Spain Travel Information -

Europe Travel - A European Vacation Travel Guide  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 From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Antwerp Pictures Antwerp is a fashion and diamond center for Belgium and the world, it has one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe, and it was home to artist Peter Paul Rubens in the 17th century. What's not to like about this Belgian port city? See what it's all about in our latest photo Gallery: Antwerp Pictures . More Antwerp Travel: Antwerp Travel Directory | Antwerp Lodging | Antwerp Museums Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink Like to Travel Well? Follow the CIA! I really should have paid attention when the CIA came recruiting at my college. Operatives really get to live it up when they travel, apparently. Imagine, the lucky seven of the "Surveillance Team" sent out to case the joint before kidnapping 39-year-old Muslim preacher Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, managed to spend "$39,995, not counting meals, parking and other services" for a week at Milan's Principe di Savoia ( check prices ), where a room goes for a mere $588 a night, according to Newsday . Once Abu Omar was behind bars in Cairo the CIA folks broke up and went their various ways, some to the renowned Grand Hotel Baglioni ( check prices ) in Florence , a few in cozy pairs to save the taxpayers money, no doubt. Travel Resources: Milan Profile | Florence Profile Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink Tapas from Cans? Ok, so you wander into one of Barcelona's most celebrated tapas bars thinking, "wow, I'm gonna down me some fine, fresh seafood this evening--non of that canned stuff like we get at home..." Well, Quimet and Quimet is one of Barcelona's best tapas bars, recommended by just about anyone. Joaquim Perez, owner of Quimet and Quimet, has been called Barcelona's culinary king of canned food. That's right, a tapas king devoted to high-quality goods preserved in metal. I had heard about the increasing interest in vintage sardines , whose flavors are said to increase in intensity and complexity with aging. But Mr. Perez has extended this idea of unlikely gourmet tinkering; he buys "fresh" Galician navajas (clams) from the cannery and sets them to aging for a year or two before serving them (plain) to his customers. And they love 'em. Maybe you should go and see what this canned gourmet thing is all about. There are worse places to spend time on a research expedition. More: Gastronomic Route: Barcelona, a tapas town? Travel Resources: Barcelona Guide | Barcelona Pictures Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink North Holland: Noah's Ark Redux A pious north Holland businessman took out a 300 000 loan and turned his investment into a "faithful reconstruction of Noah's Ark in scaled down form on the basis of biblical texts," according to the Mail & Guardian . Spring is the expected launch date. No word on where the animals will come from. Travel Resources: North Holland Travel | Holland Map | Benelux Rail Passes Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink Appreciate Long John Shivers? Head for the Alps I know I frequently extol the virtues of off season travel, but there's a whole bunch of adventurers willing to go the extra mile in their long johns to enjoy icier surroundings than I'd care to experience. Those would be the Ice Hotel People. Word from Vagablond is that "a new ice hotel is being constructed 7,000 feet up into the German Alps." HotelChatter says this ice hotel might well be part of the Iglu-Dorf chain, who specialize in things like Inuit igloos in Switzerland. Like it cold? Get you thrills in the Alps this winter. I'll toast your bravado at the hearth with a steaming hot toddy. Travel Resources: Germany map and Travel Essentials | Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials . Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink Europe Travel in the Off Season Why travel in the off season? Well, you know the reasons: fewer tourists, lower prices, and cooler temperatures, to name a few. But there's another reason for me, and that's the warm, slanting light that brings photos alive. See what I mean by taking a gander at: Liguria Pictures - Picture Gallery of Liguria in Autumn . And if you still want to see more pictures of Italy , try out Italy for Visitors Florence Pictures , taken in November. Travel Resources: Off Season Travel Tips | Italy Travel Map Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink Travel Gifts Ok, you're thinkin' it's too late to post some ideas for gifts at this late date. Hey, you can chalk it up to sloth and indolence, but I don't start burdening my mind with thoughts about winter holidays in May like the rest of my family. The crunch starts now. So I've made up a list of recommended Travel Gifts . Of course, you could buy some of the stuff for yourself as well. Take a look. You've got language help, a deep, inside look at the Vatican, and more, not to mention that Tyrolean Boiled Wool Jacket like you've always wanted. More Stuff You Need: Top Travel Photography Gear Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink Joe Torre carries the Olympic Torch in Florence New York Yankee manager Joe Torre carried the Olympic torch 400 yards to the foot of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence yesterday as part of "American day" in the two-month Olympic torch relay. It was the first time he'd been to Italy in 20 years, despite the fact that his mother was born in the village of Patina near Naples. (Source: Indystar.com ) The torch Joe carried was designed by the folks at Pininfarina , who've banged out quite a few sexy Italian auto bodies in their time. The Olympic torch is designed to work in rain, snow and wind up to 74.56 miles per hour, not to mention temperatures from -4°F to +77°F. According to what I've heard, the torch suffered much less than Mr. Torre during the run. Travel Resources: Florence Travel Directory | Florence Pictures: Views from the Arno | Naples Travel Directory Photo above: Ponte Vecchio, Florence by Martha Bakerjian, Italy for Visitors ; click "read more" to see it larger. Read more... Thursday December 15, 2005 | permalink Sunny Valencia It's cold here in my corner of California, prime time to think of warmer climes. Valencia pops to mind. Host to the 2007 America's cup, the sunny Spanish port city has been spiffing itself up lately, and many travelers have remarked that Valencia seems to be passing Barcelona as Spain's city of tourist choice. What's not to like? The spring La Fallas festival is a not to be missed attraction (plan now if you're going), the City of Arts and Sciences holds 87 acres of fascinating art, science and architecture, and the Barrio del Carmen is chock full of music, restaurants and clubs. Find out more about Valence by taking a peek at our latest: Valencia Spain Travel Information - Valencia Profile , or peruse our Valencia Travel Directory . Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink Hey Santa! Take That! Scroogy Musings: So a couple guys in Germany get asked what they want for Christmas by Santa, who happens to be waiting for a train home. They've been out shopping all day, unsuccessfully one assumes, because the next thing you know they've latched on to Santa's sack and "beat him over the head with it, breaking his fingers as he tried to protect himself." ( Santa - Germany's new stress buster ) Santa on a train? in Germany? A bit early, isn't it? Has the Christmas spirit been so commercialized that the little people like us suffer with the stress of plunking down good cash for stuff we think people might like but probably won't? Where is the joy of it all? Everyone remembers the magical experience of visiting Santa in the mall when they were kids and the smile it brought to your face. Unfortunately over the last few years it seems the spirit of Christmas is slowly being lost due to many different reasons including political correctness, busier lifestyles and many more issues. Hold on a sec. Now I'm angrier than a red-nosed reindeer. Everyone doesn't remember. Some of us are way too old to conjure the disgraceful vision of mall Santas in their mothball costumes and fake beards. The statement above comes from Live From Lapland (dot com). For a bit less than 15 dollars they'll make a custom video staring Santa, who'll be talking to your kids using the words you put in his mouth via the web site's control panel. Their Santa evidently lives in a paneled room and wears mall Santa clothes and beardage. It's in the sample flick. He could be in Kansas. Still, where else you gonna get a five minute flick to your specs for $14.95? Travel Resources: Lapland (the real one) | Chrismas in Europe Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink Display Latest Headlines | | | Read Archives powered by Movable Type Advertisement 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        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...

Disney vacation. Walt Disney

Disney Hotels :: Walt Disney World Hotels | Disney Tickets | My Hotel List | Review Reservations | Cancel Reservations | Reservations Help Book Your Walt Disney World® Resort Vacation Package Online or Call us :: 1-888-275-9100 Other Hotels near Walt Disney World® Resort: Walt Disney World® Hotels | Orlando Hotels | Kissimmee Hotels | Lake Buena Vista Hotels | Disney Land® Hotels Disney Hotels :: Walt Disney World® Hotels Value Resorts Walt Disney World All Star Movies Resort Rating: 3 magic keys Giant Icons from Favorite Disney Movies including 101 Dalmations, Toy Story, Fantasia, The Mighty Ducks and the Love Bug set the scene at this extradinary resort hotel. The Walt Disney World® All Star Movies Resort joins the two other All Star Value Priced Resorts, Walt Disney World's All-Star Music Resort and Walt Disney World's All Star Sports Resort On a 62 acre Site near the Walt Disney World® Animal Kingdom. Walt Disney World All Star Sports Resort Rating: 3 magic keys The larger-than-life flair of this fun resort will fill even the tallest order. Music landscaping and lighting create sports scenes --palm tress arranged to look like a basketball team at tip-off, a quiet pool in the shape of a baseball infield and neon and fiber optics highlight the main icons. Walt Disney World's All Star Sports Resort joins two other all star resorts-Walt Disney World's All Star Music Resort and Walt Disney World's All Star Movies resort on a 62-acre site near Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom theme park. Walt Disney World All Star Music Resort Rating: 3 magic keys Sounds set the scene at Walt Disney World's all-star music resort. the musically themed resort doesn't miss a beat with giant banjos guitars trombones conga drums and maracas boldly greeting guests. A collection of three story buildings with themes like Broadway, Calypso, Jazz, Country and Rock n Roll make up the music hotel. Walt Disney World's all star music resort joins two other all star value-priced resorts-Walt Disney World's All Star Movies Resort and the All Star Sports Resort on a 62 acre site near Disney World's animal kingdom theme park. Deluxe Resorts Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom Lodge Rating: 6 magic keys Resort hotel guests are immersed in an environment inspired by the cultural splendor and picturesque beauty of an African wildlife reserve. Many of the deluxe resorts hotel guestrooms feature balconies overlooking 33-acre tropical savannah that is home to more than 200 mammals and birds including giraffe, zebra, thomsons gazelle, ostrich and sacred ibis. Walt Disney World Beach Club Resort Rating: 6 magic keys A sandy white beach alone a shimmering lake recreates a feeling reminiscent of the lazy days of summer along the eastern seaboard. Relaxed, yet luxurious, the deluxe resort shares an array of amenities with its sister resort--Disneys Yacht Club Resort--just a few feet away. Walt Disney World Yacht Club Resort Rating: 6 magic keys The grand, turn-of-the-century summer homes of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket were the inspiration for this deluxe hotel resort. Comfy chairs, hardwood floors and beams of sunlight streaming in a welcoming lobby invite guests to linger. With bustling nightclubs, restaurants and quaint shops this seaside village awaits guests at Walt Disney World's boardwalk resort entertainment district. Walt Disney World Polynesian Resort Rating: 6 magic keys A relaxing tropical paradise with lush landscaping, waterfalls and colorful birds awaits guests at this deluxe hotel resort. Friendly people, fun, laughter and good cheer reflect the enchanting customs and culture of the islands. . Walt Disney World Contemporary Resort Rating: 6 magic keys From the dramatic art in the main tower with sleek monorails cruising overhead, to the casual style and convenience of garden rooms overlooking the beach, this is a Walt Disney World resort experience not to be missed. The deluxe resort's bold a-frame design makes it a modern masterpiece, capped off by a breathtaking view of the Disneys Magic Kingdom. Take in the awe-inspiring view of Cinderella Castle from high atop the resort at the award-winning California Grill Restaurant. The perfect hotel accommodations for any Disney vacation. Walt Disney World Boardwalk Inn Rating: 6 magic keys Beautifully appointed rooms, shingled rooftops, private courtyards and magnificent gardens combine to recreate the charming atmosphere of romantic bed-and-breakfast inns found along the mid-Atlantic coast of the 1940s. Plus bustling nightclubs, restaurants and shops recapture the fun and excitement of bygone seaside villages at Disneys boardwalk resort hotel entertainment district. Walt Disney World Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Rating: 6 magic keys Legendary elegance and lavish decor combine with impeccable service and spectacular views to offer guests the graciousness of a bygone era in a stunning world of Victorian charms. This deluxe resort hotel features live lobby entertainment by the Grand Floridian Orchestra, multi-paneled arch windows, turn-of-the-century gas lamps, regal chandeliers and a world-class spa. Walt Disney World Wilderness Lodge Resort Rating: 6 magic keys Resort hotel guests are immersed in an environment inspired by the cultural splendor and picturesque beauty of an African wildlife reserve. Many of the deluxe resorts hotel guestrooms feature balconies overlooking 33-acre tropical savannah that is home to more than 200 mammals and birds including giraffe, zebra, thomsons gazelle, ostrich and sacred ibis. Moderate Resorts Walt Disney World Caribbean Beach Resort Rating: 4 magic keys Relax as lush gardens, warm breezes and sunny skies beckon at this moderate priced resort. Six brightly colored island villages, each named after a Caribbean destination-capture the alluring ambiance of the tropics. Walt Disney World's Caribbean Beach Resort features seven pools and a pristine white-sand beached on the shores of a 45-acre lake. Walt Disney World Coronado Springs Rating: 4 magic keys Palm-shaped courtyards and Spanish-style haciendas create the perfect climate for relaxation at this moderately priced Walt Disney World resort. Guests can soak up the sun or splash in the pool designed as an archeological dig site with a five-story Mayan pyramid. Hotel accommodations are themed in three different areas with colorful plazas and picturesque vistas reflecting the beauty of Mexico and the American southwest. Walt Disney World Port Orleans - French Quarter Rating: 4 magic keys Stately southern mansions, rustic bayou dwellings and ornate row-house buildings are recalled at Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Resort. This resort hotel is a moderately priced resort featuring two regions: the French quarter and Riverside. A winding road and picturesque waterways that capture the mystery and romance of a trip up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Natchez connect the two themed regions. Walt Disney World Port Orleans - Riverside Rating: 4 magic keys Stately southern mansions, rustic bayou dwellings and ornate row-house buildings are recalled at Walt Disney World's Port Orleans Resort. This resort hotel is a moderately priced resort featuring two regions: the French quarter and Riverside. A winding road and picturesque waterways that capture the mystery and romance of a trip up the Mississippi River from New Orleans to Natchez connect the two themed regions. Home Away From Home Resorts Walt Disney World Old Key West Resort Rating: 5 magic keys This home away from home hotel resort is themed to the tropical ambiance of a quaint Key West resort at the turn of the century. Studios, one bedroom, two bedroom, or three bedroom villas provide the perfect place for enchanted Disney vacations. The resort hotel features a festive boardwalk and a village of colorful clapboard-sided, tin roofed residence buildings that include spacious living areas, private balconies, beautiful views and fully equipped kitchenettes. Walt Disney World Boardwalk Villas Rating: 5 magic keys Studios, one, two and three bedroom villas combine with the elegance of a bygone era to recapture all the fun, excitement and timeless appeal of the coastal villages of the 1940s at this home away from home resort. The quaint, seaside mid-Atlantic feel is accentuated by all the shops, vendors and excitement of the nearby boardwalk. Walt Disney World Villas at The Disney Institute Rating: 5 magic keys The Villas at the Disney Institute offer villa and suite hotel accommodations in a wooded setting surrounding the lake Buena Vista Golf Course near the Downtown Disney area and Pleasure Island. Air conditioned motor coaches provide easy access to the entire Walt Disney World Vacation Kingdom. The resort offers pools and spas. Downtown Disney marketplace offers a variety of shopping, dining and marina rentals. Camping Resort Walt Disney World Fort Wilderness Cabins & Campground Rating: 5 magic keys Celebrating three decades as a true pioneer in the campground industry, Disneys Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a vacation haven for guests who crave natural, rustic charm amidst the most magical place on earth. This home away from home resort includes both cabins and campsites. The cabins offer a quaint, relaxing escape in surroundings that capture the rustic beauty of pioneer days. And for a real back-to-nature experience, campsites are available for travel trailers, motor homes and tents. . Other Deluxe Resort Hotels Walt Disney World Dophin Rating: 6 magic keys Ideally located adjacent to Epcot Center, MGM Studios Theme Park and Disneys Animal Kingdom, Disneys Dolphin and Swan Resorts put you in the center of the most magical place in the world. This exciting resort hotel complex offers everything you've come to expet from a world-class vacation destination. An exciting location, beautiful hotel accomodations, pampering service--it's all right here! Walt Disney World Swan Rating: 6 magic keys Ideally located adjacent to Epcot Center, MGM Studios Theme Park and Disneys Animal Kingdom, Disneys Dolphin and Swan Resorts put you in the center of the most magical place in the world. This exciting resort hotel complex offers everything you've come to expet from a world-class vacation destination. An exciting location, beautiful hotel accomodations, pampering service--it's all right here! Find our more about Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista & Disney World® : Walt Disney World® Official Site | City of Orlando Site | Map of Orlando | Orlando Weather Info | Orlando International Airport | City of Kissimmee | Walt Disney World Info | Lake Buena Vista Weather Info | Official Disneyland Site | The Disney Vacation Guide.com™ is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com . Besides providing independent information, commentary, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co., the Disney Vacation Guide™ allows visitors to book Official Walt Disney World® Resort hotels through an automated online booking system arranged with the resort and their hotels. Walt Disney World® and Disney® are trademarks of the Walt Disney Co.

Switzerland Travel Guide >

Switzerland Travel Guides - Top Switzerland Guidebooks  You are here: About > Travel > Europe for Visitors > Germany Austria Switzerland > Switzerland Travel Guide > Switzerland Travel Guides - Top Switzerland Guidebooks 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 Suggested Reading Switzerland Travel Directory Switzerland Map and Travel Essentials Related Guide Picks Germany Travel Guidebooks Top Compact Digital Travel Cameras 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 Top 6 Switzerland Travel Guidebooks - Guides to Switzerland Guide Picks From James Martin , Your Guide to Europe for Visitors . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Switzerland is a country which can be enjoyed all year around. From Skiing in Switzerlands legendary alps to enjoying a hike in lush Swiss valleys, you can enjoy the diverse pleasures of Switzerland even better with these Swiss Travel Guidebooks. 1) Frommer's Switzerland Frommer's Switzerland includes the Best Swiss Hiking & Ski Resorts, plus the most dramatic drives. Frommer's guide is terse and to the point. Often you'll need a car to follow directions to neighboring villages. 2) Michelin Green Guide to Swizerland The highly rated Green Guide to Switzerland is very useful for those wishing to visit the smaller villages of Switzerland. Lots of well-drawn maps are included. 3) DK Eyewitness Guide to Switzerland If you're just dreaming about going to Switzerland, buy this guidebook. Eyewitness guides are known for their copious pictures, illustrations and general maps. I like the visually appealing format. 4) Hunter Travel Guides Adventure Travel to Switzerland The Adventure Travel to Switzerland guidebook weighs in at 528 pages, enough to get you to the little known parts of Germany. The focus of the adventure guide series is on outdoor activities, and Switzerland is THE place in Europe to be outdoors. 5) Brandt Travel Guide to Switzerland Buy this highly rated guidebook if you're into rail travel (both public and private trains in Switzerland are fast and efficient and there are special ones just for scenery). Also covers boat routes and, of course, the road. 6) Insight Compact Guide to Switzerland Need a concise, cheap guide to Switzerland? The Insight guidebook may be just the ticket. It puts the information into "tours" that you can do around Switzerland, and includes the essential information for visiting Switzerland. Important product disclaimer information about this About site.        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

Ski Vacation season runs

Utah Vacations: Sundance one of Utah Ski Resorts: The Greatest Snow on Earth Utah Ski Resorts: The Greatest Snow on Earth Not so long ago in a state far, far away, downhill skiing dominated Utah’s winter sports. A wider variety of activities has broadened Utah’s winter appeal to a wider population of vacationers. Winter vacationers in Utah are no longer just for hard-core downhill skiing fanatics. Sundance offers the Art Shack for creating and developing the artistic mind, the Sundance Spa to unwind and relax with a variety of spa services and a variety of on and off property excursions like snowshoeing, hot air ballooning and golf. Utah is not just a skier’s paradise. Snowboarding is just as popular as skiing in Utah. Sundance offers sliders of all sorts a variety of terrain. Utah’s ski resorts have bent over backward to try to accommodate as many people as possible with programs for children, women, snowboarders, skiers with disabilities, recreational racers & the list goes on. Sundance is no different offering many different programs with the specialty of personalized Ski School. The Utah Ski Vacation season runs approximately from mid-November to mid-April, depending on the resort and the location. The best package deals usually apply early and late in the season; for packages, check not only with each resort but also with major airlines (American, Continental, Delta, and United) that service Utah. Many resorts open late and shut down early, not for lack of snow but for lack of business. In fact, some of the best backcountry skiing can be had in late April and May, when avalanche risks subside and the firmer, sun-baked snow is easier to walk and climb on than midwinter powder. Just because the ski resorts give up on skiing doesn't mean you have to. Utah Ski Vacation Quick Links ski resort ski lodge ski travel spa vacation last minute deals late deal holidays snowboarding trips snow reports Utah Vacation Utah Vacation Utah Ski Vacation Utah Ski Vacations Utah Snowboarding Vacations Utah Vacation Stay 3 Ski Free Romantic Weekend Getaway Check out our LiftPrices » Day pass » Season Passes Take a SkiLesson » Adults » Kids » PerformanceSki Labs Rent Equipment View the Stats View the Image Gallery View our Ski Lodging » LodgingOverview » Promotions » Experiences& Packages Book Your Trip | Hot Deals | Calendar | Contact | Site Map | Weather | Search 1-800-892-1600

Austria Travel Guide, climate:

Austria Travel Guide - Information and Advice Austria Travel Guide Information and Advice Austria Map | Austria Pictures Vienna Pictures | Vienna Travel Guide exodus specialises in “The different holiday”, offering the widest selection of walking, adventure, cycling, mountain biking, wildlife, cultural and winter holidays, and overland journeys across all seven continents! exodus: Homepage | Austria Tours | Brochure Request Austria Travel Guide, climate: Best: May - June, September for summer activities with less crowds and less heat than July/Aug, or Dec - March for a deep white winter. Worst: The country is rarely over hot or hideously overcrowded but July, August and Christmas are very busy times, while Oct/November can be miserable - dark, wet and grey. Length of stay: Minimum worthwhile stay, not incl. flights: Vienna and Salzburg - 4 days Recommended: At least 2 weeks to take in Vienna, Salzburg and some country/mountain activities. Main Festivals in Austria : mid May- June: Vienna Festival - wide range of arts, especially music, naturally, but also dance and theatre, sometimes challenging pieces, all set in magnificent buildings. mid July-Aug: ImPulsTanz - a dynamic and diverse dance festival across the whole of lovely Vienna. End July - end August: Salzburg Festival - opera and concerts. 'Europe's most prestigious summer musical event.' Very large, very expensive. Every year in Mozart's pretty home town. Dec 31st, Kaiserball - waltzing into Vienna's glamorous ball season is this, the ultimate in smart dances, set in the magnificent Hofburg Palace. No expense spared. For some precise dates, more suggestions and information see European Festivals or Arts Festivals Austria activities guide: Hiking: The Alps in summertime offer a zillion stunning, well-marked walking routes, open along with the spring flowers in late May. The Zillertal Alps are particularly scenic and leg friendly, and Zell am Ziller is a good starting point. Lifts help the less fit. Climbing: Plenty of challenging climbs available, with northern Tyrol being especially popular . Skiing: With all those mountains and snow Austria is a great downhill and cross-country ski destination, tho' not cheap. Tyrol and Vorarlberg are most popular. Hangliding & paragliding: Due to the excess of high places and affluence of the country, gliding is commonplace and kit can be rented easily from ski resorts. Rafting /canoeing: Land Salzburg [Salzburg Alps] has superb locations for watersports from quiet canoeing to wild white water rafting. Speed boats are restricted. Biking: This country is extremely bike friendly, with rental machines available from most railway stations and dedicated tracks everywhere. The best long route is the Lower Danube Cycle Track, running beside the river from Vienna to Naarn and passing many gorgeous medieval towns on the way. River Cruises: Lengthy and a bit slow on sights . If your travel time is limited don't bother with the Danube. Night life: Austria is culturally more about classical music than techno raves, tho' the natives do know how to have a good time. Austria Star Guide: Monuments *** Shopping and souvenirs ** Walkability ***** Food Quality and Variety *** Value for Money *** Hotel Prices and Value *** Beaches no sea! Wildlife ** Landscape ***** Local People **** Architecture ***** Safety ***** Nightlife and Clubbing **** Health Problems none Museums ***** Why Travel to Austria? It's efficient, safe, uncrowded [by locals - total population is about 8m], and has stunning towns and magnificent mountains . The rise and fall of the Hapsburg dynasty [1278- 1914] and the Austrian Empire is a monumental story, gone but not forgotten by tourists gaping at the mass of gothic, baroque and rococo royal relics or listening to present day concerts by long-dead Vienna inhabitants - Mozart, Strauss, Brahms and Beethoven to name but a few. Museums offer a lot more than Hapsburg lifestyle samples and cover many topics in great depth and style. The climate offers a comfortable heat in the summer and acceptable cold in winter, encouraging year-round outdoor activities, particularly summer hiking and winter skiing. Transport systems are brilliant and road access to other European cities is easy. Locals are friendly and many speak English. Downside: -Food is heavy and dedicated to carnivores. Vegetarians may have a hard time finding suitable body fuel. -German is more a language of command than conversation. Where to travel in Austria: 1] ***Vienna, a superbly walkable, beautiful, interesting city. Vienna page 2] **Salzburg. Mozart's home is a pretty little town - well, the old bit is - but heavily travelled and without much space to permit tourists to relax and enjoy its rampant baroquery properly. The castle towering over Salzburg is sturdily interesting, as is the cathedral, the Residenz [palace] and the nearby graveyard/catacombs, but the focus is more on where Wolfie the Wonder Boy grew up or Sound of Music locations. It's a very long day trip from Vienna so stay over and visit the 16thC town of Krems , magnificent Melk Abbey and Hellbrunn Palace on the way. Also worth a look, 48km from Salzburg, are the ice caves of Eisriesenwelt , near Werfen. Dramatic, elaborate shapes and frozen waterfalls line the 42km of explored caverns, tho' not all is open and guides may be necessary. Fascinating but cold and slippery so not suited to very young or old travellers. 3] ***Salzkammergut is a vista-overload resort area of mountains, lakes and charming towns just east of Salzburg. In the summer it offers walks and water sports, in winter skiing. Key towns are Bad Ischl [fashionable spa resort], St. Wolfgang [on Wolfgangsee Lake] and Hallstatt . 4] ***Grossglockner Road. If you have wheels and it's May-November then this stunning 50km mountain/glacier route will really honk your horn. Start the tortuous tour from Zell am See. 5] *** Innsbruck [Tyrol] A lovely, partly medieval city surrounded by spectacular peaks, it functions perfectly as a summer resort or winter sports base, though it doesn't have immediate access to slopes. Nearby is Seefeld, a prime ski resort that offers more than just slopes and Mutters , 'the most beautiful village in Tyrol' and romantic in any weather. 6 ] ** St Anton am Arlsberg [Tyrol] Near Switzerland this is another picturesque Tyrolean town with some of Europe's best skiing at reasonable prices. The Blue Danube? Not likely, muddy green at best. There is an explanation for the name however... Napoleon had never lost a battle when he came across the white coated Austrian army at Aspern, around the Danube, in 1809. The French, in blue coats, lost, and their bodies were thrown into the Danube. Due to poor dye quality the colour ran into the water, turning it temporarily blue. Strauss remembered the great victory in 1867 by calling his latest waltz, 'The Blue Danube.' Austria Tours Tour operators offering tours to Austria can be found in our listings here: Austria Tours For links to Tourist Offices, Embassies, Cheap Air Tickets, Currency Converter, Climate, Language advice, other online Travel Guides and more, visit Bugbog Travel Directory Map of Europe Visas: EU citizens and nationals of USA, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas for visits up to 90 days. Electricity: Electric sockets are 230v and take 2 round pin plugs. Safety: Crime is rare and more likely to be opportunistic theft by transient East Europeans rather than locals. Language: German is the native language but most Austrians under 50 speak excellent English. Cuisine Guide: This is not good weight-loss country . National dishes tend to be heavy, saucy and meat oriented - hardly surprising for a place with no coastline - while local cheeses, pastries, beers and wines are excellent and too tempting by half. Street snacks tend to be of the sausage, pickles and chunky bread variety. About the only thing that will not pile on the pounds is the superb coffee. Money: The currency is the Euro and prices are fairly high. ATMs are plentiful and most Traveller's Cheques accepted. 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