Top Vacation Spots

Top Vacation Spots in February

OriginalVision — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:37:28 GMT

Despite the cold weather, February is a popular time for couples to travel because of Valentine’s Day. But even if you’re single or have kids, it’s as good a time as any to take a vacation. You can escape to a warmer climate, hit the slopes at a ski resort or visit destinations that are crowded in the summer during the off season. Here are some of the best vacation spots in February.

• New England – This part of the country is cold and snowy in February, but that’s perfect for those who enjoy winter sports. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing are all popular activities and there are plenty of places where you can partake in them. Or how about some ice fishing for a change of pace? There are also quite a few sporting events and festivals going on in New England this time of year. If you can brave the weather, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do.

• New Orleans – Visiting New Orleans in February is an unforgettable experience thanks to Mardi Gras. Although the official date of Mardi Gras may fall in February or March, the festivities begin a few weeks in advance. Although celebrations in the French Quarter get pretty wild, there are other areas that are more family friendly such as St. Charles Avenue. And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the area’s other attractions. It has some great museums, theaters, parks and historical sites.

• Maldives – This island nation in Southeast Asia is a popular honeymoon destination and a great place to take your beloved for Valentine’s Day. The weather is terrific there in February, with calm winds, clear skies and very little precipitation. There are plenty of beautiful beaches where you can swim, snorkel or just soak up some sun.

• London – If you want to visit London on a budget, February is the time to go. The weather is cold and damp, but you can get flights and hotel rooms at ridiculously low prices. You’ll need to bring along your umbrella and winter coat, but many of the best attractions are indoors, so you won’t have to brave the cold too long at a time. If you’re a trendsetter, consider going during Fashion Weekend, when Fashion Week designers sell their collections at huge discounts.

• Costa Rica – February is arguably the best month to vacation in this Central American country due to the warm temperatures and abundant sunshine. The only exception to the beautiful weather may be the Caribbean coast. While February is still part of the high season, crowds will be thinner than in December and January. In addition to your standard beach activities, check out the festivities of Carnival and Fiesta Diablitos. Whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with the kids, February has lots of wonderful vacation options. So get out and enjoy the winter weather, or escape from it!

Where to go in November

OriginalVision — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:04:38 GMT

Still looking for that perfect vacation spot in November for a quick getaway? Check out our web page on Vacation Spots in November for some great destinations, like Colorado or Southern Europe.

Where to Visit in Ohio

OriginalVision — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 21:18:10 GMT

Wondering where to visit in Ohio? You'll definitely want to consider Hocking Hills, located just an hour southeast of Columbus. The Hocking Hills region boasts 9 state parks, 4 nature preserves, and over 9,000 acres of state forest land. Top attractions in the area include the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, as well as the Hocking Hills Canopy Tours, where you can fly above the tree tops on a zip line. The tour consists of 10 ziplines and 5 adventure skybridges. And, to make it even cooler, there are also night tours. Here's a little YouTube video which highlights the Hocking Hills.

Lake Erie

Another place you'll want to visit in Ohio is Lake Erie. With a shoreline of approximately 71 miles, the shore (and islands) of Lake Erie are also top vacation spots in Ohio. You can fish, rent bikes, visit an underground lake, or take a stroll through a butterfly house.

For more ideas on where to visit in Ohio, visit our webpage on vacation spots in Ohio.

Where to go in August

OriginalVision — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 19:33:44 GMT

Where are some of the best vacation spots this August? Be sure to check out our website for top August vacation spots, which includes some great destinations like

Paris
Crater Lake, Oregon
Asheville, North Carolina

You might also want to check out some of the cool festivals happening in various locations this August:

Main Lobster Festival in Rockland, Maine - Takes place August 3 through the 7th, with steamed lobsters, entertainment, a parade, and harbor cruises.
16th Annual Mammoth Festival of Beers & Bluesapalooza in Mammoth, California - Takes place August 5-7, and features top blues performers like Blues Traveler and Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, as well as beer tastings of some of the finest crafted beer in the country.
Ohio Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Yard Sale - Takes place August 4 - 6 along the LH Historic Byway in Ohio, from East Liverpool to Convoy. There were over 1,000 yard sale events last year, so if you're a yard-sale junkie, this will be the place to go. Get more info at ohiotraveler.com, click on the Aug link.
Fiesta de la Virgen Blanca in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain - Takes place August 3 - 8, with fireworks, street dancing, folk music and bullfights.

Cheerios Sweepstakes - Win a Vacation!

OriginalVision — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:51:33 GMT

You still have time to win a vacation in the Cheerios "Do What You Love" Sweepstakes. Actually, the sweepstakes are a collection of many different sweepstakes, with many of the prizes involving winning a free vacation. Do note that the sweepstakes has been going on since August, 2010, so most of the Grand Prizes have been awarded; however, there are still many first-place prices which offer wonderful vacations!

What Can You Win?

In all, there are 10 categories to choose from. The following categories still have first prizes available which offer vacation opportunities:

Sports & Fitness: Trip for 2 to stock car race in North Carolina
Arts: 3-night trip for 2 to New York City, NY
Music: Trip for 2 to a live-music concert of winner's choice, with round-trip airfare and 2 nights accommodations
Travel: Trip for 2 to anywhere in the U.S. with round-trip airfare and 6-nights of hotel accommodations
Cooking: Trip for 2 to the Betty Crocker Kitchen in Minneapolis, MN with airfare, cooking lesson and 2-nights hotel accommodations

Most of the prizes also include spending money and other items.

How to Enter?

Go to www.cheerioslove.com/love/sweepstakes.aspx and enter the category you wish to enter. You'll be required to give your name, age range, address, phone number and email address. Entries are limited to one per person per day and no more than one entry per email address per da. Sweepstakes ends on August 31, 2011.

Who Can Enter?

This sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. Unfortunately, it is void in Puerto Rico.

Top-Rated American Beaches for Your Summer Vacation

OriginalVision — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 06:03:31 GMT

Yes, yes, we'd all love to spend our vacations on the beaches in the Caribbean. However, not all of us can afford to do so. What are some alternative beaches you may want to try this summer?

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina - located on the outer banks of North Carolina, Ocracoke is a popular summer vacation destination for families. Accessible by airplane or boat, Ocracoke is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, so it's a fabulous spot for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, boating and camping.

South Beach, located in Miami, Florida - ideal for those who are looking for a "Rio-like" beach setting. South Beach offers beach activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and boating. You'll find cabanas for rent, a wide beach area, and a nice path for walking, biking or rollerblading. Off the beach, South Beach is most well-known for its nightlife. Along the coast, there are an unlimited number of restaurants, clubs, and bars. You may find a vacationing celebrity or two. Consider the Hotel Riu or Hotel Victor.

Laguna, California - Along with Florida, California is one of the most popular states for beach going. And, tops among beach goers is Laguna Beach, situated midway between Los Angeles and San Diego in southern Orange County. With seven miles of coastline, sandy beaches and palm trees, Laguna Beach is the perfect beach vacation getaway. There are 30 beaches and coves that visitors can explore either on foot or by kayak. The activities here include sailing, bird watching, beach volleyball, surfing, and scuba diving.

New York - While New York beaches may not offer a tropical climate, during the summer months their beaches are in full swing. Main Beach is located in East Hampton, New York. Despite being located in the Northeast, Main Beach is one of the top-rated beaches in the country. White sands and clear water make this East Hampton beach just as beautiful as the beaches found in the Caribbean.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - North Myrtle Beach is an excellent beach vacation that offers endless stretches of powdery white sand and the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean. There is something for your entire family here, including miniature golf, water parkers, fine dining, shopping, and a lot more. Golf lovers will be in heaven choosing from over 80 pro courses in the Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach areas.

Outdoor Adventure Vacations - Three Places to Consider

OriginalVision — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:24:00 GMT

If you're into outdoor adventure vacations, and want something slightly off your radar, here are a few thoughts:

Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam - Whether just enjoying the glorious beaches or taking advantage of the great scuba diving and snorkeling, Phu Quoc will surely take your breath away. You'll find waterfalls and rock pools, jungle walks and motorbike tours. And, it's not many places you can go on a night tour of squid fishing! Twenty percent of the island is national park, but there are still great accommodations to choose from, such as Saigon Phu Quoc Resort and Spa, which is a four-star hotel or the Mango Bay Resort at Ong Lang Beach with earthen bungalows. The prices of which range from inexpensive to moderately expensive. The island has a good all-year climate, but the best times of year are from November to May (west coast) or May to September (east coast). You may want to avoid going there during the October rainy season.

Jericoacoara in Brazil - Known as "Jeri," Jericoacoara can be found at the northern part of the Brazilian state of Ceará. A remote island, Jericoacoara can't be gotten to easily, and that, for some people, is half of the adventure. It's a 4-hour trip from the airport (6 hours by bus), which must be done with 4-wheel-drive vehicles, as many of the roads are rugged, dirt roads, with the final stretch along the sandy beach itself. You can either hire a transfer service, or rent a vehicle yourself. But, for those willing to take that adventure, you will be rewarded with stretches of beaches which seem to stretch into infinity, the best windsurfing in Brazil, and views you probably can't even imagine. Because of its location, visitors to Jeri are able to see the sun rise and set into the water. The best time to visit is between July and December. Avoid the rainy season of February to May.

The Kangaroo Island in Australia - It’s not very many places where you can walk through immense colonies of fairy penguins and sea lions, as well as spot kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, bats, and goannas (a type of big lizard). But, you can on Kangaroo Island, Australia's third-largest island, located southwest of Adelaide. With soaring cliffs, towering sand dunes, dense forest, and spectacular white beaches, it's no wonder Kangaroo Island is a popular adventure destination. While there do give sand boarding a shot at Little Sahara, where you can climb immense sand dunes and ride down on a sand board. ATV tours of the bushland trails are also popular, as well as guided caving tours. Go June through November for great wildlife.

Valentine's Day Specials

OriginalVision — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:46:00 GMT

Hey, if you're going to have a special Valentine's Day celebration, why not have it at some place special. And, to make it even more special, try to get a deal, right? Well, here are three Valentine's Day special deals at three very special places. Yeah, I know, they're all located in the eastern U.S. But, if you live nearby some of these special places, you might want to consider them:

Bernards Inn - Bernardsville, New Jersey
info@bernardsinn.com

Bernards Inn, located in Bernardsville, New Jersey, Valentine’s Day is offering a special three-course prix-fixe menu in the dining room on both Sunday, February 13th and Monday, February 14th, as well as a special Valentine's brunch on Sunday the 13th. You can partake in the restaurant's new winter menu, or you and your honey can share special dinners for two, such as Stuffed Twin Lobsters and Chateaubriand. The price for this fabulous meal is $115 per person. They are also offering a special Valentine’s Day overnight package which includes:

Deluxe Overnight Room Accommodations
Valentine’s Prix Fixe Dinner for Two
Ala Carte Breakfast for Two
Red Rose Turn Down – Single Rose Placed on the Pillow

This package is priced at $595.

If you're not familiar with Bernards Inn, you should be. It's been written up in such publications as the New York Times, NJ Life, NJ Bride and M Magazine. You can make reservations by calling 908-766-0002. For more information about the inn, go to their website at bernardsinn.com.

10 Fitch - Auburn, New York

10 Fitch is a luxurious bed and breakfast located in Auburn's historic district, in the Finger Lakes Region. You can hang out at the inn and enjoy an in-room massage, or you can explore the Finger Lakes region. The inn is close to many wonderful Finger Lakes attractions: Owasco Lake, Cayuga Lake, the Cayuga Wine Trail, many romantic waterfalls, and, for the golfing couple, more than 25 golf courses. 10 Fitch has also been featured in many publications, both online and off, as well as being offered as a prize on The Wheel of Fortune.

To commemorate Valentine's Day, 10 Fitch is offering three February romance packages. That's right, all of February! These packages are added to your room rate and include things like an in-room couples' massage, tours of the region, chocolate covered strawberries, etc. To go to the page with their Valentine's specials, go to their homepage at 10fitch.com, scroll down until you see the blurb about their Valentine's special, and follow their instructions. The specials are listed on the "Book Now" page, under the "specials" tab.

Woodlands Inn - Summerville, South Carolina

The Woodlands Inn is notable for being one of only six recipients of the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond awards for lodging and dining. They are also the recipients of AAA Five-Diamond awards and voted best in many different categories by Travel + Leisure magazine. Located about a half hour northwest of Charleston, SC, the Woodlands Inn is perfectly situation to enjoy such romantic pursuits as a boat ride through Cypress Gardens, a stroll through Magnolia Plantation and Gardens or a guided kayak tour of the Ashley River.

The Woodlands Inn is offering a couple Valentine's Day specials this year, including a special Valentine's Day dinner from Friday, Feb. 11 through Monday, Feb. 14. Couples will enjoy a three-course tasting menu, complete with a champagne toast and live music for $65 per person ($87 per person with wine). Also offered Feb. 11 through Feb. 14 is an overnight package which includes dinner, breakfast for two, and in-room chocolates. Go to their website at woodlandsinn.com for more info.

Win a Vacation to New Zealand

OriginalVision — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 20:29:00 GMT

Okay, here's a nice little sweepstakes you might want to enter - the Parade Magazine's "New Year - New Zealand Sweepstakes."

What Do You Win?

The Grand Prize winner of this fabulous sweepstakes will win:

2 coach round-trip airfare tickets from Los Angeles, CA to Auckland, New Zealand on Air New Zealand
1 standard hotel room for two nights at Mercure Auckland Windsor, in Auckland
1 standard hotel room for two nights at Ibis Rototua, in Rototua
3 nights at Tanoa Aspen Hotel in Queenstown
3-day Budget rental car with unlimited mileage for the winner to drive from Auckland to Rotorua
2 coach airfare tickets from Rotorua to Queenstown
Transportation from hotel to airport
A day tour of Fiordland National Park in Queenstown
A cruise along Milford Sound

How Do You Enter?

This part's easy - just go to parade.com/newzealand during the promotional period of January 6, 2011 through 1PM EST on January 31, 2011 (that's soon, folks). Follow all their directions and submit your entry form. The entry limit is 1 entry per person per email address per day.

Who Can Enter?

This sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the U.S. and District of Columbia who are 18 or older. There are some restrictions, such as those who work for the judging agency, sponsor, etc., so do read the rules. The winner will be drawn on Feb. 8th.

So, go enter to win a trip to New Zealand! And, good luck!

How to Prevent Bed Bugs when Traveling

OriginalVision — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:19:00 GMT

Bed bugs have been in the news a lot lately. And, no, I'm not talking about the Bed Bugs board game by Milton Bradley (yes, there is a game about bed bugs!) I'm talking about the kind you bring home with you when traveling away from home. Did you know that one of the most common ways for your home to become infested with bed bugs is for you to bring them home with you from a vacation? That's right: If you spend even one night, or one hour in an infested room, you are liable to have bed bug hitchhikers in your clothing or your suitcases when you come home.

Yuck!

What's a traveler to do?

Luckily, there are some things you can to do prevent bed bugs when traveling:

Make sure you pack the following items: A small flashlight and some large trash bags. And, make them easily accessible.

When you arrive at your hotel room, be sure to keep your luggage away from bed bug sources until you know that the room is free of bed bugs. That means you keep your luggage off the bed and carpeting, or any other surface covered in fabric. That's where the bed bugs lurk. Check your room as soon as you arrive for bed bugs. The first place to look for evidence of bed bugs is on the mattress itself. Peel back the sheets and mattress cover so you can inspect the mattress seams and corners. You are looking for blood spots, cast off insect skins, and actual bed bugs, which are small brown insects, ranging in size from that of sesame seeds to lentils.

Next, use your flashlight to inspect behind the headboard and under the bed, especially in the pleats of any bed skirt that might be on the bed.

After inspecting the beds, look at any other fabric covered items in the room, such as decorative pillows, comfy chairs, or even desk chairs with fabric seats. Again, you are looking in all the nooks and crannies of the fabric for blood spots, skins or bugs.

If you find evidence that the room is infested, call the hotel desk to have your room changed. Do not take any room next door to the infested room. Check the next room the same way as the first one. If everything passes inspection, you are prepared to unpack your luggage and stay in the room.

It's important that you keep your luggage from picking up bed bugs and transporting them home. That's why it's important to put your luggage on tiled flooring such as the bathroom. If you have decided to stay in the room - continue to keep your luggage off fabric surfaces until you have unpacked. Use the folding luggage supporter or the bathroom counters to hold your luggage as you unpack. Hang your clothing up directly. Do not put any clothing on the bed or upholstered furniture. When you have unpacked your luggage, store it in one of the plastic bags you brought along.

Finally -- keep your laundry and your luggage from infecting your home. Put any laundry that has touched a fabric surfaces in the room in fresh plastic bags when you pack for home. Wash all your laundry in hot water once you get home. Unpack away from fabric surfaces in your home. Remember that bed bugs can live a year or more without a blood meal, so store your luggage away from the living areas of your home between trips.

If you're curious if the hotel you're heading to has any reports of bed bugs, you might want to visit bedbugregistry.com, where travelers can report any bed bugs they have discovered while on vacation. Just one warning: they seem to be everywhere.