Say Goodbye to Summer and Hello to Austria

Our travel guide points to great rates and warm weather ski slopes

Have you ever wondered why so many people have to push their way into your personal vacation space?
A travel guide loves to talk about popular vacation destinations, but when it’s the height of the season, it can become a little too popular for those wishing a more leisurely respite. As the great baseball philosopher Yogi Berra once said: “No one goes there anymore, it’s too crowded.”

But timing is everything. Now that youngsters are returning to school, it’s the perfect opportunity for those with more flexible schedules to plan a trip to Austria.

For example, the city of Salzburg, which holds a five-week summer festival that runs from the end of July through August, has returned to normal. The exodus of tourists makes it the optimum time to experience the city’s rich culture and scenic surroundings.

“In the fall, Salzburg is definitely quiet, peaceful and, since it isn’t the peak season, hotel rates are lower,” said Sigrid Pichler, who works in public relations for the Austrian tourist office.  “Austria is a year-round destination, but in the fall you can avoid the crowds. The weather is nice and the music picks up again.”

The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the featured historic sites that include the fortress Festung Hohensalzburg, which provides panoramic views of the city. Visit the Princely Residence, which includes a gallery featuring paintings dating between the 16th and 19th century.

“It’s a very traditional city in terms of its classical music,” Pichler said. “At the same time, there is a trend toward modern art.”

The Monchsberg Museum of Modern Art, the Rupertinum Museum of Modern Art and the Salzburg Museum of Modern Art are all located in the city of approximately 200,000 residents.

The nearby vast Salzburg Dom is a must-see attraction, which is where Mozart was baptized. Also, plan to see Mozarts Geburtshaus, the place where the composer was born in 1756. The house is located in Getreidegasse, Salzburg’s busiest shopping street. Another highlight is Schloss Mirabell, built by the baroque master builder Lukas von Hildebrandt.

One travel guide, Peter Anich of the Austrian tourist office, notes that visitors can enjoy the cultural aspects of Salzburg and combine that with outdoor interests.

“Baby Boomers like to combine the cultural aspect with physical activity,” Anich said. “The great thing about Austria is that it’s about the size of Maine, so you are not limited to staying in one place. About one hour south of Salzburg is the highest mountain in Austria (Grossglockner, which is 12,460 feet high), where you can actually ski in July.”

Of course, any mention of Salzburg has to include the1965 movie, the “Sound of Music,” starring Julie Andrews and produced by Robert Wise. Salzburg is the setting for the true story that was nominated for 10 Academy Awards.

Travel guides note that there are numerous “Sound of Music” tours that include English-speaking guides and the original soundtrack played during visits to movie scenes that feature Mirabell Gardens, Leopoldskron Castle, Hellbrunn Castle, Nonnberg Abbey, St. Gilgen and Lake Wolfgang and Wedding Church Mondsee.

Salzburg is separated by the Salzach River, which winds through the city and is connected by five bridges, with the Mozart Footbridge and Mulln Footbridge open only to pedestrians. On each side of the river are walking paths that allow residents and visitors to escape the city for a few hours while taking in a panoramic view of the city.

The left bank of the Salzach River is the section called the “Old City,’” where countless narrow streets inhabit more than 800 shops. While walking these streets or taking an horse and buggy ride, you’ll be treated to classic architecture spanning the Middle Ages, Romanesque, Baroque and Renaissance periods.
The “Old City”’ is ideal for shopping and strolling since it takes about 20 minutes to go form the Mulln at the northern end to Nonntal at the southern end.

Here’s a travel guide checklist of what you’ll need if you’re planning to travel to Austria from the United States:

1- A passport is accepted for U.S. and Canadian citizens, no visas are required.
2- As a member of the European Union, the currency is the Euro.
3- If you wish to rent a car, an international drivers’ license is required.
4- Rail travel is convenient and reasonably priced. It is recommended that you consider seating in second class, which is comfortable and affordable.

Party Like A Rockstar In Seville

In the mood to party like a rock star? The rightly famous Seville Spring Fair will be starting on March 31st next year and continuing for nine days. A nine day party like no other. Forget Mardi Gras, forget Carnivale, this party in Andalucia puts them both to shame and does so with the gusto and verve only Andalucians can.

Dancing in the streets, high society parading on horseback, complete indulgence and a 1969 summer of love style spirit of intense and knowing sexuality define this yearly celebration. The streets become full of flamenco dancing, alcohol imbibing, flowery-dress wearing Sevillans without a care in the world. Lining the streets are many tents erected by prominent families of Seville, private clubs and the municipal government. What goes on inside those tents is at the discretion of the proprietor.

After a full day of heady hedonism and exhausting revelry you’ll probably want to collapse in your own place. These packages offer some of the finest accommodations and best prices in the region.

Rome — A Nice, Long Walk

More and more tourists and vacationers going to Italy are rightfully turning in their bus passes for comfortable shoes. There are walking tours in Rome, both guided and self-guided between various European cities and attractions, but if you’re looking to spend a day–or a few days–exploring Italy and don’t want to shell out extra cash for the privilege of stretching your legs, I humbly recommend Rome as your one stop stroll shop.

Rome just lends itself to walking. Even if it weren’t the case that many of the more interesting ancient roads are too thin to admit any vehicle more robust than a Vespa scooter, there would still be something to stop and see around every corner, and scores of people to interact with along each path.

One good walk can begin at the Colosseum. Easily Rome’s most recognizable landmark, and one of the most well known attractions in the world, the Colosseum is situated right in the midst of a huge concentration of top 10 sights. Take a walk northwest along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali and your day can easily fly by before you’ve exhausted the museums and churches.