Orbitz Blog

Articles for February, 2011

Where to stay at Walt Disney World

Monday, February 28th, 2011

Mommy, there's a giraffe outside my window. (Pictured: Disney's Animal Kingdom Kidani Villas)

By Maria Mora

As a teen, I spent dozens of weekends traveling to the Walt Disney World resorts as a babysitter for my little cousins. In the years since those frequent Orlando vacations, Walt Disney World has revamped older properties and introduced many new options. As a mom, I’m picky when it comes to finding the best  Disney hotels. Here’s an insider’s guide to staying at a Disney resort property. (more…)

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Philly in bloom: Channeling Paris in the spring

Friday, February 25th, 2011

The 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show (March 6 to 13) will capture Paris in the spring. Credit: PHS.

By Richard Hammer

With the deluge of snow we’ve had in Philadelphia and elsewhere on the East Coast, it’s only natural to dream of roses, tulips and exotic plants. Even if we’re still battling ice and powder in March, at least we have this to look forward to: the 2011 Philadelphia Flower Show ($25 for adults, $20 for students and $15 for children), a tradition in the city since 1829. The annual event — the largest indoor flower show in the country with 10 acres of floral designs and lush plants — is held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 6 to 13. Consider it an excuse for an early spring break vacation to a Philadelphia hotel. (more…)

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Hawaii vacations: Follow the food trucks to Honolulu

Thursday, February 24th, 2011

A feast for the senses Hawaiian-style: blue skies, surfers and food trucks. Credit: tweber1.

By Valerie Moloney

Don’t be fooled by my Irish last name. In another life, I could have been Hawaiian. Chalk it up to my love for SPAM and eggs (Did I just say that out loud?), and the carbtastic plate lunch, two ice cream-shaped scoops of white rice, creamy macaroni salad and flaky chicken katsu. It’s the type of comfort food that I would happily take a Hawaii vacation for — because for goodness sake, you couldn’t eat like that everyday — just to sample the real deal from the local food trucks. Yes, the gastro sensation has spread to the islands, and my taste buds couldn’t be happier for it. Because if it came down to eating a pork bun on a  Seattle street corner or among the swaying palms and majestic surf near my Honolulu hotel, I’d have to pick the latter. (more…)

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Mexico vacations 101: Cancun hotels for first timers

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

The picturesque, cliff-top Tulum Ruins are a must-stop during any Cancun vacation. Credit: Redeo.

By Vince Font
Not all travelers set out with specific beach vacations in mind. Some arrive at their choices through a carefully considered process of elimination, while others just throw a dart in a map. But if you ask any seasoned traveler they’ll tell you that sometimes, the best way to pick a vacation destination is by seeing what’s on special and going there. If you’re a first timer and are looking for a list of great Cancun hotels to call home while you’re in town, you could do a lot worse than making your selection from any of the Cancun vacation packages on offer. After all, this is Cancun you’re talking about—it’s pretty tough to go wrong here. Follow these tips for easing the process, whether you’re in the mood for a spring break vacation or romantic getaway. (more…)

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Hideaways for honeymooners: 4 Cozumel hot spots

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Celebrate being Mr. and Mrs. at beach bungalow-studded Occidental Grand Cozumel - All Inclusive.


By Nina Gass

One day very soon, you will be able to say that you survived the whole ordeal of dress shopping, invitation ordering, menu planning, relative entertaining and all the other heavy lifting that needs to be done before walking down the aisle. Until then, enjoy the best part: planning your honeymoon.  With its year-round balmy weather, pristine beaches and idyllic island locale, Cozumel is a breathtaking place to start the next era as Mr. and Mrs. Whichever one you choose, many Cozumel hotels sit on precious real estate by private, untouched beaches, secret lagoons and hidden jungle-like forests–the perfect scenes for romance. (more…)

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Southwest fills Newark schedule with 10 more flights

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Credit: Kevin Coles.

By Joe Brancatelli

Southwest Airlines, which launches flights from Newark Airport in March, has filled out its schedule with 10 more flights. There’ll be three nonstops daily to Denver; two daily flights to Houston‘s Hobby Airport; two nonstops to Phoenix; and three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington. Those flights all launch on June 5. Southwest begins its Newark incursion on March 27 with six nonstops to Chicago/Midway and two daily nonstops to St. Louis. Southwest got the necessary slots and gates at Newark as part of Continental and United’s concessions to get their merger approved in 2010.

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Joe Brancatelli is editor and publisher of JoeSentMe.com, a non-commercial Web site for business travelers. Copyright 2010 by Joe Brancatelli. Licensed by contract for Orbitz use.

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Sundance: Memories from a glitzy ski vacation

Friday, February 18th, 2011

By Elina Fuhrman

In Park City, it’s all about Sundance and snow.  This pristine enclave nestled in the valley between Mount Alta and the Wasatch National Forest is a skier’s paradise and a filmmaker’s dream-come-true. I should know: My daughter’s film “Salvation Boulevard” debuted there recently. While we spent plenty of time on the red carpet, we also used the opportunity to take a much-needed ski vacation. (more…)

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Beyond the buffet: The top 3 hippest eats in Vegas

Friday, February 18th, 2011

Stack at Mirage tempts with affordable, American bistro fare and a heavy dose of scene.

By Vince Font

With all the attention on gambling and booze, it would be all too easy to box your Las Vegas vacation into an itinerary of Blackjack and gin. Certainly, food doesn’t come to mind as a first priority, but that’s a rookie mistake. The locals know that when it comes to fine dining and nightlife, the feast starts long before the first course. Here, we size up the three hippest restaurants in Las Vegas hotels. (more…)

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Beat the cold with an all-inclusive vacation to Aruba

Thursday, February 17th, 2011

Frostbitten? Warm up with a spring break vacation to the Occidental Grand Aruba All Inclusive.


By Vince Font

Now may not be the time most people are planning their summer beach vacations. The winter’s still got a long way to go, and when it comes right down to the way that Mother Nature conducts her business, it’s usually best not to argue — she’s going to have her way whether we like it or not. But if you’re feeling particularly pent up this winter and sense the end of your proverbial rope approaching far too soon, setting the plans in motion for an all-inclusive vacation or spring break vacation can’t happen fast enough. Leave it to to the Occidental Grand in Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba, to take the frostbite away.  (more…)

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5 ways to save on a hotel room

Wednesday, February 16th, 2011

Chicago biz travelers save at the Hotel Allegro, which sports playful rooms and a theater district address.

By Jeanenne Tornatore

As traveler confidence returns, so do rising travel prices.  And while average daily hotel rates continue to stay below pre-2008 levels, as we head into 2011 rates are up year-over-year in many popular vacation destinations.  With the busy spring break travel season upon us, here’s some advice on how to stay within your budget and still get a great hotel room.

(more…)

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