New Years Eve Around the World

There are tons of fascinating places around the world to enjoy New Year's Eve festivities. It can be a time to get together again with loved ones or to reflect on the year past while gathering hopes for the new year to come. And for many, it's a time to party and partake in some New Years cheer.

Whatever you decide to do on New Years Eve 2010, here are some suggestions for fun around the globe. Our friends over at HotelsByCity.net have come up with their Top Ten New Years Eve Destinations so let's take a look...

1. Sydney, Australia
2. New York City, New York
3. Berlin, Germany
4. London, England
5. Toronto, Ontario
6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
7. Tokyo, Japan
   
8. Los Angeles, California
9. Paris, France
10. Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida

Flickr.com Photo Credit:
Times Square on New Years' Eve 1999-2000, New York, USA by Paul Mannix

Exploring Art in Europe

When travelling, one of the most fascinating things about Europe is its history – rich in culture, architecture, the arts – every new city is like another present just waiting to be opened.

One of the top museums to visit in Europe is The National Gallery in London, England. Its popularity with locals and tourists alike can be attributed to its diverse offerings of more than 2,300 paintings by such famous artists as Rembrandt and Da Vinci.

While visiting this vast amount of artwork may seem daunting at first, The National Gallery suggests a collection of 30 not-to-be-missed paintings while visiting the museum. Each has been selected as a ‘best-loved’ work of The National Gallery and includes the Rokeby Venus by Diego Velázquez and Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh.

If you dream of working with these fabulous pieces or dream of creating artworks of your own, consider becoming an Art History student at a California college such as the renowned University of Redlands. Students are introduced to the classics by studying various forms of fine art including paintings and sculpture plus they also delve into more modern art like photography and film.

You can also get a business degree from the University of Redlands which is another avenue to pursuing a career in the art world. Graduates with business degrees may be able to work in management capacities at museums and art galleries. The National Gallery provides an informational section on their website entitled ‘Working with The National Gallery Company’ which offers further insight into pursuing a career in the arts as well as offering listings for current job vacancies.

Travel Writer: On Sale This Week!

Winter Getaway Sale - Save on Sunny Getaways

$60 Days Inn Suites, Orlando

$167 Walt Disney World Dolphin, Orlando
$220 The Beverly Hilton, Los Angeles
$82 Laguna Beach Inn, Orange County

$107 Palms Resort, Barbados
$104 Treasure Island Resort, Cayman Islands
$259 Jolly Beach Resort & Spa All Inclusive
$112 Wyndham Nassau Resort, Bahamas
$42 Island Palm Resort, Bahamas

$273 Riu Guanacaste All Inclusive, Costa Rica
$40 Terracaribe Hotel, Cancun
$60 El Cid Granada, Mazatlan
$96 Krystal Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta

$89 Castle Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki, Oahu
$185 The Lotus at Diamond Head, Oahu
$175 Maui Coast Hotel, Maui
$251 Napili Kai Resort, Maui
$104 Aston Aloha Beach, Kauai
$189 Castle at Princeville, Kauai


Book by February 29, 2011 - travel until March 31, 2011

Last Minute New Years Eve Getaways

Celebrate 2011in style with Unique Inns. Whether you are looking for big city excitement or small town splendor, Unique Inns has it all. From award winning wineries, luxurious spas to world-class museums, the variety of experiences visitors can enjoy is truly Unique!

Latest specials include complimentary champagne, couples massages, gourmet breakfast in bed as well as many in room extras such as wood burning fireplaces and soaker baths. So, whether you want to bask in the crisp gorgeous sunshine on your own private patio, celebrate with friends and family at a fabulous resort, relax in a cozy country cottage or take to Mt. Bachelor on a skiing holiday, there are endless possibilities guaranteed to set you on the right course for a very Happy New Year!

Romantic Getaway
What could be a lovelier setting for your romantic interlude than a luxurious stay at The Lodge at Sandpoint, ID? Cuddle up together in front of the fireplace, sip champagne, nibble chocolates and let your love ignite. This romantic getaway package includes 2 nights in a luxury studio or suite, champagne, flowers and chocolates.

New Year's Eve in Wine Country
On December 31, the Wine Country Inn in St. Helena, CA, will host their 2nd annual New Year’s Eve dinner. This special night will include a 4-course Italian meal served family style in the Inn’s common room (complete with roaring fire), wine, and midnight champagne toast.

Mt. Bachelor Stay & Ski Package
The Pine Ridge Inn in Bend, OR, is excited to be a Mt. Bachelor Lodging Partner and is offering a terrific winter package. Book the 2-day Mt. Bachelor Stay & Ski Package and get a third day of lodging and skiing free. Perfect for families since kids 18 and under ski free with each adult purchase. Your 3-night package includes: 3 nights suite accommodation for the price of 2, daily breakfast for 2, daily afternoon wine, beer and appetizers for 2, 2 adult 3-day lift tickets for Mt. Bachelor Families with kids - for each adult booked, 1 free 3-day lift ticket for each teen (ages 13-18) or youth (ages 6-12).

2 Night New Years Celebration Package
This fabulous package at Brentwood Bay Resort in Victoria, BC, includes 2 night's accommodation, hot apple cider reception at check-in, a celebration tray of sparkling wine and chocolate truffles in room upon arrival, a la carte breakfast each morning, and admission into the SeaGrille's late seating 4-course dinner and party in the pub.

Press Release and Photo Courtesy of UniqueInns.com

Winter Festivals Not to Be Missed

According to our friends over at CheapFlights.com, there are ten winter festivals not be missed during our 2010-2011 winter season. Whether you're looking for fun in the snow, somewhere warm, or a new event to enjoy, you'll be sure to find something to suit your tastes with these winter festivals not to be missed.

• Mardi Gras, New Orleans, LA; March 5-8, 2011 (starts earlier than March 5)

• Sundance Film Festival, Park City, UT; January 20-30, 2011

• Buenos Aires Tango Festival, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (February?)

• Winterlude, Ottawa, ON; February 4-21, 2011

• Bluff International Balloon Festival, Bluff, UT; January 13-16, 2011

• Frozen Dead Guy Days, Nederland, CO; March 4-6, 2011

• Rio Carnaval, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Mar 5-8, 2011

• Winter Festival of Lights, Niagara Falls, ON; now until January 31, 2011

• Up Helly Aa Viking Festival,Shetland, Scotland; January 25, 2011

• Quebec Winter Carnival, Quebec City, QC; January 28 - February 13, 2011
  

Photo Credits:
Rio Carnaval courtesy of Rio-Carnaval.net
Bonhomme courtesy of TheStreet.com

The Magic of Christmas Eve

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's progress on Christmas Eve! But whatever you do...

Have a Very Happy Holiday Season!

Flickr.com Photo Credit: Thomas Ott

Last Minute Travel Gift Idea

Now, while this may be very last minute, it's still possible to do...think of those in your life who love to travel, love to be pampered, and love to enjoy good food...

Now, think no further than Costa Cruises and their 12 Days of Amore sale that continues until tomorrow, December 24. A different cruise will be featured each day with Mediterranean cruises being offered during the last days of the sale: 7 night cruises from only $699!

If you've never been on an exciting all-inclusive cruise vacation before, remember that cruising is one of the best vacation values for your dollar. Costs Cruises offers an information section on their website for First Time Cruisers.

You can even send a special holiday greeting e-card from Costa Cruises to your loved one to announce your most amazing of holiday gifts. The gift of a cruise will create lasting memories for years to come and will sure to be one of the most treasured presents ever to be underneath your tree.

For more information, visit Costa Cruises.

Travel Writer: On Sale This Week!

Southwest Airlines
7 Days of Click 'n Save Deals
Book by December 27, 2010

Virgin America
Book by December 27, 2010

Sandals
Save up to 65%

Emirates
South East Asia & Middle East
Sale Ends December 31, 2010

British Airways
Luxury Flight & Hotel Sale

12 Days of Christmas with Frontier Airlines
Different Deals Each Day!
Sale Ends December 24, 2010

Mexico Luxury Hotel Promotions

Still thinking about that winter vacation? Maybe the white sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets found in Mexico? Well, now is the time to book that holiday while Starwood Hotels & Resorts are offering incredible savings and discounts. Let's take a look....

One of the best deals, by far, is the Suite Luxury Legacy Rate package at the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort in Nayarit. This breathtaking 22-acre resort offers the ultimate in a beach/nature/relaxation retreat vacation.

From the Starwood website:
Personalized butler service, 24-hour Private Dining as well as a selection of tempting on-site restaurants enhance the entire experience. The 10,000 square-foot Remède Spa Punta Mita offers a full menu of sumptuous pampering and revitalizing treatments in nine treatment rooms, couples suite or nail lounges.

Three infinity pools on the beachfront offer the perfect destination for outdoor relaxation. Should guests wish to venture beyond the pool and beach for water-based adventures, they may also call upon Pool Butlers to arrange snorkeling tours and reservations for scenic excursions around the area.

Next to the resort, guests can experience the two par-72 Championship 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, or tennis courts nestled in a grove of palm trees.

And the Suite Luxury Legacy Rate promotion? Stay from $299 per night with a second night for just $4.

The Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort in Los Cabos is offering Sunsational Savings at it's 28 acre property, complete with a private white sand beach, beautiful landscaping, and old world architecture - it's an authentic Mexican experience to be savored.

From the Starwood website:
Retreat to our 270 guest rooms and suites where you’ll find upscale Mexican décor, The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, a private terrace, and a whirlpool tub. Gather everyone together and share a delicious meal or casual drink in our four restaurants and five bars.

Find total relaxation in the Cactus Spa— featuring classic Swedish massages, signature Cactus facials, sauna and steam rooms, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Or cool off with a swim in one of our three swimming pools and float over to Delfines swim-up bar to order your favorite drink.

Surrounding the resort, the Ocean Course by Jack Nicklaus at Cabo del Sol, currently rated 68th in the world by Golf Magazine, provides beautifully landscaped views.

Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2004 and 2005, and 2006 Gold List and their list of “Top 100 Golf Resorts” in 2006, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos is a resort you’ll always remember.

And the Sunsational Savings promotion? Receive the 3rd night free, a $200 food & beverage credit, plus a complimentary upgrade (subject to availability).

The Westin Resort & Spa in Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos are also offering Sunsational Savings with the above amenities and the 4th night free instead.

For more information, visit the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort or Westin Hotels & Resorts.
Flickr.com Photo Credits: Los Cabos Westin Pool and Ocean by Kretyen Puerto Vallarta by Dmealiffe

Discover: Alma del Pacifico Hotel, Costa Rica

As part of Vail Resorts, RockResorts provides exclusive luxury accommodation choices in only eleven select destinations around the world.

One of which is the Alma del Pacifico Hotel in Costa Rica. Currently known as Xandari by the Pacific Resort & Spa on Playa Esterillos Estes, the name will change to Alma del Pacifico after the winter 2010-2011 tourist season ends.

Alma del Pacifico is located midway on Costa Rica's Pacific coast between the towns of Jaco Beach and Quepos, both known for their wonderful beaches and natural beauty. Alma del Pacifico features it's own diverse landscape with a stretch of beach, striking cliffs, pathways, gardens, a waterfall, plus amazing Costa Rican wildlife including scarlet macaws and exquisite butterflies.

Alma del Pacifico Hotel currently boasts two swimming pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, an art galley, an artisan shop, a restaurant and bar, a fitness center and a renowned spa. Alma del Pacifico Hotel features spacious private beachfront villas designed by architect Sherrill Broudy, with original paintings, mosaics and tapestries by artist Charlene Broudy, as well as private terraces with views of the Pacific Ocean or lush gardens.

Guest activities in the area include: world-class sport fishing and surfing; spa and yoga; hiking in Carara and Manuel Antonio National Parks; canopy and zip line tours; whitewater rafting; horseback riding; sea kayaking; catamaran tours to Nicoya Gulf islands; river tours through mangroves; and shopping and nightlife at the bars and restaurants in nearby Jaco and Manuel Antonio.

During spring and summer 2011, a thorough renovation of the property is planned for all common areas, guestrooms, the spa and food and beverage outlets. Future plans at Del Pacifico at Esterillos include an equestrian center, 18-hole golf course, boutique hotel and additional residential units.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Alma del Pacifico Hotel.

And don't forget to view the Top Travel Deals at Expedia.com!

Flickr.com Photo Credits:
Waterfall Behind Xandari by DrJasonM
HDR Sunset, Costa Rica by Kansasphoto

Top 10 Places to Go in the US in 2011

Lonely Planet is passionate about travel. Their spend their days thinking about the best places to go and quite often, wishing they were there. This year, they polled the staff in their US-based office to see what US cities, states or regions were on their list for 2011 and why.

Below are the results- from those who know travel best. Read on to find out what US destinations are going to be hot this upcoming year! Lonely Planet’s “Top 10 Places To Go in the US in 2011”

#1 Southern Utah
If you’ve never seen the amazing rock formations and colored landscape of Southern Utah’s canyonlands, you’re missing out on one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the U.S. Utah is the closest most of us will ever come to setting foot on another planet, as the landscape is unlike anything seen throughout the rest of the US.

Why go now? Southern Utah’s national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon have miraculously not been overrun with tourists, other than Europeans who seem to be ahead of Americans in discovering one of the exceptionally gorgeous and mind-boggling natural wonders in the world. But that may change with Danny Boyle’s thrilling film 127 Hours adding renewed excitement of the region. Just make sure you don’t go hiking alone!

#2 New Orleans Beloved New Orleans had a hard time attracting tourists in the first few years following Hurricane Katrina. But five years and millions upon millions of dollars later, New Orleans has recovered and its tourism numbers are again approaching pre-Katrina levels. This year is a particularly good year to go: it’s Tennessee Williams’ 100th birthday and also the 25th anniversary of the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival, which is held in March. It’s also the 5-year anniversary of New Orleans’ unique version of the “Running of the Bulls”—roller derby style. Add in all the great music and culture festivals and restaurants and really, how can you not go to New Orleans this year?

#3 New York City
New York City was named the #1 city in the world to visit in 2011 by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2011 and our US-based staff agrees that it’s a top destination. The reasons are multiple.

Since 9/11, the site for the World Trade Center’s twin towers has stood out as a closed-off, out-of-view, painful gaping void. This year that changes, as the former WTC site finally reopens to the public with the National September 11 Memorial. For all of New York, September 11, 2011 will be a defining moment.

The city is also experiencing a renaissance with half of Times Square’s roads given over to pedestrians, the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park continuing to transform old piers into parks and apartments, running through Chelsea, the universally loved High Line, a reinvention of an elevated train line as a landscaped walkway, opens its second stretch this year. Also, Brooklyn’s Coney Island finishes its much needed $30 million makeover this summer. And on May 23rd, the New York Public Library turns 100.

#4 Austin & West Texas

Our staff picked Texas because it’s the most overrated and underrated state in the country. Overrated, some say, by Texans, and underrated by everyone else. From music to food to natural resources, Texas does nothing small. Take ‘Big Fun in Big Bend’, one of our favorite road trips. Starting in Fort Davis, wind your way up to McDonald Observatory, for their outdoor Star Party, and make sure to stop for some high desert picture taking along the way. Then drive south through the little ghost town of Shafter and Big Bend Ranch State Park and look for a local outfitter to take you on a river journey along the Rio Grande. If you go in early November, check out the Terlingua International Chili Championship that attracts 5000 spicy food fans each year to the little town of 300. Farther down the road at Big Bend National Park you have over 150 miles of hiking trails to choose from – hit the trail early and try the Hot Springs trail that leads to an outdoor hot spring pool just a stone’s throw from the Mexico border.

And while the economy may dip elsewhere, hotels are selling out in Austin TX for the25th annual SXSW Music and Media Festival in March. With its trifecta appeal of musicians, film buffs and interactive geeks, this is a huge, one-of-a-kind event.

#5 Savannah, Georgia
Next April marks the 150th anniversary of the US Civil War. Although hostilities started in South Carolina, Savannah was the ultimate goal of General Sherman’s army as they marched to the sea. But when he arrived, he got soft on its beauty – and spared it. There’s no denying that Savannah is gorgeous. The trees are covered in Spanish moss, which makes it enchanted. Its compact, historic center tips its hat to its 19th-century roots – and is best seen leisurely by a bike….but go with a bike buddy. The city is the setting of ‘Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,’ and is supposedly filled with ghosts. But like a Southern belle with a split personality, this grand historic town also revolves around unbridled public debauchery. Savannah loves its sinful pleasures, be they cheese grits, bourbon cocktails, or the bump and grind of partying locals. A rare place of the south where Sherman’s not a four-letter word.

#6 Denver, Colorado
Another sesquicentennial—bet you didn’t know it’s the 150th anniversary of Colorado Territory. Maybe you did. The Colorado Gold Rush started in 1861 and brought an influx of settlers into the region. We’re lucky that Colorado is now much easier to get to as it has some of the best skiing in the country with over 26 resorts, including the country’s first ski-in/ski-out ballroom at the Viceroy Snowmass.

Even though Boulder often gets all the love, we highly recommend Denver. This sparkly-clean mile-high city is nestled amid beautiful mountains yet urban delights abound. The Denver Art Museum, designed by Daniel Libeskind, is an architectural feat where you can see modern art as well as historical exhibitions. The shopping area near 16th street features some fabulous stores including Tattered Cover – one of our favorite independent bookstores in the US. And IM Pei, who designed the Louvre pyramid, also designed several projects in Denver like the Mile High Center and Courthouse Square. It’s like Paris in the West.

#7 Northern California
Our US office is based in Northern California so we’re biased. But no one will deny that Northern California is like no other place in the country. Come for the stunning natural scenery, incredible food, biodynamic wineries, micro-brewing companies, wildlife, beaches, and you might find yourself staying a long time. And how about those World Series champion Giants? Their first home game is April 8th!

We personally recommend: Big Sur, Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Santa Cruz, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Yosemite, the Monterey Aquarium, San Francisco burritos, Oakland’s taco trucks, Eastern Sierra hot springs, Mt Shasta, mushroom hunting in the forests, and visiting local cheese makers. Hey, if you need more suggestions, just ask us!

#8 Grand Canyon National Park
A lot of National Parks came up on our shortlist but Grand Canyon National Park won out over the rest. A perennial favorite and a jewel of the National Parks system, Grand Canyon recently opened Phase V of the new Grand Canyon Greenway trail. With its opening there is now a continuous, paved, accessible trail all the way from Grand Canyon Village to the South Kaibab Trailhead. The two rims of the Grand Canyon offer quite different experiences and, as they lie more than 200 miles apart by road, are rarely visited on the same trip. Most visitors choose the South Rim, which boasts easy access, the bulk of services and the panoramic vistas for which the park is famous. The quieter North Rim has its own charms; at 8200ft elevation, its cooler temperatures support wildflower meadows and tall, thick stands of aspen and spruce. For many, the Grand Canyon epitomizes the ultimate American travel destination. If you haven’t been yet, don’t wait another year.

#9 Palm Springs, California
When Northern Californians want to escape our cold and fog for a taste of summertime, we head to Palm Springs. But Palm Springs isn’t just for resort hounds. Nearby Joshua Tree will satisfy the hiking and rock climbing desires of any wildergeek. And the Coachella Festival has hosted the likes of Prince, The Cure and Jay-Z.

But we especially love Palm Springs’ annual Modernism Week. It has events all over the city celebrating all things mid-century: clothes, cars, architecture, music, food. We don’t have the details for next year’s event but it looks like they may cook up a tribute to mid-century fashion this year. Very Mad Men, no?

#10 Hawaii
Flights to the Hawaii islands may seem pricey but when you step back and compare to the South Pacific, Hawaii is an affordable tropical paradise. By serendipity and design, Hawaii is an almost flawless destination. It’s an enchanting multicultural society with roots in Polynesia, Asia, North America and Europe, and it’s an expression of nature at its most luscious and divine. Hawaii is hiking sculpted cliffs or diving coral-reef cities in the morning and drinking mai tais to slack-key guitar at sunset. It’s slurping juicy papayas with hibiscus flowers in your hair; it’s Pacific Rim cuisine, fiery volcanoes and cavorting whales. It offers something for everyone- even if you hate beaches. And 2011 is the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

Press Release: Courtesy of Lonely Planet
Flickr.com Photo Credit: Bryce Canyon 2 by Twinxamot

Travel Writer: On Sale This Week!

Last Minute Deals on Holiday Travel with Southwest Airlines! Hurry, Sale Ends December 20, 2010

Celebrate with Holiday Sales Fares from American Airlines
Sale Ends January 4, 2011

Special Offer! Get $150 Value in Resort Extras!

Going Green with Expedia

Have you ever wished you could find information about green accommodations, green tours, and sustainable travel, all in one place?

Well, now you can with Expedia Green Travel -a traveler's guide to going green! Green hotels, tips for responsible travel, reducing your carbon footprint and more on Expedia.com.

Expedia Green Travel offers Insider Guides to National Parks across the U.S. plus sample long weekend itineraries, helps you Discover World Heritage Sites, plus offers tips for travel before, during, and after your trip.

If you're looking to volunteer while on your vacation, Expedia recommends checking out VolunTourism.org which can help match you up to volunteer opportunities from around the world.

Visit Expedia.com for more information.

Flickr.com Photo Credit:
Flare of Red Square by Boris SV

Discover: Costa Rica & Belize

There are so many great airfare and vacation deals out there to Central America including both Costa Rica and Belize. The countries have much to offer for a variety of vacationers including resort goers, eco-tours, nature and water lovers.

American Airlines is offering Costa Rica and Belize Vacation Deals, including flight & hotel from only $533 per person! Let's take a quick look at what each country has to offer.

Belize:
A small country in Central America with a population of approximately 330,000 people, Belize is neighbors with Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south, and is located on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. With average year round temperatures of up to 80 degrees F, Belize can be very hot and humid especially during it's rainy season from June to November.

Just over two hours from Miami, Belize is known for it's fantastic scuba diving off the Belize Barrier Reef, kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, wild life reserves, bird watching, and even their exquisite Mayan Ruins. A popular destination for first time visitors to Belize is the island of Ambergris Caye where accommodations are available to fit almost any budget.

Costa Rica:
With a population of just over 4 million people, this Central American country is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, and spans to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Average year round temperatures run approximately 80 degrees F with their main rainy season running from May to November.

Just under three hours flying time from Miami, Costa Rica is known for it's fantastic beaches (both black and white sand) and it's amazing eco-tourism opportunities including rafting, surfing, biking, golfing, plus opportunities for wildlife viewing (especially birds) and volcano watching. The majority of visitors fly into the capital city of San Jose but then disperse into the beach areas like Manuel Antonio and Tamarindo.

Be sure to take advantage of this great American Airlines sale that ends December 16, 2010!

Flickr.com Photo Credits: Kat Cure Guide in Belize 2008 Ocean Society by MikeBaird
Costa Rica...No Artificial Ingredients! by Wha'ppen

Swank to Steals: Hotels Around the World

$25,763. It's hard to imagine spending someone's annual salary on a one night hotel stay but it is possible.

Thanks to our friends over at TripAdvisor we're checking out the most expensive hotel nights and some of the most inexpensive bargains located worldwide in Swank to Steals, Hotels Around the World.

Swank:

• $25,763 - Carl Gustaf, Saint-Barthelemy, French West Indies - Royal Suite: a 2,600 square foot roof top villa with panoramic views, walled garden terrace, pool and jacuzzi
• $11,802 - Hotel Ritz, Paris - Coco Chanel Prestige Suite: lovingly restored, this oh-so-French suite oozes style and sophistication, a true work of art
• $10,800 - The Setai, Miami, FL - Loft Two Bedroom Suite: this 1,500 square foot suite features partial ocean views, 18 foot ceilings, an Asian decor along with all the modern amenities any guest could desire

• $3,262 - Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Dubai - Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite: this two-floor extravaganza features a deluxe kitchen, two lounges, Hermes amenities, along with amazing Gulf of Oman views
• $3,244 - Lapa Palace, Lisbon, Portugal - Royal Suite Conde de Valencas: this Leading Hotel of the World features a huge balcony with beautiful views of the River Tagus

Steals:

• $20 - Cua Dai Hotel, Vietnam - Standard Room: extremely clean, friendly staff, free internet and daily breakfast, only a ten minute walk to town
• $30 - Hotel Terrasol, Granada, Nicaragua - Standard Room: small but clean, English speaking hands on owners offer sightseeing suggestions, great staff
• $30 - Hotel Julamis, Merida, Mexico - Standard Room: spacious, great location, safe, quiet, clean, comfortable, with truly friendly staff
  
• $32 - Caretta Apart Hotel, Fethiye, Turkey - Standard Room: super friendly staff, clean, great service, and tons of repeat customers every year
  

Although the Swank sounds like fun for a once in a lifetime experience, I'd go with the Steals any day for simple traveling pleasures like friendly hotel staff.

Flickr.com Photo Credits:
alto che posti da ricchi... by 1la (Hotel Ritz Paris)
Burj al-Arab 5 by Maazbot
Hotel Jumalis - Courtesy of Hotel Jumalis

Taking the Christmas Tacky Light Tour

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: 44,644,320 lights; 3,170 inflatables; and 466,711 animated scenes. Now that's something even Clark Griswald would be proud of.

Besides 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, MI
Toth Extravaganza - submitted by Matthew from Fort Wayne, IN
Xmas Picture - submitted by Catherine

Travel Writer: On Sale This Week!

It's Vegas, Baby!!

Southwest Airlines Winter Sale!
Book by December 13, 2010

Sandals
Military Servicemen
Receive an EXTRA 10% off!

Deals and Special Offers!
Your Travel Savings Start Here.

jetBlue - The Less is More Sale
Book by December 8, 2010

Festival of Light in Lyon

Tomorrow marks the beginning of the 12th annual Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in Lyon, France, from December 8 to 11, 2010.

This fascinating display of lights coincides with the holiday season yet is not dedicated to such. It's a display of talented designers, producers, architects,and artists whose work lights up Lyon's public areas for four beautiful and enchanting nights.

Displays are created amongst the natural beauty of the city including gardens, squares, bridges, courtyards, and along the banks of the Rhône River and the Saône River.

This year's program will highlight young and contemporary artists who will express their creativeness to the nearly 3 million visitors who will stroll the streets of Lyon during the fête. A few artistic examples include:

• Parc de la Tête d’Or: following a path of fire,visitors will encounter unicyclists, tight-rope walkers, and even robots
• Fontaine Bartholdi: visitors will be shown luminous creatures of multi-colored dragons, Chimera, and horses

The Fête des Lumières is a wonderful way to explore the city of Lyon in all it's glory; it's especially good for the first-time visitor so as to get a feel for the different districts and architectural heritage of Lyon.

If you're traveling from Paris, it will take approximately 2 hours by TGV to arrive at Lyon. And while you're in Paris, don't forget to take advantage of the Paris Pass which provides 60+ Attractions - 1 Ticket.

For more information on the Festival of Lights in Lyon, visit Fête des Lumières.

Flickr.com Photo Credits:

1. Lyon - France - Fourvière house of Adam's Family by bozzo2m
2. Fête des Lumières 2009 : Grande roue byPierre Guinoiseau
3. Les Hommes Debout, Fête des Lumières 2009, Lyon place Ballanche by Zoolette DesBois