Madness coming up is always fun. An example is two of my best friends for Valentines Day are traveling a couple hours to our state capital to watch the state high school basketball championships. Spring training is coming up for baseball and is always in a warm location. You have racing, football, golf, the Olympics, baseball, the major horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby. The list goes on and on.

3. Camping: This is a cheap vacation that can be fun, romantic, and adventurous. Combine camping with white water rafting or go hiking or without being too adventurous, rent a cabin in the woods and get away from society all together.

4. Theme Parks: One year we traveled to Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio and enjoyed a day at the theme park and the night at Put-n-Bay on Lake Erie. Also, we live near Kings Island in Cincinnati, Ohio and many people travel from all over to spend a couple of days enjoying the attractions there. There are theme parks everywhere and are a great way to have some fun while enjoying an array of activities. If you aren't close to Disney World or Disneyland, then think of a closer location.

5. Famous vacations spots: Las Vegas comes to mind. We enjoy traveling to Gatlingurg, Tennessee and spending a couple days in a cabin, shopping, eating, and hanging out. New York, San Diego, anywhere in a 6 hour driving time to your home can be perfect. Just write down a few places within that circle and pick one.

6. Beaches: Unfortunately, we don't live within a few hours of a beach, but many people do. A great weekend getaway to enjoy the walks on the beach, dinner overlooking the ocean, beachfront hotel or villa, and all a beach vacation has to offer.

7. Festivals, Events, Concerts: Is there a musician playing in a town not too far away? What about a major event or festival? Pack the bags and head out for the weekend. Grab a hotel and head to this event. You'll have a great time. We have done this many times and always have a good time.

This is just a short list of ideas. Pack your bags and just get away. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to plan your next weekend getaway.

Have fun and tell us how your trip was!

Weekend Getaways and Mini- Vacations!

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Romantic Getaways in Central Florida - Vacation Ideas For Couples

If you're looking to plan a romantic getaway, you'll find plenty of Central Florida events perfect for two. You'll find Central Florida things to do like hot air balloon rides, golfing, relaxing massages and many different romantic places to eat and stay.

Where To Stay In Central Florida

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Central Florida is full of beautiful, romantic places for couples to stay. The area offers private vacation rental homes, inns and bed and breakfasts so chances are good that you'll find the perfect place to stay close to romantic Central Florida things to do.

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Many of the vacation rental homes are fully furnished and each comes with its own private, screened in swimming pool so it's perfect for couples who want a little privacy. Don't feel like leaving the home? Call a local massage therapist to your home for a couples' massage and a personal chef to prepare a romantic meal for two and you won't even have to leave home. If your vacation includes your children, consider calling a local children's sitting service so you can enjoy an evening enjoying the romantic Central Florida things to do.

If the thought of an entire home is a little overwhelming, consider staying at the Chalet Suzanne Restaurant and Country Inn. The Country Inn has been named one of the most romantic places to stay in Florida by a national bridal magazine and caters to couples with romantic Central Florida things to do nearby. Chalet Suzanne offers 26 different rooms, each with a private bath and complimentary breakfast the next morning.

Another romantic option for couples is the Town Manor on the Lake Bed and Breakfast. The manor was built in 1933 and is full of old-fashioned charm with modern conveniences. Weddings at Town Manor are Central Florida events in themselves, making the bed and breakfast a beautiful place for vow renewals or a second honeymoon.

Romantic Central Florida Things To Do

Romantic Central Florida things to do include taking in the view from above in a hot air balloon, visiting Hollis Garden and enjoying a concert in the Bok Tower Gardens.

One of the most romantic Central Florida things to do is a hot air balloon flight by Fantasy of Flight. The company allows up to four passengers per flight, but will make special arrangements for a romantic couples' flight. Fantasy of Flight even offers a champagne toast during the flight to make it extra special. The balloon flights are offered seven days a week, weather permitting.

Strolling around Hollis Garden is just another of the romantic Central Florida things to do. Located in downtown Lakeland, Hollis Garden is a beautiful 1.2 acre botanical garden with thousands of flowers and plants. The garden also has several water displays, like a grotto, koi pond, fountains, waterfalls and a lily pond. There's even a butterfly garden with plants grown specifically to attract local butterflies. Hollis Garden is located within walking distance of the historic Terrace Hotel and its award winning restaurant, the Terrace Grill.

Central Florida events at Bok Tower Gardens include concerts, art exhibits and gardening classes. Concerts include an evening picnic with music provided by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and the Singing Tower carillon. Watching the sun set atop Iron Mountain while enjoying a romantic picnic is the perfect relaxing vacation activity.

After enjoying all these Central Florida events, book a romantic spa appointment for two and enjoy a couples' massage. If you'd rather relax with a round of golf, you'll find many courses nearby so don't forget to bring your clubs.

Where To Eat In Central Florida

If all the Central Florida things to do have left you hungry, make your way into some of the romantic restaurants in the area. Even if you're staying somewhere else, the restaurant at the Chalet Suzanne is a romantic place to spend an evening. The restaurant has been named one of the Top 10 Country Inns in the United States by Uncle Ben's Rice and has won Florida Trend Magazine's Golden Spoon 'Hall of Fame' award. Most famously, though, Chalet Suzanne's soups reached world-recognition when they were selected to travel to the moon by NASA and the crew of Apollo 15 in 1973, thanks to astronaut James B. Irwin. The soups were also aboard Apollo 16 and Russia's Apollo Soyuz. Visitors to Chalet Suzanne can enjoy these famous soups, as well as salads and steaks, right on the lake.

The Terrace Grill is located within the Terrace Hotel and is one of Central Florida's finest restaurants. The restaurant is nationally recognized and is the perfect spot for couples looking to relax in its inviting atmosphere after enjoying all the Central Florida things to do. Reservations are recommended but not required.

Another great choice for dinner is the Texas Cattle Company. The restaurant is a member of the Distinguished Restaurants of North America and it boasts that the chefs will cook you 'absolutely the best steak anywhere.' All steaks are cooked over a natural wood burning fire and aged a minimum of 4-6 weeks. If you're in the mood for seafood, Texas Cattle Company also offers market fresh fish and an extensive wine list.

A great way to find other local romantic favorites is to ask around at any Central Florida events you visit. Local residents are often proud of their city and will be pleased to give an excellent recommendation for their favorite spot.

Romance can be found in nearly any of the Central Florida events. With so many Central Florida things to do, it's easy to plan a romantic vacation that the two of you will remember forever.

Romantic Getaways in Central Florida - Vacation Ideas For Couples

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