Archive for October, 2011

Any traveling woman knows that finding a decent lesbian bar – or any lesbian bar at all – can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Many major cities have merely a token once-weekly “girl’s night” at a gay men’s bar. So after combing the map of the U.S. and Canada, we came up with the indispensable list below – the best of the best, at least in our subjective opinion! (And don’t worry guys, these party-hearty venues are all boy-friendly.)

In fact, Día de los Muertos is a venerable Mexican celebration that not only honors the dearly departed, but welcomes their spirits back for a joyous visit. Guests at Cozumel hotels this time of year can enjoy a wonderfully authentic experience.

Whether your destination is the United States, Mexico or the Caribbean, these six award-winning hotels should be on every traveler’s wish list.

The holidays: they’ll arrive in the blink of an eye. With that in mind, pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds – not to mention festive Christmas events – are compelling reasons to book Orlando vacations in November.

Lucky for vacationers looking to spend long blue days with eels and rays along the walls of the breathtaking Columbia and Palancar reefs, many Cozumel hotels come complete with sumptuous spas.

In a sign of the times, travelers surveyed by Orbitz revealed that they would cut back on holiday gifts this year if necessary to cover higher travel costs. The Orbitz 2011 Holiday Travel Index, which gauged the holiday travel plans and preferences of more than 300 respondents, showed that more than 80 percent of the pool planned to spend at least one of the upcoming holidays with their family. About 68 percent said that they were willing to reduce holiday gift expenses — or forgo presents altogether — if higher airfares necessitated the sacrifice.

One of the newest Miami hotels, the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Brickell Downtown combines urban sophistication with location and an eco-friendly attitude.

There’s nothing more relaxing, or romantic, than reposing at a beautiful Bangkok bar, tropical drink in hand. What’s extra nice is when that bar is in your hotel — if you’ve ever been in a hotel without one, you know the pain of having to leave your hotel for a drink. Regardless of whether you’re staying at one of these Bangkok hotels, only a fool would skip these three hotel bars while on vacation.

Whether it’s a hacienda-style hideaway or a no-holds-barred luxury resort, Mexico vacations give honeymooners a slice of paradise. From personalized touches and idyllic surrounds to four-star eats and gracious palapa-dotted shores, south-of-the-border gems take romance to heart.

Arizona is rife with Native American lore, deserted mines and boomtowns long gone bust, so it’s no surprise greater Phoenix is loaded with spooky attractions.

Aromatherapy, home-baked treats, loan of a Burberry raincoat? These are hotel perks we’re talking about, but probably not for the guest you imagine. These amenities are for the dogs, literally. Yes, book a night at the Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, with your pet and get the Pampered Pooch package, which includes a bone-shaped pet pillow, aromatherapy coat spritz treatments, home-baked dog treats, and—in case of inclement weather—the loan of a Burberry waterproof coat.

Looking south to Mexico for your next business meeting? Here are five must-see destinations, along with some of the best Mexico hotels.

Oahu is home to an A-list of fashionable Honolulu hotels, the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and the only royal palace in the U.S. (Not to mention the stomping ground of “Magnum, P.I.”) Like much of Hawaii, Honolulu is vibrant, multicultural, and rife with activities, and some of its best lay just a hop, skip and hula out of the hotel zone.

When planning a Bahamas vacation, there’s much to explore beyond tourist-favored destinations, like Nassau-Paradise Island and Grand Bahama Island. Comprised of more than 700 islands, the Bahamas’ more secluded “Out Islands” are a perfect paradise for divers, nature lovers and all those in search of off-the-radar experiences.

By Erin Behan

Yes there is more to Atlantic City than gambling (although with 11 casinos, there’s plenty of that, too), but once the cooler weather sets in you’ll have to skip sunning on the beach. On your fall or winter Atlantic City vacation, you might set your sights on something more pedestrian–a walkable Monopoly board, sitting in front of Bally’s Atlantic City. It’ll put life-long Monopoly gamers in the mood to wager.

As they continue their merger, United and Continental Airlines have unveiled newly renamed lounges, as well as an array of frequent flyer program changes.

The Strip – with its around-the-clock action and trace of flashing lights – has the glitz and glamour thing down pat. When planning Las Vegas vacations, however, it’s wise to look beyond the main drag and explore what’s tried and true. Remnants of old Las Vegas, are tucked into time-honored spots or have been resurrected as an homage to days gone by.

Long layover at the airport? Check out these four free navigation apps that can help you make the most of your time on the concourse.

Tropical Halloween is weird. It’s not fall-ish. Leaves aren’t changing colors or crunching underfoot. Pumpkin-and-spice scents don’t make as much sense where the average high is 84. To its credit, Florida adapts.

Several months ago, I was given the opportunity to write blogs for Orbitz, an opportunity I eagerly embraced even with limited prior experience in traveloguing. My challenge? I didn’t know how my blogs should “sound.” Erring on the side of professionalism, I penned posts that were fairly straightforward and factual. But this time, I’m dropping all pretense of objectivity as I introduce you to my favorite hard-ticket event at Walt Disney World: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.