Tuesday, December 02, 2003

Happy Holidaes folks!! if you have the blink! blink! you can come to these places... Wintery or Summery.. Enjoy!

10 TO KNOW: WINTER GETAWAYS - WINTER OR SUNSHINE

As winter's chill settles in, our thoughts naturally turn to the perfect vacation. Snow-lovers fixate on piles of powder, steaming hot tubs, and thick down comforters; sun-seekers dream of bright desert sunshine, secluded strands of white sand, and crystal-clear waters. How about you—prefer to point your toes down the steepest, snowiest slope you can find or dip them into a warm, tropical bay?
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QUEBEC-THE ICE HOTEL


That's right, it's a hotel made entirely from ice. Surely the "coolest" getaway in the world, the Ice Hotel boasts 4-foot-thick walls, a nightclub with vaulted ice ceilings, a spectacular wedding chapel, and furniture—yes, even the bed—carved from ice. Bring a special friend and share the warmth. No cuddling companion? No worries, the gift shop sells long johns! Scheduled to open January 10.


BANFF- LIFT TICKETS AND FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS
No need to worry about boredom in Banff—your lift ticket is good at three ski areas: Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Ski Banff @ Norquay, all offering open bowls, steep bumps, and spectacular scenery. After a long day on the slopes, retire to your plush digs at the Fairmont Banff Springs, modeled after a Scottish castle. Refresh spent muscles with a dip in the indoor Hungarian mineral pool.


PARK CITY- UTAH- LIFT TICKETS, OYLMPIC TOURS
Powder aficionados praise Park City as home to some of the finest, lightest white stuff in the world. This year, the flakes started falling in October, so the "powderati" are getting amped for a great season. Visit the Olympic Park and see future Olympians, the world's highest-altitude ski jumps, and the lightning-fast bobsled, luge, and skeleton track.

Whistler, B.C.—Dog Sledding and Fondue Dinner
Skied out? These backcountry adventures are perfect if you need a break, or if you're a non-skier who still wants to get in on the winter action. Learn about dog sledding, meet the industrious pups who make it happen, and even ride the rails and learn to mush, if you like! Later on, trek to the cozy Crystal Hut (6,000 feet) via Snowcat or snowmobile for a traditional fondue dinner and a warming spot of win

Zürich, Switzerland—Glacier Tour
If you're looking for something different this winter, don't forget Europe: Travel to beautiful Zürich and take a ride to 10,000-foot Mount Titlis. Snow is guaranteed—and so are the unparalleled views of the Alps from the world's first revolving gondola. Thrill-seekers can board the Ice Flyer for a hair-raising sail over deep crevasses and ice falls. Come back to earth with a visit to picturesque Lucerne.

strong>Maui—Surfing Lessons
Maui is home to enormous volcanoes, incomparable beaches, lush, green valleys—and some of the finest surfing spots in the world. And as long as you're over 4 years old, you too can learn to shred the swells! You'll start out in gentle surf, and with the help of an experienced instructor, you'll have your toes on the nose in no time at all. Great fun for beginners and seasoned surfers alike

Caribbean Cruises
If it's hard to find a vacation that suits your whole family, try a Caribbean cruise. Hop amongst tropical islands; frolic in clear, blue seas; and get pampered 24/7 by an attentive, friendly staff. Bonus: Some cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney, in particular) offer great kids' programs, so you can sneak off for a romantic dinner—and the wee ones won't even notice you're gone.

Cancún—Swim with Dolphins
For an active getaway, head to Cancún: Prowl mysterious Mayan ruins, don mask and snorkel to seek out angelfish on the Great Mayan Reef, sample tequilas at trendy nightspots—or just lay out on a white-sand beach. And don't forget to visit your beautiful, extroverted new friends: the dolphins at the Interactive Aquarium! Swim with these graceful creatures, then let them treat you to a "foot push" ride.

Australia—Great Barrier Reef
What's so great about the Great Barrier Reef? Well, it's south of the equator and it's summertime, so sunshine is guaranteed. The reef is incredibly big and diverse, with over 30 species of marine mammals, 1,500 species of fish, and 350 types of hard coral. See it for yourself: Head down into the depths in a semi-submersible vessel, then snorkel or dive the reef. You might even see some shacks (that's Australian for sharks)!

Carefree, Arizona—The Boulders Resort & Spa

Until you've witnessed the late-afternoon sunshine lighting up the craggy peaks of the Arizona desert, you might not fully comprehend the restorative properties of a vacation here. Lose your cares in Carefree, home to this five-star retreat. Spend the day golfing or hiking, then rejuvenate with a spa treatment at the Golden Door Spa—emerging in time for a moonlit mountain bike tour. Great shopping and dining are close by in Scottsdale.

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