turks and caicos resorts: Ekim 2012

13 Ekim 2012 Cumartesi

Barcelo Hotels - What's Mayan is Yours!

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I love the Barcelo Hotels. For an all-inclusive chain with a range of price-points, they always seem to deliver what our clients are expecting. You do get what you pay for in the Caribbean & Mexico, so being able to meet and even exceed expectations of your guests is a hotel's greatest achievement.

Barcelo Hotels are celebrating the end of the Mayan Calendar with a Spa Discount Promotion...
What's Mayan is YOURS!
Temazcal Ritual (80 minutes)
Regularly $55
Mayan Package Promotional $35

Mayan Ritual Foot Treatment (25 minutes)
Regularly $45
Mayan Package Promotional $30

Chaya & Cucumber Body Wrap (50 minutes)
Regularly $120
Mayan Package Promotional $60

{Restrictions apply - please inquire!}

I was at the Barcelo Cabo in August and took a few photos... enjoy my album here.

We're headed back

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Beach Junkies is off again! This time we are going back to the beach where we got married, Bavaro Beach celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary! We will be returning to NH Real Arena which just got re-branded as NOW Larimar. This is only the second time we have returned for a repeat visit to any resort. The only other time we did it was 5 years ago for our wedding.

The sister resort of NOW Larimar is Secrets Royal Beach which is right beside the resort. We were lucky enough to schedule a tour of the resort during our stay so we can at least show you all a new resort while visiting an old favorite.

We will also be visiting Raphael again at Macao Surf Camp! I've heard they've added a new camp hut which was under construction when we were there so we can't wait to see that! I hope I have a better performance than last time, which was absolutely dreadful lol!

So stay tuned for our first re-branding edition and first ever resort tour post!

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

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Have you ever dreamed of walking in someone else's shoes, perhaps Dorothy's slippers from "The Wizard of Oz?" This post is about a once in a lifetime opportunity for that certain mother or daughter... could that be you?

On December 5th in the Tea Room of New York's swanky Hotel Plaza AthÃ©nÃ©e (yes, a very long way from Kansas, Dorothy), you'll be able to dine on petit fours while ogling the actual Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the original "The Wizard of Oz." This unusual High Tea will take place from 4pm-6pm and costs $75 per person.

The private viewing of the red-sequined pumps (in the book they were silver but in those early Technicolor days the director declared they had to be red) marks their brief visit to New York City prior to being auctioned in California by Profiles in History. According to their owner, this pair was used when Dorothy clicks her heels three times to return to Kansas, stating “There’s no place like home.” The slippers are currently appraised in excess of $3 million and if you really really want them, auction information can be found on the website www.profilesinhistory.com.

"We are extremely proud to organize this magical afternoon which is a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season," said Bernard Lackner, General Manager of the Plaza AthÃ©nÃ©e. "Our hotel has had a long history of welcoming some of the greatest movie stars from Hollywood. Hosting the Ruby Slippers is nothing short of hosting a moment of American movie history."

According to Mr. Lackner, all attendees will have a "unique opportunity to have an up close and personal look at the iconic pair of shoes." Alas, you will not be able to walk in them but the encounter is sure to be... magical.

To reserve your table at the Hotel Plaza AthÃ©nÃ©e, please visit the site or book with Cheryl Plonski at 212/606-4635.

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

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Have you been following the monthly Families Dream Big vacation giveaways on MyFamilyTravels.com? If not, they're pretty cool, and this month the Big Dreamy Destination is Aspen Snowmass, Colorado. If you play along, comment on winter sports, check in on Facebook, sign up for the e-newsletter or visit the partner sites www.TakingTheKids.com or www.TravelingMom.com, you get a chance to win.

But we know some of you are already planning to hit the slopes in Colorado this winter. And if you're lucky enough to be in or near Snowmass by New Year's Eve, here's a helpful roundup of the fun holiday activities -- many of them free or very low cost -- that you can expect when you're off the slopes.

From tree-lighting ceremonies to a torchlight parade to Santa’s magical presence, Snowmass is snow-covered in holiday cheer.

Free Kids Crafts Every Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30-4:30 pm
Kids make free special handmade souvenirs of a Snowmass vacation including picture frames, pillows, and scarves to holiday ornaments. Meet at the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center.

Free Kids Sing-A-Longs & Storytelling Every Monday & Wednesday at 3:30-4:30pm
Kids gather around the campfire to hear some of the tallest tales in the West by master story tellers and sing with a guitar strumming cowboy. Free for all ages. Free s‘mores.

Letters to Santa December 6-24
If your children have a last-minute Christmas wish, make sure the jolly old fellow hears about it by dropping off a note in his personal mailbox located on the Snowmass Village Mall. Selected letters are published in the local newspaper, the Snowmass Sun.

Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus Christmas Concert December 12, 6pm
The Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus, now in its 3rd season, performs a Christmas Concert at Snowmass Chapel. There is no charge for this heart-warming concert.

Anderson Ranch Arts Center Open House December 13 5pm to 9pm
For art lovers, there is an Open House & Live Art Auction at Anderson Ranch Arts Center (970.932-3181) which includes a tour of the art studios via candlelit walkways with hundreds of luminaries. The event is free and open to the public. Activities include children’s ornament decorating, a trunk show with personal appearances by artists – jewelry, ceramics, paintings and more, a Live auction of select artwork by nationally and internationally known artists to fund the Ranch's amazing work, and if you book ahead, a wonderful holiday dinner in the Ranch CafÃ© priced at $20.

Santa's Village & Carolers-a-Caroling December 21-24, 2pm-4pm
The North Pole comes to the Snowmass Village Mall and Base Village when Santa’s magical village opens to hear the last minute requests of good girls and boys. Complimentary photos with Santa are offered daily. December 23rd and 24th carolers and a barber shop quartet stroll through the mall and Base Village singing favorite Christmas Carols.

Torchlight Parade with Fireworks December 28 at 5pm
Whether viewer or participant, the annual torchlight parade down Snowmass’ slopes looks magnificently luminous! Moms, dads and kids ages 8+ are invited to be part of the trail of light down the mountain. Free fireworks after the parade. For more information, stop by the Guest Services Information Desk in the Ticket Pavilion on the Snowmass Mall or call 970.923.0560.

Holiday Events at The Silvertree Hotel December 6-30
From the Loving Tree Ceremony on December 6th to the New Year’s Gala at the Cabaret Room, the Silvertree Hotel (800/837-4255) is decked out for the season. Enjoy Holiday music in the lobby from December 12th through the 24th, visits with Santa from the 20th through the 24th and Christmas Eve with stories from Santa by the fireplace. The kids can decorate gingerbread for free on December 23. Local authors, Jill Sheeley and Johnny Boyd tell stories on December 29th and 30th and the kids can decorate gingerbread cookies for free on the 23rd. Celebrate the festival of lights at The Silvertree Hotel. The Menorah is displayed in the lobby with plenty of dreidels and gelt for everyone to enjoy.

Snowmass Chapel December 24 at 7pm and 9pm
The Snowmass Chapel holds two candlelight protestant services with chamber orchestra, Christmas Handbell and Vocal Choirs on December 24 at 7pm and 9pm.

New Year’s Eve Events for all Ages
Ring in the New Year in Snowmass with gourmet feasts at local restaurants to rockin’ live music and dancing into the wee hours of the night, Snowmass celebrations abound including: Artisan Handcrafted Cuisine and Sage Restaurant and Bar offer epicurean menus, intimate settings, and the ideal romantic way to celebrate the New Year. The Silvertree Hotel hosts its 20thth Annual New Year’s Eve Party with party favors, champagne, open bar, music, dancing, balloon drop and pizza buffet at midnight.

12 Ekim 2012 Cuma

We're headed back

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Karisma in Jamaica

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We have some exciting news to share with you all! Karisma Hotels which owns various gourmet all inclusive properties in Mexico has now decided to expand its reach to the 7 mile beach of Jamaica! This will be the first Gourmet Inclusive resort outside of Mexico.

Since our first visit in 2010, we have fallen in love with this country! The only thing that has been lacking in our opinion is a new experience. With the gourmet all inclusive service coming, it will be a ground breaking service offered in the now crowded all-inclusive scene in Jamaica. Our hope is that the menu will highlight the amazing local cuisine that Jamaica has to offer.

Most of the established all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica are in desperate need of a makeover. A multi-million U.S. dollar renovation is planned for Seashore Bay Beach Resort, after which it will be rebranded an Azul Hotel. Following a 60 day transition period, the 128-room Seashore Bay Beach Resort will operate as an all-inclusive property for couples, singles and families.

It will be ready to welcome guests as of December 1, 2012. Guests will enjoy an all-inclusive experience with nine categories of rooms and suites with garden and ocean views, two pools, three specialty restaurants, a spa, various activities and entertainment, and a kid’s club.

Reservations can be booked through a preferred wholesaler, or by calling 800-726-3207 (international) or 876-957-5100 (local), or by visiting www.seashorebaybeachresort.com. Rates start at $181 per person, per night based on double occupancy, which represents a grand opening savings of 53 percent. Children ages 3- 12 years old are $32 per night; children under three years old are free.

For more information, you can visit the Seashore Bay Resort Facebook page here

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

Barcelo Hotels - What's Mayan is Yours!

I was at the Barcelo Cabo in August and took a few photos... enjoy my album here.

11 Ekim 2012 Perşembe

Barcelo Hotels - What's Mayan is Yours!

I was at the Barcelo Cabo in August and took a few photos... enjoy my album here.

Houseboaters Floating High on Lake Mead and Lake Powell

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A great year for rain and snowfall in the Colorado Rockies has resulted in rising lake levels at both Lake Powell and Lake Mead, according to our colleagues at Forever Resorts. These beautiful lakes, dominating the arid, mountainous landscape between Nevada and Arizona, are magnets for family recreation, with dozens of marinas in operation year round, so this is great news..

Reports of more water mean greater excitement for boaters, hikers and others interested in aquatic recreational opportunities. Even on land, it's also a fascinating region for families to explore, as you can see in this review of a Hoover Dam day trip and an attractions guide to Las Vegas with kids.
Don't expect rushing whitewater just yet, as these lakes are recuperating slowly from years of drought. Lake levels at Lake Mead, which is currently less than half full, have risen by nearly 22 feet this year and are expected to continue to rise for the next year and a half, according to the federal Bureau of Reclamation.
At Lake Powell, where the lake has achieved 76% of its full-pool status, levels have risen 50 feet since April and peaked on July 31. Higher water means, however, more lake to explore. For example, just last year it could take nearly an hour to hike to Rainbow Bridge National Monument (a must-see!) from the closest docking point on Lake Powell, and now it’s only a quarter-mile away.
Enjoying Houseboat Fun with the Family“Visitors are definitely reacting to the rising water levels positively,” said Kim Roundtree, GM of Callville Bay Resort and Marina. “After watching the ‘bathtub’ ring get taller and taller on the rocks surrounding the lake over the past years, it’s thrilling to see it reversing.”
Lake Powell’s Antelope Point Marina (pictured above) and Lake Mead’s Callville Bay, Temple Bar and Echo Bay marinas have taken full advantage of the high water, and there are many ways for visitors to play in both lakes:
Forever Houseboats, available at Antelope Point Marina at Lake Powell and Callville Bay and Temple Bar marinas on Lake Mead, offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity for multi-generational families and groups of friends to immerse themselves in the outdoors, while enjoying all the comforts of a floating home on the water. Houseboats have dozens of amenities, including private staterooms, top-deck hot tub and waterslide, satellite TV, front deck barbecue grill and spacious, climate-controlled living areas.
Floatels, available at Echo Bay Marina (Lake Mead), offer all the comforts and amenities of houseboats, but remain securely docked at the marina.
Small Boat Rentals, available at all marinas on Lake Powell and Lake Mead, allow outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy fishing, skiing, wakeboarding, waverunning, or simply cruising their favorite lake destination. Kayaks are also available at Antelope Point and Temple Bar Marinas; all watercraft at each marina are available for hourly, daily or weekly rental.
Contact Forever Resorts for more information and maps of available rentals. And catch (and release) a fish for us!

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

We're headed back

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10 Ekim 2012 Çarşamba

Jersey Shore Dries Off for Labor Day Weekend Bargains

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Despite the rain-soaked lanes of suburban New Jersey, and the storm-battered half-naked beaches of the Carolinas, there are many parts of The Jersey Shore that survived Hurricane Irene and are open for business.

Aztec Motel, Seaside Heights Boardwalk

To prove it, the cute town of Seaside Heights is offering discounts at many of its small hotels and motels for Labor Day weekend. Seaside Heights is just a short drive from New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey points inland, located on the Atlantic coast just off Exit 82 of the NJ Turnpike.
With so many families within a short drive, the Seaside Heights businesses are welcoming guests back to the beach with sizzling hot deals. Enjoy the beautiful, clean beach with family and friends. A three-night stay could be as low as only $257 per family. Many of these values will last into the fall as well (a much prettier and less crowded time to visit in our opinion!)
Lodging Specials for Labor Day Weekend 2011
Anchor Motel - Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free www.anchormotel.com
Aztec Ocean Resort –Arrive Sun, Mon, or Tues, August 28th through Sept 1st and stay 3 nights in streetside or breezeway rooms for $256.48 per family www.aztecoceanresort.com
Glendale Motel - Pay for 2 nights, get 3rd night free, includes Labor Day Weekend www.glendalemotelseaside.com
Sea Palace Motel - Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free www.seapalacemotel.com
Sea Palace Inn - Stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free www.seapalacemotel.com
Seaside Sands Inn - Labor Day Weekend Specials include: Rooms with 2 double beds-Sept. 2nd to 4th $349+;Sept. 3rd to 5th $375+tax Rooms with 2 king beds-Sept. 2nd to 4th $375+tax; Sept. 3rd to 5th $399+tax www.seasidesands.com
Sunrise Motel – No holiday increases and free late check-out with three night rental www.visitseasideheights.com
Amusements SpecialsFrog Bog (Hamilton Ave) - Double the amount of frogs in a bucket
Go and enjoy and support our local tourism businesses!

Kids Who Postpone College to Travel More Likely to Find Work

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There's no downside to high school kids taking a year off before college says a 2008 Statistics Canada report published jointly with Canadian Policy Research Networks. In fact, as long as students return to their studies after this so-called Gap Year, the study found that they are 8% more likely to be employed upon college graduation.

Studies such as this one have contributed to a growth of Gap Year programs in Canada notes Study and Go Abroad Fairs, who put on workshops and large academic fairs so that students can learn about the variety of options available to them.

While the gap year or “year out” has been a common and popular rite of passage in Australia and many countries in Europe for decades, traditionally North American students have ridden the academic conveyor belt all the way from preschool to university without a break.

Now the tides are changing and many soon-to-be high school graduates are saying they’re burnt out, and need more time before deciding what they want to take at university. Instead of packing for their freshman year, they are now booking their flights to go volunteering in Africa, or work on a yacht in the Caribbean.

North America is starting to catch on to the “gap year” syndrome, and for good reason. Amid concerns about drop-out rates, researchers now say that students who go straight to university often find themselves in a program that doesn’t interest them, and are more likely to change programs, thus prolonging their degree and increasing their debt level, and they are more likely to quit. Experts now say that going straight to university may be short-sighted.

Taking a gap year has never been easier. Many universities are now willing to defer start dates for a year – York University is embracing this gap year phenomenon with its Bridging the Gap program and “celebrates” a student’s choice to take a year off to gain work experience, do community service or go on an international exchange and will reserve the student’s admission spot for up to a year provided he or she is accepted into the program.

Harvard University, one of the top universities in the world, has always been ahead of its time and for the past 40 years has proposed that students take a year out in its letter of admission.

Is there a downside to taking a gap year? The Statistics Canada report found that students who delay postsecondary education don’t face a disadvantage in the labor market later on – as long as they actually complete their program once started. Even though there are no formal studies on the number of gap year students who do make their way to university, admissions staff say that only a few drop off the radar. On the contrary, a year out can make kids more focused, better prepared for university life and more likely to complete their university degree.

Although it may be a daunting prospect for parents and kids to divert from the “safe” bound-for-university-after-high-school route, the rewards and benefits can be well worth stepping out of that comfort zone. To read reviews of Gap Year and study abroad options, check out MyFamilyTravels.com Student Travels section.

Reporting by Katie Idle

AAA Asia Australia Adventures by Luxury Small Ship 25% Off

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AdventureSmith Explorations, a tony adventure outfitter that sails the most elegant of the high seas, is offering an unusual discount -- 25% off the fare per person on family bookings -- and waiving its single supplement for those who travel solo.

Australian Beach

Their ships, Orion and Orion II, will be sailing in Australian and Asian waters this fall and winter. The special rates apply to select sailings from September through December 2011.

“Savings are substantial on cruises that cost $3,150 and up,” owner Todd Smith says, noting that although custom made for small ship expedition cruising, Orion is "more like a mega-yacht, the epitome of 5-star elegance. No expense has been spared when it comes to the quality of fittings and furnishings, and the range and caliber of on board recreational facilities are nothing short of top shelf.”

Typical of their attention to detail, the ship herself carries 50 couples in 50 suites who are attended by a crew of 75.

Discounted cruises aboard the Orion in Australia

Great Barrier Reef departing Sept. 21
Adventures of Lord Howe & Aotearoa departing Sept. 26
Exploration of the Antipodes departing Oct. 24
Tasmania Food & Wine departing Nov. 7 and 26
New Zealand & sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure departing Dec. 20

Vietnam Temple

Discounted cruises aboard the Orion II around Asia

A sister ship, Orion II, operated for a number of years in Antarctica as Celia II and was relaunched this year following an extensive technical refit. She accommodates 100 pampered guests in 50 suites with a staff of 68.

Gulf of Siam Explorer departing Oct. 10 and 22
Vietnam Explorer departing Nov. 18, 27 and Dec. 6
Thailand, Temples & Mekong departing Dec. 15

About Adventure Smith Explorations

AdventureSmith Exploration is a broker of high-end wilderness cruises that combine the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising and supports sustainable travel initiatives wherever it goes. Their off-the-beaten-path destinations include Asia, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

AdventureSmith Explorations was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of “The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler’s prestigious “World Savers Award.”

Dorothy's Ruby Slippers Come Home to New York

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

9 Ekim 2012 Salı

Daiquiri on the House in Classic Naples, Florida

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When we saw this deal for an $80 hotel room in Naples, Florida, the bargain caught our eye immediately. Naples, on Florida's calm and lovely Gulf Coast, is an elegant, upscale, super chic winter resort with beautiful beaches and major golf and tennis facilities. Families love Naples. We never equate Naples with discount hotel rooms.

We were not as familiar with Crayton Cove, however, a historic neighborhood located on the city docks instead of the beach. From pictures and web reviews, we found it to be a very charming, old school Florida merchant village, where wooden buildings and brick warehouses have been converted into art galleries, craft shops and small boutiques. Founded in the 1880s as the main mooring for supply boats, Crayton Cove now smells much less fishy and is packed with one-of-a-kind businesses, a walkable main street, seafood restaurants, and small inns. Plus charm and friendly smiles to spare.

Pair that with calm, warm and shallow ocean water, and you have the perfect destination to take preschoolers, infants and grandparents before the Christmas rush.

In this offer, the "Discover Crayton Cove" package costs $80 per night (two night minimum, double occupancy, space available), and features accommodations with picturesque views of Naples Bay and Naples City Dock. Guests must mention "Discover Crayton Cove" when making reservations and can inquire about rates for larger rooms that accommodate up to two small children. This offer is valid until December 15th.

Once in this quiet corner of Naples, families have a choice of dining at three renowned Crayton Cove restaurants and getting a deal at each one. We'll start with the daiquiri, of course. That comes free (or you can select any Crayton Cove Classic cocktail instead) with purchase of any entrÃ©e at The Dock at Crayton Cove. This place gets rave reviews for its food and its romantic ambiance -- must be the views of Naples Bay -- so be sure to order oysters.

Or, you can buy one entrÃ©e and get the second, at equal or lesser price, free at Bamboo CafÃ© French Home Cooking, and enjoy the ambience of a chic Parisian bistro. At Bleu Provence, take 50% off a wine purchase of up to $140, serving classic French cuisine with crisp, clean Mediterranean flavors in a romantic low-key atmosphere. Be sure to ask your innkeeper about arranging childcare so you can make the night out of this excursion.

The Galleries of Crayton Cove offer fine art and encounters with the artists. Art Gallery Old Naples2, offers an "Introduction to Pastels" hands-on demonstration with artists Lynne Wilcox or Karen Stone, along with a complimentary glass of wine. Nora Butler Designs offers 15% off a limited edition print signed and numbered by the artist, valued at $25, plus a free artistic memento and a chance to meet and converse with the artist. Guests can visit the Phil Fisher Gallery and Guess-Fisher Gallery and receive a free gift.

Two of Crayton Cove's shops offer discounts as well. Naples Ships Store offers a free nautical chart as well as 50% off a daily bike rental (valued at $20), offering guests a fun way to get around the neighborhood. Earth & Fire, a paint-your-own-pottery studio, offers 20% off entire ticket including pottery, painting, glazing and firing.

The package includes discounted boating experiences that range from joining on a two-hour cruise to chartering your own vessel. Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing offers a 10% discount off any of the range of cruises offered. Sailboats Unlimited offers 15% off their two-hour sails, valued at $50 per person. If you're taking the little ones, be sure to inquire in advance so the boats can put small-size PFDs on board.

There's some fine print, but overall it's a great deal for an immersive vacation experience. All specials are subject to availability and may not be combined with other offers. In all cases, sales taxes and gratuities are the guest's responsibility. For more info visit DiscoverCraytonCove.com/Promotions.html. To book the "Discover Crayton Cove," call the Cove Inn at 800-255-4365 and mention "Discover Crayton Cove."

Loews Hotels Provide Halloween Costumes for Week of Fun

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We love the family-friendly Loews hotels all year, but how cool is it to spend a week in one of them at Halloween, and get a costume thrown in too?

This Halloween season, guests at Loews Hotels can R.I.P. in the comfort of a Spooky Suite and mask themselves in specialty costumes from Party City, the go-to Halloween supply store. Party City’s Costume Concierge will assist in styling adults, children and pets with the alter ego of their choice from an exclusive Costume Catalogue featuring an array of bewitching looks for guests.

The Loews Hotel Spooky Suite package is available October 25-31 and features:

A stay in a Halloween-themed suite, Loot bag with tricks and treats, ghoulish amenity upon check-in plus a selection of costumes from the Costume Catalogue Options including:
(Costumes for Adults) Harry Potter themed costumes, Greek warrior/Olympic goddess and hippie couple
(For Children) loyal knight, flight suit, lil sheriff, referee, purple witch and garden fairy
(For Tiny Travelers) baby pumpkin, baby sock monkey, squiggly piggy, pea pod, duck and caped ladybug
(For Pets) four-legged friends: queen, pumpkin, fireman, bumble bee, luau and pirate costumes

In addition, all Loews Hotels guests will receive a festive Party City Halloween accessory upon check-in, while supplies last.The Spooky Suite package is subject to availability at 13 Loews Hotels in the U.S. with rates starting at $207/night.

While these may be not the old, scary and haunted house type hotels you think of at Halloween, they are certainly family-friendly resorts where you'll have a lot of fun. Consider this hotel suite plus costume package for a night on the town or for just curling up in a spooky suite to watch a movie.

For more information or to arrange your stay, call 800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.This offer is valid from October 25 - October 31, 2011; subject to availability. Five day advanced booking required with costume selection three days prior to arrival. This is not valid at any of the fun Loews Hotels at Universal Orlando or Loews Hotels in Canada.

Top National Parks for Leaf Peeping

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Crisp air, fresh apples, new sweaters, lots of homework: must be fall! In honor of leaves changing colors throughout the country, the National Park Foundation is sharing 2011's "Great National Parks for Fall Foliage" list.

Chartered by Congress, the National Park Foundation is the official charity of America's national parks, working with the NPS for their preservation and management. This year's Foliage list -- as always impacted by recent local conditions and weather systems -- includes some iconic parks and a few lesser-known treasures. Each national park location, however, offers unique ways in which visitors can view the colorful foliage. Whether by water, foot, bicycle or car, these dramatic colors of the season are not to be missed.

Many factors impact the timing of peak fall colors viewing, therefore, foliage seekers are encouraged to contact specific parks for the inside scoop on their unique foliage timing. The National Park Service website contains contact information and special event listings for all 395 national park units.

This year's list, and the optimal times for foliage viewing, includes:

CALIFORNIA
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Peak colors expected middle to end of October. On October 18, a hiking event to Whiskeytown Falls offer a perfect way to view the foliage during the peak season.

COLORADO
Curecanti National Recreational Area
Peak colors begin in late September and run through the end of October.

MISSISSIPPI
Natchez Trace Parkway
In middle to late October, the maple, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees begin to change colors.

MONTANA
Glacier National Park
The bright yellow and gold colors on the aspen and larch trees run through mid-October covering the trails around the park, but particularly along Summit Trail. For more information on the best trails to see colors or view photos of the fall colors, visit Glacier's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/glaciernationalpark.

PENNSYLVANIA
Flight 93 National Memorial
The trees across the Flight 93 National Memorial begin to turn around mid-October. Check out honorflight93.org/webcam today to find instant inspiration for a trip to the site or to take a virtual fall foliage tour.

TENNESSEE
Great Smokey Mountains National Park
The Great Smokey Mountains boast over 130 different tree species, many of which produce breathtaking Autumnal colors. Peak foliage viewing depends greatly on the various levels of elevation found within the park, but overall, the Smokies' foliage shows run from late September through October.

UTAH
Zion National Park
Peak foliage colors appear at the end of October and into the first few days of November.

VIRGINIA
Shenandoah National Park
Peak colors in the upper elevations begin early to mid-October with lower elevations peaking at the end of October into November.

VERMONT
Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park
Rich with sugar maples and 400-year-old hemlocks, this site boasts outstanding fall foliage each year. This year's prime viewing is expected from mid-October through early November.

WISCONSIN
Apostles Islands National Lakeshore
Peak foliage viewing various depending on inland or coastal location, however the foliage show runs from late September through October. Additionally, many bird species are migrating through the park right now, so foliage seekers get an extra show from Mother Nature.

These are only a few of the exceptional national parks from which to take in the changing of the seasons. To find out more about what is happening in the national parks and for ways to support these American treasures, please visit www.nationalparks.org.

I'm Dreaming of a Snowmass Family Holiday

8 Ekim 2012 Pazartesi

We're headed back

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Royal Hideaway Playacar offers Discounts + Spa Credit!

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Situated on the breathtaking beaches of Mexico's pristine Riviera Maya, the Royal Hideaway Playacar effortlessly blends world-class service with impeccable style. Royal Hideaway Playacar serves guests an unforgettable vacation experience with infinite opportunities for luxuriant indulgences.

It's simple.... Save up to 35% off of your room reservations AND earn SPA Credit.
Vacations of 3-4 nights earn $50 in spa credit.Vacations of 5 nights or more earn $100 spa credit.**Hurry! Book & travel by 8/31/12

Magnificently-appointed villa accommodations, attentive concierge service and an opulent full-service spa comfort guests with a revitalizing atmosphere, courteous care and rejuvenating treatments. Located on one of the Yucatan Peninsula's most stunning stretches of beachfront and just 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, Royal Hideaway Playacar is the perfect place to toss your cares into the sand and decompress amidst sheer luxury.
Cancun is a the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway. The airport is one of the busiest in the region and welcomes nonstop international flights from most gateways in the US & Europe. Airline tickets are often lowest than any other beach destination in the region.

Honeymoon Package at Blue Waters Antigua

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Blue Waters Hotel on the sunny island of Antigua is offering a wonderful honeymoon bonus. Book & travel by December 20, 2013.

Honeymooners will receive a complimentary upgrade to a Deluxe Beachfront Room and one champagne breakfast served on the guests patio, on the morning of guests choice.
Blue Waters Resort in Antigua is also a great choice for a Caribbean Destination Wedding, complete with a well placed and charming gazebo:

Antigua welcomes daily international flights from the US & Europe on every major carrier, including American Airlines!

Cheers,

FREE Golf at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro

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Guests who stay at the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro will enjoy one free round of golf per person for stays of 3 to 4 nights, two free rounds of golf per person for stays of 5 to 13 nights, and 4 free rounds of golf per person for stays of 14 nights or more. Green fees, golf cart, snacks and beverages are all included.
Contact us for a free customized vacation quote to the luxurious adults only all-inclusive resort, the Iberostar Grand Hotel Bavaro located in Punta Cana.
Flights to the Dominican Republic can sometimes be more expensive because of limited availability. The best deals on airline tickets are usually found a few months in advance of your travel dates.

Barcelo Hotels - What's Mayan is Yours!

I was at the Barcelo Cabo in August and took a few photos... enjoy my album here.