Table of Contents

Highlights from the current issue of Budget Travel

Secret Hotels of Costa Rica  
In a corner of the southern Nicoya Peninsula--a laid-back slice of paradise on the Pacific that surfers would just as soon keep to themselves--we've uncovered nine charming hideaways

Europe on the Quick  
In winter, airfares to Europe, and Scandinavia in particular, drop dramatically. Then again, so does the temperature. Would you want to spend 10 days there? Probably not. But a long weekend can be absolutely refreshing

Shut Up and Ski  
The latest ski resort trends--ritzy spas, slopeside boutiques--have nothing to do with why you head to the mountains in the first place. At our top 10 old-school ski resorts, lift tickets max out at $52

Trip Coach: Europe   
Spurred on by a generous gift, a couple is heading on a delayed honeymoon to Spain, Portugal, and the Azores

Road Trip: Pacific Coast Highway  
The coast between San Francisco and Los Angeles is all about slowing down and swooning

A Village Called Santa Teresa  
The faded colonial mansions of this groovy neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro are being turned into friendly B&Bs

Where's the Tipping Point?  
Who should you tip? How much is appropriate? How should a tip be offered? Situations that may call for gratuities always seem riddled with questions

Simplifying EasyCruise  
David LaHuta picked up nine useful pointers from the crew and fellow passengers on EasyCruise's first Caribbean journey

If You Want That Pillow, You're Gonna Have to Pay
Facing steep fuel prices and tough competition, airlines aren't cutting costs so much as passing them on

Maui's Chic Boutiques  
Before driving the twisty road to Hana, pit-stop in Paia for handmade fashions and crafts

Chilling Out in Quebec  
In the past year, three Nordic-style spas have opened around Quebec City

Not Just for Science Geeks
The Atomium in Brussels reopens this month after a $32 million renovation

Ski Condos for Slackers  
Rather than let units go unfilled in their prime season, condo owners post discounted last-minute prices online

Maximize Your Phone  
Travelers have more reason than ever to bring along a cell phone, thanks to new text-messaging tricks

Hotel Room Golf  
A new book offers some time killers that may prove more fun than what's on cable

This Just In!  
The Getty Villa reopens, Days Inn slashes rates in Britain and Ireland, and Wild Things go on exhibit in Tampa

40 Best Vacations  
The real deals right now

20 Tips  
A golf-ball foot massage, why you should hang on to cancellation confirmations, and 18 other tips from our readers

What $100 Buys in Ljubljana
Sleek boutiques and cobblestoned streets: Welcome to the new old Europe, where shoppers get the best of both worlds

You can find more in the February 2006 issue of Budget Travel magazine. Subscribe now: 10 issues for $12!