I like looking for the unusual or off-the-beaten-path places to visit.  I look for the different, the unusual, the places where friends haven’t been. Today, take a long at Taiwan, the largest island in the Republic of China, and formerly known as Formosa.  Generally thought of as a business destination, rather than a leisure one, Taiwan offers plenty to both types of travelers. Here are a few things to do if you are visiting Taiwan: Visit the National Palace Museum – Located in Taipei, the museum is home to the largest and most impressive collections of Chinese art and objects. Rent a boat on Sun Moon Lake – Taiwan’s largest lake, it is divided into two halves by an small island, making it look the sun and the moon. Cherry Blossom... [Read more]

It’s not too early to start thinking about holiday gift buying, and for your favorite traveler the beautiful coffee table book about the Unites States would be a terrific choice. The book is a celebration of the 50 states and the US Territories, and features a combination of photos and content, organized by state.  You’ll also find regional information, road trips, history, culture and traditions, architecture, and the must-see and quirky spots across the country.  If you love road trips, you’ll enjoy the chapter highlighting the top road trips in the country, including the famous Route 66. I’m hoping to eventually visit all 50 of the states, and this is a great reminder of what I’m missing in North Dakota, Missouri, and Tennessee. With... [Read more]

Regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau can be released no earlier than the third Thursday in November.  That date is six weeks after the grapes are harvest, and mark the date when this “new” wine is ready to drink.  As part of world-wide Beaujolais festivities, at one minute after midnight, bottles of the wine are open and consumed. Paris Las Vegas has teamed with Georges Duboeuf, one of the largest wine merchants in France and well known his product of Beaujolais wines, for a special Beaujolais uncorking package.  This is a perfect getaway for the wine enthusiast to enjoy a 5-day celebration full of Beaujolais Nouveau tastings, special events, and celebration. Here’s what the package includes: Accommodations at Paris Las Vegas... [Read more]

Los Angeles is a hotbed of creative juices, and that includes the music scene.  Nearly every national act will book at least one play date in LA, and the local music scene is equally vibrant and exciting, so including a live music venue in your LA vacations plans is easy to do.  Whether you buy tickets and plan your vacation around the concert, or just add on a music event because you happen to be in town, here are some live music venues that you’ll want to know about: The Ford Amphitheatre – This outdoor venue in the hills north of Hollywood features a calendar of diverse music, from world music to jazz and blue grass.  It’s owned by the County of LA, and has 1,200 seats, providing an intimate outdoor music setting. Concert at the... [Read more]

New York City is a very special time during any holiday, and during Halloween it gets downright wacky.  If you’ll be in the Big Apple this month, you’ll have eerily fun things to do in all five of the boroughs. The Bronx: Boo at the Zoo – Along with zoos across the nation, the Bronx Zoo welcomes families on a haunted safari, a hayride, and to share in all sorts of ghoulish family experiences.  Offered weekend until November 1st.  Admission is $15 for adults, $11 for children aged 3-12 (FREE when wearing a wildlife costume and accompanied by an adult paying full-price admission). Halloween Hoorah! – New York Botanical Garden sponsors this full day of fun (and a little bit of learning) with opportunities to decorate pumpkins, play... [Read more]