Time for travel

Winter break is upon us and you’re still searching for the perfect holiday getaway.

There are plenty of amazing discounts to be found this time of year. Here are some places to visit, whether you are taking public transportation or driving your car.

New York City

The largest and most populous city in the U.S., New York attracts thousands of holiday travelers. Popular tourist attractions include the Empire State Building, Times Square, Radio City Music Hall, Ground Zero (the site of the World Trade Center) and the Statue of Liberty. The variety of the city is what makes it so appealing. If you arrive an hour or so before showtime at many Broadway plays, you can get discounted tickets at will-call. Visit one of the many shops and boutiques to find a perfect holiday present for a friend or family member. Or simply walk around the city and see what catches your interest. Yet, the popularity of the city can be a disadvantage. Tourists’ attractions are usually crowded and overpriced and shops have long lines of anxious customers. Greyhound is offering Internet-only fares of $12 one way, $24 round trip.

Poconos

Journey to Northeastern Pennsylvania to enjoy the winter activities of the Poconos. The area covers parts of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties, each with something special to offer. Besides conventional winter activities such as skiing and snowboarding, you can travel across snowy fields via sled, snowmobile and snow tube. Dash – or trot – through the snow in a horse drawn sleigh ride. If you are holiday shopping on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that an outlet shopping center is located in Tannersville, Monroe County. There is no major public transportation service from Philadelphia to the Poconos, so your best way to get there is to carpool with friends. The ride from Philadelphia is about two hours.

Atlantic City

The most popular tourist destination in the Delaware Valley, Atlantic City is infamous for gambling, entertainment and much more. Dance the night away at one of the clubs in a casino or the heart of the city. Friday nights are college nights at Club Tru; admission is free with a college ID. Experience cultural history by visiting museums, including the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum, which is home to bizarre items such as a lock of George Washington’s hair. Student admission is $9.95. If you have extra money to spend, treat yourself to a facial or massage. Spas are conveniently located in every major hotel. Hotels also feature comedy shows and national performers almost every day of the week. New Jersey Transit charges $6.60 per way for the hour-and-a-half ride from 30th Street Station to Atlantic City.

Niagara Falls

Two bordering cities share the name Niagara Falls, one in New York and the other in Ontario, Canada. Travel behind the falls to view them from a different perspective. The falls, which are illuminated in alternating colors every night and don’t freeze in the winter, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking sights year round. Clifton Hill, the entertainment and dining district of the Canadian city, is a popular place to party and have a good time. Hang out with your favorite movie stars at the Movieland Wax Museum, which features Austin Powers and Indiana Jones among others. Nearby are clubs, arcades and a bowling alley. The city offers an alternative to New York’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. Each year, thousands gather in Victoria Park, one block from the falls, for a free concert to be shown live on Canadian television. Winter temperatures range between 21 and 39 degrees. You don’t need a passport to enter Canada, but bring a photo ID that demonstrates proof of your citizenship, such as a license or birth certificate.

So no matter where you decide to venture during the much needed winter break, be sure to find a bargain and enjoy the time off.

Stephanie Young can be reached at sunbeam@temple.edu.