These days travelers do not want to deal with long flights, security line-ups and extended jet lag. Therefore they are choosing holiday destinations closer to home. November through March are great times to escape the dreary winter blahs.
The options are many. For those having trouble deciding, here are snapshots of 5 popular destinations to review for holiday travel plans.
From November 13, 2009 through January 4, 2010, the Disneyland resort in Southern California transforms into a Christmas Wonderland with colorful parades, shimmering shows and exciting entertainment that will make this an unforgettable holiday season for the whole family.
One of the highlights is 'Sleeping Beauty's Winter Castle.' Then the nighttime skies light up with the "Believe...in Holiday Magic Fireworks Spectacular." Visitors will find a 60-foot Christmas tree in Town Square and thousands of glittering holiday lights. Of course the resort offers magical amusement all year round for those who may not make it to the Christmas events.
- Hawaii
Hawaii is composed of 6 exceptional islands to choose from, each with its own unique character and astonishing beauty. Travelers on a 2-week excursion often make a 2 island visit. The islands offer the best beaches, mild climate, with lush rain forests, stunning waterfalls, calm lagoons, raging rivers, breath-taking canyons and fiery volcanoes to explore. Visitors can snorkel, kayak, bike, hike, fish, swim, surf, watch a volcano or just leisurely soak in a laid back beach holiday caressed by warm sea breezes.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps with its array of 24-hour features and ever-evolving entertainment. Travelers will find captivating casinos, astounding architecture, internationally themed hotels, bright neon lights, and flavorful food buffets. Seventeen of the 20 biggest hotels in the U.S. are in Las Vegas.
There are hundreds of live shows including Cirque du Soleil. Las Vegas is known worldwide for its wealth of Elvis impersonators and tributes, and now Cirque du Soleil brings their imaginative spin to the king of rock and roll – opening in mid-December 2009.
This themed marine adventure park is devoted to oceans and its remarkable sea life. At Sea World® Orlando, visitors can take an up-close look at Sea World animals and experience thrilling rides including a flying roller coaster. Observe a world-famous killer whale, dolphins and many other fascinating sea creatures.
- Aspen, Colorado
For winter travelers who just can’t bear to be away from snowy slopes and holiday ski adventures, Aspen has much to offer. Aspen has extraordinary winter beauty located in White River National Forest surrounded by the peaks of the Elk Mountain Range in the central Rocky Mountains. It’s known for its skiing, magnificent mountains, outdoor adventure, healthy living, delicious dining, and music festivals.
Aspen hosts spectacular winter events, including the 12 Days of Aspen and an Annual Aspen Academy Film Screening during the holiday season, the annual Wintersköl celebration Jan. 14 to 17, 2010 with activities such as a snow sculpting competition. Aspen Fashion Week is held in March. Hollywood celebrities are known to visit regularly, so visitors might just encounter a well-known star of stage or screen.
Thanksgiving, Christmas and winter travel destinations present an enchanting diversity of warm to cool climates and entertainment from the sizzling to the laid-back. Families, singles and couples will all enjoy these locations. For more information about Disneyland Anaheim, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Orlando Sea World or Aspen, visit websites for the Tourism Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for each destination.
Travel guidebooks are also useful in holiday trip planning. If travelling with children, here are some inexpensive Eco-friendly activities for kids.
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