LastBash

Golf Magazine's Premier Resorts in North America 2012-2013

2012-02-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

Twenty-four years after Golf Magazine began ranking the game’s greatest resorts, a true pioneer has reached the summit. Our new No. 1 resort in North America is Oregon’s Bandon Dunes, the realized vision of Mike Keiser.

The golf purist dreamed of simple, perfect, public-access golf, with accommodations to match. According to the 7,252 votes cast at Golf.com, he delivered.!

GOLF Magazine’s #1 Resort in North America

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Bandon, Oregon

GOLF Magazine Platinum Award Winners

The American Club - Kohler, Wisconsin
The Broadmoor - Colorado Springs, Colorado
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu - Kailua-Kona, Big Island, Hawaii
Four Seasons Reort Lana'i at Manele Bay - Lana'i City, Lana'i, Hawaii
The Greenbrier - White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Pebble Beach Resorts - Pebble Beach, California
Pinehurst Resort - Pinehurt, North Carolina
Sea Island Resort - Sea Island, Georgia

GOLF Magazine Gold Award Winners

The Boulders Resort - Carefree, Arizona
The Breakers - Palm Beach, Florida
Casa de Campo - La Romana, Dominican Republic
CordeValle - San Martin, California
Fairmont Banff Springs - Banff, Alberta, Canada
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Four Seasons Resort & Club Dallas at Las Colinas - Irving, Texas
Four Seasons Resort Lana'i, Lodge at Koele - Lana'i City, Lana'i, Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea - Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita - Nayarit, Mexico
Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North - Scottsdale, Arizona
Grand View Lodge - Nisswa, Minnesota
The Homestead - Hot Springs, Virginia
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa - San Antonio, Texas
La Costa Resort and Spa - Carlsbad, California
One&Only Ocean Club/Atlantis - Paradise Island, The Bahamas
One&Only Palmilla - Los Cabos, Mexico
Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain - Marana, Arizona (Top Newcomer)
Ritz-Carlton, Naples/Tiburon - Naples, Florida
Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall/White Witch - St. James, Jamaica
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua - Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation - Greensboro, Georgia
St. Regis Princeville - Princevill, Kauai, Hawaii
Sea Pines Resort - Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Wynn Las Vegas - Las Vegas, Nevada

To see Golf Magazine's list of Silver Award Winners, click here. With environmental awareness now an important aspect of course management, Golf Magazine also put together a list of Green Resort Award Winners.

If you are planning your next golf trip, be sure to check out LastBash's 50 Best Golf Destinations.

Book your trip to these great courses with Expedia risk free!

Announcing the LastBash Beta Release

2012-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00

Don't just throw an ordinary party... Plan the ultimate bash!

Have you ever had to coordinate a bachelor/bachelorette party or a group trip with your friends? Then surely you know how frustrating the planning process is - dealing with long, convoluted email chains; managing everybody's likes and dislikes; keeping headcounts for various activities; scrambling for reservations and so on. We've been there too. That is why we've been hard at work designing and developing an application to help you organize these types of bashes without any of the headaches and with a lot more fun. After months of tinkering, we're excited to announce the beta release of LastBash (go to www.lastbash.com).

LastBash: What is it?

LastBash is a resource for planning and organizing group trips with your friends, from bachelor and bachelorette parties to girls' and guys' getaways (and everything in between). In addition to the event details and RSVP functionality of a traditional invitation website, LastBash is a private social network that also offers you the ability to:

Discuss and collaborate on ideas for the bash and reconnect with friends
Manage multiple activities across multiple days with RSVP capability for each activity
Get tips and recommendations on the best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, activities and more on select top getaway destinations.

Stay Tuned. There's More To Come!

As excited as we are to share the beta version of LastBash with you, we've only scratched the surface of what is to come. We will continue to release more features for the site in the coming months to make it that much easier and more fun for you to orgranize an incredible bash.

In the meantime, please give LastBash a spin and let us know what you think. Drop us an email at feedback@lastbash.com with your suggestions, questions or even bash stories (whether amazing or nightmarish) so we can make LastBash even better for you!

Thanks!

The LastBash Team

48 Fun Hours - Suggested Itineraries for a Bachelorette Party in Las Vegas

2011-12-17T21:58:00.000-08:00

In case you missed our last post, we are starting a new series that provides sample itineraries to help you figure out the best plan of action for your bachelor or bachelorette parties – one for the go all out crowd and another seeking for a better fun vs. price ratio. This week it is the ladies’ turn for your fun in the Las Vegas sun. Enjoy!

ON THE SPLURGE

FRIDAY EVENING
Check-in to Wynn Las Vegas.
Impeccable French cuisine at Alex to refuel.
Flirt with the crowd at TAO Nightclub .

SATURDAY MORNING
Pamper yourselves at The Spa at Encore Las Vegas - you deserve it!

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Modern Japanese at Nobu Las Vegas .
Check out the pool party at Skybar or take a helicopter tour for an amazing view over Las Vegas.

SATURDAY EVENING
Bradley Ogden or Michael Mina? If only every dinner decision is this much fun....
Heat up the scene at HAZE or XS.
"Extra-Curricular" Activity – Bachelorette’s choice!

SUNDAY MORNING
Champagne & Caviar at Sterling Brunch.

FOR THE VALUE-CONSCIOUS

FRIDAY EVENING
Check-in to ARIA Resort & Casino.
Some homey French fare at Bouchon.
Catching up time with the ladies over cocktails at Bond or The Chandelier .

SATURDAY MORNING
Indulge in a massage + mani/pedi at Bathhouse Spa.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Sushi with a Latin flair at at Sushi Samba.
Check out the pool party at at Liquid Pool Lounge.

SATURDAY EVENING
Seafood with a Creole twist at Emeril's New Orleans Fish House.
Shake it up at Perfecto.
"Extra-Curricular" Activity – Bachelorette choice!

SUNDAY MORNING
Brunch Buffett at the Bellagio.

Have a better itinerary for us to post? Feel free to contact us or post a comment below!

Book your trip to Las Vegas with Expedia risk free!

48 Fun Hours - Suggested Itineraries for a Bachelor Party in Las Vegas

2011-12-06T11:29:00.001-08:00

Organizing a weekend for a group of super-charged dudes is no easy task, as many of you who've planned a guys' trip would concur. That’s why we have decided to start a new series that provides sample itineraries to give you a leg up as you figure out the best schedule for your pals – one for the go all out crowd and another seeking for a better fun vs. price ratio. We kick off the series with Las Vegas for the Bachelors. Enjoy!

ON THE SPLURGE

FRIDAY EVENING
Check-in to THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.
Head to Daniel Boulud Brasserie to refuel.
Try your luck at the blackjack tables or get a table at the nightclub Rain.

SATURDAY MORNING
Tee Time at Rio Secco Golf Club or fulfill your need for speed at the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Well-earned lunch at Scarpetta.
Scope out the afternoon dayclub party scene at Marquee.
Quick powernap for the evening…

SATURDAY EVENING
Feast on excellent steak at CUT.
LAX to JET to Moon - maybe hit all three clubs if feeling ambitious.
"Extra-Curricular" Activity as decided by the Bachelor…

SUNDAY MORNING
Brunch with buddies before heading home.

FOR THE VALUE-CONSCIOUS

FRIDAY EVENING
Check-in to MGM Grand.
Enjoy some modern Mexican fare at Dos Caminos.
Try your luck at the balckjack tables or a grab some drinks at ghostbar.

SATURDAY MORNING
Tee Time at Boulder Creek Golf Club or fulfill your need for speed at Fast Lap Indoor Kart Racing.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Enjoy some hearty cooking and fresh brews at Hofbrauhaus.
Take a dip and sip on some drinks at The Beach at Mandalay Bay.
Quick powernap for the evening…

SATURDAY EVENING
Sample some of the best New York Strip and Filet Mignon at Smith & Wollensky.
Live music at Foundation Room or the House of Blues.
"Extra-Curricular" Activity as decided by the Bachelor…

SUNDAY MORNING
Brunch with buddies before heading home

Have a better itinerary for us to post? Feel free to contact us or post a comment below!

Book your trip to Las Vegas with Expedia risk free!

Golf Digest's Top 25 Golf Courses in Las Vegas

2011-11-10T09:41:00.001-08:00

Sin City is home to 52 golf courses. Golf Digest polled its panelists, more than 1,000 avid golders, to come up with the top 25 golf courses in Las Vegas.

1. SHADOW CREEK (Public / Tom Fazio)
2. CASCATA (Public / Rees Jones)
3. SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS (Private / Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Jr.)
4. THE G.C. AT SOUTH SHORE (Private* / Jack Nicklaus)
5. WYNN LAS VEGAS (Public / Tom Fazio and Steve Wynn)
6. LAS VEGAS PAIUTE GOLF RESORT (WOLF) (Public / Pete Dye)
7. RIO SECCO G.C. (Public / Rees Jones)
8. TPC SUMMERLIN (Private / Bobby Weed)
9. PRIMM VALLEY G.C. (LAKES) (Public / Tom Fazio)
10. PRIMM VALLEY G.C. (DESERT) (Public / Tom Fazio)
11. TPC LAS VEGAS (Public / Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd)
12. LAS VEGAS PAIUTE GOLF RESORT (SUN MOUNTAIN) (Public / Pete Dye)
13. DRAGONRIDGE C.C. (Private / Jay Morrish and David Druzisky)
14. THE LAS VEGAS C.C. (Private / Ed Ault and Mark Rathert)
15. LAS VEGAS PAIUTE GOLF RESORT (SNOW MOUNTAIN) (Public / Pete Dye)
16. SPANISH TRAIL C.C. (Private / Robert Trent Jones Jr.)
17. BEAR'S BEST LAS VEGAS (Public / Jack Nicklaus)
18. ANTHEM C.C. (Private / Hale Irwin and Keith Foster)
19. RED ROCK C.C. (Private / Arnold Palmer)
20. BALI HAI G.C. (Public / Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley)
21. CANYON GATE C.C. (Private / Ted Robinson)
22. ARROYO G.C. AT RED ROCK (Public / Arnold Palmer)
23. THE REVERE G.C. (LEXINGTON) (Public / Billy Casper and Greg Nash)
24. BOULDER CREEK G.C. (Public / Mark Rathert)
25. ROYAL LINKS G.C. (Public / Dye International)

To see the remain Las Vegas golf courses, click here.

For ideas on restaurants, hotels, nightlife, spas and other activities, click here.

2011 Top U.S. Golf Courses for the Public

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

We hope all of you have had a great summer. With only a few weeks left to head to the tees for this golf season, we think it is timely to present GOLF Magazine’s top US courses for 2011. However, instead simply listing the courses in its entirety, we figured we would go one step further to filter the list to ones that the public can actually play. Enjoy!

GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the U.S. (Open to the Public):

5. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
10. Pinehurst Resort – Pinehurst, North Carolina
11. Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon, Oregon
21. The Black Course at Bethpage State Park – Farmingdale, New York
26. Straits Course, Whistling Straits – Haven, Wisconsin
27. Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
29. TPC at Sawgrass – Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida
32. Bandon Dunes, Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon, Oregon
45. Harbour Town Golf Links – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
49. Chambers Bay Golf Course – University Place, Washington
52. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach, California
54. Bandon Trails, Bandon Dunes Resort – Bandon, Oregon
60. Shadow Creek Golf Course – Las Vegas, Nevada
66. Pasatiempo Golf Club – Santa Cruz, California
67. Torrey Pines Golf Course – La Jolla, California
89. Cog Hill Golf and Country Club – Lemont, Illinois
90. World Woods Golf Club – Brooksville, Florida

Want to try you luck to get on the private courses? Click here for the entire ranking and list in more detail.

Book your trip to these great courses with Expedia risk free!

Best of Las Vegas (Updated)

2011-08-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

Visit our latest Las Vegas City Guide where you can check out the latest and greatest that the Sin City has to offer!

As we continue to revamp our best of lists for other cities in the coming weeks, be sure to come back and visit to see the newest hot spots.

Book your next trip to Las Vegas with Expedia

Best of Las Vegas Guide

Hotels	Golf
Restaurants	Spa & Beauty
Nightlife	Activities

Worst Airports in the U.S.

2011-07-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

In response to requests by our loyal readers, below is a list of the worst airports to travel through in the U.S., courtesy of J.D. Power and Associates, as a follow-up to our last post. As many of you most likely just traveled through these airports for July 4th Holiday, let us know if you agree or disagree!

The 15 Worst Airports in the US

15. Bradley International (BDL) – Windsor Locks, CT. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
14. Reno/Tahoe International (RNO) – Reno, NV. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
13. Dallas Love Field (DAL) – Dallas, TX. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
12. San Antonio International (SAT) – San Antonio, TX. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
11. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY) – New Orleans, LA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
10. Mineta San Jose International (SJC) – San Jose, CA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
9. Washington Dulles International (IAD) – Chantilly, VA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
8. Boston Logan International (BOS) – Boston, MA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
7. LaGuardia International (LGA) – New York, NY. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
6. Chicago O'Hare (ORD) – Chicago, IL. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
5. John F. Kennedy International (JFK) – New York, NY. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
4. Philadelphia International (PHL) – Philadelphia, PA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
3. Miami International (MIA) – Miami, FL. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
2. Los Angeles International (LAX) – Los Angeles, CA. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2
1. Newark Liberty International (EWR) – Newark, NJ. Overall Satisfaction Score: 2

Book your next trip with Expedia

Best Airports in the World

2011-06-23T07:20:00.000-07:00

This week we would like to present you with a list of the best airports in the world, courtesy of Skytrax. First off, it is unfortunate to note that no US airports made the list this year. In fact, the top award in North America actually goes to our neighbor up north in Vancouver (YVR).

Having flown through many of these airports, I can attest that a few are actually quite a destination in itself. For example, did you know that there is a 9-hole golf course at the Hong Kong International Airport, or a world class museum at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport? You will actually want to arrive 3 hours early so that you can shop, dine, and enjoy all the amenities these airports have to offer!

Top 10 Airports in the World

10. Copenhagen Airport (CPH) - Special awards: Best Airport for Baggage Delivery (#2)
9. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) - Special awards: Best Airport Immigration Service (#1)
8. Auckland International Airport (AKL) - Special awards: Airport Staff Excellence Australia/Pacific (#3)
7. Zurich Airport (ZRH) - Special awards: Best Baggage Delivery (#1) and Best Terminal Cleanliness (#2)
6. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) - Best Airport Leisure Amenities (#3) and Best Airport For International Travel (#3)
5. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - Special awards: Best Airport Immigration Service (#2)
4. Munich Airport (MUC) - Special awards: Best Airport Leisure Amenities (#2) and Best Airport Dining (#3)
3. Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN) - Special awards: Best International Transit Airport (#2), Best Airport Security Processing (#3), Best Airport Cleanliness (#1), and Best Airport Washrooms (#2)
2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) - Special awards: Best Airport Leisure Amenities (#1), Best Airport Shopping (#2), Best International Transit Airport (#1), and Best Airport Dining (#3)
1. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) - Special awards: Best Airport Washrooms (#3) and Best Airport Dining (#3)

Traveled through one of these airports before? Let us know what you think!

Book your next trip with Expedia

Ten Can't Miss Hiking Trails in the U.S.

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

In honor of National Trails Day, the National Parks Foundation and outdoor gear company Merrell announced their ten "can't miss" hikes for the summer. These trails are intended to appeal to both expert and casual trekkers. Time to get yourself out there to enjoy the beautiful summer this year!

1. Painted Desert Rim Trail (1 Mile) - Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona
2. Wapama Falls (5 Miles) - Yosemite National Park, California
3. Rim Rock Nature Trail (1 Mile) - Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
4. Turtle Mound Trail (.3 Miles) - Canaveral National Seashore, Florida
5. General Bragg Trail (5 Miles) - Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Georgia
6. Interdune Boardwalk (650 Yards) - White Sands National Park, New Mexico
7. Canyons Trail (3.5 Miles) - Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
8. Dog Canyon Trail (4 Miles) - Big Bend National Park, Texas
9. Andrews Bald Trail (3.5 Miles) - Great Smokey Mountains, Tennessee
10. Ocean Path Trail (4 Miles) - Acadia National Park, Maine

Hiked one of these trails before? Let us know what you think!

Book your next trip with Expedia

Safest Airlines in the World

2011-05-24T13:11:00.000-07:00

Following-up on our prior blog, we thought we would go the extra mile to provide you with a list of the safest airlines in the world. Planning that overseas trip has just gotten safer…

10. Cathay Pacific – Hong Kong
9. TAP Portugal – Portugal
8. Aerolineas Argentinas – Argentina
7. Air New Zealand – New Zealand
6. Aer Lingus – Ireland
5. Finnair – Finland
4. Qantas – Australia
3. All Nippon Airways – Japan
2. Air Canada – Canada
1. British Airways – England

Want more details on the rankings? Visit AskMen for more detail.

Book your next flight with Expedia

Safest Airlines in the US

2011-05-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you expert travelers probably already know that airline travel is one of the safest mode of transportation out there. Having said that, we believe in giving our readers extra margin of safety, hence this list of the safest airlines in the United States.

These 8 airlines have the lowest percentage of incidents in 2010. So the next time you fly, it might be worthwhile to go with one of these operators, all else being equal.

8. JetBlue – Chances of an Incident: 0.00776%

7. American – Chances of an Incident: 0.00701%

6. United – Chances of an Incident: 0.00407%

5. Delta– Chances of an Incident: 0.00386%

4. Continental – Chances of an Incident: 0.00260%

3. US Airways – Chances of an Incident: 0.00212%

2. Southwest – Chances of an Incident: 0.00203%

1. AirTran – Chances of an Incident: 0.00196%

Want more information on the rankings? Visit USNews for more detail.

Book your next flight with Expedia

San Pellegrino World's Top 100 Restaurants (Part 2)

2011-05-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

Below is the 2nd half of our two part series on San Pellegrino’s 2011 ranking of the world’s best restaurants.

So which country is the most delicious according to the team at San Pellegrino? Click on to see which country took the crown this year!

Countries with restaurants listed in this year’s list:

15 out of 100 – United States
13 out of 100 – France
10 out of 100 – United Kingdom
8 out of 100 – Spain
7 out of 100 – Italy
5 out of 100 – Germany
4 out of 100 – Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden
3 out of 100 – Brazil, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Africa
2 out of 100 – Belgium, Mexico, Netherland, Peru, Switzerland
1 out of 100 – Austria, Denmark, Finland, India, Portugal

#51-#100 (you can click here for the first 50).

51. Quique Dacosta – Denia, Spain
52. Mathias Dahlgren – Stockholm, Sweden
53. Attica – Melbourne, Australia
54. De Karmeliet – Bruges, Belgium
55. Les Amis – Singapore
56. The French Laundry – Yountville, United States
57. Frantzen/Lindeberg – Stockholm, Sweden
58. Tetsuya’s – Sydney, Australia
59. Fasano – Sao Paulo, Brazil
60. Hakkasan – London, United Kingdom
61. Rust en Vrede – Cape Town, South Africa
62. Jean Georges – New York, United States
63. Oaxen Krog – Hölö, Sweden
64. Bo Innovation – Hong Kong, China
65. momofuku ko – New York, United States
66. Zuma – London, United Kingdom
67. Maison Plc – Valence, France
68. Mirazur – Menton, France
69. Manresa – Los Gator, United States
70. Marque – Surry Hills, Australia
71. Fäviken – Järpen, Sweden
72. L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon – Hong Kong, China
73. Die Schwarzwaldstube – Baiersbronn, Germany
74. Mani – Sao Paulo, Brazil
75. COI – San Francisco, United States
76. Caprice – Hong Kong, China
77. nahm – London, United Kongdom
78. La Grenouillère– Montreuil-sur-Mer, France
79. Vila Joya – Albufeira, Portugal
80. Tantris – Munich, Germany
81. wd-50 – New York, United States
82. La Colombe – Cape Town, South Africa
83. Semifreddo – Moscow, Russia
84. Le Gavroche – London, United Kingdom
85. The Bazaar by Jose Andres – Beverly Hills, United States
86. La Pergola – Rome, Italy
87. Malabar – Lima, Peru
88. Gäste Haus Klaus Erfort – Saarbrücken, Germany
89. Bar Boulud – London, United Kingdom
90. Kitcho Arashiyama – Kyoto, Japan
91. Blue Hill at Stone Barns – Tarrytown, United States
92. Wasabi – Mumbai, India
93. Sant Pau – Sant Pol de Mar, Spain
94. Akelare – San Sebastian, Spain
95. Masa – New York, United States
96. Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley – London, United Kingdom
97. Le Meurice – Paris, France
98. L'Arnsbourg – Baerenthal, France
99. Chaika – Moscow, Russia
100. Andre – Singapore

Want more information on any of the restaurants listed above? Click here for the entire ranking and list in more detail.

Book your trip to these great restaurants with Expedia risk free!

San Pellegrino's Top 100 Restaurants in the World (Part 1)

2011-04-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

San Pellegrino has released its much anticipated 2011 ranking of the world’s top 100 restaurants. For Food Nerds like us this is exciting news as the list is as highly regarded as the more well known Michelin or Zagat guides.

There has been a lot of movements in this year’s list - we have broken the entire list into a two-part series so you won’t over indulge your appetite in one sitting. Click on to see if your favorite has made it into the top 50 this year and be sure to check back next week for the next 50.

1. noma – Copenhagen, Denmark
2. El Celler De Can Roca – Girona, Spain
3. Mugaritz – Errenteria, Spain
4. Osteria Francescana – Modena, Italy
5. The Fat Duck – Berkshire, UK
6. Alinea – Chicago, United States
7. D.O.M. – Sao Paulo, Brazil
8. Arzak – San Sebastian, Spain
9. Le Chateaubriand – Paris, France
10. Per Se – New York, United States
11. Daniel – New York, United States
12. Les Creations de Narisawa – Tokyo, Japan
13. L’Astrance – Paris, France
14. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon – Paris, France
15. Hof Van Cleve – Kruishoutem, Belgium
16. Pierre Gagnaire – Paris, France
17. Oud Sluis – Sluis, Holland
18. Le Bernardin – New York, United States
19. L’Arpege – Paris, France
20. Nihonryori RyuGin – Tokyo, Japan
21. Vendome – Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
22. Steirereck – Vienna, Austria
23. Schloss Schauenstein – Fürstenau, Switzerland
24. Eleven Madison Park – New York, United States
25. Aqua – StadtBrücke, Germany
26. Quay – Sydney, Australia
27. Iggy’s – Singapore
28. Combal Zero – Piemonte, Italy
29. Martin Berasategui – San Sebastian, Spain
30. Bras – Laguiole, France
31. Biko – Mexico City, Mexico
32. Le Calandre – Padua, Italy
33. Cracco – Milan, Italy
34. The Ledbury – London, United Kingdom
35. Chez Dominique – Helsinki, Finland
36. Le Quartier Français – Western Cape, South Africa
37. Amber – Hong Kong, China
38. Dal Pescatore – Mantova, Italy
39. Il Canto – Siena, Italy
40. momofuku ssäm bar – New York, United States
41. St John – London, United Kingdom
42. Astrid Y Gaston – Lima, Peru
43. Hibiscus – London, United Kingdom
44. Maison Troisgros – Roanne, France
45. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee – Paris, France
46. De Librije – Zwolle, Netherlands
47. Restaurant de l'Hotel De Ville – Crissier, Switzerland
48. Varvary – Moscow, Russia
49. Pujol – Mexico City, Mexico
50. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain

Can’t wait and want to see the next 50 listings now? You can click here for the entire list now.

Book your travel to these great restaurants on Expedia with risk free cancellation policy.

Golf Digest's 101 Greatest Courses in America

2011-04-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Without further ado, we present you the greatest golf courses that America has to offer. The 2011 list is slightly different as it lists 101 courses since the team at Golf Digest just could not limit themselves to a round 100 this time around.

For you golf enthusiasts, see if you can guess the top 3 courses this year before clicking through. (hint: they are in New Jersey, New York, and Georgia, though not necessarily in that order…).

1. Augusta National Golf Club – August, Georgia
2. Pine Valley Golf Club– Pine Valley, New Jersey
3. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York
4. Oakmont Country Club – Oakmont, Pennsylvania
5. Cypress Point Club– Pebble Beach, California
6. Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California
7. Merion Golf Club (East) – Ardmore, Pennsylvania
8. Winged Foot Golf Club (West) – Mamaroneck, New York
9. Sand Hills Golf Club – Mullen, Nebraska
10. National Golf Links of America – Southampton, New York
11. Fishers Island Club – Fishers Island, New York
12. Crystal Downs Country Club – Frankfort, Michigan
13. Seminole Golf Club – Juno Beach, Florida
14. The Alotian Club – Roland, Arkansas
15. Pacific Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
16. The Country Club (Clyde/Squirrel) – Brookline, Massachusetts
17. Chicago Golf Club – Wheaton, Illinois
18. Whistling Straits (Straits) – Haven, Wisconsin
19. Muirfield Village Golf Club – Dublin, Ohio
20. Wade Hampton Golf Club – Cashiers, North Carolina
21. Oak Hill Country Club (East) – Rochester, New York
22. Riviera Country Club – Pacific Palisades, California
23. Medinah Country Club (No.3) – Medinah, Illinois
24. Oakland Hills Country Club (South) –Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
25. Prairie Dunes Country Club – Hutchinson, Kansas
26. The Ocean Course – Kiawah Island, South Carolina
27. The Olympic Club – San Francisco, California
28. Bandon Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
29. Castle Pines Golf Club – Castle Rock, Colorado
30. The Honors Course – Ooltewah, Tennessee
31. Shadow Creek Golf Course – North Las Vegas, Nevada
32. Baltursol Golf Club – Springfield, New Jersey
33. San Francisco Golf Club – San Francisco, California
34. Friar’s Head Golf Club – Baiting Hollow, New York
35. Victoria National Golf Club – Newburgh, Indiana
36. Bethpage State Park (Black) – Farmingdale, New York
37. Pinehurst Resort (No.2) – Pinehurst, North Carolina
38. Southern Hills Country Club – Tulsa, Oklahoma
39. Canyata Golf Club – Marshall, Illinois
40. The Golf Club – New Albany, Ohio
41. TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium) – Ponte Vedra Beach
42. The Golf Club at Black Rock – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
43. Peachtree Golf Club – Atlanta, Georgia
44. Sebonack Golf Club – Southampton, New York
45. Pete Dye Golf Club – Bridgeport, West Virginia
46. Kinloch Golf Club – Manakin-Sabot, Virginia
47. Los Angeles Country Club – Los Angeles, California
48. Eagle Point Golf Club – Wilmington, North Carolina
49. Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club – Arcadia, Michigan
50. Sahalee Country Club – Sammamish, Washington
51. Interlachen Country Club – Edina, Minnesota
52. Spyglass Hill Golf Course – Pebble Beach, California
53. Garden City Golf Club – Garden City, New York
54. Butler National Golf Club – Oak Brook, Illinois
55. Laurel Valley Golf Club – Ligonier, Pennsylvania
56. Inverness Club – Toledo, Ohio
57. Milwaukee Country Club – River Hills, Wisconsin
58. Rich Harvest Links – Sugar Grove, Illinois
59. Dallas National Golf Club – Dallas, Texas
60. Olympia Fields Country Club (North) – Olympia Fields, Illinois
61. East Lake Golf Club – Atlanta, Georgia
62. The Estancia Club – Scottsdale, Arizona
63. Bandon Trails – Bandon, Oregon
64. Double Eagle Club – Galena, Ohio
65. Kittansett Club – Marion, Massachusetts
66. Scioto Country Club – Columbus, Ohio
67. Cherry Hills Country Club – Cherry Hills Village, Colorado
68. The Preserve Golf Club – Carmel, California
69. Sycamore Hills Golf Club – Fort Wayne, Indiana
70. Forest Highlands Golf Club (Canyon) – Flagstaff, Arizona
71. Blackwolf Run (River) – Kohler, Wisconsin
72. Shoal Creek Golf Course – Shoal Creek, Alabama
73. The Quarry at La Quinta – La Quinta, California
74. Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club – Cashiers, North Carolina
75. Flint Hills National Golf Club – Andover, Kansas
76. Plainfield Country Club – Plainfield, New Jersey
77. Congressional Country Club (Blue) – Bethesda, Maryland
78. Aronimink Golf Club – Newton Square, Pennsylvania
79. Calusa Pines Golf Club – Naples, Florida
80. Monterey Peninsula Country Club – Pebble Beach, California
81. Sage valley Golf Club – Graniteville, South Carolina
82. Mayacama Golf Club – Santa Rosa, California
83. Hudson National Golf Club – Croton-on-Hudson, New York
84. Valhalla Golf Club – Louisville, Kentucky
85. Eugene Country Club – Eugene, Oregon
86. Hazeltine National Golf Club – Chaska, Minnesota
87. Diamond Creek Golf Club – Banner Elk, North Carolina
88. Kapalua (Plantation) – Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii
89. Boston Golf Club – Hingham, Massachusetts
90. Old Sandwich Golf Club – Plymouth, Massachusetts
91. Galloway National Golf Club – Galloway, New Jersey
92. Shoreacres – Lake Bluff, Illinois
93. Mainstone Club – East Hampton, New York
94. Somerset Hills Country Club – Bernardsville, New Jersey
95. Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club – Holyoke, Colorado
96. Crooked Stick Golf Club – Camel, Indiana
97. The Prince Course – Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii
98. Winged Foot Golf Club (East) – Mamaroneck, New York
99. Forest Dunes Golf Club – Roscommon, Michigan
100. Harbour Town Golf Links – Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
101. Ocean Forest Golf Club – Sea Island, Georgia

Want more information on any of the golf courses listed above visit? Visit Golf Digest for the entire ranking and list in more detail.

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50 Quick Weekend Getaways

2011-04-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Want to take a weekend away but don’t want to waste time getting to your destination? We are here to help so below is a list of quick escape in all 50 states (yes, even Delware!).

Bad news is you now have one less excuse not to take that trip but the good news is that you can pack light without worrying whether anything in your toiletry bag has over 3.4 ounces of liquid.

Monroeville, Alabama
Homer, Alaska
Sedona, Arizona
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Yosemite Valley, California
Breckenridge, Colorado
Mystic, Connecticut
New Castle, Delaware
Fort Meyers, Florida
Savannah, Georgia
Haleiwa, Hawaii
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Galena, Illinois
Michigan City, Indiana
Maquoketa, Iowa
Dodge City, Kansas
Covington, Kentucky
Breaux, Louisiana
Ogunquit Maine
Ocean City, Maryland
Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Brainerd, Minnesota
Biloxi, Mississippi
Hermann, Missouri
Big Sky, Montana
Grand Island, Nebraska
Laughlin, Nevada
North Conway, New Hampshire
Cape May, New Jersey
Taos, New Mexico
Saratoga Springs, New York
Wilmington, North Carolina
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Logan, Ohio
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Salem, Oregon
Hershey, Pennsylvania
Newport, Rhode Island
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
San Antonio, Texas
St. George, Utah
Grafton, Vermont
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Leavenworth, Washington
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Fish Creek, Wisconsin
Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Have a recommendation of your own? Leave us a comment below so we can include it in our next weekend getaway lists. Thanks!

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”Other” Top Wine Country Destinations in the US

2011-03-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

Can’t make it to Napa Valley or Sonoma but still want to experience a great wine country getaway? You are in luck as we have some top alternative options on both the East and West Coast. Cheers!

1. Northern Virginia
Would you have guessed that Virginia boasts close to 200 wineries and vineyards? A third of them are located in the northern Virginia wine region (http://www.virginiawines.org). The best news is that they are just over an hour's drive west of Washington DC.

Recommendations
Vineyard: Gray Ghost Vineyards
Eat: Foti’s Restaurant
Sleep: Hopkins Ordinary
Golf: The Golf Club at Lansdowne
Spa: The Inn Spa at Poplar Springs Inn

2. Long Island, New York
There is more to Long Island than the world famous beaches at the Hamptons Beaches. The North Fork has more than two dozen wineries and vineyards to tempt your taste buds and away from the beaten path. (http://www.northfork.org).

Recommendations
Vineyard: Wölffer Estate Winery
Eat: The North Fork Table & Inn
Sleep: The Greenporter
Golf: Bethpage State Park
Spa: Blue Sage Day Spa

3. Los Olivos/Santa Ynez, California
Ever watched the movie Sideways? If so then you know what we are talking about. Santa Barbara's wine country is quickly becoming world famous not only because of its wine, but also because of the region’s incredible mountain views, sunny valleys, and fields of wildflowers. (http://www.sbcountywines.com).

Recommendations
Vineyard: Firestone Vineyard
Eat: Brothers' Restaurant at Mattei's Tavern
Sleep: Santa Ynez Inn
Golf: Rancho San Marcos Golf Course
Spa: Champagne Spa & Boutique

4. Willamette Valley, Oregon
World famous Pinot Noirs are produced at more than 200 vineyards and wineries in the region, which stretches for 100 miles, from just south of Portland to Eugene. (http://www.willamettewines.com).

Recommendations
Vineyard: Anne Amie Vineyards
Eat: The Joel Palmer House
Sleep: The Allison Inn & Spa
Golf: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club
Spa: The Allison Inn & Spa

Want recommendations to the Napa Valley and Sonoma instead? You can find our top recommendations here.

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Golf Channel’s Top 10 Golf Courses in Arizona

2011-03-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Golf Channel host Lauren Thompson runs down the ten best courses and resorts Arizona has to offer.

Golf Channel’s Top 10 Golf Courses in Arizona - video

10. The Lodge at Ventana Canyon
9. The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
8. Omni Tucson National Resort
7. The Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale
6. The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa
5. The Stadium Course at TPC Scottsdale
4. Loews Ventana Canyon
3. Talking Stick Golf Club
2. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club
1. Troon North Golf Club

Want more ideas on where to tee off in Arizona? Take a look at our top golf recommendations in Phoenix and Scottsdale here.

South by Southwest – discover the latest in Music, Film, and Internet Media

2011-03-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

For the uninitiated, South by Southwest (SXSW) is an annual set of film, music, and digital media festivals and conferences that take place every spring in Austin.

Since 1987, the festival has help launched the careers of promising young musicians, film stars, and more recently, the hottest internet businesses. For example, Twitter, a virtual unknown a few years back, caught fire at the festival in 2007. The social media success at SXSW continued when Foursquare publicly launched there in 2009.

This year marks SXSW's 25th Anniversary and it is sure to be a blast. Over 100,000 attendees are expected to participate in this year’s festivities between March 11-20. You can get more details at the official website.

For ideas on where to stay, dine, or drink in Austin you can reference our recommendations in this great city here.

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SpaFinder’s Wellness Week – Pampering with a Discount

2011-02-28T13:14:00.000-08:00

Tempted to treat yourself to a well-earned massage or perhaps a spa day with the girls but feeling guilty of splurging? Have we got some good news for you…

SpaFinder’s Wellness Week this year runs March 21-27, when top spa, fitness, and wellness centers will offering 50% off or flat-rate $50 deals. For more details, you can visit SpaFinder for more details. Deals sell out quickly, so be sure to register online asap.

Participants in Wellness Week this year include top spas such as the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa Miami Beach and the Peninsula Spa by ESPA at The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago.

In case you miss this Wellness Week, don't worry, as another one is set for September 19-25.

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Please share your Wellness Week experience with us!

Summerfest in Milwaukee

2011-02-16T08:14:00.000-08:00

This is for you music lovers out there. Since 1968, Milwaukie has been hosting the Summerfest (aka “The Big Gig”), which currently holds the title of being the "The World's Largest Music Festival" according to the Guinness World Records. The festival attracts close to 1 million devotees a year and takes place over 11 days on 11 stages with performances from over 700 bands along the lakefront of Lake Michigan.

This year the festival will take place from June 29 until July 10, noon until midnight daily, with the exception of July 4. Current headliners include Toby Keith (July 1) and Katy Perry (July 7) with more performers to come as details are finalized.

Tickets can be purchased for as low as $5 on weekdays between noon to 4 PM. Otherwise, it costs only $33 for a three day general admission. For more details, you can visit Summerfest’s official website.

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Mardi Gras 2011

2011-02-07T11:18:00.000-08:00

Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”) this year falls on March 8. Here are the best destination where you can go with your friends to celebrate this special festivity.

Click through some of the top destinations where we recommend the top hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and activities.

New Orleans, United States
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Montreal, Canada
Nice, France
Cologne, Germany

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Got any more ideas? We look forward to your comments!

Best Sports Book in Las Vegas

2011-01-17T09:10:00.000-08:00

With the Super Bowl and March Madness just around the corner, many of you are inevitably planning that pilgrimage to Las Vegas for some serious sports action. Below are three of the best sports book around for all your parlay action - Good luck!

Caesars Palace – This is the grand daddy of them all. TV’s at every table and plasma screens all around you. This is what paradise looks like for the die hard sports fan.

“The Caesars Palace Sports Book offers an environment where you can enjoy fast-paced energy paired with fantastic winnings. With six 12-foot by 15-foot oversized screens, a 20-foot by 50-foot LED board and twelve 50-inch plasma screens throughout the Sports Book to view live sporting events from around the country, our Sports Book was voted number one by the Las Vegas Review Journal four years in a row. With 140 sports seats available and a 12-inch flat screen at every table, Caesars Palace is where you will find the professional sports bettor. Limited reserved seating based on availability.”

MGM Grand – With close to 100 TV’s all around you and a snack bar right next to it, this is sports nirvana.

“MGM Grand's Race & Sports Book is a state-of-the-art 5,300-square-foot betting arena, located near the action of the high-energy Studio 54, the heart of one of MGM Grand's most dynamic neighborhoods. Adjacent to our Stage Deli, we offer seating for 104 guests, with thirty-six 60-inch plasma televisions and twenty-four 42-inch plasmas. These include four 42-inch plasmas located on the posterior wall and two 42-inch plasmas inside the Race & Sports Turf Bar. Also featured are six electronic display boards and 17 separate race and sports betting counters.”

Aria - Being of the newest in town generally means having the latest and greatest equipment. A more intimate setting for the serious sports fan.

“ARIA's state-of-the-art, 10,000-square-foot Race & Sports Book was designed to provide the ultimate environment in which to enjoy the games, place a bet and be a part of the excitement. Comfortable lounge-seating is surrounded by 90 high-definition television monitors and display screens, ranging from 32" to an incredible 220", which allow prime, unobstructed views from every seat in the house. An elevated VIP-section offers luxurious booths and keeps you in the heart of the exhilaration. An exclusive area specifically for pari-mutuel betting is also available. Nine betting windows plus 27 interactive betting screens at the pari-mutuel betting stations allow quick and convenient service. For guest convenience, friendly cocktail service is offered throughout the book. And located right next door, Skybox Sports Bar & Grill offers a To Go window for those who don't want to miss a moment of the action.”

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Got any more ideas - we look forward to your comments!

Top Caribbean Island Destinations & Resorts

2011-01-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

So many islands, so little time…Now that the Holidays are behind us and Winter in full swing, we publish this timely list to help you plan that perfect island getaway.

Stay warm!

Anguilla
Cap Juluca, Maundays Bay
CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Rendezvous Bay
Malliouhana, Meads Bay

Antigua
Carlisle Bay, Old Road, St. Mary’s
Curtain Bluff, Morris Bay
Verandah Resort & Spa, Dian Bay

Aruba
Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Palm Beach
Costa Linda Beach Resort, Eagle Beach
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino, Palm Beach
Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, Palm Beach
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino, Oranjestad
Westin Aruba Resort, Spa & Casino, Palm Beach

Bahamas
Atlantis Paradise Island, Paradise Island
Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina, Green Turtle Cay
Kamalame Cay, Kamalame Cay
One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island
Pink Sands, Paradise Island

Barbados
Cobblers Cove Hotel, St. Peter
Coral Reef Club, St. James
The House, St. James
Sandy Lane, St. James

Bermuda
Cambridge Beaches, Sandys Parish
Pink Beach Club & Cottages, Smith’s Parish
The Fairmont Southampton, Southampton Parish
The Reefs, Southampton Parish
Tucker's Point Hotel & Spa, Hamilton Parish

Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Seven Mile Beach
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach
The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, West Bay Road

Cuba
Hotel Saratoga, La Habana Vieja
Iberostar Playa Alameda, Punta Hicacos
Meliá Cayo Coco, Jardines del Rey
Paradisus Río de Oro, Playa Esmeralda
Paradisus Varadero, Varadero
Tryp Península Varadero, Varadero

Curacao
Avila Hotel, Willemstad
Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, Piscadera Bay
Hotel Kurá Hulanda Spa and Casino, Willemstad
Renaissance Curaçao Resort and Casino, Otrobanda

Dominican Republic
Casa Colonial, Playa Dorada
Casa de Campo
Hilton Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo
Hotel Santo Domingo, Santo Domingo
Peninsula House, Camino Cosón
Punta Cana Resort & Club, Punta Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, Cap Cana

Jamaica
Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios
Half Moon, St. James
Jamaica Inn, Main Street
The Tryall Club Round Hill Hotel & Villas
Royal Plantation Spa & Golf Resort, Main Street
The Tryall Club, St. James
Punta Cana Resort & Club, Punta Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa, Cap Cana

Puerto Rico
Caribe Hilton, Puerta de Tierra
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa, Las Croabas
Gran Melia Puerto Rico, Rio Grande
Horned Dorset Primavera, Rincon
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan, Isla Verde

St. Barts
Eden Rock
Hôtel Guanahani and Spa, Grand Cul-de-Sac
Hôtel St. Barth Isle de France, Baie des Flamands
Hotel Le Toiny, Anse de Toiny

St. Kitts and Nevis
Ottley's Plantation Inn, Ottley’s Village
Four Seasons Resort Nevis, Pinney’s Beach
Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, St. James
St. Kitts Marriott Royal Beach Resort & Spa, Frigate Bay

St. Lucia
Anse Chastanet Resort, Soufrière
Coconut Bay Resort & Spa, Vieux Fort
Ladera Resort, Soufrière
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, Gros Islet

St. Martin
La Samanna, Baie Longue
Hôtel L'Esplanade, Grand-Case

St. Vincent + the Grenadines
Firefly Hotel Bequia, Spring Bay
Palm Island Resort, Palm Island
Petit St. Vincent Resort, Petit St. Vincent
The Cotton House, Endeavour Bay

Trinidad and Tobago
Hyatt Regency Trinidad, Port-of-Spain
Le Grand Courlan Resort & Spa, Scarborough

Turks & Caicos
Amanyara
Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa, Grace Bay
Grace Bay Club, Providenciales
Parrot Cay Resort, Parrot Cay
Point Grace, Grace Bay
The Regent Palms, Grace Bay

US & British Virgin Islands
Bitter End Yacht Club, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Caneel Bay Caneel Bay, St. John, USVI
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, St. Thomas, USVI
Guana Island Club, Guana Island (off Tortola, BVI)
Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda, BVI
Peter Island Resort & Spa, Peter Island (off Tortola, BVI)
The Buccaneer, St. Croix, USVI
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, St. Thomas, USVI
Westin St. John Resort & Villas, St. John, USVI

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Got any more ideas? Leave a comment so we can add it to the list!

Top Whitewater Rafting Destinations in the World

2010-12-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

This one is for you thrill seekers out there. Courtesy of National Geographic, here is the list of top whitewater rafting destinations in the world.

Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers – British Columbia, Canada
Magpie River – Quebec, Canada
Middle Fork, Salmon River – Idaho, United States
Río Upano – Ecuador
Futaleufú River – Chile
North Johnstone River – Australia
Sun Kosi River – Nepal
Çoruh River – Turkey
Noce River – Italy
Zambezi River – Zambia

You can learn more about each destination by clicking here. Got any more ideas? Let us know so that we can add it to the list!