The aurora borealis is one of nature's most entrancing displays. A Winnipeg package, March 2-5, lets guests see the northern lights from the deck of the largest winter lodge in Manitoba, and includes several outdoor activities such as ice fishing, a lake excursion aboard an enclosed ice tractor, a tour to a mining museum, a planetarium presentation, a visit to an aboriginal art gallery, a slide presentation by a local historian, and cultural art demonstrations. The cost is about $1,600 , and the tour will be limited to 14 people.
Visit heartlandtravel.ca and click on Western Canada, Manitoba, and Winnipeg Tours or call 866-890-3377 .
Tuck me in, Santa Santa Claus is on the premises of the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, N.Y., but only until Dec. 23 because he will be kind of busy after that. Until then, the inn is offering a Santa Turndown Service at no extra charge to parents. If requested, the jolly guy will arrive at a guest room at a designated time to greet children, take their Christmas lists, share milk and cookies, and tuck them into bed. Published room rates begin at $200.
Visit mirrorlakeinn.com or call 518-523-2544 .
A seven-night Alumni Campus Abroad program called Mayan Splendor in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula takes visitors into the heartland of Mayan culture -- the subject of the new movie "Apocalypto ." Among places visited are ancient Uxmal , a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Chichén Itzá , once the hub of Yucatán's political, religious , and military power; Mérida , known as "The White City" for its gleaming white facades; and Celestún , whose nearby estuary is home to the Northern Hemisphere's only mainland colony of the American flamingo, which can exceed 18,000 birds. The price of $2,295 (which may vary slightly depending upon the departure city) includes air fare, a seven-night stay in Mérida, three meals daily, all excursions and educational programs, airport/hotel transfers, and baggage handling. Trip dates are Feb. 1-8, 8-15 , and 15-22; Oct. 27-Nov. 3; Nov. 3-10 , and 10-17 . The land-only price is $1, 890.
Call 800-323-7373 or visit ahitravel.com .
