People usually link travel and vacations with summertime. Winter travel is usually reserved for those who go to the tropics during the cold months. But did you know that winter travel can be as fun and refreshing as spending a week in a Mexican resort? Well, yes, there is always the possibility of getting a cheap hostel in Sydney (because their summer happens during the North American winter), but there is also fun to be had in cold places too!

Québec Winter Carnival, Québec City

This winter carnival is the most famous in North America. Beyond being one of the most historically fascinating cities in North America, Québec has a traditional winter carnival with a ton of fun winter activities. There are snow and ice sculpture competitions, a race across the St-Lawrence river in traditional canoes, and a fun street parade where the Queen of the Carnival appears with the mascot, the Bonhomme Carnaval. You will want to stop by the Ice Hotel, the only one in North America and rebuilt every year out of pure ice and snow. You can also take advantage of the great skiing and snowboarding around the Québec region.

Pacific Northwest

It might always rain in Seattle, but it has among the nicest winter temperature in the northern part of the United States. It rarely gets below freezing, and the locals know how to handle the constant rain and drizzle. There are a ton of museums to visit, from the Experience Music Project to the Sci-Fi Museum. And nothing really compares to sitting down with your friends with a hot cup of coffee in Pike Place Market on a foggy morning. Winter in Seattle is perfect to absorb the unique, indie vibe of this underestimated city.

The Alps

If you’re a ski afficionado, you know that winter rhymes with skiing in the Swiss or French Alps. Of course, these resorts might be expensive, but saving up for them is well worth the while. And there are a ton of youth hostels throughout Europe to help you with housing costs. In any case, a ski trip in Europe is always a good thing to do during the winter. And given how small it is, if you get tired of the snow, you can drive for only a few hours and be on the beach in the Mediterranean. Talk about the best of both worlds!

These are all suggestions for people who don’t mind a little cold in their life. Of course, you are always free to go to the tropics or the southern hemisphere; Sydney hostels are always a welcoming place to stay if you decide to go down under. But for those who like to cozy up near a fireplace or go to the after-ski parties, then staying north of the Equator can definitely be fun.

I never paid much attention to breakfast as anything more than just cereal and milk or eggs and toast. But for the last few years, it has, as it should, become my most important meal of the day. On weekends specially, I like waking up late to a lazy Southern California morning and heading out for a good brunch. Here are my five faves in Los Angeles:

Uncle Bill’s in Manhattan Beach

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House is a family owned establishment and has been around for a long time. Steps from Manhattan Beach, this is the ideal place for a weekend breakfast or brunch. They serve breakfast or lunch till 2:30p so be aware that it is not open in the evenings.

Food is great. My favorites being JD’s French Toast and Mitch’s Scramble. Orange Juice is fresh. Prices are very reasonable too.

This place is so popular that anytime you go on weekends, you will encounter long lines outside.  And they don’t take reservations, so when you get there, put your name on the wait list and go for a walk on the beach.

Blu Jam Cafe

Blu Jam Cafe is a very unique spot for breakfast. Located in Beverly Hills off Melrose Ave, Blu Jam is another privately owned joint run by owner Kamil Majer who also happens to be the chef.

The decor is casual and fun with brick walls and dark wood furniture. Service is fast and friendly and the place is relatively inexpensive. Expect to spend about $35 for two.

As for the menu, the French Brioche Toast with Yogurt, Blackberry Jam, banana and strawberries is perhaps the best French toast you will ever have. The Eggs Florentine will also tickle your taste buds.

Jinky’s Cafe

Jinky’s has a huge menu and it gets confusing at times. Once you figure out what works for you though, they are consistent and you will find yourself returning often. They have 3 locations in SoCal (Santa Monica, Sherman Oaks and West Hollywood) so you can head to the one closest to you.

While I have found service to be a little slow, they have great stuffed pancakes with bananas and blueberries stuffed inside the pancakes. It comes very hot and goes great with a little syrup.

Jack n’ Jill’s

This place is really good. It is slightly expensive, but considering it is smack in the middle of Beverly Hills (there is also a location in Santa Monica) with a view of the finest cars outside its windows, it is perfectly reasonable.

The food is amazing. Specially the Beverly Frittata and the Cinnamon Croissant French Toast. Portions are large so you might be able to share with friends.

Service is quick, but the wait is long. Be ready to put your name down and go for a walk. Expect to run into some of the Hollywood elites at this place too.

Free 2 hour parking is available up the street on Beverly Drive.

Toast Bakery and Cafe

Toast is a bakery and cafe in the heart of Beverly Hills, a few blocks east of the Beverly Center.

First, parking was a pain. They have valet parking but it is quite expensive ($5.50) given that I went for breakfast.

I was surprised to find it was so busy for breakfast even during a weekday but fortunately, we were seated after 10 minutes.

We ordered the eggs florentine, which came on bread rather than the usual english muffin, but it was creamy and delicious. It had extra emphasis on the spinach so you know what to expect.

We also ordered the Stuffed French toast which is apparently one of their specialties, and while the banana pudding and the sliced bananas were great, the french bread itself was a little dry – needed to be a little moist.

Overall, a good place for a Sunday afternoon brunch.

Happy brunching!

Winter is upon us, and ski operators and resorts are gearing up for some busy months ahead when ski and snowboard enthusiasts frequent the slopes in search for fresh, soft powder. The ski destinations below, are my top picks for North America (in no particular order):

Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, featured in the Jim Carey comedy classic “Dumb and Dumber”, is the place to be if you want to ski with the rich and famous. Aspen is an ideal upscale ski vacation destination for all types of skill levels.

Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff is one of the most spectacular looking mountain resorts in the world. With Sunshine Village and Ski Norquay in close proximity, Banff is the tallest place in Canada. With plenty of nature and slopes, Banff has a lot more than winter sports. In fact, it has one of the best golf courses in North America as well.

Banff National Park, Alberta

Vail, Colorado
With a slogan of “Like nothing on earth”, Vail surprisingly lives up to its name, and then some. It is one of the largest ski terrains in North America with 5,289 acres of ski terrain. In fact, only Whistler/Blackcomb eclipse Vail’s ski area in size. In the heart of Colorado, a couple of hours from Denver, Vail is one popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia
Consistently voted “Best North American Ski Resort”, Whistler is a winter destination for anyone and everyone. Skiing, shopping, golfing, pampering and culinary experiences, Whistler offers all that and a great social scene with plenty of night life. And of course, it is the largest ski terrain in all of North America.

Whistler Mountain, British Columbia

Park City, Utah
Utah is a surprising consideration for conferences and gatherings. But one look at Park City and you will know why. Park City consists of three main resorts – Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort, and The Canyons Resort. The Park City and Deer Valley ski resorts were the major locations for ski and snowboarding events at the 2002 Winter Olympics even though they receive less snow and have a shorter ski season than do other destinations in this list. The biggest draw of Park City is that it is the primary location of the Sundance Film Festival. Among its other accolades – it is also the home of the United States Ski Team. Just one thing I should warn you about. Utah has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption. As such, all drinks served are typically diluted and have a much lower percentage of alcohol.

Taos, New Mexico
In north New Mexico, near the Colorado border, lies Taos Ski Valley, with one of the best Ski schools in the country. Until recently, snowboarding was prohibited here but in 2008, that restriction was listed. Family owned and smaller than most of the other ski destinations on this list,  Taos has an equal ratio of expert and beginner terrains, but don’t let that fool you. The terrain seldom straightens out and remains steep for the most part.

Mammoth, California
Mammoth Mountain is home to the tallest ski resort in California. It is notable in that it gets an unusually large amount of snow, about 400″ annually.  At 3,500 acres, it’s more than three times the size of the so-called “Beast of the East”, (Killington), and certainly lives up to its name. Mammoth lies in close proximity to the Oregon stateline to the north and Nevada to the east. So it is accessible by road from major cities like Sacramento, Portland and Reno.

Killington, Vermont
Killington is considered the largest ski area in the east. It offers the largest variety of terrain with seven interconnected mountains which makes it a haven for snowboarders and cross-country skiers.

Beaver Creek, Colorado
The third Colorado favorite is Beaver Creek, which has won the Best Overall Customer Service Award from the National Ski Association four years in a row. This is a quaint area which, while not as vast as Vail nor as celebrated as Aspen, remains a fast fave for those looking for peace, seclusion and skiing with their families. At the base of the slopes lies a large skating rink, the Family Ice Arena, where kids and adults can warm up before heading to the slopes.

So, now that winter is here and you have this list of top ski resorts, where will you be going? Book now to get great deals on ski vacations.

Airlines are an unpopular foe of the flying public and are constantly the object of frequent flyer criticism. The list of complaints against airlines often include flight delays, cramped seating and charging the customer for food and now even luggage. But while most of these frustrations apply to domestic travel, international travel is still somewhat better, at least for now. This is where the international airlines, specially those from Europe and Asia pull away from the American pack. Indeed names like US Airways, United and Delta cannot hold a candle to the likes of Singapore Airlines, Emirates, British Airways or even the once shunned Korean Airlines.

But one name that I flew last year, made me a fan for life. Air New Zealand flies directly from Los Angeles to London in around 10 hours, with three key features in their economy class (called Pacific Economy) which puts its American counterparts to shame:

1. Extra leg room – the flight I was on, had much more leg room than any other economy class I have been on in recent memory.
2. Comfortable head rests – adjustable head rests ensure you don’t end up drooling over your neighbor’s shoulder during that post dinner food coma.
3. Personal TV – each seat has a personal TV that allows you to select your own entertainment, whenever you want. This includes games, movies, TV shows or even music.

Now if you are wondering what this flight cost me, it was back in summer of 2008 and it cost me $650 round-trip including taxes and fees. So a pretty sweet deal. I should mention that I don’t remember whether this was a 767 or a 777 (I think the latter) and it is possible that not all flights will have the above mentioned economy class features. How was the food you ask? Well the food on the flight I took was average, and the wine selection mediocre. But if you want to travel in that kind of luxury, a better option is a middle-eastern carrier like Gulf Air or the Emirates.

Meanwhile, I cannot think of a more comfortable, yet economical way of flying from Los Angeles to London (or back) than Air New Zealand.

I am not a typical foodie but it seems lately that everywhere you look, there are new establishments selling fresh baked cupcakes, and not just the kind that you buy at a typical bakery. Cupcakes are now being used as the dessert of choice at parties, showers, as wedding favors and even as alternatives to a wedding cake and centerpieces. Whats more, cupcakes keep getting bigger and bigger, to where eating your own cupcake takes some over-indulgence. Quite frankly, this cupcake craze reminds me of the smoothie revolution of a few years back when the Robeks’, the Jamba Juices and the Juice Stops of the world were coming into their own. Having eaten at a few of these new cupcake spots in town, I thought I’d let you in on my favorite places for cupcakes. Ready?

Crumbs Bake Shop – Located in the heart of Glendale, right next to the new and prestigious Americana at Brand, Crumbs is one of the more spacious cupcake establishments, that also happens to smell like heaven. With over 30 distinct flavors including rare creations not seen anywhere else including treats like Devil Dog, Butterfinger, Watermelon and Caramel Apple, Crumbs Bake shop offers decadence without the crazy. Incidentally, I learnt from their site that they are not just local to Los Angeles. In addition to the 5 locations in Los Angeles, they also have locations across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Flavor of the Month

Sprinkles is next on my list. With the first store opened in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles quickly became famous for its star power much like Pinkberry a few years back. On weekends, lines can be very long indeed. Perhaps best known for their Red Velvet cupcake, Sprinkles also has a wide assortment including Banana, Pumpkin and Chai Latte. However, some of these flavors are only offered on certain days of the week. While I have not been to other locations, I can say this about the Beverly Hills one, that it is a tiny little place, with hardly room to stand, let alone sit and enjoy your treat. This is a little frustrating because after waiting in line for as much as 30 minutes, you’d think one should be able to enjoy their cupcake and a glass of milk sitting down. Unfortunately, most of the time, you will end up taking it to go.

Sprinkles Display

Violets Cakes – I was first introduced to this local Pasadena shop by a friend and colleague. Violets has a distinctively home feel to it and are great for parties and home orders. Their chocolate frosting is some serious business and I love that they wrap their cupcakes in foil. Owned, operated and run by Pasadena local Denise Weber, this place is as local as it gets and a must try for those in the vicinity.

Dots Cupcakes – Even before I fell in love with Sprinkles, Crumbs and Violets, I loved Dots. Their Chocolate on Chocolate is moist and melts in your mouth. Health concious folks have the option to buy a mini cupcake, which I think is a nice touch. Having said that, I must say that the service is less than stellar and the place is the size of a large cubicle. There is no room to stand more than 5 people at their Arroyo Parkway location (they have two locations in Pasadena). And more often than not, they are out of your favorite flavor and their “excuse” is that they don’t run a retail business, rather they are  primarily a catering business and don’t bake extras for foot traffic. So you get the feeling you are getting left overs. With three others to choose from, this place is last on my list, not for the quality, but rather the experience. Despite not being a chain, it gives you the feel of a chain store.

Do you feel that I may have missed out on your favorite cupcake place in LA? I am always open to new places, so if you feel strongly about a place, send me a note or write your comment below and I will check it out.

John Traveler

JetBlue announced today that it would allow anyone to fly unlimited from Sept 8, 2009 to Oct 8, 2009 for a flat fee of $599. This All You Can Jet deal, while appealing and fresh, might be a flash in the pan. An average JetBlue ticket from Los Angeles (Long Beach) to Las Vegas each way is $59. Similarly, a flight from San Francisco to New York runs for $139 each way. Both the above fares are non-refundable.

Unless you have a small business, and plan a lot of travel in Sept and early Oct,  and you have a stake in the business where saving every penny matters, this deal might not be for you. During this mad rush, you may not get seats on your preferred flight. You also need to book 3 days in advance, so you cannot just travel spur of the moment. Assuming that an average flight on Jetblue costs $99 each way, you would need to complete 3 round-trip flights just to break even.

So before you rush out and make this impulse buy, price your vacation using JetBlue’s stand-alone prices, and even compare to Southwest Airlines. You might be surprised that this deal is not such a great deal after all.

You truly are free to move about the country. I expect Southwest to come out with something similar soon.

Get Great Deals on Hotels in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is one of the top year-round destinations anywhere. But being in Los Angeles can be a little overwhelming, specially with everything there is to do here. First things first, you must rent a car or you are doomed. Next, lets take a look at ten of the more important sites to cover.

Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills – the street made famous by the brand names that live on it, not to mention Julia Roberts’ shopping destination on Pretty Woman. You will find expensive cars lining the curbs and a celebrity or two getting their favorite latte at Starbucks. Have a hearty breakfast at Jack n’ Jills, then walk up and down Rodeo Drive a couple of times and try a red velvet cup cake from Sprinkles before leaving.

Venice Beach – This place is crowded on the weekends but thats when you want to go to Venice Beach. Volleyball, Painting, Art, Tattoos, Basketball, Shopping and Performing – there isn’t another beach anywhere that you can find such a diverse array of things to do as you can on Venice Beach. It is quite a spectacle.

Newport Beach / Huntington Beach – they are in Orange County but they are some of the most clean and pristine beaches anywhere. Spend a peaceful afternoon and evening on either of these beaches and enjoy the beachy restaurants in the area.

Manhattan Beach – located in an upscale part of Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is famous for beach volleyball. Try Uncle Bills here for breakfast (I recommend the Mitch’s Scramble), then walk along the shoreline and admire the beach houses that you will never be able to afford.

Santa Monica Pier / Malibu – these are the main beaches where Baywatch was filmed. Santa Monica is more crowded with an amusement park while Malibu is quieter. There is a Promenade at 3rd street in Santa Monica which I highly recommend for a casual stroll. If you like seafood, Bubba Gump Shrimp is a good spot here.

Pacific Coast Highway is arguably the most scenic highway in the US. Catching even a part of this long stretch road (even better if you have a convertible) is worth it. You can stop at any point for a great view of the ocean. After a heavy shrimp lunch, you might want to drive up the PCH from Santa Monica to the Pacific Palisades and back.

Hotel Huntley in Santa Monica, very close to the Promenade has a bar/lounge at the top floor which is a fabulous hang out. I have often seen celebrities here and it is a good place to chill at the bar or hang out with friends after a day of lazing around at the beach.

Hollywood – Hollywood is the largest icon of Los Angeles. It defines LA. However, most of the movie studios have now moved away from Hollywood and are located in other parts of the city. Nevertheless, the Kodak Theatre (home of the Oscars), the Chinese Mann theatre and the Avenue of the Stars still call Hollywood their home. If you like sushi, Geisha House in Hollywood is an expensive but well-worth-it place for sushi.

At night, Sunset Boulevard is a haven for party seekers. House of Blues for Jazz and creole, Laugh Factory to spot new and upcoming comic talent and the Standard for clubbing is a good way to drink the night away.

Universal Studios – whether you are young or old, Universal Studios is a must-see on your visit to LA. The famous tram ride takes you through the various parts of the campus offering some thrills along the way. Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy are just some of the other thrills you can experience at Universal Studios. If you want to break away from the pack and have a drink, the City Walk right outside the studios has some good restaurants and bars.

Marina Del Rey – Living on a boat – you may have seen it in movies, but you can see it in person here in Marina del Rey. Tahiti Way, Panay Way and Bora Bora Way are all streets lined with condos and townhomes on one side, and boats on the other. You can also rent a kayak or a paddle board and row your self from one end of the Marina to the other.

San Diego – This is a city that perhaps deserves a column of its own, but given its close 2 hour proximity to Los Angeles, including it in this list is certainly warranted. San Diego has something for everyone. Coronado Island and Mission Bay for sightseers, and the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park (safari) for animal lovers and kids alike. For kids, there is also Sea World, but I must say I quite enjoy it myself.

Also, the vibrancy of the best nightlife in San Diego CA can equal those of other major American cities.

Theme Parks – The first theme park that comes to mind is Disneyland but if you are too old for that, there is Six Flags Magic Mountain with death defying roller-coasters and Raging Waters and Hurricane Harbor for wet water thrills.

Now I know I left out a few specialty things that LA is famous for. The Lakers at Staples Center for sports enthusiasts, Nokia Theatre and Disney Concert Hall for concerts, Getty Center Museum and LACMA for art lovers and Griffith Park for hiking and even budding astronomers. There are also some world famous golf courses in Los Angeles (including Trump National Golf Club in Palos Verdes and Torrey Pines Golf Course close to San Diego). If you are planning a trip to LA, just make sure you have enough time. There is much to do here and you will need a few days to recover when you get home.

Arizona is America’s 6th largest state after Alaska, Texas, California, Montana and New Mexico. It is noted for its hot desert climate, with exceptionally hot summers, and mild winters, but the high country in the north features pine forests and mountain ranges with cooler weather.

While Arizona is mostly known for the Grand Canyon, there are a few more notable places to see there.

Montezuma’s Castle – This is a national monument which is a 1000 year old cliff dwelling and preserved for the historian in you. In December 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt declared this among our many national monuments, visitors were allowed inside the castle, but in order to preserve it, visitors have only been able to view this from the outside for the last few decades. The limestone cliffs and the dwellings within are said to be based on the Aztec architecture, and hence called Montezuma’s Castle.

Montezuma's Castle

Meteor Crater – 35 miles east of Flagstaff, the Meteor Crater is one of the best preserved sites of a meteor crater anywhere on Earth. Approximately 50,000 years ago, this crater struck our planet with a velocity of 40,000 miles per hour, and create a crater at the site of impact over 4,000 feet across and 2.4 miles in circumference. Today, this crater attracts tourists and science enthusiasts alike. A museum has been erected which tells you a compelling story of what occurred to cause this crater, how it occurred and when. The museum also houses pieces from the meteor that was excavated from this site in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Meteor Crater near Flagstaff, AZ

Sedona – a short but scenic drive from Flagstaff, Sedona is also known as Red Rock City. The city is a geological marvel with red mountains, red sand, red rocks – pretty much a red landscape. Most people going to the Grand Canyon make a stop here to experience an almost Mars like territory. If you plan to ski in Flagstaff or visit the Grand Canyon, you should definitely spend a few hours in Sedona.

Sedona, AZ

Jerome – Regarded as America’s largest ghost city and located high on a mountain (Cleopatra Hill) almost a mile above sea level (5200 feet), Jerome is a town of 500 odd people living there simply to serve as hosts to tourists looking to visit this ghost town. Nesled on Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff, Jerome is a historic copper mining town, which once thrived on copper mining, with over 15,000 residents back in the 1920′s. Today it is often a biker hangout and a souvenier stop for those heading to Sedona or Flagstaff.

Ghost Town of Jerome, AZ

Arizona boasts plenty of opportunity and things to do while you visit (Lake Havasu definitely comes to mind), however, the four sites above, along with the Grand Canyon, capture the historical importance and geological diversity of Arizona. No trip there is complete without a visit to these four places.

Safe travels!

The United States of America is a land of great wonders. No where else in the world do you find such an eclectic and wide array of destinations all encompassed within one country. Often, when one considers exotic locations around the world, images of Machu Picchu, Agra, Santorini and Alexandria come to mind. However, the United States is perhaps the one and only country in the world that offers everything for everyone. Disagree? Here are the top ten places to visit in the US. Let me know if you still disagree after you finish reading:

Grand Canyon – lets start with one of the true wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon is one of the most significant geological sites of our time. It holds in its vast gorges, history dating back thousands of years. The Colorado River, that carved out most of this canyon still runs fiercely at the bottom and offers thrill seekers the opportunity to navigate some serious level 5 rapids. Hiking, donkey riding, climbing, swimming, rafting, and sightseeing are just some of the many activities you can engage in while visiting Grand Canyon. I can truly say, as someone who has been to Grand Canyon many times, that it is a one of a kind place in the world.

Grand Canyon, AZ

Rocky Mountains – Colorado (and even Utah) have some of the best ski slopes a ski enthusiast can hope to find anywhere. In fact, these slopes rival those of Switzerland. Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Aspen, Deer Valley, UT – offer skiing for all skill-levels. Colorado and the Rockies have everything for the outdoor adventure seekers. Miles of white water, hundreds of ski slopes and world famous mountain bike trails in Telluride.

Northern California – California is a country unto itself. In fact, it is impossible to experience all of California in one trip. So I would consider it two separate destinations. Northern California is flanked by the ocean to the west and by the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range (with great winter skiing at Lake Mammoth) to the east. It offers some of the best wineries in the world in Napa Valley and Sonoma. Northern California is heavily influenced by Silicon Valley, home of world tecnology giants like Apple, Google, Yahoo, Cisco and Oracle. San Francisco, with the Golden Gate bridge and the infamous Alcatraz Island is known for its liberal vitality and seafood. If nature is your medicine, the Yosemite National Park is one of the best national parks in the country, and along with Lake Tahoe and Lake Mammoth, round out some of the most scenic landscapes in the western US. Moving south, there is the beautiful coastline of Monterey and Carmel, with Pebble Beach, one of the best golf courses in the world, nestled between them.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA

Southern California – If you were to take a drive from Northern California to Southern California, a very scenic highway known as the Pacific Coast Highway takes you down the coast in style. As you enter Southern California, the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara greet you along the curves, with miles of white sand and curved coastline. Another two hours south, you will run into the entertainment capital of the world – Los Angeles with Hollywood, Kodak Theatre (home of the Oscars), and Avenue of the Stars. Los Angeles is also home to some of the most diverse beaches in the west, like Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Malibu, all of which have played host to the famous TV series – Baywatch. And for family vacationers, there is always Disneyland, San Diego Wild Animal Park and Zoo, Six Flags theme park and Sea World. California truly has everything for everyone.

Las Vegas – Sin City, also known as the real resting place of the King, Elvis Presley, is the only city that can truly lay claim to the title “the city that never sleeps”. Casinos are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so whatever your poison, whether it be Poker, Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, or plain old slots, you can put lady luck to the test. Aside from gambling, Las Vegas has some of the best nightlife anywhere in the world, with exclusive clubs, fine dining and the best live entertainment in the world. When you travel to Las Vegas, I highly recommend flying in at night. The view of the lights from the sky is nothing short of breath-taking. In fact, even driving there at night, you can see the lights from miles away. This entire city is like one big night club with themed hotels depicted from Pyramids, New York City, Paris, Venice and Rome among others.

– While Niagara Falls is, by no means, the largest waterfalls in the world, it is certainly the most famous. There are many ways to enjoy these falls up close, the most popular being Maid of the Mist, a boat tour that takes you within a few hundred yards of the falls. There is also a bridge that takes you straight into the belly of the falls. Niagara Falls is better on the Canadian side, so when visiting, you may want to venture into Canada.

Niagara Falls

Hawaiian Islands – Hawaii is one of the most highly frequented honeymoon destinations in the world and continues to attract not only romancing couples, but cruise enthusiasts, surfers, golfers and vacationers. It is home to some of the best spa resorts in the world, and the birth place of pipe surfing. Waikiki Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in the world, renowned for its surfing. For world travelers, Hawaii offers a unique taste of Polynesian culture that you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else in the world. While in Hawaii, you should definitely find the best local Luau, catch the pipe competitiion and visit the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, the scene of the most devastating attacks on the US.

Waikiki Beach, Island of Oahu in Hawaii

New York – No visit to the US is complete without a trip to the Big Apple. The financial capital of the world is the heart of America, with the best man-made skyline in the world with tall skyscrapers stretching for miles across the city. Night life is top notch in NYC, and restaurants and bars attract busy professionals every night of the week. Statue of Liberty is the icon of the American culture and it is one of many landmark buildings to dawn the famous New York skyline.

Alaska – Alaska, the final frontier, is the largest state of the United States of America by area; it is situated in the northwest extremity of North America, with Canada to the east, the Arctic ocean to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait. While, Alaska is best seen via a cruise, many people prefer to fly to Anchorage directly. Glacier National Park is one of the most spectacular sights in the world, and Alaska is the place to be if you are an avid sea kayaker. Some of the more famous activities in Alaska include salmon fishing, whale watching (Alaska is known for its Hump-back Whales), hiking and observing Polar Bears, Brown Bears and the endangered Bald Eagle.

Alaskan Wild

 

 

Miami – It is hard to find a city so vibrant with culture and famous for its parties as Miami. This is a city where if you are out of shape, you might as well stay indoors. Hot bodies of all colors adorn the beaches of Miami, Daytona and Palm beach, specially in spring and summer. The club scene is extremely active and the music is hypnotic. If you are single and ready to mingle, Miami should be your first destination.

I am at the end of my post, and yet I find myself thinking there is so much more to mention here. For example, you can see the castle of Montezuma (King of the Aztecs) in Arizona dating back to the 12th century, Museum of Astrogeology (now also known as the Meteor Crater center) also in Arizona, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, Chicago with its museums, arts and the grand Sears Tower and the list goes on. So you see, the United States of America, while not considered “exotic” is a place where every traveler will find something of interest. Its landmarks, beaches, mountains, buildings, monuments, wild life and natural wonders like the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls make it one of the most diversified destinations in the world.

For those who are unfamiliar with the vast array of hotel offerings in the Southern California area, it is often a daunting task to pick the right one. How does one get the best comfort and cool? Well look no further, because The Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica, California is the perfect hotel for the trendy and single.

A single person’s dream, this hotel stands tall, a block away from the warm sandy beach of Santa Monica. The view from this high-rise is nothing short of breath-taking and the crowd here is young professionals including lawyers, actors and entrepreneurs.

A few years ago, The Huntley Hotel was simply the Radisson Huntley. Aside from its great location and its height, the hotel was an embarrassment to the area. Its musty corridors and stale carpeting, along with lack-luster food and service made it a sloppy choice for a place like Santa Monica. In fact, the only reason I ever went to this hotel as a local was to listen to a ZZ-top look-alike perform rock and roll at its roof-top restaurant called Toppers.

When Preferred Hotels bought this property from Radisson (in 2005-06), the $15-million renovation under the direction of designer Thomas Schoos completely changed the look and feel of the hotel.

Now the hotel is a happening place. With its dark wood and white contrast furniture, it boasts a succinct Los Angeles feel. Toppers is now the Penthouse and it is a hot spot for straight and gay singles. The view of Malibu’s beaches as they welcome the gentle waves of the Southern California coastline under a sliding-top open-air restaurant/bar with white furniture and dark trims, a huge fireplace and expensive drinks make the Penthouse an ideal place to meet new people after a hard-day’s work. Of the many celebs that frequent the Penthouse, I have run into Luke Wilson and Dean Cain myself.

I won’t bore you with the amenities and room sizes. You can get that off any decent website. However, I will admit that rooms are pricey, but then it is Santa Monica. Also, the food isn’t the best, but that is not a problem. The hotel is minutes away from the Promenade in Santa Monica and the Santa Monica pier, so there are plenty of alternatives for the hungry traveler.

Book a room at the Huntley Hotel for your next visit to Los Angeles.