Things to see: Christmas Shows and New York Sights

Just walking around the streets of New York during Christmas feels like a walk in a winter wonderland. The window displays at the various department stores turn the average walker into a theater audience. You must catch at least one of the major window displays during your trip. The largest displays are at Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue.

The next on the list of must-see things have to be the Christmas Trees sprinkled all over New York. Of course, first on the Christmas tree tour has to be the one at Rockefeller Center. More than five miles of lights decorate this more than seventy feet tall tree. This year the lighting ceremony will take place on the 2nd of December. Another famous tree is the Origami tree at the American Museum of Natural History, decorated with a different theme each year. The tree is open for viewing from late November. The Chorus Tree at South Street Seaport is often referred to as the singing tree because of the carollers who highten the holiday feel of the city with their performances. Pass by the tree on Friday evenings or around 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays to hear them. Also a two and a half mile stretch between the 97th and the 48th street on Park Avenue comes alive with several Christmas trees making it a wonderful walk or drive.

Don’t want to walk outdoors in the cold? The show continues indoors too. Walk into department stores to see Christmas decorations and that grand old man of Christmas, Santa Claus sitting amidst them. Even if you are not a child yourself or don’t have one accompanying you, the sight of all the children standing in line waiting eagerly to meet Santa is bound to warm the cockles of your heart. And if you are tired of all the free stuff buy a ticket to one of the several Christmas shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or The Nutcracker Ballet or anyone of the several shows. Be advised, however, that the tickets for these do sell out very fast.

New York Hotels near Rockefeller Center: Hotel Omni Berkshire Palace

Things to do in New York at Christmas

A visit to the Rockefeller Ice Skating rink is one of the essentials of a Christmas trip to New York even if you can’t skate yourself. Shopping is fun at anytime but the specialty Christmas markets and fairs make it even more special. The holiday shops at Bryant Park and in Union Square are great places to pick up handmade stuff. And the Grand Central Holiday fair held inside the Grand Central Terminal transforms a simple train ride into a unique Christmas experience. A slightly more expensive to-do is a dinner at one of the specialty restaurants that are open during Christmas, but a reservation is a must at these places.

New York Hotel near Grand Central Terminal: Hotel Dylan

Photo of Rockefeller Plaza at Christmas, New York, NY, by Thomas Hawk

Tourists along with the city’s populace then throng the numerous joyfully illuminated shops, restaurants and bars to revel in the immensely festive ambience. If you are planning to be in London with your family for the Christmas holidays then you will not be disappointed for aside from the millions of twinkling Christmas lights, London also offers a plethora of ‘Christmassy’ events to keep all the family happy.

1. Santa’s Grottos

Your children will love the chance to visit jolly Santa at the various Santa’s Grotto’s which are constructed all over London at popular stores like Harrods’s, Selfridges and Hamley’s. This year the Santa’s Grotto at Harrods celebrates the seventieth anniversary of the movie the Wizard of Oz and accordingly sports a décor that depicts scenes from the movie. Tickets sales for the Santa’s Grotto at Harrods have been on sale online at the store’s website since September.

At Selfridges, the Santa’s Grotto usually features a Santa Express which offers train rides for children through a winter wonderland that features real to life polar bears and penguins. Not to be outdone Hamley’s the greatest toy store in the world offers a ‘Breakfast or tea with Santa Claus’ every day until the 24th of December. This event cannot be booked online but you can reserve a spot for your kids by calling the store’s hotline at 0844 855 2424 once you are in London. Other Santa’s Grotto’s can be found at Kew Gardens, Canary Wharf and various other shopping centers located all over London.

2. Winter Wonderland

London’s iconic patch of green – Hyde Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland from Saturday, 21st November until 3rd January and this spectacular, magical Christmas playground will feature attractions like the largest ice skating rink in the city, the Zippos Christmas circus, a giant Ferris wheel equipped with heated pods, a thrilling Santa Land and a traditional German Christmas Market. A similar Winter Wonderland will be constructed in the renowned London suburb of Wimbledon which will feature a fireworks display, a parade which will feature, Miss Christmas and Santa Clause and many other festivities.

3. Ice Skating

Outdoor Ice skating rinks appear all over London during the festive season and offer hours of entertainment for ice skating enthusiasts of all ages. These outdoor ice skating rinks can be found at many major London landmarks like Somerset House, Alexandra Palace, The Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Canary Wharf, Wembley Stadium, and the Natural History Museum.

4. Pantomimes and Theater Shows

Pantomimes are a typical English Christmas tradition that consists of performances where men dress as fat ugly women and women star as male leads. Traditional family ‘pantos’ as they are popularly known as contain song, dance, comedy, slapstick, magic, innuendo-riddled word-play, cross-dressing and enthusiastic audience participation. This year’s Christmas Pantomime schedule in London features shows such as Aladdin, Cinderella, Mother Goose and Dick Whittington which will be held at various venues all over the city. Aside from these Christmas pantos, London’s Christmas theater schedule also includes performances by the English National Ballet which will perform the traditional Christmas favorite, the Nutcracker as well as other perennial favorites like the Snow Queen and Giselle at the London Coliseum.

5. Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights and Christmas Carols

The Christmas events in London also include ceremonies that are held ‘to switch on’ the city’s famed Christmas Lights that adorn London’s famed shopping districts like Oxford Street and Regent Streets. These ceremonies are usually held in early November and feature many well- known celebrities who are given the honor to switch on these lights.

The Trafalgar Square Christmas tree is London’s most famous Christmas tree. This tree is presented to the city of London every year by Norway as a gesture of appreciation for the help that the British gave the Norwegians during the Second World War. The gifted tree is usually approximately 20 meters high and over half a century old. The tree lighting ceremony for the Trafalgar square tree usually takes place on the first Thursday in December.

The site of the Trafalgar Square Christmas tree then becomes popular spot for Christmas caroling as various groups assemble at the base of the tree for two weeks in December to sing Christmas carols for various fund raising efforts. So if you and your family enjoy this traditional Christmas time activity you can head out to the Trafalgar Square to spread some Christmas cheer.

Photo of Santa Claus and the London Tower Bridge by Pineapplebun

1. Visit the Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park

The annual Winter Wonderland brings festive spirit to London’s Hyde Park from 21st November 2009 to 3rd January 2010. The 2009 Winter Wonderland features an ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, a Snow Ball Bungee Dome, an Observation Wheel with views over London, and a German Christmas Market with dozens of stalls that sell arts, crafts and gifts. There are also bars and restaurants, mulled wine and other Christmas treats, and entertainment by bands and choirs. Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, but some attractions require pre-booking via the Winter Wonderland website  hydeparkwinterwonderland.com.

2. Catch A Christmas Carol Concert In London

Get into Christmas mood in one of London’s many Christmas Carol concerts. The 18th-century St Martin-in-the-Fields church has a special Christmas Program in December that includes family carols and carols by candlelight, and visitors can also enjoy mulled wine in the church’s café. The Royal Albert Hall features several Christmas concerts including a Christmas Carol Singalong in the run-up to Christmas, and the St Paul’s Cathedral offers classical concerts and a special Christmas Eve Carol Service.

3. Take A Christmas Cruise Along River Thames

Those who are in London for Christmas can take a Christmas Day Lunch Cruise along the River Thames. The City Cruises company offers a lunch cruise on Christmas Day, giving visitors the opportunity to sample a traditional English Christmas lunch while cruising along the Thames and taking in many famous London landmarks.

Photo of snow in London, UK,  by E01

Sort out your visa

Probably the first thing you’ll want to look at getting done is to sort out your visa. For people with Western European Residency, getting into Canada will not be a problem – however, people living in Eastern Europe and countries such as Russia and Romania may have to apply for a visit visa.

Book your flight to Vancouver

For those of us who are living in Europe, Canada can be quite an expensive place, particularly the air tickets which are always costly; no matter what time of the year you’re travelling. The most advisable European Airlines which fly directly to Vancouver International Airport are British Airways and KLM.

Pack warm clothing

While Vancouver has one of the mildest climates of any City in Canada, it’s worth bringing reasonably warm clothing, as you’ll probably be sitting inert for large amounts of time in-between events. Remember particularly to take a firm pair of boots or shoes as you may spend some of your time standing in snow, and of course a woolly hat and gloves.

Book your Vancouver accommodation in advance

Winter Olympics or not, Vancouver is a popular destination so it’s probably worth your time booking accommodation well in advance. A good location to stay is in the Downtown Area, otherwise known as Vancouver’s Central Business District, which contains some of the best restaurants and nightlife in the city.

Pack  your camera gears

As far as equipment goes, it’s probably worth investing in a pair of binoculars in order to get a better view of the events – sitting at the very back of the crowd as to only see a little colourful speck skiing far off in the distance is unlikely to be particularly thrilling without magnification. For those who enjoy taking photographs, you’ll likewise want to purchase a big zoom lens just in case. Remember also to stock up on memory sticks for the camera – nothing’s worse than running out of space halfway through the event and having to just stand there helplessly watching everyone else snap away. Be careful though as flash photography is prohibited, as well as video recording. Some events may not allow photography altogether.

Research the rules and current news of winter sports

The amount of events happening at the Winter Olympics is quite extensive. These include Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Speed Skating, Snowboarding, Bobsleighing, and many others. It’s probably worth taking the time researching the rules and current news of these sports, as viewing the game before knowing how it works properly is seldom interesting. You’ll likely find that each of the Eighty-Six events taking place is a world within themselves.

Hope you enjoy your time at the Winter Olympics! Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

2010 Winter Olympics Accommodation recommended by Venere.com:

• Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort – A cozy 4-star hotel in Whistler ski resort, venue for alpine skiing, bobsleigh, luge and skeleton competitions.
• North Vancouver Hotel – A budget hotel in Vancouver offering easy access to both Whistler and Downtown Vancouver
• The Westin Grand Vancouver – A modern 4-star hotel in Downtown Vancouver

Photo of Inukshuk ice sculpture (Vancouver Winter Olympic’s symbol) by Tim in Sydney

Even those who hate sport so much that even talk of the Winter Olympics sends a dull glaze over their eyes will find plenty to enjoy about this huge cosmopolitan city. There’s a wealth of festivals, restaurants, parks and museums which will keep most occupied for weeks. Here are a few attractions which I would especially recommend:

1. Visit Gastown

Gastown is part of the more historic part of Vancouver, and comprises the original town centre. It’s now relatively quaint in comparison the skyscrapers that dominate many other parts of the city, although it’s known to have some of the best nightclubs around. A popular tourist attraction in this area is one of the world’s only Steam Clocks, which makes a sound like an Victorian locomotive every hour with its steam-powered whistles.

2. Eat at one of Vancouver’s Unique Restaurants

The Blue Water Cafe serving fresh oysters and sushi is well known for being one of the best places in town, and there’s also the Banana Leaf Restaurant with its Thai and Malaysian Cuisine. For the Vegetarians among us, the Annapurna serves Indian Vegetarian food with a well-rounded menu. Steak lovers will appreciate the New York-themed Gotham Steakhouse, which has become a hangout for executives who come here to be noticed.

3. See the Vancouver Museum

One of Canada’s largest Museums and one that contains all sorts of items and documents obtained by Vancouver’s residents over the years, as well as numerous themed galleries, covering topics such as the Great Depression, and Vancouver’s early history and economic boom in the 1900’s, among others.

4. Explore the Duncan Farmer’s Market

A huge market in downtown Vancouver selling fresh produce such as organic meats, free range eggs, all kinds of home-made jams, and even clothing and furniture. It’s quite an unusual feature in the middle of a city, but it’s all quite charming and is a good place to scout for gifts.

5. Walk round Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park

This Traditional Chinese Garden is a peaceful part of an otherwise very bustling city. The Park (and the Garden where you have to pay for admission) was built in the 1980’s using traditional Chinese Philosophy such as Feng Shui. Additionally, it’s the largest Chinese-style garden built outside China. Often special cultural performances take place here, so it’s worth checking in advance the best time to visit.

Top 5 Hotels in Vancouver, Canada

• Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver – 4-star Hotel – Double from  CAD $170
• Hotel Comfort Inn Downtown – 3-star Hotel – Double from  CAD $139
• Hotel Terminal City Tower – 4-star Hotel -  Double from  CAD $209
• Victorian Hotel – 4-star Hotel -  Double from  CAD $69
• Hotel Accent Inns Vancouver Airport – 3-star Hotel -  Double from  CAD $119

Photo of Vancouver in winter by Maziarh

Now we’re still in the depths of winter, it seems fitting to cover a few of the drinks that the rest of Europe’s slurping down between chapped lips.

Hot Chocolate -Europe

Every nation in Europe has its own version. The beverage that was supposedly invented by South American Tribes who found cocoa beans precious and even used them as currency, when they weren’t mixing them with Chili. It was discovered by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and then over the years taken up by all over Western Europe, who ditched the chili and added milk and sugar and vanilla to counteract the bitterness. One unforgettable variant that I’ve experienced was Lithuanian Hot Chocolate, which was literally Black and Milk Chocolate melted in a small espresso mug eaten with a teaspoon.

Bicerin – Italy

Bicerin is an Italian Drink that originates from Turin. It consists of a tasty combination of Espresso, Hot Chocolate, and Whole Milk poured in 3 separate layers – essentially a unique version of a Mocha Cappuccino. Only the Italians could be so inventive with their drinks. Three Musketeer’s Author Alexander Dumas wrote that his morning habit of starting the day with one was something unforgettable.

Tea – England

Summer, winter, springtime, harvest – there’s always a time for a cup of English Tea. It’s one of the only drinks that manage to be both relaxing and stimulating. Some of the most well known favourites are “Earl Grey” and “English Breakfast”, the former being one of the strongest. Traditionally, Tea was accompanied by a scone, toast, or sometimes crumpets (small, pancake-type flour and yeast bread product). Tea in Britain was for centuries treated like Coffee and served with Milk and Sugar, although this practice is becoming less common with the increasing popularity of Green and Herbal teas, which are incidentally disgusting with milk and sugar (I trust the reader can detect the tone of regretful experience from the author’s early morning forays).

Glühwein – Germany

Glühwein is a mixture of red wine, vanilla pods, cinnamon sticks, cloves, sugar, and lemon – all heated up. A popular Scandinavian variant of Glühwein is Glögg, (or Glögi), which is similar except served with almonds and raisins.

It’s traditionally served at the world-famous Weihnachtsmarkt (German Christmas Markets) to warm the spirits (and blood supply) of frozen seasonal shoppers up – the best markets are said to be at held at Nuremberg, Münster, Aachen, Leipzig, and Dresden. Sounds Interesting? More information on German Christmas Markets can be found elsewhere on this blog.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your travels!

Photo of hot chocolate by paPics

From the snow-capped majesty of Sierra Nevada’s mountains to the cool pristine waters of the Mediterranean, via the desert sands of Tabernas, Andalusia offers the traveller an extraordinary diversity of spectacular landscapes. And if you’re pressed for time here’s how you can experience all the best that nature has to offer in less than 24 hours.

Sierra Nevada

Start your day with a swoosh down the slopes of Sierra Nevada. Europe’s most southerly ski resort includes some of the highest peaks in Europe and typically enjoys a long ski season, from the end of November until the end of April. The drive up from Granada is on an excellent road that winds its way through the mountains. The scenery is as spectacular as you might imagine, you are spoilt by soaring peaks and deep valleys. The skiing is fantastic; watch the mountains hurtle pass you at breakneck speeds as you slip and slide your way down the 90 km of pistes. The resort caters for all abilities; nursery slopes for beginners, several runs for improvers and intermediates and black runs for the truly expert skier. If the idea of slapping two skies on your feet sends a shiver down your spine then there are plenty of other activities to enjoy such as sledging and ice-skating. Or for a more leisurely pursuit take a gondolier up to the station at Borreguiles and watch the activity from the luxury and comfort of a deckchair on a restaurant terrace. Plaza de Andalusia is the resort’s main square and a good spot for a light lunch and some refreshments. Then shake the snow off your boots, climb back into your car and head for the desert wasteland of Tabernas – a little more than a snowball’s throw away.

Tabernas Desert

Europe’s only true desert is a barren beauty; a vast wilderness of dry riverbeds, gulleys, eroded ravines and dramatic canyons. Situated between Sierra de Alhamilla and the Sierra de Filabres it’s one of the driest places on the planet. There are a number of ways to explore the badlands of Tabernas; by foot on a guided walking tour, from the back of a horse on a desert trail or reclining in the relative comfort of an all terrain vehicle. Kids in your party might want to pop into one of the three movie park attractions in the area. Tabernas provided the stunning backdrop to many spaghetti westerns and the movie makers left their film sets behind. Dry and arid the landscape may be, but you’re only 30 minutes from the coast and the beaches of Almeria.

The Beaches

Even in the winter months it’s possible to top your tan in sun-soaked Andalusia. The region enjoys 3000 hours of sunshine per year and the average annual temperature is 18/19ºC. There are so many pretty beaches to choose from including the blue flag beach of San Miguel, Nueva Almeria and Costa Cobana. And as the shimmering sun sets on your day and over the Mediterranean slip into a beach front chiringuito and enjoy a cool beer or glass of the local vino tinto.

Zurich is considered to be one of the cleanest and most efficient cities in the world. Surprisingly, it has only been within the last 10 to 12 years that the city has become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. The city’s increasing cosmopolitan population, cultural liberalization, and cuisine have been the key reasons for Zurich’s rise in popularity. However, it is most renowned for being the gateway to Switzerland’s Alps – the home of the finest skiing in all of Europe and quite possibly the entire world. Zurich has been appropriately nicknamed the “portal to the alps”.

The concept of alpine skiing was one of the Alps’ best kept secrets for many years. Only a few people were aware of it but now it has become quite popular with this area being a targeted destination for skiing vacations. Gradually, as more and more tourists started coming to the Alpine ski areas, more lodging facilities began appearing. As a result, the activity grew from a few hundred participants to over 40 million per year. Listed below are 5 of the most popular skiing destinations in and around Zurich.

1. Beckenried

You will find 14 ski lifts here capable of transporting up to 10,000 skiers/snowboarders per hour to 15 pistes and over 40km of downhill skiing. Beckenreid is facilitated by three different airports that are situated within a two hour drive of the resort, with Zurich being an hour away (in good driving conditions).

2. Flumserberg

With 17 ski lifts available, Flumserberg is one of the busier ski resorts situated within an hour’s drive of Zurich – pending good driving conditions. The highest lift takes you up to 2,220m and there are 20km of cross-country trails to choose from.

3. Oberiberg – Ybrig

13 ski lifts, 30km of cross-country trails, and 50km of downhill skiing make this area a desirable skiing destination. It is facilitated by three airports within 2 hours of the resort, Zurich being an hour away based on weather conditions.

4. Andermatt

Four airports within two hours (Zurich within an hour and a half based on driving conditions) facilitate Andermatt. There are 13 ski lifts, 20km of cross-country trails, and 56km of downhill skiing. (NOTE: Rated for intermediate skiers and above)

5. Engelberg

Located within 1.5 hours of Zurich (based on the weather), Engelberg is a premier ski resort with skiing for all levels – beginner, intermediate, and expert. It is rated as 4-star for snowboarding as well. There are 23 lifts, the highest of which tops 3,000m, 41km of cross-country trails, and over 80km of downhill chutes to choose from.

Photo of Flumsrberd, Switzerland, by MuntyPix

A man clad in layers of thick jacket, shoveling snow in a thick blizzard.

On the other frame is a man wearing shorts, sipping a cold beer, lying on a hammock under the shade of a palm tree, looking at a view of clear waters and blue sky.

Now, imagine you were the man in shorts, sending this picture to your friend in Europe, this winter, with an invitation, “Wish you were here. It’s warm out here.”

It may be cold where you’re at right now but crossover to the other end of the earth, and it’s a different story. If you want to escape the conventional, the pompous celebrations, the crowd, the cold weather, then set sail for an island getaway.

Summer may be the conventional season of the year when people head on to the beaches but in tropical countries like where I grew up, the months of December till February provide an alternative to travelers breaking loose from overcrowded beaches and very hot, humid weather. And more travelers from the West are discovering this.

If you’re up to the challenge and change, what are you waiting for?

1. Start packing

• a pair of sunglasses,
• a sunscreen lotion,
• a camera (waterproof cameras would be great to shoot coral reefs and underwater scenes),
• an umbrella (it rains here anytime of the year),
• a swimming suit,
• a plastic bag to protect your mobile phone and camera from getting wet when you sail on a boat,
• a flashlight for nocturnal activities like firefly watching along mangroves and indoor activity like spelunking
• a first aid medicine for motion sickness and allergies (if you have allergy to seafood),
• and a knapsack. Travel as light as possible since transportation may not be very convenient in developing countries.

2. Engage in sports like you would in summer:

Swimming, diving, surfing, jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, fishing, parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and other aquatic activities.

3. Make the most out of the sunshine and sunny weather.

Staying in a beach apartment such as the Domaine de l’Anse Ramier, Martinique Island,  and the Tropical Winds Apartment Hotel, Barbados,  a cozy hotel room in a Spa resort such as Hotel Verandah, Antigua, or a suite in a luxury resort such Sunshine Suites Resort, Cayman Islands? Don’t lock yourself up in your hotel suite, no matter how nice it is. You’ve traveled this far so spend your days and nights outside –

• strolling the long shores,
• building sandcastles,
• getting a massage while lying on the sand,
• resting on a hammock under the shade of a tree,
• exploring the islands and island hopping,
• beach combing sand for shells,
• sunbathing to show off that golden tan among your pale-colored colleagues when you get back,
• and feeling the warmth of bonfire at night.

4. A chilled cocktail or a cold beer would be a refreshing end to a warm day.

At this time of the year, expect parties, games or music playing till the wee hours of the morning in seaside bars. I remembered I even dozed off for an hour at the shore one night, after drinking half a pitcher of sling.

5. The surrounding waters do not only abound in activities to fill your days and nights but also with bountiful produce.

If you do not have allergies to them, indulge in seafood, shellfish, and something exotic like sea cucumber, uni sea urchin or seaweed. Have your grilled fish served aboard a bigger boat or have a picnic at the shore.

While you’re up to it, you might want to take it up to the next level and venture into extreme adventure, like going to isolated beaches instead of popular beach resorts. Sounds exciting? Adventurous? This is where you can create your own private space of retreat and create your own discoveries. And it requires nothing more than leaving your comfort zone.

• Most travelers don’t learn of these unexplored places until they get to the destination country because they are not known nor advertised. If insider information and local knowledge will get you there or will make you acquainted with these places during your travel planning stage, leave a question at sites where users can ask questions, get answers, and interact such as Yahoo Answers.

• Check travel advisory. Some places are just off limits due to security reasons. Getting yourself vaccinated may be necessary or perhaps an insect repellant lotion will do.

• Bring a life jacket for those who can’t swim. When we went whirlpool watching, the motorized outrigger did not carry one on board; they don’t have one.

• Accommodation may range from a tree house, make-shift homes of beach caretakers to cottages or huts.

• The amenities are stripped to bare essentials as these islands are mostly undeveloped. A Simple Life.

• Electricity may not be available or if there is, blackout may occur.

• Bring a light jacket or blanket as the weather gets cold at night even if it’s warm during the day (but not the kind of cold by Western standards).

• Weather can be quite as unpredictable as a woman’s mood with downpour one minute and sunshine the next. Forecasts may not be very dependable as technology is not that advanced.

• Bottled water is a must if you don’t want to jeopardize your trip.

• You’re not far from creating your own survivor series here so bring an all around tool like a Swiss Army knife.

If there’s anything you can rely on, it’s change. Before this winter season ends, you may want to consider a change in your travel plans… like wrapping yourself in a healthy dose of sunshine instead of layers of jacket; from something icy cold to an unseasonable warm weather.

Photo of tropical island by Walter Rodriguez

Where the nightlife is concerned, there are pubs and discos to avail you of unending entertainment while staying in the village, and you will quickly discover that these are some of the most frequented night-spots in the Tyrol. You’ll also discover that getting along with your fellow skiers is a necessity as you are bound to be in close proximity to them no matter which establishment you visit. Here is a brief list of some of the best pubs and discos in St. Anton.

1. Krazy Kanguruh

Originally constructed as a horse stable, this bar/restaurant is a little difficult to get to and is out of the village area. You can ski there from the upper slopes, you can walk up the steep incline (not recommended), or you can drive there by going through the suburb of Moos on a narrow, winding road.

2. Platz’l Bar

Situated next to the Hotel Alte Post in the heart of the village,  this rustic hangout with great ambiance, and features a pianist that affords the tourist some very soothing music as well as a more sophisticated atmosphere in the early part of the evening. Later on, recorded music plays for those who want to dance.

3. Rodelhütte

Rodelhütte only open during the winter months (December through April), this après-ski hangout always provides the visitor with warmth courtesy of its blazing fire. Access is a bit challenging as the only way you can reach this cozy little haunt is via a steep, 20-minute walk from the village of St. Anton, but it is well worth the effort. Here you are offered an opportunity to enjoy a drink or two while visiting with your fellow skiers as well as some of the locals.

Chill out skiing and enjoy the fascinating nightlife in the pristine St Anton am Arlberg.

Photo of sunset in St Anton am Arlberg, Austria, by Chris Eden

Andorra is lank-locked tightly between France and Spain deep in the heart of the Pyrenees. It is only 180 square-miles, which makes it the 6th smallest country in Europe. There is suggestion that the name comes from the Arabic al-Dorra, which means forest but little is actually known of its name. The country became an entity unto itself officially in 1288, when the surrounding rulers created the Principality but still all co-inhabited the mountainous area none the less. It actually wasn’t until very recently in 1993 that France loosened its reigns enough for Andorra to become an independent state. There are now seven parishes that all each have their own mini-governments and govern law and order for their inhabitants.

As a tourist in Andorra, you’d be very welcome indeed. After all it does account for over 80% of the country’s annual GDP. Roughly 9 million people flock to Andorra every year and much of the magnetism comes from the fact that it’s a tax haven where you don’t pay duty on anything due to Andorra not yet being part of the European Union.

• Skiing in Andorra

The ski resorts are the biggest earners for the tourists industry in Andorra. It’s probably the best place for a skiing holiday if you’ve never been before or are a little bit new to the sport. The ski slopes are all quite manageable and there are some of the largest ski schools in Europe there to help too.

• Hiking Tours in Andorra

As well as skiing, there are some cracking hiking tours in Andorra and this is very popular with visitors. These are best explored though in the summer when all the snow has melted.

• Shopping in Andorra

Shopping is as famous in Andorra as skiing. There are around 2000 shops in the tiny mountainous state, which works on about 1 shop for every 40 people living there. The best shops are found in the capital Andorra la Vella, which is pretty much the one place you want to be to sample more than just the world of skiing.

• Sightseeing in Andorra

Some of the new and luxury buildings will make you think you’re in Monaco but in the mountains. Some of the older buildings though in the historic area designed in a Romanesque style in the 11th Century. The highlight of this area are the churches Santa Coloma and Sant Esteve, which was made even grander in the 1960s and boasted some very impressive wood carvings.

• Nightlife in Andorra

If you want to round your trip off with a drink, some food and a dance then head to La Borsa at Avinguda de Tarragona 36 in the Historic Quarter. There’s also a good chance you’ll come back as rich as some of the inhabitants too as there’s a casino inside.

Photo of Andorra by lorentey

Germany boasts a variety of cosmopolitan resorts, glacier skiing, and serene mountain hideaways that will accommodate nearly every taste imaginable. Situated in central Europe, Germany offers easy access to a multitude of accommodations and ski resorts that are sure to please. The numerous ski areas that dot the Bavarian Alps’ landscape are probably some of the better choices for skiing and snowboarding as well. Additionally, if cross-country skiing is what you are craving, you will find an abundance of that in Germany’s ski areas as well.

1. Berlin area

Though most would think that Berlin is too flat of an area to afford any decent skiing, you might be surprised. Schöneswochenende offers a nice network of cross-country opportunities and the next village along the route – Braunlage – offers you some decent downhill skiing. You can travel to Altenberg which lies on the Czech border if you want the best cross-country skiing in the area.

2. Garmisch

Garmisch was the setting for the 1972 Summer Olympics but it is also the gateway to Germany’s most renowned ski area in the Bavarian Alps – Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Located at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak, the resort is one of the Bavarian Alps’ principal health resorts as well. In addition to world-class skiing, Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers the visitor culinary and cultural delights, as well as pristine landscape, serene relaxation, and upscale shopping.

3.  Oberstdorf

Located between Lake Constance, Munich, and Stuttgart is Oberstdorf -Germany’s 2nd most popular ski area and rival of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in both popularity and quality of skiing. Though Oberstdorf is considerably more cosmopolitan, it is renowned for its wide array of lodging facilities and ski-jumping competitions. The skiing opportunities here are the most extensive anywhere in Germany, with Fellhorn/Kleinwalsertal being the principal ski area.

4.  Willingen-Upland

Located about 2½ hours to the north of Frankfurt is Willingen-Upland Ski Resort. The ski area has 13 ski lifts that serve 13 individual pistes and features 15km of downhill skiing. The natural snow is also augmented by 6 snow cannons and with the 13 lifts, it can facilitate 12,500 skiers/snowboarders per hour. The ski runs at Willingen-Upland are perfect for the Beginner or the Intermediate skier. Since this is lower altitude skiing, the snow cover periods may vary greatly.

5. Baden Baden

Sitting literally on Baden Baden’s doorstep is the Mehliskopf and it is literally a paradise for cross-country skiers having over 600 miles of ski routes. There are also several snow-making machines to enhance the pistes as well.

In recent times, these top German skiing destinations have had footfalls from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to any of these skiing destinations, make a good travel itinerary and enjoy the German hospitality.

Photo of Garmisch-Partenkirchen ski resort by Bernd Braglmann 

1. Romania is cheapest

Romania has some of the cheapest ski breaks, with a package trip in Poiana Brasov going from £200. Slovakia and Bulgaria are great places for people holding the euro as there are favorable exchange rates with the Koruna and Lev at present.

2. Fly the budget route

The price of flights can make up a large part of ski breaks, so cut these out by flying with one of the many low-cost airlines to Geneva rather than a smaller and more costly airport. From there, ski resorts like Megève or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are less than an hour’s drive away.

3. Plan the route ahead

When booking an airline it is essential to look at the cost of the road ahead. Will the hotel provide an airport transfer or is the resort reachable by public transport? There are trains to some resorts from Geneva Airport and ski buses.

4. Stay away from the piste

Not only will you get a better night’s sleep by staying away from the main towns in the resort, but you will save on currency too. There are transport options from the more far flung hotels which are well seasoned in getting ski fans on the slopes early.

5. Steer clear of package deals

Not only do they suck up time, but money. Hanging on for the missing people in a tour group can be a pain, but paying for the privilege when there is ski to be had? No thank you. Savings can be made by breaking trips down into smaller parts, choose the cheapest places to eat food and book affordable accommodation early online.

6. Time it right

Don’t go around Christmas, New Year or February half-term. The start and end of the ski season is best for in-pocket trips to the piste.

Photo of skiing in Chamonix, France, originally posted by moggsy

The Parisians really take their winter ice skating seriously and have great rinks dotted throughout Paris. The figurehead being the 1300m rink at the front of Hotel de Ville. Yeah there is the Rockerfeller Centre in New York, Somerset House in London, but in my humble opinion you can’t beat Hotel de Ville for wow factor. Also it has very tasteful but very sparkly lights for the festive season!

On rinks in other countries I have come across annoying prissy girls in ice skating skirts doing triple Axels or other twirly things in the middle of the rink. Have no fear.. this is not to be found in Paris… the rinks here have much more street cred. The rollerbladers who take over the streets every Friday night, take to the ice in the winter and seriously cut up the ice, flying around and doing all sorts of tricks! If you are a bit intimidated by the boys in the baggy jeans and hoodies they are great entertainment to watch from the spectator area all around the rink. There is no reason to be intimidated though, even though these are super cool edgy street boys (!) like the majority of French people they are uber polite, shouting back ‘excusez moi‘ when they cut you off and picking up kids from the ice as they swoop-by backwards!

The good thing all of this is free with just 5 euro for skate rental (if you don’t pack yours in your hand luggage!). Queues can be a bit long at busy times which is a bit of a pain in the current Paris cold weather, but school holidays are over now so things should quieten down. And then you are in such a great area you can take a walk to Notre Dame to stretch out those legs after all those fancy moves or just retreat to the Marais for a restorative Vin Chaud!

Ice rinks in Paris

Patinoire Hotel de Ville
20th Dec 2008 to 10 March 2009
Mon to Thurs – 12h – 22h
Fri 12pm-12am; Sat 9am-12am; Sun 9am-10pm
Metro: Hotel de Ville – Line 1

Patinoire Montparnasse
1 Dec 2008 – 10 Mar 2009
Mon-Fri 12pm-8pm; Sat & Sun 9am-8pm

Photo of ice rink in Paris, France, originally posted by Panoramas

Daylight is scarce and seasonal affective disorder (or SAD) is in abundance. Coming to Copenhagen during these winter months is a pretty good way to meet up with some serious malaise. However, not all is lost. The Danes have been dealing with rather inhospitable weather since the dawn of their existence, so it’s natural to assume they’ve come up with a few good ways of combating the down time. Here are a few suggestions to get you through these dark days and maybe get a sunnier disposition.

Health Clubs in Copenhagen

Health clubs are very popular in Copenhagen, and a little bit of exercise can really bring some of that much needed adrenaline and joie-de-vivre back. The most important feature about these health clubs when it comes to winter blahs, though, is the tanning beds. Most every health club has them but there are also individual tanning salons if you don’t need any aerobics. They’re quite popular and you shouldn’t be surprised to see a rather bronzed Dane walking down the streets mid March.

Embracing the sun

Denmark is a coastal city with a lot of clouds. Rain happens frequently and winds are gusty. Sometimes, though, the sun breaks through and you feel like a bear coming out of hibernation. While you may be blinded by the sun at first, embrace it. Head to Parken or the shore and just soak in the rays for a minute. Go on a canal cruise. Yes, it’ll still be cold, but frankly just put on a coat and deal. Some vitamin D from the sun rays will help you in the long run.

The Danish Art of Hygge

Some cultural theorists say that the inhospitable weather led to the Danish phenomenon of hygge. If you don’t know what this is, consult your nearest guidebook for a more complete description. Take a cue from the experts of handling miserable days and get together with some close friends or associates in a nice, warm place (your call of hotel room, café, apartment, etc) and share a meal and conversation. Warmth sometimes comes from within, so cozy up with some comrades.

Danish drinking traditions

Finally, and this one should come as no surprise, imbibe in alcohol. This is easily the most important one. Really and truly, the Danes love a good drink, and the stuff they have does wonders to perk you up and make you feel full and happy. The beers (and there’s more than Carlsberg and Tuborg in the world, folks) are usually thick and satisfying. These aren’t like Mexican beers where you feel like you should be at a barbecue, no, these are for when you should be sitting by an open fire. Hard liquor favs like Fisk also help perk you up with their stronger and usually more mint-flavored flare. So if you can’t find tanning beds, sunshine, or friends, just head to a bar or pub and embrace the rich Danish drinking traditions.

Also, never forget spring is only so far away!

Photo of statues in Copenhagen, Denmark, originally posted by wili hybrid

1. Port Aventura

Check out the biggest roller coaster in Europe at Port Aventura, Universal Studio’s theme park. There are plenty of rides and performances for youngsters, and the festive period is a particularly good time to visit. There are loads of seasonal shows and promotions on for the whole family, as well as special Christmas menus in the restaurants, so if you visit anytime before January 6th then you can expect a real treat. One day for an adult (11 or over) is €42 and a ticket for a child (4-10) is €33.50.

2. CosmoCaixa Barcelona

There are also a number of indoor attractions to keep the kids occupied during your winter stay. One option is to head to CosmoCaixa, the fantastic science museum in the city. The main highlight is the famous planetarium, but there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained all day. Different tours can cost €2 to €3 each, but the general admission is €3 adults and €2 for 8-16s. It is located at Isaac Newton 26.

4.  L’Aquarium Barcelona

Another of the best indoor experiences for kids in Barcelona is the L’Aquarium Barcelona. This boasts a huge range of marine life and sharks, and is one of the biggest attractions of the city at any time of year. Kids will be fascinated by the amazing sea creatures, and as it is open throughout the year then it should definitely be on any winter holiday list of things to do. It is located at Moll d’Espanya, and can be reached on the Metro Line 3 at Drassanes, or on Line 4 at Barceloneta. It opens at 9.30am, with adults paying €16.50 and 4-12s paying €11.50.

Photo of penguins at L’Aquarium Barcelona originally posted by Olivier Bruchez 

Ski slope in Manchester

The £31 million Chill Factor is the first indoor ski slope in the northwest of England, opening its doors in November 2007. The 250,000 sq ft snow dome offers visitors the chance to try real tobogganing on an ice luge, tubing down the snow in special tyres and a ski slope for skiers and snowboarders.

There’s no need to be a professional, with several courses on offer for novices to learn the ropes. Prices for one and a half hours on the slope range from £19 for adults. Find the Chill Factor at Junction Ten of the Manchester M60 ring road by huge shopping arcade the Trafford Centre, which has its own bus depot with services to and from the city centre.

Snow slide in Manchester

Piccadilly Gardens in the centre of Manchester has been turned into a gigantic 50-metre snow slide suitable for adults and children. Stroll through fir trees and Christmas lights after grabbing a drink and a bite in the alpine chalet or at the Christmas market in from of Manchester Town Hall nearby.

Children under 1.1 metres must be accompanied by an adult, but anyone can join in the fun on the white AstroTurf slide until January 4th, 2009. The ‘Snow Slide’ is open from Sunday to Friday from 11:00 to 21:00 and Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00, but is closed on Christmas Day. The price for a ride is £1.50. Bring the family along for some winter time fun.

Ice rink in Manchester

Manchester’s open air ice rink is back for people who want to celebrate winter holidays in a more traditional way. The skate is located at Hardman Boulevard, Spinningfields, which is off Deansgate until January 4th and is closed on Christmas Day.

The dazzling ice rink has sparking Christmas trees and contemporary decorations with plenty of places to eat and drink nearby. At busy periods it is advisable to book in advance on 0870 066 6848 or for a small fee with quaytickets.com. The ice rink is open from Sunday to Friday from 10:00 to 21:00 and Saturday at 09:30 to 21:45. A ticket for an adult aged 17 and over is £8.50 with discounts for children, disabled people and senior citizens.

Photo of Chill Factor ski slope, Greater Manchester, originally posted by Pew!Pew!Pew!Lasers!

On its north end is the Karwendel range with Nordkette raising its jagged head. Its south is ringed in by the Saile and Serles group of mountains. The Patscherkofel stands with its rounded summit on the south eastern end. The city sits on the bank of the river Inn and ‘Bruck’ means bridge. So the city is, in effect, the bridge over river Inn. Innsbruck’s largest income comes from tourism and so the city authorities take special care to ensure a special experience for all its tourists. The capital of the province of Tirol Innsbruck is an important city of the federal district. As a year round holiday destination Innsbruck has something to offer every tourist irrespective of the time of year.

Winter tourism in Innsbruck

Innsbruck is one of the few ski resort cities in the world that offers a snow guarantee wherein if it doesn’t snow there during your winter trip they will take you to a place with plenty of snow. And why is it so easy to make that guarantee? That is because Innsbruck almost never spends a winter day starving for snow. Is it then any surprise that twice it has played host to the winter Olympics! The Innsbruck area offers almost 200  trails. Axamer Lizium and Glungerez together form the ‘white roof’ where the majority of the events during both the 1964 and 1976 Olympics were held. This natural ski area boasts of a permanent training run and several rails and jumps, enough to satisfy the most snow hungry tourist.Patscherkofel, Muttereralm and Nordpark are other very popular ski resorts around Innsbruck. Easy transportation facilities and all in one ski passes make all the ski resorts in the vicinity easily accessible. For those whose enthusiasm for snow sports is more in the capacity of a viewer than a participant there is the Air and Style competition that is held in early December at the Olympic Ski Jump Stadium. In March the top snow boarders in the world participate in the Innsbruck Extreme, a contest that draws huge crowds every year.

Summer Tourism in Innsbruck

Missing winter at Innsbruck does not mean you have to miss skiing. The Stubai Glacier, about forty kilometers from Innsbruck offers an year-round skiing opportunity. As the snow melts off the mountains the lush greenness of the oak and maples envelop the slopes and transform ski slopes into wonderful hiking tracks. The region offers ample opportunities for paragliding and rafting too.Then there are the countless summer festivals. The International Folk Festival held in the second half of July has performers putting up authentic dance and music acts. From June to August the Spanish Hall of the Ambras Castle holds a concert every Tuesday. In late April there is the week long International Dance Theater Festival. Also known as the ‘Organ Town’ Innsbruck holds concerts from May to September every year to showcase the two most interesting organs that the town possesses. One is the Ebert organ that dates back to 1558 and the other, located in the Silver Chapel, is the Italian Renaissance organ. The International Organ Competition brings the organ festival to a grand close. The seasonal flowers are in full bloom during the summer at the University Botanical Gardens.

Year round attractions

There is the special summer and probably the even more special winter. Then there are attractions that make the city worth a visit irrespective of the weather. You can catch a breathtaking view of the city and its surrounding mountains from the top of the fourteenth century Stadtturm, also known as the Town Tower. Above the ski jump stadium is the Bergisel Tower which offers an unrestrictive panorama of the Alps. The Golden Roof or the Goldenes Dachl is a stunning sight. Built to celebrate the marriage of Maximillian I, it is so named because of the more than two thousand five hundred gilded copper tiles that shimmer on top of a Gothic Oriel window. Situated in the old part of the town the Golden Roof is surrounded by quaint old building with the Nordkette Mountains making for a striking backdrop.The Schloss Ambras is a tenth century castle built by Archduke Ferdinand II. A must visit is The Chamber of Art and Curiosities located in the castle. Everything from precious objects to toys and scientific items is on display here. The Upper Castle houses the ‘Hasburg Portrait Gallery’ with about three hundred portraits to view. The Cathedral of St James with its sumptuous Baroque interiors and its Madonna, painted high above the altar by Lukas Cranach the elder is definitely worth a visit. Hungerburg is a small town on the outskirts of Innsbruck from where you can take a cable car trip up the Alps. The Swarovski Crystal World is a multimedia facility that is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The Grassmayr Bell Museum, that showcases the world famous Grassmayr bells, the Tyrolean Folk Art Museum, with everything from classic painting to Tyrolean weapons as exhibits, and Tyrolean Provincial Museum, dedicated to history round up the list of famous museums in the area.Add to all these famous restaurants, and the Casino Innsbruck and you will know why the city has earned the reputation of being Innsbruck-the year round holiday destination.Photo of Innsbruck houses originally posted by James Cridland

Dear Travel Agony Aunt,
Please give me your thoughts regarding the weather in Lisbon and Porto over the holidays (Christmas and New Years). I like to take my family to a different place each year for the holidays but weather is always a factor for us ‘walkers’. A couple years ago, the rain in Spain became a pain the entire trip. We have had good luck in various parts of southern Italy, but would like to venture to Portugal for something different. Should I stick to Italy and feel safe?
JBR, age 70, from Houston, Texas

Hi JBR,

I’m a walker too and know exactly how it feels to be on a journey and to end up walking through the rain! Now my aging bones need some warmth and I’m planning a trip somewhere warm and tropical this year. But getting back to the point, I asked my young nephews about the winter season in Lisbon and Porto and they told me that during these cold months the weather in Portugal is milder in the south and colder and rainier in the north. Unfortunately, the winters are wet and windy both in Lisbon and Porto. Due to its Atlantic coastal location, Lisbon can be very misty and has an average rainfall of over 100 mm in December and in Porto the winter can be even rainier than in the Portuguese capital.

If you still want to visit Portugal and be sure to find great sunny weather, I would suggest you to go a little bit further South. The Algarve region could be the ideal destination for a winter break, because it enjoys typical Mediterranean weather and has particularly dry winters. Additionally, it is the best time of the year to find off-season budget accommodation options and fewer tourists. Especially the Eastern part of the Algarve doesn’t really have a winter season and if you are lucky, it could be great for walking and even bird watching.

Of course, winter is also a great time to visit Italy and the ideal vacation destination if you want to get a better cultural immersion and take advantage of low hotel prices. Southern Italy and Sicily are excellent for winter holidays, especially for seniors like me escaping from cold climates! If you wish to discover new places, try the beautiful area around the Como Lake. Here the rainfall can be very heavy in May but is generally moderate in December.

I wish you all the best for the New Year and a dry Christmas !

Photo of Lisbon originally posted by Filipe Saraiva