F I N D

Discover the Charms of Valencia   Antigua's Summer Deals ASIA    What's New in Tokyo    Brick Square in Japan   Hong Kong Happenings    Mandarin's Yin and Yang    The Kimberley Hotel    Enjoying a 'Song'    Think Asia w/Ritz Tours    Rock Climb in Thailand CANADA       Hike/Bike Quebec    Quebec's Charming Inns    Montreal on a Budget    Romantic Montreal CARIBBEAN    Caribbean Hotels     Golf Barbados     Sultry St. Lucia     St. Thomas Port Shops      Renamed Breezes    Summer rates A Villa in Anguilla     Jamaica Calling      Sunsets Over Jamaica     Club Peace & Plenty     Negril Dine-Around     Celebrity's Ladies       EUROPE    What's New in Barcelona     Great Ireland packages     Long Live the 'Queens'     Pedal Around Europe     Charms of Valencia MEXICO     Riviera Nayarit Hotels        UNITED STATES         Boutique Biker Hotel     Family Bargains     Mendocino     Napa Valley Tours     San Francisco    MISCELLANEOUS    Best Buys    Free Weddings    Cruise Rates Reduced    More Trip Tips    Luxury in France    Sweet Family Deals    TRIP TIPS Since it’s difficult to get a free blanket on the plane anymore, the French Riviera’s luxury seafront La Villa Mauresque ships ahead, directly to the guests’ doorstep, a plush cashmere blanket so they will be swaddled in warmth and comfort. The complimentary offer goes to guests booking a minimum 3-night stay for arrivals through Oct., 2010. Prepayment for one night should be sent three weeks before arrival to ensure blanket delivery in time. www.hotelsfrench-riviera.com Money at my Fingertip, a new biometric system eliminates hiding cash in your swim suit. Before that beach or kayak trip, upload money from your credit card to your index finger. Then pay at points of sale by simply presenting your finger to access a bar code. Quebec's largest year-round playground, Village Vacances Valcartier, is trying it out this summer, and assures the fingerprint will not be linked to your name.  www.valcartier.com Me No Speak, a slim passport-size language book for $9.95,  navigates the basics in foreign words and phrases. Point to the illustration of your question. It's printed in English and the local language, covering China, Japan, Thailand and most other countries. A China iPhone application is now available on iTunes. www.menospeak.com Passport Card gains entry to Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean. Credit card size, it features photo, personal information and a chip giving border officials instant access to a government database. A 10-year card costs $45 for adult, $35 for child under 16. Apply at any passport processing site. www.travel.state.gov Worried about your PET when you travel? See www.fetchpetcare.com for in-home visits, overnight sitters and other programs. Get more canine help at www.dogtipper.com

F E A T U R E D  A R T I C L E

NEW YORK
Let’s go right to the lap of luxury, the Big Apple’s famed Waldorf-Astoria. The Real Deal Family Package features suite accommodations, one movie per day, four coupons for continental breakfast in the hotel’s Starbucks at $389 p/night through Dec. 5. Or if you’re just passing through, try the Sunday Night Only package at $319 which features a free parking space in the garage or continental breakfast for two. Either way, you will marvel at the elegance of this legendary Manhattan landmark. www.waldorfnewyork.com  

Calling all music lovers to Affinia Shelburne Hotel in midtown Manhattan for Jazz in the City. Guests on this package receive spacious accommodations; two complimentary tickets to Birdland Jazz Club, made famous by the legendary saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker; two cocktails during the show; breakfast for two at Rare Bar & Grill in the hotel; and loan of an Ibanez acoustic guitar in your room for an impromptu after-show jam session. Nightly rates start at $235 through Sept. 6. Each room is equipped with flat screen TV, sleek kitchenette or mini bar, and a bright spa bathroom.
“Bird” dubbed his club the jazz center of the world, frequented by many jazz notables. Continue your fun back at Affinia Shelburne’s Rare View, known as one of the best rooftop bars in New York City.  www.affinia.com

CARIBBEAN
Sandals Resorts is now offering an open-ended booking deadline for the popular Up to 65% Off promotion, giving guests the opportunity to book a 3-night minimum Luxury Included® vacation at any twelve Sandals Resorts. This is your chance to enjoy Greg Norman golf at the luxury  Sandals Emerald Bay (formerly Four Seasons) in Great Exuma, Bahamas…or choose among the three ethnic family-styled villages at Beaches Turks & Caicos…well into 2010 and beyond. Guests staying seven nights will also be eligible for up to three nights free at select properties. As with any Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® Vacation, guests receive luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, unlimited premium brand wine and spirits, nightly entertainment, watersports, golf, airport transfers, taxes and gratuities. Travel dates for this promotion are now through Dec. 28, 2010 and Jan. 1 through Dec. 28, 2011. www.sandalsresorts.com

Set yourselves up on trendy Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, for a Girlfriend Getaway at Bay Gardens Hotel or Bay Gardens Inn. Both properties offer superior accommodations, traditional Caribbean cuisine, and are steps away from the chic boutiques, restaurants, night spots, outdoor cafes and sleek boats lining the circular waterfront.
This package includes a 3-night stay, one spa treatment per person (full massage, body scrub, express facial or mani/pedi at the new La Mer Spa), plus a choice of one Pilates or Yoga class. Rates start at $79 p/person p/night double. www.baygardensresorts.com

FLORIDA
Loews Miami Beach Hotel is showing off its new $50 million renovation by offering a 4^th Night Free through Sept. 30. The Summerfest package starts at $229 p/room p/night, including $100 food and beverage credit for guests staying 4 nights or more. The redesigned lobby now has an aquarium wall and porte cochere entrance. Final addition  this winter will be new cabanas featuring sliding glass doors and roof decks for sunning and lounging.
Daily poolside happenings include limbo dances, hula hoop relays, beach yoga and a ‘dive-in’ movie on Saturday nights. A pool concierge pampers guests with chilled hand towels, periodic misting, smoothies and frozen grape kabobs.
Shops taking that $100 credit are the new SoBe Scoops; Hemisphere Lounge (try a Miami Mojito); Sushi SoBe; Preston’s Brasserie for breakfast, lunch and dinner (don’t miss the Belgian Waffle station at breakfast); plus Nautilus for that Cubano Wrap and daily fish specials by the pool and beach.  www.loewshotels.com

In honor of its silver jubilee, four-star Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale recently unveiled its $50 million resort-wide renovation. The beachfront luxury property renewed and revitalized rooms and suites, nearly doubled the size of the spa and fitness center, made dramatic changes to add a new dining venue sitting 15 feet above the Atlantic Ocean, and gave the kids program a total overhaul. Their brand new freestanding children's Surf Club features, among other enticing entertainments, a custom-built Hawaiian Surf Simulator, allowing one to four children at a time to ‘surf’ the waves. The Silver Anniversary package includes complimentary upgrade to an oceanfront room and a $50 daily resort credit. Available through 2010, nightly rates start at $309.  www.marriottharborbeach.com