USATourist News Magazine

November 2006

In this issue:

Welcome to the November issue USATourist News Magazine. This month the United States celebrates Thanksgiving Day. This year the holiday falls on Thursday, November 23. Airports will be busy that week, so be sure to arrive early. In this issue we are exploring some of the fun things to do during the cold winter months. If you aren't a big fan of the cold be sure to check out the special from Florida Vacation Villas found at the end of this newsletter.

Ski resorts are opening

Winter is almost here and thousands of ski slopes will soon be open. Skiers and snowboarders can find ski slopes in every time zone in the contiguous 48 states as well as Alaska and Hawaii. Many of the higher elevation mountains have already seen signs of the 2006/2007 snow season, which means some adventurous people have already been skiing the backwoods.

Ski resorts offer a variety of pass options allowing skiers and snowboarders access to the mountain trails. How long you intend to stay will influence the type of pass you will want to purchase. If your trip is only a day to two, a daily pass is probably all you will need. If you plan to stay for an extended time, you will want to consider purchasing a money-saving monthly or season pass.

Here are several links to help you introduce you to some ski areas here in the United States:

Utah: www.skiutah.com
Midwest skiing: www.snowplaces.com
Northeast skiing: www.alpinezone.com
Pacific Northwest Skiing: www.pnsaa.org
New Mexico Skiing: www.skinewmexico.com
Colorado skiing: www.coloradoski.com
California Skiing: www.californiasnow.com

Heli-Skiing

If you are an intermediate or expert skier and are looking for the ultimate adventure, heli-skiing may be in your future. Instead of taking a traditional ski lift to the top of the mountain, skiers and snowboards are dropped off on the top of the mountain by helicopter. There are several locations in the U.S. that offer heli-skiing. Here is a link that has a list of heli-skiing destinations. www.usheliskiing.com

Yes, there really is skiing in Hawaii

Mauna Kea (White Mountain) on the Big Island of Hawaii is where you can find skiing, but it isn't your typical skiing experience. You won't find ski lifts, groomed trails or the usual resorts. Instead, adventurous snow enthusiasts take a four-wheel drive vehicle up the road that leads to the top of Mauna Kea, a 13,796 foot (4205 meters) volcanic mountain. Skiers usually travel in a group and take turns skiing. Someone is designated to drive to the bottom to pick up the skiers. Then the group returns to the top to give the driver a skiing turn.

Visit Santa at the North Pole

During the holiday months theme parks transform their parks in to winter wonderlands with decorations and holiday music. There are also several parks that are completely dedicated to the spirit of Christmas and even let you visit with Santa Clause. These "North Pole" locations are found through out United States and are fun for people of all ages.

Located in North Pole, New York is the North Pole, Home of Santa's Workshop. Visitors can enjoy the charming village, rides, shows, and shops. www.northpoleny.com

In Colorado Springs, Colorado visitors also delight in visiting the North Pole, another Home of Santa's Workshop. Visitors can roam the village, ride the 25 rides, and see Santa's llamas. www.santas-colo.com

Not far from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Eureka, Missouri is Santa's Magical Kingdom. This location is known for its fabulous holiday light display and the Santa Express Train. www.eurekajellystone.com/santa

Christmas Day is Monday December 25th this year. For more about Christmas in the United Sates visit our page: www.usatourist.com/english/inside/christmas.html

Ice Skating

Ice Skating is a fun winter pastime. Most indoor ice rinks are open year-round while the outdoor rinks are open only during the cold winter months. This time of year many of the ice rinks are decorated with holiday decorations and it is not uncommon to find large Christmas trees placed in the center of the rinks. The Ice Rink at New York's Rockefeller Center is one of the most popular ice rinks in New York City. It is usually open from October though early April. It is not the only ice rink in New York. The Pond at Bryant Park www.bryantpark.org is another good option and skating is free. In Dallas, Texas the Ice-Skating Center at the Galleria is a fun place to skate and has recently been renovated. www.galleriadallas.com

No matter where you are visiting you should be able to find an ice rink to enjoy this winter. I found a link that lists of ice arenas according to state: www.iceskate.com/arenas.htm

Marriott "Look No Further" Rate Guarantee

Have you ever booked a room and a day later discovered a lower hotel rate? Are you always searching for better deals on your Marriott room? Do you worry that you didn’t get the best rate?

Well, look no further. Now, Marriott is adding one more reason to turn to them first for all your lodging needs: you won't find a qualifying lower publicly available room rate on the Marriott room of your choice—anywhere. When you contact Marriott directly to plan your travel, rest assured there’s no need to hunt for a better deal. That's Marriott’s Look No Further Best Rate Guarantee.

It works like this: Make a reservation with Marriott. Then, they'll give you the next 24 hours to look high and low for a better hotel rate. You can look anywhere. Look on the Internet. Call your travel agent or travel management company and even double check Marriott. If, in those 24 hours, you happen to find a lower rate for the same hotel, room type, and reservation dates, submit a claim form immediately. (You must submit the claim at least 24 hours before your hotel check-in time so they can properly verify each claim.) If the lower hotel rate you found qualifies, they will honor the lower rate and give you an additional 25% off that lower rate, subject to terms & conditions.

Visit Marriott’s website for more details and to book online! Marriott.com

Florida Vacation Villas

Florida Vacation Villas has a superb selection of private villas with luxury pools, 3-6 bedrooms, and are centrally located with excellent access to the main Orlando attractions: Disney World, MGM, Universal Studios, Sea World and many golf courses.

They are offering a special discount for USATourist readers on November 2006 and January 2007 bookings. Visit www.floridavacation-villas.net for a complete listing of homes, locations, and rates. To claim the USATourist special discount call toll-free (in USA and Canada): 1 866-420-4072 and from the UK call: 001-863-420-4072 or email AHNmanagement1@aol.com.

USATourist Mail List Contest Winner!

Congratulations to Maria Victoria Ordoñez and Annita Rojas Lozano! They have each won a free dolphin watching cruise with Dolphin Landings Charter Boat Center.

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest. Be sure to watch your Mail Box for the USATourist News Magazine every month. We'll have another contest soon!

If you'd like to purchase a dolphin watching cruise, just go to the Dolphin Landings site!

We hope you enjoyed this issue. Have a wonderful month and happy travels.

Written by: Elizabeth L. Blair

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