WINTER FESTIVALS

Almost everybody knows about the famous Carnival of Brazil - an annual festival held forty-six days before Easter, but do you know that winter season is famous for many other festivals and carnivals around the world?

Today I want to tell you about winter festivals in Canada and USA, and next time - about similar events in Europe and Asia.

Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada

February 23 to 26, 2012 

A throwback to Yukon's Klondike Gold Rush days, the Sourdough Rendezvous celebrates the brawny strength it took to survive here in the early 1900s … and the extra hair required to keep warm at -40 degrees. Things get woolly when a good chunk of the local population puts away razors months in advance to prepare for the beard-growing contest and the women's hairy-leg competition.

Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada 

January 27 to February 12, 2012 

The perennial heavyweight, Quebec Winter Carnival bills itself as the world's largest winter festival. It's best known for its life-sized ice palace, its snow sculptures, and its snowman mascot, and it has a wild streak, too. In the extreme canoe race, paddlers navigate the frozen St. Lawrence River's snow and ice obstacles. The carnival's Caribou cocktail (vodka, brandy, sherry, and port) has a reputation for being feisty, but even that is mild compared to the gumption it takes to scrub down in the snow baths here.  To get more details go to http://www.quebecregion.com/en/what_to_do/ideas/quebec_winter_carnival?a=vis and http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en/carnival-2012/not-to-be-missed

Fur Rendezvous, Anchorage, Alaska 

February 24 to March 4, 2012 

What began in 1935 as a small gathering of area miners and trappers has evolved into an internationally known 10-day festival of weird and wild proportions.

Cedarburg Winter Festival, Cedarburg, Wisconsin 

February 4 to 5, 2012 

During the dark days of winter, the Cedarburg Winter Festival just north of Milwaukee takes popular summerfest events and slaps them on snow and ice.

Fire and Ice Winter Fest, Lava Hot Springs, Idaho 

February 3 to 5, 2012 

It takes locals extra doses of both fire and ice to shake the winter blues in Lava Hot Springs, where average February temps typically hover in the 20s. And this festival, no doubt, is one shocking remedy.

Slush Cup Weekend, Schuss Mountain, Bellaire, Michigan 

March 2 to 4, 2012 

When winter starts to drip, Michiganians near the tip of the mitten get silly. Slush Cup, a Schuss Mountain tradition for 30-odd years, peaks with the weekend's main event: racing skis and snowboards across a 40-foot pond while sporting a ridiculous costume.

And last but not least, Lambertville - New Hope Winter festival, (2 small towns sitting on opposite sides of the Delaware River in the western part of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania) just about 90 minutes drive from New York.  The numerous events include Live demonstrations of Ice sculptures creation, Parade, Fire And Ice Ball, Beef and Brew, Snow Folk Art, and many others. For detail schedule of all events and concerts please go to http://winterfestival.net/schedule.html and for driving directions - http://www.newhope-pa.com/html/directions_to_new_hope.html

Now it is up to you to decide where to go.
There is still time to make all reservations!

SKATING IN NEW YORK

Happy New Year to all my readers!

There's nothing like gliding gracefully across the ice with the wind in your hair and the New York City skyline as your backdrop. Ice skating is fun, it's good exercise, and it makes for a very romantic winter date night. Manhattan boasts several great ice skating rinks -- from the old landmarks like Rockefeller Center to a brand-new rink in Bryant Park.

1. Citi Pond at Bryant Park

Citi Pond at Bryant Park is Manhattan's first and only free admission ice skating rink. Back for it's seventh season, Citi Pond is one of NYC's most treasured winter destinations. Whether you enjoy a day of family skating, share a romantic evening spinning under the stars, celebrate the holidays at a company bash, Citi Pond truly offers a bit of magic for everyone.

Ice skate rentals are $14 and skating lessons are also available. During prime skating season, the lines can get long, especially on weekends.

Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave.
When: October 27, 2011 through February 26, 2012. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until midnight.

2. Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink

Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is an essential New York City winter experience. Since 1936, millions of New Yorkers have skated here in the shadow of the city's most famous Christmas tree.
Admission prices vary by time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak times, it will cost you $21 per adult and $12.50 per child. You can pay more for the privilege of skipping the lines by purchasing a $75 premium pass (includes admission and skates) that will get you on the ice immediately through the rink's newly designed Igloo. For the latest information on hours of operation and admission prices, call 212-332-7654.
Where: Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave., lower concourse.
When: November 4, 2011 through April 2012.

3. The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers

The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers ice skating in New York City year-round. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability levels for general skating, figure skating, hockey training and league play, and more.

Adult admission is $13.50 per person; admission for youths and seniors is $11 per person.
For more information, call 212-336-6100.

Where: Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River.
When: The rink is operating year-round, and is open to the public for general skating as follows:

·         Mondays and Fridays -- 1:30-5:20PM

·         Tuesdays and Thursdays -- 1:30-4:50PM

·         Wednesdays -- 1:30-3:50PM

·         Saturdays and Sundays -- 1:00-3:50PM

4. Wollman Rink in Central Park

There's nothing more picturesque than skating in Central Park. The Trump Wollman Rink is located near the east side of the Park, just steps away from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. The rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, and party facilities.

Admission for adults is $10.75 during the week (Monday through Thursday) and $16.00 on the weekends.

Skate rentals are $6.75. For more information, call 212-439-6900.

Where: Central Park near entrance at Central Park South (59th St.) and 6th Ave.
When: Open October 24, 2011 through April 2012 during the following hours:

·         Mondays and Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-2:30PM

·         Wednesdays and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-10:00PM

·         Fridays and Saturdays -- 10:00AM-11:00PM

·         Sundays -- 10:00AM-9:00PM

5. Lasker Rink in Central Park

The Lasker Pool & Rink in Central Park converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months.
Admission is $6.75 for adults, $3.75 for youths, and $2.25 for seniors. For more information, call 917-492-3856.
Where: Central Park, mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets.
When: Open mid-October through early April during the following hours:

·         Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays -- 10:00AM-3:45PM

·         Tuesdays -- 10:00AM-3:30PM, 8:00-10:00PM

·         Fridays -- 10:00AM-5:15PM, 7:00-11:00PM

·         Saturdays -- 1:00-11:00PM

·         Sundays -- 12:30-4:30PM

6. Standard Hotel

The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District offers New Yorkers a beautiful ice skating rink in the Meatpacking District during the winter months.

Admission is $12 per person and skate rental is $3. The outdoor Kaffeehaus serves hot drinks (spiked with a shot if you like) to keep you feeling toasty on the ice.
Where: Standard Hotel, 848 Washington Street at West 13th Street.
When: The ice skating rink is open from November 21 through the winter from 9 am until midnight Monday through Thursday, from noon until 1 am on Friday, from 9 am until 1 am on Saturday, and from 9 am until midnight on Sunday.

If you know any skating rinks in Brooklyn or Queens, please share with me and I will post your information on my Blog.
Thanks

Happy Holidays

Dear friends & readers,

The holidays are upon us and we are all busy celebrating. I hope everyone enjoys their time with friends and family this holiday season. Happy holidays and I will see you all in the New Year!!!

Liliya

THE MOST SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS

Brooklyn
South Slope
This house is located at 310A 22nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. The very ambitious and creative homeowners make everything by hand in their backyard—no pre-fab strings of lights at all! This house has a different theme and storyline every season. The show runs nightly between 5-10pm on weeknight and on Fri. & Sat. until 11pm. The show is about 5 minutes and happens every twenty minutes starting at 5 (so 5, 5:20, 5:40, 6 etc)
How to get there:
The closest subway station is the 25th Street R stop. If you drive, you'll probably need to park a few blocks away. The display understandably causes a traffic jam.

Dyker Heights
Dyker Heights is super-famous for its Christmas light displays. There's a PBS documentary called Dyker Lights, countless videos on YouTube and once, even Conan O'Brien visited (sadly that hilarious clip is not currently available online). The displays run from 11th to 13th Avenues between 83rd and 86th Streets.
How to get there: 
Subways: D/M trains to 18th Ave and New Utrecht Avenue ; R train to 86th Street and 4th Avenue. Bus: You can  take the B63 bus to 5th Avenue and 86th Street.
Driving: Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 4 (park before 84th Street and 12th Avenue, walk up 84th to 10th Ave). Be warned: parking is near impossible and the traffic is really slow. If you can, find a parking spot a bit away from the hubbub and walk to the lights.

Canarsie
The house in Canarsie at the corner of East 93rd St. and Flatlands Ave with its carousel, santa’s elves and nativity scene from Milan has 250,000 lights. According to the Brooklyn Daily, this  year’s spectacular display will showcase a “cast of 100 animated characters (that) includes a new, singing-talking-joke-cracking parrot, and Stumpy, the fan-favorite talking Christmas tree. Eight wondrous displays feature vignettes depicting Hanukkah and Kwanza, and there’s a 12-foot wreath crowning the roof”. The owner of the home, Frank Seddio, no longer lives there but uses it as his law firm’s office.
How to get there: .
Driving: Take Atlantic Ave to Rockaway Ave, right on Foster Ave and then left on E. 93rd Street and end at Flatlands Ave.
Subway/Bus: Take the 4 to New Lots Station. Then take the B60 bus towards Canarsie Williams Ave, get off at Glenwood Road and 98th Street and walk about 8 minutes to Flatlands and E. 93rd Street.

Long Island
Lindenhurst
Since the late '90s, these Long Island homeowners have been seriously decking their halls with over-the-top holiday lights. Visitors can marvel at the more than 32,000 strings of lights that adorn their house and property, including a 21-foot-tall Christmas tree made of lights, giant inflatable decorations and even a glittering New Year's Eve ball that drops down a 20-foot pole as the clock strikes midnight on December 31. The lights blink in time to the music broadcast from their very own one-block radius radio station.
How to get there: The house is located at 405 North Broadway in Lindenhurst, Long Island, about an hour drive from midtown Manhattan.
You can find several other LI holiday lights locations on http://long-island.newsday.com/guides/holidays/map-of-long-island-holiday-lights-1.2549508

NYC STORE HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAY

Besides the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, nothing captures the Christmas spirit in the Big Apple quite like the classic department store window displays. From snowflakes to shopping bags and even a full-on storyline, this year’s displays continue their tradition of being entertaining and awe-inspiring.
Macy’s ,151 West 34th Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues,
helps to make wishes come true with “Make-A-Wish” windows. The  first window sets the tone using 3DFusion, the first 3D technology of its kind in retail history Other highlights include an interactive ‘make-a-wish’ window, where visitors can design their own ornaments to take home virtually on their mobile devices.

Lord & Taylor, 424 Fifth Avenue at 38th Street, asked children from Women In Need shelters and local schools to draw what they believe Christmas is made of for the theme, “What is Christmas Made Of?” Inspired by these pieces of art, the stores mechanical holiday windows feature 125 of their original drawings. 
Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, puts on a dramatic light show: The Snowflake & Bubble Spectacular. An updated twist on last year’s bubbles theme, the show is projected onto the building’s facade. A new soundtrack was composed just for the show, along with a unique six-projector system that appears to change the features of the building itself using vivid 3D programming.

Tiffany & Co, 727 Fifth Avenue at 57th Street,
The famous jewelry store really kicked up its holiday window this year. The window frames look like they're part of a spectacular merry-go-round, and each window has a porthole in which a story about escaped carousel animals helping Santa deliver his gifts unfolds.

Bergdorf Goodman, 754 Fifth Avenue at 58th Street, collection is titled “Carnival of the Animals.” With individual windows called “The Brass Menagerie,” “Testing the Waters” and “Breaking the Ice,” the display includes all sorts of wildlife, from primates to polar bears. In “Teacher’s Pet” a model dressed in a black and white lace Marchesa gown stands inside a 3-dimensional paper classroom filled with similarly colored paper animals, including a life-sized paper zebra and panda bear.

Bloomingdale’s, 1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street, is known for their legendary shopping bags, and this year’s theme will celebrate the iconic designs throughout the years. Oversized vintage bags nestled in  velvet will open or spin, showcasing a diorama of intricate sculpted animation. 
If you would like to do something extra, go from Tiffany to the  Le Parker Meridien Hotel at 119 W 56th Street at Sixth Avenue to see 7 fabulous gingerbread house displays. This is free and open 24 hours a day, but to vote on your favorite display, you have to purchase a ticket for $1.00 at the concierge desk which is open from 7am to 11pm daily. 
Next week I'll tell you about the most spectacular Holiday Light Displays in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island.

TRAVEL WEBSITES, PART 2

Since I published the article "Travel websites", I've received a lot of different questions about trip reservations and travel insurance. So, I decided to give you more information regarding these subjects.
There are two websites for flights reservation I like: http://www.kayak.com/ and http://www.vayama.com/.
Both of them provide many different options (direct flight, multiple-city, one way, etc). Both sites allow users to compare information from hundreds of other travel websites in one display when booking travel reservations for flights, hotels, rental cars, vacations, and cruises and provides the ability to filter search results by price, specific brands, timing, and other decision factors. In August 2011, KAYAK updated its flight search to include Hacker Fares in the search results. Hacker Fares refers to itineraries that require purchasing two or more one-way tickets on separate airlines. VAYAMA is known for its unique focus on discounted international air travel and its booking engine is similar to KAYAK's.
http://www.orbitz.com/  is famous for Orbitz Price Assurance program.
If you book a flight or prepaid hotel room on Orbitz, and another customer books your itinerary for less after you have booked yours, Orbitz will issue a cash refund for the difference. Amounts range from $5 to $250 per airline ticket or $5 to $500 per hotel booking. They mail your refund check about 6-8 weeks after your trip. For full terms and conditions go to http://www.orbitz.com/info/win?id=priceAssuranceTerms&popupsDisabled=false.
When it comes to hotels reservation, I like www.hotels.com, but my favorite website is www.booking.com. I find the hotel location, regular and special rates, what is included in price - breakfast, free WiFi, room amenities, etc, and the cancellation policy. The free cancellation option allows me to cancel an existing reservation if I find a better deal and make a new reservation, assuming I keep checking the rates after making the reservation. Although many websites do not charge for reservation changes or cancellations, the hotel you choose might so be sure to check hotel policy as well as that of the booking website.
Another benefit of the free cancellation option is reduced travel insurance cost. As I mentioned in my previous post, you calculate the price of the insurance on www.insuremytrip.com depending on the cost of the trip you want to insure. If a hotel reservation could be canceled free of charge, you do not include it in the total cost of trip to be insured. If you have any questions or concerns what insurance to buy, call www.insuremytrip.com Customer Service at 1-800-487-4722, they are really very helpful.

Princeton, NJ

We were planning this trip for a while, and finally went there last Sunday. It was a beautiful day and it took us about one and a half hours to get there from Queens.

On weekends, you can park your car at any restricted parking around the University. We parked on Ivy Street (turn left from Washington Street and the parking is on the left hand side, across from the Library.

Princeton University boasts a bevy of charming architecture styles and a great deal of pleasure can be taken in simply strolling the grounds (the map could be printed out from http://www.princeton.edu/main/visiting/ or obtained at the Welcome Desk in Frist Campus Center). By the way, if you want to join the free tour around the campus with one of the student-volunteers, this is the place the tour starts on weekends.

The oldest building on campus is Nassau Hall. Construction began in 1754 and completed in 1756; this was the seat of the Congress of the Confederation (and thus capitol of the United States) from 30 June 1783 to 4 November 1783.

A notable stop on campus is the Princeton University Art Museum. Its permanent collection (68,000 works exhibited on a rotating basis) includes ancient antiquities, and Renaissance, Impressionist, and modern works by the likes of Warhol, Picasso, Monet and Toulouse-Lautrec. The Museum is open until 5 pm and admission is free.

Another stop not to be missed is The University Chapel, which has stained-glass windows showing scenes from works by Dante, Shakespeare, and Milton, as well as the Bible.

After wondering around the campus we decided to see Princeton downtown.

Downtown Princeton is easy to explore on foot. Walking North out of campus, you will hit Nassau Street—Princeton’s main drag. You can find the free map of Princeton in many places on Nassau Street; we picked one up in the Panera bread, where we had lunch.

Walking down Nassau Street, do not miss one of eight editions of the ‘Out to Lunch’ bronze sculptures across the country. Going towards Borough Hall, you will come to the site of several sculptures including EMC, a square (herein lies the joke) of granite featuring a bust of Princeton’s favorite adopted son, Albert Einstein and a little further - “Newspaper Reader”.

If you’re in the mood for a detour, find Mercer Street on a map and look for address 112. The home is a private residence and is not open to the public (as Einstein requested in his will), but in locating it, you can say you’ve seen where Albert Einstein lived. In the event all this searching for Einstein has left you wishing for a museum dedicated to the man and his work, you’ll find one in a family owned shop at 102 Nassau Street www.landauprinceton.com/einstein-museum. It's the only Einstein museum in North America and is FREE! Landau shop has been open for business for 53 years and is run by three generations of folks who know their wool. We did not have time to walk in the heart of the town - Palmer Square, located across from Princeton University. We'll do it next time, when we come to Princeton - this place is worth to visit more than once.

Before planning your trip to Princeton, do not forget to check McCarter Art Center website http://www.mccarter.org/home.aspx?page_id=1 for upcoming performances.

And last, but not least: Princeton is only 20 minutes away by car from Grounds for sculpture (see my article posted earlier) and 35 from a very cozy small town - New Hope, PA with many galleries, antique stores and little cafes. So, if you would like to stay overnight in one of numerous hotels in Princeton, you can see all places at once.

CENTRAL PARK NY

This is the second review, as promised, from my older daughter. Enjoy!

Our other most recent excursion is none other than the good old Central Park. 
Amazing how things sitting right under our noses hold all the excitement we need! I think one of the best things about Central Park is that no matter how many times you go there, there is always something new to discover!
We usually start at the South Eastern corner of the park where we get off the R train that takes us there from Forest Hills in under 30 minutes. We walk in and start heading north checking out various birds who inhabit the little water reservoir on our left. Speaking of birds, the last time we went there we ran into none other than Big Bird himself. Made my daughter very excited! Of course, my oldest immediately informed her that it was none other than a person in a Big Bird costume and proceeded to point to the barely visible seam separating the head of the costume from the body. However, Lucy chose not to be disillusioned and went on to pose for many pictures with her oversized feathered friend. Point of the story: you never know what and who you are going to meet in Central Park so keep your camera ready. 
Other exciting things encountered on the top of the northern trail are the Wollman skating ring and a few smallish, but exciting, climbing mountains suitable for kids of all ages. Continuing north, we find ourselves in the CP's Zoo. We have never been inside (not a big fan of zoos in general) but I do hear it is rather exciting! On the way out of the zoo grounds is the famous Delacorte clock that chimes every half hour with seasonal music and various bronze animals twirling around the clock to the delight of the children and gawking out-of-towners.
A little bit to your left, directly in front of the Wollman's Rink there is the Checkers and Chess House/Visitors center: a lovely little gazebo with stone chess tables that can be used for their intent purposes (chess or checker sets available in the information center for $2) or to serve as picnic tables for small groups of Eastern European devotees of al fresco dining.
From there, we usually proceed to The Mall and Literary walk, with sculptures of all kinds of famous folks, from Christopher Columbus to Robert Burns. Further north - one of my most cherished places in CP: Conservatory Waters. Here, you can watch the ducks and all the Captain Grants wannabes who speed their rented mini-boats all over the little water reservoir! Although I am pretty sure this only happens in the warmer months of the year!
We usually end our trip around the Bethesda Fountain - a very peaceful spot surrounded by waters, Terrace Arcade with beautiful tile directly behind the fountain, and large, pretty clean bathroom further up the staircase. 

Here is my favorite map of Central Park!

Happy trails and remember The Park is worth a visit at any season!

Anya

PORT JEFFERSON

Today I received two trip reviews from my older daughter.  I 'm posting one of them this week and saving the other one for the next.

Having been raised by the worldly and restless hostess of this blog, I am always trying to give my children as rich of experiences growing up as I had myself. These last two trips have been prompted by exactly that.

Port Jefferson:

This trip have actually been suggested by none other than "the lazy bum" himself, aka my husband. Not that he is not a wonderful father, husband and provider, but let's face it, the man could spend all of his free time on the couch Al Bundy style. However, having finally realized that the kids get even more crazy if not properly entertained on weekends, he suggested we go check out port Jefferson, a place dear to his heart of a former Stony Brook Alumnus. And off we went. 

Port Jefferson, or as locals lovingly refer to it Port Jeff, is about an hour and 15 minute drive from Forest Hills. If you have ever been to Mystic, CT, just imagine that, only smaller and you get the picture. If you have never visited Mystic, allow me to elaborate. Port Jefferson village, which is where you want to end up, is a lovely coastal village consisting of many restaurants, gift shops and dessert parlours. It has a children's museum, two nautically themed children's playground, and an abundance of lovely views of the ships, big and small. The main attraction for us, however - and those lucky enough to be parents or grandparents of little boys will appreciate this tip especially - was the ferry coming to and from Connecticut carrying not only passengers but cars that load and unload off the ferry right in front of your eyes. Imagine the excitement of the children - and I will be honest here, the parents as well - upon seeing a huge ferry docking, lowering an enormous metal bridge, aligning it perfectly with whatever it is that they need to align it with, and then watching 30 to 40 cars driving off the vessel onto land. Now, imagine all of it repeating again in reverse order! You got yourself two very satisfied little spectators.

Of course, being directly on the water, Port Jeff is full of wonderful seafood eateries. We went to a place called "Steamroom" (http://www.steamroomportjefferson.com/) which is a lovely but casual self service eatery overlooking the ferry dock. On their menu-- any seafood imaginable, from lobster rolls to broiled scallops. Most of it is great, although the lobster roll left much to be desired, according to my husband. For our vegetarian friends, if there are any, a place called "Tiger Lily" serving Mediterranean food was highly recommend to me as well.

Directly to the left of the ferry is the Danfords hotel that, despite only being in operation for a little over 30 years, looks just like it came off the pages of The Great Gatsby. We went inside to check it out and its interior is indeed as lovely as the exterior.

Port Jefferson Village website http://www.portjeff.com offers a lot if helpful info to plan your trip. We are hoping to go back there in December for the Charles Dickens Festival.

Anya

TRAVEL WEBSITES

November is here and it is getting cold. Some of us have already made reservations for a week or so to spend in the Caribbean or other warm places during the winter.
Many people use their travel agents, others - favorite Internet sites like www.orbitz.com, www.travelocity.com, etc. I 'd like to tell you about www.vacationtogo.com.
This site has a lot of special deals for NYC residents and for people over 55, including cruises to destinations all over the world. See, every age has its perks. 
Some go to the same resort every year, some check out a new resort every time.
Please, share your opinion about various resorts with others. 
Another thing to consider  now is how to spend 4 days many of us have for Thanksgiving weekend. I received the following from www.travelzoo.com today:

NATIONWIDE--NOVEMBER 04, 2011-- It's not too late to find
great deals over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Travel
and entertainment companies have cut prices by as much as
65% to spur last-minute bookings.
Highlights include:
- NATIONWIDE: Fares over Thanksgiving weekend ... $39 & up
- CARIBBEAN: Royal Caribbean 5-night cruise ... $329
- FLORIDA: Delray Beach luxe B&B escape, $150 off ... $139
- BOSTON: Marriott hotels at up to 40% off ... $129 & up
- NYC: Broadway shows at up to 50% off ... $26.50 & up
- FLORIDA KEYS: Scuba trip w/reef dives, $126 off ... $99
For a full list of deals and more information, click below:
http://www.travelzoo.com/newsflash/68005217-1131632/
Travelzoo Tip: Maximize airfare sales by flying Nov. 21, 24,
26 or 29. Our research shows these are the least expensive
days to fly around Thanksgiving.

Please remember, if you decide to buy the insurance for your trip (I always do), go to www.insuremytrip.com. This website allows you to compare different insurance plans and pick the one most suited for your particular trip. You can also calculate the price of the insurance depending on the cost of the trip you want to insure.