Winter is here and Yellowstone National Park has some exciting new adventures designed to introduce you to its snowy magic.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Winter escapes don’t have to involve tropical beaches and sunshine or swishing down ski slopes. Check out this new for 2014 Iceland Winter Adventure from REI Adventures.
Why go:
The people of Iceland make the most of all seasons, and winter is no exception. REI Adventures’ new Iceland Winter Adventure explores stunning countryside while the country is embraced by winter’s icy—and beautiful—grip. Hike the rugged coast, snowshoe across ice-covered lava fields, and walk on crystal-blue glaciers. Along the way be mesmerized by frozen waterfalls, burbling hot springs, and ethereal Northern Lights before retiring to a cozy hotel each night.
A multicolored display of Iceland’s Northern Lights. Photo courtesy of REI Adventures.
What to expect:
When Icelanders hear “winter is coming,” hibernation is the furthest thing from their minds. The inhabitants of this dramatically-beautiful North Atlantic island have learned how to fill all seasons with outdoor activity. This tour makes the most of a wintertime getaway with a week of unexpectedly abundant activities fit for the season.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
‘Tis the season for winter escapes and few places do snowy holidays better than Switzerland. Choose your adventure, from an intimate, luxury getaway in the quiet Val d’Anniviers to an affordable winter package and adrenaline-fueled fun in Zermatt, here are five reasons to pack your bags.
Better still, discover how you can win a free 1-week Swiss winter holiday.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
HOWL WITH THE WOLVES IN YELLOWSTONE THIS WINTER
Yellowstone National Park Lodges has announced its line-up of Winter Getaway and Adventure packages for the 2011/2012 season.
The park’s winter season begins Dec. 18, 2011 with the opening of the Old Faithful Snow Lodge. The Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel opens Dec. 20, 2011. The lodges provide the only wintertime accommodations within the park. Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel will close for the season March 5, 2012, and Old Faithful Snow Lodge will close March 4, 2012.
Each package includes Xanterra’s “Snow Card” good for 10 percent off meals, in-park transportation, tours, ski shop services and select retail items. Rates quoted here are per person, double occupancy, plus tax and utility fee.
Adventure Package
“Trail of the Wolf” provides travelers with an opportunity to explore the park’s interior with a guide and learn about its abundant natural features in places such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone as well as to observe wildlife in the Northern Range of the park. The package includes guided snowmobiling in the interior of the park and wildlife watching by van in the park’s Northern Range. Also included are three nights of lodging split between the two lodges, round-trip guided snowmobile tour between Old Faithful and Mammoth, “Wake up to Wildlife” tour of the Lamar Valley, two breakfasts per person, welcome gift, one-hour hot tub rental, unlimited ice skating and skates and Snow Card. Rates start at $439 per person
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Many animals may be hibernating, but winter is a perfect time for people to get outside and enjoy America’s national wildlife refuges. Go for a hike. Sight a bird. Restore your sense of wonder. The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world’s premier system of public lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife and plants. There is a National Wildlife Refuge within an hour’s drive of most major cities.
Here is a sampling of upcoming refuge events:
Strap on Your Skis
Now thru mid-March — Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, WI
Hike, snowshoe, x-country ski Horicon Refuge for wildlife watching & photography. Learn more about Horicon Refuge.
Take a Sleigh Ride
Now thru March, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily — National Elk Refuge, WY
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride past an elk herd numbering in the thousands. Reservations needed. Buy tickets (adults $18; ages 5-12 $14; under 5 free) at the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, 532 North Cache Street, several blocks north of Jackson’s Town Square. Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Sleigh rides last about one hour, including the shuttle ride to and from the sleigh ride site. Accommodations for visitors with disabilities. Learn more about National Elk Refuge.
Join an Eagle Watch
Friday, January 7, and Saturday, January 8, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, OK
Learn about eagles, then take a hayride to an eagle hotspot to see eagles fly in to roost for the evening. Reservations are required. Wear warm, neutral-colored clothing. Bring a thermos or hot mug. Hot chocolate provided.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Winter is a good time for a Santa Fe-cation because winter is value season in Santa Fe. All of the city’s historic charm, attractions, and timeless appeal remain, even as lodging is at its lowest cost of the year. Whether skiing in the Southern Rockies just outside of town, exploring the city’s diverse shopping and art districts, or simply taking some time out, Santa Fe’s warm hospitality and bright winter sun are in place to welcome travelers.
The past year in Santa Fe saw a number of highpoints; the New Mexico History Museum opened its doors, the city’s 400th Anniversary began 16 months of commemoration, and American Eagle introduced service to the Santa Fe Municipal Airport with 3 daily flights–2 from Dallas and 1 from Los Angeles. With the onset of winter, the city’s relaxed pace slows even more as we welcome the holidays and move into a new year.
If it’s a couple’s escape you’re thinking about, setting the mood for a romantic get away comes naturally to this old town. The city is filled with pampering accommodations, nurturing spas, and perfect tables for two. Santa Fe’s intimate scale embraces every couple and walking is the best way to get around town or soak up the snow-covered mountain vistas. On a day when storms roll down from the Rockies, it can’t get any better than curling up next to a kiva fireplace.
Find some time for yourself this winter and let Santa Fe help you get in touch with the inner, relaxed, you. Look for lodging specials and everything that’s going on in town at www.santafe.org. View an updated calendar of Santa Fe events or ongoing winter savings and deals check in and stay current at www.santafe.org with ways to save on lodging, ski packages, spa treatments, and more.
2010 Winter Events in Santa Fe
January 1: Pueblo Dances at most of the Pueblos surrounding Santa Fe celebrate community and tradition.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".