Winter Escapes
Your heart sinks as you look out of the window…another bleak night after being cooped up in the office all day. Your mind wanders to the screen saver….a tropical paradise awaits…it is just what you need! Your spirit lifts just thinking about it…
Do you practice the indulgent act of a winter escape? If yes….good for you…if no – why not? Every year, major airline carriers, charter tours and package deals rescue me and my fellow North Americans as we indulge in the right of passage known as the winter escape! The Get-a-way…and thank goodness we can.
Favourite time for a winter escape…less crowds…bring on November!
My preferred time of year – November. To me, it is the bleakest of months, too wet and cold to ride my bike. Even hiking seems out of the question as that bone chilling dampness sets in. Many prefer to leave in January and February during the heart of winter, and escape the snow storms and dark night. Not me. November is my winter escape as I still love the white stuff! There…I said it! While many turn to hermits, only venturing out for work and the occasional social gathering, I look forward to skiing the weekends away each winter. Here in Ottawa we even have our own festival for celebrating winter. You’ve heard of it right? Winterlude! Getting out and enjoying the snow makes winter so much more bearable – a down right pleasure even!
But a winter escape – that has become sacred to me. The chance to revel in the Caribbean sun, relax with a few cocktails or go explore some of the iconic tourist destinations of the place. Sure, some of them may be touristy, but let’s face it, Dunn’s River Falls didn’t become so touristy because it wasn’t loads of fun! Swimming with the turtles in Barbados….sign me up. I’d go twice if I could!
Every year the ads for a winter escape leap off our computer screens, newspapers and other social media! Book now and we will give you 10% off, spa credits, 5 nights for the price of 4….the list goes on! So tempting…how can you resist?
How do you book your flights. I recently read in the New York Times (travel section) about the debate between those who book early and those who book last minute. I used to book last minute – that seemed to be when the best deals to fill planes and hotels came out. My first trip to Cuba was like that. I knew I wanted to go to Varadero, but where I stayed didn’t matter. There was still more than enough tempting hotels and resorts to choose from. But now, if you wait until too last minute, you may well find the prices going back up again. I found my airfare nearly doubled on the way to Barbados this year – all within a matter of weeks. Some say book a month or two in advance – I seem to fit into the one month category. I know I will be going somewhere – I just have to narrow it down! Inspiration to head south really starts to hit in October…and by November, I am outta here! I have had some brilliant excursions too…Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Barbados…always in the shoulder season that is otherwise known as November. Sure…not all the restaurants on the resort are open, tours may not be offered every day, but the price is right and the beach isn’t so crowded!
Winter escapes in November….shhhh…one of the best times to go….just don’t tell anyone!
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Lemme out of Vancouver and into scuba diving pleaaasse lol
Posted by andy1076 | December 4, 2012, 2:54 pmTell me about it!!! You tell me where…..
Posted by Anita Mac | December 4, 2012, 2:56 pmAnywhere, wherever there’s pristine blue waters and I can be away from civilization yet still be comfortable.
Posted by andy1076 | December 4, 2012, 6:42 pmI prefer paradise over the cold and snow:) Have a Great One!
Posted by cravesadventure | December 4, 2012, 6:22 pmI am lucky to be based in sub tropical Queensland and therefore I’m sitting writing this from a breezy bamboo shaded deck.under a bright blue sky… but heading to the northern hemisphere soon and after a year of 30 + degrees I’m looking forward to the cold. Alas the leaf mould is always fresher on the other side.
Posted by Tracey | December 20, 2012, 11:14 amAhhh…I remember being based in Australia. I am looking to go back down under, but must admit, as a Canadian, I do feel the need for snow. As an Australian…I also feel the need for sun and sand. So glad I can have both. Long live the winter escape. Have a safe trip up to the northern hemisphere.
Posted by Anita Mac | December 20, 2012, 11:22 am