Can't afford a European vacation? Consider these destinations
No doubt, Europe is lovely with its ancient castles, cobblestone streets, and irresistible cuisine. But who can afford it? The exchange rate is deplorable, and you'll pay an arm and a leg to cross the Atlantic. Here are some destinations that offer a European feel-at reasonable prices.
Instead of Denmark, try Solvang, Calif.
Yes, this old Danish colony of Solvang northwest of Santa Barbara is kitschy and touristy. But once you get past the knickknack stores along main street, you'll find a kooky little place with Danish charm-and endless delicious things to eat. Try the cinnamon Danish at Olsen's Bakery, the apple strudel at Mortensen's, and the aebleskiver (puffy dough balls smeared with strawberry jam) at the Solvang Restaurant. Other highlights: The Hans Christian Andersen Museum, a display on the life and work of the Danish author, and Cachuma Lake, where you can hop on a bird-watching cruise.
Best Western King Frederik Motel
Instead of Spain, try San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
This 16th-century colonial town sits on a mesa an hour's drive from Guanajato. San Miguel has been free from Spanish rule since 1810 yet it still feels like a Pyrenees village with its Gothic-style churches, plazas draped in bougainvillea and narrow cobblestone streets. Around the El Jardín Principal, the central square, you'll find artisan boutiques selling handmade pottery. For a taste of the area's Spanish roots, dine on tapas and paella at La Cartuja. Other highlights: a few miles outside of town, you can visit Santuario de Atotonilco, a church built in 1746 for religious pilgrimages, and you'll find several hot springs such as Agua Magica and La Gruta.
Best Western Hotel Monteverde Express
Instead of Germany, try Leavenworth, Wash.
If you love the hinterland, you'll feel at home in this Bavarian village tucked in the Cascade Mountains, 120 miles east of Seattle. Oompah bands and yodeling accordion players are regulars at the town's Front Street Park gazebo. Andreas Keller Restaurant and Munchen Haus serve bratwurst and heffeweisen. And you won't want to miss the Nutcracker Museum, Cuckoo Clock shop, and the Gingerbread Factory. Other highlights: the nearby Wenatchee National Forest, where you can take a hike in the summer, and Stevens Pass, where you can go down-hill or cross-country skiing in the winter.
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Instead of Great Britain, try Victoria, B.C.
In this former outpost of the British Empire, you can sip tea at the turreted Fairmont Empress Hotel, catch a play at the Royal Theatre, and nosh on fish and chips, made with fresh Halibut from B.C. waters, at Garrick's Head Pub. You'll also want to walk the downtown streets lined with lampposts, flower baskets, and buildings that make you feel as if you're in London. Other highlights: Buchart Gardens's 55 flowery acres and Craigdarroch Castle's 39 rooms filled with lavish Victorian-era furnishings.
Best Western Carlton Plaza Hotel
Instead of France, try New Orleans
You won't see the Eiffel Tower in this sultry city, but you'll certainly find lots of French flair. For Gallic cuisine, try the century-old Galatoire's Restaurant on Bourbon Street, where the kitchen turns out foie gras, sautéed sweetbreads, and bouillabaisse. For Parisian-style shopping, step into Hove Parfumeur where you can mix your own scents, or browse the collection of Limoges boxes at Brass Monkey. And to simply learn about and soak in the French quarter's storied history, wander the area with a guide from Historic New Orleans Tours. Other highlights: Café du Monde, which serves only café au lait and beignets (French doughnuts), and Frenchmen Street lined with jazz clubs such as Snug Harbor and the Spotted Cat.
Best Western French Quarter Landmark Hotel
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