Photo Credit: www.holidayisle.net

Still looking for the perfect place to spend your winter vacation? If you’re already dreading the icy roads and blustery weather that plagues much of the U.S. from November-March, you can’t afford to pass up Holiday Isle Properties’ Snowbird Specials.

A premier vacation rental management firm specializing in Destin, Florida properties, Holiday Isle offers luxurious Destin vacation rentals Florida at a prime beach destination. Emerald green waters and sandy white beaches are only steps away from your future winter home.  With Gulf-view condominiums and vacation rental homes currently available, there’s no easier way to completely avoid a brutal winter– Destin has a solid reputation, with January and February temperatures reaching an average of 62 degrees during the day.

Holiday Isle’s Destin Florida condo rentals for snowbirds range from $850-$2,400 per month for condos and $2,500-$5,000 per month for rental homes. Guests who book their rental property for more than two months will receive a $100 discount off each month’s rent. This deal is good through March 1, 2011. Find your Destin beach vacation rental today.

This week marks the 30th World Tourism Day, which started September 27th 2010. This year’s theme is Tourism & Biodiversity.

Photo Credit: Lisa Norwood- http://www.flickr.com/photos/lisanorwood/848861172/

Las Vegas, Orlando, San Diego, Fort Lauderdale–the destination possibilities are endless when you book your flight and 5-night hotel vacation package with Southwest Vacations. For two more days, they are offering discounted rates on all destinations. Save $50 off packages priced between $700-$999; $100 off packages between $1000-$1,999; $175 off packages priced $2,000-$2,999; and $250 off packages of $3,000 or more. This deal also includes an economy rental car, free with any purchased vacation package. This Southwest Vacations’ All Destinations Sale, valid through September 30.

Traveling through the Thanksgiving season is a popular trend these days, especially for anyone who would rather skip out on the stress of hosting a family get-together, and cooking an elaborate Thanksgiving meal. But there’s no escaping the delicious tastes and sweet aromas of the classic turkey, stuffing and potato dinner. Thanksgiving is a holiday based around food, and we’ve rounded up some of the best hotel packages featuring scrumptious meal deals. So leave the kitchen behind, hit the road, and make sure you stay well-fed and rested.

1. The 5th Annual Thanksgiving at the Holladay House

Photo Credit: D. Sharon Pruitt- http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinksherbet/4139402158/

Sharon and Sam Elswick at the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast want their guests to have a filling and stress-free Thanksgiving Day Weekend. Their establishment in Orange, Virginia is one of the most comfortable places to be this year. The family hosts a special Thanksgiving dinner beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving evening. Complete with free-range turkey, plenty of side dishes and desserts, this all-inclusive meal is only $39. The longer you stay at Holladay House, the more discounts you’ll receive. Stay through the weekend to do some holiday shopping at Orange, Virginia’s unique shops and wineries. Get 25% off your second consecutive night, and 50% off your third night’s stay at Holladay House.

2. Family Thanksgiving Special at Rocking Horse Ranch

Photo Credit: Jia Shiang- http://www.flickr.com/photos/wangjs/276631101/

Leave the cooking to the Culinary Institute of America Chefs this Thanksgiving. Ready to prepare a heavenly Thanksgiving Day Feast for your family, these trained chefs will help create a holiday to remember. The Rocking Horse Ranch is an all-inclusive vacation resort in Highland, New York and features fun activities for all ages. Enjoy the resort’s indoor water park, horseback riding, snow tubing and skiing and horse-drawn hayrides. Families of four who plan to stay for 3 nights will receive the 4th night’s stay for just $165.

3. Thanksgiving Dinner at the Brentwood Inn

Photo Credit: Timothy Vollmer- http://www.flickr.com/photos/sixteenmilesofstring/3069207362/

Visit beautiful Jackson Hole, Wyoming  during your Thanksgiving vacation and enjoy the feast of a lifetime. The Brentwood Inn invites guests to celebrate in a traditional manner with a four course meal on Thanksgiving evening. For  just $45 per person, the Inn offers a tantalizing menu featuring  items like Spiced Squash and Apple Soup, Roast Turkey with Corn Bread Stuffing, Cranberry Chutney and Green Beans with Toasted Slivered Almonds. No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and dinner guests have their choice of Apple or Pumpkin Pie. Room rates start at $190 per night for two, and pricing includes full breakfasts each morning, and evening wine and cheese tastings.

4. Grande Thanksgiving Celebration Package

Photo Credit: Jelene Morris- http://www.flickr.com/photos/jelene/2643626812/

Get ready for the grandest Thanksgiving package you’ll find on the East Coast. The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has arranged a Thanksgiving special to write home about. The Grande Thanksgiving Celebration Package includes luxury accommodations in a grande guest room,  and Thanksgiving Dinner in the Nautilus Ballroom, along with entertainment provided by contemporary jazz harpist D.L. Turner. Rates start at $174 per and couple.

5.  Thanksgiving Dinner at Conrad Indianapolis

Photo Credit: Elliott P.- http://www.flickr.com/photos/pesut/333000217/

The Conrad Indianapolis–the city’s most acclaimed luxury hotel–features a delectable Thanksgiving meal for guests on Thursday, November 25.  From noon-3 p.m., Executive Chef Michelle Matiya will provide innovative and delicious twists to the traditional holiday favorites, including a seafood display and exquisite desserts. The meals is $59 for adults and $20 for children. Stay the night and receive a special $99 rate–rooms at the Conrad are usually $229 per night. The hotel is close to some of the best holiday shopping locations, and is connected to the Circle Centre Mall.

6. The Homestead Resort Thanksgiving Brunch and Lodging

Photo Credit: Annie Mole- http://www.flickr.com/photos/anniemole/3222862858/#

While dinner is often the focus of Thanksgiving, it’s important to remember breakfast and lunch too! The Homestead Resort in Midway, Utah offers a brunch and lodging package starting at $169, which includes Garden accommodations and the resort’s spectacular holiday brunch at Simon’s Restaurant, valued at $34 per person. Make a weekend out of the holiday, and enjoy a free 3rd night when you book a 2-night stay at the Homestead.

Find more delicious Thanksgiving travel deals.

Photo Credit: Tomash Devenishek- http://www.flickr.com/photos/04deveni/3268091255/

Jamaica makes for the perfect fall and winter getaway.  Full of sandy white beaches and surrounded by crystal blue waters, you can enjoy everything Jamaica has to offer when you stay at Sandals Royal Plantation. This brand new Sandals resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica features ocean-view suites only, and is nestled between two private cove beaches. Providing daily afternoon tea and evening champagne and caviar, this Caribbean getaway for anyone with luxurious tastes. Guests who book by September 30 will receive 65% off their stay, and a free Island Routes Dolphin Encounter experience. One offer per room for two adults.  A minimum stay of six nights is required to receive this deal.

Houston, a regional capital in art, theatre, and commerce, is also a great vacation spot for budget travelers! With this list you can experience the culture and history of America’s fourth-largest city at no cost.

1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

This museum features fine art from around the world. Current exhibits explore fields as disperse as metal art, cowboy culture, and Sufi mysticism. Admission is free on Thursdays.

2. San Jacinto Museum of History

At 570 feet, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war monument in the world, passing the Washington Monument by 15 feet. Gaze at this incredible edifice and walk inside its base, which contains the San Jacinto Museum of History. The museum covers Texan history from Mexican rule to the present.

3. Holocaust Museum Houston

This museum honors the millions of victims of the Holocaust and other genocides of the 20th century. Its permanent collection includes footage, photographs, artifacts, a WWII rail car, and a Danish rescue boat. In addition, the museum is a venue for Holocaust-related artwork and theatre, including the Laramie Project.

4. Cullen Sculpture Garden

Next to the Museum of Fine Arts stands a beautiful, five-acre sculpture garden designed by Isamu Noguchi. The garden’s permanent collection includes works by Henri Matisse and Frank Stella, as well as an assortment of sculptures by local Texan artists.

5. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

On the Western edge of Houston’s Memorial Park is a 155-acre urban nature sanctuary. Explore the Arboretum’s five miles of scenic trails, and check out the many events held in the park year-round.

6. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

This beautiful, stainless steel museum houses the best regional, national, and international contemporary art. Current exhibitions explore the relationship between static and performance art, with the audience interacting with pieces in fascinating ways.

7. Menil Collection

The impressive collection assembled by John and Dominique de Menil is on display at this free museum. Their 16,000-piece collection includes pieces from the Byzantine Empire, African, and Oceania, as well as contemporary art from around the world.

8. Tranquility Park

This two-block oasis commemorates the original, 1969 moon landing in the Sea of Tranquility. The park contains memorials to the Challenger and Columbia disasters.

9. Museum of Printing History

This unique museum is dedicated to the history, art, and science of printing. Current exhibits focus on printing in Bhutan, the technology of early photography, and minority publications through Houston’s history.

View from Moose Lodge Boathouse at the Whiteface Club and Resort

So what can we say, we are biased!  We believe our home state has some of the best fall foliage views in the country.  I Love New York has a new feature that helps us prove our point.  Visit I Love New York’s website and you will find a listing of fall drive suggestions for each region of the state.  You can also download pdf day by day itineraries to help plan your fall getaways.  The itineraries include suggestions on what to view each day, where to view from and a list of other area attractions.  You will love it!

This week is Heritage Day, on which South Africans are encouraged to celebrate their cultural heritage and the diversity of their beliefs and traditions.

Thanksgiving is one of the most traveled holidays, especially in Canada, which means now is the perfect time to start making your Turkey Day accommodations. Best Travel Deals and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts want your holiday to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible with Thanksgiving packages suitable for families, couples and groups of friends.

1.  Thanksgiving Weekend 2010 at The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Photo Credit: Frank Kovalchek- http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/4071230950/

Leave the cooking and cleaning behind this Thanksgiving, and spend the holiday weekend with your loved ones in stunning Jasper National Park. This Thanksgiving Package is ideal for families looking for a relaxing getaway, and includes a variety of family-fun activities including pumpkin carving, karaoke, scavenger hunts and more. Situated between captivating mountains and sparkling lakes –the perfect backdrop to your Thanksgiving festivities–The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge provides the true Rocky Mountain Experience.  Rates start at $249.

2. Turkey Sale Savings at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Starting at $119; Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Photo Credit: David Miller- http://www.flickr.com/photos/30703499@N00/4775590405/

Save money on both goods and accommodations this Thanksgiving season when you stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.  The hotel offers rates as a low as $119 a night (two night minimum) when you book your room over Thanksgiving weekend. During your stay, the town of Whistler will be celebrating  the upcoming winter sports season with its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Sale. Load up on discounted gear and embrace your inner skier or snowboarder.

3. The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver Shop and Un-Wined Package; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Photo Credit: Chris Clarke- http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrispitality/169166588/

Thanksgiving and shopping go hand-in-hand, and with The Fairmont Vancouver Shop and Un-Wined Package, you can have your fill of fine food and wine, with a generous side of shopping. The hotel is located near Western Canada’s largest mall, Pacific Center. With 100 shops to explore, you should have no problem spending your $100 gift card. This deal also includes a flight of wine for two in 900 West Lounge and luxurious overnight accommodations. Rates start at $299.

Being from upstate New York, I’ve always believed that we have the market cornered on Fall Foliage.  We have the Adirondacks to the North, the Catskills to the South and the New England region just a few hours away.  National Geographic Traveler recently released a list of the Top 10 Fall Foliage Drives, while the Northeast is featured there are amazing fall foliage drives all over the country.   Here’s a run-down of the top 10 drives and some great fall travel deals to go along with them.  So grab your camera, a map, and a good playlist and hit the road!

1. Acadia Byway, Maine

This 27 mile loop in the Acadia National park goes through wooded areas and also boasts 360 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and Maine Coast.

The Orland House Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place to stay if you plan to make the drive.  An 1820’s B&B, they offer apple and pumpkin pancakes in the morning and hot chocolate and apple cider around a campfire at night. Prices start at $85.

2. Three Rivers Scenic Drive, New Hampshire

Follow NH 16 along the Androscoggin, Peabody, & Ellis Rivers from Wentworth to Glen on this 2 hour drive.  You will see dramatic views of valley and mountains as you travel in the shadow of Mount Washington.

For those looking to get out of the car The Cranmore Mountain Lodge is offering a 6 night fall foliage hiking tour package.   You get all the comforts of a full service lodge and guided hikes each day in the White Mountain National Forest.  This package starts at $1350-  a perfect way to get a close up view of the foliage.

If you prefer camping the Crawford Notch Campground offers sites starting at $28.   The campground is located on the banks of the Saco River in the White Mountains.

The White Trellis Motel located right on Rt 16 in North Conway has fall foliage rates starting at $69 for midweek stays.

While it’s about 2 hours off the drive, the Candelite Inn in the Lake Sunapee region offers 10% off of dinner with a midweek getaway.  Located in Bradford, NH there are plenty of opportunities for leaf-peeping, apple picking and antiquing in the area.   Midweek packages start at $344.

3. Mohawk Trail Drive, Massachusetts

From Greenfield, NY travel to Williamstown Massachusetts on Route 2.   This 2 hour drive is filled with amazing colors and views.

The Williams Inn, located on the Williams College campus, is the perfect place to stay in Williamstown.  Surrounded by the Berkshires Mountains, there’s plenty to do in this small town from world class museums, hiking and antiquing.  The Berkshires Preview package, starting at $250 offers deluxe accommodations, 2 full breakfasts, and one dinner.

4.  Rhode Island 77, Rhode Island

Follow Route 77 from Tiverton to Sakonett Point.  This half hour drive takes you to the eastern most corner of Rhode Island and is very different from the busy Newport and Providence areas.  You will enjoy views of farmlands, vineyards, and the ocean.

After your scenic drive head into Newport for the evening and check out the Amour Package at the Hyatt Regency.  Starting at $195 a night this romantic package includes breakfast for 2 and champagne and strawberries.  Or enjoy the “Escape! Attractions Package”at the Newport Marriott.  This package includes breakfast for two, access to the health club, indoor pool, and racquet facilities, an appointment with the concierge to plan your activities, and two tickets to your choice of the Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport Mansions tour, or Newport Vineyards tour.

5. Canaan Valley Byway, Virginia & West Virginia

This 3 hour drive follows West Virginia 32 along the Virginia state line from Blackwater Falls.  View  the Blackwater Falls, farmlands, and wineries while driving through parts of the Monongahela and the George Washington National Forests.

West Virginia has bed and breakfasts throughout, depending on where your drive takes you you can check out the $100 Savings Sale from Bed and Breakfast.com.   You can save up to $100 on any 2 nights or more when you book online.  This is a great deal for fall foliage drives, with so many bed and breakfasts participating you can plan your drive in West Virginia- or anywhere else-around your preferred destination.

6.  Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina

This drive will take you two days from Rockfish Gap, Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.   This two lane winding route is known as one of America’s most scenic drives.  Views range from high up above the timber lines to deep into the wooded valleys.

Check out one of the many bed and breakfasts in the area.  The Mark Addy Inn, near Charlottesville Virginia, rests on the sunrise side of Virginia’s magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, near the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wintergreen Resort, the Skyline Drive, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and Poplar Forest, as well as Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia and only 12 miles from Waynesboro.

7.  Wetlands and Wildlife Scenic Byway, Kansas

This 3 hour route goes from US 281 near Hoisington to US 281 near St. John on Kansas 4, NE 100 Avenue, Kansas 156, NE 30 Road, RS 980, RS 1484, RS 554, RS 506, and RS 636.  Along the way you will have an opportunity to see many of the tens of thousand of resident and migratory birds that call the wetlands home.

Stay at the Wichita Marriott and enjoy 20% rates from September 25- December 13th as part of Marriott’s Global Savings special.

8. Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma & Arkansas

This two hour drive along the border of Oklahoma and Arkansas along Oklahoma 1 and Arkansas 88 is lined with evergreens as you travel over the Ouachita Mountains.  The road was built in the 1960’s specifically for its views.

Drive down to McCurtain County and check out Beaver Bend National Park which was named one of the top three picks for Fall Foliage by Southern Living magazine.  Most McCurtain County lodges are offering 25% or a “cozy fireplace” discount to encourage leaf-peepers to visit.

9. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming

This 3 hour drive goes from Red Lodge to Yellowstone National Park on US 212.  You will travel through the alpine tundra of Montana and Wyoming’s high plains making the views along this drive varied and magnificent.

Stay at the Spring Creek Ranch in Jackson Hole where for from $190 a night you get a deluxe hotel room with a fireplace and breakfast and dinner daily.

10.  Avenue of the Giants, California

This 1 1/2 hour drive from Phillipsville to Pepperwood on California 254 can be enjoyed all year long.   This is a quieter alternative to taking the more traveled Route 101.   You will enjoy amazing views of the ancient Redwoods.  There are plenty of hiking trails so be prepared to get out of the car- you won’t want to miss out.

Keep driving down the coast and stay in Guerneville where the Dawn Lodge Ranch is offering free nights.  Stays of 3 nights for the price of 2 or 5 for the price of 3.   If you want to head even further south you can save 50% at the Oceanfront Santa Cruz Bed and Breakfast.  You will enjoy views of the Monterey Bay from their rooftop deck and a free continental breakfast.  Rates start at $225.

While these fall drives represent the best of the best there are many other areas to explore and deals to be found around the country.  For more fall travel deals and fall foliage ideas check out our Fall Travel Deals section.   Wherever you go be sure you have your camera to capture all of the beautiful colors you encounter!