Reykjavik, Iceland

Iceland is one of those countries that (even though there are only a few hours of daylight) comes alive in the winter. I can’t say that I know what Iceland is like in January…because I traveled there in March, but I can tell you that traveling to Reykjavik during the winter months was an experience I will never forget.

Perhaps the most striking thing about Iceland during the winter is the landscape itself. When I traveled there, we took a day and rented a car, and just traveled around the Icelandic countryside, visiting various landmarks and just having our own mini-road trip experience. The landscape was quite stark, but very beautiful – the black volcanic rock against the white snow and ice is made for taking photographs.

If you’re someone looking for an escape in the more traditional sense of pampering and relaxation, the Blue Lagoon was probably made just for you. One of Iceland’s more popular geothermal pools, the water is usually between 95 and 100 degrees F, with eddies of warmer and cooler water. The contrast of the hot water and the cool air is a sensation that makes the outdoor geothermal pool that much more gratifying…and amazing.

I’m not usually a pampering person, but I think we stayed in the lagoon a good 5 hours. Our wrinkles had wrinkles, but it was well worth it.

If you are someone who prefers “party” to “pamper” Reykjavik could be your perfect spot as well – but make sure that you have a Friday and Saturday in your travel plans! Because alcohol is relatively expensive in Iceland, many choose not to imbibe during the week and instead splurge on the weekends. There is even a name for the drink-till-the-sun-rises experience in the city – runtur. Why not try your luck and see if you can keep up with the hardy Icelanders?

Aside from the landscape, the pampering and the parties, the most compelling reason to go to Iceland in the winter is another one of nature’s landscapes – that is, the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. Check the weather forecast before you go, though, I was unfortunately unable to see this show because of a few clouds in the night sky when I went!

That didn’t stop me from fully enjoying my winter experience in Iceland, though, and I suggest that everyone look beyond the expected and find the extraordinary in your winter travels.

Budapest, Hungary

Imagine your favorite fairytale; that is Budapest in winter. Hungary has a people and a culture that are no stranger to harsh winter, but you wouldn’t know that walking around the city in January or February with snow falling softly on medieval buildings or the banks of the Danube.

Winter is typically the off-season for Europe, so if you go in the winter you will enjoy a bit more quiet and serenity – plus you’ll get to take advantage of the city’s famous hot baths or indulge in tea and a pastry at one of their amazing cafes.

Trans Siberian Railway

Want to enjoy the Russian winter landscape without the Russian winter? Then a ride on the Trans-Siberian rail is just your ticket. Russia is another one of those countries that (albeit stereotypically) comes alive in the winter months, with everything covered in a layer of white, from the onion domes of St. Petersburg to the squares of Moscow. Enjoy the landscapes and vistas of Russia in the comfort and warmth of the Trans Siberian Railway.

And for those that want to frolic in St. Petersburg, you’re welcome to do that too! The Trans Siberian Railway is one of those seminal travel experiences, and I wouldn’t be able to pass it up, especially not in the winter.

Park City, Utah

If you want to stay a bit closer to home, but still find your perfect winter-weather getaway, try Park City, Utah. It’s a ski town, but one of the lesser known ones – at least compared to places in Colorado like Vail.

If you’re a movie buff, Park City is probably familiar to you, though for other reasons – Park City is the location of the Sundance Film Festival – this year Sundance takes place at the very end of January. The winter retreat of Hollywood, Park City is a chill skiing location that you (and a few stars of the silver screen) can make a winter getaway.

These are just a few travel locations for the more winter-weather inclined of us – do you have any suggestions?

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About The Author:  Amber Daniels loves to travel, but likes to explore close to home as well – especially around Broadway – most recently she has tried to buy tickets to Spiderman: Turn off the Dark tickets – but hasn’t had the chance to go see it yet. Of all places, New York City is one of her all-time favorite winter locations, nothing beats it.
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Photo Credits: #1 Amber Daniels, #2 Amber Daniels, #3 Flickr-Alex E. Proimos, #4 Flickr-Boccaccio1, #5 Flickr-Wickenden

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RailEurope App – Take the stress out of finding rail schedules on 35 European rail systems and book your tickets with a few clicks on your mobile phone. The free RailEurope app connects you with rail services in 32 countries; giving you digital schedules, pricing, alerts, seamless ticket purchasing, seat selection and even suggests side trips based on your geolocation.  So as their slogan says, “Don’t stand in line – Go Online!”

Viator – Member-Only Tour Discounts via iPhone App Viator is the web’s leading resource for local sightseeing tours and destination experiences.  I always visit Viator when pulling together an itinerary to see what kind of tours are available in the city I’ll be visiting.  They have now launched Member-Only Deals that offer exclusive discounts of 20 – 75% off their regular prices. Unlike the “Groupon” model, Viator members can search for activity deals by destination and specific dates. Discounts are offered from 60 days to just hours in advance and change quickly as tours are filled.  If you’re a traveler who likes to wait until the last minute to see what the weather will be like before booking an outdoor activity – this app is for you.  Member-Only Deals are being introduced in 25 major tourist destinations and can be accessed by registering and downloading Viator’s free iPhone App.

HotelTonight Same-Day Hotel Booking App.  This free app, now available for both iPhone and Android users, delivers up to 70% savings on last minute hotel rooms in 18 major US cities.  All hotels have been personally vetted and photographed by the folks at HotelTonight, and only those fitting their criteria are listed.  Users can book rooms until 2:00 a.m. and can select from elegant to basic properties.  This is an incredibly great app for anyone who travels frequently and has ever found themselves stranded at an airport looking for a last minute room! Take $25 off your first booking by entering promo code FREE25 when registering and booking a room within the app.

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St Vincent and The Grenadines may be an exotic island nation in the deep Caribbean, but they are right on top of the Travel App scene! SVG has recently introduced a great new app packed with information on their 32 island region that can be accessed at the iPhone Store, Android Marketplace, and on the Web at DiscoverSVG, as well as via QR Code (two dimensional bar code) – Everybody’s covered!  Islands of SVG that you may be familiar with include St. Vincent, Bequia, Mustique, Canouan and Tobago (among many others).  SVG is known worldwide as a yachting paradise and secluded paradise that attracts A-listers seeking privacy and exceptional natural beauty.  They’re now building the first international airport and welcoming a number of luxury resorts and boutique properties to already famous properties like Raffles and private islands of Palm Island and Petit St. Vincents.  A destination definitely worth getting to know!

Let’s see… April in Paris, spring blossoms in Brussels, Royal celebrations in London, you bet – take it all in thanks to Rail Europe.

• Connecticut – The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat

• Maine – Belfast and Moosehead Lake Railway, Maine Eastern Railway,

• Massachusetts – Berkshire Scenic Railroad, Cape Cod Central Railway

• New Hampshire - Conway Scenic Railway, Mount Washington Cog Railway, Winnipesaukee Scenic Railway

• Vermont – Champlain Valley, Green Mountain & White River Flyer,

#1 – Windjammer Sailing Adventure
Sail along the New England coastline aboard an historic Windjammer sailing vessel. The Maine Windjammer Association provides lots of information on over a dozen historic tall masted sailing schooners that ply New England’s craggy coast all summer long. As you step aboard one of these grand wooden ships, you’ll step back into an historic lifestyle filled with lobster bakes, scenic fishing ports, sheltered bays for swimming and the camaraderie of enthusiastic shipmates. Windjammer companies offer 3 to 6 day sails starting at $300 per person for a 3 day sail in off season (and for your nervous sailors, they never loose sight of land). Varied itineraries include sailings highlighting photography, folk music, light houses and wooden boats to name a few. After just a few days of sailing you’ll feel like you’ve been away for ages.

#2 – Hop Aboard a Scenic Train
The glory days of train travel are still alive and well, even though we’re often so accustomed to hopping in our cars, that we don’t even consider sitting back, relaxing, and getting there by rail. Take a look at this wonderful site Vacations By Rail, to gather information about scenic train vacations across the United States, Canada, Europe and famous rail journeys of the world. Just take a look at the itinerary for America The Beautiful to realize the abundance stunning scenery that awaits rail travelers across the United States. Other sites to lend a hand are Amtrak, American Orient Express, and Canadian Train Vacations, World’s Top 25 Trains

#3 – Take A Bike Tour
You’ve loved to ride since the training wheels came off – but you need a bit of encouragement to go wheeling off around the country – Lance, lead the way! Every July, thoughts turn to Europe and the Tour de France – visions of buff athletes in their tight yellow jerseys. We all imagine what it would be like to venture off on two wheels, wrapped in spandex or NOT!! There are tours available for families, casual riders and avid bikers alike. Find the perfect bike vacation for you and your family at one of these great sites: Backroads, VBT Bicycle Adventures, BicyclingAdventures, BikeRidersTours, and if that’s not enough see lots of listings in the Specialty Travel Index.

#4 – Strap On Your Boots and Go Walking
There’s no better form of personal transportation than your own two feet! This leisurely form of traverse gives the opportunity to really see, smell, hear and enjoy your environment in the company of like minded travelers. Walking tours have become increasingly popular as folks who lead busy everyday lives relish the opportunity to slow down a bit and savor new vistas at a leisurely pace. Whether it’s for a day or a week, you’ll find inspirational tours at these great sites: The Wayfarers, Country Walkers, Classic Journeys, HF Holidays

#5 – Bed and Breakfast Gas Refund Promotions
Small businesses are always offering imaginative ways to attract new customers. This summer, BnBFinder has instituted three “brilliant ways to save gas when you vacation”. With over 3,000 member Bed and Breakfast locations, there’s sure to be one a short distance away to pamper you for an impromptu vacation getaway. Over 50 Inns are offering guests who arrive by car a gas rebate card refunding visitors the cost of one tank of gas. Also featured are One Tank Trips featuring properties within 175 miles of major cities across the United States.

#6 – Take a Staycation – Be A Tourist in Your Own ‘Backyard’
Virtually every State throughout the United States has an active tourist board who’s full time job is to attract visitors to the State by publicizing everything that’s unique and interesting about your location . You probably haven’t been a tourist in your own state’s capitol since elementary school days. Visit Tourist Bureau Offices Worldwide to find the phone number of the tourist bureaus nearest you and order up a travel planner. It’s a sure bet you’ll be surprised just how much there is to see and do in your own area and you’ll have a new appreciation of your home State.

Simply choose the countries you will be traveling in, enter some of your travel parameters and press GO. Up pops a detailed chart of your pass options. There is even a comparison button in case you want to price your journey from point to point to see if the pass really saves you money. Finally if it all still seems a mystery, give the nice folks at RailEurope a call at 888-382-7245.

You can always find the RailEurope link plus other rail sites on our Links page.