Planning a Kauai vacation? Below you'll find some of the top beaches and state parks on the island:

Kalapaki Beach on Rice Road, Lihue, East Kauai is considered the best beach in all of the island’s east coastal region. The beach resembles a half moon of golden sand that leads to the Kauai Marriot Resort & Beach Club. This location is ideal for swimming, surfing, bodysurfing, boogie boarding, and windsurfing.

Poipu Beach Park on Poipu Road, Poipu, South Kauai is the top beach on the south side of the island and is in fact a combination of two beaches separated by a sandbar. The left side has a lava-rock jetty that safeguards the sandy-bottomed pool where the majority of families bring their kids. The right side offers an open bay for swimmers, snorkelers and surfers.

The weather as well as the layout of Poipu Beach Park helps make it a particularly special Kauai beach destination, offering great waves for swimming and surfing, beautiful reefs and marine life for snorkeling and good, steady wind for windsurfers. You'll also find white sandy beaches, rocks, grassy areas and shady spots. The sandbar called Nukumoi Point is fairly unique since ocean currents rush to the beach from opposite directions forming a tombolo by sand deposition. Restrooms, showers, picnic areas and lifeguards are available.

Polihale State Park on Old Mana Road, West Kauai is the last beach on the westernmost tip of the island. It is also the largest beach in all of Hawaii, measuring 17 miles long and about 300 yards wide. This is a perfect place to have picnics, sunbathe, stroll in the sun's rays as well as play beach sports. Temperatures seem to rise higher in the area compared to various other beaches in Kauai.

Some points of interest in the park include Hawaiian temples or heiau and burial sites, the forbidden island of Niihau and Barking Sands Beach. Sand dunes can rise up to 100 feet and currents can end up being very strong as a result of the full exposure of the shore to the Pacific Ocean. The facilities in Polihale State Park including picnic tables, showers, drinking water and restrooms. There's no lifeguard, so do be cautious when going off-shore.

Anini Beach County Park on Anini Road, North Shore Kauai, is considered one of the safest and most protected beaches on the north shore of the island. It is an ideal Kauai beach destination, boasting top conditions for swimming, snorkeling and windsurfing. This spot is gorgeous as well since it is found on a blue lagoon right at the foot of emerald cliffs.

The beach is 3 miles long, protected by the longest and widest reef in Hawaii. The locations on and off shore continue to bring in tourists with the abundance of shallow and deep blue waters and white sand beaches complete with shells and cowries.

        

For all those Ohio couples who are looking for something romantic to do on Valentine's Day weekend, why not head on over to the Hocking Hills region, located just 40 miles southeast of Columbus?  When it comes to romance, nothing says it more like sitting in front of a fireplace in a cozy mountain cabin. And, many of the area's inns and cabins have some great Valentine's specials just for you, including some notables below:

• Sunrise Log Cabins is offering a 10% sweetheart discount
• The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is offering a "Honey LoveInn Package," Feb. 12-15, which starts at $799. The package includes a gourmet picnic, rose petal bed, homemade chocolates, aromatic candles, couples massage and dinner.
• Deer Mountain Retreats is offering a two-night Romance Package, available throughout February, starting at $445. This package includes romantic music, sparkling cider, candles, bed of rose petals, couple's massage and a $10 toward lunch or dinner at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls.
• Bear's Den Cottages is offering a 3rd night free from February 5-19, including $20 off massage or treatment, bottle of organic red wine and fair trade chocolates
• Happy Hills Campground & Cabins is featuring a two-night stay in their 1920s Farmhouse, for just $575, which includes a  five-course dinner and couple's massage
• Ravenswood Castle has 3 special Valentine's Day packages to choose from, available Sat., Feb. 6 or Sat., Feb. 13. Their  Sweetheart Package starts at $188.90 for two and includes room, dinner and complimentary breakfast

To get the Valentine's weekend started just right, you might want to check out the annual Sweethearts Hike to Ash Cave. The hike runs from 5 - 7 p.m. and includes a cozy fire and free refreshments.

You can get more information on these specials and more at 1800Hocking.com.

        

Looking for that perfect romantic Valentine’s Day getaway that you and your sweetheart will cherish for the rest of your life? Here are a few you might consider:

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco always tops my list as one of the most romantic cities. And, truly, I'm not really sure why. Driving and parking in the City is always a royal pain in the... But, maybe that's one of the things that make it special. Not relying on a car makes you turn to other modes of transportation - like a cable car. Or, walking arm-in-arm and taking in the sights on a more intimate level. Okay, now that's romantic.

Couples have so much to choose from in San Francisco, like the Fairmont's "Science of Love Package" which features an after-hours "Wine and Dine" tour at the California Academy of Sciences. The Fairmont is also having a couple special Valentine's Day dinners, one in the Laurel Court, and another in The Tonga Room, which features a 4-course menu inspired by the islands.

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains are an ideal romantic getaway, and in the city of Gatlinburg, you can find a lot of restaurants, fancy shops, and rental cabins. Some rental cabins offer romance packages for couples as well as amenities like Jacuzzis and fireplaces. Oh, and for you skiers out there, Gatlinburg is also a perfect place for snow skiing.

3. Hotel Fouquet's Barriere in Paris

Paris is one of the romantic places you must visit before you die. In Paris lies the first palace hotel to open in the city in eight decades: the Hotel Fouquet's Barriere. This luxurious hotel is the perfect choice for couples who seek a place to spend an intimate night together. It offers a night tour in Paris in a Peugeot C6 or 2CV convertible that is driven by a chauffeur. You can enjoy a romantic champagne dinner at the Le Diane restaurant in the hotel and have a photo souvenir.

4. Savannah, Georgia

Taking a carriage ride through Savannah is always a romantic way to spend Valentine's Day. But, how about taking a tour high above Savannah, in a hot air balloon? Check out 1800SkyRide, a companying offering hot air balloon rides across the U.S., including romantic Savannah, Georgia. Call them at 1800-791-5867 for info. There are many romantic inns to choose from in Savannah, including The Gastonian, which was voted "Best Romantic Inn" in Savannah for 2007 by the Readers of Savannah Magazine, and The President's Quarters, which won the same "Best Romantic Inn" reader's poll in 2008.

5. New York City

New York City has so many romantic spots and things for couples to do, where to begin?

• Empire State Building
• Roosevelt Island Tram
• Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
• South Pacific at Lincoln Center

6. Your House

Can't make it to any of the above locations? Then, just create some romance at home. A fireplace helps, but, if you don't have that, then some candles, soft music, chocolate-covered strawberries... You get the idea! 

Oh, and if you "pop the question" this Valentine's Day and want some suggestions on unique wedding venues - just head on over to our sister website, Destination Weddings.

 

        

Okay, so we're in the dead of winter with no escape, right? Wrong! Why not get away from it all with a cruise in the South Pacific?  With ports of call like Tahiti, Fiji and Bora Bora, the hard part is deciding which winter escape to choose from.

South Pacific Cruise Options

Almost all of the major cruise lines - Holland, Carnival, Princess and so on, offer trips to the South Pacific. Trips range from a few days to several months. Choosing your cruise itinerary will depend largely on what you like to do while in the South Pacific.

If you want some peace and quiet on a beautiful sandy beach, you might want to consider the smaller, less inhabited islands of Melanesia. If you want a cool jungle adventure on a 4-wheeler, you might look towards Bora Bora.

Popular South Pacific Ports of Call

Each cruise line offers a variety of itineraries and cruise durations. Some of the main areas of the South Pacific include: 

Polynesia

Many of the major cruise lines have itineraries that start and end in Polynesia. This grouping of islands consists of:

• Tahiti
• Moorea
• Raiatea
• Tahaa
• Huahine
• Rangiroa
• Marquesas Islands
• Bora Bora

This grouping of islands offers something for everyone. One popular shore excursion in Tahiti is the Papenoo Valley & Waterfall By 4-wheel-drive shore excursion, with a swim in a forest pool. Or, you may want to consider a Bora Bora night dive, offered on cruises with overnight stays in Bora Bora.

Melanesia

Many of the smaller, more specialized cruise lines will take you into the area of Melanesia which consists of the islands of Vanuatu, New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Fiji and the Yasawas, a 20-island archipelago noted for white sandy beaches and stunning blue waters. Want a thrilling adventure? Take in the Mount Koghis Rainforest Canopy Adventure while visiting Noumea, New Calendonia. On this fabulous shore excursion you soar through the rainforest canopy from 7 to 60 feet above the ground. Beats shoveling snow!

Micronesia

Finally, the least served grouping of islands are the islands of Micronesia, which are serviced by smaller cruise ships (though Princess and some others also cruise there) and consists of the following islands:

• Banaba
• Gilbert Islands
• Mariana Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Caroline Islands
• Nauru
• Wake Island
• Guam
• Palau
• Yap

        

Before Mardi Gras in New Orleans there was (and still is) the greatest party on earth: the Carnival in Rio. Dating back to 1723, Carnaval (Portuguese spelling) is the festival held four days before the Roman Catholic holiday of Lent, which is traditionally a time of prayer as well as abstinence from meat consumption in preparation for Easter and the resurrection.

Oh, and it's also a time to party as people from all over the world head to Rio de Janeiro to celebrate and witness the festivities. Beginning 4 days before Ash Wednesday, Carnival starts on a Saturday. The next three carnival dates are:

2010: February 13th
2011: March 5th
2012: February 18th

So, what's so special about Carnival?

There's something for everyone.  While at Carnival, you can:

1, Watch the parades. The main event is the Samba Parade and you’ll have to buy tickets in advance. Tickets for the Sambadromo range from just over $500 to around $100 depending on where you’re seated. If you want box tickets, be prepared to cough up about $1500. Luxury seat tickets come in around $1000. It’s not cheap, but it will give you bragging rights for the rest of your life.

2. Be in a parade. Why watch a parade when you can BE the parade? There are five parades in the Sambadromo; however, there are also many spontaneous parades and people in costume outside the Sambadromo and throughout the city.

3. Attend a ball. In addition to parades, the next biggest draw during Carnival is the balls. And, yes, you need a ticket to attend one of the balls, which are essentially huge parties. But, act quickly, because some balls sell out quickly, including:

• Mangueira Ball
• Red and Black Ball
• City Ball
• A Night in Ibiza
• Ball of the Beer
• Gay Costume Ball

4.  Enjoy the music and the food. While many of the parades and balls don't get started until late, you can still enjoy the festivities with street parties, music and lots and lots of food. One popular street party, Cinelândia, is held every night during Carnival and hosts acclaimed musicians from around the world.

Okay, One Caveat

Carnival, both the parties and the parades, are known to get very risqué and nudity - at least partial nudity - is common. So, when I say there's something for everyone, that doesn't include children, at least for the parades and parties. However, if you're an adult and you love a wild time, then Carnival in Rio is something you'll want to consider. For ticket info, go to www.rio-carnival.net.

Here's a sample of what you'll find at the Carnival:

        

On Alaska cruises, for example, balcony cabins on newer ships usually sell out long before less desirable accommodations. Though these are more expensive, the demand is still high enough (and the supply small enough) that getting in early is a must.

Route matters, too. The Gulf Route between Vancouver and Anchorage is the most popular choice for Alaska cruises. Several lines offer on-shore excursions as part of a package deal. Book as far in advance as possible, certainly no later than six months ahead for May-September departures.

Round Trip cruises starting in Vancouver often have more spaces closer to the departure date. Booking for May or September will give you more choices, too. In every case, unless you just get lucky, you can expect to pay $100 (and up) more for a ocean view cabin than for an interior one.

The Bahamas/Caribbean cruises are slightly different. Though they too require planning in order to get a good deal, there are so many lines going so often you have many more choices. Also, the weather is less of a consideration.

Holidays, not surprisingly, sell out first. Spring Break week (when college students flood every tourist destination), the Christmas-New Year week, and of course July and August are the most desired times. Even with all the options, demand for Caribbean cruises is so high that you'll need to book almost a year in advance to get a good cabin on a nice voyage.

Bargains abound for September-early December and you may find a good cabin available as short as 60 days before departure. If you can, take advantage of that, since the weather can still be pleasant. Take account of the possibility of hurricanes during that time of year, though. Be prepared to be flexible.

You can get more cruising tips by going to our page on Cruise Line Vacations

        

Several fabulous San Francisco hotels are offering some great specials this Christmas season.  Among them are:

Palace Hotel

The Palace Hotel is offering a "Winter Exclusive in San Francisco from $115." Rates from $115 are valid for stays from December 17 - 30, 2009, and weekend stays in January and February, 2010.  To take advantage of this  offer, call 1-866-716-8125 and request the rate code WINTER.

They are also offering a Christmas Day Jazz Buffet for two, along with a stay in one of their deluxe rooms starting at $399.  To reserve, call 1-866-716-8125 and mention rate code HOLIDAYB. To arrange your seating time, you can call 415-546-5089.

The Westin San Francisco Market Street

The Westin San Francisco on Market Street is offering California Residents an opportunity to save up to 20% off their room rate.  You can check out this fabulous hotel at westinsf.com.

Joie de Vivre Hotels Home for the Holidays Package

Joie de Vivre is a collection of boutique hotels in San Francisco.  They're offering a "Home for the Holidays" package which starts at $99 a night and includes:

• Your Home for the Holidays package includes:
• Two 1-day passes for all Muni vehicles including cable cars
• Two passes to SF Museum of Modern Art
• Ghirardelli Chocolate welcome gift, and 10% discount offer
• $25 dinner certificate for Shanghai 1930
• 50% discount on two tickets to SF Symphony

This package is valid for stays through January 17th, 2010, and only valid for reservations booked online, in advance of the stay, and via the promotional code "HOME." You can make reservations by going to http://www.jdvhotels.com/promos/homefortheholidays

        

Haven't made your Thanksgiving plans yet? Then consider spending it in sunny Phoenix! The Wigwam Golf Resort & Spa has a special sure to warm your heart this Thanksgiving. Stay 3 nights and get the fourth night for just $19.29. Why $19.29? Well, the resort is celebrating 80 years, having opened their doors in 1929.

This special is valid November 25 - 30, 2009 and includes:

• Adobe Traditional Accommodations
• Access to the Wigwam's Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
• Complimentary Carriage Ride

Rates start at $159. 

Besides a world-championship golf course, professional tennis courts and luxurious Eve Arden Red Door Spa, the Wigwam is close to all you want in an Arizona Fall getaway:

• hiking in the nearby White Tank Mountains
• sunset horseback trail rides
• hot air ballooning over the desert
• art walks

Go to wigwamresort.com for more details on this special deal.

        

Want to really save on your vacations while visiting some hot destinations?  Consider off-peak travel.  Traveling off-peak often allows for a more relaxing and fun-filled vacation because it's less crowded.  And, the shops, restaurants, and 
main tourist areas can be enjoyed at discount prices.

For example:  Hawaii, an absolute favorite vacation destination, is best traveled to during May and June as well as September through mid-December.  The Caribbean, another popular destination, has the best package deals from April through June, and September through November.  If your travel tastes are a bit more exotic, you can find great deals in Australia when traveling during the spring, or Fiji in December through February, or Thailand – a new hot spot – from March through September.  Mexico, another favorite destination, is best traveled in April and October.

While April in Paris is fabulous, January in Paris will encompass the best package deal one can find.   Conversely, while it will be quite cold, February is a great month to visit Alaska and save on air and hotel packages.  And, you get to see an Alaska that few travelers see.

One of the drawbacks when traveling off season, though, is that some hotels and museums may be closed.   It’s a good idea to check with the local consulate or online site of the city or country you are visiting to find out what’s open and what’s not.  Also, while most of the buses in most cities are available during peak seasons, you may find their availability minimized during the off peak season, so check with the tourist boards if you intend on using local transportation.  It is also recommended to check the local weather as well.  Depending upon your destination and the time of year you travel, packing light layers of clothing to heavy sweaters is recommended.

Traveling off season can afford you the opportunity to visit places and experience local culture on a more personal level.  It’s worth the time to investigate your travel destination in depth to enhance your overall trip and make it all the more enjoyable as well.

        

Just received these last-minute cruise specials from Travelocity in my in-box and thought I'd pass them along. Cruise season to Alaska my be over, but for other parts of the world, it's full-steam ahead! Here are just some of the specials you might be interested in:

Last Minute Cruise Deals with Celebrity Cruises (I believe this expires at the end of Nov., 2009)

The AMEX Pre-Sail Post-Sail Hotel Sale: Get 20% off your stay when you book with any American Express® Card! (This deal is for a stay before and after your cruise - it expires Nov. 22, 2009)

Deals of the Decade: Rates from $159, Up to $650 Onboard Credit, and More On Norwegian Cruise Lines! (This last-minute deal expires Nov. 1, 2009)

Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offer: Get up to $300 Onboard Credit (This deal expires Oct. 31, 2009)

7-Night Mexico Cruises from Royal Caribbean starting at only $599 (This special looks really appealing - leaving from Los Angeles or San Diego. Many different sailings, one starting as low as $49 per night!)

Last-Minute Cruise Deals from $199 on Royal Caribbean! (These deals include a 4 - Night Bahamas cruise beginning and ending in Miami from $32/night!)