When we flew from San Francisco to Bloomington, IL yesterday, we were spared the disruptions so many endured on Thursday. The winter storms had moved east by Friday morning, and both of our flights left on time and landed early. But the winter weather that greeted us? Not so welcoming! Temperatures were in the 20's — with 40 mph gale force winds — not quite what this northern California resident is accustomed to!
If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, you'll get your wish this year ... but after New Years, take the chance to escape the dreary cold and damp of winter for a week in the tropics: white sand beaches, blue skies, bright sunshine, dressed in shorts and t-shirts.
So where do you want to travel this winter?Hawaii is convenient to west coast residents. Florida and the Caribbean are convenient if you live in the midwest or on the east coast. Mexico is an affordable destination easily reached from all over the country. Call your travel consultant to put together a complete vacation package for your tropical winter escape!
copyright (c) 2012 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
Winter has started early in North America and Europe, with blizzards and very chilly weather. Flights have been disrupted, and even people traveling by car have been stranded. The San Francisco Bay Area (where I live) has been stuck in a cool, damp, overcast weather pattern. But the most striking weather news of the week was the sight of snow pouring through the teflon roof of the Metrodome in Minneapolis; the Vikings game with the NY Giants was moved to Detroit as a consequence.
My mind travels to the tropics when the harsh winter storms begin. Where to go for a tropical holiday? There are many choices...
Hawaii is my perpetual favorite, really convenient to travelers from the West Coast. Email me for ideas on where to stay. I've visited the major islands and seen all the best luxury resorts. My favorites? Four Seasons Hualalai on the Big Island, Four Seasons Maui, The Kahala Resort near Hobolulu, the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai, and Four Seasons Manele Bay on Lanai.
For a shorter flight from the east coast, consider the Turks & Caicos, 1,300 miles [almost] due south from New York. Featuring 200 miles of white sand beaches bordering turquoise seas, Turks & Caicos is a convenient getaway for warm, sunny weather and great snorkeling. For a real treat, consider Amanyara (pictured here) - or ask about other luxury resorts for that mid-winter getaway.
copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website. .
I love watching sunrises and sunsets which are, to me, the most magical times of the day. I photographed this Hawaii sunset at Four Seasons Manele Bay.
It's no wonder I've gotten lots of inquiries about Hawaii in the past month. The east coast and mid-west are in the midst of a long, cold winter. Even the west coast has been wetter and cooler than usual. Northern California, where I live, has seen lots of rain (much needed to replenish our reservoirs) and temperatures in the 50's. Lots of people want to get away to the sunshine and balmy temperatures of the tropics. But where to go?
I love Hawaii. While Mexico and the Caribbean have dozens of five star resorts to choose from, US citizens can travel to Hawaii, our 50th state, without passports or the need to wait in long immigrations lines. The weather is dependable, and your health insurance will probably cover you. (Traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean? Ask me about how a low-cost travel insurance package can take care of any sudden emergency medical expenses you may face when you're outside the US).
Which island to choose? That will be the subject of my next blog posting — so watch this space! But if you want to get away from this long, cold, and damp winter, Hawaii is my favorite place to go.
copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website. .
