(MS) — Summer vacations have long been a tradition in the United States. Perhaps because of school being out for several months during the summer season or the casual attitude summer weather promotes, many people choose to take their vacations in the summertime. While that vacation time is valued, compared to other countries it’s miniscule. According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO), among the more developed countries the United States lags far behind some of its counterparts when it comes to the average number of vacation days each year. While the average Italian citizen enjoys 42 vacation days per year, in the United States workers enjoy less than one-third of that total. The average American worker gets just 13 vacation days each year, exactly half the number the country’s neighbor to the north, Canada, enjoys each year. Following Italy at the top of the list are France (37 days), Germany (35 days) and Brazil (34 days). Joining the U.S. near the bottom of the list are Korea and Japan, both of which average 25 days of vacation per year. TF087068

(PR Newswire/MS) — Do you find yourself longing for snow, frosty air and cold-climate activities? Even though summer is almost here, it is not too early for vacationers to think about and book their winter travel fun. Experts recommend that spring and summer may be the best times to book winter destinations. Planning now guarantees desired accommodations and reasonable fares to those ideal getaways.

Whether skiing, snowboarding, sledding, sipping a steamy cup of hot cocoa, or relaxing in front of a fire, Reno/Lake Tahoe, Colorado Springs, and Spokane offer cold-weather fun. Airfare to a winter adventure can cost less than $100 each way non-stop to these locations with ExpressJet Airlines.

Popular destinations also offer a variety of non-ski winter amusement. Ski guide, Mike Doyle, recommends, “If you’re going to take a ski vacation, it’s always a good idea to consider other activities that the ski resort or the ski resort town has to offer.”

Recently ranked by Orbitz as the number one ski destination in the U.S. for the 2007-08 winter season, Lake Tahoe climbed from the number three spot in 2006, based on gross hotel and vacation package bookings. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, non-ski winter festivities include: snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, and kayaking. After a fun-filled day, visitors can play into the night in Reno’s “little Las Vegas.” Gambling, shows, shopping, and fine dining make this an ideal city for a well-rounded winter getaway. For more information, go to www.visitrenotahoe.com.

With Pike’s Peak as a backdrop, Colorado Springs’ visitors can hike, bike, ski, snowmobile, or hit the rapids for a white water rafting adventure. Popular for its scenery and diversity of activities, Colorado Springs hosts a variety of events, from art and music to festivals and special events — year round. For more information, visit www.peakradar.com.

Not as famous, but every bit as exciting, beautiful Spokane offers skiing, sledding, shopping, excellent restaurants, and entertainment that is unforgettable and affordable. This quaint town whose name means “Children of the Sun” has no shortage of outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and European-influenced architectural settings. For information on the city and winter specials, visit www.winterinspokane.com.

By constantly looking for ways to make travel more convenient, ExpressJet Airlines offers non-stop service to these popular destinations from several different cities across the Southwest and Western U.S. For more information or to book your winter getaway, visit www.xjet.com. TF086082

(PR Newswire/MS) — While winter has traditionally been the time for “snow birds” to travel to sunnier climates, residents in the warmer states can find themselves longing for snow, frosty air and cold-climate activities. As blooming flowers foreshadow the coming of spring, it is not too late to enjoy winter’s fun. Reasonable fares and ideal wintry destinations bring one last winter hurrah within easy reach.
Reno/Lake Tahoe, Colorado Springs, and Spokane offer cold-weather fun to those already missing winter. Whether skiing, snowboarding, sledding, sipping a steamy cup of hot cocoa, or relaxing in front of a fire, these three destinations offer all the celebrations of the season. Airfare to a winter adventure can cost less than $100 each way non-stop to these locations with ExpressJet Airlines.
Experts recommend that spring may be the best time to fully enjoy activities at winter destinations. Fewer crowds and longer days make spring the ideal time to enjoy activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Renowned ski filmmaker, Warren Miller explains, “Very few people ever experience the wonderful snow and almost deserted runs that are available in the spring. There’s no standing in line for five, 10, or 20 minutes just to get a seat on a chairlift.”
Popular destinations also offer a variety of non-ski winter amusement. Ski guide, Mike Doyle, recommends, “If you’re going to take a ski vacation, it’s always a good idea to consider other activities that the ski resort or the ski resort town has to offer.”
Recently ranked by Orbitz as the number one ski destination in the U.S. for the 2007-08 winter season, Lake Tahoe climbed from the number three spot in 2006, based on gross hotel and vacation package bookings. Surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, non-ski winter festivities include: snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, and kayaking. After a fun-filled day, visitors can play into the night in Reno’s “little Las Vegas.” Gambling, shows, shopping, and fine dining make this an ideal city for a well-rounded winter getaway. For more information, go to www.visitrenotahoe.com.
With Pike’s Peak as a backdrop, Colorado Springs’ visitors can hike, bike, ski, snowmobile, or hit the rapids for a white water rafting adventure. Popular for its scenery and diversity of activities, Colorado Springs hosts a variety of events, from art and music to festivals and special events — year round. For more information, visit www.peakradar.com.
Not as famous, but every bit as exciting, beautiful Spokane offers skiing, sledding, shopping, excellent restaurants, and entertainment that is unforgettable and affordable. This quaint town whose name means “Children of the Sun” has no shortage of outdoor fun. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings and European-influenced architectural settings. For information on the city and winter specials, visit www.winterinspokane.com.
By constantly looking for ways to make travel more convenient, ExpressJet Airlines offers non-stop service to these popular destinations from several different cities across the Southwest and Western U.S. For more information or to book your winter getaway, visit www.xjet.com. TF084722