Travel Writer

Discover Beacon Hill Farm in Northumberland, England

2012-01-26T12:11:00.000-08:00

As one of the best-kept secrets in England, Northumberland Heritage Coast is an untouched stretch of English countryside showcasing rolling hills and magnificent shorelines.

Located along this amazing coastal route is stunning Beacon Hill Farm with it's intimate selection of upscale traditional English-style cottages able to accommodate from two to six guests. Think along the lines of Jane Austen – each well-appointed cottage offers beautiful wood furniture, warm colors with muted florals, fresh flowers – all with amazing Northumberland countryside views.

You can stroll the 360-acre Beacon Hill Farm property at your leisure, partake in a game of croquet or tennis, go trout fishing in the pond, get pampered by the spa in the afternoon, and then warm up by the campfire in the evening. There’s also a children’s playground area, games room, swimming pool plus an onsite riding school and more.

With most cottages available by weekly rates only during April to October, prices for a one-week stay at Beacon Hill Farm start at £325 including VAT (Value Added Tax) or approximately USD$510. For more information or to make your reservation, visit Beacon Hill Farm.

Images Courtesy Beacon Hill Farm

Best Value & Most Expensive Skiing in North America

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our friends over at TripAdvisor for letting us in on the most expensive and the best value skiing in North America. Taking into account one night's accommodation, basic rental and lift tickets, plus a burger & fries with a beer...let's take look at these daily per person prices:

Most Expensive Skiing in North America

$745.56 - Vail, CO
$673.06 - Aspen, CO
$667.05 - Park City, UT
$587.25 - Telluride, CO
$573.75 - Steamboat Springs, CO
$485.99 - Whistler, BC, Canada
$464.09 - Big Sky, MT
$459.93 - Mont-Tremblant, QC, Canada
$408.88 - Sun Valley, ID
$406.53 - Mammoth Lakes, CA

Best Value Skiing in North America

$238.58 - Salt Lake City, UT
$239.88 - North Conway, NH
$249.54 - Taos, NM
$284.03 - Jackson Hole, WY
$284.27 - Snowshoe, WV
$286.78 - Banff, AB, Canada
$303.96 - Stowe, VT
$324.97 - Lake Tahoe, CA
$381.47 - Lake Placid, NY
$400.87 - Killington, VT

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Whistler 05 by PhotoBobil

Meet the Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to one of the newest properties in Los Cabos, the five-star Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Open in 2011, this amazing tropical retreat offers an exclusive beachfront location next to famous El Arco. The Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa is all about the details - tastefully decorated spacious guest rooms with gorgeous wrought iron and stone work, warm carved wood furnishings - with six levels of deluxe suite accommodations to choose from featuring full kitchens & private terraces. Starting with 737-square foot Junior suites, accommodations range up to a four-bedroom Penthouse offering 6,232 square feet of pure lavishness.

There are two dining venues and three bars to enjoy during a stay at the Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa - La Roca Restaurant features a mix of American, Continental and Mexican cuisine while Don Luis offers a more upscale dining experience with menu items including fresh seafood and organic vegetables. Guests of the resort can also choose to dine at any of the Solmar sister properties in Cabo San Lucas.

Additional Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa amenities include their pampering Sea Spa, onsite sport fishing excursions, dedicated wedding planner, along with an expansive oceanfront swimming pool and lounge area. The Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa concierge desk is happy to book local Cabo San Lucas activities like golfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, horseback riding, whale watching and romantic sunset cruises.

Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa offers the best of both worlds - a luxury beachfront resort experience offering privacy along with a convenient 10-minute walk into the heart of Cabo San Lucas where guests will find shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and more.

For more information or to make your reservation, visit Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas.

Images: Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa Cabo San Lucas

Last Minute Getaways for Canadians!!

2012-01-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Last Minute Getaway for residents of Canada -

Save up to 30% off Sun, Ski and City Destinations!

Paris in Pictures

2012-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

These amazing photographs by Moyan_Brenn appear on Flickr.com.

Ravel Hotel - I Love NYC Sale! $99 per ROOM!

2012-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Seriously?! I had to double check on this one to make sure but yep, it's true! $99 per room, not per person - what a great deal!!

The gorgeous Ravel Hotel in Long Island City has it all - amazing views of the New York skyline, beautifully decorated boutique rooms, and phenomenal pricing!! Let's take a detailed look at two of their popular Love & Romance packages at the Ravel Hotel:

Ravel Hotel I LOVE NY Sale - Queen Deluxe accommodations for two - spacious room featuring a pillow top mattress, hypo allergenic down comforter, Egyptian cotton sheets, seating area, WI-FI, and more!! This great $99 per room rate also includes a complimentary Continental Breakfast!! The I Love NY Sale package at the Ravel Hotel is available now until March 31, 2012.

Ravel Hotel Romance Package - King or Queen Deluxe accommodations for two as above - and a scrumptious pre-fixe dinner for two (and the stunning views to be found) at their rooftop Penthouse 808 restaurant plus a bottle of champagne!! The $149 Romance Package at the Ravel Hotel is also available now until March 31, 2012.

For more information or to make your reservation (tell them Travel Writer sent you!), visit Ravel Hotel.

Cruise Ship Sinking in Italy

2012-01-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: January 26, 2012
16 passengers missing, 16 dead - Captain Schnettino Under House Arrest - Conversation with Italian Coast Guard Released:

What do you want to do, to go home, Schettino?! It's dark and you want to go home? Go to the bow of the ship where the ladder is and tell me what needs to be done, how many people there are, and what they need! Now!

In 2006, Costa Concordia was the largest ship to sail the waters of Europe and the Mediterranean. Transporting over 3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew members weekly, Costa Concordia sailed a 7-day itinerary from Rome (Italy) to ports of call including Savonna, Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari (Italy) and Palermo.

In 2012, on January 14, only a few hours after departure, Costa Concordia ran aground just off the shores of Isola del Giglio (Giglio Island) in Tuscany, Italy, with an internationally diverse group of passengers and crew onboard. The cruise ship crash produced a huge 164-foot tear in her port side.

Emergency procedures and evacuation of Costa Concordia were inhibited by the increasing slope and tilt of the ship as it sank further into the Italian waters. At the time of publication, it has been reported that 6 passengers are dead with an additional 29 passengers presumed missing. Though the Costa Concordia cruise ship sinking is eerily similar to that of the Titanic in 1912, the loss of life is less, although no less important.

Only one day later on January 15, 2012, Costa Cruises released the following statement in regards to the Costa Concordia accident:

"We are working with investigators to find out precisely what went wrong aboard the Costa Concordia. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications are that there may have been significant human error on the part of the ship’s master, Captain Francesco Schettino, which resulted in these grave consequences."

In a press conference held today, Costa Cruises further announced that Captain Francesco Schettino decided to change the intended route of the ship resulting in the Costa Concordia disaster at sea. Currently in jail, Captain Schettino will face a preliminary hearing tomorrow, January 17, 2012, in Italy. Also arrested was First Officer of Costa Concordia, Ciro Ambrosio.

In a bizarre twist to the Costa Concordia cruise ship sinking, it has been reported that sailing close to Giglio Island was something of a tradition. Apparently, as the home to the ship's maitre d', Antonello Tievoli, Costa Concordia would cruise by close to shore as a way of saying hello; it has been reported that Costa Concordia would sound her whistle as she passed by on many occasions.

Additionally, an apparent Facebook posting by Tevoli's sister, Patrizia, 30-minutes prior to the disaster, stated that the Costa Concordia would be passing by "really, really close".

The Costa Concordia cruise ship sinking in Italy is still under investigation. Those looking for assistance are invited to call Costa Cruises at 1-800-462-6782.

Red Bull Crashed Ice 2012

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

The exhilarating Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2012 is set to begin in St. Paul, MN, on January 13-14. Attracting participants from around the globe, this extreme sporting event is now in it’s 12^th year.

The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2012 is an ice cross downhill competition. What the heck is ice cross downhill? It’s like downhill skiing but instead they’re skating. Taker roller derby rivalry and add in some BMX jumps. Combine this with 500 young athletic adventure seekers from 30 countries, an 1,150-foot track with a 45° start ramp, and speeds reaching 44mph – this is ice cross downhill.

This exciting sport sends 4 skaters at a time onto the course where they ultimately want to finish first. The rules do not allow for physical contact between racers but many participants are involved in crashes and spills throughout the course. Of course, crashing during ice cross downhill is the same as fighting is to hockey.

After the St. Paul series, the Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2012 moves onto Valkenburg, Netherlands, for February 3-4; then to Aare, Sweden, on February 17-18; then back to it’s birthplace in Quebec City on March 16-17 where the final 64 competitors will compete in the finale.

Last years reigning champion, Arttu Pihlainen, will be defending his title in Quebec City where over 100,000 spectators are expected to attend. Ice cross downhill is a thrilling sport to watch, especially for anyone that’s a hockey fan. And, Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2012 finale spectators have the added bonus of being in beautiful, historical Quebec City – don’t miss visiting the Hotel de Glace or ice skating at Patinoire de la place d'Youville.

For more information, visit Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship 2012 and Quebec City Tourism.

Travel Writer: On Sale This Week!

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-08:00

Here are discounted winter trip deals and savings that have come my way - check out sale pricing on hotels, vacation packages, cruises, cars and Canadian travel on sale now - where you can save up to 50% off plus enter to win a Disney Cruise!!

Let's take a look:

Best Sellers!

Book your Flight + Hotel together & Save up to $500! - Expires 2/29/12

Warm Up This Winter! Up to 30% off select packages! - Expires 2/29/12

FREE upgrade at PH Towers Las Vegas! - Expires 1/31/12

Hotels!

Enjoy luxury Las Vegas suites at MGM Grand starting at $99 per night! - Expires 1/31/12

Get away to Atlantic City - Book your stay at the Trump Plaza Hotel & Casino from $34 per night! - Expires 1/31/12

Save up to 50% on your Caribbean Vacation Package! - Expires 1/31/2012

Vacation Packages!

Save up to 50% on your Caribbean Vacation Package! - Expires 1/31/2012

Book today & Save up to $500 on a 4-night 4-Day Disneyland Resort Vacation Package! - Expires 1/31/2012

Winter Vacation Packages!

Book your ski destination? save up to 30% on Colorado vacation rentals! - Expires 1/31/12

Escape the winter chill? book now while Jamaica hotels are half-price! - Expires 1/17/12

Book your ski destination? save up to 30% on Colorado vacation rentals! - Expires 1/31/12

Car Rentals!

Mid-Size SUV Special! 10% Discount at Dollar Rent-A-Car! - Expires 1/31/12

Canadian Winter Vacation Packages!

Expedia.ca: Escape Winter Sale! Book your vacation package with our Escape Winter Best Price Guarantee! - Expires 2/29/12

Expedia.ca: Up to 30% off hotels in Myrtle Beach! - Expires 2/29/12

Win A Disney Cruise!!

Expedia Fantasy Cruise Sweepstakes! Book now & Enter for your chance to win a Disney Cruise Line adventure aboard the newest ship - Disney Fantasy! - Expires 1/31/12

Flickr.com Photo Credits:

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort by PrincessAshley

Las Vegas: Welcome to Vegas Sign by WriterGal39
Ski Sequence by Ryan Oksenhom

Beautiful British Columbia Winter Fun & Street Skiing!

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

First, check out this very cool street skiing video shot in the Kootenays of BC - it's gone VIRAL!!

With 13 ski resorts to choose from, beautiful British Columbia, Canada, offers world-class skiing, boarding, and heli-skiing in waist-deep powder conditions.

But there's so much more to winter in BC than skiing! Let's take a look at these fun events throughout the province sure to create winter memories for years to come!

2012 Swatch Freeride and Freeskiing World Tour Revelstoke - January 4-11, 2012, Revelstoke
14th Annual Winter Okanagan Wine Festival - January 14-22, 2012, Sun Peaks Resort
Kokanee Snow Dreams Festival - January 28-29, 2012, Fernie Alpine Resort
The Dogtooth Dash Ski Mountaineering Race - February 11-12, 2012, Golden
2012 BC Winter Games - February 23-26, 2012, Vernon
Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest - February 24-27, 2012, Whitewater Ski Resort, Nelson
Big Whites at Big White - March 31, 2012, Kelowna
Telus World Ski & Snowboard Festival - April 13-22, 2012, Whistler

Up & Coming Travel Destinations for 2012

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I love to hear about up & coming travel destinations. Maybe they're places some of us have never heard of or maybe they're places we just haven't thought about visiting, yet.

Thanks to our friends over at TripAdvisor for their latest: 15 Destinations On The Rise - let's take a look!

Lagos, Portugal - with roots dating back to 2,000 B.C., the port of Lagos offers beautiful beaches and tons of historical architecture
Hua Hin, Thailand - tropical white sand beaches perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving
Tallinn, Estonia - the capital city of Estonia offers a contrast of Medieval Tallinn Old Town and modern hotels, shopping centers and restaurant
Moscow, Russia - who doesn't want to see the spiralling towers of St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square?!
Bucharest, Romania - known as 'little Paris", this picturesque city offers tree-lined streets and it's very own Arc of Triumph
Innsbruck, Austria - the Alps, the Imperial Palace, old world architecture, what more could you want?
Stockholm, Sweden - this truly beautiful city set upon 14 islands offers the historical Old Town, museums, parks, shopping and so much more
Cannes, France - this playground for the rich and famous offers free public beaches and gorgeous Mediterranean views
Turin, Italy - 18th century castle, the best Egyptian museum in the world, gardens, chocolate and delicious Italian cuisine
San Sebastian, Spain - perfect seaside location with two beaches, quaint shops and restaurants
Austin, Texas - this live music capital of the world was also voted the best place to live for several years running
Antigua, Guatemala- cobblestone streets and 16th century architecture give this city an Old World Colonial charm
Seminyak, Indonesia - boasting some of the most beautiful beaches on Bali, Seminyak offers a relaxing authentic Indonesian experience
Cape Town, South Africa - beaches, adventure, architecture, and the Table Mountain Cableway
Queenstown, New Zealand - parks, adventure, wineries, hiking, lakes, mountains and Mt. Aspiring National Park

And there you go, up & coming travel destinations for 2012!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Join the Mile High Dating Club

2011-12-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

I hate that dreaded feeling when you're boarding a flight not knowing who your seat mate might be...so you smile as you go down the aisle trying to identify your row way before you get there to size up the person you're going to be stuck with for the next five and a half hours.

Well, now there's an app for that. Well, not quite, but almost the same...KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has teamed up with Malaysia Airlines to offer seat mate selection. Yes, now you, too, can select your seat mate ahead of time by screening them on Facebook or LinkedIn.

The 'meet and seat' service is set to start in early 2012 but I'm totally on the fence on this one. What if the person is a stalker? What is the person is just damn creepy? Or on the other hand, what if this person is the love of your life?

And the big question, will there be a fee for this new service? I'm sure there will be. And the other big question, is this legal? What about privacy laws - wouldn't they be disclosing their own confidential passenger list?

Maybe it's just me but I'm thinking it might not be...what do you think? I'd love to hear your comments on this one ;)

Flickr.com Photo Credit:

Handsome Couple by born1945

Travel Writer Wishes You & Yours a Very

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Celebrate Christmas Around the World

2011-12-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The night before Christmas, or Christmas Eve as it’s widely known, produces a number of different traditions for children and families around the world.

In the U.S.A. and Canada, children go to bed early but leave cookies and milk by the Christmas tree for Santa to enjoy. After all, he’s on a long journey and will no doubt get hungry as he travels around the globe; plus he has to keep up his figure. Other North American traditions include the reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,’ watching Jimmy Stewart in ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ or singing Christmas carols.

In Austria and throughout the United Kingdom, children leave out a small glass of sherry and a mince pie for Santa. In Sweden, children leave brownies for Santa; in the Netherlands, they leave out carrots and hay to feed Santa’s hungry reindeer.

In Italy, a Christmas Eve meal is prepared (without any meat) and is followed by a visit to a live nativity scene, or maybe a bonfire, and then everyone attends midnight mass.

On Christmas Eve in Egypt, it is customary to wear a new outfit; in Japan, couples spend a romantic evening together or opt out and eat traditional Christmas cakes with their family.

Noche Bueno is Christmas Eve in Mexico where the family spends the day together, enjoys an evening meal, and then attends traditional midnight mass.

Watch about Origins of Santa Claus on History.com or track Santa on Christmas Eve!

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Thomas Ott

Take the Tacky Christmas Light Tour

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

It came from my Mother years ago, when on a cold winter's eve we bundled up in the car and drove off wide-eyed into the darkness looking for the most extravagant Christmas light displays we could find.

Now you,too, can follow this family fun tradition without having to leave the comfort of your own home with the Tacky Light Tour. Featuring, and I quote: 59,083,539 lights; 4,778 inflatables; and 1,362,302 animated scenes. Now that's something even Clark Griswald would be proud of.

Tacky Lights, visitors can also view (and upload their own photos) of Christmas Pets in full attire, Christmas Cubicles (for those enjoying holiday festivities at work), and my horror of all horrors, those tacky Christmas Sweaters.

Tacky Light Tour allows visitors to watch videos, see the latest uploaded photos, and view the most popular tacky lights. And before you drive off into the cold of the night, plan your route by searching your zip code or postal code to find the tackiest light shows near you.

For more information or to see the Tacky Lights for yourself, visit Tacky Light Tour.

Tacky Light Tour Photo Credits:2008 Picture submitted by Gary from Livonia, MIToth Extravaganza - submitted by Matthew from Fort Wayne, INXmas Picture - submitted by Catherine

Christmas Cuisine in Paris

2011-12-15T00:00:00.000-08:00

When it comes to French cuisine during the Christmas holiday season in Paris, the traditional Reveillon dinner celebration takes place at midnight on December 25 or December 31. A rather lengthy process, the dinner is meant to bring together family and friends while enjoying treasured delicacies not normally eaten throughout the rest of the year.

Several courses are served during a tradtional Reveillon dinner including an array of hors d'oeuvres with the likes of foie gras and puffs du fromage, followed by a simple vinaigrette salad, a rich soup like oyster, and then onto the main course consisting of entrees like stuffed poultry or even seafood.

For dessert, the French favor the traditional Yule log known as buche de Noel. It's made from a thin layer of pound cake smothered in butter cream icing that's rolled up and decorated to look like it came from an actual tree.

If you're lucky enough to be strolling the streets of Paris during Christmas, other holiday treats to look out for include mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and the newly released Beaujolais Nouveau wines of the season.

If you'd like to enjoy a traditional French Reveillon dinner closer to home, check out Travel Writer: Enjoy Christmas New Orleans Style!

Flickr.com Photo Credits:

Joyeuses Fetes... by Thomas Claveirole

Buche de Noel by bgreenlee

Christmas in Paris!

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

No matter how many times I cover this topic, I'm still amazed and awestruck every time I think about Christmas in Paris...so let's take another look!

The City of Lights truly lights up with sparkling holiday lights strung from tree to tree along the Champs-Elysees and even the Eiffel Tower get's it holiday adornment. From December 15, 2011, to January 31, 2012, visitors to the Eiffel Tower are invited to skate upon the first level of the icon, 57-metres above the streets of Paris.

More than 1,000 skaters enjoyed the Eiffel Tower ice rink each day during last year's run while more are expected during this holiday season. It's the perfect opportunity for romance or a memorable family outing. Enjoy the magnifique views of Paris while sipping a scrumptious hot chocolat or mulled wine avec cinnamon.

To plan your trip to the Eiffel Tower, visit La Tour Eiffel.

Christmas Shop 'Till You Drop!

2011-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Dreading Christmas holiday shopping? Make your trips to the mall much more bearable by taking in a little relaxing sun and sand along the way. Sunny Palm Beach & Boca Raton, Florida, offer tons of opportunities for gift shopping at boutiques, galleries, malls and more! You can truly Christmas shop 'till you drop! Let's take a look:

West Palm Beach:

Antique Row - over 40 stores within six blocks makes Antique Row the perfect treasure hunting experience for furniture, home decor and more!
CityPlace - located the downtown district, CityPlace is an open-air selection of over 100 stores including entertainment and dining venues - don't miss ice skating on the plaza!
Gardens Mall - this designer mall has it all! Saks Fifth Avenue & Lilly Pulitzer are a just two of the 160 stores showcased in this sleek modern shopping experience

Delray Beach:

Atlantic Avenue - stroll along the beautiful brick sidewalks teeming with palm trees as you shop at trendy boutiques for one of a kind items
Pineapple Grove - another selection of boutiques and galleries featuring handmade items and chic cafes

Palm Beach:

Worth Avenue - as the Rodeo Drive of the east coast, Worth Avenue lives up to it's name by offering up the likes of Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada and more!

Boca Raton:

Downtown Boca Raton - here local shops combine with big name designers for the ultimate shopping experience; favorites include shopping at Royal Palm Place and Mizner Park

Flickr.com Photo Credits:

Untitled by kleesohn (Worth Avenue, Palm Beach)

Horse Parking by dcwriterdawn

Movie Buffs on Location in England

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Are you a fan of Harry Potter? Or perhaps Jane Austen is more your style? Or maybe it's Tim Burton. Anyway you like it, if you're a movie buff and planning a trip to England, the National Trust has you covered.

Since 1895 and as a volunteer organization, the goal of England's National Trust has been to protect England's treasures ranging from historic houses to nature reserves and everything in between.

On the National Trust's brand new website, it's as easy as clicking 1-2-3 where you'll have access to either a complete list or a downloadable Movie Map of England. Plan your itinerary to view the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland (filmed at Antony House in Torpoint, Cornwall) or discover Mr. Bingley's house in Pride & Prejudice (filmed at Basildon Park in Reading, Berkshire).

There's additional information on the filming locations of Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood along with the Harry Potter series and more!

For more information, visit National Trust.

Flickr.com Photo Credit:

Antony - National Trust House in Cornwall by HeatherOnHerTravels

Boutique Travel: Check Into Room Mate Hotels!

2011-12-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

The concept is simple - treat a hotel guest as if they were staying with a good friend. Make them comfortable, pamper them with great amenities in the perfect location, give them personal suggestions of local places to visit and sights to see, and you've got Room Mate Hotels.

With 15 locations around the world and two in the U.S. - Grace in New York and the new Waldorf in Miami Beach - the concept of Room Mate Hotels has more than caught on.

Let's take a look at Room Mate Grace in New York to see what she has to offer:

continental breakfast until noon
complimentary WI-FI
live DJ music in the lounge 5 nights a week
concierge service
complimentary apples at the front desk

And now onto Room Mate Waldorf in Miami Beach that includes all of the above plus:

VIP tickets to Miami Beach clubs
booking for guided tours
24-hour reception
local reservation for cars, tickets, and taxis

Sexy Prices offer up to a 20% discount on Early Bookings while Sexy Plans offer a Romance, Wedding, Business or Party package to choose from.

For more information or to make your reservation, visit Room Mate Hotels.

Alternative Accommodations for this Holiday Season

2011-11-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Are you planning to take a well-deserved vacation over the holidays? But maybe a more economical and interesting nearcation instead of a vacation abroad?

Ranging from a dome home in Sedona to a Scottish castle in Murphy, these holiday vacation options will be sure to please and entertain everyone in your family.

Thanks to our friends over at TripAdvisor, here are their Top 10 Suggestions for Quirky Holiday Rentals in the U.S. Let's take a look!

My Sedona Place, Sedona, AZ
1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, VA
Castle McKenzie, Murphy, NC
Barn on the Pond, Woodstock, NY
Volcano Tree House, Kilauea Volcano, HI
Little Red Caboose, Oakhurst, CA
Castle in Hawaii, Pahoa, HI
The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, MA
Apple Treehouse, Bozeman, MT
Pegasus Houseboat, Philadelphia, PA

TripAdvisor Image of Volcano Tree House, Kilauea Volcano, HI

Sandals & Beaches Cyber Monday Exclusive One Day Sale!!

2011-11-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

CYBER MONDAY EXCLUSIVE SALE!

Sandals and Beaches Resorts offers:

SAVE up to 65% OFF!

SAVE up to $175 Spa Credits!

SAVE up to 2 Nights FREE!

SAVE up to $250 Airfare Credit!

and more at select Sandals Resorts.

Beaches guests can:

SAVE up to 65% OFF!

SAVE up to 2 Nights FREE!

SAVE up to $250 Airfare Credit!

and more at select Beaches Resorts.

Hurry!! This One Day Sale
starts November 28, 2011 at midnight!

Enjoy Christmas New Orleans Style!

2011-11-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Twinkling lights, familiar rhythms of holiday carols, the comforting smell of pralines in the air, this could only be Christmas New Orleans style. Why not consider spending Christmas or part of December in the Crescent City where you can take advantage of great discounts on accommodations, enjoy holiday musical events, extraordinary Christmas shopping plus the amazing traditional French Reveillon menus. As New Orleans says, “Give yourself a Christmas Bonus, Baby!!”

Let’s start with the deeply discounted accommodations available in New Orleans during the holiday season. Papa Noel room rates are available within many New Orleans districts starting as low as USD $59 per night at the French Market Inn, $79 at the Andrew Jackson Hotel or $99 at the Grand Dame of the French Quarter – the Hotel Monteleone where guests can enjoy a number of festive events during the hotel’s most favorite times of the years. If you’re interested the Arts District, try the W New Orleans from $99 or the JW Marriott New Orleans from $139.

Fun holiday events for the entire family in the French Quarter include:

Chefs' Holiday Cooking Demonstrations  at Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré, December 1-23 
French Market Holiday Caroling, December 4
Candlelight Tour of Historic Homes & Landmarks, December 9
Monte the Lion’s Children’s Party at the Hotel Monteleone, Dec 10 & 17
Merry Fishmas at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Dec 18 & 19
Caroling in Jackson Square, December 19
Christmas Eve at the St. Louis Cathedral, December 24

Of course, amongst the streets glowing with twinkling Christmas lights is the fantastic shopping found in the French Quarter – stop for a beignet and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde before visiting the French Market or head over to the Shops at Canal Place or Riverwalk Marketplace. Once you’ve covered the downtown area, be sure to visit Julia Street, St. Charles Avenue, and Magazine Street, for more great shopping.

Reveillon Dinners are a French tradition featuring time-honored Creole cuisine all with a prix fix menu serving four or sometimes five courses in total. With prices ranging from USD $38-95, patrons can sample delectable Creole delights like appetizers of Turtle Soup; classic Reveillon salad with Blue Cheese, walnuts, Louisiana Citrus and Cranberry Pesto; entrees of Crispy Duck with Red Currants; and desserts like White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Eggnog Creme Brulee.

For more information on spending Christmas in New Orleans, visit New Orleans Online.

New Cruise Ships on the Horizon for 2012

2011-11-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Mega-ships abound, some of the latest ships to sail the seas in 2011 are capable of carrying a small town with another small town of crew to look after them. But don’t be intimidated, there’s enough room and activities onboard so that you’ll never have to run into your neighbors.

Let's take a look at some of the new ships to be cruising the seas in 2012.

Carnival Breeze - June 2012 - sailing the Mediterranean & Caribbean carrying 3,690 passengers
Celebrity Reflection - October 2012 - inaugural sailing Europe & Mediterranean featuring AquaClass staterooms with private balconies and 3,030 passengers
Costa Fascinosa - May 2012 - Europe & Mediterranean sailings accommodating 3,012 guests onboard
Disney Fantasy - March 2012 - almost 40% larger than the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic with a capacity of only 2,500 passengers for a nice family experience

Image Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises