The heart of winter is the ideal time to start planning that summer vacation. Thinking of going abroad this summer? According to , the cheapest international flights go on sale 171 days before departure鈥攎eaning if you want to tavel in June or July, now is your time to buy. Staying Stateside? Summer wilderness permits are just becoming available, race registration times are closing in, and tickets for those wild summer festivals will soon go on sale. The deals and deadlines you should be taking seriously right now? Just this way.
Don鈥檛 Stop Carving Lines鈥擯lan a June Ski Trip to Chile
Like to ski? You can still carve lines in summer, so long as you go south鈥攁nd Chile鈥檚 got some great runs. As of last year, Chile no longer charges a $160 for American tourists. Which means you should pack your skis and head south in June, when the country’s slopes open and airfares fall (as low as $530 roundtrip from Miami, or $1,000 from JFK on LAN, Chile’s national airline; lan.com). Most travelers head to , about 100 miles from Santiago鈥攁 smart option considering that the resort just announced a price freeze on 2015 packages. But experts looking for an affordable bucket list adventure should consider a multi-day cat skiing trip at , two hours from Santiago in the shadow of Mount Aconcogua. You’ll have access 2,000 above-tree-line acres, guaranteeing fresh lines in wide open bowls. The average run here has 2,500 feet of vertical drop, so think of it as heli-grade powder skiing for half the price. runs all-inclusive trips, from the pickup in Santiago to lodging and meals ($1,275 per person for two days and two nights, including most meals and all avalanche equipment). Add it all up, and this might be the year to check 鈥渟ub-Equatorial powder binge鈥 off your bucket list.
Finally Book That European Vacation
The Euro is weak鈥攁nd forecasted to stay that way at least through the end of the year. Plus, new long-haul flights from budget carriers such as and are lowering fares across the board. So why not take advantage and road-trip across 鈥攚est Ireland鈥檚 answer to the Pacific Coast Highway? Or head to Zermatt, Switzerland, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first ascent of the legendary Matterhorn. Music, food and cultural festivals are planned, plus they鈥檙e reopening the famed , the first lodge to open at the foot of the mountain. And a word to the wise: The major now offer the best deals months in advance. , for its part, starts to sell its passes six months out. The trick here is to reserve your seats early鈥攅ven if you have your pass, some trains still , which you can begin to make three months in advance. Book your pass now鈥攁nd check out the 鈥攁nd get to mapping your route for a May or June trip (avoid the more crowded July peak if possible).
Reserve Those Wilderness and Backcountry Permits
Looking to go off the grid (or close to it)? Now鈥檚 the time when many wilderness areas release their spring and summer permits. Yellowstone National Park on January 1, while will take reservations for all entry points starting January 28. takes written permit requests four months from your start date, though trips three months out or less must be booked in person (note:聽 and other national parks is a totally different animal, with its own set of policies and reservation windows, so plan accordingly鈥攊.e., a year out or more). Finally, a note to those interested in : In addition to a climbing pass, you鈥檒l need a wilderness permit in order to pitch your tent. Mt. Rainier鈥檚 go on sale March 15.
Enter a Race Worth Traveling for鈥擸ou Can鈥檛 Lose
Registration for the (11/1) is open through February 15. Or, if cycling is more your speed, sign up for the giant, touring, cycle party across Iowa that is (7/19鈥25) by February 15.
Party Smart: Buy Your Festival Tickets
If (8/30鈥9/7) is your thing, tickets go on sale February 18. If not, try indie music fest , held Memorial Day weekend at the Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington鈥檚 Columbia River Valley. The lineup and tickets will be available sometime in February. And don鈥檛 forget in New Orleans, tickets are already up for the taking.