Jennifer Doncsecz
Owner & President, VIP Vacations, Inc.
When winter rolls into the Valley, bringing bitter weather and bickering over shoveled-out parking spots, many of us swear that next time, we'll escape. Jennifer Doncsecz, owner and president of VIP Vacations, Inc., helps bring getaway plans to fruition year round. Her expertise is often offered on national TV and media outlets, and she excels in planning honeymoons and destination weddings. With her winter travel tips and some itinerary inspiration, locals could be saying sayonara snowstorm.
The Basics
“Plan early,” she says. “The earlier the better. There's no such thing as a last-minute deal over winter break.” If you don't have a passport, you might want to start the process now.
The windows when everyone is out of school and off work are the most appealing for travel, but Doncsecz points out that holiday weeks like Christmas and President's Day are expensive peak travel times.
She's enthusiastic about cancel-for-any-reason travel insurance. “Snow from January to March is guaranteed,” Doncsecz says. Of course, it's within that bleak window that we'd most like a break from the winter blahs, so go forth knowing that you can cancel free and clear if and when three feet of snow are dumped on your runway.
Irma's Impact
This hurricane season has had dramatic impacts on travel, to say nothing of the safety and livelihood of populations across the Caribbean and mainland. And though the prospect of going on vacation, in light of the destruction and suffering that has continued to take place, may seem trivial, it is important to note the effects these disasters might have for travelers. Harvey caused refineries in Texas to close, Doncsecz says, projecting a rise in fuel costs and therefore air-travel prices.
Rebuilding in places like Turks and Caicos, St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands will take a long effort. Even when hotels are restored, local day excursions won't be ready and the environment might not look like a picture postcard for some time.
With unprecedented recovery delays, the courses of cruise ships shed light on what to expect. “When cruise lines aren't going to St. Martin until April,” Doncsecz says, “you know it's not going to be nice.”
If you're concerned about what will be wrought by next year's hurricanes, Doncsecz has a steady supply of winter vacation ideas that sidestep the chaotic Caribbean.
Cruise
The comfort of a cruise has many advantages, especially for a family traveling with children. Doncsecz's agency is especially fond of Norwegian's line leaving conveniently from New York, obviating air travel altogether.
A weeklong cruise stopping at Port Canaveral in Florida allows a day at Disney World, and Norwegian's relaxed atmosphere means no wrestling youngsters into stuffy suits for formal nights. Food is provided, it's budget-friendly and there's no need to fret about flight prices or storms. “If there's bad weather ahead,” Doncsecz says, “cruise ships simply divert to another port.”
Europe
“You'll still need a jacket in Florence,” Doncsecz says, but if you want to see the world without having to empty your bank account, Europe in the off-season is where it's at. The highs in the Greek Isles may only be in the 60s or 70s, but they're still the Greek Isles, and deals are great to tour Rome.
Ireland is cold in the winter, but still green. “Prepare for wind and damp,” Doncsecz says. “You'll need a bowl of soup.” And happily, that's exactly what you can get on an Irish pub crawl booked at off-season prices.
Crowds will be thinner, but some attractions may be closed. A good travel agent can tell you what's open.
Iceland
If it seems like everyone's going to Iceland lately, maybe it's because, as Doncsecz says, “Iceland is amazing.” It's VIP Vacations' hot destination, despite the cold climate.
The breathtaking Northern Lights are visible September through April. You may also find a thrill in the January days when daylight lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., contrasted with the “white nights” in July when it never gets dark at all.
The cool, friendly city of Reykjavik has a lower population than the entire Lehigh Valley, and there's plenty to do there (even in the dark), when you've seen your fill of waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes. Though you won't be sunbathing, bring your swimsuit to thaw out in the hot springs!
Aruba
Bent on that island experience? There are a few spots in the Caribbean and outside the hurricane belt that tend to remain untouched.
“Aruba looks like Arizona,” Doncsecz says, “flat and sandy with cacti, gorgeous water and white sands.” Just off Venezuela's north coast, this island is part of the “Dutch Caribbean,” and offers all-inclusive options.
Barbados and St. Lucia are also out of harm's way if you absolutely need to sip a Mai Tai slathered in sunscreen while your snow shovel collects dust at home.
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