New York State travel, Outdoors Adventures, Skiing/Riding/Snow Destinations

New York State’s Olympic Authority Ski Mountains Open for Season

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Skiing Gore Mountain, one of three New York State Olympic Authority ski destinations, with Whiteface and Belleayre, that have opened for the season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Laini Miranda and Dave E. Leiberman, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the official start of the 2024-25 winter season with the daily opening of New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) ski mountains, Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre Mountains.

These are the three largest of New York State’s 52 operating ski areas (the most of any state!). With ski areas located across the state, nearly every major New York metro area is within 90 minutes of top-tier winter recreation and makes skiing and riding an important contributor to employment and quality of life for residents throughout the state.

Our three-generation family rides the new Skyride Gondola to begin our visit at the top of the highest ski jump tower at Mt. Van Hoevenberg, one of four venues included in the Olympics Legacy Site Passport © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“We are proud to welcome New Yorkers and visitors of our great State to our world-class ski resorts this winter season,” Governor Hochul said. “Our investments in these facilities have strengthened the state’s winter tourism industry, creating jobs, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. These resorts offer unparalleled opportunities for recreation, ensuring that New York remains a top destination for winter sports enthusiasts.”    

Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre, as well as many of the ski mountains in New York State, offer programs for all ages and abilities. Adaptive snowsports programs offer individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities the opportunity to learn with certified instructors. There are also numerous opportunities for beginners up to masters. These include the 2024-25 SKI NY Free for Kids Passport Program granting third, fourth and fifth grade students to obtain a complimentary one-day lift ticket at participating New York State ski resorts and the College Club Program at Gore, Whiteface and Belleayre, open to  any full-time college or university student to apply.

Whiteface Mountain

You can’t help but feel like an Olympian when you ski Whiteface Mountain © Laini Miranda/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Whiteface continues to build on its legacy of excellence with several key enhancements. A new heated patio at the Bear Den Learning Center provides expanded space for dining, gathering and watching ski lessons. Snowmaking infrastructure has been upgraded with new pipes and high-efficiency snow guns on popular trails, along with a Snowmax injection system to ensure high-quality snow, even during warm conditions. The Cloudsplitter Gondola received a new haul rope to ensure reliable operations, while the addition of a winch-ready PistonBully 600 Snow Cat will help maintain optimal trail conditions. These improvements reinforce Whiteface’s status as a top destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities (whiteface.com).

What makes Whiteface Mountain so absolutely special (and worldclass) is that it is part of a Olympics complex where you not only can see training facilities and historic sites, but you can participate in many of them, including ice skating, bobsled, Nordic skiing and biathalon. And with the multi-million dollar investments in facilities, you may well see World Cup competition or training going on.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg: Building on the momentum of hosting the successful WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series event in September, the Nordic ski area at Mt. Van Hoevenberg is gearing up for another full season of events taking place alongside daily recreational opportunities for cross-country skiers. This season’s event schedule includes local, regional, and national Nordic races, culminating with the SuperTour races March 29-30. Drawing on a 7.5 million gallon reservoir, the ski area at Mt. Van Hoevenberg is the home of the world’s largest snowmaking system dedicated to Nordic skiing.

Olympic Jumping Complex is visited with a new Skyride Gondola, then an elevator to the top of the highest ski jump © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The best way to experience Lake Placid, we discover, is with the Olympics Legacy Sites Passport, which provides access to the four Olympic venues and experiences – so even if you don’t ski, you can take the Cloudsplitter Gondola up to the summit of Little Whiteface to enjoy the spectacular view of the Adirondacks high peaks; go to the top of the highest ski jumping tower at the Olympic Jumping Complex to see what the ski jumpers see (terrifying); tour Mt. Van Hoevenberg where the sliding sports (bobsled, skeleton and luge), Nordic skiing, and Biathalon are held; and tour the Olympic Center, where you visit the museum that houses one of the best collections of Olympics memorabilia in the world, as well as the skating arenas.  (The passport includes one admission to the four venues plus 10% off shopping and dining at all the Legacy Sites. (The Olympic Legacy Passport can be purchased at any of the venues (https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/legacysitespassport/) Lake Placid Legacy Sites, 518-523-1655, https://lakeplacidlegacysites.com/

During our visit to Mt. Van Hoevenberg, we get to watch practice runs for the two-person bobsled World Cup competition © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

When the Mt. Van Hoevenberg track isn’t being used for practice or competition, you can take the Bobsled Experience, where you are driven down the track with real bobsledders. You get to go through that famous Turn 10 but from Start 4, so it comes soon into the ride before you get going too fast, but you still reach speeds up to 50 mph on the lower half-mile of the track. (Be sure to reserve in advance; in summer, the bobsled uses wheels on concrete; $125/9+; $100/military, https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/todo/bobsled-experience/).

Also at Mt Van Hoevenberg you not only get to see the Olympic bobsled track but you can ride alongside on the Cliffside Coaster, the longest coaster in North America, which opened in 2020. As you ride up to the top, you hear the Olympic history of the track but once at the peak, you are in the driver’s seat and control the speed, navigating sharp corners, cliffside banks and long winding stretches (open daily in season but weather dependent; make reservations in advance; 31 Van Hoevenberg Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946, https://mtvanhoevenberg.com/todo/cliffside-coaster/).

At the Olympic Jumping Complex, you can also ride the new Sky Flyer Zipline adjacent to the ski jumps – and if the ski jumpers are practicing, you can seemingly fly alongside. ($20 off ticket price with the Legacy Passport).

Whiteface Mountain has no lodging of its own, but the Lake Placid/Adirondacks region has scores of truly fabulous accommodations, special in their own right:

High Peaks Resort is offering a Ski Adirondacks Package that includes a welcome beverage upon arrival, a $25 nightly property credit to use at Dancing Bears Restaurant, complimentary snowshoe rentals, complimentary admission to Whiteface Club & Resort Nordic Center for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, 10% off rentals at Cunningham’s Ski Barn, and a guaranteed 2:00 pm checkout.  Après ski, visit the newly reimagined Lake House at High Peaks Resort for drinks, snacks and entertainment. Rates start at $249 per night, excluding taxes and fees.

Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid offers guests three unique opportunities this winter to learn from some of the ski world’s most successful athletes: Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrew Weibrecht,  Nordic Ski with Olympic Medalist Andrea Henkel Burke, and the Your Turn Women’s Ski Clinic with Andrew and Lisa Densmore Ballard.

Settling in to my lushna at East Wind Lake Placid Hotel © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

On our last visit, we really enjoyed our stay at Eastwind Lake Placid, which offers a variety of lodging options including cabins and lushnas (6048 Sentinel Road, Lake Placid, 518-837-1882, https://www.eastwindhotels.com/lake-placid-overview). Also, the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, right on Mirror Lake, walking distance to attractions, shopping, dining, 2559 Main Street, Lake Placid  www.golden-arrow.com, 844-209-8080.

Gore Mountain

Gore Mountain is New York State’s largest ski and ride resort with 439 skiable acres spanning four mountains, with expansive views of the Adirondack wilderness © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gore Mountain’s improvements align with its vision of becoming a premier year-round destination. Construction is underway on a new 18,300-square-foot lodge at the North Creek Ski Bowl, featuring a restaurant and two levels of outdoor patios due for completion in 2025. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the old Hudson chairlift was replaced with a new detachable quad, providing access to trails for all skill levels. Additionally, the Northwoods Gondola cabins are being upgraded to accommodate modern skis and snowboards, ensuring greater comfort for guests. These upgrades position Gore as a hub for all-season recreation, strengthening the local economy.

Gore Mountain is New York State’s largest ski and ride resort with 439 skiable acres spanning four mountains, with expansive views of the Adirondack wilderness © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gore Mountain is New York State’s largest ski and ride resort with 439 skiable acres spanning four mountains (Gore, Bear Mountain, Burnt Ridge Mountain and Little Gore Mountain), a vertical drop of 2,537 feet from the summit at 3,600 ft, 108 trails (longest is 4.4 miles), accessed by 14 lifts. As a perennial blue-trail/intermediate skier, Gore Mountain is one of my favorite places to ski. Nestled in the Adirondacks, it offers expansive views of a real wilderness. You actually feel as if you were in the Rockies.

The Lorca Adirondacks on Indian Lake © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gore Mountain has no on-mountain lodging but there are plenty of charming places throughout the Adirondacks, and marvelous dining in North Creek. Among them, Lorca Adirondacks at Indian Lake, about 40 minutes away, a historic motel that has been refurbished to year-round rustic luxury (Lorca ADK, Sabael, NY, 518-300-3916, [email protected], thelorca.com/adk).  For a luxurious stay, choose The Sagamore, a historic, grand resort in Bolton Landing on Lake George, 45 minutes away (www.thesagamore.com).

Gore Mountain, 793 Peaceful Valley Road, North Creek, NY 12853, Snow Phone: 518-251-5026, info 518-251-2411, [email protected],  goremountain.com.

Belleayre Mountain

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Belleayre continues to enhance its facilities with several key improvements. Early season will have limited lodge and services in anticipation of a grand re-opening of Discovery Lodge to include a new rental center and tuning services. Snowmaking capabilities were upgraded with the installation of 20 new PoleCat fan guns and 30,000 feet of new piping, increasing efficiency even in warmer temperatures. A new learning area at the summit, complete with a carpet lift and easy-graded trail, offers beginners better snow conditions and inspiring views. Guests can also access the summit via the Catskill Thunder Gondola for a seamless learning experience.

Belleayre Mountain is especially popular with families because of its proximity (just about 2 ½ hours drive) and perfect size, with marvelous beginner trails and learn to ski programs, and a natural separation between beginner and advanced skiers.

There is no on-mountain lodging, but quaint inns and lodges nearby in Fleischmann’s, Pine Hill, Big Indian, Phoenicia, Margaretville and Shandaken – among them, the Lorca Catskills offering several cabin/cottage-style accommodations (Gooding Rd & Rt 42, Shandaken, NY 12480 [email protected], thelorca.com, 518-300-3916).

See more at www.belleayre.com/plan-your-visit/lodging/)

(Belleayre, Highmount, NY 12441, 800-942-6904, 845-254-5600, www.belleayre.com).

World Championship and World Cup Events at Olympic Venues

The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) 2024-2025 events calendar is highlighted by World Cup events in three different sports and the International Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (IBSF) World Championships set for March 2025.

“With recent state investments to renovate the sports infrastructure in Lake Placid, we’re building on our commitment to the enduring legacy of athletic prestige in the North Country,” Governor Hochul said.“By welcoming a host of exciting events over the coming months, we are tapping into the region’s history and invigorating the infrastructure and possibility it carries.” 

Among the highlights: the return of International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Aerials World Cup on January 18-19, and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, which will now include both men’s and women’s competitions, on February 7-9. The IBSF World Championships will take place over two weeks, from March 6 through March 16.

Other notable major events on the upcoming schedule are the FIS World Junior Championships for ski jumping and Nordic combined on February 11-16, the SuperTour Nordic Finals from March 27-30, and two major collegiate hockey tournaments – the Adirondack Invitational (November 29-30) and the ECAC Hockey men’s championships (March 21-22) – at the Olympic Center. 

The FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup competition returns to the Olympic Jumping Complex, Lake Placid, on January 18-19, 2025 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup, January 18-19 – Olympic Jumping Complex: Men’s and women’s FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup competition returns to the Olympic Jumping Complex for the first time since 2019 on January 18-19, 2025. An Olympic sport since the 1994 Lillehammer Games, aerials is a spectator-friendly discipline that showcases athletes performing acrobatic flips, spins and twists in the air for scores based on total air, form, and landing success.

Lake Placid is one of eight FIS Aerials World Cups on the 2024-25 calendar and will feature men’s and women’s individual events and a mixed team event. The season begins November 24, 2024, in Ruka, Finland, and concludes with the World Championships starting March 30, 2025. Lake Placid, a regular stop on the FIS Aerials World Cup tour between 1985 and 2019, is the second Aerials World Cup of the 2024-2025 season.

FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, February 7-9 – Olympic Jumping Complex: After successfully hosting FIS Ski Jumping World Cups for men over the last two years, the Olympic Authority announced the addition of individual women’s ski jumping events and a mixed team competition from February 7-9 on the large hill at the Olympic Jumping Complex.

Practicing for the 2024 Bobsled World Championships at Van Hoevenberg. This year’s event is taking place Mar. 6-16, 2025 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships, March 6-16 – Mt Van Hoevenberg: The IBSF World Championships is the season’s premier bobsled and skeleton event, providing the best sliding athletes in the world an opportunity to achieve career-defining moments. Mt Van Hoevenberg has hosted the Bobsled World Championships nine times since 1949, including the combined IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton World Championships in 2009 and 2012. The 2025 IBSF World Championships was originally scheduled to take place in 2021 but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

World Champions will be crowned in Lake Placid across seven different disciplines: 4-Man Bobsleigh, 2-Woman Bobsleigh, 2-Man Bobsleigh, Women’s Monobob, Men’s Skeleton, Women’s Skeleton, and Skeleton Mixed Team. Winners will be determined by cumulative times over four heats, providing athletes a momentum boost as they continue preparation for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.

The IBSF World Championships were last held at Mt Van Hoevenberg in 2012 when Steven Holcomb piloted the USA sleds to victories in 2-man, 4-man, and the team competition. Holcomb, who famously ended a 62-year Olympic gold medal 4-man drought for Americans at the 2010 Vancouver Games, went on to win two silver medals in the 2014 Sochi Games.

State Support for Tourism Industry

Governor Hochul has maintained a strong commitment to supporting New York’s tourism industry – one of the State’s key economic drivers. New York State welcomed 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in its history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact, which followed historic investments in tourism, economic development, outdoor recreation, transportation and other key sectors.

As part of that commitment, the Governor has supported significant investments of more than $600 million in the Olympic Authority facilities to help reposition the State of New York as a global winter sport destination. These investments have supported major sporting events like the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games held in Lake Placid last year. The major transformations and modernizations were executed with a focus on sustainability and financial responsibility. In tandem, event promoter and organizer WBD Sports recently achieved the ISO20121 certification for its commitment to sustainable event management. This certification approves the structured framework that integrates sustainability into their event management practices.

 While in Lake Placid, be sure to visit the Olympic Museum, where you can see medals going back decades. New York State’s investment in year-round tourism has resulted in record numbers of visits and expenditures © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Since the Olympic Authority venue modernization projects began, overall visits to Olympic Authority facilities have been increasing markedly. Guest visits at all venues combined broke the one million mark for the first time in 2022-2023, hitting 1,014,292 total visits. 

Though the Olympic Authority’s impact as a major driver of tourism and regional economies has traditionally occurred in winter, the investments made in these venues in recent years have greatly expanded that impact to one that’s year-round. From scenic gondola rides at all three mountains to the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway to the longest mountain coaster in North America at Mt. Van Hoevenberg to a new rail and zipline attraction being installed at Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl, and many other non-winter activities and attractions, Olympic Authority venues are offering a wellspring of adventure throughout the year for all ages and all abilities.

More information at the Olympic Regional Development Authority, orda.org.

See also:

LAKE PLACID, WHERE YOU CAN BE IMMERSED IN OLYMPIC SPORT, SPIRIT YEAR-ROUND

TOPNOTCH SKIING AT NEW YORK’S GORE MOUNTAIN IN THE ADIRONDACKS

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Camping/Hiking/Outdoors, Gift of Travel, Gifts for Travelers

Give the Gift of Travel Experience

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The ParisPass saves time, money and anxiety in visiting high-demand attractions like the “Mona Lisa” at Le Louvre © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, www.goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travel is inevitably a journey of discovery, of self-fulfillment, of personal enhancement and change. It is about doing, engagement, forging relationships, and yes, lifelong memories. Enhance your traveler’s upcoming trip by prearranging a dining experience; a spa visit; admission to a museum, attraction or cultural event; a cooking, baking or jewelry making class; a hot-air balloon ride; rock-climbing adventure; walking tour; bike rental. And what trip doesn’t require some special gear? (If you time it right, you might also be able to benefit from holiday savings.)

PragueCoolPass provides admissions to major sights like Prague Castle and sightseeing cruises © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You can pre-purchase a city-sightseeing pass that provides admissions to the most popular attractions and experiences in cities like Prague (PragueCoolPass.com); Paris (parispass.com); Amsterdam (iamamsterdam.com); Berlin (citypasses.eu); Dresden (getyourguide.com).  The added advantage is that the passes help organize the itinerary, provide info on hours, exhibits, save the time of waiting on line and the anxiety of being shut out and even save money over purchasing admissions individually.

Go City sells passes in 25 destinations from major metropolises like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Singapore, London and New York to oceanfront oases like Sydney and Oahu – 1,500 attractions, tours, and activities worldwide, saving money over purchasing individual tickets, connected on your smart phone (GoCity.com, 800 887 9103).

CityPass (https://www.citypass.com/) has pass programs in numerous US cities and Toronto.

Arrange for your travelers to drive an exotic car, learn to fly, rock climb, skydive, bungee jump, take a hot-air balloon ride. Virgin Experience lists some 5000 different experiences in 122 regions from 600 “best in class” partners that their gift card can be applied to: Go to Food & Wine Gifts, Adventures Experiences and other listings. Easy return, no expiration, free exchange (https://www.virginexperiencegifts.com/action-and-adventure, https://www.virginexperiencegifts.com/ https://www.virginexperiencegifts.com/attractions

Gift certificates from Broadway.com can be redeemed for tickets to any Broadway or Off-Broadway show currently playing in New York City (https://www.broadway.com/gift-certificates/).

You can also purchase “show-stopping holiday gift” theater tickets at discounts at todaytix.com.

Or for that Broadway theater fan, pre-purchase admission to The Museum of Broadway (145 West 45th St. 212-239-6200, or 800-447-7400, www.themuseumofbroadway.com)

Context Travel offers personal walking tours to such enormously popular destinations and sights as the Acropolis in Athens © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Context Travel offers personal walking tours with experts in 60 cities across 6 continents. Skip the line and off-hours access to popular sites in the world’s cultural and historical capitals. Its gift cards can be used for all its travel experiences, including audio guides, walking tours, pre-trip talks, day trips, and shore excursions. Gift cards are redeemable for hundreds of tours and experiences in any city, can be e-delivered immediately or at a future date and can be personalized with your message https://www.contexttravel.com/gift-cards/new

Spafinder.com, a compendium of resorts, wellness centers and day spas, makes it easy to purchase giftcards. At this writing, Spafinder was offering 10% off orders of $100+ and free shipping.  Get $30% off purchases of $150+. (Promo code Flash30). https://myspafinder.spagiftcards.com/category/eGift-Cards

Theme parks can be a very, very pricey vacation for families. Gift cards can put the vacation in reach or enhance the experience.

Disney’s gift cards can be purchased in denominations of $25 to $500 and used for “practically” all things Disney – theme park tickets, resort stays, merchandise, dining and experiences at Disney destinations. Redeemable at shopDisney.com, Disney Store locations in the U.S., participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, Disneyland® Resort in California, Disney Cruise Line®, and Adventures by Disney®.  https://www.disneygiftcard.com/.

Gift a family membership to such wondrous attractions as the American Museum of Natural History © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Also consider gifting some of the really special experiences, like Zookeeper for a Day at Busch Gardens (www.buschgardens.com), or sleepover “Night in the Museum” experiences at places like National Air and Space Museum, International Spy Museum, American Museum of Natural History, Cincinnati Museum Center, California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, or family memberships.

For the skier/snowboarder, consider purchasing lift tickets, lessons, rentals, perhaps even a multi-day, regional or local pass (EpicPass.com, IKONPass.com, snow.com, ski.com). Get Ski Tickets is an online marketplace to purchase date-specific discounted lift tickets, lessons, rentals, group lift tickets and season passes (https://www.getskitickets.com/, 970-233-7040, [email protected]) and gift certificates (https://www.getskitickets.com/gift-certificates/).

The enchanted Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick, Canada, where one minute you are walking on the sea floor, 30 minutes later you are kayaking through the rocks as you experience the highest tides in the world, is one of the shore excursions available from Shore Excursions Group © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

And cruises may advertise as being “all-inclusive” but shore excursions are costly add-ons. Pre-purchase a shore excursion from Shore Excursions Group which offers 4,000 tours in 300+ ports worldwide, with something for every kind of cruiser, from first-timers to seasoned globetrotters, at 40 percent less than purchasing from the cruiseline.

Fantasy Camp!

There are any number of fantasy camps to satisfy, well, every fantasy. If you can fantasize it, there is likely a fantasy camp to realize it.

Want to play baseball like a major leaguer? There are baseball fantasy camps with teams like the Yankees, Red Sox, Atlanta Braves (mlb.com). For basketball: 76ers Fantasy Camp is the inaugural NBA fantasy camp, www.76ersfantasycamps.com).

Join players from the gold medal winning 1980 USA Hockey Team for this annual Miracle On Ice Fantasy Camp, in magnificent Lake Placid, NY – host city of the historic 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Skate and compete in the 1980 Rink – Herb Brooks Arena where USA conquered the Russians and shocked the sports and political world (actual Miracle on Ice players usually participate!). (https://lakeplacidolympiccenter.com/todo/miracle-on-ice-fantasy-camp/)

Imagine playing hockey on the same rink as the Miracle of Ice 1980s defeat of the Soviet Union! That fantasy comes true during the annual Miracle on Ice Fantasy Camp in Lake Placid © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Space Camp, an educational camp on the grounds of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum near NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, provides residential and educational programs for children as well as adults on themes such as space exploration, aviation and robotics. There are camps for every age group, even adults! (www.rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp, [email protected], 800-637-7223).

Also: Broadway theater  (Broadway Fantasy Camp, broadwayfancamp.com), Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, an interactive musical event that takes place in various locations worldwide involving various Rock Stars on various dates (rockcamp.com; gift cards available, https://gift-cards.rockcampevents.com/)

For many, being able to participate in important science research is also a fantasy. Earthwatch Expeditions makes it possible to support important research into global challenges from climate change to human-wildlife coexistence to sustainability, while engaging local communities. It offers more than 40 field research expeditions around the world, with opportunities for teens and adults; no prior experience needed (Earthwatch.org, [email protected]).

Also Ecology Project International (https://www.ecologyproject.org/travel-programs); GVIUSA (https://www.gviusa.com/blog/how-to-join-research-expeditions-around-the-world/); and Biosphere Expeditions,  a wildlife conservation non-profit driven by science and citizen scientist (biosphere-expeditions.org).

Getting There or Coming Here

Ease the coming and going: Southwest is one of the airlines with gift certificate programs. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You can purchase gift cards on many airlines: the Delta Gift Card is redeemable for any Delta Air Lines flight worldwide and for any Delta Vacations package that includes airfare, no expiration date (https://www.delta.com/us/en/gift-cards/overview). Also Southwest Airlines (no expiration date, fully transferrable, usable for passenger travel, https://www.southwest.com/gift-card/); American Airlines (https://giftcards.aa.com/), United Airlines, British Airways, Air France, KLM, SAS. 

Prefer riding the rails to boarding flights? Amtrak gift cards are available in an amount up to $500 with no fees and never expire. Have it emailed or sent through the mail. Redeem for travel online, in the app, by phone or in staffed stations. (May not be used for onboard purchases) https://www.amtrak.com/giftcards

Memberships Have Benefits

Gifting a family membership into such marvelous attractions as the Long Island Children’s Museum promotes more frequent visits and access to special programs © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Gifting family memberships in a favorite museum, zoo, aquarium, preserve, historic site or attraction gives a sense of “ownership” and encourages multiple or multi-day visits as well as giving access to benefits – from special access to events and openings, discounts and promotions, magazines: American Museum of Natural History (members enjoy free admission, special access and previews of new exhibitions, and discounts on purchases with member ID; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chicago Museum of Art, any and every important museum, hall of fame, attraction, zoo such as the Wildlife Conservation Society which operates the Bronx Zoo and Brooklyn Aquarium among others (www.wcs.org).

Smithsonian Institution, not only has an excellent store and catalog of excellent expeditionary trips (Smithsonianstore.com), but I treasure the Smithsonian Magazine, which also provides membership benefits, access to gifts; subscribe to the magazine and get gift subscriptions to share with someone else, smithsonianmag.com). Similarly, National Geographic inspires to pursue your own expedition and also has links to great expeditionary gear; there is also a National Geo Kids edition, to sow the seeds for lifelong adventure. (https://ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic.com/

Use your gift giving to support organizations like Parks & Trails NY, which each year organizes an eight-day, 400-mile Cycle the Erie supported camping/biking tour along the historic canalway which this year is marking its bicentennial, July 12 – 20 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Also check out the memberships and gift possibilities at: Sierra Club (produces an excellent catalog of trips, sierraclub.org); Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (also check out the trail shop for gear like jerseys, trail guides and such, railstotrails.org), Parks & Trails NY  (which hosts the annual Cycle the Erie 8-day, 400-mile camping/biking trip, ptny.org); Audubon Society; Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Federation (nwf.org); World Wildlife Federation (wwf.org) and Kennedy Space Center (www.kennedyspacecenter.com).

You can also gift membership in a favorite wine club. For example, a gift membership in Dry Creek Vineyard, in the charming Sonoma, California town of Healdsburg, provides insider access to limited-production wines, customizable shipments, VIP invitations to members-only events, Complimentary annual tour for member and guests, complimentary tasting for up to 6 guest,  and 20–25% savings on wine and 20% savings on merchandise (707-433-1000 ext. 123, email [email protected], drycreekvineyard.com)

A wine tasting at Dry Creek Vineyard, in the charming Sonoma, California town of Healdsburg. Consider gifting a wine membership or wine © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Another way to transport a travel experience is to arrange for wine from a winery or destination that the recipient visited or yearns to visit. Besides Dry Creek,  we have also really enjoyed the winery and the wine experience at Imagery Estate (imagerywinery.com), and  Gundlach Bundschu Winery (gunbun.com) in Sonoma, which also make it easy to gift their wine.

Travel Gear

A gift of some special gear or apparel will add to the enjoyment to an upcoming hiking, camping, biking, outdoors and adventure trip © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travelers also appreciate the gear, special clothing, photo equipment that a trip (expedition, voyage, journey) entails, but may feel guilty about purchasing or simply tapped out- like sunglasses, hiking poles (one of my favorite things!); hiking/skiing socks; safari hat; packing cubes; day pack; chargers; rain poncho. As they say: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes.

Our favorite go-to outfitters (especially when you catch holiday deals, sales and closeouts): REI (top trending gifts, gifts by activity or price, www.rei.com/s/gifts-for-travelers; sale items https://www.rei.com/c/travel-gear/f/scd-deals, 800-426-4840);  LL Bean, 888-610-2326, llbean.com; Sun & Ski, sunandski.com, 866-786-3869 (gift cards available); Eastern Mountain Sports, 888-463-6367, ems.com; Tennis Express (gift guide online, TennisExpress.com), Bass Pro Shops, www.basspro.com; Patagonia (Patagonia.com); Paragon Sports (paragonsports.com). And of course, luggage – one great site Luggageonline.com.

NOMATIC 20L Travel Pack is designed for shorter 1-3 day trips! It’s made with durable, water-resistant materials and YKK zippers. Starting at 20L and expanding 50% to 30L, this bag is slim but expands when you need to pack more. The patent-pending strap system allows you to go from backpack to briefcase carry for those times when you need to look more professional. The full perimeter zipper, magnetic water bottle pockets, RFID safe storage, and hidden pockets are just a few of the 20+ noteworthy features that make the Travel Pack such a functional travel pack. Retails for $299.99. Available on Amazon & ShareASale/Skimlinks

Limitless Innovations – JumpSmart – 10-In-1 Portable Vehicle Jump Starter, Flashlight, Power Bank & More  For more peace of mind when driving in winter weather, going wild camping in the desert, or going adventuring or traveling long distance at night, one item that I received that I really appreciate is the JumpSmart 10-in-1. It’s powerful enough to jump start most cars, trucks, SUV’s, boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, and ATV’s. The flashlight/power bank has a compass and thermometer. The kit comes with smart jumper cables with mini flashlight, a carrying strap, USB wall charging adapter, USB car charging adapter, micro-USB cable, a carrying pouch and printed instructions. You can instantly jump a drained vehicle battery by clamping the Smart Jumper Cables with the mini flashlight directly onto the vehicle battery terminals. Its powerful 29600mWh (8000mAh) 4-cell, high-grade Lithium-Polymer battery is more powerful than ever before with DC 12V 200A (start) – 800A (peak). It retails for $159.99 (one year limited warranty). Available on Amazon

Some trips really benefit from a camera, long lens, or waterproof camera, like this once-in-a-lifetime bucketlist trip snorkeling in the Galapagos © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

What trip doesn’t involve photos! Go beyond the cell phone! B&H Photo consistently has best inventory, prices and holiday specials, efficient delivery, excellent customer service, delivery and return policies – think about memory cards, a point-and-shoot camera for hiking/biking; a mirrorless that packs easily but gives great quality; a long lens for that safari; a waterproof camera for that snorkeling/scuba diving trip (www.bhphotovideo.com), 800.606.6969, 212.444.6615).

Great stocking stuffers so appreciated by travelers are socks for hiking, running, endurance, skiing, biking, hunting, work and lifestyle: Bombas (get 20% off, https://bombas.com/) and Darn Tough (www.darntough.com).

A subscription to a travel magazine like Travel & Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler (holiday sale, digital for $10, print for $20 plus tote, https://www.cntraveler.com/v2/offers/cnt313, cntraveler.com), National Geographic Traveler and National Geographic are a great gift to inspire and inform; there is also a National Geo Kids edition. (https://ngmdomsubs.nationalgeographic.com/

Here’s a unique stocking stuffer: Through Dec. 23, golf clubs delivery service Ship Sticks and ski equipment delivery service ShipSkis are offering a $10 bonus for every $50 spent on gift cards, which are available in $50, $100, $250 and $500 increments. Parent company Ship&Play is offering $10, $20, $40 and $60 bonuses on $50, $100, $200 and $300 gift cards.

See also:

GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL TO SPARK THAT WANDERLUST, CHECK OFF THAT BUCKET LIST, GIVES A LIFE-ENHANCING EXPERIENCE AND LIFE-LONG MEMORIES

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Gift of Travel

Give the Gift of Travel to Spark that Wanderlust, Check Off that Bucket List, Gives a Life-Enhancing Experience and Life-Long Memories

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The gift of travel can be a bucket-list experience like the four-day Inca Trail hike to Machu Picchu © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, www.goingplacesfarandnear.com

What could be a better, more thoughtful gift than giving a part of the world, some memorable, life-enhancing, life-changing experience, something from their bucket-list or that fulfills a long-held dream? Give the gift of travel.

The gift of travel might be the trip itself (or creating a registry so that lots of family and friends can contribute). But it could also be pre-arranging some experience or activity to enhance a trip: a dining experience; spa visit; admission to a museum or special exhibit, attraction or cultural event; cooking, baking or jewelry making class; hot-air balloon ride; rock-climbing adventure; walking tour; a bike rental. (Get ideas by checking TripAdvisor for the destination.)

The  PragueCoolPass provides admissions to major sights like Prague Castle and sightseeing cruises © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It can be a pre-purchased city pass that covers admissions (and skips the time-suck of waiting on line for tickets) to scores of top attractions and activities.

And what trip doesn’t require some special gear? If you time it right, you might also be able to benefit from holiday savings, even on the more open-ended gift cards or certificates.

More and more travel companies – hotels and resorts, cruises, tours, theme parks, sightseeing, spas, restaurants, even transportation companies from airlines to Amtrak to Uber, now offer the opportunity to purchase a gift-card, gift certificate or voucher that can be applied to the bigger-ticket items while affording the traveler flexibility for when the trip starts.

Gift cards can open up doors to travel, or take the sting out of the pinch to a traveler’s, couple’s or family’s wallet. Gift cards can provide that extra spark that gets your loved one to finally take the plunge toward their bucket-list experience. The beauty is you can give the amount that works best for you. (Check if you can apply holiday discounts). Caveat: make sure the vouchers, certificates or gift cards are flexible, do not expire and check how the recipient can apply them.

Another advantage: you can give the gift of travel and make dreams come true pretty much instantly – and no need to travel to a store or post office or lug anything home.

Here are some examples:

Loved our stay at Riad el Yacout in Fez, Morocco, booked on hotels.com. The Hotels.comGift Card is redeemable towards bookings at hundreds of thousands of lodgings in 200 countries and territories, ranging from major international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Hotels.com Gift Card is redeemable towards bookings at hundreds of thousands of lodgings in 200 countries and territories, ranging from major international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts. The gift cards are available in denominations from $10 to $2,000 and there are no expiration dates or fees. Hotels.com also has a secure gift registry where friends and family can contribute toward a Hotels.com eGift Card – great for honeymoons, babymoons, graduation, or any other group-gifting occasion (https://www.hotels.com/lp/b/giftcards). Here’s the fine print: Usable up to balance only for new hotel bookings at www.hotels.com/gc. Only one gift card can be redeemed per online booking, but multiple gift cards may be combined into one gift card with a maximum value of $2000. Not redeemable at hotel locations or if you choose the Pay at Hotel option online. Not redeemable toward existing bookings or packages.  (For balance or information, visit www.hotels.com/gcbalance or call 888-999-4468.)

Purchase a gift card from iprefer.com which can be used at Historic Hotels Worldwide members such as the Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You can purchase gift cards for stays or amenities at Historic Hotels of America, Historic Hotels Worldwide, Beyond Green and Preferred Hotels & Resorts (all brands of Preferred Hotels & Resorts) through the iprefer.com. Gift Cards can be used for services, experiences, and stays at participating hotels and resorts in hundreds of destinations around the world and do not expire. Purchase online at https://iprefer.com/i-prefer-gift-cards.

A gift card from Historic Hotels of Europe can be applied to a stay at its member Flanders Hotel in Bruges © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Historic Hotels of Europe offers a Gift Voucher (expires after 5 years) redeemable by selecting the desired place of stay at its website https://HistoricHotelsofEurope.com, phoning the hotel or booking on the hotel’s website (https://historichotelsofeurope.com/gift-voucher/

Noble House Hotels & Resorts gift cards may be used at its collection of hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants, marinas and adventures across North America. Among them: the Jekyll Island Club Resort, Georgia; Napa Valley Wine Train; Chatham Inn Relais & Châteaux on Cape Cod (https://www.noblehousehotels.com/gift-card/)

Small Luxury Hotels SLH Gift Card can be used to book 600 hotels in 90 countries https://slh.com/about-slh/gift-cards

New England Inns & Resorts Association gift cards can be redeemed at 300 inns and resorts all over New England and can be purchased in any amount you choose. Make a reservation directly with the property, let them know you will be using the gift card and present it at check-in. The cards never expire (https://www.newenglandinnsandresorts.com/gift-cards)

Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, a division of HHM which manages 240 properties across North America, offers gift cards for its portfolio of independent Luxury and Lifestyle, Resorts, Premium Branded and Branded Select. Among them: The Rittenhouse, Philadelphia; Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid; MacArthur Place, Sonoma. Purchase in increments of $100, up to $500 for the specific hotel https://www.independentcollection.com/gift-cards

New York State’s Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation gift card can be used at 8,500 campsites, 850 cabins, 135 cottages and 18 golf courses throughout the state, including the magnificent Watkins Glen State Park campground © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York State’s Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation gift card can be used at 8,500 campsites, 850 cabins, 135 cottages and 18 golf courses throughout the state. Use for fees associated with camping walk-ups, golf reservations and greens fees, camping supplies, boat rentals provided by NYS Parks (not for vehicle entrance fee, concessionaires, or Department of Environmental Conservation facilities). Purchase online at https://shop.parks.ny.gov/store/gift-cards/ for any dollar amount with no expiration date. They can be used with the NYS camping reservation system (Reserve America), https://www.reserveamerica.com, 800-456-2267.

KOA Campground gift cards can be used at any of the 500+ KOA locations in the US and Canada (call 888-562-0000 to order or purchase at a campground, https://koa.com/giftcards/). (Also check out KOA’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: The Best Gifts for Campers & Outdoor Lovers (https://koa.com/blog/koa-holiday-gift-guide-the-best-gifts-for-campers-outdoor-lovers/)

Spacious Skies Campgrounds, which operates 15 campgrounds from Maine to Georgia, makes gift certificates available in increments of $25 to $100; the certificates can be purchased at the individual campgrounds’ websites by pressing the “More” tab and then following the “Gift Certificates” link. The purchaser will then receive an e-mail with the certificate. Or purchase by phone at 862-777-0319. “Campground gift cards are a great way of encouraging people to join you on a trip or helping someone take that step to an outdoor experience,” said Ali Rasmussen, co-founder of Spacious Skies Campgrounds.

Give a gift card toward a Moterra Campervan for a wild camping advanture © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Moterra Campervans makes gift cards available for fully stocked, easy-to-drive vehicles out of pick-up locations includingSeattle, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Jackson Hole, Whitefish, Montana and Portland, Maine: https://shop.gomoterra.com/products/gift-card. Purchase $250 discount codes for just $25 – no blackout dates or expiration. (https://shop.gomoterra.com/products/250-for-50)

Travellers Autobarn  gift card can be used to book fully-stocked campervans to embark on journeys to destinations like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, and the Pacific Coast Highway from pickup locations in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Great for families, couples, and solo travelers, campervans come fully equipped with cozy sleeping areas, functional kitchens, and plenty of storage. And no young drivers fee for those under 25. (https://www.travellers-autobarnrv.com/, 800-469-4790)

Easy Sailing

Cruiselines also make it easy to purchase gift cards, and even gift registries so that family and friends can contribute to purchasing the cruise:

The Royal Caribbean pre-paid gift card can be used for Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises cruise bookings and redeemed by booking online © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Royal Caribbean pre-paid gift card can be used for Royal Caribbean International or Celebrity Cruises cruise bookings and redeemed by booking online. The gift card will be sent to the recipient via email on the delivery date you choose. For same-day delivery, most gift cards are sent within an hour of your purchase. Royal Caribbean (www.royalcaribbean.com/programs/gift-cards, 866-562-7625)

Norwegian Cruise Line makes it possible to gift onboard credit, wine, gourmet treats, spa visits, or create a registry so that bunches of family and friends can contribute toward a cruise (https://www.ncl.com/onboard-gifts).

Disney Cruise Lines is among the major lines that have gift programs © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com 

Other cruiselines that have gift card programs include: Disney Cruise Lines (https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/featured/holiday-gift-cruise/); Carnival Cruise Lines (https://carnival.ourgiftcards.com/); Princess Cruises (princess.com/giftcard); Holland America (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/plan-a-cruise/giftcard)

Give a gift that puts a bow on the thrill of the Age of Sail, with a certificate to cruise aboard one of the historic Maine Windjammer Association fleet © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Maine Windjammer Association, with its fleet of member historic ships that sail out of Maine ports of Rockland and Camden,offerse-gift certificates that can be ordered in any denomination, and will be honored by any vessel in its fleet. The gift certificates never expire and can be customized with a special message. Order online. You can have your e-certificate sent immediately or schedule it for a future day. ([email protected],800-807-9463;  https://www.sailmainecoast.com/windjammer-sailing-gift-certificates/)

Gift a cruise aboard Erie Canal Adventures, which operates a fleet of fully 11 fully outfitted and delightful houseboats that cruise New York State’s canals, eriecanaladventures.com, 315-986-3011.

LeBoat, which offers the opportunity to self-skipper a boat you rent to cruise the canals of Europe, and most recently, the St. Lawrence Seaway in North America, offers gift certificates. This requires some bit of caution: gift certificates are valid for one year from the date of purchase and the cruise must be booked during this period (the cruise may take place in the same season or the following season). The gift voucher may applied to the boat rental, insurance and optional extras, as full or partial payment of a new cruise booked, or as payment of the remaining balance for a cruise already booked; however, if the amount owed is less than the value of the check, then no refund or credit can be made. (https://www.leboat.com/deals/gift-certificate)

Gift of Travel for Wellness Wanderers

Plan traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, aqua fitness experiences, and hikes in the Himalayan foothills at Ananda in the Himalayas.

For wellness wanderers: Plan traditional Ayurvedic therapies, yoga sessions, aqua fitness experiences, and hikes in the Himalayan foothills to wrap up under the tree this year. Book a sleep enhancement or yogic detox wellness program at Ananda in the Himalayas to give the gift of vitality this year.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025, Ananda in the Himalayas is a world-renowned holistic wellness retreat in North India, overlooking the spiritual town of Rishikesh and river Ganges. Located in the former Palace Estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal, the retreat spans 100 acres of lush grounds and gardens and offers customized programs including yoga, meditation, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, and healthy cuisine. The heart of Ananda lies in its 25,000 square foot wellness center, offering beautifully designed therapy rooms with nature views, open-air yoga and meditation pavilions, an outdoor pool, a physiotherapy center, gymnasium, and a comprehensive range of Ayurvedic and international therapies for holistic cleansing of the body, mind, and soul.

“Wrap up” a sustainable and eco-friendly experience at Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica.

For sustainability seekers: “Wrap up” a sustainable and eco-friendly experience at Hotel Belmar by arranging to ride horseback through the countryside, visit a sustainable farm, or attend a garden-to-glass cocktail class.

Hotel Belmar  is an independent, family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest highlands and fosters connections to nature, mindful serenity, and holistic wellness. Rooms become eco-conscious sanctuaries, ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and sustainability in an unforgettable setting. Farm-to-table gastronomy, thematic forest immersions, garden-surrounded yoga, cultural programs, a carbon-neutral farm, and an onsite craft brewery bridge guests to Monteverde’s natural wonders.

Traveling Spoon offers the gift of a culinary experience in 200 destinations around the world.

For culinary travelers: Traveling Spoon is offering gift givers the chance to give the gift of a culinary experience directly. You can arrange a voucher that allows them to cook Cajun-style in New Orleans, make rum cocktails in Barbados, or cook with a Michelin-star chef in Montreal, and much more.

Traveling Spoon connects travelers with local hosts in their homes in 200+ destinations around the world to cook family recipes, visit local markets, learn culinary traditions and create memories over food. Founded in 2013, Traveling Spoon offers private food experiences, from home cooked meals to cooking lessons, with personally vetted hosts. In 2024, Traveling Spoon added destinations and off-the-beaten-path culinary experiences and currently operates in 233 cities in 70 countries.

Naya Traveler creates tailored itineraries to exactly those kinds of destinations around the world such as Patagonia, Argentina.

For purposeful adventurers: This is the holiday season to go big and gift that unexpected—but much desired—trip to someplace off the beaten track with a  personalized itinerary designed by Naya Traveler.

For travelers looking for an experience that’s all their own, want destinations that are off the beaten path and meaningful, that don’t feed into overtourism, Naya Traveler creates tailored itineraries to exactly those kinds of destinations around the world. Naya Traveler focuses on fully-formed itineraries that feature exclusive insider experiences bringing back purpose and value to travel and providing a space to discover a destination through the eyes of those who know it best. Naya Traveler works with an exceptional group of local hosts and expert guides in each destination, from historians and artists to ethnographers and chefs, to create itineraries and travel experiences for engaged travelers.

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is a popular all-inclusive adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia.

For luxury escapists: Put a bow on a selection of spa treatments at the Ti Spa at Calabash Cove Resort and Spa 

Calabash Cove Resort and Spa is one of the most popular all-inclusive, adults-only boutique hotels in Saint Lucia, offering seclusion, beauty, and mesmerizing views. The 26 suites blend Caribbean charm and modern luxurious resort amenities. Highlights include the Windsong restaurant and lively C-Bar overlooking the infinity pool, and the peaceful Ti Spa. The culinary team accommodates any dietary needs and personal requests including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, and more. Calabash Cove has a small Cybex cardiovascular fitness center and provides kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear free of charge to guests.

For Italophiles and scene-setters: Book a romantic dinner at Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio and its Wine Cellar in Rome, surrounded by wine barrels and the Bettoja Hotels family’s collection of wine dating back more than a century.

 Bettoja Hotels is a family run hotel group with three hotels located a stone’s throw from Termini Station. In addition to the Hotel Massimo D’Azeglio and the Hotel Atlántico, the four-star Hotel Mediterraneo stands out for its monumental luxury and is amongst the best examples of Art Deco in the capital.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Attractions, Christmas holiday travel, Driveable destinations, Family Travel, Holiday Travel

Cheeriest Winter Holiday Season Driveable Destinations

Christmas in Philadelphia, one of the places exuding the wonderland vibe of the winter holiday season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, www.goingplacesfarandnear.com

Some places really exude the storybook, magical, wonderland vibe of the winter holiday season, filling everyone with good cheer and lifelong memories. Here are some of our favorites within driving distance:

Holiday Escape to Newport

Historically considered a summer playground, Newport, Rhode Island transforms into a magical winter wonderland each holiday season. For 54 years, the city has celebrated Christmas in Newport with festive light displays, charming holiday markets, seasonal feasts and visits from Santa Claus.

Holidays at the Newport Mansions:

Sparkling Lights at The Breakers (photo by Dave Hansen)

The Breakers: “Sparkling Lights at The Breakers” dazzles with a half-mile stroll through an outdoor path of glittering lights and colorful displays as holiday music fills the evening air. The 13-acre landscape of this Gilded Age landmark is decorated with illuminated features, including a new 60-foot lighted tunnel and a display that suggests water fountains. The back terrace features warming stations and adult beverages including hot chocolate with liqueur, apple cider with bourbon, wine and beer while families enjoy holidays sweets and treats, and get a s’mores kit to cook over the fire pit.  Admission to Sparkling Lights at The Breakers requires a special ticket with a specific date and entry time, and it includes interior access to The Breakers during the same visit. Tour times are 4 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. The gates close at 6:30 p.m. and the house and grounds close at 8 p.m. Visitors are welcome to stay on the property for as long as they wish until closing. (www.newportmansions.org/events/sparkling-lights-at-the-breakers-2024)

The Newport Contemporary Ballet Presents: Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff: The timeless story of The Nutcracker unfolds in the beautiful, majestic halls of Rosecliff Mansion.

Christmas at Blithewold: This year’s theme, “The Early Years: The Bristol Community and Blithewold, 1896–1914,” highlights the Blithewold family’s connections with local residents decorating key rooms to showcase the Bristol residents who impacted the family.

Marble House and The Elms: Wander through rooms adorned with magnificent Christmas trees, fragrant wreaths, and fresh floral arrangements, each thoughtfully curated to complement the elegance and uniqueness of each of these grand homes.  Chateau-sur-Mer: Its first floor will be fully decorated in the spirit of the holidays – the first time in 25 years!  Open for the first two weeks of the holiday season.

Visit www.newportmansions.org/events/holidays-at-the-newport-mansions-2024.

Bowen Wharf, Newport, Rhode Island © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Holiday Markets: Christmas by the Sea at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina offers a curated collection of handcrafted gifts by local artisans; Wayfinder Newport’s Holiday Sips & Splurge market offers a lively atmosphere and seasonal crafts. For a true taste of European holiday charm, head to the European Christmas Marketplace in nearby Bristol to shop for local goods, sip mulled wine, and enjoy live performances under twinkling lights.

Wrap yourself in history at The Hotel Viking, a member of Historic Hotels of America, nestled in the Historic Hill district on famed Bellevue Avenue, which opened in 1926 to accommodate the haute monde (https://www.historichotels.org/us/hotels-resorts/the-hotel-viking/). Another great choices is the Vanderbilt Newport, once the mansion home of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt (https://aubergeresorts.com/vanderbilt/stay/)

Festive Holiday Feasts: Michelin-rated Meals: Indulge in an Epicurean Christmas at Cara at The Chandler with a six or seven course Blind Tasting menu on Christmas Eve or a Four-course Prix Fixe menu on Christmas Day. Over at Castle Hill, enjoy the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day traditional three-course dinner menu with a holiday twist while cozying up to the fireplace and swaying to live music. Both the Chanler and Castle Hill Inn were recently designated with Two Key recognitions. Cozy Taverns: Visitors throughout the season can warm up with The Black Pearl’s famous clam chowder, a festive round of oysters and martinis at Clarke Cooke House  or enjoy a hearty seasonal meal at White Horse Tavern, America’s oldest tavern. 

‘Only in DC’ Experiences in the Nation’s Capital

From European-style markets, hotels and restaurants in the holiday spirit, to the presidential inauguration and highly anticipated return of the giant pandas, Washington, DC shines brightly this winter. Combined with enthralling new exhibits, a new museum and engaging arts and culture, DC offers one-of-a-kind experiences for every traveler.

Preparations are underway for the 60th presidential inauguration taking place on January 20, 2025. Hotels, restaurants and attractions in neighborhoods across the city are offering thematic packages, menus, exhibits and tours © Karen Rubin/goingplcesfarandnear.com

Preparations are underway for the 60th presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. Hotels, restaurants and attractions in neighborhoods across the city are offering thematic packages, menus, exhibits and tours. Destination DC serves as a free resource for visitors at washington.org/inauguration, offering ideas for presidential experiences, free ways to pay tribute to American history and hotel deals.

On Jan. 24, 2025, Bao Li and Qing Bao will publicly debut at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, making DC the only place to see giant pandas for free. Themed offerings are planned throughout the city. Given the immense public interest and excitement, the Zoo is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors daily. Timed entry passes are released here four weeks out. The Zoo is also famous for hosting its gorgeous ZooLights during the holidays.

On Dec. 13, the National Museum of African American History and Culture debuts a new temporary exhibition: In Slavery’s Wake: Making Black Freedom in the World. Through powerful forms of artistic expression, such as quilting, embroidery and weaving, the landmark exhibition reveals healing traditions rooted in the resilience of the enslaved.

On Feb. 19, the Go-Go Museum & Café will open in the heart of Anacostia. The first institution dedicated to the celebration and preservation of the syncopated, drum-driven funk that is DC’s native musical form will feature interactive exhibitions and holograms of Go-Go icons. 

Dazzling Displays:

National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace, Dec. 5-Jan. 1, 2025: The National Christmas Tree, free to enter, is surrounded by trees decorated with handmade ornaments from 58 U.S. states and territories. Dec. 5 lighting airs on CBS Dec. 20.

National Menorah Lighting, Dec. 25-Jan. 2, 2025: Hannukah begins with the lighting ceremony of the world’s largest menorah on the White House Ellipse, which greets all with latkes, doughnuts, menorah kits and dreidels.

ZooLights, Nov. 22-Jan. 4, 2025: Environmentally friendly LED lights and dozens of glowing animal lanterns transform Smithsonian’s National Zoo into a winter wonderland.

Frosted at Franklin Park 2024: Illumination, Nov. 22-Dec. 21: Wander through a breathtaking, free display of thousands of tiny festive bright lights, bringing a shimmery cool front to Franklin Park.

Tingle Bells at ARTECHOUSE, Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 2025: This limited-run experience offers a holiday retreat for mind, body and soul.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, Dec. 3-Jan. 1, 2025: A 54-year tradition on the West Lawn, this year’s tree comes from Alaska’s national forests.

Season’s Greenings at the U.S. Botanic Garden, Nov. 28-Jan. 5, 2025: Model trains in the gated outdoor gardens, festive lights throughout the Garden and poinsettias, holiday decor and DC landmarks made from plants inside the Conservatory.

CityCenterDC’s Holiday Tree, Nov. 30-Early Jan. 2025: The luxury shopping destination celebrates 11 years of displaying a jaw-dropping 75-foot tree and décor. Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks will grace the stage alongside the American Pops Orchestra for the annual tree lighting. On Dec. 14-15, The Nutcracker by CityCenterDC will showcase magnificent, larger-than-life ice sculptures.

National Mistletoe Activation, Early Dec.-Early Jan. 2025: A new winter attraction comes to Anthem Row (formerly Techworld Plaza): a sparkling art installation in front of the Carnegie Library.

Seasonal Events:

A Christmas Carol, Nov. 21-Dec. 31: Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace reprises the role of Ebenezer Scrooge for Ford’s Theatre’s annual production of the Charles Dickens classic, a lasting holiday tradition.

The Washington Ballet presents The Nutcracker, Nov. 30-Dec. 29: This DC-themed production at the Warner Theatre features dancing cherry blossoms, local landmarks and figures like Betsy Ross, Harriet Tubman and George Washington.

Step Afrika!’s Magical Musical Holiday Step Show, Dec. 13-22: Celebrating 30 years, the world’s first holiday show highlighting the African American tradition of stepping returns to Arena Stage.

A Candelight Christmas, Dec. 15-22: Join the Washington Chorus in celebrating the 15th anniversary of its annual concert, ringing in the holiday season with joy, spirit and unity at the Kennedy Center.

New this year, an ice-skating rink is built inside the majestic National Building Museum, dubbed the Holiday Skate Spectacular.

Merry markets: DowntownDC Holiday Market in Penn Quarter (Nov. 22-Dec. 23), celebrating its 20th year, offers 110 vendors, 90 percent of which are women, LGBTQ+ or BIPOC owned; DC Holiday Market at Dupont Circle (Nov. 22-Dec. 15) offers 30 artisans, live music and sweet treats.

Ice skating on the National Mall with a view of the National Archives © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Festive hotels: The historic Willard Intercontinental famously transforms into a magical holiday wonderland complete with nightly caroling (and was this year’s winner of Historic Hotels of America’s best city center historic hotel). The chic Riggs Hotel collaborates with celebrated fashion designers for its bejeweled tree; Christopher John Rogers and Farrow & Ball have the honours this year. The Waldorf Astoria and Conrad Washington, DC boast Instagram-worthy seasonal decorations. Rosewood Washington, DC’s The Lodge at CUT Above offers an immersive winter atmosphere, while a winter chalet pops up at Kimpton Monaco’s Dirty Habit, complete with an on-site snow cannon. The Fairmont Washington, DC Georgetown offers Nutcracker afternoon tea and the Capital Hilton offers a Nutcracker themed suite and lobby scavenger hunt.

he lobby at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel, from which the term “lobbyist” was born © Karen Rubin/goingplcesfarandnear.com

C’s first Arlo Hotel opened near Judiciary Square on Nov. 18, with its trademark style and year-round rooftop. The highly anticipated Salamander DC just completed its phased enhancements, unveiling its luxury two-story spa this month. The Canal House of Georgetown, part of Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, is expected to debut in the heart of the charming neighborhood in early 2025. These openings add to a long list of recent renovations and rebrands across the city.

Heavy hitters in the restaurant industry continue to inflame the city’s sizzling culinary scene. Kwame Onwuachi’s Dōgon opened with national buzz in the Salamander; Michelin-starred chef Pepe Moncayo’s Spanish farmhouse Arrels opened Nov. 18 in the Arlo; Stephen Starr and Nancy Silverton partnered to open the long-awaited Osteria Mozza in Georgetown on Nov. 10; while Devin Kennedy and Will Patton’s Press Club adds to DC’s high end cocktail scene.

Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization of the nation’s capital, provides ways to plan unforgettable and budget-friendly trips at washington.org/winter.

Philadelphia Offers Potpourri of Holiday Festivities

With scores of dazzling light displays, holiday markets, festive shows and seasonal attractions, the holidays are an especially magical time in Philadelphia.

The Macy’s Christmas Light Show is one of the many holiday happenings in Philadelphia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Macy’s Christmas Light Show and Dickens Christmas Village (Macy’s, 1300 Market Street, thru Dec. 31): The Grand Court in the National Historic Landmark Wanamaker Building has hosted the iconic Christmas Light Show since 1956. Daily displays feature thousands of twinkling lights in the shapes of snowflakes, candy canes and dancing snowmen accompanied by seasonal sounds from the famed Wanamaker Organ.

Winter at Dilworth Park (1 S. 15th Street, next to City Hall; dates vary by attraction) Free events and cool attractions include: The Wintergarden open-air wonderland; Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market; Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink; Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin offering seasonal dishes, cocktails, beer; outdoor terrace with cozy fire pits.  

Holiday happenings in Philadelphia © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

LumiNature at the Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, select dates thru Dec. 31): This immersive display transforms the Philadelphia Zoo into a nighttime multimedia spectacle with 1 million holiday lights in 16 distinct zones, seasonal snacks, live performances, hot chocolate and adult beverages (Timed tickets are required.)

Holiday Garden Railway and Nighttime Express at Morris Arboretum & Gardens (Morris Arboretum & Gardens, 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, select dates thru Dec. 30): One of the country’s largest outdoor model train displays, mini locomotives wind their way through a 1/3 mile of loops, tunnels, bridges and Philly landmark replicas, all built with natural materials and beneath a canopy of sparkly lights. Included with admission to Morris Arboretum. See it at night – illuminated trees and all – by purchasing tickets to the Nighttime Express.

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest (Independence Blue Cross RiverRink, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard): Glide around an enormous ice skating rink. (Entry is free, tickets required to ice skate, and cabins and fire pits must be reserved in advance.)

New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia (Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard), with two fireworks displays over the Delaware River at 6 p.m. and midnight.

Mummers Parade (Monday, January 1, 2024): One of Philly’s most famous traditions, when more than 10,000 costumed marchers — many of whom practice all year for this one-day celebration — strut their stuff on the streets of Philadelphia.

Stay the night with the Visit Philly Overnight Package, scoring perks like free hotel parking (valued up to $100) and tickets to must-see attractions including The Franklin Institute or the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Looking to make a weekend out of it? With the Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package, stay two nights and get a third for free.

See all the holiday attractions: https://www.visitphilly.com/holidays-in-philadelphia/

Christmas in Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley

Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, Delaware really know how to celebrate the holidays:

Yuletide at Winterthur (5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735,Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025) Yuletide charm meets contemporary creativity in the historic 175-room mansion, and woodland whimsy awaits outdoors. There is so much to see and do throughout the season– delight in beautifully decorated trees and marvel at a large-scale gingerbread “house” and a magical 18-room dollhouse. Enjoy enchanting decorations and outdoor lighting inspired by the woodlands of Winterthur. Signature traditions include the show-stopping Dried-Flower Tree. Special events throughout the holiday season include Brunch with Santa, live jazz performances, caroling, and workshops. (Purchase tickets online, Winterthur.org or call 800-448-3883.

Holidays at Hagley (298 Buck Road, Wilmington, DE 19807, thru Jan. 1, 2025) Tour Eleutherian Mills and encounter the holiday decorations and traditions of multiple generations of the du Pont family. This year’s theme, “White Christmas,” reminisces upon the outdoor and indoor activities the du Pont family relished as the glittering snow fell along the Brandywine (hagley.org)

Noel at Nemours Estate (1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, Nov. 19-Dec. 29, 2024): Alfred I. duPont built “America’s Versailles” for his wife on a 3,000-acre plot in Wilmington in the early 20th century and they started opening their home at Christmas from the year they moved in. Today, the estate celebrates the holiday season with a blend of original decorations – including 19th-century German crèche – and modern design, with 17 Christmas trees, 19 wreaths, and garland throughout.

Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens is one of the highlights of the Wilmington/Brandywine holiday season © Karen Rubin/goingplcesfarandnear.com

Longwood Christmas at Longwood Gardens (Longwood Gardens, 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, Dec. 1, 2024-Jan. 15, 2025): with hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights spreading holiday cheer every night. Marvel at playful trees draped in gorgeous baubles and shimmering tinsels, or make precious memories as you stroll the conservatory’s dazzling displays of holiday color.

Brandywine Museum of Art (1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., US Rt. 1, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 is famous for its outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River. Renowned for its holdings of the Wyeth family of artists, the museum features galleries dedicated to the work of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth.

During the holidays, though, the Brandywine Museum is most famous for The Brandywine Railroad, a holiday favorite since 1972, features O-gauge model trains running on 2,000 feet of track and contains more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival. Dazzling array of toy and scale model trains chugging through the varied scenery include Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House and K-line, plus interactive components. The Brandywine Railroad offers special sensory-friendly access hours for those with autism or sensory processing disorders.

Holiday Lights Express (Wilmington & Western Railroad, Greenbank Railroad Station, 2201 Newport-Gap Pike, Wilmington, DE 19808, dates through Dec. 30). All aboard the festively decorated, 100-year-old heated coaches, each covered in thousands of holiday lights. Many of the trackside neighbors also decorate their homes and yards during this 1-hour evening trip through the Red Clay Valley.  This event is powered by one of a historic first-generation diesel locomotives. (302-998-1930)

See: https://www.visitwilmingtonde.com/things-to-do/holiday-magic-in-greater-wilmington-delaware/

Unwrap Holiday Traditions at Historic Hotels of America

A holiday stay at any one of the 300 members of Historic Hotels of America is guaranteed to capture the spirit of the season – each one encapsulates, even animates the history and heritage of its place, offering charm and tradition.

Christmas at The Sagamore on Lake George, a member of Historic Hotels of America © Karen Rubin/goingplcesfarandnear.com

For a close-by country Christmas on an enchanted lake, choose The Sagamore, a historic luxury resort at Bolton Landing, on Lake George, which not only is decked to the halls and affords fun holiday and winter activities, but is within a 45 minute drive to Gore Mountain, one of the best ski areas in New York State; Whiteface Mountain in Lake Placid is a little further (all three of New York’s Olympic Regional Development Authority ski areas – Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre – have opened.). (110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814, 518.644.9400Res: 866.384.1944, https://www.opalcollection.com/sagamore/experiences/)

Another, the historic Red Lion Inn in the utterly charming village of Stockbridge, Massachusetts in the Berkshires (as picturesque as a Norman Rockwell painting), provides easy access to Jiminy Peak ski resort.

One of my all-time favorites is the historic Woodstock Inn and Resort, in historic and utterly charming Woodstock Vermont (“prettiest small town in America”), which also offers everything of a resort including its own recreation center with indoor swimming, spa, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and access to its own downhill ski area, Saskadena Six (formerly known as Suicide Six)  (https://www.woodstockinn.com/).

Historic Hotels of America’s Best Historic Resort, Colonial Williamsburg Resorts – Williamsburg Lodge, Autograph Collection, and Colonial Houses (1750) and Williamsburg Inn (1937) – is also the centerpiece of one of the most magical places to spend the winter holidays, Colonial Williamsburg,Virginia.

Historic Hotels of America® is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation for recognizing, celebrating, and promoting the finest historic hotels in the United States of America. The more than 300 historic hotels inducted into Historic Hotels of America from 44 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, all faithfully preserve their sense of authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity. To find a member,   visit HistoricHotels.org/US.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Festivals and Events, Holiday Travel, Holidays in New York

Holiday Festivities Kick Off Throughout New York City

Santa’s arrival to end the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the official kick-off to holiday festivities in New York City © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

by Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

New York City’s  holiday season festivities kick off with the arrival of the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, heralding in a cornucopia of festive performances, winter exhibits, holiday light displays across New York City’s five boroughs, captivating and enchanting.

Here are some of the many ways to celebrate the holiday season in New York City:

Radio City Rockettes performing Christmas Spectacular Wooden Soldiers © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, Nov. 8–Jan. 5: Experience the beloved holiday tradition as it returns to the iconic stage of Radio City Music Hall. For almost a century, this festive show has enchanted audiences of all ages with its stunning costumes, joyful music, precise choreography and innovative performances. Multiple shows daily.

Radio City Music Hall, an iconic venue for the holidays in New York © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Nov. 29–Jan. 4, Lincoln Center , Manhattan: Immerse yourself in the magic of  New York City Ballet’s George Balachine’s The Nutcracker, a holiday classic. Follow young Marie as she faces the Mouse King and dances through a flurry of ballerinas to the enchanting Land of Sweets, all set to Tschaikovsky’s iconic score. With stunning special effects, including a towering Christmas tree, dazzling sets and vibrant costumes, this production is a sensory delight for audiences of all ages. (https://www.nycballet.com/season-and-tickets/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/george-balanchines-the-nutcracker/)

A Christmas Carol at Merchant’s House Museum, Nov. 26–Dec. 29, Noho, Manhattan: Summoners Ensemble Theatre presents A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House Museum, performed by John Kevin Jones as Charles Dickens. The 70-minute show takes place in an authentic 19th-century parlor adorned with period holiday decorations. Select performances from December 6–26 will offer a special reception featuring a reading of “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and holiday refreshments.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center, Dec. 4–Jan. 5, Manhattan: The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to New York City Center for its 66th annual winter season, offering a captivating mix of new works and beloved classics. This program features world premieres like Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs and Lar Lubovitch’s Many Angels, alongside the 25th-anniversary revival of Ronald K. Brown’s Grace and a new production of Elisa Monte’s Treading. (https://www.nycitycenter.org/pdps/2024-2025/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/)

Holidays with the New York Philharmonic Dec. 11–22, Lincoln Center, Manhattan: The New York Philharmonic, led by baroque expert Ton Koopman, joins the Musica Sacra chorus and soloists for a performance of Handel’s Messiah, highlighting its iconic vocal and orchestral melodies, with debut performances from soprano Maya Kherani, countertenor Maarten Engeltjes, tenor Kieran White and bass-baritone Klaus Mertens. Sounds of the Season matinee concerts feature joyful music perfect for the whole family, promising to brighten the holiday season. Additionally, the Philharmonic will spread holiday cheer with live performances of the heartwarming classic Elf, featuring John Debney’s score as the movie plays on the big screen.

Lincoln Center features special performances of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic during the holidays © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Magic Flute, Dec. 12–Jan. 4, Metropolitan Opera, Upper West Side, Manhattan: Experience the magic of Mozart’s Magic Flute at The Met Opera in a captivating, family-friendly production by Tony Award–winning director Julie Taymor. With stunning puppetry, vibrant visuals and timeless melodies, this abridged, English-language adaptation transforms the beloved fairy tale into an unforgettable New York tradition for all ages.

The Hard Nut, Dec.12–22, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn: This holiday season, the Mark Morris Dance Group brings their whimsical and humorous twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) with The Hard Nut. Featuring vibrant 1970’s inspired costumes, this beloved production offers a quirky take on the classic ballet.

HOLIDAY SIGHTS & LIGHTS:

The Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Creche at the Metropolitan Museum of Art © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Manhattan: An NYC tradition, The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a treasure trove of adventure and discovery that takes you on journeys in time and place. But during the holidays, a special attraction is the Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche display. This originates from an assemblage of 18th-century Neapolitan figures generously contributed by American artist and collector Loretta Hines Howard in 1964.

A Christmas Carol: The Manuscript, Pierpont Morgan’s Library, Manhattan: Every holiday season, the Pierpont Morgan Library displays Charles Dickens’ original manuscript of A Christmas Carol. Bound in red goatskin leather, the manuscript was gifted to Dickens’ solicitor, Thomas Mitton, and later came into the possession of Pierpont Morgan in the 1890s. This season, the manuscript will be turned to page seven.

The Origami Holiday Tree: American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan:  Showcasing more than 1,000 hand-crafted models, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree is a must-visit this holiday season at the American Museum of Natural History.

New York-Historical Society displays its traditional Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Holiday Express: Toys and Trains from the Jerni Collection, New-York Historical Society,  Manhattan: This annual wintertime favorite at the Jerni Collection is a display of handcrafted and hand-painted toy trains spanning 1850 to 1940. Alongside these, an assortment of toy train stations illustrates the design evolution from the early 20th century to the era of World War II.

Holiday Train Show, Nov. 16–Jan. 20, New York Botanical Garden, The Bronx: Model trains and trolleys wind through a festive outdoor lawn display and inside the Haupt Conservatory, showcasing replicas of New York City’s iconic architecture. By day or night, the show captures the magic of the season, with special evening events, Holiday Train Nights, offering illuminated scenes and holiday treats on select dates (https://www.nybg.org/event/holiday-train-show-2024/)

Season’s Greetings from PaleyLand at The Paley Center, Nov. 20–Jan. 5, Paley Museum, Manhattan,  just steps from Rockefeller Center. Visitors are invited to revel in PaleyLand, a five-floor immersive holiday experience featuring photos with Santa, free hot chocolate, holiday train displays, crafts, holiday screenings and more.

Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights,  Nov. 22-Jan.5, The Bronx: With more than 390 lanterns representing nearly 100 animal and plant species, the Bronx Zoo’s family-centric holiday lights festival will connect visitors with real wildlife and festivities. During the evenings, the park comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration is complete with seasonal treats, classic holiday music, the Holiday Train, new interactive experiences and other entertainment. Date specific and any-night tickets. (https://bronxzoo.com/holiday-lights/tickets)

Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Nov. 22–Jan. 5, Prospect Heights, Brooklyn: Lightscape returns to Brooklyn Botanic Garden, offering an enchanting after-dark experience like never before. This year, visitors will be immersed in a mesmerizing nighttime journey through light-drenched landscapes, with brand-new installations by renowned international light artists and design collectives from 10 countries on three continents. Visitors are invited to wander along the illuminated trail under the moonlight, marveling at the magical interplay of light and nature. Seasonal treats and festive music enhance the atmosphere. 21+ Nights on Dec. 12 &19 after 7 pm; Sensory-Friendly Early Entry on Dec. 18 & Jan. 3 at 4 p.m., for adults and children with disabilities or sensory sensitivity (limited capacity). (bbg.org/lightscape)

Fifth Avenue celebrates its 200th anniversary this holiday season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Fifth Avenue 200th Anniversary, Holiday Window Displays & Third Annual Open Streets Program, Manhattan:  Fifth Avenue  marks its 200th anniversary with in-store activations, exclusive merchandise and special events at luxury flagship stores and hotels. Throughout the season, custom tours explore the avenue’s rich history and iconic holiday window displays at stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Bergdorf Goodman.

Macy’s Herald Square is famous for its magical window displays © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

34th Street Holiday Window Displays, Midtown Manhattan: 34th Street is a centerpiece of holiday festivities, with the Empire State Building celebrating the 21st anniversary of Elf and Macy’s Herald Square’s iconic, magical window displays. Penn Station will be festively decorated, and nearby stores have creative holiday windows.

34th Street gets into the holiday spirit © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Holiday Under the Stars at The Shops at Columbus: Mid-Nov.–Jan., Columbus Circle, Manhattan: The Shops at Columbus Circle, celebrating 20 years as one of the city’s culinary, shopping and cultural destinations, is featuring a new, glimmering “Holiday Under the Stars” installation, brimming with 300,000 twinkling lights and illuminated stars. Free to the public, newly choreographed light shows featuring 44 glowing, color-changing stars will dance across the dramatic 74-foot-high Great Room every 30 minutes from 5pm to midnight daily.

Shine Bright at Hudson Yards Presented by Wells Fargo, Hudson Yards, Manhattan: Presented by Wells Fargo, Shine Bright at Hudson Yards adorns the neighborhood with 115 miles of string lights, 725 evergreen trees and 16-foot-tall, illuminated set pieces in the shape of hot air balloons arranged through the Public Square & Gardens. A 32-foot hot air balloon centerpiece is suspended in The Great Room of The Shops & Restaurants. Enjoy holiday shopping, festive dining and free photo opportunities with Santa.

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour with On Location Tours, Nov. 29–Jan. 2, Manhattan:  On Location Tours explore famous landmarks and uncover hidden gems featured in popular holiday films like Elf, Home Alone 2, Scrooged and more. Starting near Columbus Circle, the tour includes festive stops at Bloomingdale’s, Rockefeller Center and the renowned ice-skating rink at Bryant Park.

The Original Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights with A Slice of Brooklyn Bus Tours, December, Dyker Heights, Brooklyn: The Original Christmas Lights Tour of Dyker Heights invites visitors to explore this Brooklyn neighborhood, celebrated for its lavish and elaborate Christmas displays. Guided by locals who share stories behind the homeowners and their decorations, this 3.5-hour tour begins in Manhattan and is set to festive holiday music. It offers a mix of on- and off-bus views, taking in the dazzling lights of Dyker Heights, Bay Ridge and Bensonhurst. Along the way, enjoy vintage Christmas TV specials, and at the end, take home a commemorative fridge magnet as a memento of the experience.

ICE SKATING & OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park is a very festive place to look for gifts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Festive shopping at New York City’s Holiday Markets, throughout the holiday season, Manhattan & Brooklyn: Find the perfect gift on anyone’s list at the three big outdoor markets—Union Square Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.), Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park (Oct.–Jan.) and Columbus Circle Holiday Market (Nov.–Dec.). Stay warm at the indoor Grand Central Holiday Fair (Nov. 11–Dec. 24), Brooklyn Flea (Saturdays and Sundays, April–December) and Chelsea Flea (weekends only, year-round). Head to the Upper West Side for the indoor and outdoor Grand Holiday Bazaar (Sundays) or venture to the Brooklyn Borough Hall Holiday Market in Downtown Brooklyn (Nov.–Dec.), featuring 100 vendors selling locally crafted wares.

The Rink at Manhattan West, Midtown Manhattan:Located a block away from Madison Square Garden, offering daily public skating amid skyscrapers in Manhattan West’s expansive public plaza, conveniently located steps away from Moynihan Train Hall.

Glide at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn: Skate beneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge while taking in the stunning Manhattan skyline views at Glide, the newest ice rink in New York City. Savor café and beverage options.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park features the city’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Rink at Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan: Returning for its 23rd season, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park invites visitors to enjoy the City’s largest free-admission ice-skating rink, a vibrant holiday market with nearly 200 vendors and the cozy rinkside bar and food hall at The Lodge. Open through early March.

Wollman Rink, Oct.–March, Central Park, Manhattan:  Enjoy skating in Central Park with the picturesque Manhattan skyline in the background.

There is no place more magical to skate than the iconic  rink at Rockefeller Center beneath the most famous Christmas tree in the world © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Oct. 12 through March, Midtown Manhattan: The world-famous ice-skating rink is back for the holidays, offering the classic NYC experience of skating under the iconic Christmas tree. Santa will also join skaters on the ice in December.

Classic Harbor Line Holiday-Themed Cruises, Manhattan:  Visitors aboard elegant 1920s-style yachts enjoy breathtaking views of the NYC skyline while indulging in complimentary hot cocoa, sweet treats and live entertainment. Options include holiday brunches, festive cruises with carols and a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks and captivating views of the NYC skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

City Cruises Holiday-Themed Cruises, Nov. 28–Jan. 1, Manhattan Experience the charm of NYC from the water on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s with festive dining cruises with live entertainment. NYE cruises include fireworks display and an open bar.

Waiting for the ball to drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve is a once-in-a-lifetime must-do. I did © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Drop, Dec. 31–Jan. 1, Manhattan: Watching the ball’s descent in person on New Year’s Eve is a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime way to ring in the New Year. To be a part of the celebration, submit your wishes in person or digitally to be printed on the confetti that will be released during this year’s celebration.

New York Road Runners Club’s New Year’s Eve party at the bandshell in Central Park, features a Midnight Run with a fireworks display © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYRR Midnight Run in Central Park, Dec. 31–Jan. 1, Central Park, Manhattan Visitors Get a head start into 2025 at the NYRR Midnight Run. As 2024 comes to an end, the countdown to the new year begins at 11:59 pm, and at the stroke of midnight, a fireworks display lights up the night sky and kicks off the start of the four-mile race.

Coney Island Polar Plunge, Jan. 1, Coney Island, Brooklyn. Every January 1, the Polar Bear Club and fearless participants take the plunge into the icy waters of Coney Island. Come watch as hundreds of adventurous people dive into the freezing Atlantic Ocean. The event is free to join, but participants are encouraged to make donations to support local community organizations in lieu of an entry fee.

HOTEL OFFERINGS

NYC Hotel Week: give the gift of a hotel stay © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NYC Hotel Week: Give the Gift of an NYC Hotel Stay this Winter, Citywide: Give the gift of New York City with a 25% discount on hotel stays at over 100 hotels. Reservations open Nov. 19; valid for stays over Jan. 2–Feb. 9, 2025.

Winter Suite Savings Offer from Loews Regency New York, Nov. 15–Jan. 2, Upper East Side, ManhattanCelebrate the holiday season with festive decor, complimentary champagne and hot cocoa every Friday and Saturday in December, and holiday-inspired cocktails (including low- and no-ABV beverage offerings) from the Free Spirited by Loews Hotels program. Special seasonal menus for Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s at The Regency Bar & Grill; be pampered with beauty services at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa. The Winter Suite Savings package offers exclusive discounts on suites.

Holiday Cheer and the Suitest Season of All offering at The Plaza Hotel, Nov. 16–Jan. 6, Midtown Manhattan: Celebrate the holiday season at The Plaza with Holiday Afternoon Tea, the Home Alone 2 experience, Eloise at Christmastime, Holiday Tappy Hour dancing performances, and beyond. This winter, the hotel also presents the “Suitest Season of All” offer, providing the ultimate holiday getaway in New York City. Your luxurious suite is adorned with a festive floral arrangement and a 7-foot tall, beautifully decorated Balsam Hill tree. A chef-inspired holiday-themed welcome amenity adds to the seasonal charm of this exclusive experience.

New Year’s Eve Exclusive Offer at M Social Hotel Times Square, Dec. 31, Midtown Manhattan: Celebrate the New Year and be a part of the Times Square Ball Drop with an exclusive package from M Social Hotel Times Square: save 10% on a room showcasing a full or partial view of the iconic ball drop and join in on the thrilling countdown firsthand.

The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Experience atop Times Square at The Knickerbocker, Dec. 31, Midtown Manhattan: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style at The Knickerbocker Hotel, located 150 feet below the Times Square Ball—the closest live view available. This extravagant rooftop event offers luxurious packages, including a gourmet buffet at Charlie Palmer, premium open bar, live entertainment and a Dom Pérignon champagne toast.

Ring in 2024 at the New York Marriott Marquis, Dec. 31, Midtown Manhattan: Celebrate the New Year in style amid the vibrant atmosphere of Times Square: guests will experience spacious accommodations and prime views of the ball drop.

For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Hotels & Resorts, luxury travel, Resorts & Hotels

Hotels, Resorts Lay Out Welcome Mat with Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday Specials

Alexandra Resort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, is among the luxury properties offering special deals during Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday (photo: Alexandra Resort)

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Hotels and resorts are offering their best deals of the year to gift your family, friends and yourself. Here are more Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday deals – but many are not waiting for Black Friday, and are already offering the discounted rates. Here is a sampling:

Alexandra Resort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos:  is an all-suite, all-inclusive resort located on world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. Book Nov. 19-Dec. 4 for stays from through December 25, 2025 for $200 resort credit per stay. Guests have access to sister-resort Blue Haven amenities. Its sister resort, Blue Haven Resort, is one of the newest and most private all-inclusive resorts in Turks and Caicos, accessible by a 1.5 hour flight from Miami. Book Nov. 19-Dec. 4 to save 10% and receive a $300 resort credit on travel through December 25, 2025. Guests have full access to both properties via regular shuttles.

Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos is a luxury private island resort with villas and one- and two-bedroom beachfront bungalows, all equipped with private pools, modern amenities. Book a five-night stay Nov. 19-Dec. 4 and receive a $500 resort credit per stay through December 25, 2025.

The Regent Grand, Turks & Caicos,  is an all-suite resort on Grace Bay Beach spanning oceanfront acres. Book through Dec. 3 for 25% off stays through April 30, 2025. Book online, www.theregentgrand.com using code BlackFriday2024 or by phone at +1 (877) 380-5750

Ocean Club Resorts, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, onGrace Bay Beach, provides spacious accommodations, complimentary bikes, tennis, kayaks, SUP boards, beach/pool loungers. Book a six-night stay Nov. 29-Dec. 2 for stays May 1-Oct. 31, 2025and get the 7th night free. Book online at oceanclubresorts.com using promo code BFCM24.

Azul Restaurant at the edge of the edge pool, Sonesta St. Maarten (photo: Sonesta St. Maarten)

Sonesta Resorts St. Maarten, St. Maarten (Dutch Caribbean). Book Nov. 29-Dec. 6 for a minimum two-night stay through Dec. 19, 2025 for 50% off standard room rates at the family friendly Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino & Spa and adults-only Sonesta Ocean Point Resort. (Use the code BLACKFRIDAY at checkout.)

Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas, features 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges with celebrity chef culinary masterpieces, including Fish by José Andrés, Nobu by Nobu Matsuhisa, and Paranza by Michael White, Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest waterparks, and a premier shopping destination. Book Nov. 27-Dec. 6 for 20-30% savings on travel Jan. 2-June 30, plus $150 Resort Credit for stays of 4+ nights

Mexico Hotels & Resort Deals 

Enjoying sailing during a beach holiday in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico © Dave E. Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Casa Kimberly, Puerto Vallarta, the former love nest of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton turned nine-suite boutique luxury hotel in Puerto Vallarta is offering the rare chance to get 50% off its magnificent suites for stays December 1, 2024-May 31, 2025 booked Nov. 29-Dec. 2.  Use code CYBERCK to reserve at the discounted rate. Visit here to book.

Casona Roma Norte, Mexico City, a 32-room boutique hotel nestled in the vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood, is celebrating its October 1st opening with a 30% discount for booking Nov. 29-Dec 2. This beautifully renovated 1920s mansion combines Belle Époque, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco styles, blending historic charm with modern luxury. The hotel features six food and beverage concepts: Aquiles for seasonal comfort dishes; Suchi Nipona & Sinaloa Cuisine for a fusion of Japanese and Sinaloan flavors; Holden Rooftop for panoramic city views; Akamba, which offers a curated selection of national distillates and mezcals by a Mexican Spirits Master Concierge; The Mirror Speakeasy, a stylish nod to the hotel’s history; and Matcha Saloon by La Macaria, merging the ambiance of a Japanese tea room with the French pastry mastery of the celebrated Mexican bakery. Casona Roma Norte is pet-friendly and provides a serene environment for guests aged 12 and older.

San Miguel de Allende, Mexico © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NUMU Boutique Hotel, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Book Nov. 29-Dec. 2 for 20% off room-only bookings across all channels, or 25% off when booking directly through the hotel’s member portal.

TROBBU TULUM, Mexico: TROBBU Boutique Collection will be opening the first set of all-inclusive luxury villas in Tulum in January 2025. Each of the 10 villas feature three bedrooms, an infinity pool, decked terrace with sun loungers, bar & grill area, a living room, and fully-equipped kitchen. The property will also have a spa, fitness center, coffee shop and boutique, and activities including wine tastings, pizza and mixology classes, karaoke, wellness classes, visiting cenotes. Book at https://trobbu.com/en/home-english/,  Nov. 28-Dec. 3 for 30% off stays through 2025.

TAFER Hotel Mousai Cancun (Photo: TAFER Hotels & Resorts)

TAFER Hotels & Resorts  luxury oceanfront properties in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos, Mexico are offering up to 45% off and up to $400 resort credit for all-inclusive stays booked Nov. 29-Dec. 15, as well as complimentary one-way airport transportation and free all-inclusive stays for children.Guests staying at the adults’ only Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta and Hotel Mousai Cancun will also receive a complimentary bottle of wine upon arrival. The resorts include Hotel Mousai Cancun, Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun, Hotel Mousai Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Preserve Puerto Vallarta, and Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Los Cabos (www.taferresorts.com).

International Hotels & Resort Deals

Amsterdam. Corendon Hotels are offering travelers savings booked Nov. 26-Dec. 3 on stays from Dec. 1, 2024 and Jan. 20, 2025 booked directly on corendonhotels.com. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Corendon Hotels & Resorts, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Travelers who are part of the Marriott Bonvoy rewards program save up to 25% and non-members save up to 15% for bookings Nov. 26-Dec. 3 on stays from Dec. 1, 2024 and Jan. 20, 2025 booked directly on corendonhotels.com. The hotels include:  The College Hotel, Autograph Collection, a five-star property is set in a historic building that once served as a school offering an intimate 40-room retreat in the heart of downtown Amsterdam,walking distance of popular museums, convenient public transportation, and elevated shopping.  Corendon Amsterdam New-West, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a suburban gem in a vibrant area of Amsterdam, where guests can enjoy the largest hotel spa in The Netherlands as well as the exclusive 737 Suite, a bedroom housing a Boeing 737 cockpit alongside a king bed, living room, and kitchen.  Corendon Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, conveniently located near Amsterdam’s largest international airport, featuringrooftop bar and restaurant, on-site movie theater, spa and unique amenities like a retired, full-size Boeing 747 that guests can tour.

Savings in the USA

Claremont Hotel, Maine (photo: Claremont Hotel)

Atlantic Hospitality is offering travelers 25% off new reservations with its Semi-Annual Joy Event. Valid on Tuesday, December 3,this Travel Tuesday deal is available to book for stays at any of the brand’s design-focused properties, including the popular Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, the historic Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford, and the newly reimagined The Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit. Discounts only apply to new reservations for 2025 and a full deposit is required at the time of booking. To see Atlantic Hospitality’s full portfolio of properties and book, please visit atlantichospitality.net. 

In the “Biggest Little City” of Reno Tahoe, a hub of vibrant arts, outdoor adventure, and year-round events, travelers can stay at the premier Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and save up to 30% on stays of 3 or more nights. Check into the newly renovated premier rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains or bright city lights and enjoy on-site offerings from upscale restaurants like Atlantis Steakhouse and Bistro Napa, treatments at the luxurious Spa Atlantis, indoor and outdoor pools, plus a world-class gaming space. This Black Friday and Cyber Monday deal is valid for bookings through April 30, 2025. 

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa, which will celebrate its 45th anniversary in 2025,features award-winning dining destinations, Drums of the Pacific Luau, stargazing with a NASA Ambassador where guests can see 80 out of the 88 constellations, Maui’s only oceanfront, 15,000-square-foot luxury spa and fitness center, wildlife tours with penguins and birds, is offering up to 45% off minimum 5-night stays Jan. 1-Sept. 30, 2025, booked Nov. 28-Dec. 3 (use code BF2024).

Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island, SC, an 11-acre oasis along the Atlantic coast,  built toward the back of the sand dune and surrounded by palmetto and palm trees, features hammocks and firepits scattered throughout to embrace the Lowcountry nature of Hilton Head Island. Book by Dec. 3 for stays through Mar. 31, 2025 for savings. Sonesta Travel Pass Members can save up to 30% with the promo code CYBER, while non-members can enjoy up to 20% off by using codes EXHCCYBER, BKCYBER or PLCYBER. In addition to money off your stay, both members and non-members can enjoy 15% off at the resort’s bar by applying the CYBER code.

Andaz West Hollywood (photo: Andaz West Hollywood)

Andaz West Hollywood, West Hollywood, California, on the vibrant Sunset Strip,  is offering 20% savings on stays throughApril 20, 2025 on bookings made through Dec. 9. Located on the Sunset Street,  a rock ‘n’ roll haven in the 70s, Andaz West Hollywood was home to legends like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Jimi Hendrix. Today, it retains the same vibrant energy with modern amenities like a rotating art gallery, Kaye Records – a vinyl bar with hand-picked classics spinning every Friday and Saturday night – and the highest rooftop pool in LA. The hotel’s prime location means you’re steps away from iconic venues like The Comedy Store, the Viper Room, and the Troubadour, where musical history continues to unfold.

The Shay in Culver City is offering 10% off stays booked by Dec. 9 for travel through April 20, 2025. The boutique hotel is well situated for exploring LA’s top sights like Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and Santa Monica Pier and nearby attractions such as the Culver City Farmer’s Market, Baldwin Hills hiking trails, and Platform – a vibrant retail and dining hub for holiday shopping. The Shay features a serene retreat with wellness offerings like rentable Theraguns, sound machines, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with Peloton bikes, and the only rooftop pool in Culver City, with stunning panoramic views of the Baldwin Hills and city skyline. The hotel is part of Ivy Station, a mixed-use community offering events like night markets, concerts, and festivals.

South Beach, Miami. National Hotel Miami Beach is one of the hotels in the celebrated Art Deco neighborhood offering Black Friday deals © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

National Hotel Miami Beach, in South Beach’s celebrated Art Deco neighborhood, offers guests an adults-only oceanfront experience with cinematic elegance, award-winning culinary, and the area’s longest infinity pool. Book Nov. 19-Dec. 4 for 30% off best available rate with minimum stay of 4 nights, for stays Nov. 19, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025.

B Ocean Resort, Fort Lauderdale, FL, a modern oceanfront destination with 481 rooms, 40,000 sq. ft. of event space, captivating mermaid shows and a variety of dining options. Is offering up to 50% savings on stays of two nights or more through Nov. 2025 by booking directly Nov. 15-Dec. 3 using code BCYBER at boceanresort.com 

Hilton South Florida properties are offering up to 20% off stays through March 2025 booked on the hotel’s site: Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street walking distance of the Broward County Convention Center and the Port Everglades cruise terminal, offering  on-site restaurant, enjoy the outdoor koi pond and relax at the heated pool and cascading waterfall.  Hilton Cabana Miami Beach Resort Boho-Deco inspired boutique style resort in the famous Millionaire’s Row,  offers direct access to the beach and the nine-mile Miami Beachwalk in a peaceful community of the iconic Miami Beach.  Embassy Suites by Hilton Miami International Airport  offers a vibrant coastal-inspired restaurant, an Olympic-size swimming pool and complimentary shuttle service to ensure on-time transportation to and from one of the busiest airports in the world.  

Sonesta Miami Airport, Miami, FL a recently reimagined hotel that reopened November 13 a mile away from South Florida’s busiest airport and 15 minutes from PortMiami, is offering up to 20% off for stays Nov. 7, 20924-Mar. 31, 2025 booked from Nov. 7-Dec. 3 (pre-paid, non-refundable with two-night minimum stay).  Use promo code CYBER on Sonesta.com).

Hawks Cay Resort, Duck Key, Florida, the largest resort in the Florida Keys, offers an ultimate coastal experience with on-site amenities including rejuvenating spa treatments at the resort’s award-winning Calm Waters Spa, adventure-filled group snorkeling excursions, fishing charters. Book Nov. 19-Dec. 4 to save up to 40%: Prepaid and Non-Refundable or up to 30% with a one-night deposit and flexible 14-day cancellation.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, South Walton, Florida, on a stretch of direct and exclusive beachfront access, is offering rates from $198.40/night for two or more nights booked from Nov. 29-Dec. 1 for stays through April 30, 2025 (use code BF), or 25% discounted stay for two or more nights plus daily breakfast for two, booked Dec. 2-3 for stays through April 30, 2025 (use code CM0. Book by phone, 888-519-0048.

At Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, New Hampshire, a llama can be your golf caddy. (photo: Mountain View Grand)

Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa, New Hampshire, a timeless retreat on the National Register of Historic Places which completed a multimillion dollar renovation, offers a luxury four-season escape within its expansive 1,700 acres set amid the picturesque peaks of NH’s legendary White Mountains. Features include Tower Spa, a historic nine-hole golf course where you can have a llama be the caddy, and working farm with educational programming and animal encounters. Book on the website, mountainviewgrand.com, Nov. 22-Dec. 3 for 40% off stays through 2025.

Antrim Streamside, Catskills features 250 acres of hiking trails and opportunities for yoga, wellness activities, wine and spirits tastings, and private chef-led cooking classes. Book Nov. 29-Dec. 8 using promo code FRIDAY30 to save 30% off three-night minimum stays, Jan 2-May 31, 2025, plus complimentary wine tasting kit with sommelier’s tasting guide and savory accompaniments.  

Massanutten Resort, Massanutten, VA, winter mountain getaway offers ice skating, snow tubing, skiing and snowboarding, an indoor WaterPark. Save 25% off one-bedroom condo booked by Dec. 2 for travel from Jan. 2-Mar.31, 2025 (use promo code MASSiveDeal24).

Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, which opened this year, is at the main entrance of the Town at Trilith, a European-inspired community adjacent to Trilith Studios, the second largest film and television studio in North America. Designed to inspire creativity and collaboration, the five-story, 193-key boutique hotel includes 36 apartment-style studios and two-bedroom suites; Prologue Dining & Drinks, a signature street-level restaurant; the fifth-floor, rooftop Oliver’s Twist Bar & View; and culinary studio. Book Nov. 26-Dec. 3  for 25% off advance purchase for visits from Nov. 26, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025 (Promo code: 7YM). Purchase a $100 gift card for a $25 bonus card that can be redeemed at the hotel’s outlets Jan. 1-May 31, 2025.

Art of Living Retreat Center, Boone, NC, a serene and rejuvenating wellness experience in the Blue Ridge Mountains, 90 minutes from Asheville is offering 25% off Signature Retreats (Happiness, Stepping Into Silence, Breathwork & Meditation) and R+R Retreats for stays from January through March 2025, booked Nov. 22-Dec. 3 with code BLACKFRIDAY2024

THE ALIDA, in Savannah’s vibrant riverfront district, is offering up to 25% off guest rooms and suites, a $25 dining credit per stay and 25% off retail booked Nov. 22-Dec. 4 for stays from Dec. 4, 2024-Dec. 4, 2025. Book on the website.

Kimpton Hotel Eventi, NYC, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is taking part in IHG’s 2024 Global Cyber Sale. The sale will go live to non-members via www.IHG.com on November 20 and will feature a discount of 17% off the hotel’s Best Flex Room Rate, with IHG Loyalty Members still receiving a discount of 25%. 

See also:

Travel Companies Get Into the Spirit with Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

‘Tis the Season for Best Deals of the Year for Resorts, Tours and Cruises

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Cruising, Gift of Travel, Hotels & Resorts, luxury travel, Resorts & Hotels, River Cruises

‘Tis the Season for Best Deals of the Year for Resorts, Tours and Cruises

Take advantage of seasonal savings on bucket-list travel experiences like Machu Picchu, Peru © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Take advantage of the biggest sales on travel of the year to gift your family, friends and yourself a bucket-list travel experience – luxury resort, tour, cruise. Here are more Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Travel Tuesday deals – but many are not waiting for Black Friday, and are already offering the discounted rates. Here is a sampling:

Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, is offering its best discount of the year with its Black Friday sale, Nov. 19-Dec. 2, offering travelers up to 50% off winter, spring and summer getaways across its 70 all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. The deal includes up to $500 Instant Savings and free stays for kids under 4. Whether chasing Caribbean vibes at the luxurious Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda or mountain highs at Club Med Québec, your next adventure is in reach.

Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda (photo: Club Med)

Additionally, the Black Friday sale extends to international resorts with up to $770 instant savings at Club Med favorites like the Exclusive Collection (5-star) Alpine ski resort Club Med Val d’Isere and the newly-renovated Club Med Gregolimano in Greece. Perks also include:  Kids under 4 stay free; lift passes; and group ski and snowboard lessons for all levels, available for ages 4 and up.

North America Resorts: Enjoy 50% off, plus up to $500 Instant Savings per person/week when booking one of Club Med’s North American all-inclusive resorts, booked Nov. 19-Dec. 2 for travel Dec. 7, 2024 to June 27, 2025. Resorts include Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Club Med Cancún, Club Med Ixtapa, Club Med Québec Charlevoix, Club Med Turkoise, Club Med Columbus, Club Med La Caravelle, Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek.

International Resorts: Get up to $770 Instant Savings per person/week when booking one of Club Med’s international sun and mountain resorts booked Nov. 19-Dec. 2 for  travel from Nov. 24, 2024-May 30, 2025.

Book: https://www.clubmed.us/o/black-friday 

Hospitality Savings

Hyatt is offering up to 25% off at more than 800 destinations – from the sun-soaked beaches of Cancun to vibrant city escapes in NYC – making it easier than ever to gift an unforgettable trip. Visit hyatt.com/cybersale to book through Dec. 9, 2024 and enjoy stays through April 20, 2025.  

Hotel booking site HotelSlash is offering a free lifetime membership (membership is normally $29.95 per year) along with a 7% discount on top of their already low rates. Bookable from Nov. 28- Dec.. 3. Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY. No blackout travel dates, no restrictions; promo code is valid for prepaid bookings and entered on the checkout page. An open secret among savvy travelers, HotelSlash is like price protection for your hotel reservation. The company unlocks exclusive, members-only hotel rates at deep discounts (average savings 20%) that are unavailable to the general public. In addition, HotelSlash monitors rates for stays you already booked and notifies you if a lower rate is found; all you need to do is cancel your current reservation and rebook at the lower price to save even more. Visit https://www.hotelslash.com/.

Save at Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek, Orlando with Extra Holidays (photo: Extra Holidays)

Save up to 35% on 100+ top vacation ownership resorts with Extra Holidays’ best sale of the year, with savings up to 35% on 100+ vacation ownership resorts, and rates as low as $99 a night, for travel by Feb. 28, 2025! Every week between Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, new deals will be made available at top vacation destinations and resorts, such as WorldMark Moab, nestled in the valley of one of Utah’s most picturesque settings, or Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek, a family-friendly utopia just miles from Orlando’s best theme parks. Whether guests want to relax by the beach, take in scenic mountain views, or visit historical landmarks and attractions, there’s a deal for everyone. As an added bonus, guests can join Insider Extras for free to receive early access to deals, along with two instant rewards upon booking. Use promo code BF24.

Beaches Turks & Caicos (photo: Beaches Resorts)

Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are offering  up to 65% off and up to $1,500 in credit off their vacation booked between Nov. 8-Dec. 3 for travel through December 3, 2025. Guests who book at the adults-only Sandals Resorts – including the newly-opened Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – will enjoy up to 65% off and up to $1,500 in credit off their vacation (up to $1,000 instant credit + $500 air credit), while families who book at Beaches’ Jamaica or Turks & Caicos resorts will enjoy up to 65% off and up to $1,000 in credit off their vacation (up to $400 instant credit + $600 air credit). Plus, select room categories are eligible to receive a free night for more fun under the Caribbean sun. In the spirit of giving, for each booking made between Black Friday and Travel Tuesday, Sandals and Beaches will donate $15 to their philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, in celebration of 15 years of uplifting Caribbean communities. Book at www.sandals.com/sale and www.beaches.com/sale.

Sandals St. Vincent (photo: Sandals Resorts)

This year for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday 2024, 26 Saint Lucia resorts are offering discounts and perks up to 76% off. Deals include discounts on room rates, upgrades, resort credits, spa discounts and more. Options include family-focused hotels, luxury resorts, eco-hotels, wellness properties, villas, global brands and locally-owned boutique hotels. The offers can be found at www.stlucia.org/en/offers-black-friday-cyber-monday-2024.

Pitons, St. Lucia. Some 26 resorts and hotels are offering seasonal specials (photo: St. Lucia)

TOURS: 

Unforgettable Travel, a leading luxury travel company, is offering$1,000 off any private custom trips booked for 2025, excluding cruises. Boasting a team of seasoned travel specialists versed in Europe, Africa, and Asia, the company tailors diverse journey types, guided by local experts. Trip requests must be made Nov. 29-Dec. 13.

Save on Contiki’s Albania’s Beaches to Peaks tour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Contiki, the social travel company for travelers 18 to 35 years old, is celebrating this year’s cyber holidays with savings of up to 25% off on a record-breaking 145 trips across six continents. 5. Travelers can save on brand-new trips such as a trip to Albania’s Beaches to Peaks, a Lima to Machu Picchu Road Trip, and exploring the Ancient Wonders of Rome, Athens, and Cairo plus top-sellers like the Thai Island Hopper West tour and over $1,000 off a 15-day adventure from London to Budapest by Train. Expert trip managers handle everything from accommodations, transportation, unique attractions, and most meals. Travelers can secure the best deals from Nov. 1-Dec. 5 on select 2025 departure dates. 

Barcelona, Spain. Save on Trafalgar’s “Best of Spain” tour this holiday season. (photo: Trafalgar)

Global guided vacation company, Trafalgar, is offering up to 15% off top 2025 itineraries for bookings made from Nov. 1-Dec. 5, including over $600 off Trafalgar’s Best of Spain and nearly $630 off the Switzerland and Austria itinerary. Travelers can enjoy fully guided itineraries from expert Travel Directors as they visit iconic attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations from UNESCO World Heritage sites to local dining experiences. The brand is also offering 30% off one itinerary a day throughout the sale period on popular trips. 

Biking the Shining Sea path, Cape Cod © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Premium touring company, Insight Vacations, is offering up to 15% off coveted 2025 destinations booked Nov. 1-Dec. 5, with savings of up to $700 off the Boston, Cape Cod, and the Islands itinerary and up to $620 off the Greece Undiscovered itinerary. Travelers looking for their big 2025 adventure can score big savings on top immersive experiences, premium accommodations, world-class dining and more. Travelers can also take advantage of limited-time savings of up to 30% off one itinerary a day with daily rotating deals.

Brendan Vacations, the experts in Celtic travel, is giving guests savings of up to 15% off on its most popular guided tours for 2025, booked Nov. 1-Dec. 5. These include up to $1,200 off the Romantic Britain and Ireland and up to $800 off Best of Ireland and Scotland. Custom itineraries also feature door buster savings of up to $1,200 off per couple for the first 50 guests on any custom trip booked for travel from January through March 2025. Couples can redeem up to $500 off all other Private Chauffeur and Lux Self-Drive bookings or up to $400 off all Rail Vacations and Self-Drive trips. Travelers who book a Self-Drive itinerary will receive a free online driving guide from international driving guide company, Tripiamo.

Take advantage of tour companies’ seasonal savings on bucket-list travel experiences like Machu Picchu, Peru © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Costsaver, a budget tour company, is celebrating Black Friday from Nov. 1-Dec. 5with savings on a selection of 2025 worldwide tours includingup to$300 off the European Experience, which hops through 12 cities in 8 countries, or up to $380 off the South America Discover, where travelers can visit the iconic Iguassu Falls and ruins of Machu Picchu. Plus, guests can customize their trip even further with a $50 credit on Choice Optional Experiences on all bookings.

Cruise Offers

Silversea Cruises docked in the port of Lisbon, Portugal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Cruisecritic.com is showing Black Friday luxury cruise offers with special rates, free air, upgrades and perks that can be booked through Cruise Specialists: Regent Seven Seas Cruises: up to 40% off cruise fare and $1,000 shipboard credit on 2025 and 2026 cruises booked by Nov. 30. Oceania Cruises: up to 25% bonus savings on more than 200 voyages to Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, Asia, Australia, South America, Africa and Caribbean, with perks on select sailings, booked by Dec. 4. Viking is offering up to free air and $25 deposits on 2025 and 2026 Rhine Getaway, Danube Waltz, Romantic Danube, Cities of Lights, Elegant Elbe, Paris to Swiss Alps booked by Nov. 30. Silversea is offering up to $6000 cruise savings on 550 ocean and expedition cruises to all 7 continents, plus reduced deposits, booked by Dec. 2. Seabourn is offering a 2-category veranda suite upgrade plus reduced deposits on select 2025-2026 cruises to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Antarctica, Caribbean, Asia booked by Dec. 3. Cunard is offering up to $400 onboard credit plus gratuities on 400 voyages to the Mediterranean, Alaska, Northern Europe, New England, Transatlantic Crossings plus exclusive perks on select sailings, booked by Jan 6. Book through Cruise Specialists, cruisespecialists.com, 888-994-6134.

The removable roof-covered pool onboard Holland America’s Volendam. HAL is offering up to 25% off select cruises through September 2026 booked between Nov. 21-Dec. 1 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Holland America Line, a premium cruise line with an over-150-year legacy, is offering up to 25% off cruise fares on select itineraries booked between Nov. 21-Dec. 1. Select sailings also include free prepaid crew appreciation, a 50% reduced deposit, and free fares for 3rd and 4th guests when booked in the same room. The offer applies to select cruises sailing between December 2024 and September 2026, excluding full-lengthGrand Voyages and 2026 Alaska Cruisetours.

Cruise Croatia, a small-ship cruise operator specializes in luxury yacht cruises along the Adriatic coast (photo: Cruise Croatia)

Cruise Croatia, the leading luxury small-ship cruise operator specializing in luxury yacht cruises along the Adriatic coast, is offering up to $700 off per cabin on select departures between Dubrovnik and Split from May to August 2025, for new bookings made Nov. 29-Dec. 13.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, a luxury all-inclusive river cruise line with sailings in Europe, Egypt, South America and Asia, is launching its 12 Days of Christmas Event on Black Friday with exciting daily savings and surprises ranging from 50% off popular cruises to free trip extensions, complimentary suite upgrades, and waived solo traveler supplements. A new offer will be unveiled each weekday for 12 days, with the first deal unveiled on Nov. 29. Offers will be valid for travel on select sailings in 2025, and guests can check for the surprise savings each day by visiting Uniworld.com/12days.

Cruise with Uniworld on the S.S.Victoria on the Moselle (photo: Uniworld)

Riviera River Cruises, an ultra-premium river cruise brand offering experiences aboard its fleet of 13 custom-designed ships, which sail along Europe’s iconic waterways, including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, and the Dutch Waterways. The company is renowned for its exceptional cruise directors and local guides, immersive itineraries and an elegant fleet of luxurious ships. It is also noted for its dedicated solo traveler departures, and commitment to delivering superior service at outstanding value. The fleet’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounges, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area and sun decks, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The Deal: Book any 2025 departure Nov. 21-Dec. 6 for a €100 onboard credit per person, plus agents will receive a $100 gift card per cabin. This Black Friday offer applies to all dates, sailings, and categories, with additional savings of $500 per cabin on cruises of 7 nights or more and $1,000 per cabin on 10-night or longer cruises. Looking ahead to 2026, take advantage of a special ‘two for one’ deal on all departures.

Quark Expeditions’ Explorers Black Friday Sale on through Dec.2, provides savings up to 50% on select polar voyages: Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition; 40% off south Greenland Adventure; 50% off Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway; 50% off South Georgia and Antarctica. Contact your travel agent or quarkexpeditions.com, 888-908-4833, https://www.quarkexpeditions.com/offer/black-friday.

Aurora Expeditions is offering up to $6000 savings on small ship adventures to Antarctica, Greenland, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage booked Nov.18-Dec. 3 (833 826 5828).

Erie Canal Adventures’ live-aboard canalboard ply New York State’s historic Erie Canal © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Take advantage of Eric Canal Adventures’ holiday savings 10% off (up to $550) cruises on their fleet of 11 fully-equipped live-aboard canalboats on New York State’s famed Erie Canal (celebrating bicentennial this year). The sale is on through Dec. 31; use promo code EBIRD 10 (315-986-3011, eriecanaladventures.com)

See also:

Travel Companies Get Into the Spirit with Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Gift of Travel

Travel Companies Get Into the Spirit with Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals

Xanterra Travel Collection is offering its “Thankful for Travel Sale” with savings on tours, resorts and national park stays such as at Yellowstone National Park, where in-park lodging frequently book up © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Travel companies across the spectrum – tours, hotels and resorts, cruises – get into the swing of Black Friday/Cyber Monday with extra special discounts on bookings. Here is just a sampling, with more being announced each day, but you can contact any travel company on your bucket list to see what they are offering:

Xanterra Travel Collection®, an award-winning globally diversified travel company, is presenting its annual “Thankful for Travel Sale,” Nov. 18-Dec. 2 with money-saving deals on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, a historic train ride to the Grand Canyon, walking and biking tours, and legendary resorts. Xanterra Travel Collection® owns or operates the lodges in Yellowstone National Park, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, and Grand Canyon, South Rim; Windstar Cruises, the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel, The Oasis at Death Valley, Holiday Vacations, Country Walkers, and VBT Bicycling Vacations. The affiliated legendary Five-Star, Five-Diamond Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, and the longest-running Five-Star award-winning Sea Island resort in Georgia are also participating in the sale (www.xanterra.com/thankful). Highlights include:

National Parks

The Oasis at Death Valley, one of the Xanterra Travel Collection national park properties © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • The Oasis at Death Valley – Save 30% on hotel stays at the renovated and historic AAA Four Diamond Inn at Death Valley and the family-friendly Ranch at Death Valley, including cozy cottages, spring-fed pools, and the world’s lowest-elevation golf course. Valid for select overnight stays between December 3, 2024, and February 13, 2025. 
  • Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel –Save 30% on roundtrip train tickets on an entertaining journey in fully restored historic train cars to the Grand Canyon’s fabled South Rim when booking a two-night package for select travel dates between January 1, 2025, and March 9, 2025.
  • Grand Canyon, South Rim – Save 30% on in-park lodging at Maswik Lodge, Kachina Lodge, Thunderbird Lodge, and Bright Angel Lodge, and 20% at El Tovar Hotel for stays between December 3, 2024 and March 9, 2025. All lodges are in the Historic Grand Canyon Village within walking distance of the rim of the Grand Canyon, Lookout Studio and Hopi House. Take advantage of the secret season at Grand Canyon, South Rim and enjoy the park without the crowds.
  • The Grand Hotel at The Grand Canyon – Save 30% at the only AAA Three-Diamond hotel near the Grand Canyon in Tusayan (just one mile from the South Rim entrance) on select dates between December 3, 2024, and March 20, 2025
  • Zion National Park – Save 30% on overnight stays inside the park at Zion Lodge in December 2024.
  • Cedar Creek Lodge, at the gateway to Glacier National Park – Save 30% on rooms for select dates between December 3, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
Xanterra Travel Collection has several lodges on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Luxury Hotels

  • The Broadmoor – The longer you stay at one of the three all-inclusive Wilderness Experience properties, the more you save. Explore The Ranch at Emerald Valley, Cloud Camp, or Fly Fishing Camp. Book one night and receive 10% off, book two nights and receive 15% off, book three or more nights and receive 20% off for select dates during the 2025 season.
    • Sea Island – Enjoy 35% off room reservations at The Cloister and The Lodge for stays between January and May, and September through December 2025.

Guided Travel/Tours

The historic city of Dijon, France, is among the VBT Bicycling Vacations destinations © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com
  • VBT Bicycling Vacations  – Save $200 on a 2025 Biking Vacation through Burgundy, France: Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon Guided bicycling vacation.
  • Country Walkers)–  Save $200 on any 2025 departure of a Genoa & Cinque Terre Self-Guided Walking vacation.
  • Holiday Vacations – Explore down under on the Grand Australia & New Zealand tour departing March 11, 2025. Save $400 per person to discover the great southern land. 

Cruising

Windstar Cruises – Select one on your upcoming cruise: free pre- or post-cruise hotel nights, OR up to $1,000 Onboard Credit, OR Premium Suite guests may select a free upgrade to an All-Inclusive Fare featuring Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine & cocktails, and all gratuities. PLUS, enjoy reduced deposits of just $300 per guest.

For a complete list of the offers with the applicable terms and conditions and to take advantage of Xanterra and its affiliates’ “Thankful for Travel” offers, visit www.xanterra.com/thankful. 

Tours, Cruises, Experiences

Island hopping in the Galapagos © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

G Adventures is in the midst of its biggest Cyber Sale of the year. From now through December 3, save up to 30% on 400+ adventures across every continent on the planet, with travel by April 30, 2025, and up to 10% on select trips departing between May 1 and August 31, 2025. These include Vietnam and Cambodia; Costa Rica Quest; Kenya Camping Safari; and Galapagos Island Hopping (gadventures.com)

Hike, bike or (speed) walk to grab up to 20% off more than 1,500 select tour departures in 2025with small group adventure specialist, Explore Worldwide. Tours destinations include Italy, Portugal, and Japan plus a select number of Polar Cruises. Travelers can choose from these select trips and book online starting Friday, November 22 through Tuesday, December 3, for travel between February 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Discount is off the tour land-only price, excludes flights and extras excursions. Deals can also be combined with loyalty member discounts though restrictions apply. The landing page will go live on November 22 here. These small group tours, average 12 people, are great for solo travelers. 

Portugal is among the destinations offered by Explore Worldwide © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

CIE Tours is offering four full weeks of sales with up to 15% off guided tours to all destinations – Ireland, Britain, Scotland, Iceland, and newly-launched tours to Spain – for a savings of up to $1,750 per couple. The first booking window begins Nov. 11-24 including trips like seven-day Scottish & Irish Sampler. The second booking window Monday, Nov. 25-Dec. 7 on a new set of inclusive guided tours added to the mix like Evergreen Ireland North. No blackout dates. Offer valid for travel all of 2025 based on tour availability. Offers also include CIE Tours All-In Inclusive Advantage including hotels transportation, all admissions and most meals are included in the up-front price. Note: offer is land-only, not inclusive of flights. 

Sacred Valley, Peru © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Naya Traveler is offering up to 15% off journeys to Peru and Morocco in 2025, for bookings made Nov. 16-Dec. 31, for travel to Morocco during April, May and November 2025, and to Peru during March, April September and October 2025 . Travel during the shoulder seasons allows travelers the opportunity to uncover these popular destinations’ rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty at a slower pace. Naya Traveler’s highly personalized itineraries focus on exclusive insider experiences that bring back purpose and value to travel and provide a unique space to discover a destination through the eyes of those who know it best. Naya Traveler works with an exceptional group of local hosts and expert guides in each destination, from historians and artists to ethnographers and chefs. Email [email protected] and quote PROMO2025 for further details. Visit www.nayatraveler.com.

The market in Marrakesh, Morocco © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Traveling Spoon is participating in their first “Travel Tuesday” sale in recent years, offering 15% off any experience booked on Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, Dec 2-3 for all Travel Sppon experiences from Dec. 4, 2024-Dec. 31,2025 . Traveling Spoon connects local hosts in 200+ destinations around the world to travelers to cook local recipes, visit markets, and create memories over food. Founded in 2013, Traveling Spoon creates private food experiences, from home cooked meals to cooking lessons, with personally vetted hosts. Travelers have become more price sensitive in this economy, but Traveling Spoon provides access to experience local culture while securing income for locals. The company launched 150 online cooking classes led by home cooks, as well as producer tours and experiences. New in 2024, Traveling Spoon has added more destinations and off-the-eaten-path culinary experiences and currently operates in 233 cities in 70 countries. Use promo code TRAVEL24. Visit www.travelingspoon.com

Norwegian Cruise Line is among the cruise companies offering Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Cruiselines offering Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals include: Holland America (https://www.hollandamerica.com/en/us/cruise-deals/black-friday-sale); Celebrity Cruises (https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-packages/vacation-packages); Norwegian Cruise Line (https://www.ncl.com/cruise-deals); Royal Caribbean (https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-deals/black-friday); MSC Cruises (https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise-deals/black-friday-cyber-monday); Carnival Cruise Line (https://www.carnival.com/cruise-deals/black-friday-cyber-monday)

Dream Yacht, which makes it easy to enjoy a sailing vacation with the option to book a skipper to sail the boat and even a hostess to help prepare meals on board is offering 20% off its Abacos Dream Special Edition sailing departing on March 1 or March 8 2025 if booked between Nov. 29-Dec. 2. Travelers can book online at www.DreamYacht.com or call +1.855.650.8902

Global Hotel/Resort Deals

Hotel Belmar, Costa Rica is offering “Green Rates for Black Friday” to emphasize its sustainability focus (courtesy of Hotel Belmar)

Hotel Belmar in Costa Rica is offering “Green Rates for Black Friday” to highlight the hotel’s award-winning regenerative travel principles and sustainability programs – its first Black Friday sale. A special promotion on three-night stays provides travelers with the chance to save on next year’s travel experiences. Hotel Belmar is an independent, family-owned luxury eco-lodge situated in Costa Rica’s Monteverde cloud forest highlands and fosters connections to nature, mindful serenity, and holistic wellness. Farm-to-table gastronomy, thematic forest immersions, garden-surrounded yoga, cultural programs, a carbon-neutral farm, and an onsite craft brewery bridge guests to Monteverde’s natural wonders. Book Nov. 19-Dec. 4 for travel from May 1-Aug 31, 2025 and save 20% off stays of three nights or more (www.hotelbelmar.net)

Borgo San Vincenzo, Montepulciano, Italy, is a reimagined 18th-century borgo named for the patron saint of winemaking, offering wine-driven experiences. Located in the heart of Montepulciano, Italy, in the prestigious Vino Nobile vineyards, a 10-minute drive from the center of the medieval town and a 30-minute drive from UNESCO-protected vistas at Val d’Orcia, Tuscany’s newest award-winning luxury boutique hotel, Borgo San Vincenzo is offering the Suite Escape to Montepulciano special a holiday getaway and truffle season. Stay 4 nights and pay for 3 valid for stays from Nov. 1, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025. Rates include daily complimentary breakfast for two, complimentary bicycle use, taxes and fees. Book Nov. 28-Dec. 2  to take advantage two specials:  the Escape to Tuscany  provides 4+ nights in Tuscany at a 20% discount on all suites in any season, daily breakfast for two, complimentary e-bike rental for two, and €100 euros ($106) food & beverage credit. Bookings need to be paid in full at the time of booking and are non-refundable but they are transferrable and giftable.  The ultra-luxe Sangiovese by Air, Land, and Trail package: 5 nights in the luxurious Imperial Suite for two people, daily breakfast for two, a helicopter visit to Montalcino with two wine tastings, a guided e-Bike tour of Montepulciano with two tastings and a light lunch, and a private driver to taste in Chianti Classico, for  €10,500 euros ($11,370) for two people, with a 50% non-refundable deposit due upon booking (and remaining 50% due upon checkout). The package is transferrable and giftable. (More information HERE)

Cayo Espanto, Belize: Located three miles off the coast of San Pedro, Belize, Cayo Espanto is a private island resort of  seven villas total, helipad, and private yacht. Get airfare credit (up to $750 per person) with a seven night stay booked this Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Nov. 29-Dec. 2, online at a privateisland.com .

Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico: Nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, in a private, luxury community, Fairmont Mayakoba is a newly renovated AAA Five Diamond resort set on 45 acres and surrounded by a lush mangrove forest intersected by water canals. This Black Friday, book the ultimate all-inclusive getaway with 30% off stays from Dec. 6, 2024 through June 30, 2025. This luxury property features 46,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, an energizing Fairmont Spa featuring 20 treatment rooms and El Camaleon Golf Course, host to the first LIV Golf Tournament event in Mexico and first golf course to host the PGA Tournament outside the United States. Couples can indulge in a private, romantic getaway, complete with traditional Mayan spa services like the Temazcal and rooftop cocktails at Maykana, the property’s newest beach club. Fairmont Mayakoba is ideal for families, too, with Kids Club programming throughout each day for kids to make friends and explore Mexico’s rich heritage.

Andaz Mexico City, Condesa:  Nestled amidst the tree-lined streets and eclectic cafés of the trendy Condesa neighborhood, the chic Andaz Mexico City Condesa is offering 20% off stays through the end of the year (no code needed; discount applied at booking)..

Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos, Autograph Collection, is offering a 25% discount on a 4-night stay, booked between Nov 22, 2024, and Jan. 20, 2025, using promo code HOL. Marriott Bonvoy members can also take advantage of additional discounts. Reminiscent of a seaside village, with 11 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, the sprawling property includes a centralized building that spreads out to 32 unique villas with 270 rooms and suites, six restaurants, five bars, five swimming pools, a spa and a fitness center. HDM additionally offers a Kids’ Club, and a 1,670 square foot convention center (one of the largest in Los Cabos). Reserve at www.marriott.com/sjdhm

Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla, Cancun, Mexico is offering a three-for-two nights stay, booked between Nov. 15-Dec. 2 for stays between Jan 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. (Booking link HERE)

Outbound Hotels has a 30% discount at their scenic properties in Outbound Stowe, Stowe, VT (Booking link HERE) and The Virginian Lodge,  Jackson, WY (Booking link HERE)

Sea Crest Beach Resort, Falmouth, MA, the only beachfront resort on the Upper Cape, is offering up to 40% for bookings from Nov. 19-Dec. 2 for stays from Nov. 19, 2024, through Dec. 30, 2025. There’s also an extended booking window from Dec. 3-9 with savings of up to 25%. (Booking link HERE).

The Joule, Dallas, TX, a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Dallas housed in a neo-Gothic landmark building from the 1920s, is offering a 40% discount on any stay through 2025. Guests can book this offer Nov. 21-Dec. 6, for any stay dates from Nov. 21, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025. (Booking link HERE)

Makeready Hotels properties are offering up to 25% off on guest rooms, a $25 dining credit per stay, and 25% off retail through 2025. Book Nov. 22-Dec. 4.. These include:  Emeline Hotel, Charleston (Booking link HERE); Halcyon, Denver, CO (Booking link HERE); The Ryder Hotel, Charleston, SC (Booking link  HERE); Noelle, Nashville, TN (Booking link  HERE); The Junto, Columbus, OH (Booking link HERE); The Adolphus, Dallas, TX (Booking link HERE); The Eliza Jane, New Orleans, LA (Booking link HERE); The Alida, Savannah, GA (Booking link HERE)

Beacon Hill Hotel, a newly-renovated 14-room boutique hotel steps away from Boston Common, Public Gardens and famed Charles River, is offering 30% off the best available rate  for booking from Nov. 26-Dec. 6 using the exclusive booking link here or using promo code “CYBER” on the website. Offer is valid for travel from Nov. 26, 2024 through May 31, 2025. Rates, starting at $249 per night, are subject to availability.

Lean into the legacy and ahead-of-their-time pioneers of Boston at The Revolution Hotel. Use the booking link or code “THANKS24” to experience Boston’s revolutionary spirit. Book Nov. 26-Dec. 6, to lock in rates starting at $99/night on stays through August 31, 2025 (savings up to 30%). 

Located in the heart of Jackson, NH and surrounded by the majestic White Mountains, The Wentworth Inn is a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts with prime skiing, golfing, hiking, and more just outside its doors. The hotel is offering 25% off Bed & Breakfast or Bed & Dinner packages. Book between Nov. 17-Dec. 5 for stays between January 1 through December 18, 2025. Two-night minimum stay requirement for rooms booked Sunday to Thursday, and three-night stay minimum requirement for bookings arriving on Friday and Saturday. Rates with discount start at $199 per night.

Maine’s celestial-inspired  Hotel Ursa, which opened in March 2024 on the University of Maine campus in Orono, is unlocking 30% off the best available rate on two-or-more night stays for travel between November 19, 2024 and December 31, 2025. Book Nov.19-Dec. 4 using the booking link here or promo code CYBER25 on the website. Rates, starting at $109 per night, are subject to availability.

Topnotch Resort in Stowe, Vt. and sister property High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid, NY are running flash sales for Cyber Monday: 100 nights for $100. The sales start at 8:15 am ET on Mon., Dec. 2, 2024 (8:00 am ET for email subscribers – sign up now for early access). Only one room priced at $100 (excluding taxes and resort fees) is available per night at each property for stays between Dec. 2, 2024, and March 31, 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis (total available rooms at each property during the promotion: 100). The sale ends when the 100 nights of reservations at each property have been found and booked. Cyber Monday: 100 Days of Winter, One Hundred Nights for $100. An added bonus: On Cyber Monday once the flash sale is done, Topnotch is also offering special Cyber Monday Savings of 30% off on bookings made that day, available for stays through Sept. 26, 2025 Cyber Monday 2024

Luggage delivery service Ship&Play is offering 25% off all orders with code CYBERPLAY. Enjoy traveling without the hassle of lugging around your suitcase, skis, golf clubs, souvenirs and more by having them shipped from your doorstep to and from your destination. Available Black Friday through Cyber Monday at https://www.shipplay.com/

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Arts & Entertainment, Attractions, Christmas holiday travel, Family Travel, Festivals and Events, Holiday Travel, Holidays in New York, Long Island travel

Holiday Season Begins on Long Island With Opening of LuminoCity Lights Festival

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

There’s a singing chocolate ice cream cone. A chocolate covered strawberry ballerina. Cakey and the Fairy. Not to mention an Ice Palace with penguins, polar bears, seals. A Giant Christmas Tree and of course, Santa in a Sleigh – all created in lights. The holiday season has begun on Long Island with the opening of this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, on view through January 5, 2025.

“Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ballerina” by 8-year old Sophia Connors, and “A Singing Chocolate ice Cream Cone by six-year old Sia Raza are among the winning drawings at the Long Island Children’s Museum turned into lantern art for the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

An annual holiday event since 2019, each year the theme changes. This year’s theme, “Sweet Dreams,” is featured in 50 attractions as you walk the winding paths through a truly enchanted forest.

“Ice Cream Cones” by 14-year old Mia Li;  “Happy Happy Candy Bowl” by 8-year old Penelope Bridget Mansfield; and “Cakey and the Fairy” by 7-year old Riley Dishman are among the winning drawings at the Long Island Children’s Museum turned into lantern art for the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You wander through different scenes and settings with different themes. What is so impressive is the creativity and the artistry, the delicate precision and the exquisite quality and scale. There are nearly life-size deer, giraffes, lambs, then in another scene, wooly mammoths, saber tooth tigers, reindeer, and in another, cartoonish fantastical, fanciful and whimsical creatures.

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You walk through arches, portals, tunnels of light. You walk through the mouth of a giant hungry caterpillar whose eyelids open and close; another is a pergola of candy canes. You come upon a train going through a tunnel made of fairy lights (“It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey,” a note reads.) It’s like finding yourself in a 3-D storybook.

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants the forest at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There are hot air balloons, and holiday symbols of candy canes, snowmen, enormous Christmas trees, Santa on a sleigh – all in fairy lights.

Stunning nearly life-size animals animate this year’s LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

And my favorite – which I purposely left for a dramatic climax to my walk (there are several ways to go) – an entire Ice Palace with penguins, polar bear, seals, and a moving winged horse (Pegasus) where I overhear a kid say, “Oh my god, this is the coolest thing in the world!”

The Ice Palace at this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, themed “Sweet Dreams” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It’s a non-ending smile, one delight after another.

And you can’t but be impressed by the incredibly beautiful artistry. It’s breathtaking.

A highlight are the lantern art characters and creatures created from winning drawings of children as young as 6 years old, in collaboration with the Long Island Children’s Museum, where you see their actual drawing and how it has been manifested in stunning life-size lantern art light sculpture.

Paola A. Aguilar’s “Sweet Dreams” character, “Chocolate Chip”is turned into lantern art at LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Among them:

Chocolate Chip by Paola A. Aguilar, 15 years old

Cakey and the Fairy, by Riley Dishman, 7 years old.

Endless Sweets by Cameron Creighton, 8year’s old.

A Singing Chocolate ice Cream cone by Sia Raza, 6 years old.

Easter Bunny Ice Cream, by Michelle Aguilar, 10 years old.

Happy Happy Candy Bowl by Penelope Bridget Mansfield, 8 years old.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Ballerina by Sophia Connors, 8 years old.

Ice Cream Cones by Mia Li, 14 years old

Candy Land by Catherine Liu, 8 years old

Ice Cream Man, by Dominic Recher, 6 years old

Riley Dishman, 7 years old, poses with the lantern sculpture made from her drawing, “Cakey and the Fairy” at this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, themed “Sweet Dreams” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

It is truly marvelous to see how the children’s drawings, imagining a character from a “sweet dream” have been realized in these giant lanterns – a cup cake, candy bowl, ice cream man, “Reach for the Clouds”, an Easter Bunny Ice Cream.

This is the second year of the festival’s collaboration with the Long Island’s Children’s Museum  – last year, the festival creator, Chen, also collaborated with the Long Island children’s Museum on themed drawings of Long island’s marine life that were brought to life in these lanterns (the museum will be opening a Long Island Marine Life exhibit in fall 2025).

Each year there are new lanterns and themes to entrance and delight.

LuminoCity Founder Xiaoyi Chen at this year’s Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Long Island. The festival is on through January 5, 2025 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“Sweet dreams theme is close to my heart,” LuminoCity Founder and Creator Xiaoyi Chen said at the ribbon-cutting. “I wanted to bring out the wonder we had as kids – the magic. Walking through, transports you back to the holidays with family. We aim to bring light and happiness to all who visit.” She added, “Long Island is our home, too.”

Deputy Director Chinese Consulate, NY, Lee, spoke of the festival as not just a celebration of lights, but of creativity, community spirit and Chinese cultural heritage and tradition. “It reminds us of the importance of honoring diverse traditions.”

LuminoCity Founder Xiaoyi Chen celebrates the opening of this year’s Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow, Long Island, with Nassau County officials, Long Island Children’s Museum and children whose winning drawings were turned into lantern art for the festival. The festival is on through January 5, 2025 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Chen says that Chinese lantern art was an important part of the heritage and tradition in Zigong City where her family is from in China – “a small city in the southwest with a rich history and known as ‘Lantern City’” for its legendary fame in the art.

“When I was a kid, I enjoyed the art. The root of my creativity comes from there.” She was introduced to lantern art by her first drawing teacher. She has gone on to graduate Pratt Institute, in Visual Communication, and said that creating such big-scale art installations as she has done with LuminoCity “is the dream.”

Wooly mammoths and saber tooth tigers are among the animals inhabiting the forest at this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, Long Island through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The region Chen came from  is also famous for its dinosaur fossils, including feathered dinosaurs. Indeed, Zigong Dinosaur Museum, the first museum based almost entirely on dinosaurs in Asia when it was opened in 1987. claims the largest collection of dinosaur fossils in the world, covering 25,000 sq. meters – and was the inspiration for LuminoCity’s Dino Safari.

Symbols of the winter holidays enchant at this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, Long Island through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Each year, she chooses a different theme for the LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival. She chose this year’s theme, Sweet Dreams, “because when you celebrate with family, you always have sweets.” She wanted to trigger those sweet memories.

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Chen tells me it takes two months to design the lanterns, which are made of fabric and painted, three months to produce, and one month to install at the park; she has a production team of 50.

Stunning nearly life-size animals animate this year’s LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival at Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Each setting offers families amazing photo ops – and there are set ups, like a sleigh you can go in, and a bell in golden lights.

Penguins visit the Ice Palace at this year’s LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, themed “Sweet Dreams” © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

There is a snack truck that offers all the fun snacks/indulgences you can think of hot dog ($5), hot chocolate, funnel cake, cotton candy, pretzel, popcorn, to match the dream of the festival.

The setting within Eisenhower Park is particularly special. You not only have the lights, the imagery, the colors and shape, the animation, the sound and musical effects, you have the smell of pine trees and walk through this truly magical forest.

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

You really feel you have come to a winter wonderland, an enchanted forest, a magical place – and not just the kids.

LuminoCity’s Holiday Lights Festival enchants Eisenhower Park, Long Island, through January 5 © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

LuminoCity, has a similar Holiday Lights Festival at Freehold Raceway Mall (3710 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728, Nov. 15—Jan. 5), and also has Dino Safaris in Walt Whitman Mall, Huntington, as well as attractions in Orlando, Florida, and in Maryland and Georgia.

You can purchase tickets online, www.LuminoCityfestival.com (there may be discounts available), as well as at the entrance.

LuminoCity Holiday Lights Festival, Eisenhower Park,Parking Lot 4, 1899 Park Blvd, East Meadow, NY 11554, www.LuminoCityfestival.com.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Resorts & Hotels, Skiing/Riding/Snow Destinations

Ikon Passholders Get New Benefits, Discounts, Expanded Access for Skiing and Riding at 58 Destinations Around Globe

Recognized as both family and beginner friendly, Winter Park, Colorado, one of 58 resorts on the Ikon Pass, is offering Kids Ski Free and Rent Free deals this season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ikon Pass skiers and riders have 58 global destinations across 5 continents, 11 countries 17 states, 4 Canadian provides across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, totaling 179,197 skiable acres and 7,263 trails to explore for the 2024/25 season. This is the seventh season that the Ikon Pass has been available and passholders have a slew of added benefits as Peak Perks, which and access to travel consultants to help plan and arrange that trip to discover some new, exotic, far away destination. Among the new features:

More Friends & Family Discounts: Ikon Pass holders now get two additional Friends & Family discounts, for a total of 12 for the 24/25 winter season. Each Friends & Family discount provides a minimum of 25% off the single day lift ticket price posted for the day the discount is used to ski or ride at an eligible Ikon Pass destination.

Unlock $200 CAD/Day on a Heli-Skiing Adventure: Ikon Pass elevates your powder pursuit with a credit of up to $1,400 CAD to spend on a CMH Heli-Skiing experience. Go day heli-skiing at CMH Purcell any time during the 24/25 winter season or stay at any other CMH destination during December 2024 or April 2025 and get $200 CAD each day of your trip. Choose from multiple ways to spend your credit. Ikon Pass holders also get early booking privileges on winter heli-skiing trips, which often sell out ahead of time. In the summer, Ikon Pass holders get exclusive benefits on heli-hiking trips, (terms & conditions apply).

Exclusive Access to Travel Service: The Ikon Pass is designed so that it pays for itself after as few as five days of skiing, plus incentivizes passholders to take one long ski vacation and explore some further afield resort – across the country or on another continent. Many of the Ikon Pass resort participants report new skiers coming from long distance and abroad, while Americans can actually take advantage of resorts in the southern hemisphere – in Chile, New Zealand, Australia – to ski year-round.

Discount on Travel with Ikon Pass Travel: Ikon Pass Travel is an online travel planning service exclusively for members of the Ikon Pass community that offers the ability to seamlessly explore and book all aspects of adventure across Ikon Pass destinations. Browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a vacation package or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist. (Terms and conditions apply.)

24/25 IKON PASS PRICING: There are different levels of pass which offer different benefits, from unlimited access to a list of resorts, to a number of days. Ikon Pass starting at $1,249; Ikon Base Pass starting at $869; Ikon Session Pass starting at $259.

For all Ikon Pass products and pricing, visit https://www.ikonpass.com/en/shop-passes.

For more information visit www.ikonpass.com.

Here’s a sampling of some of the improvements this season:

Pico Resort, part of Killington, is its own self-contained ski in/out resort that is particularly great for families and intermediate skiers© Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Vermont’s Killington Resort, the largest mountain resort in eastern North America, is making a $7 million investment in new energy efficient snow guns totaling 1,000 new pieces of equipment over the next two seasons.  Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, Killington Resort has earned its moniker “The Beast of the East” with four seasons of adventure spread across six peaks, plus Pico Mountain, which is its own self-contained ski in/out resort that is particularly great for families and intermediate skiers. With the most expansive snowmaking and lift system in eastern North America, Killington offers more than 200 trails and 92 miles of diverse snow sports terrain, including a world-class terrain park network and the longest season in the East. During the summer, Killington features a destination bike park with 30 miles of mountain biking trails, an 18-hole championship golf course, the family-friendly Snowshed Adventure Center, plus 15 miles of hiking trails. Killington is locally and independently owned (www.killington.com).  

Killington, Vermont, is the “Beast of the East”, the largest ski resort in eastern North America © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Stratton Mountain, Vermont, one of the New England favorites, is in the midst of a multi-year project to enhance snowmaking, in order to take advantage of shorter windows to make snow. The improvement will be most noticeable for intermediate skiers – the trails will open sooner and stay open later in the season. Being part of Alterra Mountain Co. and the Ikon Pass program has been a boon to skiers who were already Stratton devotees: they get their warm-ups in Stratton, then go for a big ski vacation to Steamboat, while Stratton is getting lots of passholders from further-afield. In addition, Alterra has invested in capital projects including modernizing the Ursa Lift to improve operational efficiency and maximize uphill capacity.

Stratton Mountain, Vermont is enhancing its snowmaking to extend the season © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Tremblant, located 1 ½ hour drive from Montreal, a 50-minute flight from New York City, means that a New Yorker can actually be skiing on the mountain in less time than it takes to drive up to Vermont. This season, Tremblant has a new shuttle connecting Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) to Tremblant, facilitating access and significantly reducing vehicular traffic. Tremblant offers the highest peak in the East and 305 hectares of skiing, 102 trails on four sides of the mountain.  The Canadian resort has been part of Ikon since 2017 – and is just the sort of discovery that Ikon Pass holders can take advantage of – to enjoy its French Canadian ambiance and international feel. Everything walking distance. You take the gondola from the pedestrian village to the summit. The four-season resort village offers 13 hotels (1500 beds),25 restaurants, 4 bars. You can even ski in summer, on synthetic surface (new) aimed at introducing beginners. There is also hiking, and a Sound & Light show in the woods accessed by the chairlift.

Winter Park Resort, Colorado, is completing a $37 million snowmaking upgrade, doubling capacity and creating broader early-season snow coverage which will enable Winter Park to have one of the longest winter seasons in Colorado.

Winter Park, Colorado is offering Kids Ski Free and Rent Free program © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Recognized as both family and beginner friendly, Winter Park is offering Kids Ski Free and Rent Free – every kid 14 and younger signed up for a Winter Park Ski and Ride School lesson receives a complementary lift ticket for the day (must book by Nov. 29, 2024), plus a free ski or snowboard rental with a three-day adult gear rental package. Beginners take advantage of a new learn-to-ski guarantee where if by the end of your third lesson, you can’t ski the 10 green trails your fourth lesson is free. Back this season, 60-Minute Pro Tip lessons. Upgraded Eagle Wind trail signs – as part of “Heniiniini: There is Snow on the Ground” public art installation, with the help of an Arapaho linguist, more Eagle Wind trail signs have been translated into native Arapaho language.

Less than 70 miles from Denver, Winter Park is accessible by the Winter Park Express Amtrak train from Denver Union Station direct to the ski resort on weekends during ski season. Flanked by the dramatic Continental Divide, Winter Park Resort receives some of the state’s most consistent snowfall across its 3000+ acres of world-class terrain and has been voted USA Today’s #1 Ski Resort in North America multiple years. During summer, the resort is home to renowned Trestle bike park, and has been nominated as Colorado’s Top Adventure Town. For more information, visit www.winterparkresort.com.

Steamboat, Colorado, which celebrated its 60th anniversary two years ago, boasts a rich Western heritage in vibe, culture and ambiance. Located in the northwest corner of Colorado, its nearby Hayden Airport has direct service from 16 airports on six carriers (during ski season, less frequent service other times). Steamboat is Colorado’s second largest ski resort after Vail – the resort had a “serious” expansion in 2023, adding 650 acres of expert terrain in the popular “side country” accessed by a new Mahagony Ridge lift. Steamboat is paradise for intermediate skiers’  and its Sunshine Bowl is particularly popular with families. Last year, Steamboat opened a gondola from its base to the summit of the mountain with the most blue terrain and a dedicated learning area.

This season Taos Ski Valley skiers will benefit from nearly$1 Million in upgraded snowmaking, grooming, and lift maintenance, as well as a new ski and snowboard rental fleet. Also the Eis Haus ice skating rink will  have evening ice skating for $25, including rentals. 

Also, there are new Snowsports packages:

  • The Blake Experience Ski Week Package for two: includes 5 half days of instruction (Sunday-Friday), 2 5-day lift tickets, 5 nights of accommodations at The Blake, 5-day demo rentals from Taos Sports, and a $30 credit for breakfast at 192 at The Blake each morning per person (from $2600);  
    • New Teen Ski Weeks, designed for teens and college students, providing 6-day lessons, during peak holidaysChristmas, MLK week, President’s Day, and Spring Break. 
    • Children’s value three-day lesson packages that provide discounts over two-day packages, including
    • Children’s First Timer package and Children’s Intermediate and Advanced package.
    • Full-day, private lesson/mountain guide for up to four people, for a truly specialized and personalized Taos ski experience, $950, $50 for each additional person.
The famous Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley, Utah. The legendary ski resort will be doubling in size to 5,700 skiable acres with the acquisition of neighboring terrain but will preserve its European charm © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Deer Valley in Park City, Utah, is set for a massive expansion, nearly doubling existing terrain to 5,700 skiable acres when it is done (3,700 more skiable acres than the original). This is because the resort acquired neighboring wilderness that was set to be developed. The first part of the expansion will open this season: 300 new skiable acres and three lifts will open this season including the Keetley Express – a six-person chairlift with a bubble, connecting the new Deer Valley East Village to the existing Deer Valley terrain, dropping skiers off near the bottom terminal of the Sultan Express chairlift on Bald Mountain. The additional two chairlifts, Hoodoo Express and Aurora, will service new beginner-level ski trails and provide return access to the new Deer Valley East Village. The 500 additional day-skier parking spots this winter season will create an alternative arrival option via U.S. Route 40, helping to reduce traffic throughout Park City. Next year, the plan is to open six more lifts including a 10-person gondola, and 700 more parking spots. But even with the expansion, we are assured, Deer Valley’s quaint, intimate, luxurious, European charm (and its ski-only policy) the so-called “Deer Valley Difference”  that skiers have enjoyed since the resort opened in 1981, will be maintained.

Sun Valley Resort, Idaho is a year-round exclusive four-star resort tucked away in the wilderness affording 3400 vertical feet, 2500 skiable acres in winter. This season, it has a new six-person Seattle lift enhancing the experience on Bald Mountain. Sun Valley is hosting the World Cup Final in March – its first in decades. The nearby airport, 11 miles drive in Paley Idaho, gets direct flights from Seattle, SF, LA, Salt Lake, Denver, Chicago.

Arapahoe Basin has entered into agreement to be acquired by Alterra (Photo by Dave Camara)

Arapahoe Basin, in Colorado, is proud that this will be its first season operating as a net-zero carbon footprint. The ski area, which has no on-mountain lodging (people stay in Keystone, Dillon and Silverthorne) is instituting parking reservation system holidays and weekends to preserve the on-site experience. A-Basin joined Ikon in 2019, and its owner, a large commercial real estate company in Canada, has entered into agreement to be acquired by Alterra. “Now we will be owned by a company that does what we do best.”

Mt. Batchelor, Oregon, is famous for having one of the longest ski seasons in the country – in May, you can ski until 1 pm and then go for a round of golf. The mountain – once a volcano – is great for intermediate skiers, who can ski 360 degrees around on undulating trails. The mountain area (it does not have on-mountain lodging) is 30 minutes from Bend, Oregon, with a marvelously family-friendly town  of 100,000. The ski area offers child care year-round. There is direct air service from Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Big Sky Resort, Montana, is now more accessible with expanded air service to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) this winter including new JetBlue Mint service from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, provides fully lie-flat beds, artisanal dining, priority boarding, and two complimentary checked bags. There is service from 19 cities including from Los Angeles, Boston, New York (EWR), Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Denver, and Washington DC that touch down before noon, so skiers can be on the slopes the same afternoon.

The recently expanded airport is located 50 miles from Big Sky Resort, with 5,850 acres of terrain, 38 chairlifts, and 300 degrees of skiing off the iconic Lone Peak. Skiers this year will benefit from the new Madison eight-person chairlift  – the longest eight-seat chairlift in the world – with heated seats and bubble, that replaces a six-pack on the North Side, doubles uphill capacity and reduces ride time from 12 minutes to 8 minutes.

More Highlights:

Ikon Passholders also will benefit from new lifts at Sugarbush, Copper Mountain, Snowmass, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird, The Highlands, Bear Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Niseko United, and  Dolomiti Superski (celebrating its 50th anniversary with the replacement of 9 chairlifts and gondolas across Kronplatz, Alta Badia, Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi, Val di Fassa-Carezza, Arabba-Marmolada, 3 Cime and San Martino di Castrozza-Passo Rolle).

The Ikon Pass incentivizes exploring new destinations such as Alta, Utah © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ikon Pass resorts that will have new and expanded terrain include Snowbasin, Mt. Norquay, Boyne Mountain Resort and Arai Snow Resort which is expanding its avalanche-controlled freeriding zones, checked daily for avalanche risks to ensure an off-piste experience all within the margins of safety.

In addition to Winter Park other notable upgrade efforts are underway at Stratton, Sugarbush, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, Loon, Dolomiti Superski, Boyne Mountain, Alyeska Resort, and Copper Mountain.

Skiing Copper Mountain, Colorado, one of the Ikon Pass resorts © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Ikon Pass holders will also have access to new lodges this winter as well as new luxury amenities, redesigned on-mountain facilities, and delicious new culinary offerings – all designed to enhance the on-site experience. Among them: Loon Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Mammoth Mountain, Eldora. Also:

Alyeska Resort is opening the Black Diamond Club, a hotel-within-a-hotel concept designed and curated for discerning guests searching for the utmost in luxury, service, and amenities.

CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures’ luxurious Valemount Lodge has a new dedicated spa building, featuring a hot tub, cold plunge pool, sauna, massage room, sitting lounge, and fitness/stretch studio. Celebrating 60 years of heli-adventures, CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures is the world’s first and largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operator. At more than 3 million acres, the total CMH tenure is one-third the size of Switzerland. From its head office in Banff, Alberta, CMH operates from 11 destinations located in the Bugaboo, Purcell, Selkirk, Monashee and Cariboo ranges of British Columbia, Canada. Heli-skiing takes place each year from December through April, and CMH Summer Adventures take place from July to early-September (cmhheli.com and cmhsummer.com)

Presented by Alterra Mountain Company, the list of participating Ikon Pass resorts includes: Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain and Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska, Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Windham Mountain Club in New York; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah.

Also, Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France, Dolomiti Superski in Italy, Grandvalira Resorts Andorra in Andorra, Kitzbühel in Austria, Zermatt in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United and Arai Snow Resort in Japan, and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures, the world’s largest heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operation. For more information, visit www.ikonpass.com.

Alterra Mountain Company is a family of iconic year-round mountain destinations, the world’s largest heli-skiing operation, and Ikon Pass, including Steamboat and Winter Park in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures in British Columbiaand Ski Butlers, a global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, visit www.alterramtn.co.

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© 2024 Travel Features Syndicate, a division of Workstyles, Inc. All rights reserved. Visit goingplacesfarandnear.com and travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/. Blogging at goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com and moralcompasstravel.info. Visit instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near and instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ Send comments or questions to [email protected]. Tweet @TravelFeatures. ‘Like’ us at facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures 

Because travel is a life-enhancing, relationship building, world-changing experience