‘Travel + Leisure’ announces World’s Top Hotels

Travel + Leisure announced its annual list of the world’s top 500 hotel properties chosen by the readers. And the top 25 in amongst these are undoubtedly the familiar names that include: Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Oberoi, and Taj. There are also other familiar places: former maharajah’s palaces in India, chic hotels in the U.S., and the game reserves in South Africa all making it to the top.

Along with these familiar hotels, the list also includes a couple newcomers: the luxury log-cabin retreat of Triple Creek Ranch, in Darby, Montana; and the rustic-yet-posh Treetops Lodge and Estate, set on the volcanic plateau of Rotorua, New Zealand. Others appearing in the list include; Singita Sabi Sand resort in Kruger National Park Area, South Africa; Domaine des Hauts de Loire, Loire Valley, France and Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

See the Slideshow of Top 25

The Greatest New Year’s Celebrations on Earth

2009 is just round the corner and you have yet another excuse to party and dance all night away! Are you one of those fun loving party crazy folks looking forward to have the evening of a lifetime this New Year’s Eve? Make your December 31st a night to remember by taking a trip to the most exciting, lively, and fun places on the planet. Here is just a sampler of what’s going on in the world at the close of the year, from wild concerts to ethereal, moonlit retreats.

Las Vegas

Any other day Las Vegas would be considered wild for most, but the evening of the 31st is like no other. Whether it’s the strip or downtown, every hotel and nightclub in Vegas is filled with celebration.  Over 400,000 people gather to celebrate, dance, the night away on the strip, including many celebrities. The culmination of the evening is best seen in front of Caesars Palace when a fantastic light and fireworks show explodes across the Nevada sky at the stroke of midnight.

Sydney, Australia

In Sydney, Australia, there really is only one thing to do on New Year’s Eve; watch the fireworks display over Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Fortunately, the city plans the event so well, it is one of the most enjoyable times to be had anywhere on earth. People start gathering in the prime waterside viewing spots as early as 9 a.m., but there’s usually plenty of room for everyone. The whole day almost becomes a city-wide festival. When the main event approaches a countdown is projected against the bridge and then an enormously huge fireworks show that simply must be seen to be believed rips across the sky.

London, England

The London Parade, held New Year’s Day, attracts visitors from all over Europe. It is a fantastic celebration featuring local heroes, marching bands, clowns and more. Of course, London has a variety of events for you to enjoy the evening as well. Make your way to the London Eye for a spectacular fireworks display.

Bangkok

New Year’s Eve takes place not once, not twice, but three times in Thailand, and its capital Bangkok.  First New Year’s Eve extravaganza takes place alongside the rest of the Western World on Dec. 31. Head to Bangkok’s Central World Plaza, where you can dance the night away alongside watching spectacular fireworks. The second New Year’s Eve is in mid-January when the Chinese New Year is celebrated in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Finally, third New Year’s Eve festivities happen in April with the Songkran festival: celebrate the Thai calendar with more parades, costumes and water balloon-throwing festivities.

New York City, New York

The epicenter of the jubilant event is the world-famous Times Square, a festival of lights, electric banners, and New York iconography in itself.  The main event, the famous New Year’s Eve Ball dropping from the flagpole on top of Number One, Times Square, is such an iconic heralding of the turning of the year that countries around the world tune in to watch NYC’s event any way they can. The symbolic act has been marking the New Year in New York for over a hundred years, and looks to be strong enough to last hundreds more.

Hopefully you’ll be inspired to seek out bigger and better parties, and welcome in the New Year with a bang. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!!!

10 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a busy time of year as many of us hitting the roads and taking to the skies. The holidays can be a time to visit family, but a few people will choose to get AWAY from it all! If you aren’t the sort who wants to spend Christmas Day hosting relatives or hanging out at a friend’s house, here is just a sampler of some of the top Christmas destinations for you to target:

Las Vegas: Vegas is undoubtedly one of the top places to celebrate till the heart’s desire. Will festivities full swing and entertainment attractions galore; you’ll have a blast celebrating here. To top it all, the hotels too offer visually stunning decorations.

Disneyland, Orlando: For families there is no better place than Disney to celebrate Christmas. With fantastic decorations all across the park and the hotels too decorate tastefully, Disney’s charm is truly magical!!!

New York: The Times Square, the spectacular Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and the amazing Christmas window displays at Macy’s make New York one of the most desirable Christmas travel destinations.

Honolulu, Oahu: The island of Oahu is one of the best visited winter destinations, full of warm and welcoming traditional culture and scenic natural beauty. While festivities at Oahu include Concert, Parades and live performances, Honolulu dazzles with spectacular light displays and Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand: The Bay of Islands comprises some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery with more than 150 different small islands and secluded beaches, and you can plan your stay at small and cozy villas overlooking the azure blue waters of the ocean.

Meran, Southern Tirol Italy: Meran ranks amongst the world’s most popular ski destinations. Meran’s old town center was built during the 13th century and is offers excellent and shopping and dining experiences over the Christmas break.

Mexico City: Mexico City celebrates Christmas in its own way. Christmas customs here are an eclectic mixture of the old and the new, including elements from Europe, others developed in Mexico, and in recent years elements borrowed from the U.S.A.

Goa, India: Goans celebrate the arrival of the Magi with nine days of fireworks and partying. Crowds congregate to watch three boys in glittering costumes chosen as kings make their way to church on white horses. The fun culminates in The Feast of the Three Kings (Jan. 6), which is celebrated enthusiastically by both Christians and Hindus.

Boston USA: Boston’s old world feel with historic architecture and cobblestoned streets make it a real treat celebrating Christmas here!

Edinburgh, Scotland: Edinburgh is one of the best places to watch Christmas festivities in its full swing. Indulge in Christmas shopping and dining and watch spectacular firework displays at night.

American’s Vote for Their Favorite Cities

New Orleans voted best for fine dining and shopping

Travelandleisure.com teamed up with CNN Headline News and asked travelers to rank 25 top U.S. cities in 45 categories including food and shopping to people, culture, nightlife, and more. More than 600,000 surveys were submitted by opinionated travelers who showed pretty strong feelings about New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Miami, and other hot spots. Here are some top picks:

CULTURE (Museums/galleries)

1 Washington, D.C.
2 New York
3 Chicago

PEOPLE (Friendly)

1 Charleston
2 Austin
3 Minneapolis/St. Paul

TYPE OF TRIP (Overall)

1 Honolulu
2 San Diego
3 San Francisco

SHOPPING (Vintage stores/flea markets)

1 New Orleans
2 Charleston
3 Portland, Oregon

FOOD/ DINING (Overall)

1 New Orleans
2 San Francisco
3 Seattle

NIGHTLIFE (Overall)

1 Las Vegas
2 New Orleans
3 New York

More Results

America’s Top Beer Festivals

For beers fans, nothing can be better than taking part in a Beer Festival where you sample a wide variety of beers from brewers large and small. Check out the list of America’s top Beers Festivals to be a part of drunken revelry:

1. Great American Beer Festival, Denver

USA’s biggest beer festival, Great American Beer Festival boasts more breweries and beers than any other fest in the world.

2. Empire State Brewing & Music Festival, Syracuse, N.Y.

The festival features over 200 beers from 60 brewers and guests vote for those who the liked the best.

3. Oregon Brewers Festival, Portland
This multiday fest is hosted on the lush fields along the Willamette River. The festivals offer a platform to new brewers; some offer their best-beers, while others showcase something new.

4. Mondial de la Bière, Montreal
The festival not only showcases the best of beer but also features great food and mead, a special beer prepared from fermented honey.

5. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati
The festival showcases the rich German heritage of Southwestern Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food and beer.