Most people think of Colorado as a winter destination, and for good reason. It’s hard to find better skiing than in the state’s mountains, and it’s a snowy playground for snowmobilers, snowshoers and winter campers as well. However, Colorado’s attractions don’t melt away with the snow, and it’s a worthy destination filled with fascinating sites and fun activities year-round.

The appeal of Colorado vacations lies in the fact that the state has great outdoor activities, lively cities and unique historic attractions. Almost everything is incredibly family friendly, and because it’s relatively easy to find cheap flights to the state capital, Denver, it’s a great value. When you combine flights with hotel rooms and car rental, you can often get outstanding savings.

Starting out in Denver, you can get a taste of cosmopolitan Colorado. The laid-back attitude of the city makes it an easy place to feel right at home. One of the city’s hippest highlights is the Cherry Creek district. Here you can find unpretentious cafes serving creative food, stylish boutiques and a great area for strolling. For even more shopping, check out the 16th St. Mall, a pedestrian-only zone. The Denver Art Museum, housed in a jagged building, will impress the art aficionado in your family, and your music fans will want to check out what’s on the schedule at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater, just 15 miles outside the city.

Traveling toward Colorado Springs, you won’t want to miss the Garden of the Gods. The imposing red rock formations that jut up out of the landscape will inspire the most avowed fans of the great indoors to get out of the car and go for long hikes. Or, if your feet get tired, saddle up for some spectacular trail rides at the many stables that offer horseback tours of the area.

Southwest Colorado has some of America’s most arresting vestiges of Native American culture, and though it’s a bit off the beaten path, it’s well worth it to explore the area. Mesa Verde National Park is the centerpiece, and your entire family will be fascinated by a tour through the ruins left by cliff-dwelling Native Americans. There are a number of different structures still standing, and they offer an unusual glimpse into Native American life and culture.

And, of course, Rocky Mountain National Park offers all kinds of summer activities. It’s an impressive setting for family camping trips, canoeing, horseback riding or good old-fashioned hiking. If you decide to fly in, there are plenty of outfitters who can provide you with all the equipment you need.

Renting a car makes it easy to take in Colorado’s diverse sights and attractions. Even if you think renting a car is out of your budget, search for vacation packages on sites like www.travelocity.com. When you combine cheap flights with hotels and car rental, you’ll be surprised at how much value you’ll get for your money.

Courtesy: ARAcontent
Photo: richdrogpa

Jamaica vacations offer the best of many worlds, and adventure travelers continue to flock to this location for their next jaw dropping experience. Here are some of the island’s best offerings for those who don’t mind having their heart skip a beat:

Get closer to nature and camp in the wild

If you love nature and want to get up close and personal with the creatures of the jungle, consider a camping trip to a serene location in the Jamaican mountains. Hop on one of the cheap flights to Montego Bay and you’ll be well on your way to seeing the jungle like you never have before. A guide can take you to the best camping locations and also provide you with some rental gear.

Zipline your way down the Jamaican mountainside

The zipline is a popular activity throughout Jamaica. You’ll be able to zoom down the hillside, over a tropical valley, or around the lush jungle canopy as you dangle from a rope from point A to point B. The great thing about ziplining is it can be appropriate for the whole family. When you zip down the mountain with your kids right behind you, you’re guaranteed to bond like you never have before.

Cliff jumping for a rush into the ocean

Don’t be surprised if you are minding your own business only to look over to see a Jamaican local doing elaborate cliff dives for your entertainment. For the not-so-faint-of-heart, cliff jumping can be the ultimate thrill. Some pools in Jamaica are built right into the cliffs so jumping is as convenient as ever! Remember, cliff jumping can be dangerous and if you do decide to take the plunge, make sure someone with experience explains any rocks or other water concerns you should be aware of. Otherwise, prepare to feel your heart drop (and try to avoid a belly flop).

Ride the ravenous rapids

The sun is scorching and a river rafting adventure is just what you need to wake up and cool down. A variety of guided rafting tours is available for those that dare to ride the rough waters of the Jamaican rivers. Most tours start out slow as you enjoy the beautiful jungle surroundings. But before you know it, you’ll be hit by the bumpy waves that toss your raft around like a ragdoll. Feel the rush as the water splashes from every angle.

ATV your way through a jungle safari

You thought your cheap flights to Jamaica were the way to travel, but ATVs are a great travel option for navigating through Jamaica once you are there. Experience the exotic jungle up close and personal with your own ATV that will roll through the rough terrain and even some rivers. You’ll be able to discover the local flora and fauna, secret villages, remote waterfalls and crystal clear pools. You’ll love having an ATV that can get you through just about anything to find the hidden treasures of Jamaica.

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Every summer and early fall, theme park thrill-seekers and amusement park aficionados prepare to flock en masse to these attractions across the country. Some 300 million visitors traveled to 400 amusement parks and traditional attractions in 2008, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions. While the big-name parks are always fun, don’t overlook some equally exhilarating, but smaller, regional parks. You’ll likely find smaller crowds and save on travel costs.

“Often overlooked in preference to household names, these smaller regional parks can sometimes mean shorter lines, a one-of-a-kind adrenaline rush and a welcome escape from the tried and true thrills,” says Alistair Wearmouth, family travel specialist for Away.com, which recently published its Ultimate Theme Park Guide.

To get you started, here is a list of regional theme parks offering big thrills this summer:

Midwest

Silver Dollar City – Branson, Mo.

Nestled in the small town of Branson, Silver Dollar City touts itself as a “family-friendly vacation destination with down-home charm.” True to form, the park boasts 30 thrilling rides and attractions, in addition to a culinary school, a craft school and live entertainment. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, the park just opened a new ride, the “Tom and Huck’s RiverBlast.” Raft riders and spectators, armed with water soakers, battle each other raft-to-raft and raft-to-shore.

Information can be found at www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com.

Mid-Atlantic

Kennywood – West Mifflin, Pa., near Pittsburgh

A designated U.S. National Historic Landmark, Kennywood, in West Mifflin, offers visitors a healthy dose of history and hysterics. In late June, the park, which opened in 1898, introduces a new roller coaster, “Sky Rocket.” The ride launches riders from 0 to 50 mph in less than three seconds up a hill. Little known fact: The 2009 film Adventureland was filmed at this location.

Information can be found at www.kennywood.com.

Northeast

Seabreeze – Irondequoit, N.Y., near Rochester, N.Y.

Being the 12th oldest operating amusement park in the world does have its perks. Seabreeze, located upstate in Rochester, offers visitors more than 70 attractions and a water park. In addition to housing the second oldest coaster in the U.S., the Jack Rabbit, the park will unveil a new ride, “Revolution 360 Degrees” this summer. Guests face outward aboard a giant disk which rotates 360 degrees in both directions five stories high.

Information can be found at www.seabreeze.com.

Southeast

Family Kingdom – Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Family Kingdom offers vintage boardwalk fun at Myrtle Beach’s only amusement park. Rides include a wooden roller coaster, South Carolina’s largest Ferris wheel with one-of-a-kind views out over the Atlantic Ocean and an oceanfront waterpark just across the street. Hot deals and discounts ensure fun for you and the family without breaking the bank.

Information can be found at www.familykingdomfun.com.

Southwest

Enchanted Island – Encantado Park, Ariz., near Phoenix

Conveniently located in a city park in the heart of metro Phoenix, Enchanted Island transports visitors to a magical world of amusement. The park boasts rides, bumper boats, a 50 year-old carousel and an old-school C.P. Huntington train. The “soft adventure” rides make this park especially ideal for younger kids ages 1 to 10.

Information can be found at www.enchantedisland.com.

West

LEGOLAND – Carlsbad, Calif.

Modeled after the iconic Danish brand of construction toys, LEGOLAND California Resort in Carlsbad is the only LEGOLAND in the U.S. This summer the park debuts the world’s first LEGOLAND Waterpark. The park will include a lazy river, several water slides, a splash tower, spray LEGO models and two beach areas.

Information can be found at www.legolandwaterpark.com.

Rockies

Elitch Gardens – Denver

Elitch Gardens is a combo theme-water park celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. Since its inception, it has been home to the first zoo, first theater, first movie house, first symphony orchestra and continues to be the oldest continually operating theme park west of the Mississippi. If the history isn’t a lure, its 14 extreme coasters, good range of kid-sized coasters and all-age group rides make this a good pick for the entire family.

Information can be found at www.elitchgardens.com.

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Find out to save money when ordering taxis in Manhattan, when shopping in Macy’s and more with Hostelworld.com’s Colm Hanratty.

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In a national study by Expedia.com, 94 percent of Americans agreed it was worth it to take a family vacation. Why? Because they help build memories that last a lifetime and reinforce family bonds. Nearly 85 percent of those surveyed think the time they spend together as a family is what makes a trip special. The good news is, travel costs have dropped significantly in the last year, making family vacations the most affordable they’ve been in years.

This year, rather than forgoing a vacation altogether, many people are staying closer to home and taking shorter trips. Whether you have a day, weekend or an entire week to get away, trips within driving distance can be fun and help save money. In fact, good old-fashioned road trips haven’t gone out of style. Most people (seven in 10) still enjoy them because they like making stops at family-friendly attractions and seeing interesting sights along the way.

Travel expert Lee Woodruff says online resources like Expedia.com are a great way to help plan a great family vacation on a small budget.

“Expedia has a brand new tool called Drive Getaway. You plug in where you are in the country, how far you want to go on a tank of gas or less and they’ll come up with all kinds of ideas and places that you can go with the kids for one, two, three nights, whatever it may be,” Woodruff says.

Some other tips for getting the most out of your family vacation:

Take advantage of last minute deals – More than a quarter of Americans (27 percent) who have been on family vacations feel a spontaneous trip is more fun for their family than one planned well in advance of the vacation date. The good news is there’s still time to take advantage of great vacation savings. Snap up dramatically discounted hotel rooms in top cities and beaches at Expedia.com’s last minute deals page.

Revisit the past – Many of our fondest memories come from family trips. Revisiting favorite destinations that you remember as a child can be a great way to spend time off with your family. Nearly two in three (64 percent) parents who enjoyed family vacations while growing up have taken their own families to destinations they visited as a child. “Sharing a trip from your childhood is a special way to connect with the entire family and relive the memories you created in the past,” says Woodruff.

Don’t over schedule – “Remember, this is a vacation! Don’t over schedule. One activity or site a day is plenty,” advises Woodruff. Trips to larger attractions can be alternated with inexpensive or free activities like picnics in nearby parks to help families stick to their travel budgets.

Involve the whole family –”Whatever you decide, be sure to get the kids involved in the planning. They’ll be more cooperative and have a lot more fun if they feel they have a say,” says Woodruff. Cruises can be a great option for family vacations. They offer activities that are fun for everyone and help families stick to their travel budgets since most cruises are all-inclusive.

Think off season – Booking travel during off-peak travel times can help maximize travel budgets. “While more than half of Americans like to take family vacations during summer, booking travel in the fall after Labor Day weekend can be just as enjoyable. Planning travel for off-peak times also allows travelers to take advantage of travel deals and smaller crowds,” says Woodruff. Booking air and hotel together is another way to save money regardless of when you plan on traveling throughout the year. Travelers can save more than $200 per trip when they book their airfare and hotel together.

The average American who has taken a family vacation at some point in their lives admits it has been five years since they had a truly great trip with their loved ones. There’s no better time than the present to hit the road and have some fun making memories with family and loved ones.

For more information about travel deals and destinations visit www.expedia.com.

Courtesy:  ARAcontent

Many parents wonder if a trip is even worth it if it means dealing with cranky, tired kids for a week. Yes, according to Dr. Chris Drake, a bioscientific investigator at the Henry Ford Sleep Research Center in Detroit and resident sleep expert for AmericInn Hotels’ “Sleep Better America” program.

“While parents and kids often come back from family vacations more exhausted than before they left, the bonding time between parent and child in a vacation setting is essential to healthy child development and growth,” says Drake. “Plus trips are a time for families to have fun and learn together. Experiences away from home are often educational for young minds and it’s good to expose children to new geographic areas, languages, cultures and foods.”

Drake, a father himself, knows firsthand the benefits of connecting while on a family vacation, yet he also knows how lost hours of sleep can be unhealthy for kids and cause big headaches for parents. To ease parents’ minds, Drake offers the following tips to help children achieve the best sleep possible while traveling:

Stick with your kids’ nap schedule

Plan activities around your children’s nap schedules while on vacation. If naptime is regularly after lunch, make an effort to have this meal close to your hotel, campground or relative’s house. Even on long car trips, do your best to keep kids awake with energizing music, games and conversation at times they’re usually active. Long car rides make all of us a bit lethargic, so it may feel like a necessary respite to let your kids fall asleep for long intervals, but you’ll pay in the middle of the night.

Consider light and sun exposure

Research has shown that light exposure impacts everything from brain activity to seasonal depression to length and quality of sleep. Kids, like adults, need natural light exposure every day to stay alert. They also sleep better in dark, calming environments. When traveling, find quiet, dim spaces for naps and nighttime sleeping. Draw curtains whenever possible.

Stick to healthy meals and regular mealtimes

Eating while on vacation usually means higher calorie meals and more treats like ice cream and cookies. Allow your kids some treats to enjoy, but don’t overdo it and stick to your regular meal schedule. Don’t let your kids order french fries with every entrée. Choose a veggie option instead. Watching your kids’ sugar and salt intake while away from home and having them drink more water will be better for their digestive systems and quality of sleep.

Try preventing unfamiliar noise interruptions

In an unfamiliar setting, kids can get excited or scared by foreign noises. When scouting out the best sleep arrangement for the kids while traveling, consider hotels like the AmericInn brand, which is known for specially insulating its properties to offer guests a quieter stay. Or when camping, find a spot away from the road, train tracks or any sort of entertainment venue. When at grandma and grandpa’s house, if possible select a private space away from cousins and other family members.

Start bedtime routines earlier on the road

Since it most likely will take longer to get kids settled for bed while on a trip, unless they’re wiped out from the day’s activities, start your usual bedtime routines of putting on pajamas, brushing teeth and reading books one hour earlier. Turning out the lights well before bedtime is a good way to start the physiological and behavioral processes of sleep even before kids are in bed. TV is the most problematic, particularly in a hotel where the living room is often the bedroom as well, so avoid turning it on when trying to get your kids down for the night.

Pack familiar and comforting items

You may feel like you’ve packed too much, but don’t leave out your kids’ favorite PJs, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or pacifiers because you’ll be glad to have them when your child throws a temper tantrum right before bed. Items that are comforting and familiar help calm children down despite being in a bed and room that isn’t as inviting as their kid-friendly rooms at home.

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“Each year, the U.S. Department of the Treasury receives more than 1.4 million inquiries regarding paper check-related problems,” says David A. Lebryk, commissioner of the Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service.

Yet, approximately 10.5 million Americans continue to receive their Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments by paper check each month. The Treasury Department’s Go Direct (R) campaign encourages senior citizens and people with disabilities to switch to direct deposit.

Increased safety, convenience and reliability

When there’s a problem with a Social Security payment, nine times out of 10 it’s with a paper check, not a direct deposit payment, says Lebryk.

Paper checks can be vulnerable to financial crimes like theft and fraud. In fact, the Treasury Department investigates more than 70,000 cases of altered or fraudulently endorsed checks each year, totaling $64 million in estimated value.

“In 2008 alone, more than 485,000 Social Security and SSI checks were reported lost or stolen and had to be reissued,” says Lebryk.

Direct deposit is also more convenient and reliable. There is no more waiting for a check to arrive in the mail, and there are no more worries about delivery delays due to severe weather, local emergencies and other check related problems. Last year alone, severe weather events forced alternative delivery arrangements for millions of Social Security and SSI paper checks.

“Switching to direct deposit for federal benefits is such an easy way for people to safeguard their money, especially when traveling for extended periods of time,” says Lebryk. “Your money is deposited to your account on payment day, so there’s no need to worry about delivery delays or a check sitting in your mailbox while you’re gone.”

Prepaid debit card option

In addition to direct deposit, the Treasury Department recommends the Direct Express (R) Debit MasterCard (R) card as an alternative to paper checks for people without bank accounts.

More than half a million Americans signed up for the optional Direct Express (R) card in its first year of availability, according to the Treasury Department. A recent survey of cardholders finds that 95 percent say they are satisfied with the prepaid debit card, and 86 percent say they would recommend it to family members or friends who receive a federal benefit payment.

With the Direct Express card, cardholders can make purchases, pay bills and get cash at thousands of locations nationwide. Sign-up is free and no bank account is required. While most services are free, there are fees for a limited number of optional transactions and services.

Making the switch is easy

It is easy to make the switch to electronic payments for federal benefits. To sign up for direct deposit, call the Treasury Department’s Go Direct campaign helpline at 1-800-333-1795 or visit www.GoDirect.org. To sign up for the Treasury-recommended Direct Express card, or to learn more about the card’s features and fees, call 1-877-212-9991 or visit www.USDirectExpress.com.

The preceding information has been provided by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service.The Go Direct (R) campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks. The Direct Express (R) Debit MasterCard (R) card is issued by Comerica Bank, pursuant to a license by MasterCard International Incorporated. MasterCard (R) and the MasterCard (R) Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated. The Go Direct (R) logo, Direct Express (R) logo and Direct Express (R) are service marks of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Financial Management Service.

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Jen Leo, the Daily Deal Blogger for the LA Times Travel Section answers the question: How do I redeem my frequent flyer miles?

Transcript

Redeeming your frequent flyer miles is a straight forward process. Go to the website of the airline and go to their frequent flyer program section. Go to the section that has ‘redeem miles’ and then see what all the toys and goodies you can buy with your points are. It’s kind of like if you are at the fair and you have those extra tickets. Just keep your frequent flyer number handy so that when you do call the representative, or sign in on the website, you have your number ready and they can log you in, check your bank account, so to speak, and then start redeeming your miles.

Courtesy: Jen Leo

Vacation homes at Disney's Old Key West

by Michael Coudriet

Two things that I look forward to while vacationing in Orlando are privacy and relaxation. I don’t know about you, but I do not want my vacation to be work. Many people take vacations and then need to take a vacation from the vacation. That’s not for me. I work to hard to take an Orlando vacation so I want to thoroughly enjoy it! That’s why I rent Disney vacation homes.

I have found that the best way to get the privacy and relaxation that I so earnestly desire is to rent a Disney vacation home rather than checking into the local hotel. It makes all the difference in the vacationing experience and here’s why.

When I rent a hotel room, I feel like a sardine in a can. There is little room to move around, and if you have kids like I do, you feel like your playing bumper cars with each other due to the lack of space. There is just not enough floor space. The beds alone can take up to half the room. The great thing about a vacation home is that everyone gets their own room just like at home. Not only do you get your own room but you also have your own kitchen, living room, laundry machines, and you can even rent a home with a private pool if you so desired.

Now, I know some ladies will not like the fact that there is a kitchen in the home. It represents work to them, and after all, nobody should be working in their Disney vacation home To keep my wife out of the kitchen, we bring our favorite menus, and a list of groceries (snacks included) to pick up after we arrive at the vacation home. I’ll grab the groceries while my wife gets the little ones settled. Once I get back, we cook our meals for the week and place them in containers that then go in to the refrigerator, shut the fridge door and we are done. Now, we will eat out on occasion too but with just a little planning, we will save quite a bit of money and calories. That ‘s why we also choose staying in Disney Vacation Homes rather than the local hotel.

About the author: If you are planning to visit Orlando and would like to get the best rates on vacation homes near Disney then be sure to visit us at www.dwvacationhomes

Courtesy: EzineArticles
Photo: lemoncat1

You can spend the same amount and get more – for example, choosing to extend a vacation or trading up your hotel choice – or you can pocket the savings.

With a little planning, even the most budget-conscious can find affordable trips this fall and winter. Tim MacDonald, general manager of Expedia.com, offers some advice for ways to get the most value out of your next vacation:

Plan ahead and book with confidence – In many cases, scheduling travel in advance helps you secure the lowest airfare and hotel rates. Though there’s always a chance for last-minute sales, waiting could increase the likelihood that you will pay higher prices. This frequently happens during peak times, like the winter holidays, when there are fewer options for flights and hotel rooms.

While airlines and hotels may charge penalties, Expedia.com has eliminated change and cancel fees for hotels, cruises, car rental and most flight reservations. With fewer change and cancel fees to worry about, travelers have the flexibility they need to book in advance with confidence.

Book Together

Booking airfare and hotel accommodations at the same time not only simplifies the vacation planning process, but also can help substantially reduce the overall costs of vacation travel.

“Booking travel together is one of the easiest ways to save money and get the most value when planning a trip. That’s because when you bundle your air travel and hotel together and book them at the same time, Expedia.com is able to pass substantial savings onto you,” says MacDonald. “Last year Expedia.com customers saved $248 million by booking their air travel and hotels together.”

Trade Up

Although some people may be looking to scale back travel plans or follow a vacation budget more closely than in the past, for others there are opportunities to get more for their money this year. For roughly the price of a three-star hotel stay last year, travelers can now book at a four-star hotel. In fact, the average daily rate of a four-star hotel is $143 per night, 22 percent lower than the average for 2008.

“We’re seeing incredible values for luxury hotel properties this year,” says MacDonald. “For some travelers, this may be their chance to stretch their dollars and upgrade to hotels that have previously been out of their price range.”

Be Flexible and Try Something New

Take time to look for current travel deals to help choose a vacation destination. Look for exclusive special values and promotional rates to popular destinations including Mexico, Las Vegas, New York City and Hawaii, as well as deals on all-inclusive resorts and cruises. All-inclusive options have always been good values because they include meals and many activities in the upfront price. What’s more, this year the average daily rates for all-inclusive properties are even lower than last year – for instance, average daily rates for all-inclusive resorts in the Bahamas are 16 percent lower this year from last year.

Research Activities in Advance

Sticking to a travel budget can sometimes be difficult when factoring in activities, so be sure to research activities and attractions before your trip to identify these costs in advance. In addition, booking activities in advance ensures you won’t miss out on attractions, events and activities that sell out. Virtually all vacation destinations also offer inexpensive and free attractions, like city parks, cultural festivals and museums. Taking advantage of a mix of free and paid activities can help you get the most out of your vacation for a reasonable price.

Know Before You Go

Thoroughly researching vacation destinations including available public transportation or local tipping customs (if traveling outside the U.S.) can help avoid any unexpected costs. You may be able to avoid the expense of a rental car by identifying public transportation options or by selecting a hotel that provides free transportation. If you do need a a rental car, make your reservation early, and consider adding it to a flight or hotel booking to help secure the best price. In fact, adding a rental car to your air travel or hotel booking could mean savings of up to 30 percent off typical prices.

For more information about travel deals and destinations, visit www.expedia.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Families are tightening their budgets, and for many this means fewer activities outside of the home. With less dining out, movie outings, sports games or even summer camp, there’s no better time for budget-conscious moms and dads to really connect and spend quality time with their kids.

Start at Home

One of your biggest monthly investments is your family home, so why not get your money’s worth? If your kids don’t think staying home is cool, here’s your opportunity to get creative.

• Establish a weekly game night. There’s no need to buy new games. Simply ask other parents if they have games that you can borrow.
• Subscribe to a home movie rental service. Let the kids add their favorite movie to the queue as a reward for an accomplishment.

Dining in Style

With the kids out of school and longer days, there is no better time for the family to be together than at dinnertime.

• Keep the meal simple so the family can prepare it together. I like to use affordable canned vegetables, like Libby’s, in recipes and as side dishes because they are delicious and easy to prepare.
• Dine outside at least once a week. It doesn’t matter if you have a patio or you do it picnic style.

Get Out of Town

You don’t have to give up the precious memories created during annual summer vacations. While theme parks and tropical escapes may be the gold standard of summer retreats, there are a lot of great locales closer to home.

• Look for locations three to four hours away to save on airfare, and make it a road trip.
• Try camping. Once a popular option, many young families are getting back into the adventurous spirit of camping.

For more tips from Hannah Keeley on how to connect with your family, visit the Libby’s Vegetables Web site at www.GetBacktotheTable.com.

About the author: Hannah Keeley is a mother of seven, the host of “Hannah Help Me!” on PBS and author of “Hannah Keeley’s Total Mom Makeover: The Six-Week Plan to Completely Transform Your Home, Health, Family, and Life.”

Courtesy: NewsUSA

Miami’s South Beach provides the best mix of beach, culture and entertainment. Historic Art Deco boutique hotels line the boardwalk. For a truly deluxe experience, check out The Hotel Clinton South Beach on Washington Avenue. The ultra-contemporary hotel houses a full spa and 88 sleekly styled rooms with smooth carpeting and elegant, white accents.

After relaxing in the hotel’s pool or optional in-room spa, guests who step outside can find world-class clubs, shopping and restaurants. South Beach, or the “American Riviera,” headquarters the U.S. Latin music industry and offers a sizzling nightlife scene. More than 200 restaurants and upscale shopping — think Armani, Kenneth Cole and Versace — leave no visitor unsatisfied.

The beach itself is a long, white stretch of warm sand and blue water — perfect for sunbathing or a game of beach volleyball. Those with a taste for adventure can rent Jet-skis at the Miami Beach marina or visit the South Beach Dive and Surf Center, located across the street from the Clinton, to plan scuba, surf and snorkeling excursions.

If even a beach this lovely can wear thin, guests should explore South Beach’s cultural destinations. The Wolfsonian Museum houses modern art objects dated from 1885 to 1945, while the Bass Museum exhibits everything from 16th-century Flemish tapestries to contemporary conceptual art.

Of course, no visit to Miami would be complete without a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife. From popular clubs like Mansion, Prive, Glass, Bed and Opium Garden, to more intimate, but no less chic destinations like the Rose Bar, Social, Sky Bar and the Roof Top at Town House, visitors and celebrities alike can enjoy one of the world’s hottest clubbing destinations.

For more information, visit www.clintonsouthbeach.com.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

Adventure travel is typically defined as experiencing the culture and tradition of a destination in an adrenaline-pumping approach. No souvenir shops or museums here! According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the adventure and experiential travel market is a $165 billion per year industry, and it’s growing.

Scotland is frequently an exciting travel destination because of its deep history, rugged and varied terrain and a myriad of options ranging from hiking to canyoneering. Activities are available for everyone from daring singles to families and groups of friends and include:

Hiking

Despite its relatively small size, Scotland has a wide variety of hiking options. Whether you’re in for a day hike or a week-long trek, there are trails and lodging options for all levels of interest. Scotland’s coast offers dramatic sea cliff walks in areas such as Shetland and, inland, Loch Ness. The open woodlands of Perthshire and the Isle of Skye also offer a great range of hikes.

Kayaking

Scotland is known in adventure circles as one of the best kayaking destinations on the planet. From your sea kayak, it’s not uncommon to see wildlife such as eagles, puffins, fox, otter, seals, dolphins and Minke whales intermingled with cliffs and ancient castles. Scottish outfitters can provide you with gear and a guide that will take you paddling in places like the rocky eastern coast, among the island archipelagos in the northeast and exploring the white sand beaches of the west.

White Water Rafting

Of the so-called “adrenaline sports,” white water rafting is one of the most prevalent. Using large rafts, six to eight people, with the help of an experienced guide, will travel down rivers with rushing rapids that range from tame to downright dangerous. The River Garry, the River Tay and the River Tummel are popular, challenging and exhilarating rafting destinations.

Mountain Biking

Scotland’s terrain offers exciting and bone-crushing mountain biking opportunities. In eastern Scotland, aptly called “Whisky Country,” the Cairngorms are some of the highest mountains in the country. But nothing beats the famous Scottish Highlands for spectacular sights and forested routes best experienced on a bike.

If just one experience isn’t enough and you’re really looking to find your inner warrior, the search is on for teams of modern-day rebels to take place in the ultimate challenge: the Drambuie Pursuit. Taking place in April 2009, the Drambuie Pursuit is a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure race across the Scottish Highlands that retraces the legendary journey of Scotland’s Bonnie Prince Charlie, for whom the bracing spirit was created in 1745.

Teams of four adults will have a chance to win an all-inclusive free trip to battle against one another in speedboats and dirt buggies, scale mountains, kayak and raft through rushing rapids and bike over the punishing terrain from the Isle of Skye to Inverness. For more information on the Drambuie Pursuit, visit www.Pursuitof1745.com to register for free.

For more information on travel to Scotland, visit www.VisitScotland.com.

Courtesy: ARAcontent

White-water rafting and kayaking: They define Colorado adventure, help forge friendships and, right now, are roaring into action. Thanks to this winter’s snow, Colorado’s 13 river systems are in tiptop shape for the state’s white-water season.

The rivers change in shape and feel each year because of the melted snow, or run-off. So water-lovers keep coming back each season for more surprises. From families seeking mellow float trips to experienced, death-defying thrill-seekers, people from all walks of life flex their paddle power on Colorado’s rivers.

River experts say rafters and kayakers will be able to enjoy sustained flows throughout the entire season on the Cache la Poudre, Arkansas, Animas, Yampa, Green and Colorado rivers.

Flows are expected to be at their best across the state from mid-May to the end of June. Early season, in April, is the perfect time to catch the wildest white-water and beat the crowds, however. It also is the best time to catch the early-season deals. Toward the end of the season in July and August, meanwhile, is when smoother waters prevail – making it perfect for float trips.

To experience a white-water adventure in Colorado, trek to the high country for an overnight trip, or take a day trip as part of a camping adventure to the mountains. Alternatively, gather a troop of weekend warriors and cash in on group discounts offered by most outfitters throughout the season.

Once there, get ready for the ride of your life. Colorado river guides know the rapids like the back of their hands, but they’ll also make you laugh, cook for you and educate you on some of the flora and fauna indigenous to the area. Most river outfitters provide all of the gear you’ll need. They are professional leaders and safety experts as well, so even if you are not a pro on the rapids, you can rest assured that someone is watching your back.

The cool spray of white water is the perfect way for you to wake up the action hero within. Contact the Colorado River Outfitters Association at (303) 280-2554 or www.croa.org to launch your adventure today.

For complete Colorado vacation information or to order a free official state vacation guide, log on to www.colorado.com or call (800) COLORADO.

Courtesy: NewsUSA

"Papa" Hemingway Look-Alike contest

Visitors to the Florida Keys always find something unique and exciting to do, especially in the summer and fall. The choices range from watching championship offshore powerboat races to enjoying culinary, musical, historical and cultural celebrations.

And for those in search of quirky, off-the-wall fun, the Keys certainly don’t disappoint. Key West even hosts an annual event celebrating chickens. Yes, chickens!

Fun-seekers should visit the Keys for these and other not-to-be-missed events.

ChickenFest Key West

This celebration, which occurs each June, honors the vivacious, squawking Key West chicken with a variety of lighthearted events culminating in the “Poultry in Motion” parade.

Underwater Music Festival

This unique annual concert in July is broadcast underwater for divers and snorkelers. It is held at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Hemingway Days

Fans of Ernest Hemingway’s literature and lifestyle commemorate the author’s July birthday each year in Key West, the island where the author lived and wrote throughout the 1930s. Events include a “Papa” Hemingway Look-Alike contest at Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the catch-and-release Drambuie Key West Marlin Tournament, the Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition and an offbeat “Running of the Bulls.”

Key West Food & Wine Festival

This early August event showcases local restaurants’ special cuisine presentations, including indigenous seafood favorites.

Fantasy Fest

This annual, 10-day party with thousands of costumed revelers is the most outrageous of all fall events in the Florida Keys. It occurs in Key West during late October and features elaborate costume competitions, promenades and street fairs, masquerade galas and a grand parade with lavish floats and eccentric marching groups.

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest

Divers carve pumpkins among the marine life during this annual event held off of Key Largo as part of the island’s Halloween festivities.

Some of these events occur during periods of excellent lodging values.

For more information about the Florida Keys, including a complete schedule of events, visit www.fla-keys.com or call (800) FLA-KEYS.

Courtesy: NewsUSA