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Some people love to party, at home or on vacation, and the world has some fantastic party destinations available for the most adventurous party attendees. We’re proud to present our 10 favorite party destinations across the globe. It doesn’t matter if you’re conservative or wild and crazy – you’re sure to find a party destination to suit your personality.

10. Midsummer Night’s Dream Party

Midsummer Night’s Dream Party at the Playboy Mansion

Continue reading 10 Hot Spots for Party Lovers »

Jennifer Gregory

Do Not DisturbWe have all heard of hotels offering minibars and other special accommodations. With room service, for example, hotel guests can request food and even convenience items to help make their hotel stay more enjoyable. The Vincent Hotel, however, is taking room service to a whole new level that may surprise many travelers in a very pleasant and stimulating way.

The Vincent Hotel, which is a new 60 room boutique hotel that will soon be opening in northwest England, will be putting an interesting twist to the term “minibar.” Rather than offering just the traditional alcoholic beverages and snacks, the hotel will be offering new treats in the form of sex toys. Continue reading Sex Toys Added to Hotel Room Service Menus »

Jennifer Gregory

Our countdown of the most sacrosanct golf pilgrimmages tees off with more mythical courses familiar by name to competitive and neophyte duffers. These golf courses are more than just fairways, bunkers and greens. They represent history.

Perhaps no other sport reveres and respects the past as golf. Consider that in no other sport can virtual novices walk the ground and participate in the game where the very best have made their mark. The second half of our list is all about being able to capture that experience in the most significant Cathedrals in golf.

Continue reading Top 10 Golf Course Pilgrimages in the World Part II »

Ian Harrison

Golf vacations are a massive industry unto themsleves, with countless operators around the world who specify in the most lucrative recreational form of travel tourism. Fanatics of golf and indeed, those who plan entire vacations around the sport, often fall into one of two subdivisions. Those who seek out courses in exquisite parts of the world or resorts that make up the new breed of ultra-luxurious destinations. Courses in Cabo San Lucas, parts of the Caribbean, Dubai and China fall into this category.

Then you have the connoisseurs. Those with intimate knowledge of golf lore who want to walk in the footsteps of history. There is no more powerful a statement than, “I was there”. These Holy sites of Golf attest to that.

Continue reading Top 10 Golf Course Pilgrimages in the World Part I »

Ian Harrison

The eyes of the world will be fixed on Austria and Switzerland in June 2008 as Europe’s best football powers prepare to do battle. Upstart Greece came out of nowhere in Portugal in 2004 to upset the host nation and claim supremacy on the continent. No longer the underdog, Greece will have to contend with fierce competition from the likes of Russia, Sweden and Spain in the group stage in order to advance and hold on to the crown.

Host nations Austria and Switzerland have a monumental task of their own. Match Portugal’s efforts in 2004 and bring the entire continent together, if not the world, as premier destinations for a world class event. The eight cities that will play host to all the thrilling Euro 2008 action certainly have their work cut out for them. Here’s a taste of what fans can expect. Continue reading Euro 2008 City Guide »

Ian Harrison

For most, a hotel is a pit stop along the way to another destination. It’s merely a place to eat or sleep before moving on in the morning. For others, the vacation itself is the trip to the hotel – and for good reason. If you’re looking for an interesting weekend get-away, try sleeping in a tipi, in a tree house, or in a cave!

Tipis

Tipi

Continue reading 5 Unique Lodging Experiences »

Jennifer Gregory

Most of us think of touring the country or historic sites on foot or in our cars, but those who want a real idea of what history was like opt for a first-hand experience on the back of a horse. Horses allow riders to move more slowly than they would in cars while truly feeling their surroundings. Hundreds of years ago, horses were our only mode of transportation.

Lynne Holzhauser, the owner of Lynne’s Riding School in New York City, has been quoted as saying that Equitours is one of the best touring companies in the world when it comes to horseback riding. She recommends comparing schools, and paying close attention to which trips are better for beginners. Continue reading Equine Tours - Viewing the World on Horseback »

Jennifer Gregory

Pedestrian zones are all the rage with urban planners and municipal governments around the world. Blame it on the high price of crude oil, Al Gore, the green movement or Kyoto but vehicles of all types are about to vamos from many large city blocks in every corner of the globe.

What we tend to forget however, is that pedestrian zones are not a new development. A lot of ancient towns and quaint hamlets have been free of cars ever since the days of Henry Ford. Residents of these little gems live differently from the rest of us and seem to enjoy a unique quality of life. No surprise then, that they represent some of the most beautiful places to visit in the world.

Here then, are the Best Car-Free Destinations in the World.

Mdina, Malta

The ancient capital of the archipelago nation of Malta is a medieval town which in Europe, almost ensures it remains free of automobiles. Locals refer to Mdina as The Silent City, which without the constant hum of engines, makes sense.

Narrow street in Mdina, Malta

Continue reading Best Car-Free Destinations in the World »

Ian Harrison

Death tolls from war may make for more salacious news coverage but when it comes to devastation, Mother Nature wreaks far more consistent havoc. Sadly, the worst destruction seems to befall the most disadvantaged and beautiful places on Earth.

In many cases, ravaged by a disaster, a country picks up the pieces and sinks back into some guise of human routine only to be struck by the brutal forces of Nature once again. A tidal wave of foreign aid pours in but soon dissipates as the focus of the world turns to a new cause.

Tourism helps of course, to mitigate the cost of restitution and spread economic aid to those in need. While the areas in question contain some of the most pristine natural beauty on the planet, they do have to contend with testy Mother Nature. So venture forth at your own risk and for the love of God, check the calendar before you book your flight. In no particular order, here are the Worst Natural Disaster Zones in the World. Continue reading Worst Natural Disaster Zones in the World »

Ian Harrison

As we grapple with the corollary of a global environmental crisis and try to define green standards for nations to follow, we should bear in mind the purpose behind the advent of the National Park system in America. While government leadership in the United States has been rather weak on the environment of late, the country was the first to stand up and legislate land protection. At the risk of being political, perhaps a proverbial return to the great National Parks and the spirit they embody would help the country find the way again and take charge on the issues that affect our planet.

With that being said, why not plan your next vacation with a National Park in mind? Going to Las Vegas? Why not pencil in the Grand Canyon on the way? Family vacation to Disney World? Check out the Florida Everglades while you still can.

If you need some guidance, read on as we describe some more of the Best National Parks in America.

Yosemite National Park, California

With the High Sierra Mountains, deep valleys, gorgeous waterfalls and titanic sequoias, Yosemite National Park draws almost 4 million visitors a year. The World Heritage Site with a Mediterranean climate supports five distinct vegetation zones and 20% of California’s plant life. With 95% of the Park pure wilderness, there is much to explore beyond the popular Yosemite Valley, where most visitors conglomerate.

Yosemite National Park, California

Continue reading Best National Parks in America Part II »

Ian Harrison