Daily Archives: November 12, 2009

Phuket, Thailand- Even if we are entering their busy tourist season (January to June), prices in this Thai Island are ideal all year long.  With the Thai Baht equaling about 0.02 U.S. dollars, you can’t afford not to go here. Phuket offers visitors miles upon miles of squeaky white sand, hunter green interiors and quaint bamboo huts that will make you wish you never had to leave.

Istanbul, Turkey- Istanbul, the sultry capitol of the long gone Constantinople, is a whirlwind of a city.  Over 19 million proud, pleasant Turks reside in Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, making the city one that brims with ancient mosques, hip museums and some of the best food you’ve ever tasted.  But all this doesn’t come at a price, the Turkish Lira is at about 0.6 U.S. dollars, a solid exchange rate for a fascinating metropolis like Istanbul.

Washington D.C.- While most travelers prefer to visit the capitol during its balmy summer months, a visit to D.C. in the winter is a refreshing break from the large crowds and sweaty lines.  A Mecca for museum junkies, military men and families alike make this city a perfect holiday getaway.  With the free museum entry to all the museums as well as off-season prices your wallet will thank you

Burlington, VT- This bohemian paradise is a ski lover’s winter wonderland.  From December to March, while most cities are deep in hibernation, Burlington comes to life, with rocking bars, sprawling parks and some seriously crisp mountain air.  Close proximity to Jay Peak, Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe Mountains make it an ideal home base for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.  Plus the small town prices won’t hurt your holiday budget.

Belize- Nestled into the foot hills of Mexico on the Caribbean shores; Belize offers the island lifestyle without the high prices.  With hoards of Mayan ruins, silver sandy beaches and the unreal “Great Blue Hole,” a sink hole surrounded by screaming colors of the tropical reefs, Belize is a truly divine destination.

Tybee Island, GA- The off-season presents opportunities to stroll the serene beaches and towering light houses without bumping into hoards of other people.  Believe it or not, beaching it is still possible during the winter months. It won’t be scorching hot as in the summer months but with temperatures in the mid 70s throughout the winter, you’ll walk away with a full wallet and clear mind.

Egypt- One of the oldest centers of civilization, Egypt is a frenzied country anchored in tradition and dripping with ancient pyramids and crumbling ruins.  With the Nile running through it, giving the arid landscape a touch of vitality, this country offers some of the most remarkable sights.  With vacation rentals for as little as $40 a day and an equally enticing exchange rate, Egypt is a highly desirable destination this season.

Winter Park, Colorado- With 3,000 acres of skiable terrain, Winter Park has some of the best skiing in the Rockies.  But part of this gem’s appeal is that it flies under the radar, in close range of Vail and Aspen it is easily overshadowed by the glitzier ski resorts.  Just outside of Denver allows for easy flights and while its still peak season at Winter Park, the prices aren’t super outrageous.

Montreal, Canada- Although you may be thinking that Canada in the winter is a massive ice cube, there are some serious perks to visiting this majestic city in the dead of winter.  Not only is Quebec’s old city a vibrant piece of ancient Europe that has been grafted onto the surface of north America, but these French Canadians know how to do winter right: with a formidable ice skating rink smack dab in the middle of the city, vin chaud (hot wine) to chase away those chills and some poutine (French fries, cheese and gravy!) to fill that tummy of yours.  Plus the Canadian dollar has been about on par with the U.S. dollar these days so you don’t have to worry about a terrorizing exchange rate.

St. Louis, Missouri- Head to the Gateway state for a true slice of Americana.  St Louis offers a whole range of free activities for the inexpensive vacations from free entrance to the St. Louis Zoo, St Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Musem and the St. Louis Science Center.  There’s also a surprising amount of breweries here where one can get a taste of that good old Budweiser or the lesser known Schlafly Beer.  Regardless of what you choose to do here chance are, it’ll be free!