Top five off-peak destinations for winter 2006/2007

Along with holidays, cold temperatures, and snowy weather, winter also brings off-peak savings to destinations at home and abroad. From U.S. cities and national parks to European countries, just about anyone can find a winter destination that appeals to their interests and budget.

The top five destinations for off-peak travel this winter are Austria; Chicago; Greece; Myrtle Beach; and Yellowstone National Park.

Austria

Austria comes to life in winter. From its capital city, Vienna, to small towns in the Alps, wintertime events run nearly nonstop through January and February, and prices for airfare and accommodations drop as well, making the winter both fun and affordable.

Vienna's Ball Season begins in November and runs through March 10. Throughout the season, there are hundreds of balls, sometimes more than one a day. Highlights include the Vienna Opera Ball, the Hunter's Ball, and the Rudolfina Redoute (Vienna's only masked ball). The Imperial Ball is one of the most accessible to tourists. The cheapest prices start at €125 (about $160; check xe.com for current exchange rates) though student tickets cost €50 (about $64).

Another Vienna attraction is Vienna Ice Dreams, a makeshift ice-skating rink in City Hall Square (the Rathaus) open from January 19 through March 4. Meanwhile, the city of Salzburg hosts the annual Mozart Week festival, a music-filled celebration of Mozart's music from January 20 through February 5. South of Salzburg, in Filzmoos, the International Hot Air Balloon Week takes place from January 13 through 20 with 40 competing balloons from nations around the world.

The Austrian Alps draw skiers, both recreational and competitive, from around the world each winter. In January, three major sporting events take place in the mountains around Austria. The Häknenkamm skiing race, a highlight of the Alpine World Cup, takes place in Kitzbühel. Kreischberg and Bad Gastein will host some events of the Snowboarding World Cup, and Kreischberg will also showcase some of the Ski Cross World Cup.

Austria has the best off-season values in Western Europe according to a study by Cheap Tickets, with savings up to 53 percent. In my comparisons of winter and spring or summer vacation packages, I found top off-peak savings of nearly $900. Note that while Vienna and other cities in Austria will have low-season prices in winter, ski resorts and mountainous areas are popular wintertime destinations and won't offer the same savings.

Prices include taxes and fees.

Austria-info.com has helpful information on all aspects of planning a trip to Austria.

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