By Erin Behan
There’s nothing wrong with feeling like a tourist in Hawaii, but every once in a while it’s nice experience something like a kama’aina or local, and Wailuku First Friday fits the bill with plenty of local flair. (more…)
By Erin Behan
There’s nothing wrong with feeling like a tourist in Hawaii, but every once in a while it’s nice experience something like a kama’aina or local, and Wailuku First Friday fits the bill with plenty of local flair. (more…)
By Blane Bachelor
From reality star shenanigans at nightclubs (Kim Kardashian at TAO, anyone?) to intimate concerts with show business legends (Stevie Wonder at the Cosm0politan) to an old-school street party, New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas is the place to be if you’re looking to rub elbows with celebs while ringing in 2012.
(more…)
By Blane Bachelor
It’s no secret the holidays can be expensive, what with all that merry-making and gift-giving. But travelers who are spending Christmas in Mexico will find plenty of reasons to rejoice when it comes to affordability. Getting into the spirit without spending a peso is a cinch, since Christmas traditions in Mexico can be found on nearly every corner, from simple poinsettia displays to spectacular Nativity scenes — including the world’s largest, in Mexico City, which set a Guinness World Record this year. (more…)

Pretty in paradise: Explore Kualoa Ranch's lush landscape via horseback or ATV tour. Credit: mporter5.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Recent weeks have seen gas prices dropping, even in the Rainbow State — where fuel costs rank among the country’s highest. In Honolulu, prices have dipped below $4 per gallon, making conditions ripe for cruising the scenic Kamehameha Highway to hit out-of-town attractions on a self-guided loop that’ll have you back on the beach for dinner. Fuel up and say aloha to cheap Hawaiian vacations with these Oahu attractions:

Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes) is among Puerto Rico's most festive holidays, when parades and gift-giving honor the storied Wise Men, who came to see baby Jesus. Credit: Jaime Olmo.
By Jennifer Olvera
Santa? Santa, who? In Puerto Rico – and much of the Latin world – it’s the Three Kings who foster (or, at least, further) the holiday spirit. Understandably, that makes early January a choice time to plan a cheap Caribbean vacation.
(more…)

Chicago's Chinese New Year parade ignites winter travel with dragon-based fun. Credit: Joe Marinaro.
By Jennifer Olvera
It may be cold, but traveling to Chicago after the holidays has its rewards since hotels are generally more affordable. Besides, there are a slew of events that give the city winter wonderland appeal, and a blast of blustery weather – complete with dancing snowflakes – never hurt anyone. And cheap Chicago hotels? Well, they can be found in spades. (more…)

Light Up UCF’s free Holiday Light Show illuminates the arena several times a night. Credit: Kathryn Page.
By Amy Drew Thompson
Now that Thanksgiving is over and the holidays are in full swing, Orlando experiences low season — the cool slice of fall through mid-December, then again in January and February. Park lines are shorter, humidity’s a distant memory, and cheap Orlando hotels abound. From campfire sing-a-longs at Disney to SeaWorld Orlando, stretch your vacation dollar further with some of these budget-friendly options:
By Erin Behan
The tradition of sitting on Santa’s lap is so engrained in American culture that we hardly even question it: What adults don’t cherish that embarrassing childhood photo of themselves making an awkward face in a Christmas sweater on an ample Kris Kringle? (more…)