Orbitz Blog

Articles for November, 2007

Introducing the Orbitz Travel Blog

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

There’s a whole lot of great travel information across Orbitz, on just about every topic you can think of — from business travel tips and Mexico shopping advice to breaking travel news and tips on trendy gay travel destinations.

But we have so many people at Orbitz with so much knowledge about — and passion for — travel, we feel like we need yet another outlet to share that expertise.

So we’re pleased to welcome you to the Orbitz Travel Blog, where Orbitz staff members and contributors will be weighing in regularly with insights and personal experiences.

We hope you enjoy it. Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Fabulous & free: Orlando vacations, Part 2

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

By Samantha Chapnick

Legodisney
The Lego store at Downtown Disney keeps the kids busy for hours and doesn’t cost a cent. That is, if you can get away without buying them anything.

This ranks as one of my favorite Orlando vacation freebies.

Outside the store — officially called the Lego Imagination Center — are mammoth sculptures made from Lego. A family with two dogs taking photos of the lake, a Loch Ness sea monster and some friendly dragons dressed in colorful duds practically scream "Kodak Moment!"

(more…)

Fabulous & free: Orlando vacations, Part 1

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

By Samantha Chapnick

Craft_table_2The Orlando Science Center may not have “children” or “museum” in its name, but that doesn’t stop it from serving as one for locals.

The science center is must-do, in my opinion, for families with kids (11 & younger) seeking amusement beyond the theme parks or on a rainy day during an Orlando vacation.

It’s a blend between a children’s museum with exclusively science-related exhibits and a science center targeting kids 11 and younger, and it does both well enough to intelligently amuse the average kid for at least 6 hours.

(more…)

Maui: On the road to Hana

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

By Chris Wieland

Img_0133 Take a Maui vacation and everyone will say that you must –- MUST! –- drive the Road to Hana. Hana is a small town on the island’s edge, only accessible by a road with more hairpin turns than you can imagine.

I believe the journey is always more important than the destination. This was some journey.

We started early because, though the road is only 25 to 30 miles long, it can take five hours one way.

Why so long?

(more…)

Best dining on a Bahamas vacation

Thursday, November 29th, 2007

By Lena Katz

Though some visitors seem to subsist on nothing but rum during their Bahamas vacation, I strongly recommend eating something, sometime, somewhere … for your own health, please! Here’s a brief introduction to Bahamian food and some good places to get it.

(more…)

New York vacation: Celebrity-spotting secrets

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

By Samantha Chapnick

As Letterman’s stage door entrance becomes ever more popular among visitors on a star-seeking New York vacation, it’s time to learn a few new insider places. They’re more niche, but I’ve found them to be more accessible.

(more…)

Adrenaline rush on an Orlando vacation

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

By Samantha Chapnick

Samskydiving You can get thrills on an Orlando vacation outside the theme parks. As the self-proclaimed "skydiving capital of the world," the city has plenty to offer adrenaline junkies of all ages.

Whenever I need an adrenaline fix, I just tell my cabbie I’m late. The white knuckle ride through Manhattan cures me of any need to jump out of planes or off bridges attached to a big rubber band.

But hey, that’s me.

So what was I doing free falling and braving 180 mph winds?

(more…)

Ritz-Carlton Orlando readies for winter holidays

Wednesday, November 28th, 2007

By Samantha Chapnick

With gingerbread and song, at least one Orlando hotel is in the festival spirit.

The Ritz-Carlton Orlando is getting in the mood with a holiday display of intricate gingerbread houses and holiday carolers.

Here are a few ginger "snaps" from my recent trip:

Ritz_gingerbread_egg_nog_pub

Gingerbread_gum_drop_shoppe

Ritz_gingerbread_scene

Ritz_gingerbread_princess_house

Ritz_gingerbread1

Ritz_gingerbread_school