Travel news: The real Santa Claus, a surprise baby on board and more

The Catskills are back. CREDIT: GK tramrunner229

Oh, the places you’ll go!
Is itbad that we’re already making our 2015 travel plans? It just got a lot easier now that Travel + Leisure compiled its top destinations for 2015. This year’s list includes far away locales like Istanbul, Tanzania and Chile, plus closer to home places like Maui, Cleveland and the Catskills. That’s right, the Catskills. Dust off that tuxedo, Don Rickles!

High times
San Francisco will be hosting the International Cannabis Business Conference on February 15 and 16. According to sfgate.com, the two-day event will focus on the economic benefits of legalized marijuana with guest speakers including travel guru Rick Steves and columnist Andrew Sullivan. Scheduled workshops include drum circles, laughing uncontrollably and eating big bags of Sour Patch Kids.

Ho ho holy cow
Santa Claus is real! According to Fast Company, a former Macy’s Santa has legally changed his name to Santa Claus and is still spreading holiday cheer via Today show visits, Madison Square Garden cameos and events at companies and schools. Out of season he has a catering business called Santa’s BBQ. Let’s hope those lip-smackin’ ribs aren’t made out of reindeer.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good flight
Stressed about holiday travel? Style site refinery29.com has you covered. It recently unveiled its list of 32 items that make holiday travel easier, including the Take a Trip Passport Case by Jonathan Adler, The Correspondent Stowaway suitcase by Streamline and a 3D Metallic iPad Mini Case by Marc by Marc Jacobs. Great ideas, but all we’re packing for the holidays are a swimsuit and SPF50.

Oh, baby
It’sa bird, it’s a plane, it’s…a baby born on a plane. According to CNN, a Southwest flight bound from San Francisco to Phoenix was diverted to Los Angeles this week when a pregnant woman unexpectedly gave birth mid-flight. A nurse and doctor on board helped the mother deliver her baby and passengers were supportive. .

Tagged: California