Polar Express

Family traditions are wonderful, but can a little vacation ... predictable. This can go a year and try something new will. Here are some of my favorite things to do for a mini-summer vacation between now and New Year to do. Who knows? Why not start a new tradition.

  By train: Get the Polar Express, also known as the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams, Arizona, known to the fairy-tale story of Christmas with hot chocolate, cookies, and more training. Where does the train? The North Pole, of course, reindeer and Santa Claus. Most data are collected, but the last time I checked, there were still 20 hours on December 28 to 30. The cost is $ 29 for adults and $ 19 for children aged 2 to 15 (excluding taxes). Contact: Grand Canyon Railway (888) 848-3511.

  Santa sing songs on a gondola ride on the canals and waterways Coronado Cays beach near Silver State Beach, south of San Diego by ship. The one-hour hike Buon Natale (means "Merry Christmas" in Italian) includes hot chocolate and biscuits. Cable connection from the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Guided tours are available daily from 4.30 bis 23.00 clock by 23 December. The cost is $ 145 per couple, but the gondola up to six people, $ 20 per additional person. Contact: La Gondola Company, (619) 429-6317. (Must call to book holiday travel.)

  By Road: Look up - the stars, what it is. Tony Berendsen Guide and poet, a tour of the night sky with telescopes bat during a two-hour drive to the resort of Northstar at Tahoe near Lake Tahoe lead. The cost is $ 50 and for adults and children 13 years and $ 30 for children under 12. (snowshoe rental for $ 5.) Exit 30th December 17:00, 8 January and 14 February. Reservations are recommended. Contact: Northstar at Tahoe (530) 562-3270.