Orbitz Blog

Friday, January 27, 2012

Golden Photos: How to snap the Golden Gate Bridge

The famous International Orange color of the Golden Gate Bridge contrasts well against a bright blue sky. Credit: Blane Bachelor.

By Blane Bachelor

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the globe’s most iconic landmarks. With its majestic architecture, bold orange-red color and breathtaking backdrop of mountains and sea, the Golden Gate, as the bridge commonly referred to, is also – not surprisingly — the world’s most-photographed bridge. But with just a little insight and planning, it’s possible for even the most novice shutterbugs to take spectacular, and unique, shots of the bridge for some brag-worthy souvenirs. I’m no Ansel Adams, but here are a few tips I’ve uncovered since moving to San Francisco this July on getting some great Golden Gate bridge pics. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Sprint to spring: Punta Cana’s half-marathon

Run for your life (and some cash): The Punta Cana half-marathon is slotted for April 1 at the Punta Cana Resort & Club.

By Jennifer Olvera

Mid-winter where it’s familiar and mid-winter in Punta Cana? That may be mean different things entirely. And while it’s not like anyone needs arm-twisting to plan a Dominican Republic stay this time of year, the upcoming Punta Cana half-marathon and 10K might provide boost you need to make it through the snowy months that follow. Besides, it’s a solid excuse to lounge post-run at Punta Cana hotels. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Biz-friendly historic hotels in Charleston and Savannah

History in the making: Circa 1886 restaurant, at the Wentworth Mansion in Charleston.

By Mark Chesnut

The cities of Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia are tourism magnets, thanks to their Southern hospitality and beautifully maintained historic attractions. But they can also be great places to hold a business meeting, as many of their most attractive landmarks are also available for private events. And that includes hotels in both cities, where Southern charm and stunning settings combine to create unique venues for a variety of gatherings. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Balmy weather, beer: Atlanta’s looking good in February

The Winter Beer Carnival is a beer lover's paradise with more than 100 brews to sample.

By Erin Behan

It’s winter, you’re in Atlanta, and you like beer? You’re in luck.  The third annual Winter Beer Carnival proffers up more than 100 different beers and—when you need a break from beer—carnival games. All of this can be sampled for $40 with advance tickets or $50 day-of on Feb. 11 at midtown’s Atlantic Station. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

New DOT rules make it easier to see “real” airfares

The price is right: New DOT rules provide more up-front details about airline fees and surcharges.

By Mark Chesnut

Beginning Jan. 26, new rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) should make it a bit easier when shopping around for the best airfare. Consumer advocates are hailing a new consumer rule, designed to enhance protections for air travelers, that will require all government taxes and fees to be included in every advertised fare. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Monday, January 23, 2012

Hawaii’s hometown race: the Great Aloha Run

Hit Honolulu's Great Aloha Run to catch local racers and live music on Feb. 20. Credit: Ryan Ozawa.

By Erin Behan

There’s nothing like watching someone else prove athletic prowess while on vacation. And in Hawaii, one of Honolulu’s most beloved road races — the Kaiser Permanente Great Aloha Run on Feb. 20 — gives those on a Hawaii vacation a chance to do just that. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Friday, January 20, 2012

Military digs: Hotel to open at San Francisco’s Presidio

Enlist now: a former military residence has been recast as the upscale Inn at the Presidio

By Mark Chesnut

The Presidio — San Francisco’s scenic, 235-year-old former military base — will introduce a new option for travelers in April, when the first hotel ever to operate on site opens its doors. The Inn at the Presidio is expected to attract both business travelers and anyone planning a California vacation in the city by the bay, thanks to its upscale ambiance and proximity to noteworthy attractions. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Friday, January 20, 2012

Orlando Magic: See Dwight with the ‘Blue and White’

Magic fans hope Dwight Howard stays, but the hip downtown scene of this metropolis isn't going anywhere. Credit: Fernando Medina.

By Amy Drew Thompson

With the NBA strike over, a basketball-starved nation is relieved, but fans of the Orlando Magic have a new worry: Superstar center Dwight Howard may be leaving to find fortune elsewhere. Many believe Howard has helped fuel Orlando’s downtown renaissance; devotees have even started a campaign to keep him: StayDwight.com. Will he? The question remains. But for now, guests at Orlando hotels can still catch Howard at the brand-spanking-new Amway Arena while enjoying the sophisticated spoils of that aforementioned revitalization.

Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Cruise control: 3 incredible cruise shore excursions

The haunting skies above the Misty Fjords make a perfect day trip. Credit: controltheweb.

By Rich Mahoney

One of the best perks of cruising is the view as you sail into incredible destinations like Alaska, Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda. While the stunning scenery is great from the boat, shore excursions allow you to experience those unique and stunning locations first hand. From thrilling adventures like off-roading and zip-lining to wildlife tours and snorkeling, shore excursions help build the lasting memories and stories to pair with those million-dollar views. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Cancun’s colorful carnival reminiscent of Mardi Gras

Tear yourself away from the luxe Ritz-Carlton Cancun and enjoy Cancun's carnival from Feb. 15 to 22.

By Erin Behan

Visitors to Cancun often don’t make it beyond the hotel strip — the snow white sand, turquoise blue waters and mild year-round temperatures probably have something to do with it — but downtown Cancun should not be missed for its dose of local culture and inexpensive yet authentic cuisine. Come February, there’s one more reason to leave your Cancun hotel and head to the town center and explore: the town’s spirited, colorful carnival. Read the rest of this entry »

No Comments »