Sunday, November 27, 2011

Top Four Unusual Travel Ideas

By Al Smith


We thought we would let you know about some unusual destinations that you may not be aware of. Please check out one of these places on your next trip!

Whistler, British Columbia

The 2010 Winter Games are gone, but there is a lot of great stuff left behind. The biggest gift to visitors is Whistler Olympic Park. It is now open to the public and has more than 55 miles of trails. Whether you want something easy or Olympic tough, this ski park has it for you.

Skiers who are not yet quite ready to blast down the huge hills from last year's Olympics can also check out the ski school. You can get lessons in cross country, skate ski, and also biathlon.

Whistler Village has many lodges, condos and eateries you can enjoy. But cross country skiers might better enjoy the stay at Callaghan Lodge. This is a chalet a few miles from the main lodge that is circled by glacier-clad mountains. In winter, the lodge is only gotten to by trail, and it will take you about three hours to get there. A truly remarkable destination for skiers.

Guimaraes, Portugal

This is thought to be the cradle of Portugal. It is a very beautiful northern city that is very historically important to the entire country. It also is known as one of the youngest cities in all of Europe - half of its residents are less than 30 years old. This city was selected as a 2012 European Capital of Culture, and this is helping to turn this city into a hot spot for youth culture.

A great deal of the town's music and arts attractions are being developed by a new cultural center that opened up in 2005. It is in an old 18th century palace. Some of the attractions here include amphitheaters, artists' studios and a new restaurant. The city also hosted the first international festival of contemporary dance. There were a large number of impressive international dance companies here from all over the world.

Olympic Park, WA

Olympic National Park offers all sorts of great ways to enjoy the winter weather. Skiers can try out Hurricane Ridge. This is a mile-high ski and snowboard paradise. It has huge bowls and glades, and gets more than 400 inches of snow per year. Lifts work only on the weekend, but you can Hurricane Ridge Road and the visitor center seven days per week. Cross country skiers and snowshoers will have access to the unmarked trails and forests all around the ridge.

Dresden, Germany

This German city was wrecked during World War 2, but it has rebuilt itself in recent decades into a very similar version of its pre-war self. Most of the more expensive historic renovations are now completed. There will be a new military history museum, and there is a beautiful glass and steel new section that was added to the 19th century building. This history museum covers over 200,000 square feet and you can easily spend a couple of days here.




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