Germany Travel > Dresden,
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Dresden Germany - Travel and Tourism Information on Dresden You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Germany Travel > Dresden, Germany Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors Dresden Germany - Travel and Tourism Information on Dresden Tourist information for visitors to Dresden, Germany. Baroque Dresden, the "Florence of the North," was long known as as a center for fine arts and is today an important center for science. In 2006 Dresden will celebrate its 800 year jubilee. Find Dresden visitor information below. Articles & Resources Sort By : Guide Picks | Alphabetical | Recent Dresden Germany Travel Information - Dresden Profile Dresden Germany has long been a center for the arts. Dresden is being propared for its 800 year jubilee, and a great many of Dresden's buildings are undergoing restoration. Find more on Dresden in this profile. City of Dresden - Official Site Get a map, learn about festivals and using public transport, find museums, cultural events and accommodations. Dresden Performances Find cultural events in Dresden here, including opera, theater, sports, and flea markets. Dresden Night Skate If you're in Dresden on Friday night and you like to skate, why not try this organized group skate at 9pm? Site in German. More Categories Up a category Dresden Germany Lodging (8) Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Headlines Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and... Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came... Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated... North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000...
Family Vacation Spots Travel
Family Vacation Spots You are here: About > Travel > Travel with Kids > Top Vacation Spots > Family Vacation Spots Travel Travel with Kids Essentials Family Vacation Ideas Winter and Spring Break All-Inclusive Resorts Ten Latest Family Travel Deals Family Resorts: top places; photos Articles & Resources Family Travel: What's Hot Top Vacation Spots VT, ME, NH, CT, MA, NY, PA Mexico Family Vacations Caribbean Vacations More Beach Vacations Florida Family Vacations Resorts with Water Park More Family Resorts Fun Places for Kids Disney Vacations Family Cruises Babies;Teens;Single Parents Lots More Destinations Family Travel TIPS, GAMES Buyer's Guide TAKE ALONG: Christmas books Christmas flicks Activity Kits more CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Travel with Kids newsletter! See Online Courses Search Travel with Kids Family Vacation Spots: a "personal best" list of family vacation spots... They say one man'spizza is another man's poison, and the same is true for "best" family vacation spots: we allhave preferences. I admit leanings toward history and the dread word "scenery"... Nonetheless, we've had super trips of many different styles-- Disney, Caribbean beaches, Tuscan hill towns, Utah skiing -- that I hope you'll enjoy too. Scroll down below, or take these shortcuts: Paris | Walt Disney World | Yellowstone | Jamaica Resort | US Virgin Islands | Amelia Island | Whistler, BC | Europe family resorts | Mayan Riviera | Tuscany | NYC | Brazil all-inclusive | Oahu | Quebec Carnival | Utah skiing 1) Best Family Vacation Spots: ParisWith Kids Ah, the City of Light: not to mention famous (free for kids) museums; the Eiffel Tower, my kids' top attraction ever; the river Seine with its wide walkways so perfect for strollers; and heavenly patisseries . (More Europe destinations are found below.) 2) WaltDisney World Orlando, Florida was merely a swampy spot and a gleam in Walt Disney's eye in 1966, but is now the planet's most powerful magnet for families. Many attractions have joined Walt Disney World, but it's still the colossus, with four huge theme parks and an area the size of Boston, and probably ranks as "best family vacation spot" for millions. 3) Family Adventure in Yellowstone National Park "Family Adventures" are all-inclusive escorted tours in a great outdoors area, with "multisports" like hiking, rafting, and horse-riding. Yellowstone was far better than I'd dreamed-- as was the "family adventure" concept. Think: no hassles, check-in line-ups, or "where'll we eat?" Think: a small group of fellow travelers who turn out to be great company, and guides who go all out to make your trip wonderful. 4) Franklyn D. Resort, Jamaica The phrase "all-inclusive family resort" is common in the Caribbean, but only FDR and its sister resort include a "vacation nanny" throughout your stay. Fun includes biking, water-sliding, scuba diving (for ages 12 and up), walking up a waterfall. Feeding kids is a piece of cake, whether you choose kiddie buffets or a five-course dinner on the boardwalk. Suites are huge. More Great Caribbean Resorts 5) Best Family Vacation Spots: US Virgin Islands Three distinct islands in "American's Caribbean" offer family-friendly resorts, a land-and-sea National Park, super snorkeling, colonial towns and forts, duty-free shops, and some novel ways to explore the underseas. Personal favorite activities: snorkeling and sea-trekking. 6) Amelia Island, Florida Still relatively unknown, Amelia Island-- in northern Florida near Jacksonville-- has lovely beaches; a historic fort complete with actors who play period characters; a quaint town with wonderful old buildings; delicious sea-food; and two fine resorts, the Amelia Island Plantation and the Ritz-Carleton, both of which welcome kids. 7) Whistler-Blackcomb Ski Resort (BC, Canada) Whistler-Blackcomb is a hip place forx-treme skiers and partiers: yet this dual resort welcomes thousands of families, with a Children's Adventure Park, a family-friendly zone of green runs, popular ski camps for kids, Ride Tribe for teens. Stay in an attractive townhome with full kitchen; hop on free shuttle buses to the slopes. 8) Europe: Center Parcs Family Resorts Center Parcs has 13 family resorts in northern Europe: each with a huge domed area that houses a tropical pool (slides, waves, etc.), restaurants, shops, etc. Large cottages; country settings; many outdoors activities-- and affordable. 9) Family Vacation Spot, Mexico: Mayan Riviera A top family vacation spot, that combines beach fun with interesting (and even educational!) outings in the area. Just south of busy Cancun is a very different Mexico, with sleepy beach towns, beautiful coral reef, a unique eco-archeological theme park, lagoons for snorkeling, and Mayan ruins. 10) Tuscany & Unbria Kids are natural-born medievalists: they love knights and castles and tales of old-- and the hill towns of Tuscany and Umbria are super places to let their imaginations go. The old sections of these towns are picture-perfect, with centuries-old stone buildings and no plastic ticky-tack. If you're willing to try alternative-type lodgings, the adventure can even be affordable. 11) New York with a Teen New York is exciting for any age but theres an extra thrill in visiting with a child old enough to know they're in one of the world's great cities. Click to see highlights of a visit with a 13-year-old: and as a bonus, many of these activities are low-cost or even free. 12) Breezes Costa do Sauipe, Brazil Yes, it's far to go; but, ah, once you're there... Award-winning Breezes Costa do Sauipe has five miles of unspoiled beach; multi-resort complex with shared equestrian, golf, and lake activities; nearby outings; tour of historic Salvador; kids' program and infant care; fabulous seafood; a very fun and Brazilian ambiance. And your dollar goes a long way. 13) Oahu, Hawaii One small island, so much to do: from famous Waikiki Beach to north shore surfing, eco-tours, Pearl Harbor, luaus, and High Tea in British colonial style (with kids' tea also), Hawaii's island of Oahu has an amazing range of fun for family vacations. 14) Quebec Winter Carnival Ice Palaces, ice sculptures, snow sculptures (left), giant slides for sleds... the Quebecois people know how to celebrate winter. Quebec City is easily reached from northeast cities, and its 2-week carnival in February is a joyous and friendly good-time-for-all, especially kids. (If you don't parlez , don't worry; people in the tourist industry speak English.) 15) Salt Lake City Skiing There are seven very different ski areas, under an hour's drive from Salt Lake City. We had a great time sampling three of them: Alta (skiers only), Solitude, and Park City. A top family vacation spot for skiing! More Top Family Vacation Spots: Related Resources Top-rated Vacations Travel Games and Toys Important productdisclaimer information about this About site. From Teresa Plowright , Your Guide to Travel with Kids . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Advertisement Most Popular Charades -How To Play Charades Family Vacation Spots The Atlantis Resort Great Places to See Santa Disney Christmas Magic Kingdom What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Related Topics Florida for Visitors New England for Visitors Theme Parks Hotels / Resorts / Inns Parenting of K-6 Children Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Grand Floridian Chinese New Year - 2006 Poconos Great Wolf Lodge photo Dog Friendly Hotels, inns, lodges -- find dog-friendly vacat... Kwanzaa Headlines Bunch of family travel deals Latest deals added include a January Travel Special at the... First Nights! "First Night" events celebrate New Year's with family-friendly festivities-- and... Top Family Travel Trends in 2005 It's that time of year... to pause the mad dash... Bookmark the NORAD Tracks Santa site! It's not a family trip, but it's certainly a trip...
Italy Travel Essentials -
Naples Italy Travel Essentials - Information for the Visitor to Naples Italy You are here: About > Travel > Italy for Visitors > More Italian Cities > Naples > Naples Italy Travel Essentials - Information for the Visitor to Naples Italy Travel Go Italy Essentials Italy Profile Top Ten Cities to Visit in Italy Eating Out in Italy Ski in Piedmont New Year's Celebrations in Italy Articles & Resources Planning and Information Florence, Italy Rome, Italy Venice, Italy More Italian Cities Regions of Italy Italy Pictures Food and Wine of Italy Language and Culture Festivals and Events Gay and Lesbian Travel Italian History Things to Do in Italy Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Italy for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Italy for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page More Italian Cities Top Ten Cities in Italy Most Popular Naples, Italy Overview Italian New Year Celebrations Top Ten Cities in Italy Italy Information Rome Italy Travel Essentials What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art Related Topics France for Visitors Europe for Visitors Greece for Visitors Italian Cuisine Naples, Italy Travel Essentials From Martha Bakerjian , Your Guide to Italy for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Naples City Profile Naples Introduction: Naples, Napoli in Italian, is the third most-populated city in Italy and the biggest city in Southern Italy. Its close proximity to many interesting sites, such as Pompeii and the Bay of Naples, makes it a good base. Naples is a lively and vibrant city, full of wonderful historical and artistic treasures and narrow, winding streets with small shops, making it worth at least a few days visit. The name comes from the Greek Neapolis meaning new city. Naples Location: Naples is in the region of Campania in Southern Italy, about 2-hours south of Rome. It sits on the coast on the northern edge of the Bay of Naples, one of the most beautiful bays in Italy. Its harbor is the most important port in Southern Italy. Transportation to Naples: Naples is the main transportation hub for southern Italy with several major train lines. The train and bus stations are in the huge Piazza Garibaldi , on the eastern side of Naples. Naples has an airport, Aeroporto Capodichino, with flights to other parts of Italy and to Europe. A bus connects the airport with Piazza Garibaldi . Ferries and hydrofoils run from Naple's Molo Beverello to the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida, and Sardinia. Naples Transportation: Naples has good public transportation and lots of traffic problems so it's best to avoid having a car in Naples. Naples has a large but crowded bus network, trams, a subway, funiculars, and a suburban train line, the Ferrovia Circumvesuviana , that will get you to Herculaneum, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Naples Tourist Information: There are tourist offices in the main train station, Piazza Gesu Nuovo, and Piazza Martiri. Naples Food Specialities: Pizza, one of Italy's most famous foods, originated in Naples and pizza is taken very seriously here. You'll find lots of great pizza places but be sure you look for one with a wood-burning oven! Spaghetti also became popular in Naples and today the best is with clams or mussels. Seafood is abundant and very good in Naples, too. Naples Festivals: Naples has one of the best New Year's Eve fireworks displays in Italy. During Christmas, hundreds of Creches decorate the city. There are many decorations for Easter, too, and a huge parade. Two huge religous festivals are held in September, the Festa di Piedigrotta on the 7th and San Gennaro on the 19th. During the summer, there are music festivals, too. Naples Attractions: The National Archaeological Museum of Naples has one of the world's best collections of Greek and Roman antiquities, including mosaics, sculptures, gems, glass and silver, and a collection of Roman erotica from Pompeii. Many of the objects come from excavations at Pompeii and other nearby archaeological sites. Spaccanapoli is one of the main streets crossing Naples and is the heart of the historic center. Teeming with people, the street holds many interesting churches, shops, and other buildings. The Spaccanapoli district is a string of narrow, winding streets and is mainly a pedestrian zone so its a fun place to wander around. The Duomo is a 13th century Gothic cathedral dedicated to Naple's patron saint, San Gennaro . It also includes a 4th century basilica (the oldest church in Naples), a baptistry, and Renaissance crypt. The Capodimonte Museum and Park, built as King Charles III's hunting lodge, houses one of Italy's richest museums with a great picture gallery and collection of majolica and porcelain. You can wander around the royal apartments and the surrounding park, too. Castel dell'Ovo , the oldest castle in Naples, sits in a prominent position on the harbor and is used for exhibitions and concerts. The Castel Nuovo , a huge castle erected in 1282, houses the Civic Museum. Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Italian New Year Celebrations Florence Pictures - Copy of Michelangelo statue David in fro... Florence Pictures - View of the Tuscan countryside from the ... Florence Pictures - Pitti Palace Fountain from Boboli Garden... Florence Pictures - Florence CowParade - Cow Art
Disney Vacation Club Reseller
Disney Vacation Club - A guide to DVC Resales and disney time share point charts The Internet's Largest Unofficial On-Line Guide to Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Disney Cruise Line Disneyland Parks Hotels Dining DVC Photos Events Transport Ratings Discounts Site Map Home Page Photos/Video Theme Parks Magic Kingdom Epcot MGM Studios Animal Kingdom Tickets Park Hours/Shows Park Maps Events more.... Resorts/Hotels Disney Resorts Hotel DIScounts Rack Rates Resort Maps Reservations more.... Discussion Forums Ratings/Reviews Abbreviations FAQ's Posting Guidelines Free Registration Disney Cruise Line Itineraries Activities Dining Staterooms Discounts more... DVC/Timeshare DVC Resales DVC Resorts Newcomers FAQ DVC Point Charts Rent/Trade Points Discounts Current Discounts Disney Cruise Line Package Discounts Resort Discounts more... Disneyland CA Theme Parks Accomodations Dining Discounts more... Dining Menus Dining Database Priority Seatings more... Downtown Disney Cirque du Soleil Disney Quest Marketplace Pleasure Island West Side more... Transportation Town Car Service Bus Schedules Monorail Driving to Florida more... Recreation Golf Courses Parasailing/Skiing Richard Petty more... Community Discussion Community Photos Countdown Clock DIS Team more... Upcoming Events Universal Studios The #1 Disney Vacation Club Reseller in the World!! 1-800-550-6493 Disney Vacation Club Information, DVC Resales DVC Main Page DVC Resales Points Calculator Point Charts Rent/Trade Points Rent/Trade FAQ'S DVC FAQ'S DVC Resorts at WDW Room Reports DVC Discussion Forums DVC Frequently Asked Questions Deciding to join the Disney Vacation Club is a big decision. We all went through it, and we had a thousand questions in the process. One of the goals for this web site was to try and answer as many questions as possible here. The DVC bulletin board is also a great source of information (you can reach that board by selecting BOARDS from the menu bar to the left). What are the benefits of membership? How does the point system work? How do I know how many points to purchase? Can I use my points at other resorts? What if I decide not to keep it? What should I know about buying timeshares through a resale company? Still have Questions? What are the benefits of membership? There are a number of benefits to joining the DVC. First, the value of the points that you purchase will never change. The same value you receive today, will be the same value you receive in 30 years. While the cost of staying at a Disney hotel rises by 5-10% per year, this is a great hedge against inflation. Members also receive discounts at Pleasure Island and Disney Water Parks as well as 10% off merchandise at The Disney Store nationwide. DVC offers discounts for a variety of WDW restaurants, recreational programs and tours. A complete list is provided to members when they check in at their resort. Members also receive a 10% discount on Unlimited Park Hopper passes, that allow unlimited admission to all WDW Theme Parks, Water Parks, Pleasure Island and Disney Quest for every day of your stay. These passes must be purchased at a DVC resort during your stay. You also have the benefit of being able to book at your home resort up to 11 months in advance of your check out date. Your home resort is the resort at which you purchased your interest. Current DVC resorts are Old Key West (OKW), Boardwalk Villas (BWV), Vero Beach (VB), Hilton Head Island (HH), Villas at Wilderness Lodge (VWL), Beach Club Villas (BCV) and Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa is due to open in May, 2004. You can reserve up to 7 months in advance at any DVC location that is not your home resort. Membership in DVC is included with ownership at a DVC Resort. The program is currently scheduled to end on January 31, 2042- for OKW, BWV, VWL and BCV. After that date, the present resorts will revert back to Disney ownership. Ownership rights may be transferred to others in a will or by a direct sale, after consult with DVC. DVC can add additional resorts in the future which could have a different end date. This has recently occurred with Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (SSR), where DVC will offer membership until January 31, 2054. All of the discount programs are subject to change and may be modified at any time, but the DVC resorts and their total points may not be changed. Back to top How does the point system work? When you buy into the DVC, you purchase a certain number of points per year. The current price (retail) is $89 per point, for purchases at SSR -with a 150 point minimum for initial purchase and $84 per point for add-ons at the other DVC resorts-with a 25 point minimum for DVC members. Let's say you purchased 200 points. You would be assigned a "use year" (that is the month of the year in which your points would recycle). For example, my use year is February, and I own 200 points. Every February, 200 points are available for me to use that year. When I decide to book my vacation, I choose the dates I want to visit, and the type of room that I want to stay in. That will determine how many points that visit will cost me. I also have the option of banking my points into the next use year, or borrowing points against next year for this year. Which leads to the next question... Back to top How do I know how many points to purchase? This depends on how often you plan to visit Disney World, what size accommodation you would need, and what times of the year you want to visit. The Disney Information Station maintains a DVC Point Calculator and a DVC Point Chart. I suggest that you enter in some sample information, based on what type of vacation habits you have, to find out how many points would be appropriate for you. Many ask if DVC will change the point requirement for a stay at a DVC resort. While the total number of points sold at the resort is a fixed number and cannot be changed, point needs for stays can be changed. However, if points needed for some nights (or room types) are raised, other nights (or room types) must be lowered, as the total points required to stay at the resort for the year cannot be changed. This has occurred only once, in 1996 at OKW, and is likely to happen only if necessary to keep resort utilization in balance for the benefit of DVC members. At that time some nights were raised a few points, some were lowered a few points and most were not changed at all. Back to top Can I use my points at other resorts? The DVC is part of Interval International (a large, worldwide timeshare organization). Your DVC points can be traded for accommodations at many of the Interval Internationals resorts nationwide. You can also use your points to stay at other Disney resorts, as well as the DVC locations at Vero Beach, FL and Hilton Head, SC. and a number of other vacation opportunities such as the Disney Cruise Line and special Adventure programs. Back to top What if I decide not to keep it? You are free to sell your interest in the DVC just as you would any other real estate property. Many people list their DVC properties with companies such as the Timeshare Store, Inc. The Timeshare Store is a licensed Florida real estate company that acts as the broker for the sale and purchase of timeshare interests. You can get more info on The Timeshare Store by visiting their web site at http://www.timesharesale.com and info on their DVC Resales specifically at http://www.dvc-resales.com Back to top What should I know about buying timeshares through a resale company? There are a couple of points you should keep in mind when purchasing resale. First, watch out for companies who want to charge you any up front fees. You should never pay anything until a sale is final. Second, make sure that the resale agent you are dealing with is a licensed real estate agency. This lends a great deal of credibility to that agency, and gives you direct recourse (through the state board of realtors) should anything go wrong. We recommend The Timeshare Store in Orlando, FL. Many people who have visited this site have purchased DVC through them and have had excellent experiences in doing so. Back to top Once a DVC resort is sold out, if I buy through resale, will there be problems trying to book rooms? Disney Vacation Club resorts are busy places, there is no question about that. However, if you plan far enough in advance, you should be able to get the dates you want without much of a problem. Remember, at your home resort, you can reserve up to 11 months in advance of your check out date and 7 months in advance at other DVC resorts. All members have the same benefits and restrictions regardless how they joined the DVC. There is no negative to a membership purchased through resale. Back to top Still have Questions? If you have other questions that are not listed here, pay a visit to our DVC bulletin board. There you can ask any question you like of other DVC members. CLICK HERE to go to the boards! Back to top FL TOURS Transportation To Disney As low as $95 Round Trip Click Here Discount Disney Tickets Disney World Universal Studios Sea World Dinner Shows Click Here to Order Theme Parks | Accommodations | Dining | Transportation | DVC | Discounts | Pictures / Video | Holidays / Events Privacy Statement | Contact Us | Terms of Service | Advertising Information | Site Dedication | Disney Vacations Discounts | Cruise Line Overview | Disney Cruise Line | Tickets | Hotels | Downtown | Animal Kingdom | Rides Attractions Disney World Hotels | Epcot Future World | Epcot Overview | Magic Kingdom | Orlando Transportation | Page Listing This site is not affiliated in any way with the Walt Disney Company or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries. This site and the information contained therein represent the opinion of the webmaster. For official information on Walt Disney World, Click Here This site is owned and maintained by Werner Technologies. Click Here with any questions.
Europe Travel 101 -
Winter Travel to Europe - Low Season Highs from Europe for Visitors You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors Travel Go Europe Essentials European Vacation Planning Map Europe Travel 101 - Before you Go European Distances The Best of Europe European Photo Gallery Articles & Resources Europe Travel Planning What to do In Europe Lodging - Hotels and More European Travel Maps Sex and Nudism Travel Photography Transportation Benelux Countries France Germany Austria Switzerland Greece Italy and Malta Travel Info Scandinavian Travel Spain and Portugal United Kingdom and Ireland Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Italy Travel Guidebooks Europe Travel Guidebooks German Travel Guidebooks Product Reviews Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Europe for Visitors newsletter! See Online Courses Search Europe for Visitors Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page European Tickets on the Web European Tickets on the Web Box Office Online Italy Winter Travel Resources Christmas Markets Winter Festivals Europe Carnivals Europe Weather Europe Weather Links Most Popular Europe Map - Distances Between Cities in Western Europe Europe's Best Nudist Beaches Europe Picture Galleries Italy Pictures Europe Travel 101 - Before You Travel to Europe for the Firs... What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There Related Topics France for Visitors Greece for Visitors United Kingdom / Ireland for Visitors Eastern Europe for Visitors Italy for Visitors Winter Travel To Europe From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Winter may be the perfect time to travel. Why not travel in winter? Hotels and airfares are cheap, sweaty summer crowds are a dim memory, and there's plenty going on:
Attend Cultural events: Opera, Theater, and Symphony Winter Seasons.
Have Fun in the Snow: skiing, snowboarding
See Christmas Markets, Festivals and Carnival
Enjoy Winter food - an entirely different animal from summer's simplicity!
Why Travel in Winter?
While it's great fun hanging out under the August sun slurping spaghetti with fresh tomato sauce at an outdoor cafe in Rome, winter travel offers some interesting opportunities you may not have considered. There are the obvious ones, like skiing and snowboarding. But what about the opera and orchestra season? European cultural events in historic halls are going full blast in winter.
Winter offers you a chance to see Europe in a whole different--albeit dimmer--light. The season presents you with a chance to put on your woollies and hike snow covered peaks, or squeeze into a tux and go to an opera gala.
How can I afford all this? Saving Money
If you think you can't afford a winter vacation, take a look at winter airline prices. It could cost you a half to a third of the price of a summer flight to get to Europe in the off-season.
Hotels usually offer discounts in winter as well.
But isn't it Cold Over There?
Some places are indeed quite chilly. But the south of Italy, Spain, Portugal and most of Greece are pretty balmy in winter. Winter is a great time to visit Spain's Andalucian trio of Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Or perhaps you'd rather take a winter visit to almost deserted Pompeii with a stopover in Naples in order to eat some of the best food in Italy. Check our Europe Weather Links for the skinny on temperatures.
The Contrarian View - Winter as, well...Winter!
Why look for sun and balmy weather at all? Winter has charms of its own. Instead of a seat at an outdoor cafe, think of wandering through Venice's wintry fog, peering into the city's steamed-up windows in search of a cozy cafe--or, better yet, think of eating rich, winter foods beside a roaring fire beneath the intricately carved timber-beams of an historic guild hall restaurant in Basel, Switzerland.
In winter, European cuisine changes dramatically. Southern Mediterranean dwellers wouldn't think of eating heavy cream sauces in summer (although they will whip butterfat into just about anything for tourists who demand such culinary blasphemy). But once the leaves fall off the trees, European kitchens burst into winter mode--creamy, long-cooking sauces, preserved duck and goose, root vegetables, and the roasting of wild game all contributing to aromas that will leave you wishing you could stay in Europe forever. In winter you'll come to find all those food "specialties" you've read about in guidebooks but were never able to locate in summer.
Cultural Events also come alive in winter. The opera, theater, and symphony seasons are in full swing. Sure, in summer you can spend good money going to a historic building to see short ditties truncated for the enjoyment of limited-attention-span summer tourists, but the shorter days of winter leave time in the evenings for the real deal. Today you'll find many ticket sales for these events online. Check the "European Tickets on the Web" box on the upper right for more.
(continue to page two for Christmas Markets, Festivals, and Skiing. 1 2 Next Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About New Video iPod - Review POLL: Must-Have Gadgets VIDEO: Portable Gaming VIDEO: Choosing a TV Hugh Hefner's Life What's Hot Power Adapters Noord-Holland - Delights of North Holland Travel Visiting Pompeii Italy Guidebooks Naples - Getting There