Articles for November, 2011
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Warrior Dash-ers don Viking-like helmets and power through over-the-top obstacles. Credit: JOE MARINARO.
By Jennifer Olvera
If you’re into wacky, obstacle-driven fun on your Florida vacation, the Warrior Dash – a three-mile race along an extreme course – is for you. Slotted for Dec. 3 in Deerfield Beach in South Florida, and Jan. 21 and 22 in Lake Wales in Central Florida, the beer-soaked extravaganza features costumed participants in warrior helmets, and challenges from fire-leaping to hay bale-climbing at every turn. (more…)
Tags: adventure travel, sports vacations
Posted in Florida Vacation, Sports Travel | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
The poinsettia was imported to the U.S. by Charlestonian Dr. Charles Poinsett. Credit: Charleston Area CVB, ExploreCharleston.com.
By Blane Bachelor
Temperatures may be getting colder, but there’s never been a hotter time to visit Charleston. Home to an exploding culinary scene, this southern belle is also abuzz with its recent ranking as Top U.S. City in 2011 by Condé Nast Traveler readers. See what all the excitement is about this holiday season, when the city gets into the spirit with its popular boat parade, Lowcountry shopping and elegant progressive dinners. (Bonus: Some Charleston hotels feature packages with jolly good extras like carriage rides and hot cocoa.) (more…)
Tags: Hotels
Posted in Food & Wine, Holidays & Events, Hotels | No Comments »
Monday, November 28th, 2011
Caribbean Klaus: Sinterklaas makes his appearance -- on a white horse, no less. Credit: LordFerguson.
By Jennifer Olvera
Snowflakes. Jack Frost. Wool everything. In Chicago, wintry scenes (read: freezing-cold weather) and the holidays are synonymous. South of the equator, though, nothing could be further from reality. From Sinterklaas in Aruba to stilt-walkers in St. Kitts, the Caribbean draws clever snowbirds south for a beach vacation. Here are some tropical offerings to sing about amidst those light-strung palms. (more…)
Tags: beach travel, Christmas travel
Posted in Beach Vacation, Holidays & Events | No Comments »
Thursday, November 24th, 2011
The Bahamas' rhythmic Junkanoo festival is a colorful, lively take on holiday tradition. Credit: ebodie.
By Jennifer Olvera
The New Year’s holiday is a festive affair for Bajans, who usher in the season with Junkanoo. Its roots date back to the 17th century, when it was introduced as time-off celebration for slaves. Today, it consists of parades, traditional dancing, live music and intricate, eye-popping costumes. Festivities spring up islands-wide during the wee hours on Boxing Day (December 26) and on New Year’s Day, providing the perfect excuse to book a Bahamas vacation. (more…)
Tags: Bahamas vacation, Christmas vacation
Posted in Beach Vacation, Holidays & Events | No Comments »
Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
Aloha, Santa: Holidays in Hawaii are always a thumbs up. Credit: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts.
By Blane Bachelor
For the past two years, President Obama and his family have spent Christmas in his native Hawaii. It’s not clear yet if they’ll be headed there this year, but if you are, you can be sure Hawaii lays out the red carpet for all of its guests — especially during the holidays. Many Hawaii hotels feature seasonal twists on tasty island fare, stores and shops ring out with localized versions of classic carols and Santa Claus switches his sleigh for an outrigger canoe. Here, some island-specific offerings guaranteed to make you say “Mele Kalikimaka” (that’s how to say “Merry Christmas” in Hawaii). (more…)
Tags: Hawaii hotels
Posted in Beach Vacation, Hawaii Vacation, Holidays & Events | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Date night 2012: Rosewood Mayakoba's Agave Azul Library awaits eager palates. Credit: Joaquin Duenas.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Some interpret that the ancient Mayan calendar, astonishingly accurate over millennia thus far, predicts the world will end in 2012. I say if you can’t beat ʼem — join ʼem. And go properly anesthetized. In that same spirit, many Riviera Maya hotels are well poised to usher guests into divine oblivion via the prized nectar of the agave: Tequila.
(more…)
Tags: Riviera Maya hotels, Riviera Maya vacation
Posted in Beach Vacation, Mexico Vacation | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Outdoors in: Guests enjoy open-air massages at Aulani - a Disney Resort & Spa. Credit: David Roark/Disney Destinations.
By Jill E. Cooper
Nestled inconspicuously on the first floor of the Wai’anae tower of Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa, you’ll find one of Oahu’s newest hidden treasures – the Laniwai Spa. “Laniwai” is a Hawaiian word that translates to “freshwater heaven” for English speakers. “Heavenly” is an apt description for an afternoon spent at Laniwai. As you amble about the grounds of Aulani, you won’t find this enchanting 18,000 square foot tropical retreat by accident. You must look for it, but the search is well worth the rewards that await you there. (more…)
Tags: Aulani
Posted in Disney Vacation, Family Travel, Hawaii Vacation, Hotels | No Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Here he comes, Miss'd America, that other marquee event in Atlantic City -- this one with drag queens.
By Erin Behan
There’s the Miss American Pageant and then there’s the Miss’d America Pageant. Amazing what a difference one letter makes — and in this context, one chromosome. The Miss’d Pageant, at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Ballroom on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at 8 p.m. (tickets), is a spoof on the original, with drag queens in all their glittery glory competing for the crown, cash and prizes. (more…)
Tags: Atlantic City hotels, Atlantic City vacations
Posted in Gay Travel, Hotels, Travel Tips | No Comments »
Friday, November 18th, 2011
Lone Star after dark: Austin, Texas is offering new venues, restaurants and hotels. Photo: Daniel Mayer
By Mark Chesnut
Considering that Austin is the Texas state capital as well as a major hub for higher education, it’s no surprise that there is always something new to discover when it comes to dining, entertainment, hotels and meeting venues. (more…)
Tags: Family vacation
Posted in Business Travel, Family Travel, Food & Wine, Hotels | No Comments »
