Written By Vicki Anzmann
Tight economic times and budgets demand creativity when planning a holiday vacation. Whatever your interests – getting into the spirit of the season, volunteering and giving back, relaxing and recharging your batteries, or shopping Ôtil you drop, take your pick of enticing locales and make arrangements. We surveyed the travel field to find first-rate choices for around $500. One element to consider: the week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the most expensive travel times. Consider tweaking your calendar to get more bang for your buck.
Living History
Historic Williamsburg, just a few hours to the south, shines during this season with holiday finery. Visitors can take a Christmas Decorations Walking Tour and explore holiday traditions that are hundreds of years old. In addition, the local taverns and restaurants offer holiday dining experiences. A three-night stay for a family of four that includes hotel accommodations and passes to the historic area is about $450. Travel Network, 234 East Main Street, Westminster, (410) 848-7900, (888) 576-8747, www.vacationsbytravelnetwork.com.
Close to Home, Worlds Away
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Antrim 1844 is known for its sumptuous cuisine and superb accommodations. This vacation gem, in our own backyard, offers seasonal packages for a romantic and restorative getaway. Some of the exceptional services and amenities offered at Antrim include massage, chocolate covered strawberries and champagne, and fine dining with a six-course meal prepared by Chef Michael Gettier. Most rooms feature a fireplace, oversize Jacuzzi, or both. A winter getaway package for a couple, including the night’s accommodations, afternoon tea, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet six-course dinner, continental wakeup tray and country-style breakfast start at around $120 per person mid-week. (Check with Antrim for season-specific packages.) Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel, 30 Trevanion Road, Taneytown, MD, (410) 756-6812, www.Antrim1844.com.
Volunteer Vacation
The holidays are an ideal time to think about “giving back.” The American Hiking Society organizes active vacations in which volunteers work to preserve hiking trails and the environment. There is a wide range of volunteer travel opportunities available in diverse or exotic locations, such as the Golden Gate National Recreation area in California, Buffalo National River in Arkansas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Trips are rated from easy to very strenuous, so vacationers can pick the one that suits their abilities. Featured January 17 to 24 is a trail maintenance trip to the Florida National Scenic Trail in the Juniper Wilderness in the Ocala National Forest. Each project costs only $245 per person, and includes food and lodging or camping for the week, but not transportation. In addition, the AHS has partnered with Travelocity’s “Travel for Good” grant program, so participants can apply for a grant to pay for their trip. See a complete listing of trips at the website. American Hiking Society, 1422 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910, 1-800-972-8608, www.americanhiking.org.
Hot Chocolate
Chocolate is always in season, so why not visit the self-proclaimed chocolate capital, Hershey, Pennsylvania? The amusement park offers Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, with more than 30 rides, including the Twilight Express, millions of holiday lights, and characters dressed in their holiday finery. In addition, guests can make breakfast reservations with Santa and his reindeer. The package for four includes Hersheypark tickets, tickets to Dutch Winter Wonderland at Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park (less than 30 minutes down the road), hotel accommodations for three nights, and continental breakfast for $569. Travel Network, 234 East Main Street, Westminster, (410) 848-7900, (888) 576-8747, www.vacationsbytravelnetwork.com.
Western Maryland
The Inn at Walnut Bottom is a charming bed and breakfast in Cumberland. Recommended by Frommers and other travel guidebooks, this gracious 19th century lodging in the Allegheny Mountains boasts close proximity to many attractions including:
¥ The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad with Santa Express and North Pole Express excursions until December 21,
¥ The Paw Paw Tunnel, an engineering marvel cut through solid rock,
¥ Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, the house built over a waterfall. It is on the National Historic Register,
¥ Potomac Eagle Scenic Railway, a three-hour narrated train ride offering bald eagle spotting,
¥ Spruce Forest Artisan Village, an artists’ colony preserving arts and heritage of the Appalachian region, and
¥ The Mountain Coaster at the Wisp at Deep Creek Lake, a German-made roller coaster that takes you down the mountain over ski trails.
A two-night stay for a family of four in the family suite, which includes a master bedroom with a king sized bed, a private bath, a separate bedroom with twin beds, and a full homemade breakfast in the morning is $450. The homemade breakfast boasts rave reviews, and may include such goodies as coffeecake, muffins or granola. The Inn at Walnut Bottom, 120 Greene Street, Cumberland, MD 21502, 1-800-286-9718, www.iwbinfo.com.
New York, New York
Like Rudolph’s nose, New York City sparkles and glows at this time of year. It is home to the legendary Radio City Music Hall Rockettes Christmas program, which is more than 75 years old, and the city decked out for the holidays is breathtaking. Of course, don’t forget the unbelievable shopping and the department store window displays. At Christmastime a family of four can enjoy the big apple for two nights for about $615, travel not included. Travel Network, 234 East Main Street, Westminster, (410) 848-7900, (888) 576-8747, www.vacationsbytravelnetwork.com. Eyre Motorcoach also offers several Big Apple packages, including one-day trips to see the Radio City Christmas show for prices ranging from $145 to $189 a person. Call (301) 854-6600 or (410) 442-1330, www.eyre.com.
