If you are a fan of the Winter Olympics, and enjoy watching them every four years, then why not turn it into a vacation? This page will provide you with all the information for how to take a Winter Olympics vacation.

Are you a fan of the Winter Olympics? Do you set aside two weeks every four years to sit in front of the television and cheer on your country to victory in events like figure skating and downhill skiing? If so, why not turn the 2010 Winter Olympics or 2014 Winter Olympics into a vacation? The upcoming Winter Olympics is being held in both Vancouver and nearby Whistler, BC. This guide will help provide you with all the necessary information to help plan your Winter Olympics vacation today.

• Whether you are planning to attend the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada, or the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia's Black Sea resort town of Sochi, the first step to planning a Winter Olympics vacation is planning early. This will ensure you get tickets to the events you enjoy the most, as well as the best deals for airfare and lodging.

• If you are planning a vacation to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the sooner you begin making travel plans, the better. This year's Olympic games are being held in Vancouver and Whistler, British Columbia beginning on February 12, 2010 and ending on February 28.

• Before you start planning an entire Winter Olympics vacation, you will first want to procure your tickets to the events you enjoy the most. Since each Winter Olympics is handled differently, you will want to go to the official Olympic website for the country that is hosting. This year, you will want to go to the Vancouver Winter Olympics site.

• Tickets for the 2010 Winter Olympics are being sold in phases. Phase three tickets will be offered beginning on November 14, 2009, and will last through the Olympic games. Canadian residents, regardless of citizenship, will be able to purchase or obtain tickets:

1. Online - through the official Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics websitehttp://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-tickets/olympic/how-to-buy-tickets/
2. By phone: 1-800-TICKETShttp://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-tickets/olympic/how-to-buy-tickets/
3. In person at the main box office at each event venue beginning on the first competition day, or at main ticket centres in downtown Vancouver and in Whistler beginning in November.http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-tickets/olympic/how-to-buy-tickets/
4. Through Contests and Promotions offered at local sponsors.http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-tickets/olympic/how-to-buy-tickets/

• For all non-Canadian residents, you must purchase tickets through the official ticket agent for your National Olympic Committee. For U.S. residents, you must purchase tickets through CoSport.http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-tickets/olympic/how-to-buy-tickets/

Once you have tickets, it is time to start working on travel plans. First, decide how you will be traveling:

1. Airplane. Start searching for flight deals as soon as possible. Airlines and travel websites are always offering specials, so compare prices before deciding on tickets. Also consider package deals with hotels or other lodging deals. Olympic packages may be offered at a discount if purchased soon.
2. Train. For those that don't like to fly, you can always look into traveling by train, depending on where you will be traveling from. Check your local Amtrak station for more information.
3. Car. If you live near the Canadian boarder, or just enjoy driving, travel by personal vehicle is also an option. If you do not want to take your own car, consider renting a vehicle.

The final step to planning your Winter Olympics vacation is to find lodging. Although this may seem easy, hotels and condos are likely to fill up quickly, so start searching for hotels now, and remain flexible. You may not be able to stay in the same place the entire length of your vacation.

1. Search travel websites. There are great websites like Orbitz and Expedia that offer travel deals.
2. Go to a site like Craigslist and see if anyone is renting out their house or condo for a discount.
3. Call hotels and motels in the Vancouver or Whistler area. See what is available.