Top 5 Off-peak Destinations For Winter

USA Today published this list today of places to visit this winter. Included is the list and a brief excerpt from each city in the article. You can read the full article here.

Austin, Texas - Known as the live music capital of the world, Austin combines Texas charm with a funky, free-spirited vibe. Winter temperatures range between 60 and 70 degrees in January, February and March, allowing travelers to take advantage of the city's many outdoor activities without the oppressive summer heat. The mild temperatures are ideal for running or biking around the Town Lake hike and bike trail, exploring the music venues in the Warehouse District or on Sixth Street, and wandering South Congress Avenue (or SoCo, locally) in search of Tex-Mex and barbecue.

Beijing - While Beijing's winter weather is not considered ideal by many travelers, the off-peak prices may make the temperatures more bearable. In winter, Beijing is relatively tourist-free, except, of course, during the weeks of the Chinese New Year celebrations in late January and early February. Because winter is Beijing's off-peak travel season, visitors can see major historical sites such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace without the hordes of tourists that flock to the sites in July and August.

Germany - This winter, there are noteworthy celebrations and events in several regions of Germany. Many parts of the world will celebrate the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth in 2006. A range of musical events will take place in January and February in Germany, including events in Berlin, Dresden and Munich. In February, several German cities also stage elaborate Carnival celebrations, complete with parades, music, costumes and food. Some of the larger celebrations will occur in Berlin, Frankfurt and Dusseldorf.

Paris - Like most of Europe, Paris' off-peak travel season occurs during winter. However, winter is a great time to bundle up and take to the streets. The City of Lights stays alive with both Parisians and tourists in the colder months, sipping cafe au lait at cafes, or ice skating (for free) at the Hotel de Ville.

Vancouver - Vancouver was recently ranked the top city in the Americas by a Conde Nast magazine reader survey, based on factors including culture, restaurants and shopping. The home to the 2010 Winter Olympics offers a variety of activities, both indoor and outdoor, for travelers this winter. And, no matter what idea "Canada in winter" brings to mind, the weather in Vancouver is not inhospitable, with winter temperatures
hovering in the 40s.

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