65 New Ways to Get Away This Season

By Valerie Rains
October 3, 2012
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Courtesy Photochan/myBudgetTravel

It's that time again. As the first below–freezing days start rolling in and the sidewalk musician who plays Christmas carols on the pan flute establishes his month–long post just below my office window, thoughts of escape dance in my head. Fortunately, there are a slew of new routes to consider, as airlines ramp up their winter service. Some will help you save money, and some will help you save time—both of which we could all use a little more of this time of year.

[These results were compiled from Jaunted.com, airlineroute.net, and the airlines' own web sites and announcements—and all are subject to change. Check the airlines' websites for the latest updates.]

Air Jamaica

• Miami, FL to Kingston, Jamaica resumes service December 9, 2011

Alaska Airlines

• San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA starts February 17, 2012

• Seattle to Kansas City starts March 12, 2012

Allegiant Air

• Phoenix to Las Vegas increases January 11, 2012

• Mesa, AZ to Oakland starts January 18, 2012

American Airlines

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Durango, CO runs December 14, 2011 to April 3, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Aspen, CO starts December 15, 2011

• Los Angeles to Aspen, CO starts December 15, 2011

• Chicago to Jackson Hole, WY runs December 15, 2011 through March 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Gunnison/Crested Butte, CO runs December 15, 2011 to April 2, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Steamboat Springs, CO runs December 15, 2011 to April 4, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Jackson Hole, WY runs December 15, 2011 to April 4, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Montrose/Telluride, CO runs December 17, 2011 to April 1, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Panama City, Panama resumes December 15, 2011

• Chicago to Steamboat Springs, CO starts January 3, 2012

Copa Airlines

• Chicago O'Hare to Panama City, Panama starts December 15, 2011

Delta

• Atlanta to Brasilia, Brazil increases December 12, 2011

• Detroit to Sao Paulo, Brazil increases December 19, 2011

• Honolulu to Fukuoka, Japan starts December 28, 2011

• Minneapolis/St. Paul to Liberia, Costa Rica starts January 2012

• Salt Lake City to Charlotte, NC starts March 2, 2012

• New York (LGA) to Nassau, Bahamas starts March 2, 2012

• New York (JFK) to San Juan, PR, increases March 2, 2012

• New York (JFK) to Santiago, Dominican Republic increases March 2, 2012

• New York (JFK) to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic increases March 2, 2012

• Honolulu to Osaka increases March 6, 2012

Emirates

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Dubai starts February 2, 2012

• Seattle to Dubai starts March 1, 2012

Frontier Airlines

• Des Moines to Tampa begins December 15, 2011

• Milwaukee to Tampa begins December 15, 2011

• Omaha to Tampa begins December 15, 2011

• Madison to Orlando begins December 16, 2011

• Des Moines to Orlando begins December 17, 2011

• Grand Rapids to Washington Reagan begins January 4, 2012

• Madison to Washington Reagan begins January 5, 2012

• Kansas City to Orlando begins January 5, 2012

Hawaiian Airlines

• Oakland to Maui begins Jan 11, 2012

• San Jose, CA to Maui begins Jan 11, 2012

Jet Blue

• San Juan, PR to St. Thomas starts December 12, 2011

• San Juan, PR to St. Croix starts December 12, 2011

• Boston to St. Thomas starts December 15, 2011

• Hartford, CT to San Juan, PR starts January 5, 2012

• Hartford, CT to West Palm Beach, FL starts January 12, 2012

Southwest Airlines

• Atlanta to Austin begins February 12, 2012

• Atlanta to Baltimore begins February 12, 2012

• Atlanta to Denver begins February 12, 2012

• Atlanta to Houston-Hobby begins February 12, 2012

• Atlanta to Chicago-Midway begins February 12, 2012

• Atlanta to Las Vegas begins March 10, 2012

• Atlanta to Phoenix begins March 10, 2012

Spirit Airlines

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Atlanta starts February 9, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to New York (LGA) starts February 9, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Boston starts March 22, 2012

• Dallas/Ft. Worth to Orlando starts March 22, 2012

Sun Country

• Minneapolis/St. Paul to Liberia, Costa Rica starts January 13, 2012 to April 13, 2012

United

• Mammoth Lake, CA to San Diego starts December 15, 2011

• Mammoth Lake, CA to Orange County starts December 15, 2011

• Mammoth Lake, CA to San Francisco starts December 15, 2011

• Newark to Frankfurt increases January 2, 2012

• Los Angeles to Durango, Mexico begins March 11, 2012

• Newark to Buenos Aires begins April 2012

Virgin America

• San Francisco, to Puerto Vallarta begins December 2, 2011

• San Francisco to Palm Springs begins December 15, 2011

Vision Airlines

• Champaign, IL to Ft. Myers, FL begins December 19, 2011

• Clarksburg, WV to Orlando begins December 19, 2011

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The 10 Best Wine Regions You've Never Heard Of

Travel writer Stefani Jackenthal spent the past year exploring wine regions around the country for her new book Wanderlust Wining. She hit all the classic regions, of course—Napa, the Finger Lakes—but she also stumbled upon some lesser–known gems. Here are her favorite new discoveries: ten under–the–radar wine regions worth visiting. Get there before the crowds do! 1. Loudoun, VA Where: Dubbed “D.C.’s Wine Country,” Loudoun is a quick 30–minute drive from the heart of our nation's capital. Why go: This is the wine region for history buffs. Tasting rooms are sprinkled across historic landscapes, battle sites, and former president’s plantations. Regional specialties: For reds, you'll find Merlot, Cabernet Sauvigon, and Cabernet Franc, along with a hefty amount of Petit Verdot—a varietal quickly gaining notoriety. For white wine lovers, there’s plenty of Viogner and Chardonnay. Winery to try: Named the “Best Winery in Loudoun County” for eight consecutive years, the family–owned Tarara Vineyard and Winery (13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg, VA) is situated on a meticulously manicured 475-acre farm paralleling the Potomac River. They craft crowd–pleasing Charval and Rose’ ($20.00 per bottle). 2. Mendocino, Calif. Where: About 90 miles north of San Francisco, Mendocino is sandwiched between the Mayacamas Mountains and the Coastal Mountain Range. It’s a remote, rugged landscape, with ancient redwood trees, lakes, and rivers. Why go: Want to sip and save the Earth? This is your place. Mendocino may be the greenest wine region in the country, with nearly 30 percent of the 40–plus wineries here growing certified organic grapes. Many ahdere to biodynamic or fish–friendly farming methods, too. Regional specialties: Mendocino’s cool climate is best for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewurztraminer. As for reds, look for Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Rhone blends. Winery to try: True to Mendocino’s reputation as a green winery region, Parducci Wine Cellars was the first “carbon neutral winery” in the country (501 Parducci Road, Ukiah, Calif.). Inside its red–tile roofed tasting room, the redwood–barrel bar and brick walls are a great atmosphere in which to sample their Gold–medal winning Chardonnay and True Grit Petite Sirah (from $30 per bottle). 3. Palisade, CO Where: Set on the western slope of the sunny Grand Valley region, Palisade is a 12–mile drive east of Grand Junction Airport on Interstate 70. Why go: The weather here seems made for sipping: Palisade–Grand Mesa averages 290 days of sunshine annually. Regional specialties: Over the last decade, the area has become known for its lively Riesling, sturdy Syrahs and spicy Cabernet Francs. Winery to try: Look for the “Chardonnay Chicken” standing guard outside of Plum Creek Winery’s (3708 G Road, Palisade, CO) rustic tasting room. The seven–and–a–half–foot metal fowl is something of a local landmark and was created out of old farm equipment by local artist Lyle Nichols. Inside the bright, lofty barn–turned–tasting room, a redwood tasting bar takes center stage with cozy couches tucked in the corner and a quaint picnic area outback. The award–winning Riesling features peach and fig flavors, while the Merlot ($13 per bottle) is a dark-fruit delights. Winemaker Jenne Baldwin–Eaton is one of a handful of women winemakers in Colorado. 4. Hudson Valley, NY Where: An hour and a half drive north of New York City, the Hudson River Valley is one of America’s oldest winemaking and grape–growing regions, with some of the country’s oldest vines. Why go: Concord grapes make up the majority of the varietals harvested here, and most are used in grape juice, jellies, and jams. But the region's wine production has exploded in the last 20 years. There are now more than 25 operating wineries. Regional specialties: Expect crisp whites, such as Sevyl Blanc, Riesling, and blends. The reds here vary from light and fruity Beajoulais–style to dark fruit Cabernet Sauvignons and Shiraz. Winery to try: The tasting room and wine bar at Cascade Mountain Winery (835 Cascade Mountain Road, Amenia, NY) sells pate and cheese plates, which are ideal to nibble in their picnic area. Try their snappy Seyval Blanc before moving onto the Riesling, Old Vine Zinfandel ($14 per bottle) and Petite Syrah. 5. Shenandoah Valley, VA Where: Shenandoah's wine country—or SWX, as it's known locally—starts about an hour’s drive west of Washington D.C. and spans from north of Winchester to south of Roanoke. Why go: This is a hotspot for endorphin–junky oenophiles! The area has fantastic hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails, while the road cycling is fantastic along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, both in nearby Shenandoah Valley National Park. There is also the one hundred–million–year–old “Natural Bridge” to see, along with an assortment of caverns, such as the famous Luray Caverns, the largest in eastern America. Regional specialties: The main focus here is on Viogner, Reisling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Petit Verdot, and fruit wines. Winery to try: Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Crooked Run Cellars’ (1685 Crooked Run Road, Mount Jackson, VA) tasting room is built in an old Pennsylvania Bank Barn dating back to the early 1900’s. The barn has a horseshoe pit, badminton nets, charcoal grills for use, and a quaint picnic area overlooking the estate's 120–acre property. House favorites include the Equitation—a Chianti–style red—Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. 6. The Southern Region, Ore. Where: The Southern Region is a rugged mountain valley that stretches 125 miles from south of Eugene to the California border. It's edged by the Cascade Mountain Range to the east and the Coast Range to the west. Why go: Known for its thunderous waterfalls, covered bridges, diverse wildlife, and awesome overlooks, the Southern region also produces nearly 12 percent of Oregon's wines. Leafy vineyards pepper the green valley, along with majestic mountains, breathtaking volcanic formations, and the 7,000–year–old Crater Lake—the deepest in all of North America. Regional specialties: Notably warmer than up north in the better known Willamette Valley, the southern region grows rich dark fruit with higher sugar levels and intense flavors. Big, bold beefy reds, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc do well here. However, there are cooler areas of this region in the higher sections, which produce floral Viogner, crisp Riesling, savory Gewurtzraminer and spicy Syrah. Winery to try: A boutique family-run winery, J. Scott Cellars (tasting room located at “The Wine Place” on Hwy 101 & 4th street, Eugene, OR) produces hand–crafted, award–winning Viogner, Pinot Blanc ($15.00 per bottle), Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Syrah. 7. New Mexico Wine Country Where: Who knew they make wine in Albuquerque? New Mexico is actually home to 42 wineries and tastings rooms, most located in the super sunny southern part of the state. Why go: It's all about the bubbly! Sun–kissed days and cool nights in the high desert climate allows grapes to slowly ripen and chill–out at night to retain essential acids. The area produces some great sparkling wines. Regional specialties: Along with sparklers, some of the area’s specialties include Chardonnay, Johannisburg Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Winery to try: Established in 1983, Gruet Winery (8400 Pan American Freeway N.E., Albuquerque, NM) was founded by brother and sister duo Nathalie and Laurent Gruet, who are sparkling–wine specialists and originally from the Champagne region of France. Their high–end vintage and reserve bubbly wines will put a dent in the bank, but many of their award–winning non–vintage sparklers like Brut, Rose, and Blanc Noir ($13.75) sell for under $20 and are available at stores and restaurants across the country. They also make terrific Chardonnay, Pinot Noir ($11.00) and Syrah. 8. Wisconsin Wine Country Where: The Badger State has five diverse wine regions, with 36 wineries across the state. The regions include Northwood in the north, the semi-central Fox Valley, Door County along the east coast, Driftless in the southwest, and Glacial Hill in the southeast. Why go: Wisconsin winemaking reaches back to the early 1840s, when Agoston Haraszthy, a Hungarian immigrant, established a vineyard and winery overlooking the Wisconsin River. Most tasting rooms are open daily and—not surprisingly—serve local cheese to pair with their wines. Regional specialties: Many Wisconsin wineries produce Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Domaine du Sac, a bright Beaujolais–style red. Winery to try: Wollersheim Winery (7876 State Road 188, Prairie du Sac, WI), in Sauk City, is nestled in the hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River. The fun, friendly tasting room is terrific for swirling, sniffing and sipping Chardonnay, Domaine du Sac ($12.00 per bottle), Prairie Sunburst Red, and Domaine Reserve ($20.00 per bottle). 9. Missouri Wine Country Where: With over 100 wineries, Missouri wine country is broken into five separate corridors: the Hermann Wine Trail, the Route Du Vin, the Missouri Weinstrasse, the Missouri River Wine Trail, and the Ozark Mountain Wine Trail. Why go: This is where it all began. Missouri winemaking dates back to the late–1830's, when German settlers arrived and planted grape vines in the town of Hermann, on the flanks of the Missouri River. That makes it the oldest wine region in the country. Regional specialties: Some of the area’s standouts whites include Chardonnay and sparkling wines. In red, look for the rich, robust, rustic Norton, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot ($39.00 per bottle). Winery to try: Mount Pleasant Winery (3125 Green Mountain Drive,Branson, MO) is one of the oldest and largest in the state, with over 150 years of winemaking experience. They offer classes, “bottle your own dessert wine” clinics, and daily tastings of their Bethelem Valley Chardonel, Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, and Bethlem Valley Norton ($28 per bottle). 10. Mason-Dixon Wine Trail, York, Penn. Where: This tasting trail winds through 14 family–owned wineries, from the Susquehanna River Valley in Pennsylvania to just south of the Mason–Dixon Line in Maryland. Why go: At these warm and friendly boutique tasting rooms, the winemaker is often on–hand to answer questions and discuss wines. Notable wines: Look for Riesling, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and fruit wines. Winery to try: Founded in 1975, Naylor Wine Cellars (4069 Vineyard RoadStewartstown, PA) is the oldest winery in York County. With 35 acres of grapes, their award–winning Intimacy ice wine ($30 per bottle) is a crowd–pleaser as is the Vidal Perfection, Blush, Cabernet Franc, and Chamborcin. More from Budget Travel Road Trip: New York State of Wine 4 Emerging U.S. Wine Destinations A Wine Tour of the Rhône

Budget Travel Lists

8 delicious beers from around the world

From September 17 through October 3—Oktoberfest is on! But why should the fun be limited to one little corner of one country? The original München boozefest is great and all—everyone should experience it once. But we have a hunch our readers traveling in other locales are itching for an autumnal brewsky, too. So we've rounded up our favorite varieties of beer from around the globe. Without further ado, here's the brew.... See also: Confessions of an Oktoberfest Waiter U.K. Oatmeal stout This medieval beer caught on in the late 1800s because people believed the oats made it somehow healthful. ASK FOR: Samuel Smith TASTES LIKE: Molasses mixed with cream GERMANY Doppelbock First brewed in the 17th century by Bavarian monks, it was used as “liquid bread” during Lenten fasts. ASK FOR: Paulaner TASTES LIKE: A Marmite sandwich on pumpernickel FRANCE Bière de garde This farmhouse ale almost vanished during World War II, when brewery equipment was melted to make bombs. ASK FOR: Jenlain TASTES LIKE: Earthy, dry U.S. brews (quelle horreur!) NORWAY Juleøl Dark and sweet, this ale is brewed at Christmastime and designed to stand up to hearty Scandinavian fare. ASK FOR: Aass TASTES LIKE: Whiskey spiced with cloves FINLAND Sahti Brewed with juniper twigs since the 1500s, this hazy beer is one of the oldest varieties still made today. ASK FOR: Lammin TASTES LIKE: Fruitcake that’s heavy on the bananas BELGIUM Flanders red This reddish ale gets its sour flavor from lactobacillus, the same bacteria used to cultivate yogurt. ASK FOR: Rodenbach TASTES LIKE: Apple cider mixed with grape soda ITALY Birra di castagne Italy’s bounty of chestnuts has led to the birth of nut- infused ales, local alternatives to German-style lager Peroni. ASK FOR: Birra del Borgo TASTES LIKE: Bittersweet syrup, almost like grappa RUSSIA Kvass A low-alcohol drink made with fermented rye bread, water, and mint or fruit. Coca-Cola now brews a version. ASK FOR: Ochakovo TASTES LIKE: Moderately sweet, grainy soda MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL: New York's hopping beer scene Drink beer better San Francisco: A guide for beer aficionados

Budget Travel Lists

Revealed: Nation's best coffee shops

Checking out a local coffee shop (i.e. not Starbucks) is a great way to experience the vibe of a neighborhood if you're new in town. Plus, you can never count on the quality of hotel-room coffee. It can be hard, though, to decipher which coffee shops are just OK and which ones will properly satisfy your caffeine needs. Leave it to a maker of coffee appliances to solve that problem. Krups has awarded "Cup O' Joe" honors to coffee shops in ten major U.S. cities and each of New York City's five boroughs. The winners were selected based entirely on consumer-generated responses through email subscribers, fans and followers of their social media pages, as well as on-the-ground surveys—and have nothing to do with whether or not the stores carry Krups' products. The awards were limited to local spots; no major retailers allowed. I can personally attest to Manhattan's MUDTruck winning the Manhattan award. The only redeeming quality of my commute several years ago was that I was able to stop by the bright orange East Village landmark located at the Astor Place subway stop for my delicious daily caffeine-intake. See the award winners after the jump. Here's the full list of winners: Manhattan: MUDTruck Brooklyn: Gimme! Coffee The Bronx: Beans and Berries Staten Island: Java Den (3135 Victory Blvd, Staten Island) Queens: Sweetleaf Los Angeles: Groundwork Coffee Co. Seattle: Monorail Espresso (20 Pike St) Miami: News Café Chicago: Metropolis Coffee Co. Boston: Barismo Philadelphia: Spruce Street Espresso Dallas: White Rock Coffee San Francisco: Blue Bottle Coffee Co. Atlanta: Dancing Goats Café Washington, D.C.: M.E. Swing Co. Noteworthy National Retailer: Peet's Coffee & Tea Have you been to these coffee shops? What do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the awards? MORE FROM BUDGET TRAVEL Scalpers at national parks? Rome: Coffee prices are rising Video: How to order coffee like a Roman

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Readers' Choice: Best value destination

We're giving you the floor. To gear up for our second annual Readers' Choice issue in November 2011 we're turning to the true experts—you! Over the past few months we asked for your thoughts on a variety of travel topics ranging from your favorite cruise line to your ultimate dream destination. Once your nominations are in, we'll give you the chance to vote on the best of the best. Let us know your pick for the best value destination—and why—by posting a comment below. What makes a great value destination? Where can you find the cheapest, but still most stylish, resorts? Which cities are served by low-cost carriers? Where can you indulge in gourmet food and wine without breaking the bank? Where does your dollar go the furthest? The more details to make your case, the better!