HERE
HOLIDAY FUN FOR GROWN-UPS
During the holidays, you may find yourself wondering, “Why should kids have all the fun?” The Fairmont Copley Plaza asked the same question, and in response created Gingerbread Houses for Grown-Ups, an event for adults who are kids at heart. The evening festivities feature an assembled gingerbread house for each guest to decorate with candy and accoutrement. Don’t worry if you aren’t artistic, the hotel’s culinary team will be there to assist you. Includes wine, beer, festive holiday cocktails, and canapés. Offered on three consecutive nights. (Dec. 13-15; 7 p.m.) $75 per person; $125 couple (includes one gingerbread house for two people to decorate and share). Book online. www.eventbrite.com/e/gingerbread-houses-for-grown-ups-tickets-
28268478781
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GUIDED DOGSLEDDING TRIPS
IN MAINE
Pack warm clothing and a sense of adventure for a weekend of dogsledding and Nordic skiing in the northwoods of Maine. Offered by the Mahoosuc Guide Service, the two- and three-day trips combine mushing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Includes food and all equipment such as skis, poles, boots, parkas, gaiters, sleeping bags, and ensolite pad. While on the trail, accommodations will be in canvas-wall, woodstove-heated tents with balsam fir bough floors. For the first night’s lodging, you will need to make reservations in the company’s own lodge, nearby hotel, or a local B&B. Participants should be able to ski or snowshoe 4 miles with a light pack. A variety of trips are offered from the end of December through March. Rates from $650; day trips (midweek and some weekends) from $280. 207-824-2073, www.mahoosuc.com/
dogsledding-2/
THERE
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC QUEST
DEBUTS IN ALASKA
Early birds get the best deals on Alaska coastal wilderness trips offered by AdventureSmith Explorations. Make reservations in December for primo choice of ships, cabins, and itineraries for summer 2017, including securing a cabin on the brand-new, 100-passenger expedition ship, National Geographic Quest. Set to launch in June, Quest’s nature-intensive 15-day cruise explores the coast of British Columbia into Alaska’s Inside Passage (from $9,390 per person, double-occupancy). Quest will then spend the summer exploring coves and fjords between Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, and Petersburg on Lindblad’s classic Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness Route, an eight-day adventure also sailed by the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion (from $5,890 per person, double-occupancy). The Quest offers 50 outside-facing cabins, and state-of-the-art expedition technology such as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV); video microscope; and hydrophone and bow-cam designed to hear and film humpback whale vocalizations and view bow-riding dolphins. In addition, a fleet of 24 sea kayaks and Zodiacs allow guests to experience wild, remote places. 877-620-2875, www.adventuresmithexplorations
.com/exploring-alaska-coastal-wilderness-national-geographic-cruise
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MARRIOTT TRAVEL DEALS
IN SOUTHERN CLIMES
Planning a winter getaway? If you prefer beaching and sun to skiing and snow, check out the “Getaway Savings” promotion offered by more than 85 Marriott properties in the Caribbean, Mexico, and South and Central America. The offer is simple: Book now through Jan. 30 and enjoy 15-percent across-the-board savings on retail rates and weekend stays for travel through Feb. 28. For example, the JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro rates now start at $236 per night, reduced from $278. Easy-to-use website lets you check available deals by country, city, and hotel. Book with promo code 7YJ. 800-228-9290, www.marriott
.com/travel-deals/caribbean-latam-
deals.mi
EVERYWHERE
SINGLE-USE SCREEN CLEANERS
Keep your phone, tablet, and laptop screens clean and free of dirt and grime when traveling with WHOOSH!’s newest product, individually packaged wipes to make tech hygiene portable. These single-use screen wipes break down dirt and oil build-up while leaving a nano-coating that is invisible to the eye and resists fingerprints, keeping your screen looking new for longer than ever before. Soft to the touch, non-abrasive, and safe to use on all screens and devices. Easy to pack in a suitcase or carry-on. 12-pack, $10; 30-pack, $20. whoosh.com/products/screenshine-
wipes-12-pack
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FUNCTIONAL AND FLATTERING
SKI PANTS
Stay fashionable — and warm — on the slopes with Obermeyer’s new Bond Ski Pant. This super-flattering pant, re-engineered with Spandex softshell technology, resists water penetration while allowing water vapor to pass, creating a water-resistant breathable barrier. Other features include high back waistband; zip fly with wind guard and storm flap; zippered hand pocket; and articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility. Lightweight and easy to pack. Available in regular, short, and long sizing; white, crimson, and black. $199. www.ober
meyer.com/catalog/womens/bond-
pant-ii?v=6631