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!