DINNER:

Grab some grub before the parties and fireworks.  Senor Frogs has a special NYE Buffet with live music and dancing for $75.  If you’re looking for an enormous meal, Hoku’s at the Kahala Resort will have a 6-course menu with dinner starting at 7:30 p.m.  Hoku’s is expensive though; the meal will cost you $185, and make sure you call ahead for reservations #739-8760.

CONCERTS:

The legendary 80’s band, Foreigner, will be playing all its catchy tunes from 10:30 ’til midnight at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel.  Dinner and concert packages range from $275-400, or if you’re just catching the concert, tickets are $125-250.  Call #921-4600 for package deals or #1-877-750-4400 for show-only tickets.

If girly 80’s music is your thing (it’s mine!), head to the Hilton Hawaiian Village to watch The Bangles ring in the new year.  They take the stage from 10:45 to midnight.  Tickets are more reasonable, ranging from $90-200.  Call #550-8457 or visit www.honoluluboxoffice.com to purchase tickets.

There’s some kind of MTV hip-hop party at Pipeline Café, which features Shwayze, Cisco Adler, and DJ Skeet Skeet — none of whom I’ve heard of, and probably none of whom I will know in five years.  If you’re interested in going, though, doors open at 9 p.m., and tickets cost $45 or $90.  Order tickets online at Ticket Master or call #1-877-750-4400.

CRUISES:

The Navatek I departs from Pier 6 at Aloha Tower at 10:30 p.m. and returns just before 1 a.m.  Tickets are $145 or $170.  Call #973-1311 for reservations.

Sail aboard the 170 foot Ali’i Kai Catamaran for $40 or $50.  The boad leaves at 10:30 p.m. from Pier 5 of Aloha Tower and returns at 1:30 a.m.  Visit FireWaterEvents.com for more info.

The Star of Honolulu leaves from Pier 8 at Aloha Tower at 10:45 and comes back at 12:45 a.m.  Tickets are $113 and up.  Call #983-STAR or visit them online to purchase tickets.

FIREWORKS:

There will be plenty of activity around Waikiki and Aloha Tower and fireworks will be a big part of the festivities at midnight.

PARTIES:

If parties are more your thing, there’s stuff going on Downtown at Next Door (which will finally be re-opening after a long hiatus!),  thirtyninehotel and an 80’s music bash at The Loft.  In Waikiki, there’s a masquerade ball at The W Honolulu and a “sparkle” themed party at Hula’s Bar and Lei Stand.

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

We certainly learned a thing or two about how thoroughly screwed we are in times of emergency.  But the after-effects of such a crisis are quite intriguing:

Generators were ordered to light up Obama’s compound in Kailua during the blackout.  It appears the President-elect was not in the dark for as long as the rest of us.

Reports are showing gas prices dropping at an exponential rate.  It’s close to reaching under $2 per gallon! 

Finally, just as I was afraid to open my fridge, I guess sashimi is selling at rock-bottom prices to ensure they don’t go bad! 

So, if you’re visiting the islands any time soon, make sure you bring a flashlight, drive around as much as you want to take advantage of the gas prices, and head to the closest sushi joint for a good, cheap sashimi dinner!

Post from: The Hawaii Traveler

This highly regarded store is known for being a women-friendly sex toy shop.  Founded here in Seattle in 1993, the store serves up information and fun to thousands of satisfied customers.  You’ll find toys, books, videos, along with personal advice and recommendations from the helpful staff.

Babeland’s Annual New Year’s Sale (one of only two sales the store has) runs January 1st –4th, with nearly everything in the store marked down 25-40%.  This looks to be one of the biggest sales they’ve ever had.

Location: 707 East Pike Street, Capital Hill (map it)

Hours:  Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 10 pm; Sunday noon – 7 pm

In addition to the Seattle flagship store, you can also find Babeland in New York, with a shop on the lower east side, a shop in SoHo, and one in Brooklyn.

Image credit:  SXC

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Post from: The Seattle Traveler

Whistler, BC has been named North America’s No.1 ski resort by Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers in the December 2008 issue.

At the Luxury Travel Awards, earlier this month, Whistler won the Gold List 2009 Award for Best Overseas Ski Resort and a Platinum Award for winning the award for five consecutive years.  The Fairmont Chateau Whistler was named Best International Ski Hotel.

“These awards are great news for us as we move into a period of incredible energy and anticipation here at Whistler, the last full season before the 2010 Winter Games arrive,” says Arlene Schieven, spokesperson for Tourism Whistler.

“We have a unique set of tourism products and experiences, and it’s gratifying when our visitors recognize the quality of the experiences we offer.  And this year, along with the new PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, our visitors can take in World Cup events showcasing our 2010 Winter Games venues.”

So what’s green about Whistler as a ski destination?  Whistler Blackcomb won last year’s Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award at the BC Tourism Awards for its high levels of environmental and social stewardship programs.

For eco-travelers, they can carbon offset their Whistler holiday with the Whistler EcoPath.   The online calculator will determine the greenhouse gas emissions of their trips and give them the option to purchase carbon offsets from Offsetters Climate Neutral Society.

Here are a few of Whistler’s environmental initiatives:

If you’re heading to Whistler this winter, Whistler.com recommends these green travel tips:

For more info about Whistler, check out the resort online.

Happy New Year!

Images courtesy of Tourism Whistler

Post from: Traveling the Green Way

Game night with family or friends: I’ll be heading over to a friend’s house where we’ll play board games till the break of dawn, well, probably not that late–I’ll be lucky to make it to midnight–but you get the picture. Find some friends, gather your favorite games, sport some food and drinks on the kitchen island or countertop, and play the night away. If you’re into video games or Wii, do that, instead. But make it a fun night for all by just spending time together doing something you all really enjoy. Anyone up for some Trivial Pursuit? How about this new game called Partini? I gave a copy away to friends for Christmas. You have to hum, mold clay figures, act out a scene or a word, and make up sentences. Fun stuff.

A movie marathon: Two years ago, my boyfriend and I decided we’d spend the evening at the movie theater catching up on the new releases we never seem to see before they get released on video. It was a quiet blast. We enjoyed an early dinner out before the crowds shuffled in. And then we headed over to a Harkins Theatre to watch a few movies on which we both agreed. We amazed ourselves that we made it to midnight. It was a fun way to say hello to the new year. I’d do it again if asked. Heck, I’d even suggest it again.

The theatre awaits: If tickets are still available, “Let the Sunshine In” with a 40th anniversary production of Hair by Arizona Theatre Company. It shows at the Herberger Theatre in downtown Phoenix on New Year’s Eve. The special production includes dinner. Tickets are priced between $64 and $99. There’s also a special Broadway Tribute show being conducted at The Phoenix Symphony. Tickets for that range from $26 to $76.

Got any other ideas? Post them here.

Post from: The Phoenix Traveler

If you are not into sweets or maybe not right now, you can try something from the breakfast and lunch menus which include homemade breakfast sandwiches – not the drive thru variety with ham, bacon and eggs.  Lunch menu features deli sandwiches which include chicken and tuna salad or roast beef, etc.  There is something for everyone there.

Their website features a coupon for bogo free cupcake (for those of you who do not shop, that means buy one get one free).  Click here for the coupon

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Now, if you aren’t familiar with this part of North Carolina, it’s located in the northwestern section of the state and includes Beech Mountain, Sparta, Linville, Boone, Blowing Rock and others. Not only can you find the Blue Ridge Parkway here as well, this area is also home to such places and sites as Emerald Village, Grandfather Mountain and Tweetsie Railroad.

As for the New Year Eve’s celebrations, you’ll find that…

Appalachian Ski Mountain will have torchlight night skiing beginning at 6 p.m., moonlight ice skating that starts at 10 p.m., and fireworks at midnight. A late evening breakfast from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. will be available as well.

photo credit: Fireworks at Sugar Mountain Resort, courtesy of High Country Host

Post from: Southern Byways

Beat the Euro. – “Destinations like Turkey, Egypt and Croatia are going to be extra popular in the face of an unforgiving Euro exchange rate. How about a week of activities in and around the stunning Croatian islands? Or stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia for unique holidays in Turkey that you’ll never forget!”

Go off-season. -  “Accommodation owners are always keen to welcome guests during their less busy periods and you may find you have an even more unique and personalised experience. Try popular self catering accommodation in Cyprus and save when you go off season. Even avoiding weekends can be a good way to save. Plus in popular destinations you’ll usually feel less rushed and have more time to get to know a place when you shy away from the tourist hordes of the high season.”

Research alternative destinations. – “Visiting somewhere less populated by tourism has many advantages for you and the local people and you are much less likely to be subject to bumped up tourist prices. How about Senegal instead of Kenya? Or Ecuador instead of Brazil? By traveling to less visited countries responsibly you are helping to boost local economies and promote responsible tourism in the areas you visit.”

Images courtesy of responsibletravel.com

Post from: Traveling the Green Way

Looking for some fun in the sun of winter? Check out the Adventures in Travel Expo January 10-11 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center ( which was formerly the Rosemont). There will be exhibitors and activities to get you in the mood for your travel in 2009. Here are a few of the events:

· With camel rides, a scuba tank for kayak and scuba lessons, a Filipino chef and Hilot Massage session, there is plenty to do and see.

· On The Global Beats stage watch performers from around the world, featuring performers from the Philippines, Tanzania, Scotland and Hawaii.

· Hear world renowned speakers including Keynote speaker Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel; National Geographic ADVENTURE’s 2007 Adventurer of the Year, Trip Jennings; and Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and 1,000 Places to See in the U.S.A. and Canada Before You Die, to name a few.

For more information on the Adventures in Travel Expo, go to www.adventureexpo.com. Show hours are 10:30 AM-5:30 PM on Saturday; 11 AM-4:30 PM on Sunday. Tickets are $15.00 for adults, children 16 and under are free. It’s a great activity to bring the family and to get some ideas. With snow on the ground and cold temperatures, its ok to dream of warm temperatures.

Check it out.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Claudine wrote about the Cyclorama here in June. See http://www.theatlantatraveler.com/what-is-a-cyclorama-in-atlanta-anyway/

It is truly an icon here in Atlanta. The painting was completed in 1896 and it depicts the Battle of Atlanta. It was given to the city by George Gress, the founder of the Grant Park Zoo, in 1898. The diorama was added in 1936. This is old Atlanta, but worth your time.

Post from: The Atlanta Traveler

The bag is made from 100% recycled:

This multifunctional bag could be used for anything from your laptop to an overnight trip. There’s an internal 15.4″ computer sleeve with padded reinforcement.  The front lid has a velcro closure with aluminum hook and loop security closure.

For more info, check out Keen online.

Image courtesy of Keen Canada

Post from: Traveling the Green Way

If half a million people show up, the infrastructure should be okay, except for major issues such as transportation and dining near the mall.  But if a couple million people converge on the Mall, the infrastructure, along with the food service industries will be pushed to their limits.

So here’s a few of the potential “disasters” that might occur due to massive crowds attending the inauguration celebration, and my estimation of how likely it will happen.

So what do you think?  Will Washington, DC handle the crowds or will it be a tourism nightmare?  Make a comment below.

Image – Flickr – 2005 inauguration

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Post from: The DC Traveler

Like many cities, Zurich celebrates New Year with a big firework display.

Held over the lake, it’s a great way to see in the New Year, particularly if you are lucky enough to be able to get onto a roof terrace or balcony with a lake view.

And even if you won’t be here to see it, I hope you enjoy your own New Year celebrations, and have a healthy and prosperous 2009.

Photo: Flickr Toni_V

Post from: The Switzerland Traveler

There will be of course food!  The buffet will have chicken wings, pizza bites and all types of goodies for you to partake of throughout the night. 

Reservations are required.  Email Kristen at  kristen_banks@daveandbusters.com  for more information.  Tell her the Chicago Traveler sent you there.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen in Sydney, but that only ensures that the really special ones stand out. Beresford Trattorio is just such a place, but what else would you expect with Danny Russo at the helm?

There’s a reason why Mr Russo has such a reputation. His dishes are inventive, while maintaining the rustic charms Italian is famous for. Dishes like the tagliatelle with truffled meatballs, squid ink tortellini stuffed with crab meat, and the stuffed rabbit leg are truly indulgent.

The wine list also deserves a mention, with around three-quarters of the drinks Italian. It’s refreshing to be able to choose something you don’t have every day. There are nearly 29 by the glass so even solo drinkers don’t have to miss out on the fun.

It might be inside a pub, but don’t let that scare you away. The Beresford Hotel has been given a modern makeover, making this swish restaurant the perfect place for a romantic night out, dinner with friends, or a special treat for one!

Trading hours: Noon to 3 pm on Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner daily from 6 pm to 11 pm Location: The Beresford Hotel Address: 345 Bourke Street, Darlinghurst Public transport: Catch a #380 or #382 bus from the city Parking: Limited street parking is available Cost: Entrees from $9, mains from $21, desserts $15 Website: http://www.theberesford.com.au

Image source: Asif Akbar @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Wet World is a fun interactive display which might just be one of the best ways to cool down this summer. It’s a wild water playground of river races, Aqua Play activities, and the Super Soaker Action Zone!

Why not leave the kids playing while you check out the grown-up activities? This summer’s big drawcard is Vaka Moana – Voyages of the Ancestors, an exhibition which celebrates the cultures of our Pacific neighbours. You might even have a chance of luring the children to this one, with the hands-on body tattoo and log drumming workshops. You can also see cultural performances, daily film screenings, and walk the Exhibition Discovery Trail.

Remember to bring your swimmers and your friends to the National Maritime Museum these school holidays!

Dates: Until Sunday 25 January Times: Wet World is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with the last entry at 3:30 pm. The Maritime Museum is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm (and until 6 pm in January) Location: Australian National Maritime Museum Address: 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour Public transport: Catch a train to Town Hall station and walk across Pyrmont Bridge, take the light rail to Pyrmont Bay station, or the Monorail to Harbourside station Parking: Discount parking is available at Harbourside Carpark, Murray Street, Darling Harbour for $11.50. Present your parking ticket at the museum foyer ticket desk for validation Cost: A Holiday Fun Ticket costs $9 per person and $25 for families. This includes entry to the Kids Deck, Wet World, and Pacific Play Website: http://www.anmm.gov.au

Image source: Andy Heyward @ Stock.xchng

Post from: The Sydney Traveler

Air New Zealand took one step closer towards carbon neutral growth today.  One of its aircraft took off, powered in part by a second-generation biofuel.

The Boeing 747-400 test flight will investigate how the new fuel, made from the Jatropha plant, stands up to use at the high altitudes and extreme operating conditions.

The two-hour flight is another in a series of trials taking place at airlines around the world.  These flights are testing different types of biofuel to determine the viability of using the sustainable alternative to the fossil fuel-based Jet-A1 fuel used by commercial aviation.

Paul Steele, the executive director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), a representative of aviation industry organisations, said that the flight was a significant step towards the industry vision of carbon neutral growth.

Says Steele:  “Earlier this year, the leaders of the aviation industry gathered in Geneva to sign a Declaration on Climate Change, committing the industry to a pathway towards carbon neutral growth.”

“The efforts taking place in New Zealand today and other projects across the aviation sector are designed to make progress towards that goal, providing the aviation industry with a reduced-carbon form of energy and allowing the sustainable future of air transport which is a key generator of economic growth.”

A growing aviation sector produces two percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions. Through technology and operational performance improvements, the sector is reducing the growth in carbon emissions to approximately half the rate of the growth in passengers.

For more information, visit the website www.enviro.aero , a resource centre on aviation’s environmental impact.

Post from: Traveling the Green Way

Here is a great start to the new year, a healthy run to benefit yourself and others. Be a part of Chicago’s first run of the New Year. You will be in good company because they are expecting 1,500 runners and walkers. There will be winner trophies and other raffle prizes.

24th Annual New Year’s Day 5K Run/Walk begins at 11am in Lincoln Park (Stockton Drive and LaSalle. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lakeview Citizens Council which is a non-profit neighborhood organization.

The course route goes along the lakefront bike path to Diversey Harbor ending up at the North Avenue Field House.

If running (or walking) on January 1 isn’t resolution enough, on-site fitness experts will be on hand to offer advice and tout the “Master Your Universe Fair”–an expo promoting health lifestyles to be on Thursday, January 8, from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the State of Illinois Center in the Loop. In addiition there will be a complimentary drink for those who are over 21 and plenty of non-alcoholic drinks for participants. $30 – race starts at 11am with registration beginning at 9:30am

Pre-Registration/Packet Pick-Up

New Balance Chicago

2369 N Clark | Chicago

(Corner of Fullerton/Clark)

773-348-1787

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

Have you ever thought about making things with your hands?  The Artscape Chicago has an upcoming class called Intro into Clay complete with hand building and wheel throwing. If you have ever wanted to learn how to explore your creativity in clay, this is the class for you.  This is a morning class and it begins on January 22, 2009.

In addition to this class, there are Yoga, Spanish, Belly Dancing, Stained Glass Mosaic and more beginning in January.  The prices range from FREE (always a good price) to $100 + depending on the class.  Artscape Chicago 66 East Randolph between Wabash and Michigan Avenue.  It’s across from the Cultural Center.

Post from: The Chicago Traveler

If you fancy a bit of razzmatazz for your New Year, this will be the 23rd London Parade – and what a way to go!

Okay, maybe cheerleaders are not your thing. And they’re not mine, though faced with the enthusiasm shown by the girl in the photo, I might have to change my mind a bit!

But the great thing is that this is a very British parade. And that means it will be stuffed full of all kinds of eccentric and offbeat entries, as well as cheerleaders from the UK and US.

Each London Borough is entering, with diverse themes – one promises an undersea adventure with an ecological theme, whatever that might be. There will be the Arapahoe High School Warrior Marching Band.

But the Donkey Breed Society will also be strutting its stuff, presumably with the assistance of four legged friends.

The London Pearly Kings and Queens will be adding a traditional Cockney note to the proceedings. And if you haven’t seen Pearlies before, you’ll be amazed by their outlandish, glittering costumes.

A more rural vision of England is what you prefer? Well you’ll get the Merrydowners Morris, dancing their way from one end of the parade to the other.

Still another facet of traditional British life is shown by the Goldwing Owners Club of Great Britain, with their lovingly tended bikes.

And the parade also, apparently, features Yaksha – the King! A fearsome chappie who comes from the Karnataka tradition of Indian dance. (His web site is a bit out of date though.)

The parade will start at noon from Westminster, and the tail end of the procession will arrive in Green Park at quarter to three in the afternoon. You can watch from anywhere along the route – up Parliament Street, then up Cockspur Street and Pall Mall, turning up Regent Street to Piccadilly, and along Piccadilly to Green Park.

There will be professional commentators at a number of different spots – or you can pick up the free newspaper printed by the organisers so you know who you’re watching.

Photo credit: Damien Everett on Flickr

Post from: The London Traveler