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Cancún: Top 8 Nightlife
2008-03-05 23:32:00
The City Dance ClubsThis was Cancún's hottest club pre-Wilma, and promises to be once again, after reopening in March 2006. It features progressive electronic music spun by some of the world's top DJs. With visiting DJs from New York, L.A., and Mexico City -- Moby even played here -- the music is sizzling. You actually need never leave, as The City is a day-and-night club. The City Beach Club opens at 8am, and features a pool with a wave machine for surfing and boogie-boarding, a tower-high waterslide, food and bar service, plus beach cabanas. The Terrace Bar, overlooking the action on Bulevar Kukulkán, serves food and drinks all day long. For a relaxing evening vibe, the Lounge features comfy couches, chill music, and an extensive menu of martinis, snacks, and desserts. Open at 10pm, the 72,500-sq.-m (26,910-sq.-ft.) nightclub has nine bars, stunning light shows, and several VIP areas. Located in front of Coco Bongo, The City also has a second location in Playa del Carmen. Coco B...
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Cancún:Attractions
2008-03-04 23:30:00
A Museum -- To the right side of the entrance to the Cancún Convention Center is the Museo Arqueológico de Cancún (tel. 998/883-0305), a small but interesting museum with relics from archaeological sites around the state. Admission is $3; free on Sunday and holidays. It's open Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 8pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 7pm.Another cultural enclave is the Museo de Arte Popular Mexicano (tel. 998/849-7777), on the second floor of the El Embarcadero Marina, Bulevar Kukulkán Km 4. It displays a representative collection of masks, regional folkloric costumes, nativity scenes, religious artifacts, musical instruments, Mexican toys, and gourd art, spread over 1,370 sq. m (14,747 sq. ft.) of exhibition space. Admission is $10, with kids under 12 paying half price. The museum is open daily from 11am to 11pm.Bullfights -- Cancún has a small bullring, Plaza de Toros (tel. 998/884-8372; bull@prodigy.net.mx), near the northern (town) end of Bulevar Kukulkán. Bullfi...
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Cancún:Side Trips
2008-03-04 23:21:00
One of the best ways to spend a vacation day is exploring the nearby archaeological ruins or an ecological theme park near Cancún. Within easy driving distance are historical and natural treasures unlike any you've likely encountered before. Cancún can be a perfect base for day or overnight trips, or the starting point for a longer expedition.Organized day trips are popular and easy to book through any travel agent in town, or you can plan a journey on your own and travel by bus or rental car. The Maya ruins to the south at Tulum or Cobá should be your first goal, and then perhaps the caleta (cove) of Xel-Ha or the ecological theme park Xcaret. If you're going south, consider staying a night or 2 on the island of Cozumel or at one of the budget resorts on the Tulum coast or Punta Allen, south of the Tulum ruins. Isla Mujeres is an easy day trip off mainland Cancún.Although I don't recommend it, by driving fast or catching the right buses you can go inland to Chichén Itzá, explore...
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Cancún:
2008-03-03 22:24:00
On October 21, 2005, Hurricane Wilma roared ashore with winds reaching 242kmph (150 mph), and then stalled over Cancún for nearly 40 hours. It toppled trees, demolished homes, and damaged the resort's hotels, restaurants, attractions -- and Cancún's reputation as the favored playground in Mexico , at least for a while. However, relief came quickly, as Mexico's government understands the importance of Cancún as its most popular tourism destination.The majority of damaged hotels took the opportunity to upgrade their facilities and redecorate their rooms, which should ultimately lead to a new and improved Cancún. However, at press time, many of these were still undergoing renovations, so personal reviews of all accommodations were not possible, and complete details of the upgrades were not available in most cases. There have been some reports of selected rooms retaining a strong smell of mildew, so please, let us know of your experiences or any comments you may have. Also, the noise ...

Bahamas: The Best Tennis Facilities
2008-03-02 22:19:00
Paradise Island: Well-heeled tennis buffs check into the One&Only Ocean Club (tel. 242/363-2501; oneandonlyresorts.com). Many visitors go there just for tennis, which can be played day or night on their six Har-Tru courts. Guests booked into the cabanas and villas of the club can practically roll out of bed onto the courts. Although beginners and intermediate players are welcome, the courts are often filled with first-class competitors. Tennis is free for guests of the One&Only Ocean Club. The tennis complex at the Atlantis (tel. 242/363-3000; atlantis.com) is more accessible to the general public, with ten courts (six regular asphalt and four hydro quartz), some lit for night games.Freeport (Grand Bahama Island): Freeport is another top choice for tennis buffs. Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Casino at the Royal Oasis (tel. 242/350-7000) has eleven state-of-the-art courts, three of them clay and eight lit for night games. You don't have to be a guest to play here, but you should call a...
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Bahamas: The Best Snorkeling
2008-03-02 22:14:00
New Providence Island/Paradise Island: The waters that ring densely populated New Providence Island and nearby Paradise Island are easy to explore. Most people head for the Rose Island Reefs, the Gambier Deep Reef, Booby Rock Channel, the Goulding Reef Cays, and some easily seen, well-known underwater wrecks that lie in shallow water. Virtually every resort hotel on the island offers equipment and can book you onto a snorkel cruise to sites further offshore.Grand Bahama: Resort hotels on island can hook you up with snorkeling excursions, such as the ones offered by Ocean Motion Water Sports Ltd. (tel. 242/374-2425; oceanmotionbahamas.com), which is the best outfitter for snorkeling. In addition, the outlet can connect you with any number of other watersports, from banana boating to water-skiing. The clear water around Grand Bahama is wonderful for snorkeling because it has a rich marine life. Snorkelers are fond of exploring Ben's Cave, a stunning cavern that's part of Lucayan Cav...
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The Best Sailing
2008-03-01 22:12:00
Marsh Harbour and Hope Town (the Abacos): Known among yachties for their many anchorages, sheltered coves, and plentiful marine facilities, the Abacos are considered one of the most perfect sailing areas in the world. You can charter boats of all shapes and sizes for a week or longer, with or without a crew.The Exumas: Yachties flock to these beautiful sailing waters to see some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in The Bahamas . The Family Island Regatta, the most popular boating spectacle in The Bahamas, is held here annually. Most of the recreational boating is in the government-protected Exumas Cays Land and Sea Park, an area of splendid sea gardens and rainbow-hued coral reefs that stretches south from Wax Cay to Conch Cay. You can rent motorboats at Minns Water Sports (tel. 242/336-3483) in George Town.New Providence Island: Although sailing in the waters off New Providence Island isn't the equal of those yachting favorites, the Exumas and the Abacos, boaters can still find ...
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Bahamas: The Best Romantic Hotels & Resorts
2008-03-01 22:07:00
Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel (Cable Beach, New Providence Island; tel. 800/SANDALS or 242/327-6400; sandals.com): This Jamaican chain of couples-only, all-inclusive hotels is a honeymooners' favorite. The Bahamas 's branch of the chain is more upscale than many of its Jamaican counterparts, and it offers 27 secluded honeymoon suites with semiprivate plunge pools. Staff members lend their experience and talent to on-site wedding celebrations; Sandals will provide everything from a preacher to flowers, as well as champagne and a cake. It's more expensive than most Sandals resorts, but you can usually get better rates through a travel agent or a package deal.Compass Point (New Providence Island; tel. 800/633-3284 or 242/327-4500; compasspointbahamas.com): This choice is a charming and personalized statement for those who shun megaresorts. The accommodations are found in floridly painted huts or cottages, some of which have kitchenettes and some of which are raised on stilts. Complete...
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Bahamas: The Best Places to Get Away from It All
2008-03-01 22:03:00
Green Turtle Club (Green Turtle Cay, the Abacos; tel. 800/963-5450, or 242/365-4271; greenturtleclub.com): Secluded and private, this sailing retreat consists of tasteful one- to three-bedroom villas with full kitchens. It opens onto a small private beach with a 35-slip marina, which is the most complete yachting facility in the archipelago. Many rooms open onto poolside, and there's a dining room decorated in Queen Anne style.Rock House Hotel (Harbour Island, off the coast of Eleuthera; tel. 242/333-2053; rockhousebahamas.com): A glamorous and stylish inn -- really, a glorified B&B -- this posh little hideaway is drawing more and more of the glitterati to its shores. Set on a low buff above the harbor, it is tranquillity itself with whimsically decorated bedrooms. No one will find you if you decide to hide out here.Club Med-Columbus Isle (San Salvador, the Southern Bahamas ; tel. 800/CLUB-MED or 242/331-2000; clubmed.com): This was the first large resort to be built on one of The B...
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Bahamas: The Best Nightlife
2008-02-29 21:58:00
Cable Beach: Cable Beach has a lot more splash and excitement than Nassau, its neighbor on New Providence Island, and wandering around Cable Beach is also much safer than exploring the back streets of Nassau at night. The main attraction is the Wyndham Nassau Resort & Crystal Palace Casino (tel. 242/327-6200; wyndhamnassauresort.com), with an 800-seat theater known for staging glitzy extravaganzas and a gaming room that will make you think you're smack dab in the middle of Vegas. One of the largest casinos on the islands, the Crystal Palace features 750 slot machines, 51 blackjack tables, nine roulette wheels, seven craps tables, and a baccarat table (we think the Paradise Island casino has more class, though). Despite all the glitter, you can still find cozy bars and nooks throughout the resort if you'd prefer a tranquil evening.Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino: Paradise Island has the flashiest nightlife in all of The Bahamas , hands down. Not even nearby Nassau and Cable...
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Bahamas:The Best Golf Courses
2008-02-29 21:55:00
Cable Beach: The main course is the Radisson Cable Beach Golf Course (tel. 242/327-6000; radisson-cablebeach.com) The oldest golf course in The Bahamas , this par-72 green was the private retreat of British expatriates in the 1930s. Today, it's managed by a corporate namesake of Arnold Palmer and owned by Cable Beach casino marketers. Small ponds and water traps heighten the challenge, amid more than 7,040 yards of well-maintained greens and fairways.Paradise Island: Tom Weiskopf designed Ocean Club Golf Club (tel. 242/363-6682; oceanclub.com), an 18-hole, par-72 course, and it's a stunner. With its own pitfalls, including the world's largest sand trap and water hazards (mainly the Atlantic Ocean) on three sides, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player have endorsed this course. For the best panoramic ocean view -- good enough to take your mind off your game -- play the par-3 14th hole.Grand Lucaya, Grand Bahama Island: Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., The Reef Course (tel. 242/373-1333)...

Bahamas: The Best Fishing
2008-02-29 21:53:00
New Providence: The waters around New Providence are thick with game fish. In-the-know fishermen long ago learned the best months to pursue their catch: November to February for wahoo found in the reefs, June and July for blue marlin, and May to August for the oceanic bonito and blackfin tuna. Nassau is ideal for sportsfishing. Most boat charters allow their passengers to start fishing within 15 minutes after leaving the dock. The best outfitter is Born Free Charters (tel. 242/393-4144) where anchoring and bottom-fishing are also options.Grand Bahama: Off the coast the clear waters are good hunting grounds for snapper, grouper, yellowtail, wahoo, barracuda, and kingfish. The tropical waters along Grand Bahama lure anglers in search of "the big one," because the island is home to some of the biggest game fish on earth. Many fishermen catch dolphins (not the Flipper kind, though). And Deep Water Cay is a fishing hot spot. The best outfitter is Reef Tours, Ltd. (tel. 242/373-5880).Gree...
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Bahamas: The Best Family Vacations
2008-02-28 21:50:00
Radisson Cable Beach Hotel (Cable Beach, New Providence Island; tel. 800/333-3333 or 242/327-6000; radisson-cablebeach.com): A family could spend their entire vacation on the grounds of this vast resort. There's a pool area that features the most lavish artificial waterfall this side of Tahiti; a health club at the nearby Crystal Palace that welcomes both guests and their children; Camp Junkanoo, with supervised play for children 3 through 12; and a long list of in-house activities that includes dancing lessons.Atlantis Paradise Island Resort & Casino (Paradise Island; tel. 800/ATLANTIS in the U.S., or 242/363-3957; atlantis.com): This is one of the largest hotel complexes in the world, with endless rows of shops and watersports galore. Both children and adults will enjoy the 5.6-hectare (14-acre) sea world with water slides, a lagoon for watersports, white sandy beaches, and underground grottoes plus an underwater viewing tunnel and 240m (787 ft.) of cascading waterfalls. Its chil...
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Bahamas:The Best Beaches
2008-02-28 21:41:00
Cable Beach (New Providence Island): The glittering shoreline of Cable Beach has easy access to shops, casinos, restaurants, watersports, and bars. It's a sandy 6.5km-long (4-mile) long strip, with a great array of facilities and activities.Cabbage Beach (Paradise Island): Think Vegas in the Tropics. It seems as if most of the sunbathers dozing on the sands here are recovering from the previous evening's partying, and it's likely to be crowded near the megahotels, but you can find a bit more solitude on the beach's isolated northwestern extension (Paradise Beach), which is accessible only by boat or on foot. Lined with palms, sea grapes, and casuarinas, the sands are broad and stretch for at least 3km (2 miles).Xanadu Beach (Grand Bahama Island): Grand Bahama has 97km (60 miles) of sandy shoreline, but Xanadu Beach is most convenient to Freeport's resort hotels, several of which offer shuttle service to Xanadu. There's more than a kilometer of white sand and (usually) gentle s...
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Bahamas: Where To Eat
2008-02-28 21:35:00
Best Dining Bets Chez Willie (Nassau, New Providence Island; tel. 242/322-5364): This is one of the newest, but also the classiest, restaurants on New Providence Island, overshadowing its competitors on Cable Beach. It's a throwback to the grandeur of Old Nassau in its Duke and Duchess of Windsor cafe society heyday. Your host, Willie Armstrong, oversees a smoothly run operation serving some of the best French and Bahamian cuisine found on the island.Buena Vista (Nassau, New Providence Island; tel. 242/322-2811; buenavista-restaurant.com): Overlooking Nassau Harbour, this restaurant retains the elegance that the city had when the Duke and Duchess of Windsor were in the governor's mansion. Its take on both a continental and Bahamian cuisine still attracts the serious foodie drawn both to the cuisine and the expert service by tuxedo-clad waiters.Dune (in the One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island; tel. 242/363-2501, ext. 64739): The most cutting-edge restaurant in either Paradise Isla...
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Los Angeles: Where to Stay
2008-02-28 00:21:00
Best Hotel Bets Best for Families: With a great location close to both beach and boardwalk, a terrific oceanview pool, and a kids-stay-free policy (plus welcome goodies and special menus for young ones), the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, 1700 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica (tel. 800/235-6397), tops my list as L.A.'s best family hotel. Families on a tighter budget might prefer Best Western Marina Pacific Hotel & Suites, 1697 Pacific Ave., Venice (tel. 800/786-7789), located right next to the carnival-like Venice Beach and boardwalk. You get free continental breakfast and indoor parking, and large suites with full kitchens and a pullout sofa. If you're heading to Universal Studios, stay at the Sheraton Universal Hotel, 333 Universal Hollywood Dr. (tel. 800/325-3535), which offers free shuttle service to the theme park and adjacent Universal CityWalk, both just a minute away.Best for Business Travelers: With an oversize work desk, a fax machine, two-line phones, a terrific business/copy ...
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The Ultimate Caribbean: Anguilla
2008-02-27 18:54:00
By David Kaufman, Travel+LeisureHere?s the lowdown on the Caribbean ?s best: beaches, sailing, shopping, authentic experiences, adventure, unspoiled nature and peace and quiet.Best for beaches: Anguilla Almost in the shadow of nearby St. Martin, with St. Bart?s visible on clear days, Anguilla is flat and sandy and remains relatively undeveloped compared with its neighbors?but it?s still home to some of the most luxurious resorts and villas in the region.Worth the splurge: Having recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, the Mediterranean-style Malliouhana Hotel & Spa (800/835-0796 or 246/497-6111; malliouhana.com; doubles from $500) is still going strong, with a newish spa, chef Michel Rostang?s haute-French restaurant, and a 25,000-bottle wine cellar.Best value: At a far lower price point is the 27-suite Kú (Shoal Bay East; 800/869-5827; ku-anguilla.com; doubles from $160), from the owners of Cap Juluca. Every spacious, if basic, suite comes with a kitchen.Real estate: For those take...
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Los Angeles: Nightlife
2008-02-27 00:41:00
L.A. didn't invent the word hip, but it certainly holds the patent on it. The City of Angels has some of the most cutting-edge clubs and bars in the world and is the polestar for the best and brightest in the music scene. Entertainment of all stripes -- from Hollywood Bowl picnic performances to cool jazz venues, retro roller discos, and rock-'n'-roll clubs -- can be found in the following pages.Of course, first you need to find out who's performing while you're in town. Your best bet for current entertainment info is the L.A. Weekly (laweekly.com), a free weekly paper available at sidewalk stands, shops, and restaurants. It has all the most up-to-date news on what's happening in Los Angeles 's playhouses, cinemas, museums, and live-music venues. The Sunday "Calendar" and Thursday "Weekend" sections of the Los Angeles Times (calendarlive.com) are also a good source of information on what's going on throughout the city.To purchase tickets in advance, first try buying them dire...
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Los Angeles:What to do
2008-02-27 00:31:00
Cruising Along the Coast: Driving along the sunny coastline with the top down and your hair blowing in the warm wind is the quintessential Southern California experience -- one that never loses its appeal, even for the locals. Stop and visit whatever interests you: a Malibu cantina, the famous Santa Monica pier, or a South Bay beach -- a casual cruise along the shoreline is good for the soul (B.Y.O. Mustang convertible).Visiting Venice's Ocean Front Boardwalk: You haven't visited L.A. properly until you've rented some skates in Venice and embarrassed yourself in front of thousands while taking in the human carnival around you. Nosh on a Jody Maroni's "haute dog," buy some knock-off sunglasses, and realize how pathetically out of shape you are compared to all the tan and trim locals -- all while enjoying the wide beach, blue sea, and assorted performers along the boardwalk. Can't skate? Sissies can rent a bicycle and pedal along the bike path.Basking at the Beach: This is, after...
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Los Angeles: Where to Eat
2008-02-27 00:28:00
Best Dining Bets The Most Unforgettable Dining ExperiencesGrace (7360 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles ; tel. 323/934-4400): The best overall dining experience in Los Angeles. Iron Chef Neal Fraser was trained by America's finest chefs, and it shows (the fois gras served two ways is worth the trip alone). Sophisticated yet unpretentious, Grace is a splurge worth making.Koi (730 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood; tel. 310/659-9449): The combination of soothing feng shui ambience and superb Asian fusion cuisine has made Koi one of the hottest restaurants in L.A. Hollywood's biggest celebrities -- George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, the Osbournes, Demi and Ashton -- arrive here nightly to nosh on addictive dishes such as baked crab rolls with edible rice paper and miso-bronzed black cod.Saddle Peak Lodge (419 Cold Canyon Rd., Calabasas; tel. 818/222-3888): In L.A., a romantic restaurant is one without cellphone service (that would be in the hills above Malibu). This converted hunting lodge i...
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Spring Break: Beaches, Parties, Slopes
2008-02-27 00:14:00
Spring break can mean partying in Cancun or volunteering in New Orleans. But it can also mean late-season skiing or even birdwatching. Here are some spring break ideas.Booking: You get the best value and choice booking three to four months ahead. But you can still plan plenty of last-minute trips. Flying on weekdays and staying four rather than seven days increases your last-minute options for flights and lodging, according to Amanda Webb of STA Travel.Most college spring breaks fall between March 8 and 22. Not surprisingly, that's when airfare peaks, according to Farecast.com, a travel search site. The Web site's research found fares average $294 to Las Vegas, $270 to Orlando, $314 to Miami, and $350-$500 for Mexico and the Caribbean. Farecast.com says if you're not bound to the college calendar, you'll save money vacationing at the end of February or in April.College spring breaks: Panama City Beach, Fla., and South Padre Island, Texas, remain top destinations for the college...
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Bahamas: The Best Dive Sites
2008-02-26 21:47:00
New Providence Island: Many ships have sunk near Nassau in the past 300 years, and all the dive outfitters here know the most scenic wreck sites. Other attractions are underwater gardens of elkhorn coral and dozens of reefs brimming with underwater life. The most spectacular dive site is the Shark Wall, 16km (10 miles) off the southwest coast of New Providence; it's blessed with incredible, colorful sea life and the healthiest coral offshore. You'll even get to swim with sharks (not as bait, of course).Grand Bahama Island: The island is ringed with reefs, and dive sites are plentiful, including the Wall, the Caves (site of a long-ago disaster known as Theo's Wreck), and Treasure Reef. Other popular dive sites include Spit City (yes, that's right), Ben Blue Hole, and the Rose Garden (no one knows how this one got its name). What makes Grand Bahama Island a cut above the others is the presence of a world-class dive operator, UNEXSO (the Underwater Explorer's Society; tel. 800/992...
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8 Family-Friendly Spring Flings
2008-02-26 00:11:00
With winter winding down and the kids about to go on school vacation, now?s a perfect time to plan a trip for the whole family. We suggest visiting one of these classic kid-friendly destinations on a spring-break getaway.You?ve made it through the worst of winter, but it?s still months until summer vacation. The kids will soon be out of school for a whole week, and you could use some time off, too. But don?t just hang around the house or travel somewhere that?s overrun by the rowdy college crowd. Instead, consider taking a break in one of these family-friendly spots.Big Apple with the little onesNew York City may not be the first place that comes to mind as a spring-break destination, but there?s no lack of family-friendly activities in the city that never sleeps. Start at the American Museum of Natural History, with its famous life-size dinosaurs, and then head across the street to Central Park, where 21 playgrounds can provide hours of free fun for kids of all ages. If you want to...
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Maui: Top 10 Watersports Beaches
2008-02-23 17:25:00
Enjoy a day of snorkeling, boogie boarding and, most of all, fun in the sun at these signature Maui beaches.By Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides1. Keka'aFronting the Sheraton Maui, you can reach this spot on K?'anapali Beach via several different access points. Marked by a lava rock cliff, it's especially good for snorkeling. The water is clear and there is an abundance of marine life among the underwater outcroppings. It's easy to get in the water from the beach, and there are lots of places to rent gear nearby.Other Info - Snorkeling2. AwaluaAt Awalua Beach the gentle offshore waves are a good place for first-time surfers to learn the sport. The bottom descends in a slight incline out to deeper waters.Address - 5 miles south of Lahaina on Highway 30Other Info - Surfing3. OlowaluAlthough it's not wide, this beach offers easy shoreline access to good snorkeling around coral heads in shallow water. There are lots of turtles and plenty of colorful reef fish. The surf is normally ge...
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Escape to the Caribbean on a Cruise
2008-02-22 23:03:00
Leave the hassles of an ordinary vacation onshore and embark on a trip the whole family can enjoy.Leaving our final port of call, we had just crossed the gangplank to our giant cruise ship when I began thinking it was already time to plan our next voyage. My wife, Gina, and I had sailed an identical route 4½ years earlier on our maiden cruise. The itinerary: Depart from a Florida port; spend a beach day at beautiful Labadee on the northern tip of Haiti; and take in the scenery, sights and shopping at stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; and Cozumel in Mexico's Western Caribbean . We were immediately hooked on cruising. Six months later, we sailed to ports in the eastern Caribbean. Our third cruise, in June 2005, we left Seattle and followed the scenic Inner Passage to Alaska. This time, we chose to redo the western Caribbean route. We were in a throng of 13 family members and friends that sailed on Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas, the third-l...
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Caribbean Island Trends
2008-02-22 22:47:00
From archetypal thatched huts with driftwood benches to chic waterside lounges on docks, here are the islands? superlative spots for outdoor evenings.Best beach barsAnguilla Built in the sand dunes of Rendezvous Bay along the island?s West End, Anguillan reggae icon Bankie Banx?s Dune Preserve (Rendezvous Bay; 264/729-4215)?made of driftwood and washed-up ships, with live music and a dance floor?is always a scene.Dominican Republic The island?s sophisticated set can be found at the unmarked Aura Beach House (Guayacanes, Juan Dolio; 809/526-2319) sipping clericot (white sangria) and lounging on varnished pine canopy beds at the water?s edge.St. Kitts After a day of snorkeling in coral reefs along the island?s southeastern tip, drop by the Turtle Beach Bar & Grill (Southeastern Peninsula; 869/469-9086) to swing in a hammock under a palm tree, mango colada in hand, as you gaze out across the Atlantic at Nevis.Turks and Caicos If you think Turks and Caicos is short on after-dark spots, ...
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8 Family-Friendly Spring Flings
2008-02-22 14:28:00
With winter winding down and the kids about to go on school vacation, now?s a perfect time to plan a trip for the whole family. We suggest visiting one of these classic kid-friendly destinations on a spring-break getaway.You?ve made it through the worst of winter, but it?s still months until summer vacation. The kids will soon be out of school for a whole week, and you could use some time off, too. But don?t just hang around the house or travel somewhere that?s overrun by the rowdy college crowd. Instead, consider taking a break in one of these family-friendly spots.Big Apple with the little onesNew York City may not be the first place that comes to mind as a spring-break destination, but there?s no lack of family-friendly activities in the city that never sleeps. Start at the American Museum of Natural History, with its famous life-size dinosaurs, and then head across the street to Central Park, where 21 playgrounds can provide hours of free fun for kids of all ages. If you want to...
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Five Undiscovered Caribbean Islands
2008-02-21 22:54:00
These five islands are places to go in the Caribbean without being one of a huge wave of tourists. For now, you can find quiet and plenty of activities.Traveling to the Caribbean these days, one expects to be part of a crowd. While it may seem that all of the 7,000-plus islands have been overrun and overexposed, there are still amazing, relatively undiscovered islands that offer the solitude, simplicity, and luxury that first attracted tourists to the area 60 years ago. We've narrowed down the list to five spots that provide a wide range of experiences: from rain forest eco-chic to French colonial charm to volcano-relic wonder, these under-the-radar getaways are blissfully free of the usual hullabaloo.Terre-de-HautBijou of the French West IndiesWith its red roofs cascading down craggy peaks, picturesque white-sand beaches, and quiet Mediterranean ambience, tiny Terre-de-Haut, off the southwestern tip of Guadeloupe, resembles its sister island of St. Bart's in many respects but doe...
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No Passports in Paradise
2008-02-21 22:45:00
You now need a passport to fly nearly anywhere outside the U.S., but even if you haven't gotten around to getting one, there are still ways to escape to a tropical paradise. There are ways to enjoy a winter escape to a sunny tropical retreat?no passport required. You just have to be a little selective.What's the trick? Visit the State Department website and look for "Traveling to the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico or Canada." Yes, it says that as of Jan. 23 you need a passport to go to those places. But if you look down the page you'll find that the requirement does not apply to U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Marianas.Tropical enough for you? And, they all take U.S. dollars.The intro to the Virgin Islands tourism agency?http://www.usvitourism.vi/ ?welcomes you with the sound of gentle surf and a "Multimedia Gallery" full of photos, videos and panoramas. The three islands offer a little bit of everything,...
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Celebrity Honeymoon Escapes
2008-02-20 21:40:00
Garbo famously put it, ?I want to be left alone.? Most celebrities would concur?especially when they're on their honeymoon. ?The number one thing celebrities look for are secluded and private places, out of the reach of the paparazzi,? said noted wedding planner Mindy Weiss, who has organized nuptials for luminaries like Jessica Simpson, Gwen Stefani and Adam Sandler. ?Often this is the first vacation they have had in a long time and they typically choose a location where they can just veg.?Hence the popularity of the spectacularly beautiful Bora Bora, where most of the hotels are on their own private island, miles away from prying eyes. ?The American GIs who were stationed here started spreading the word that Bora Bora was paradise on earth, and that really stuck,? explains Eléonore Petin, sales and marketing manager for Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, where Christina Applegate and Johnathon Schaech honeymooned.?When Hotel Bora Bora opened in 1961, they had the first overwater bungalo...
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