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HOLIDAY GIFT EXPERIENCE 2014/15: Travel

The gift of experience---is priceless---and the most appreciated ---imo. Whether last minute. or planned way ahead of departure---a trip anywhere- active or relaxing-is a wonderful. After all, there is probably no one who ever regrets (or regretted) traveling for vacation fun- too much. Ever.

To get outdoors and experience nature combined with sporty endeavors,-the website of non-profit Ski and Snow Board Month is an easy way to plan and save plenty during the month of January-with an easy to use interactive planner----that helps one learn and save.

Two web portals that combine the latest deals/travel savings and tips for planning snow adventures-SkiVermont -and ColoradoSki with the latest snow conditions and travel/stay packages in beautiful Vermont and Colorado respectively-from resorts embracing -challenging- beginners-to-experts  that will please families+sophisticates, spa loving goers, rustic outdoors persons ready to ride straight outta a helicopter, and/or gourmand diners. Have a place to stay already- Get Ski Tickets  -has discount ticket passes in the USA and Canada snow destinations.

For shoppers with international leanings….yuletide festivities in Europe are neatly packaged by Colette -that brings travelers to three of the world's leading holiday markets in their 9 day “Classic Christmas Markets” tour-with excursions  through the decorative wooden stalls and booths of France’s oldest Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, mulled wine sipping pleasures while garnering gifts from the vendors in Nuremberg, Germany; sightseeing including the 100-foot Christmas tree adorning the more than 2,000 lights centered in the famous Marienplatz in Munich; and leisurely strolls through the halls of the Neuschewanstein Castle, the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. (Prices begin at $1,599 -land only, per person, double occupancy), 11 meals and airport sedan service with purchase of airfare. For more information or to book, visit www.gocollette.com.

Another outdoor vision -is the annual Amsterdam Light Festival that bathes the city’s historical center in light with various sculptures and installations from international artists. Where to stay? For a rather complete package-The Dylan Amsterdam invites guests to revel in the experience this Christmas with a three-night stay with upgrade* at the luxury boutique propertyThe Christmas package includes a five-course lunch with champagne and amuse-bouches, daily Dylan Breakfast Buffet; a special Christmas gift; and a High Wine food and wine tasting experience. (Priced- €1200 (approximately US $1,502.76- for the three-night package, based on double occupancy. *Upgrade subject to availability on time of arrival. For more information or to book, visit www.dylanamsterdam.com 

For foodies- (and cultural types)-who want the warm weather-and an Italian destination---what could be better?  EXPO MILANO-FEEDING THE PLANET ENERGY FOR LIFE
 The themes of food, feeding the planet, and sustainability---underpin the magnificent day to night global interactive exhibits, architectural wonders and pavilions- and FUN entertainment like exclusive new production Cirque Du Soleil's ALLAVITA!-  going on from May 1 -October 31, 2015 -in a delicious slice of Italy just northwest of the great city of Milan…and easily accessed by mass transit.

From an intro event we attended…a few slides illustrate some highlights:
Family friendly-children's mascots embody the key themes -designed by Disney Italia-and there's a garden Children's Park with play and discovery areas designed for kids. 



Expo Milano 2015 extends to an area of about 1 million sq. meters!

Thematic Areas-organized by themes and food production chains-and more than 53 distinct National Pavilions

For the USA pavilion-an entire massive wall will be a vertical garden...
Italians- where ever they are-get a break on prices...

In NYC-the destination EATALY---an indoor emporium of Italian food and dining- that is simply transporting and THE LARGEST ITALIAN MARKETPLACE in the world (WOW) ----is also the an onsite seller of Expo Milano tickets---which are also available online 
 INFO: http://www.expo2015news.org