PARIS IN WINTER
Paris is just as alluring, even in January when it’s 40 degrees outside. If you love Paris but hate the crowds, I
suggest early to mid-January while the Christmas decorations are still adorning the streets and the ‘Soldes’ or sale
season is in full swing. Parisians are at their happiest spending their Christmas gift money during what is only 2
allowable sale seasons in France. If you are used to Chicago winters, the Parisian temperatures that hover between
mid-30’s and 40’s will seem almost like a heatwave. There are no lines at The Louvre or Musee D’Orsay, you can
get a dinner or lunch reservation without any problem. The usual tourist sites are stripped bare of the usual
backpacking, camera wielding tour bus patrons. In fact, Paris is even more charming as you leisurely enjoy your
Café au Lait at Laduree with their world famous Macaroons, fresh squeezed orange juice or croissants. No elbow
to elbow chattering diners, just a peaceful, relaxing moment to examine the ornately embellished ceilings and walls
and take it all in. In the evening, the Champs Elysee is alit in colorful lights as their holiday decorations linger
into late January. They are far more simple than the American style, but are enchanting as the giant Ferris Wheel
and The Eiffel Tower illuminate in the background. My favorite place to stay is Hotel Banville – close to the Champs
Elysee, large rooms, complimentary breakfast, and most room amenities American’s desire, without the huge price tag.
Since the public transportation system in Paris is easy to navigate, it would be hard to pick the wrong area to stay
in as each Arondissment offers its own special treasures to be explored. Food, which Paris is famous for, well,
it’s hard to get a bad meal in this town at any price. If you are looking for Michelin stars, I highly recommend
lunch – same food and a fraction of the cost of dinner.
American Club
Kohler, Wisconsin
Want a luxury escape from the everyday without the hassles of going to the airport? Hop in your car for a short 2.5
hour drive north to Kohler, WI. The Carriage House (adults only) offers a stay where you never have to change from
your robe and slippers. The sumptuous, Baker furnished rooms, are housed in the same building as the worldclass spa.
You literally go from your bed to complimentary breakfast, to spa treatments, whirlpools, saunas, tea time, nap time,
wine time and back to bed again. The services are 5-star; choices in the spa range from a private locker room hot tub,
to plunge pool, to dry sauna, steam sauna, gorgeous swimming pool, to communal hot tub with loungers and fireplace nearby.
The complimentary food is really enough for the day, however, you can partake of the 5 star Immigrants Restaurant or a
less formal Wisconsin Room, or pub dining, all located in the main American Club. Whether you are there for seasonal
golf on one of their top tier golf courses or ready for cross country skiing or horse driven carriage rides, there
is something for everyone year round. There is a more family friendly Wood Lake Inn within a couple of blocks and
a Sports Core Complex that offers classes and top notch fitness equipment. You won’t be disappointed except for the
fact that you wish you had more time to enjoy all the fabulous offerings Kohler has to offer. The American Club can
range from incredibly romantic to tremendously family friendly depending on where you stay and the activities you engage in.
Pricing is affordable.
Sicily
This endlessly scenic island off Italy’s toe has its own ancient culture and even its own language, but in
some ways it’s also more intensely Italian (and noticeably cheaper) than the main tourist cities in the north. The plentiful
seafood is both exotic and simple, and the abundant vineyards ensure the wine keeps flowing at a very reasonable price. Check
on the bustling capital of Palermo or the beach resort/fishing village of Cefalù at any time, except the sweltering and steamy
summer. Ancient Greek ruins can be found in many areas and Mt. Etna - Europe's largest active volcano - is easy to explore as
well.
Jordan
The Middle East can sound scary and that helps keep Jordan from being overwhelmed with tourists, but this
safe and welcoming country where most people speak some English - eco-tourism is quickly catching on - offers a fascinating look
at the region with surprisingly few headaches. Don't linger in the modern capital of Amman. Instead, spend a couple of days in
the ancient city of Petra and another couple checking out the stunning desertscapes of Wadi Rum. Spring and fall are the best
times to visit, but brave visitors are welcome all year round. As long as things remain stable in Jordan, it's bound to start
getting crowded in years to come.
Buenos Aires
One of the nicest European cities of all is actually in South America. After its currency collapse in 2003, this
gorgeous place got embarrassingly cheap for foreigners, but that won’t go on forever, so don’t wait too long. Vegetarians may find
beef-obsessed Argentina a bit challenging. It won’t be a deal-breaker, though, as this cosmopolitan city has something for everyone,
including a diverse nightlife scene that usually goes until dawn or later. Brush up on your español before you go - it will help you
experience the city more completely.
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