Sherman's Travel

Don’t let the Carnival Cruise Line’s recent newsworthy items deter you from hitting the high seas. There are millions of cruises that sail each year without making the news. They have great customer service, activities for families, couples, and seniors, onboard entertainment, and unique ports around the world. Today we’ve rounded up the best of the best, from exotic international cruises to the always-popular beach destinations. Read more

Scandinavia sure is pretty, but she ain’t cheap. After doing a little deal-hunting detective work in the region’s dynamic capitals, however, I’ve happily determined that it’s entirely possible to set out for a budget break here, without breaking the bank. Whether you’ve set your budget-savvy sights on Oslo, Stockholm, or Helsinki (tip: though the latter gets a bad rap on value, it’s actually considerably cheaper than its Swedish and Norwegian neighbors), herewith some finds on fun free things to do, public transport “tours” to check out, and money-saving travel cards to help take the expensive edge off your outings. Read more

In 2010, it was Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull. This year, Hawaii’s Kilauea Volcano is the one making headlines, spewing lava up to 100 feet in the air and forcing closures of several main access roads in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park since it erupted on March 5. A flight restriction under 1,500 feet also is in place.

Of course, that hasn’t deterred adventure travelers, who’ve come out in droves to try to catch a glimpse of the action, according to the National Park Service. I’m not going to advise that – as deliciously tempting as watching molten lava flow into the ocean might be. So until Kilauea calms down, here are some other places where you can tour a volcano. (Though geology experts advise that eruptions can happen much faster than previously believed. Consider yourself warned!)

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Craving a winter adventure guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience that will also (pardon the puns) earn you an avalanche of cool points? Then pack your thermals for an overnight stay in an igloo or ice hotel.

Believe it or not, bedding down in such frosty accommodations is a trend that has warmed up considerably over the years. The opening of ICEHOTEL, in Sweden’s Lapland region, two decades ago has been followed with the construction of other icy lodging options, mainly in Europe. Most are built seasonally and melt in the spring.

While novelty is certainly part of the draw for these snow-centric spots, several have created a following among the ski set because of their proximity to the pistes: Guests can strap on their skis and hit the slopes long before the lifts have even opened.

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Lufthansa is giving travelers the opportunity to combine that coveted ski vacation with travel to Europe. Carve your way through Europe’s spectacular mountains by day and stroll its historic cities at night for as little as $266 each way! Take off to Milan, Munich, Oslo, Zurich, Vienna, Geneva, and more, and ski at iconic destinations throughout the Alps and Scandinavia! Flights leave from cities nationwide for travel between December 24 and March 31, 2011. Tickets must be purchased by January 6, 2011.

Sample One-Way Fares to Europe (Excluding Taxes):
•    New York?Milan, Italy: $266
•    Philadelphia?Basel, Switzerland: $276
•    Washington, D.C. –Oslo, Norway: $296
•    Miami?Vienna, Austria: $337
•    And more!

THE VALUE: These rates can save you up to $300!

THE CATCH: Taxes and fees apply. The Blackout period is between January 1 and January 5, 2011.

THE DETAILS: To book your flight, visit www.lufthansa.com.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the perfect accommodations during your trip.

Check out our European section on the 20 Sweet Spots for Winter Value!

If you’ve always been intrigued by the Northern Lights, the curious phenomenon that turns the sky around the Arctic Circle a splendid panorama of green, red, and yellow hues, start packing the winter gear, because the best time to catch this elusive natural artwork is from October through March.

But, as anyone who’s in search of the lights, also called Aurora Borealis, will tell you, there are no guarantees. You need a cloudless sky, little or no moon, and luck. And because craning your neck in the sub-zero darkness will try the patience of even the most intrepid adventurer, your best bet is to pick a home base destination that has more than the lights to offer.

Here are a few destinations that offer good opportunities for both. And if you’re itching to see the lights but would rather not experience the bone-numbing temperatures of such chilly destinations, mark your calendar for this time in 2011. Every 11 years or so, the lights are spotted much further south than the Arctic Circle. So wherever in the world you happen to be in October through March of 2011, remember to look up, and you just might get lucky.

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Contemporary travel has become so ubiquitous and accessible that what once seemed like a lifetime dream – sailing the remote islands of the Pacific, for example – is not only do-able, it’s overdone. In addition, many of today’s travelers are looking for a more active experience than sunbathing or shopping while making the most of their coveted days off.

Which brings us to a growing trend in the industry: a term loosely described as “experience” or “gift” travel, which is based on an activity or skill, such as driving a professional race car or learning to fence. The possibilities are endless – if you can dream it, there’s an outfitter ready to help you do it. Here are four experiences sure make you say, “Hey, I’ve always wanted to try that…”

Dust Off Your Nunchucks: You won’t be mistaken for Chuck Norris after one lesson – but perhaps you’ll know how better to handle those nunchucks without whacking yourself in the face. These private ninja classes, available through Cloud 9 Living, are held at one of New York’s oldest Ninja training schools. Read more