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The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-02-02T08:05:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Taste the Love with Organic and Fair Trade Chocolate

Posted: 01 Feb 2012 08:24 AM PST

This Valentine’s Day, celebrating couples (or anyone, really) can feed their love of chocolate the ethical way with fair trade and organic chocolate. For the uninitiated, “fair trade” refers to goods that are produced under fair labor standards and with workers receiving fair wages at all stages of the process. Since cacao only grows well in tropical climates, it’s important that standards are in place so that we can trust in the process from afar. “Organic” refers to the lack of harmful chemicals used in the growing process. Both standards are worth considering when selecting the best chocolatey gift for your loved one.

Consider taking your valentine on a tour of a socially responsible chocolate manufacturer. In Seattle, Theo Chocolate makes organic, fair trade treats. Take a tour any day of the week for $6, and learn about where the cacao comes from, the difference between milk chocolate and dark chocolate, how chocolate is tempered, how truffles are made, and more. Then taste test all the varieties of chocolate in the store, and buy your sweetie his or her favorite bar.

Based in San Francisco, TCHO is a socially responsible business dedicated to a “no slavery” policy in sourcing its cacao. This company offers free daily tours of its factory, where you can learn about TCHO’s partnerships with farmers and how the raw beans turn into chocolate bars. Afterwards, visit the factory store for chocolate drinks and samples.

In Boston (Somerville, to be exact), Taza Chocolate makes organic chocolate and is committed to other environmentally sustainable standards. Factory tours are offered five days a week for $5 per person, but note that you will only see chocolate being made during weekday tours. Compare tastes with the free samples in the store, and then buy your date some artisanal treats.

And in Brooklyn, New York, the Mast Brothers Chocolate factory gives tours for about $10. Mast Brothers partners with small, cooperative farms that produce organic cacao. The end result is artfully packaged bars that make beautiful gifts, as well other fresh treats that you can try at the tasting room, open six days a week.

Besides factory tours, you could also attend chocolate tastings in other settings. Look for events that pair beer and chocolate, or wine and chocolate, to bring bliss to your taste buds and minds during your Valentine’s Day date.

During San Francisco Beer Week this year, the schedule includes plenty of chocolate-themed events, especially since the festival overlaps with Valentine’s Day. Sign up for an event where you can make your own chocolates using ingredients brought from home, or pair TCHO chocolate with craft beer and artisanal cheese.

In New York City on February 9, d.b.a. and Mast Brothers are coming together for a craft beer and artisanal chocolate tasting event. The creative mixtures of bitter, sweet, salty, nutty, and fruity flavors on your palates will give you and your sweetheart something deep to discuss.

Or, if you can’t find a chocolate tasting near you, consider hosting your own chocolate tasting to educate yourself and friends about the most ethical ways to produce and buy chocolate. This guide from the Global Cocoa Project includes details on how to pair wine and chocolate and how to engage all of your sense while tasting chocolate.

Joanna Eng is a New York-based writer and editor who covers travel, green living, food, careers, entrepreneurship, and more. Her travel experiences have ranged from hostel hopping in Mexico to staying with distant relatives in China to renting a beach apartment in New Jersey.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-02-01T08:03:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Big Bear Lake – Southern California’s Getaway Destination

Posted: 31 Jan 2012 08:57 AM PST

Today we are featuring Tim Breunig, a Big Bear Lake expert. Tim Breunig, with his wife Tamara, is co-owner of the United Wood Craftsmen Gallery. Tim's blog, explorebigbearlake.com is a current and up-to-date look at shopping, dining, events for Big Bear Lake Getaway and Leisure Travel Visitors.

Big Bear Lake gets a lot of mention on southland TV news in the way of snow and ski conditions in the winter months but what you don't hear about, and that consistently surprises many visitors, is just how much there is to do here that is not related to winter sports. A virtual Getaway Paradise in your own backyard, perfect for families and couples looking for clean air and blue skies in a lakeside alpine forest environment less than 3 hours driving from San Diego or Los Angeles.

Getting to Big Bear Lake from anywhere in Southern California is easy by car on one of the 3 highways into the Bear Valley. For pilots, Big Bear Lake has a 5000 foot runway at its Municipal Airport. The drive from San Bernardino or Redlands is absolutely inspiring as you climb in altitude from the coastal desert landscape to the heavily treed alpine forest. Big Bear Lake is located in the Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains and sits at more than 6,700 feet above sea level. More than 18,000 people call the Bear Valley home.

A great place for the outdoor enthusiast, Big Bear offers visitors great Boating, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Kayaking and Standup Paddle Boarding. Think you can paddle with the best? Then don't miss the annual Big Bear Lake Paddlefest in late July. If you're looking for a little less demanding experience on the lake, try a paddlewheel boat tour or rent your own boat at Pine Knot Marina located on the lake's south shore, in the Village.

If you're considering when to visit Big Bear, you need to know that the busiest months are July and August for sure. However, the really great weather starts in early June and really runs well into late October and even early November. So if a little less stress and more choices and enjoyment are important, I would recommend booking your getaway in the off-peak months, June, September and October.

The Changing Face of Big Bear's Alpine Experience

Copper Q Shop

Shopping has really never been better than today in the Village, Big Bear Lake's retail shopping and dining district. With its many shops, galleries and restaurants, the Village offers something for everybody and there's always lots of free parking in the Bartlett and Indian Village public parking lots.

Big Bear Lake destination events start this year in May with the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish, The Big Bear Climb. June is the Big Bear Lake Summer Jazztrax Festival, a 2 day music event held on the beach at the Marina Resort in the Village. In July events include the Pine Knot Village Artwalk, Big Bear Lake Paddlefest and the Chili Cook Off.

August events are the Big Bear Lake Classic Car Show and the Cowboy Gathering. In September Big Bear Lake is home to Southern California's premiere International Film Festival and October is Big Bear's 42 annual Oktoberfest Celebration.

When it comes to dining out, Big Bear Lake has a number of fine restaurants to choose from. In the Village, Big Bear's Best includes the Peppercorn Grill, The Himalayan, El Jacalito and Sweet Basil Bistro.

Black Diamond Tavern

Big Bear Lake's newest and most exciting dining experience is the Black Diamond Tavern on Moonridge Rd. Proprietors Daniel and Jessica Miller have brought their considerable restaurant and food service skills and applied them well at their new restaurant. Redefining the Big Bear Lake dining experience, the Black Tavern's dining rooms have a comfortable, warm and relaxed décor and there is a sharp focus on service and detail. The seasonal comfort food menu and extensive wine list is perfect for Big Bear and the Cocktail Bar is maybe the best on the mountain. I recommend reservations at any restaurant on the weekends or if you are on a schedule.

Some of Big Bear's newer offerings include Wine Tasting at Le Dolce Vita Tasting Room and Cocktails at Club Bombay both in the Village and both offering live entertainment on the weekends. New for kids is the Big Bear Funplex with games, laser tag and rides for the little ones.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-31T08:05:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: California Slopes

Posted: 30 Jan 2012 08:54 AM PST

California has more to offer than sun and beaches; so grab your snowboards and skis and head to mountains layered in snow. From Big Bear Lake to Mammoth, these California deals provide the convenience of comfort and location for you and the family to put some fresh tracks in the powder this winter.

10% off total stay!

Residing in Upper Moonridge by Big Bear Lake, this home offers exceptional on property sledding in addition to the nearby ski slopes. Warm up at the end of the day by star gazing from the hot tub and lounging in this award winning property.

$200 off President’s Day Weekend stay!

Snowshoe right out the door into a Winter Wonderland. This family friendly cabin is a short drive to the slopes and ideal for a President’s Day getaway. The hardwood floors and fireplaces complete the cozy cabin feel needed after a day in the snow.

$100 off per night!

This luxury condo is part of the Chamonix complex at Mammoth Lakes, moments away from the chair lifts. Rest by the fireplace or soak in one of the complex’s three outdoor jacuzzis to ease those aches and pains after a great day on the mountain.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-28T08:04:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Photo Friday: San Jacinto Mountains

Posted: 27 Jan 2012 01:32 PM PST

This traveler photo was taken from the Palm Springs highway of the San Jacinto Mountains. This mountain range has numerous accessible hikes that make for a perfect day trip during your next vacation. Have a wonderful weekend!

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-26T08:03:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

How Does FlipKey Prevent Vacation Rental Fraud and Scams?

Posted: 26 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

At FlipKey, we're devoted to making it easy, safe and fun to find and book a vacation rental online. We work hard to make FlipKey the most trusted website to find a rental, and we want to share our expert advice so that when you book a rental on FlipKey – or anywhere else – you can make a safe and informed decision about where to rent.

How Does FlipKey Protect Me From Scammers?

Owner Verification
The most important protection we offer to prevent travelers from scams happens before a property appears on FlipKey. Owner background checks and extensive property authentication are just a part of our stringent and time-tested owner verification processes. This process prevents fraudulent listings from appearing on FlipKey.

A Community of Trust
FlipKey has more verified reviews from past guests than any other vacation rental site. Our patented review system ensures that reviews are left by people who have stayed in the property, and we don't allow property managers/owners to remove negative reviews about their property. Guests can now also upload photos of their stay along with their review.

Vacation Rental Protection Plan
On top of all our security measures, we also offer an affordable travel insurance policy specifically designed for vacation rental stays that protects travelers from unexpected issues like denial of entry, inadvertent double bookings, and foreclosure in addition to many traditional travel insurance benefits. See here for more details.

Where Do You Find Vacation Rental Fraud?

Vacation rental fraud schemes are similar to other online scams in which criminals take advantage of classifieds sites such as Craigslist to gather information from consumers. Instead of using a deal on cheap electronics or a used sofa as bait, vacation rental scammers advertise accommodations deals that are often too good to be true to lure unsuspecting customers.

There are Four Common Schemes to Look Out for

Take the Money and Run. The criminal advertises a rental property that exists but is owned/managed by someone else – typically, at a very attractive price. The unsuspecting traveler is instructed to put a large deposit down to reserve the property and, in the vast majority of cases, the payment method is a check or bank/wire transfer as opposed to a credit card. Once the payment has been made, the criminal disappears.
The Bait and Switch. A criminal will offer a great deal on an incredible looking property, but once the traveler has already paid, the original property becomes "unavailable" and the traveler is left with a cheaper, less desirable rental.
Price Jacking. Similar to the Bait and Switch, in this plot, the traveler is required to pay more than the agreed-upon price to retain their booking.
Phishing. Phishing in the context of vacation rentals happens when criminals are able to get unauthorized access to a manager/owner's email account. The criminal then forwards rental inquiries to another email account and begins communicating directly with travelers.

It's important to remember that while vacation rental fraud does happen, it is extremely rare.

What Can You Do to Stay in the Clear?

You can protect yourself from vacation rental scams by staying alert for suspicious behavior and searching for a property at a trusted website like FlipKey. Here are some ways to make sure you don't get caught up in a bad situation:

Be Aware of Suspicious Behavior, Including…

Bad grammar in emails from English-speaking countries. While a typo here and there can be forgiven, vacation rental owners are professionals, and you should never receive emails that are riddled with poor grammar.
Sending money to a third party. If you are asked to send money to a third party, especially in another country, then be very cautious and make sure you use a secure form of payment (see next point).
Using unsecure payment methods. Never wire funds via instant wire services such as Western Union or Moneygram. Instead, you should try to pay by credit card or PayPal as those methods offer more protection and are much less likely to be used by fraudsters. In Europe, bank transfers are quite common but are much less common in the United States.
Dates that don't match up. Make sure that the dates are consistent throughout your communications, and that the manager has reserved the dates you requested.
Uncertainty about the unit. Similarly, make sure that you and the property manager both reference the correct unit.

Do your Homework
We hope that you find the perfect vacation rental on FlipKey, where we've already verified the property and the manager/owner. If you look elsewhere, then do your own "background check." You can do searches for the property and owner on Google, look up the property address on Google Maps (tip: use street view and match it up with a photo of the exterior), and check online for reviews.

Communicate with the Owner
Finally, one of the best ways to make sure that you're getting exactly what you want from your vacation rental is to speak with the owner/manager over the phone. You can ask specific questions about the rental and feel free to ask for references – especially if you're suspicious. It's an immediate red flag if an owner/manager is unwilling to have a quick phone call with you prior to a reservation.

Where Else Can I Find Information about Vacation Rental Fraud?

In addition to this blog post, we have more helpful information in our Help Center. You can also find more information on vacation rental scams at VRWD.org, a site devoted to "helping vacationers avoid and stop fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices from vacation rental owners and businesses." For more general information about Internet crime, we recommend IC3.gov, the Internet Crime Complaint Center, and Scamwarners.com.

Vacation rentals are an excellent, safe form of travel accommodation, and we want to help you find and enjoy them. If you have any questions about how to find and book the perfect rental, feel free to get in touch with us here at FlipKey.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-25T08:06:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Palm Springs Modernism Events Take The Forefront Now Through February

Posted: 25 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

Ralph Haverkate specializes in modern and contemporary Real Estate throughout the Palm Springs resorts area. His extensive knowledge of architectural history and interior design assists clients in buying and selling within the exclusive niche of important modernist real estate properties. His Modernhomesblog.com is an up-to-date and informative source of news, events and modernism trends.

The seventh annual Modernism Week, February 16-26, brings thousands of Mid Century Modern enthusiasts to Palm Springs for 11 days of double-decker bus tours, lectures, films, exhibits and parties that celebrate the architecture and culture of the 1950-60s era. Several new highlights will be featured this year, including the first public tours of the renowned Sunnylands Estate which incorporates the historic Annenberg residence and grounds and the new Sunnylands Center and Gardens.

The 1966 Mid-Century Modern residence, designed by A. Quincy Jones with interiors by William Haines and Ted Graber, has been restored over the past two years. The 25,000 square foot home is located in the middle of landscaped grounds, including a private golf course designed by the legendary Dick Wilson. The late Lenore and Ambassador Walter Annenberg lived at Sunnylands approximately five months a year, during which they entertained United States Presidents, British and other royalty, international political figures, cultural and entertainment icons. The Modernism Week guided tours will provide the first peek into the 200-acre pink walled estate that has fascinated passersby for decades. The tour will also feature the newly constructed Sunnylands Center and Gardens, which will officially open to the public March 1.

Palm Springs Modernism Week kicks off with a chic soiree at the iconic John Lautner’s Elrod House perched high up on the Southridge hills overlooking Palm Springs, and just steps from Bob Hope’s famed dome-shaped hilltop manse. The Elrod House, made famous by the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, offers striking architecture with expansive interiors that incorporate an interior/exterior swimming pool in the living room. The home was built for interior designer Arthur Elrod, and a portion of the tour proceeds benefit the LA-based John Lautner Foundation. This is a rare opportunity to see this privately owned masterpiece home.

Also new this year will be a Modernism Prefab Showcase Village featuring cutting-edge prefab structures with the latest alternative energy ideas incorporated into the 21st Century lifestyle. Each room, designed by a different notable interior designer, maintains sophisticated design aesthetics with advanced technological innovations.

A number of cocktail receptions will be held during the week at intimate settings and at some of the area’s most notable boutique inns, a perfect way to wind down an exciting day of Modernism.

Modernism Week offers more than 75 events including the architecture bus tours, interior design homes tour, modernism film festival, architecture and design lecture series, a vintage fashion show and much more.

Palm Springs Modernism Week, the non-profit organization that produces this annual 11-day festival, was the only such event in the country when it launched in 2006. The event helped fuel a revival of appreciation for and preservation of modernism, a design aesthetic developed during in the 1950s and 60s typified by clean, simple lines and elegant informality. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit online at www.modernismweek.com.

Another way to experience the impact California had on America’s post-war lifestyle is to visit the current Backyard Oasis: The Swimming Pool in Southern California Photography, 1945-1982 in the Palm Springs Desert Museum’s Annenberg Wing. The museum, located at 101 Museum Way in downtown Palm Springs, is itself a modernism landmark designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1978. Beyond some of the glamour shots of Marilyn Monroe, Ann Miller, Rock Hudson, Liberace, and other stars, the exhibit explores more deeply how photography emerged as an important medium of fine art, according to Palm Springs Life Editor Steven Biller in his feature this month, Breaking the Surface. One pivotal moment came in 1982 when fine art photographer David Hockney’s composite Polaroid shots of a nude bather “challenged paintings as the dominant mode in all fine art,” said Daniell Cornell, the museum’s deputy director of art who curated the exhibition. Hockney’s composite of many Polaroids as one artwork, first exhibited at the L.A. Louvre gallery, will be one of 140 works in the show. For more on this and other Modernism events, check out www.modernhomesblog.com.

Today, desert modernism is a much sought-after architectural genre and Palm Springs is a virtual treasure trove of custom and tract home neighborhoods and important public buildings. At Team Haverkate, we specialize in Mid Century Modern homes and estates for sale. After absorbing the sights and lifestyle of Palm Springs Modernism Week, contact Team Haverkate for a personal tour of desert modern classics currently for sale in the Palm Springs area. Email Team@RHaverkate.com. or visit online at www.HaverkateRealEstate.com.

California freelance features writer Pamela Bieri is a frequent contributor to Modernhomesblog.com.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-23T08:05:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: Warmth of the West Coast!

Posted: 23 Jan 2012 07:34 AM PST

Escape the snow shovels and runny noses that come with cold January weather and head to the balmy Californian Desert “winter.” The Santa Rosa mountains and warm afternoons spent poolside will revive you in no time. Check out these Palm Springs deals to take full advantage of the west coast warmth.

5% off total stay!

This condominium is located at Indian Palms Country Club, featuring 27 holes of championship golfing with a discounted golf rate for each of the visitors. The pool and spa steps away, guarantees an escape from reality for some fun in the sun.

2 Free Lunches at Local Tennis Club!

This luxurious home lies only 15 minutes away from El Paseo in Palm Springs. With seamless indoor and outdoor living, the heated pool, glass walls, and view of the mountains will provide you the relaxation you've been dreaming of.

Military & Seniors: 10% off total stay!

This Spanish-style villa is part of the Oasis Resort in Palm Springs. With multiple pools, jacuzzis and tennis courts this villa offers luxury minutes from your room. Outside the resort, spend the day hiking or shopping to your heart’s content.

Palm Springs Vacation Pad!

Surrounded by the San Jancinto mountain range, this home's prime location downtown Palm Springs has its property lined with fruit and palm trees making it idyllic for a getaway. With a sparkling pool and spa, this deal has something for everyone!

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-20T08:08:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Photo Friday: KoKi Beach

Posted: 20 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

This week’s Photo Friday was submitted by Kris Nelson of dailymauiphoto.com. Kris and his wife Cindy have been visiting Maui since 2006, and have been sharing their experiences online almost as long. After capturing so many photos from all across the island, Kris started the Daily Maui Photo website back in 2010 to provide Maui fans with their “daily dose of Aloha”.

About the Photo

This photo was taken from the red sand at Koki Beach in East Maui, just past Hana. The few times we’ve visited there, it hasn’t been that crowded, and I don’t think it’s that well known compared to other stops along the road to Hana. By staying the night in Hana – rather than driving there and back all in the same day – you have more time to explore these lesser known places along the East Maui coastline.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-19T08:06:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Local Favorite Maui Luaus

Posted: 19 Jan 2012 07:35 AM PST

Liza P. is the local Maui Mama talking story online – Maui, travel, family, social media, all da kine stuff. She blogs at www.amauiblog.com and at alohaluxurypropertiesblog.wordpress.com/ She is the social media director for Aloha Luxury properties.

Your visit to Maui is never complete until you attend one of the Luau's on Maui. Especially if this is your first time to visit the island. I know it may sound touristy, but in reality even us locals enjoy going to these luaus to enjoy the food and entertainment and time with family and friends.

What is a Luau? To put it simply, a luau is a Hawaiian party or feast. It is usually accompanied by entertainment, mostly music and dance. There are many choices of Luau on Maui to go to but I would like to highlight some of the best ones (in my opinion) to make it easier for you to decide.

The Old Lahaina Luau

This luau is known as Maui's "Most Authentic Luau." It is the favorite luau to recommend both by locals and tourists. It is located in Lahaina. They have their own Luau ground where you can experience a lot of Hawaiian activities prior to dinner and entertainment. Their hula and music are spectacular and award winning. They also have a premium open bar. Their shows always get fully booked early so if you are interested to attend this luau, make your reservations as early as possible. If you are visiting Maui from other states or country, I would even recommend calling them and making reservations prior to your arrival. Now, if you or any of your family want to see a fire dance, this luau is not for you because they don't have that here.

The Drums of the Pacific

This is a high energy show that will treat you with the variety of Polynesian culture rhythms. This takes place nightly at the Maui Hyatt Hotel in Lahaina. Here, you can also watch the unearthing of a streaming, roasted pig from the underground (the imu ceremony) before helping yourself to a sumptuous buffet of traditional Hawaiian cuisine. Yes, they have fire dancers here. They also have an open bar. Their entertainment is not only Hawaiian but has the touch of Tongan, Tahiatian and Samoan as well.

The Feast Of Lele

This is known here as the "Most Romantic Luau". The setting is spectacular where every table is intimate and offers a panoramic view of the West Maui sunset. Lele is the ancient name for Lahaina, and this is the beach where the Royal Family of Maui would feast and entertain. The menu at The Feast of Lele luau differs from all other Maui luaus, as it is a four course gourmet dining experience. Dishes are served directly to your table, eliminating the need for long buffet lines. Each course represents a modern twist on traditional island cuisine as you are treated to four courses each representing a different island culture. You are started off with traditional polynesian banana, taro and sweet potato chips served with a tropical ginger salsa.

Kaanapali Sunset Luau at Black Rock

If ever you've seen in the TV shows or movies or heard from your friends about a cliff diving before a luau, this is the one. The Kaanapali Sunset Luau takes place right at the edge of Kaanapali's famous Black Rock Point. There is also a torch ceremony prior to the diving off the cliff. I like this part of the luau (the torch ceremony and cliff diving). A great Polynesian show happens as you eat your delicious food from the buffet. The Polynesian show has songs and dances from Tahiti, Fiji, Rarotonga, News Zealand and Samoa. And yes, there is a Fire dance here.

Now you will notice that all the Luau's I previously mentioned are on the West Side of Maui. For the South side let me mention two:

The Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea

If you are staying in Kihei, Wailea, or Makena and don’t want to drive an hour to attend a luau in Lahaina or Kaanapali, your best option is the Grand Luau at the Grand Wailea Resort. This luau is the best in the Wailea /South Maui area. It is held at an isolated, romantic oceanfront setting in Wailea near the beach. Mai Tais and a full open bar, along with an outstanding buffet featuring Kalua pig cooked in a genuine underground imu, huli huli chicken, grilled fish, charbroiled teriyaki steak, and a variety of salads and island delicacies. The show reviews dancing from the islands of Polynesia, including the Samoan fireknife dance.

Polynesian Village Luau

Now this is the fun for the family Luau. A bit casual than most of the Luau I listed here. It is at South Kihei Road at the luau ground of the Old Maui Lu. In this luau you can participate in activities and demonstration of Polynesian daily-life activities: coconut bowling, spear throwing, lei making, ukulele mele, wood carving, basket weaving, coconut demonstrations, and other local cultural displays not found anywhere else in Maui! One of the main attractions of the luau is the famous Samona Chief "Fiafia". He calls himself the official ambassador of happiness on Maui. He is a funny guy and will keep you entertained. Our family attended its opening a few years back and we had a good time. The bar is not like the other Luau and it's BYOB.

There are other Maui Luaus not listed here. For more info on Luau on Maui you also also visit the Luau Page of Maui-Mapp. Remember, this is part of the Maui experience, so you'll want to attend at least once, maybe more

Where to Shop in Maui

Posted: 18 Jan 2012 10:27 AM PST

Today we’re featuring local knowledge by Maui pro, Tania G. Tania is a Maui girl who adores design and living well. Her blog, MauiShopGirl is about “everything I love and living large in my favorite spot of the world, Maui No Ka Oi.” Feel free to tweet for Maui dining and shopping tips.

We all know Maui has beautiful sunsets, gorgeous beaches and a relaxed vibe, but did you know Maui is a great place to shop too?

Paia Town

Paia is a beach town on the north shore just down the road from Hookipa, one of the most renowned windsurfing spots in the world. You'll find many of the best boutiques and local designers nestled in the quaint wooden buildings.

Nuage Bleu, Biasa Rose and Imrie are a must stop for contemporary clothing and accessories from Fighting Eel, Current Elliott, Velvet, Susana Monaco and Linea Pelle. Alice in Hulaland is my go to when I need a new pair of slippas (local speak for flip flops).

Le Tarte's flagship store is beautiful, the perfect backdrop for their swimsuits which have caught Sports Illustrated's eye for the past decade. Tamara Catz is the spot to find the perfect resort wear or dress for that sunset beach wedding.

Sophie Grace has opened a location on Baldwin Avenue complete with a jewelry bar for a custom design. Maui Hands represents hundreds of artisans, potters and artists on the island and is the ideal spot to buy a unique handmade gift.

Indigo carries fair trade textiles and hardware to bring an exotic touch to your home as well as clothing and jewelry. Its husband and wife proprietors have designed each piece.

Visit Mana Foods for organic produce, kale chips and groceries to stock your cooler for the road to Hana.

Front Street

The west side must-see is Front Street, a relaxing walk along the ocean and home to the best in surf brands like Hurley, Honolua Surf Co and Maui Built. Art galleries feature the work of amazing artists and photographers like Thomas Barbey.

Unique gift and specialty shops like the adorable bath and body shop, Lush, provide plenty of options to take home. Hawaii jeweler, Maui Divers, will tempt you with its fine jewelry pieces in the shape of dolphins, sea urchins and the honu (sea turtle).

Visit the many historical buildings and exhibits to get a sense of the rich history of Lahaina as a plantation town, a sailing port and the first capitol of Hawaii. Dining options often include an ocean view and a casual atmosphere.

Whalers Village

The mall where you can shop to your heart's desire, eat a great meal and take a dip in the ocean at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Located in the resort area of Kaanapali, Whalers Village has everything from global luxury to the elegant, sexy and eclectic ready to wear by Maui based Maggie Columbe.

Everyone's favorite makeup, skin care, fragrance and hair care emporium, Sephora, has also recently opened a location in Whalers Village.

Tori Richards will dress you in elegant aloha attire and its sister store, Kahala, offers the perfect modern aloha shirt.

Cinnamon Girl offers locally designed floral sundresses for both mama and daughter and Sand People has shabby beach chic home accessories, contemporary separates and my personal favorite, wrap bracelets by Chan Luu.

Wailea Shopping Center

On the south side, The Shops at Wailea has a fantastic mix of high and low. Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Tiffany & Co. will satisfy your taste of luxury. Tommy Bahamas will attire you in quality resort wear which will go perfectly with your Hawaiian jewelry from Na Hoku, Hawaii's oldest jewelry retailer.

The Enchantress Boutique will get you ready for a night of dancing with dresses by Sky and jewelry by Maui Dive Girl while Maui Water Wear will help you find the swimsuit you'll love. You'll find the perfect footwear at Sandal Tree for a night out or a day on the beach. Blue Ginger's batik pieces are perfect for island wear or a charming spring/summer look back home.

National brands like the Gap, Sunglass Hut, BCBG, Quicksilver and Chico's will help you fill in the gaps of your vacation wardrobe and Betsy Johnson will satisfy your girls just wanna have fun urges.

The Cos Bar offers the best in beauty in the most luxurious brands including Chanel, Le Prairie and Bliss.

You can finish your day of shopping with some of the best fine dining and cocktails on the island with plenty of outdoor seating available to watch the sunset. Follow up with ice cream by Lapperts.

Images: Row 1: Mana Foods, Maui Hands, Alice in Hulaland, Thomas Barbey; row 2: Front Street, Maui Built, Whalers' Village, Maggie Columbe; row 3: Cinnamon Girl, Cos Bar, Wailea Shopping Village, Maui Water Wear.

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

2012-01-16T08:22:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: Maui Wowie!

Posted: 16 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

Ready to say “goodbye” to the mainland and “aloha” to a relaxing tropical paradise? Then it’s time for a trip to Maui. From the beautiful beaches to Haleakala, the largest dormant volcano in the world, Maui is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation. Check out these great deals in Maui vacation rentals and you’ll be on your way to the Valley Isle faster than you can string a ukulele.

Get $145 off per Night

Save over 25% when you book this beautiful new 2 bedroom condo on Kaanapali beach. With great snorkeling right out your door and family friendly amenities, it’s no wonder this condo gets rave reviews.

Save 15%

Enjoy stunning views from your balcony and a great location by the beach in Kihei. Travel up and down the coast, and you’ll always be happy to return to your second home in Hawaii.

Get 10% off Your Total Stay

Fall in love with this private paradise above Kailua Kona. This estate can sleep 15 guests, and it’s a fantastic destination for small weddings and family reunions.

Get 10% off Your Total Stay

Imagine relaxing in your hammock or private jacuzzi at this exquisite, family-owned, ocean-view retreat with no other guests in sight! Enjoy comfort and privacy, surrounded by natural beauty, brilliant rainbows, and sunsets over the ocean.

Stay 10 Nights, Get 1 Night Free

Across the street from the most picturesque sunsets on Maui, Kai at Pohailani is located in a beautiful tropical setting with a private Lanai and mountain views that can’t be found outside of paradise.

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2012-01-14T08:32:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Photo Friday: Let’s See That Smile (Gatorland)

Posted: 13 Jan 2012 09:14 AM PST

Thanks to Anita S., who submitted this great Orlando photo via Facebook. We’re never ones to mess around with amphibians, so our CEO, TJ, likes to provide some insight on the differences between Gators and Crocs. It’s always good to educate yourself before traveling so that you’re prepared for anything.

Have a great weekend!

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2012-01-11T08:22:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Top 5 Highlights of LEGOLAND Florida

Posted: 11 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

by Traci L. Suppa

As the first major theme park to be built in Central Florida in a decade, LEGOLAND Florida opened in October to great anticipation. When I visited the new park in Winter Haven, FL with my 11-year old son, – a fervent LEGO aficionado since toddlerhood – it was nothing short of a pilgrimage.

I’m glad we had two full days to explore the park, because at 150 acres, the world’s largest LEGOLAND offers too much to do and see in just one day. Depending on the time of year, the hours of operation here may limit you to just seven hours in which to cover ten distinct sections.

What did we enjoy most about the park? Here are our top picks:

Miniland

At the top of our list was Miniland. You’ll need at least an hour to stroll through the eight geographical areas with LEGO replicas of skylines, landmarks, and city scenes. We were amazed by the clever details which elevate these creations from plaything to art. Water features, sound, moving pieces and vehicles add to the realism. There are several buttons kids can push to make fountains gush, soldiers march, and D.J.’s play.

Unique Rides & Coasters

Being a "tween," my son was eager to try out the rides. We found several that are unique to LEGOLAND. I enjoyed the 360° view when we ascended 150 feet in the air on Island in the Sky. It’s the perfect vista of the entire park, as well as Lake Eloise. His favorite was the Aqua Zone Wave Racers. We raced jet skis around a central dock, while steering to avoid – or in his case, hit head on – fountains shooting water 15 feet high.

The four roller coasters don’t break any size or speed records, which is why we enjoyed them. This is a park targeting kids 2-12 years old, and even the coasters are sized appropriately. Coastersaurous is the first wooden coaster within any LEGOLAND park, and Flying School is the first suspended coaster. LEGO Technic is designed in a Mouse Trap style. The longest lines stood outside for the Dragon coaster, a hybrid of a dark indoor journey through a dragon’s lair and an outdoor ride offering spin, turn, and drop thrills.

Cypress Gardens

LEGOLAND purchased the land of what was once the Cypress Gardens attraction, and responsibly preserved and restored the lush gardens with species from around the world, as well as the cove for water ski shows. The gardens are lush, shady, and quiet, with the perfect trail to walk along if you have a youngster in need of a stroller nap.

Neither of us had ever seen a water ski show before, and we both did a lot of "oohing" and "ahhing." During "The Battle for Brickbeard's Bounty," the brave Imperial Soldiers fight Brickbeard the Pirate. The ski stunts are impressive, and the cast engages the audience in water cannon play and pirate talk.

Lots for Little Ones

LEGOLAND excels in catering to the pre-school set, so I almost regretted not bringing my 4-year old daughter along on this trip. DUPLO Land is an entire section dedicated to children five and under, with indoor and outdoor play spaces. There are multi-level playgrounds and play spaces in the Land of Adventure and LEGO Kingdom sections. Several rides allow children at the height of just 36" to ride by themselves, including Royal Joust, Beetle Bounce, and the Junior Driving School. All the other elements are in place to facilitate young families, such as a Baby Care Center, stroller rentals, and healthy food options.

Water Park

Actually, the water park hasn’t opened yet. But knowing my son and how he loves swimming, I’m adding it to this list of highlights. The water park will open this summer, and will feature a wave pool, water slides, a super soaker area, a toddler play area, and a special Build-a-Raft River, which allows families to design and build a raft out of LEGO before floating down a lazy river.

Traci L. Suppa drags her small-town family to see a quirky array of the world's largest, longest, or tallest things, and blogs about it at Go BIG or Go Home.

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2012-01-10T08:44:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of the Week: The Happiest Vacation on Earth

Posted: 09 Jan 2012 11:14 AM PST

We’ve survived the holidays, and now it’s time to think about taking a real vacation. No more Christmas lists and and feasts for the extended family. The next getaway should be pure and simple fun – preferably in the sun. What could be better than a trip to Disney World in Orlando? With great deals, your dreams of a Disney vacation can come true in just few clicks of your (Mickey) mouse…

2 Nights Free with 7-Night Stay

A 15 minute drive to Disney, Sea World and Universal Studios theme parks, makes this an ideal home with a private pool and grill. Book early and get 2 nights Free when you book 7 nights or longer for Feb.1 through Aug. 5.

Get $125 off Your Stay

Get $125 off the weekly rate at this 4-bedroom house, just minutes from restaurants, shops and major attraction in Orlando. With both privacy and a convenient location, this rental truly has it all.

Winter Sale – Get $100 off Your Stay

For select winter dates, you’ll save $100 on your entire stay at this huge Disney Vacation home in Clermont. This rental, owned by a local husband & wife team, has two identical master bedrooms and plenty of space for friends and family.

$30 Off Per Night

A stunning, luxuriously appointed 3-bedroom townhome with heated pool in a new resort community in Orlando. With luxury and comfort that’s perfect for any vacation, a $30 nightly savings sweetens the deal.

Get $48 Off Per Night

Treat the family to a few days at Disney, or take friends on a golf trip at Orlando’s amazing courses. Whatever you decide to do in the Sunshine State, you’ll get a great deal at this Berkley Lakeside villa for your winter getaway.

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2012-01-06T08:19:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

A Five Step Plan for New Zealand Travel

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 08:21 AM PST

Visiting New Zealand can be intimidating because of the sheer paperwork often associated with travel abroad. While it’s true that the “Godzone” has lax requirements for people visiting from some countries for some reasons, this lack of formality can actually make travel to New Zealand more confusing instead of less. Use this step-by-step guide to confirm that you have all of your document ducks in a row.

Step One: Confirm that you are from a Visa-Waiver country.

If you are from the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, you can visit for pleasure for up to three months (six if from the UK) without a visa. This doesn’t mean no paperwork – just that a visa isn’t part of the paperwork required.

Check this link for a list of other countries that have visa-waiver agreements with New Zealand.

Exceptions: Travel to New Zealand for medical treatment or business purposes may require a visa. Both of these types of trips are much more complex, and you should contact the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate to work out details.

Step Two: Check Your Passport

Not needing a visa doesn’t mean you won’t need your standard travel documents. As soon as you know you’re going to New Zealand, check your passports to make sure they won’t expire before your return. It’s possible to replace or renew a passport on short notice, but it gets exponentially more expensive the faster you have to do it.

Step Three: Prove That You’re Leaving

New Zealand is wonderful by all reports – so wonderful that the New Zealand authorities are afraid visitors won’t want to leave. Before they let you into the country, New Zealand customs inspectors will want to see the ticket stubs that prove you have an exit strategy. This is trivial to arrange, but have them printed and available when you pack for your trip.

Step Four: Prove That You Can Afford It

The authorities also want evidence that you can support yourself during your stay. As of November, 2012, they require proof of funds to the tune of $1000 per month per person. This can be in the form of cash on hand, current bank statements, or an indication of a credit card with enough available balance.

If you are staying with friends or family, they can complete the Sponsorship for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025). Which basically says a resident of New Zealand will take responsibility for your financial upkeep while you’re in the country.

If you are using a vacation rental, you can qualify for a partial waiver of this requirement. If your lodging is already paid for in full, you only have to prove funds of $400 per month per person. Print your receipt from the vacation rental transaction and keep it among your other proof of funds paperwork.

Step Five: Enjoy Your Trip

Between the unique culture, gentle beaches and rolling landscape, New Zealand is one of the best vacation destinations in the world. Rest easy knowing your paperwork is in order, and explore all the country has to offer.

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2012-01-05T08:18:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Aspen Beyond the Glitter

Posted: 05 Jan 2012 07:57 AM PST

A heart of gold lies beneath Aspen’s glittery exterior, but most people are too busy celebrity watching to notice. The story of Aspen is a story of the dreams of two men fulfilled: Walter Paepcke and Friedl Pfeifer. Working together, these innovators took a small Colorado town and turned it into a destination not only for winter sports, but for year-round culture as well.

Walter Paepcke
In 1945, Chicago industrialist Walter Paepcke and his wife Elizabeth envisioned a cultural center in a mountain environment. His wife, Elizabeth, was an avid skier, and suggested the heart of the Aspen Valley. The mountain setting was perfect, and so was the existing architecture. During the 1880s, Jerome Wheeler, a former Macy’s executive, had built the Jerome Wheeler Opera House and the Wheeler Hotel. The Paepckes saw the obvious potential of a theater, an existing culture-oriented group of locals and vistors, and a hotel within a spectacular mountain environment. They began purchasing real estate in the area, with hopes of fulfilling their dreams.

Friedl Pfeifer
During World War II, Colorado’s 10th Mountain Division helped fight the Germans. Their skis were their only form of transport. Ski instructor Friedl Pfeifer went against his Austrian heritage and fought along with the 10th Mountain Division. When the war ended, he decided that he wanted to stay in the US and open his own ski resort. He hoped to finance the resort with the help of mining engineer Harold Klock, but when they were unable to raise funds, Pfeifer arranged a meeting with Paepcke.

The Meeting
These two ambitious men met in 1945 and struck a deal. In exchange for his help in raising $300,000 in start-up funds, Pfeifer agreed to let Paepck run the resort. The Aspen Skiing Corporation was founded in January of 1946. Today, Aspen is a playground for both the mind and the body. Make the most of your Aspen vacation and participate in both aspects of the Aspen experience. Here are some of the ideas that developed.

Winter Words

Many bartenders are also part time writers (though they probably think of themselves as part-time bartenders…), but few have the advantages of Aspen bartender Kurt Brown. Brown used his elite connections to create the the first Aspen Writer’s Workshop. He convinced Aspen locals to put literati mentors up in their elegant homes, and he persuaded local restaurants to donate free meals to these stars of the literary world. People arrived from all parts of the globe to spend two weeks studying with their favorite authors. If you are not ready to make a full, two-week commitment, consider Winter Words, known as “Apres Ski for the Mind.”

The event takes place every winter season, and features a series of lectures by well-known authors. This year’s line-up includes Ann Patchett, Kathryn Stockett, Geraldine Brooks, Michael Chabon and others. The Wheeler Opera House, in its splendid Victorian glory, hosts the readings.

Wheeler Opera House

Who says you have to choose between a skiing and theater on vacation? You can have both at Aspen. The Wheeler Opera House, established in 1892 by Macy’s Department Store magnate Jerome Wheeler, hosts theatrical, dance and musical performances. Events for 2012 include performances by Judy Collins, Kim Carnes and the David Bromberg Quartet.

Socrates Goes Skiing

Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke founded the Aspen Institute in the 1950s, as a means of promoting intelligent discourse about political and social issues. Panel members use the Socratic Method of dialectics to analyze issues of importance to humankind. Participants receive a discount lift ticket.The program administrators describe their program as being geared toward “emerging leaders ages 28 to 45.” The program is open to anyone interested in the subject matter, and the Institute arranges special activities for children. The Aspen Institute is located at 1000 North Third Street in Aspen.

Anderson Ranch

The Anderson Ranch features an artist in residence program, along with an eclectic variety of painting, drawing, sculpting and crafts workshops. The Ranch holds special exhibitions throughout the season.

Boogie’s Diner

Not every Aspen restaurant requires expensive evening attire. Boogie’s Diner is a classic 50s diner, with photos of Elvis and other 50s icons on the wall. They serve the best hot open turkey sandwiches, milk shakes and burgers. Fun fact: Leonard “Boogie” Weinglass,” the character portrayed by Mickey Rourke in the movie Diner, owns Boogie’s Diner!

Plato spoke of a sound body and a sound mind. These words describe the Aspen experience in a nutshell.

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2012-01-04T08:23:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Stowe and Vermont Maple

Posted: 04 Jan 2012 01:00 AM PST

Growing up, at least one long weekend every winter, and sometimes two – if I was lucky – my father would pack up me and my sisters and brother and take us skiing in Ludlow, Vermont. My mother hated skiing, but she was all for ski school for the four of us. Soon, though, my siblings slid over to her side on the exerting-oneself-in-the-cold front, and after an old football injury of my father’s made it impossible for him to grace the slopes with me, my skiing vacations came to a halt.

Luckily, my mother’s younger sister had moved from Princeton, New Jersey to Stowe, Vermont, and I started going up, alone, to ski the much larger mountain with my aunt and uncle. Instead of a bunk bed in a rented condominium, I got a spot on the floor next to the fire, with three large labradors for warmth. Peppermint tea thawed my hands as I waited for my aunt to put dinner together, and we would sit by the huge windows overlooking the white-covered mountains and watch it snow.

During the day, we skiied all morning and all afternoon. I relished a mountain large enough to get lost on, where all the runs were different, where we could suddenly end up somewhere completely unfamiliar. My aunt greeted lift operators by name; I felt like we were celebrities, or at the very least, part of some secret club. For lunch, we stopped at the cafeteria-style restaurant, or we drove into town to a restaurant, where I ordered buffalo chicken wings and ate with relish. Afterwards, we wandered as long as we were able in the cold, and I took in the small-town atmosphere that was so foreign to me.

My mini-vacations in Stowe always ended with an errand: picking up local maple syrup to bring home with me. I never opened it until I got home – in the mornings, we started early and had no time for pancakes before hitting the slopes – but as soon as I arrived back in New York, safe and sound, the little bottle of local syrup reminded me of afternoons skiing with my aunt and evenings playing with the dogs and watching movies under a warm blanket, while snow fell softly outside.

Recipe: Pumpkin-Maple Loaf

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin purée
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 1/3 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or equal parts cinnamon, ginger and cloves, with a pinch of nutmeg)
1 pinch black pepper
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup raw sugar
1/4 cup flour
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup raw sugar
1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin and oil well. Add the sugar and eggs, and mix well to combine. Without mixing, add the flour, baking soda, salt and spices. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet, and pour into the prepared loaf pan.
In another bowl, combine the maple syrup and sugar. Drizzle over the top of the cake evenly. (This layer will sink into the middle of the cake later).
In a small bowl, crumble together the flour, butter, sugar and salt with your finger tips, until it resembles crumb cake crumbs. Sprinkle over the top of the cake evenly.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean with a few crumbs attached. Allow to cool fully before slicing.

Emily Monaco is native New Yorker, living and writing in Paris since 2007. She loves discovering new places and, of course, their local cuisines! Read about her adventures in food and travel at tomatokumato.com or follow her on Twitter at @emiglia

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2011-12-30T08:12:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

10 Travel Apps that Will Really Help You Get to Know a Destination

Posted: 29 Dec 2011 03:24 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Smartphones and tablets have changed the world, and that includes the travel industry. Now, we can navigate, find restaurants, taxis, bathrooms – you name it – using an app. Just about any amenity can be searched for from the palm of your hand, and getting to know a destination has also become easier than ever.

Here are 10 travel apps that will really help you learn more details about the places you find go and the people you see:

1. World Customs and Cultures

This app provides customs, cultural information and facts on over 165 different countries. For example, did you know that Bulgarians shake their heads from side to side for “yes,” and up and down for “no”? Orthat pointing with your index finger in China isn’t usually done? Instead, make sure to use your whole hand, the app will teach you.

Price: Free.

2. TRVL

Available on iTunes, TRVL is a free travel magazine. It is also the first magazine that was made available for iPad only. You can download free issues that show you the lifestyle and customs of anywhere from Buenos Aires to Athens. Great photography is always there to accompany the text.

Price: Free.

3. Concierge Insider Guides

With this app, you can tap into the collective knowledge and experiences of the Hotel InterContinental Concierges. For any of the cities that has an InterContinental Hotel, the Concierge will give you his insider tips regarding restaurants, shopping, and more.

Price: Free.

4. Urbanspoon

Shake your iPhone and the Urbanspoon slot machine will pick a good restaurant for you to try. You will surely not go hungry abroad.

Price: Free.

5. Sushipedia

Have you ever found yourself in a Japanese restaurant and then received something that you didn’t think you ordered? Don’t let it happen again! This app provides an encyclopedia for all kinds of Sushi, useful for Japan and beyond.

Price: Free.

6. HappyCow

At first sight, travel as a vegetarian may appear more difficult. But in fact, it can be quite a unique experience. This app, the mobile version of the website of the same name, provides a veggie restaurant guide. Get it to go, wherever you go.

Price: $2.99.

7. Word Lens

Thanks to this app, you can instantly translate printed words from one language to another with your built-in video camera, in real time. You will always know what is being said (or written).

Price: Free.

8. Ask a Nomad

This app serves to connect people with a passion for travel so that they can share their knowledge. Ask another nomad any question about any destination.

Price: Free.

9. Goby

Just log in once and you’ll instantly begin receiving recommendations for cool things to do near you – all personalized to your unique interests. Goby covers over 350 categories surfacing millions of activities, events and places to see.

Price: Free.

10. UpNext 3-D Maps

The app only includes five cities—Austin, Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C.—but the cities are rendered in 3-D. Hopefully there's more coming soon.

Price: Free.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-12-29T08:18:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Arenzano, Liguria and Ligurian Pesto

Posted: 28 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

I first visited Arenzano, a small town just outside of Genoa, as one stop of many as I traipsed around Western Europe with two girlfriends, freshly out of high school. Whereas we had elected the backpacking-and-sleeping-in-hostels route, one of my other good friends and two of his buddies had decided to do nearly the same trip, with a higher parental monetary participation allowing for them to stay in hotels and eat in restaurants.

While we loved our version of the trip, we were more than happy to spend a couple of nights in the middle of our five week adventure camping out on their floor in their hotel in Arenzano, cleaner than many hostel beds. After a train-train-bus-bus sort of scenario, we finally arrived in the beautiful seaside town, and we spent the next few days getting to know my friend’s group of Italian amici that he had made during a study abroad stint several years before. One of the first things we did when we met the group of them, all dressed to the nines, with gelled hair and ironic glasses several years before they were cool, was find a place to eat.

As soon as I opened the menu, I was told, via a series of hand gestures and Italian words that sounded like babbling to my ears, to try the trofie with pesto. I’m a fan of local specialties and an even bigger fan of pesto, so I did as I was told. The trofie reminded me of spatzle, a German pasta that my mother used to serve with green beans and pesto when I was growing up. But while the pasta, technically new to me, seemed familiar, the pesto was a horse of a different color: the flavors were brighter than anything I had ever tasted before, and I don’t know if it was the combination of the view on the water and the circle of friends — some of whom I barely knew, or whether the pesto really was that good, but ever since, I’ve been making my own whenever I have the chance.

A true Ligurian would jump down my throat for changing the traditional recipe at all, but I’ve found my own ways of doing things, namely adding bitter carrot greens to the traditional basil, and subbing pine nuts, which are expensive and go bad quickly, for pistachios. You, however, can make the recipe either way: it will be delicious and fresh no matter what you do.

Recipe: Kind-Of Ligurian Pesto

Ingredients

2 bunches basil OR 1 bunch basil and 1 bunch carrot greens
4 cloves garlic
1 pinch salt
~20 pine nuts OR ~10 pistachios
~1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup to 1 cup good extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Start by chiffonnading the basil and finely chopping the carrot greens: stack about 10 (washed and dried) basil leaves on top of one another, roll into a tube, and slice into thin strips. Slice all the basil this way, and then finely chop the carrot greens.
Mince the garlic. Place in the bottom of a mortar, if you have one, or a wide glass or porcelain bowl, if you don’t. Using a pestle or the wrong end of a wooden spoon, mash the garlic with the salt until it forms a paste.
Smash the nuts with the side of a chef’s knife against a cutting board, and add them to the bowl with the garlic. Mash them as well, until they are fairly small and evenly distributed.
Begin adding herbs, a handful at a time, working them into the garlic and nut paste. Drizzle in olive oil as you work so that the entire thing forms a thick paste. Continue adding herbs and olive oil until you are out of herbs.
Add the parmesan and mix to combine. To store, freeze in an ice cube tray and keep the frozen cubes in a freezer bag. Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, with a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the sauce to keep it from coloring.

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2011-12-27T08:16:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Not Your Typical Tourist: Alternative Guide Books to New York City

Posted: 27 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

Planning a vacation in the Big Apple, you already know all the tourist spots: Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, shopping on 5th Avenue. And these are worth seeing, once or twice. But if you’ve already done all that, or just aren’t interested because you know there are so many other things to do—and other neighborhoods beyond midtown and downtown Manhattan—let these atypical guide books lead the way.

Not For Tourists Guide to New York City: Even though it’s smaller and has a stylish black cover, you might still get pegged as a tourist if you walk around with your nose in this guide book. However, this little black book is more about living in NYC than it is about being a tourist. It covers 35 neighborhoods in detail, with maps and lists of local businesses: coffee shops, movie theaters, grocery stores, farmers markets, bike shops, drug stores. This way, you can get a feel for a variety of neighborhoods where New Yorkers go about their daily lives; plus, you can find out where to buy food to cook and get a bottle of wine to drink at “home,” and generally settle into your rental apartment. If you’re not staying in Manhattan, note that there are Brooklyn and Queens guides too. Beyond that, though, Not For Tourists can’t help you.

Clean Plates: When you want to eat out and avoid the tourist traps or mediocre spots, you’ll need some kind of guide. There are just too many restaurants in the city to know where to start. For those of you who are interested in healthy, local, organic, and simply high-quality food, this book will tell you where to go. The Clean Plates food critics and nutritionist have filtered through the massive restaurant scene to bring you options to meet your dietary restrictions (gluten free, vegetarian), health concerns (avoiding artificial sweeteners), and sustainable lifestyle. Suggested eateries range from fast food to fine dining, and you can choose between the Manhattan and Brooklyn guides (or try to work your way through both).

Forgotten New York: This book by Kevin Walsh is a celebration of the obscure, historical, and way-off-the-beaten-path spots of NYC. The fact that the first section of the book is about the Bronx tells you that it’s not for typical tourists. It’s for savvy, adventurous, curious folks who are intrigued by details that others don’t usually even notice, and who are willing to walk down alleyways and far away from subway stops to learn more about New York’s quirky history. Using this guide book, you can track down colonial cemeteries, bizarre sculptures, rusting ruins, and practically unheard-of museums in all five boroughs.

Zinester’s Guide to NYC: You don’t have to know what a “zine” is to make use of this book by Ayun Halliday and her zine-making friends. You just have to be open to activities that are quirky, DIY, budget, participatory, irreverent, and non-touristy. The most lighthearted of all these alternative guide books, the Zinester’s Guide suggests attending events with names like Nerd Nite, the No Pants Subway Ride, and Elephant Walk; and visiting unusual spots including a troll museum, a ship graveyard, and a room full of soil. It’s also the only guide book that can tell you things like where to spot rats on the subway tracks, where to find black-and-white photo booths, and where to see the best bathroom graffiti. And at the bottom of the pages, you’ll enjoy the handwritten list of books, movies, and songs about NYC, as well a silly Q&A and a scavenger hunt of sorts.

Celebrating New Years in Different Parts of the World

Posted: 26 Dec 2011 11:09 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

In the Western world, the 31st of December marks one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Many people travel far and wide to attend festivities, often partying until the sun comes up on January 1st. We all know about the expensive clubs in New York and the beach parties in Miami. But what happens in other parts of the world? Here's how some other countries celebrate the arrival of the New Year.

CAMBODIA

The inhabitants of Cambodia rely on the Indian calendar to calculate when the New Year's festival should start. According to the Gregorian calendar, this falls anywhere from the 12, 13 or 14 April, depending on the year. It last for three days, and the Cambodian New Year's Eve is the day before the festival starts. In the local lingo, it's called "Chaul Chnamn Thmey," meaning "entering the New Year."

HUNGARY

Hungary runs on the Western calendar, and thus New Year's Eve falls, like in the other countries, on December 31st. However, even though it runs on the rest of the world's calendar, there are still Hungarian traditions that remain. That is, even though opening a bottle of champagne has become part of a modern Hungarian New Year's Eve (as has counting down to midnight), some Hungarians still retain the customs of their ancestors. For example, they burn effigies or a scapegoat that embodies the evils and misfortunes of the past year. This scapegoat is also known as "Jack Straw" and is carried throughout the villages prior to being set on fire.

SOUTH AFRICA

In South Africa, things could get a little loud on New Year's Eve. The inhabitants have a tradition of ringing in the New Year with church bells and gunshots firing. Those who visit the Cape Province New Year's Day and Second New Year's Day will see a carnival with people dressed in colorful costumes. If you are in town, throw on a colorful outfit yourself and dance in the street to the sound of drums with the locals.

WALES

Tradition in Wales has it that the village boys would go from house to house at around 3 or 4 a.m. with an evergreen twig. They would sprinkle the latter over the people and then on each room of their house. Sprinkling the evergreen twig was said to bring good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Day, the children moreover get up early to sing songs for their neighbors. In return, they are given sweets, apples, mince pies and sometimes even coins. But you have to get up early – after noon, the singers will be called fools.

Happy New Year!

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-12-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

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Christmas Traditions Around the World

Posted: 21 Dec 2011 10:21 AM PST

“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” Almost all of us have heard this Christmas song before. Written by Edward Pola and George Wyle back in 1963, the song represents Christmas traditions in the United States. We are all familiar with American Christmas carols, and most of us will know when the tree lighting ceremonies are scheduled in our home towns. However, with Christmas being the most wonderful time of the year, what is going on at this time in other parts of the world? How is this very special day celebrated in other countries? Here are a few traditions you might not have heard about. Keep them in mind for the next time you travel – you could even experience some of these very special customs first-hand!

RUSSIA

In Russia, Christmas is primarily a religious holiday. Like in other Eastern Orthodox countries, it is celebrated on January 7^th. On Christmas Eve, meaning January 6^th, inhabitants attend several long services, including the Royal Hours and Vespers combined with the Divine Liturgy.

After that, families come together in their homes for a traditional Christmas Dinner (the Holy Supper). This consists of a total of twelve dishes, one in honor of each of the Twelve Apostles. Particularly religious families go back to church for the All Night Vigil.

On Christmas morning, the Divine Liturgy of the Nativity is celebrated. Christmas Day is also when the presents are given to the children by Babushka, a traditional Russian Christmas figure. Interesting fact: the word ”Babushka” is translated to English as a grand-mother.

VENEZUELA

Christmas is also celebrated as a religious event in Venezuela. Unofficially, the festivities start after the "Feria de la Chinita" during the second half of November. This festival dates back to the cult of the Virgin Mary of Chiquinquirá, when various religious activities, processions, and music in the typical “Gaita style” to honor “"LaChinita" the nickname of this version.

The custom attend one of nine carol services is observed by most Venezuelans. During these "patinatas" or night festivals, firecrackers explode and bells ring to call worshippers from bed in the predawn hours.

Instead of "Papá Noél" (Santa Claus), presents are brought by "El Niño Jesus" (Baby Jesus). Children are educated to write request letters to Baby Jesus.

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is particularly rich in Christmas traditions, as it essentially preserves the customs of different cultures: German, French, and Italian. As such, presents may arrive on Christmas Eve or New Year's Day, brought by the Christkindl, St. Nicholas or Father Christmas. It all depends which region you are in. Carols, too, are sung in four different languages. Before that, however, comes the Klausjagen festival, literally meaning the "hunting" of St. Nicholas. At dusk on December 6^th, a procession of men wearing gigantic illuminated lanterns in the shape of a Bishop’s mitre on their heads can be seen in most Swiss towns.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

If you are not too keen on all the holiday celebrations, head to Papua New Guinea. For many villagers in the more remote areas, Christmas goes by as just another day. In the more commercialized areas, Christmas is celebrated in a way similar to Australia.

In Australia, a traditional meal includes a turkey dinner, with ham, and pork. A flaming Christmas plum pudding is added for dessert. In the Australian gold rushes, Christmas puddings often contained a gold nugget. Today a small favor is baked inside. Whoever finds this knows s/he will enjoy good luck. Another treat is Mince Pies.

ETHIOPIA

The Ethiopian Christmas, known as "Ganna," is celebrated on January 7th. The celebration takes place in ancient churches carved from solid volcanic rock and also in modern churches that are designed in three concentric circles. Men and boys sit separately from girls and women. The choir, in turn, sings from the outside circle.

On Christmas morning, the people open presents and then they play native African outdoor sports to celebrate. Usually the wealthy share a medium sized feast with the poor and a large feast with their family and friends, including dishes such as Doro wat, a typicalstew or curry which may be prepared with chicken, beef, lamb, a variety of vegetables, and spice mixtures, or Injera, a yeast-risen flatbread with a unique, slightly spongy texture.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-12-20T08:36:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

How to Host a Wine Tasting

Posted: 20 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Barrie Cleveland
California Winery Advisor

So, you're on holiday in the wine country and you want to host a wine tasting at your vacation home. There are many possibilities for a successful and fun event from the formal sit-down, no talking, wine evaluation tasting to the more casual “brown paper bag nights”. Anyway you choose it's a good way to enjoy and learn about wines, make friends and develop your own wine tasting palate.

The Atmosphere

Decide how seriousness you want the tasting to be. Will guests simply taste and discuss the wine, will they be encouraged to take notes, guess each type of wine in a “blind” tasting or will there be formal votes and discussion of each wine and its component colors, aromas and aftertaste?

If you and your friends are serious about wine, including elements of a more formal tasting is a good choice. If your guests are mostly wine novices, keep things light and focus more on learning the different flavor components of the wine. Do you taste and smell the melon flavors, the tobacco, orange peel or oak?

For serious oenophiles, offer tasting sheets with scoring options and taste each flight of wines without discussion. Then rank them and compare notes. When tasting "blind" distribute the list of wines being tasted after first tasting them, but before they are unveiled. See who can correctly identify the wines.

Wine Themes

If most guests are not too familiar with wine, a basic theme for the event is a good idea. Good themes include tasting one kind of wine from a particular region, or the same grape variety from different regions. Compare and discuss the wines, vote for your favorite, rank them in order and crown the favorite with suitable fanfare. Remember glassware can be an issue if you are tasting a number of wines at the same time. (Don't be afraid to ask guests to bring their own glasses if you don't have enough.)

Other themes can include tasting wines from one vintage year from various regions, or taste a flight of wines from the same producer but different vintages. These "vertical" tastings will show the differences between older and younger wines from the same vineyard made by the same winemaker. Another popular tasting, is limiting wines under (or over) a certain price point.

Choosing the Wine and Sharing the Expense

You can host the event yourself, choosing and paying for all the wines, or ask guests to bring a particular wine type. Most regular wine groups split the responsibilities by either rotating the hosting duties or understanding that all those present will share in the cost of the wine. (Be sure to have this clearly understood ahead of time with late cancellations still on the hook for their portion.)

How Many Flights, How Many Wines?

Serve in flights of four or five wines that are similar in style, variety or body. One flight of wines may be just right for some tastings but most formal tastings may have two or more flights. Remember to consider the order in which you should taste the wines. Some experts advise starting with the lightest wine and ending with the heaviest. A good wine merchant can offer advice on the order in which you should taste your wines.

A bottle of wine is 750 ml and can be shared successfully from 8 up to 16 people. Using a small beaker or shot glass to measure insures that there is enough for everyone. (1.5 oz is equivalent to about 44ml and is a good tasting amount.) Another tip is to remember to plan ahead for cooling white wines and making sure reds are at a proper "cellar temperature" not room temperature. Older wines may need to be decanted to insure any solids from aging don't end up in your glass.

Glassware and Dump Buckets

Each guest should have as many glasses as wines in each flight. They should be the same style and type of glass in order to compare the different aromas and flavors equally. Also have a "spit cup" for each taster and a dump bucket or two for the table.

Accompanying the Wine

Serve food and water with the wine. This helps to clear the palate, clarifying the taste of each wine. The food can be simple, such as a variety cheese and crackers or French bread cut into cubes. Some tasting groups plan on a potluck dinner to follow. For more information on wine tasting please see www.CaliforniaWineryAdvisor.com

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2011-12-19T08:21:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Traveling and the Holidays: Tis the Season to Keep Healthy

Posted: 19 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Anne Kemp

This is the time of year when travelers begin annual treks over the river and through the woods, bustling toward the next family gathering or holiday party, or jetting off to visit loved ones in far away locales. Amateur bakers dust off their rolling pins during the month of December and holiday fetes are planned for out-of-town guests. Yes, it is that time of year, Virginia. The time of year when most revelers gain weight.

Tis the season for huge portions served everywhere you go, in homes and restaurants alike. Calendars are packed with more parties to fit in than time allotted for exercise. It's no wonder that even the healthiest of folks have been reported to gain anywhere from one to eight pounds over the holiday season.

How do we stop this trend? It's really simple and can be done by thinking ahead. At this time of year, you just need to use the Three P's!

Planning, Prevention and Preparation.

Step One – Planning

Whether traveling across the country to visit family or driving to the other side of town to attend a holiday party, call ahead and ask the hostess if you can help by bringing a dish. A seven layer dip, which is normally filled with processed guacamole and full-fat sour cream and cheese, can be made into a lighter version by using fat-free sour cream, making fresh homemade guacamole, and topping with a low-fat cheese. Grab a bag of baked tortilla chips with little to no salt and you're set. If you're out-of-town and on a special diet, such as gluten free, stop by the local grocery stores to see what's stocked or research the products they carry online before your arrival. Most grocery stores offer Betty Crocker's Gluten Free Cakes and Cookies or Bob's Red Mill Flour for baking. Offer to make cakes or breads from your "own" recipe, surprising your hosts with the amazing taste of these desserts.

Step Two – Prevention

Traveling through airports or venturing out on road trips is especially tough when watching your waistline. Take time to pack snack items, such as travel packets of almond or peanut butter with gluten free or low-fat crackers, raw almonds or dried fruit. Instead of splurging on a pastry when waiting at the terminal, choose an apple or banana, and always carry a bottle of water with you for the plane. Then planning for a road trip, make room in your car for a stocked cooler with healthy snacks for everyone, such as carrots and hummus dip or pre-rolled turkey and lettuce snacks (for the gluten free or low-carb dieter) or fresh fruits and yogurts. Add extra ice at each rest stop. An ounce of prevention is truly worth its weight…in gold or otherwise.

Step Three – Preparation

Scan the holiday calendar; keeping an eye out for parties or travel scenarios that may need some "pre-attendance adjustment." There may be a gathering where you can eat a healthier meal, such as a hearty salad or quick veggie stir-fry, before you go, thus warding off the temptation of passed hors d’oeuvres or a buffet. Find time before a big dinner to fit in a workout, like sit-ups and a quick run. When packing for your holiday trip, make sure to take your sneakers and encourage others in your family to go out for a quick walk with you to work off your holiday meals. Find a local park or map out a trail through the neighborhood. Staying in tight quarters? Take a few minutes to do some push-ups or stretching.

The secret is all in using moderation and taking baby steps. By taking preventative measures each day during this holiday season, you will insure that you'll be feeling your fittest, finest and fiercest of them all!

Anne Kemp is a columnist and blogger for the Frederick News-Post, a newspaper in the Washington D.C Metro area. Kemp writes about dating and relationships, travel, product reviews and living a gluten-free lifestyle. As an author, her first book, Rum Punch Regrets, will be released May of 2012.

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2011-12-16T08:13:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Fly (really far) South for the Winter

Posted: 16 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Claudia Pesce

If you're in the northern hemisphere, the weather has probably gotten noticeably colder by now. Maybe you've already gotten some snow. Snowbirds may already be planning their trips south, heck, anyone could feel tempted to fly south this winter… but what if you were to fly a lot further south… like the southern end of South America?

Have you forgotten folks, that it's springtime in the southern hemisphere? And places like Buenos Aires, Argentina hold such wonders, so many things to see and do. In case you're not convinced yet (after all, it is a pretty long fight) here are the top things to see and do in the city that is also known as "the South American Paris":

1. Partake of some of the world's most delicious beef and wine

Argentina's grass-fed cattle is practically unrivaled anywhere in the world. The country has consistently produced superior, prime beef for centuries. If you want to sink your teeth into some beef that slices like butter try the bife de lomo (beef tenderloin). Some of the best places to enjoy it are the upscale Cabaña Las Lilas in Puerto Madero, La Cabrera in Palermo or Kansas in Las Cañitas, a steakhouse that is reminiscent of American grills, but serves only superb Argentine meat. The best way to pair any of the choicest cuts is with a bottle of Malbec, the most popular red wine in Argentina, produced in the province of Mendoza.

2. Get swept away by some 2×4

Am I suggesting you go out and buy some Argentine lumber? Not quite. Tango is also known as the "2×4" (dos por cuatro), given that the tango rhythm is based on two strong beats on four. One of the best places to catch an enthralling tango show is Café Tortoni on the historic Avenida de Mayo. In San Telmo, you'll find lots of milongas, a dance party where people gather to tango. They are mesmerizing to watch, but beware…you might be tempted to get up and be swept into the riveting dance.

3. Cheer with the crowd

In Argentina, soccer is not a sport. It's a religion where fans worship gods like Diego Maradona (there's a Maradonian church, believe it or not) and the most recent soccer sensation Lionel Messi. No trip to Buenos Aires is complete without a visit to either of the high temples of soccer: Boca Juniors stadium (also known as La Bombonera) or River Plate stadium.

4. Explore its different neighborhoods

Each of Buenos Aires' neighborhoods has its own distinct character and one that is definitely worth exploring. Your best starting point is the Centro, where you'll find some of the city's most historic buildings, like the Cabildo and the Casa Rosada, across from the city's most famous square, Plaza de Mayo, as well as the financial hub known as "la City Porteña". At the Casa Rosada, you'll see the very same balcony where Eva Perón gave the speech that inspired the famous song "Don't cry for me Argentina".

Northwest of the Centro, lies the neighborhood known as Recoleta with its eerie cemetery, the final resting place of Evita and most of the city's elite. Nearby you'll find the National Museum of Fine Arts and a little further along the MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires), two of the most important, yet very different museums; the first houses an important collection of Argentine and European art, while the second showcases Latin American art from the early twentieth century onwards.

Across town, on the southern end, is La Boca with its enchanting Caminito, a pedestrian street lined with picturesque, very brightly painted corrugated tin houses, the street you'll see in typical Buenos Aires postcards. Nearby San Telmo is absolutely worth visiting, particularly on Sunday when the artisan fair comes alive. At night, San Telmo is the best place to head for a tango show or milonga.

Finally, no visit is complete without a trip to Palermo, the largest of the neighborhoods. One of its most distinguishing features is its parks, like the sprawling Parque Tres de Febrero, Buenos Aires' very own Central Park, with countless paths and streets to explore on foot, roller-skates or bikes. The Rosedal, or Rose Garden, houses an impressive collection of roses and springtime is the perfect time to visit.

So, don't store your shorts and sandals just yet. If you feel like a good dose of sunshine and thrills, then Buenos Aires is the place where you'll get both – and then some!

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2011-12-15T08:17:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Step Back in Time While Confronting Smoky Mountain Wildlife

Posted: 15 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Alice Kemp

The Great Smoky Mountains. Just the name conjures up images of magnificent mountain peaks with "smokes" rising from their flanks. It's easy to see why this is the most-visited national park in the United States with all that it has to offer, from activities that appeal to the outdoorsy, adventurous types to those looking for world-class shopping to the younger set wanting to fill their days with theme parks, game rooms and water parks.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, makes an ideal base camp for partaking of all those activities with the literally thousands of hotel/motel rooms, overnight rentals and campgrounds available. The location, near the middle of the northern boundary of the national park, provides access to anything you would want to do while in the Smokies. Just 27 miles west of Gatlinburg along the Little River Road (allow a good hour to drive this extremely scenic but slow road) lies the 6800-acre Cades Cove. Settlers came into this beautiful valley in the 1800's; the National Park Service has restored some of the original buildings to give visitors an idea of what life was like back then. Seven cabins have been restored along with three churches and the Cable Mill area which contains a number of buildings as well as an operational grist mill and a visitors' center.

Near the beginning of the 11-mile loop road and accessed by a short, well-maintained and traveled trail sits the John Oliver cabin, the first to be built in the valley.

I had an astounding bit of luck one day when I chaperoned a small group of mentally challenged adults around Cades Cove on their annual vacation. We walked the trail to the cabin when, lo and behold, a juvenile black bear crossed the trail just a few feet in front of us! As a matter of fact, another small group of tourists were just a little further ahead, and the bear actually passed between our groups, not paying the slightest attention to us.

I had been told that the black bear population is quite large in the Cove, and actually, that was actually the second time I've seen a bear there, but this sighting was much better than the first one. Needless to say, my little group was overjoyed to see such a sight.

Not only is Cades Cove of historical interest, but the hiking is quite good as well. You can do an easy nature trail or one of the more challenging trails. The Abrams Falls Trail is about five miles round trip and of only moderate difficulty. It presents a nice walk with a lovely waterfall at the turnaround point, although the trail actually continues quite a bit farther, all the way to the Abrams Creek Campground, if you feel up to it.

Not far beyond that point is the visitors' center/Cable Mill area which sits beside the intersection of the loop road and Forge Creek Road, a one-way, unpaved, single-lane road leading south out of the national park into Tennessee. One morning in November some years ago, I got up especially early to reach the Cove as close to dawn as possible. It was well worth it: Spread across the Cove, peacefully grazing were literally hundreds of white-tailed deer.

No one else was around. The scene was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. This was what it must have looked like to the early settlers. I had heard that early morning was the best time to view the deer, and it is. But I got more than I bargained for that day. I was headed to the Forge Creek Road, off of which was the Gregory Ridge Trail, a 10-mile round trip hike up to the Appalachian Trail and back. The turnoff to the trailhead parking lot was not far from the loop road and just before you reach the one-way section. As I drove up the road, I spotted a wild pig trotting along the side, a pretty rare sight since these critters are extremely shy. Unfortunately, he veered into the woods before I could get my camera into position. That was my first sighting of a wild pig, although I had also heard that quite a few of them called this national park their home.

But that wasn't the end of my wildlife encounters that day. The hike turned out to be quite exhilarating. The closer I approached the Appalachian Trail, the colder it became, of course, since I was about 2500 feet higher up. The weather conditions were just right for all the tree branches to wear sheaths of crystal clear ice. I appeared to be walking through a magical crystal forest. Quite a bonus! Finally, returning to the parking lot, I heard the unpleasant sound of someone insistently blowing their car's horn. To make a long story short, another tourist had been trying to drive away a black bear that had broken into a car parked there: my car! I had left an apple in the back seat that it smelled through the vent, and it almost tore the door off to get at it. The critter was just coming out of my car when I arrived. What an ending to an incredible day! (Check out my blog at www.hikinggal.blogspot.com for a more detailed story.) One thing I learned, besides not to leave any food in my vehicle, is that bears don't necessarily stay in hibernation all winter. As a matter of fact, they may not hibernate at all if they haven't put on enough extra weight before the start of winter.

Every season is beautiful in its own way in the Great Smoky Mountains. Although the Rocky Mountains are higher and more rugged, the Smokies are more accessible in the winter. You can marvel at frozen waterfalls, crystal-wrapped tree branches, bear tracks in the snow, rocks encircled with crystal necklaces in every stream and more. All you need to do is get out of your vehicle and look. The pressing crowds of summer are gone, leaving you with a quiet, peaceful wilderness just begging to be enjoyed.

Alice Kemp, originally from Barberton, Ohio, has lived in Tennessee and North Carolina since 1985 and now lives in SW Virginia. When she’s not writing fiction and non-fiction, she enjoys the natural beauty of the South through hiking and biking primarily.

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2011-12-14T08:07:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Christmas In Strasbourg

Posted: 14 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Rachel Hammel

Holidays aren't the same without tradition. I learned this several years ago as an undergraduate student, when I had been studying for a semester in Paris and living with a host family. Thanksgiving had been amusing at best: my roommate and I prepared a lavish dinner combining her family's dishes and mine, leaving our humble hosts thankful but visibly perplexed at the idea of piling everything on the plate at once. Christmas was now quickly approaching and I had been away from my family in California for four months. The days were getting darker and colder, school was winding down and France seemed to be losing its hold on me.

My friend offered that we take a trip for the holiday and explore an area outside of Paris. She suggested Strasbourg, a city I had heard faintly of but knew nothing about, other than it is one of the headquarters of the European Union. But, as I would discover, it is much more than that.

We arrived by train and made our way to the apartment where we'd be staying as "couch surfers." It was a charming 1-bedroom flat owned by Véronique, a sweet French woman who spent her weekend eagerly explaining the wonders of her city, touring us around and generously preparing our meals at no cost to us.

As we learned, this quaint town in France's Alsace region, bordering Germany, is coined the "Capital of Christmas." Home to the original Marché de Noël, or Christkindelmärik in their dialect, Strasbourg attracts thousands of visitors every year for their elaborate Christmas celebrations. Dating back to 1570, this traditional festival—the oldest in France—brings a huge series of artisanal markets throughout the streets of the city. For several weeks leading up to the holiday, talented craftsmen showcase their goods, bakers and restaurant owners deliver their culinary delights, and various activities, exhibitions and concerts draw families from around the world.

The festival has an interesting history. In fact, some theories point to Alsace as the root of the Christmas tree tradition: throughout the Middle Ages on Christmas Eve, townspeople would depict stories of the history of creation in front of churches. During these "Games of Paradise," they used fir trees decorated with apples to represent the tree of paradise. When apples became scarce in the region in 1850 due to drought, glassworkers created apples out of blown glass, giving rise to what we know today as glass Christmas ornaments.

During our stay in Strasbourg, there was never a dull moment: we admired the lights and decorations, bought hand-made ornaments and decorations, ice skated, made arts and crafts, mingled with locals and indulged in the area's seasonal cuisine. Ah, I thought often to myself, tradition!

Speaking of cuisine, highlights of my travels are always marked by food. The Alsatian fare was pretty phenomenal—not the delicate, minimalistic plates you'd imagine when you think of Paris. It was warm, hearty, filling and yet so simple, like all French food: technically and aesthetically impeccable and yet so straightforward. Among my favorites were Baeckeoffe, or "Baker's Oven": a hearty winter pot roast of layered meat, potatoes and vegetables, and La Bûche de Noël: a super rich log-shaped sponge cake. But nothing came close to their famous Christmas mulled wine. This piping hot, aromatic concoction warms the body and soul like nothing else. My friend and I drank it everywhere because, aside from the fact that it's delicious, it kept our hands warm and helped round out that holiday feeling. Oh, and the aftereffect was nice too.

Back in California during the Christmas season, there's nothing better than wrapping up in a blanket near the fire with a cup of this stuff. Although no matter how hard I try to recreate the experience, it's never as good as it was while meandering the narrow streets of that romantic Alsatian town where France reclaimed its hold on me.

Recipe: Mulled Wine

Summary: You can start with a red Burgundy, Bordeaux, any wine from Alsace or even a Beaujolais. You can also substitute with white wine, which is common in Alsace and equally delicious.

Ingredients

1 bottle wine
1 ½ cups water
1 ¼ cups sugar
4 whole cloves
2 star anises
1 whole nutmeg
2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
5 cardamom pods
1 vanilla bean (optional)
2 Tbsp. honey (optional, frequently used in mulled white wine)
1 small orange, thinly sliced
1 small lemon, thinly sliced
Cheese cloth and string

Instructions

Wrap cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, cloves and nutmeg in the cheesecloth. Tie firmly with string.
Bring water and sugar to a boil in a large saucepan, stirring until dissolved.
Add the wine, spice bag, vanilla bean, fruit and honey. Bring to a boil.
Turn down the heat and simmer covered for several hours, stirring occasionally
Serve in hot glasses, decorated with twisted lemon or orange peels.

Preparation time: 10 minute(s)

Cooking time: 2 hour(s)

Number of servings (yield): 4

Rachel Hammel is a San Francisco-based writer/editor and blogger who loves to travel and eat. You can follow her on twitter at @RachelHammel.

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2011-12-13T08:36:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

5 Seasonal Markets to Visit this Winter

Posted: 13 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Winter can get long and cold. Some days, you may not even feel like going outside at all. Markets, however, are a great way to mix and mingle. At many of them, you will have the opportunity to try unique (and hot!) local foods. Numerous winter activities may also be offered, both for adults and children. Here are five seasonal markets worth planning your travels around.

Ice Festival, Ouray, Colorado, USA

Be sure to mark your calendars and start making your travel plans for January 5th-8th, 2012. These are the dates for this years Ice Festival in Ouray, CO.

The Ouray Ice Park is a manmade ice climbing venue operated in a spectacular natural gorge just outside the town. It is home to more than 200 named ice and mixed climbs, most within a 15-minute walk of the Park entrance. The Park and its infrastructure are jointly owned and managed by the City of Ouray, the nonprofit Ouray Ice Park, Inc., and a mix of other private and public landowners.

Each winter, OIPI hosts the Ouray Ice Festival to celebrate the Park and raise funds for its operation. It is a spectacular grassroots event that features exhibition climbing, free clinics, seminars, slide shows, and gear demos.

Brussels Winter Wonderland, Brussels, Belgium

For the entire month of December, the city center of Brussels transforms into a winter wonderland. You will find fairy lights, laser shows (at the Grand Palace) and around 240 wooden stalls that serve as shopping chalets. In fact, these temporary shopping chalets, including some brasseries, are installed at the end of November and last all the way through to New Years.

Those who enjoy sports can enjoy the ice skating rink. In addition, you can find a ferris wheel that provides you with a unique view of the city (note that all of these activities have fees).

Throughout the entire market, you can also find numerous ice sculptures to admire. In terms of entertainment, there are numerous brass bands and other free performances that come as part of the cultural program.

Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London, UK

Friday, November 18^th marked the opening of the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. This year, the organizers have teamed up with Samsung for the Samsung Galaxy Ice Rink, which, for the first time, will surround the Victorian bandstand.

All throughout the Wonderland, you will find numerous shows, rides and attractions. For example, the Zippos Christmas Circus explores the magic of Christmas around the world, while the Cirque Extreme is a daredevil show with the most thrilling acts that circuses have to offer. Adrenaline addicts, in turn, will enjoy the Power Tower, the tallest free fall in the world. For kids, there's Santa Land where visits to Santa himself are free. Both children and adults alike will enjoy all the eateries, restaurants, cafes and bars.

Due to the popularity of the event, it is recommended that you book tickets in advance. Visit the official website for more details.

Winter's Farmers Market, Northern Colorado, USA

In contrast to the above entertainment festivals, this market specializes in food and other culinary delights. However, that doesn’t mean that you won’t be having fun. In addition to fresh local food, you will find live music, face painting and other special events, all during 12 Saturdays from late October, 2011, through early April, 2012.

Here are just a few delicious treats to choose from: Produce, fruit, wine, cider, meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, bread, jams & jellies, salsas, sauces, condiments, baked goods, confections, hand-crafted local items and much more!

Winter Carnival, Quebec, Canada

Ever since the New French colonized Quebec, they have been following a rowdy tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry. The result is the world's largest winter carnival, which was first held in 1824 and which has enriched its program of activities from one winter to the next.

This year, the festival will be taking place from January 27 to February 12, 2012. Attractions include activities for all ages: snow baths, night parades, snow slides, giant fooseball, snow sculptures, shows, sleigh rides, and skating.

Couples will want to check out to the Ice Palace. Bundle up and give your loved one a kiss as you are surrounded by a magical construction made entirely out of ice.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-12-12T08:49:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Top 10 New Year’s Eve Destinations

Posted: 12 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

We took a look at the most popular New Year's Eve rental hot spots in 2010 so we could give you the skinny on the best places to be when we say goodbye to 2011. From a skiers torchlight procession in Big Bear to a wild street part in Edinburgh here are the top ten locations where FlipKey travelers spend the final hours of the year.

1. Big Bear Lake, California

Big Bear lights up the slopes to ring in the New Year at the annual Torchlight Parade at Snow Summit Resort. At 7 P.M. more than 250 skiers and snowboarders zigzag down the mountain carrying fluorescent torches to create a brilliant stream of light. Many of the revelers in the parade are equipped with outlandish holiday themed costumes to celebrate the New Year while cruising down the mountain. Enjoy a bit of night skiing and then head to one of the many New Year’s parties hosted by the local resorts for live music and champagne.

2. New York City, New York

The Big Apple is the hub of New Year's celebrations in the U.S. with over one-million visitors piling into Times Square to watch the fabled ball drop as the clock strikes midnight. If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of Times Square, then there's a plethora of alternative options. You can buy a ticket to one of the many parties in downtown Manhattan, but make sure to plan early because the most popular tickets sell out fast! Or, you might choose to take part in the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run, a four mile race, starting in Central Park with a laser light show and Fireworks!

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Nestled in the scenic Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg hosts a rousing New Year's celebration with a lively pyrotechnic displays centered on the historic 407-foot tall Space Needle. During the hours leading up to midnight there is a spirited celebration at the base of the Space Needle with live music to keep the crowd entertained. Everyone anticipates the climax of the night when Midnight arrives and the ball drops from the Space Needle to signify one year passing to the next. Local businesses and restaurants provide great deals to keep the party going long after midnight.

4. South Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe is renowned for its incredible fireworks spectacle, which reflects stunningly across the lake and momentarily illuminates the entire area to welcome the New Year. This year promises to be even better with the arrival of the SnowGlobe Music Festival, featuring some of the best acts in electronic music like Bassnectar and Pretty Lights. In addition to the fireworks and music, Heavenly Ski Resort hosts an ice sculpting competition, while the Montbleu offers a different experience at their night club dance party.

5. Miami Beach, Florida

The Miami Beach club scene will be going full throttle throughout the New Year's weekend as thousands of visitors arrive to take advantage of the warm weather and the city's best parties. If you're looking for something the whole family can enjoy, check out the 35 ft. neon Big Orange at the Parks Amphitheater as it rises to the top of the Hotel Intercontinental to drop at the stroke of Midnights. The Big Orange spectacle is followed by fireworks and a light show over Biscayne Bay. On the afternoon of the 31st make sure to see the King Mango Strut Parade, a satirical parade, boasting some of the wackiest and most hilarious costumes around.

6. Amsterdam, Holland

If you're heading to Amsterdam to celebrate the coming of the New Year get ready to take to the streets and plazas with a bottle of champagne at your disposal. Hotspots include Dam Square, Niewmarkt and Rembrandtplein where kids and adults alike illuminate the streets with an abundance of firecrackers and sparklers. The city is easy to navigate on rental bikes, so explore a bit to find that perfect viewing bridge over the Amstel River for the city's organized fireworks spectacle. Keep the night going at one of the many bars and clubs in Amsterdam's notable party scene.

7. Las Vegas, Nevada

Every corner of the strip is stirring with energy on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas. The strip closes at 6 p.m. and the streets fill with rousing partiers awaiting the midnight fireworks display. The show is an intense spectacle with fireworks launching from seven different casinos down the four mile strip including the MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace, Treasure Island, The Venetian and the Stratosphere. Freemont Street provides a different and enjoyable experience with a collection of various tribute bands like "Rolling the Stone" and "Fan Halen." And of course the Las Vegas night clubs will be throwing incredible parties with some great artists and DJ's.

8. Flagstaff, Arizona

Flagstaff hosts the college football Fiesta Bowl each year and rolls out various New Year's Eve celebrations to accompany the storied game. The game will be held at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 2 with a matchup between the Big 12 Conference Champion and the No. 1 BCS at-large selection. The Fiesta Bowl Block Party is Arizona's best New Year's Eve party and equipped with live music entertainment and multiple beer gardens sprawling down the Mill Avenue District in Tempe.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Touted as the "original and best," the Edinburgh Hogmanay is a New Year's Eve street party with a crowd of nearly 80,000 packed into the city center. The three day festival begins December 30 with the Torchlight procession from Parliament Sqaure to Carlton Hill Son et Lumiere followed by the street party on the 31st. The street party is one of Europe's largest celebration with world famous DJ's, outdoor bars and the famous midnight fireworks. The festival is followed by "The Loony Dook" on Jan 1st in which participants dive into the freezing River Forth! This is one celebration you won't want to miss.

10. Rome, Italy

The New Year's celebration also coincides with the La Festa di San Silvestro a gastro holiday feature dishes of Zampone and Cotechino accompanied by sparkling wine. The pork dishes are made to signify the richness of the coming year. After the ceremonial feast, Romans tend to congregate at the Piazza Popolo to enjoy classical rock music until the fireworks at midnight. On New Year's Day there is a parade beginning in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City that commences with the Pope's blessing of the New Year. The parade ends at the Castel Sant'Angelo and is lauded for the performances of military and civil marching bands.

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2011-12-09T08:19:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Best Ski Resort Food

Posted: 09 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

Frequent visits to a ski resort cafeteria cure the common hamburger addiction. Made from sources that might or might be meat, these atrocities often cost more than 10 dollars! Before you decide to brown bag it, check out these resorts that prove that good food in ski cafeterias is not an oxymoron!

1. Deer Valley

Despite its location in the conservative state of Utah, Deer Valley appeals to a skier’s most hedonistic desires. The extravagence of the cafeteria proves it. Guests wake up to the smell of cinnamon French toast, with real, honest to goodness maple syrup. At lunchtime, the salad barbeckons you with a corncucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables or a hot bowl of turkey chili.

2. Moonlight Basin

The Timbers Deli is located on the first floor of the Moonlight Lodge, at the Moonlight Ski Resort, adjacent to Big Sky in Montana. This is the place to go if you believe in freedom of choice for lunch. The build your own sandwich menu lets you pick your meat, cheese, vegetable and bread, from a selection of fresh and healthy ingredients. Meet eaters have not seen nothing like the Mighty Quinn, a raost beef sandwich loaded with mustard, green chilis, peppers, amyo and horseradish.

3. Copper Mountain

Finding tasty meals at Copper Mountain is like searching for powder– you have to know where to look and when to go. Jack´s, the main cafeteria in Center Village, often features specialty gourmet stations, with Asian and other types of specialty foods. These usually open in the height of the season. The cafeteria in East Village offers a choice of different types of pasta with different sauces, and a yummy pience of Italian bread.

4. Aspen

Aspenites demand the best of everything, and their cafeterias prove it. This beautiful people´s winter wonderland serves a tempting variety of healthy sandwiches and salads, many with calories low enough to keep you looking svelte and sexy in your Bogners.

5. Stowe

A Rice Krispies breakfast hardly sustains your energy level for a day on the slopes. The folks at the Spruce Base Camp Lodge understand. That´s why they serve up luscious, made to order breakfasts. During the lunchtime, the smells of maple barbecue sauce, crab cakes and copper ale soup entice skiers to come in, sit down, relax and eat!

6. Keystone

The Keystone resort is another example of how you can find excellent food at a ski resort, if you know where to look. In this case, we´re talking AAA Four Diamond type dining. Alpenglow Stube sits at the top of Keystone´s Outpost Gondola. Open for lunch and dinner, this award-winning lunch and dinner restaurant serves delicacies such as Colorado lamb and fresh water bass. The chefs of Alpenglow Stube also cater the lunches served at the Independence Yurt, which is a stop along Keystone´s Backountry Adventure Tour.

7. Mammoth

The Mill Cafe at Mammoth Mountain features juicy meat and poultry dishes, grilled with a smokey flavor and served with their secret recipe dipping sauces. They recently added a burrito cat, which travels throughoyt the mountain. This is perfect for those who would rather not waste time on cafeteria lines.

8. Park City

If Thanksgiving is your favorite holiday, you do not need to wait for November to enjoy it. Simply go to Park City and eat at the Snow Hut, located at the base of the Silverlode Lift. This restaurant serves turkey, cranberry sauce and all the fixings every day. It kind of makes you thankful that you´re a skier!

Note: Since everyone´s taste is different, these ski resort dining venues are not listed in any particular order. Many happy turns and meals!

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2011-12-08T08:34:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

You Don´t Have to Be a Skier to Love Breckenridge

Posted: 08 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

Most of the ski towns of today were once the mining towns of yesteryear. Some have undergone so much renovation and modernization that they have removed all traces of their illustrious past. Breckenridge Colorado is the exception to the rule. Its planners are quite serious about preserving the town’s historic integrity. Don’t even think about tearing down a building the has survived since the 1800s. You can renovate, but you can’t annihilate. Even new buildings must conform to the the Victorian architectural style.

Stroll along Main Street, and almost every shop and restaurant has a story behind it. Then, walk uphill to French and Harris Streets and explore the elegant Victorian homes and mansions. The museums of Breckenridge recount fascinating stories of the town’s quirky history, and many of these anecdotes appeal to all ages.

You already know that Breckenridge is a world-class ski resort, which boasts the highest chairlift in North America, but these off-slope activities put the icing on the cake, because:

They give your non-skiing and riding friends, significant others and family members a reason to accompany you on your ski trip.
They provide you with activities to do during the fist day, while you acclimate to the town’s high elevation.
They provide an alternate activity when Breckenridge is experiencing one of those high-wind days. There’s a reason why they call it “Breckenwind!”

Exploring the Town of Breckenridge

The Welcome Center on South Main Street provides information about lodging, dining, activities and events, but the back of the first floor and the entire upper floor functions as a museum. The first floor has a “then and now” exhibit, which displays the buildings of the past, their history, and their current appearance and function. This exhibit provides a convenient means of mapping out the places you would like to visit. The upstairs portion of the museum has a kid-friendly section, where children can mine for gold, and check out the typical kids clothing and bedroom furniture of the past.

And be sure to check out the 1970s chairlift, also located on the second floor!

Visiting Barney Ford

The Barney Ford Home and Museum sits across the street from the Welcome Center. Ford was born into slavery, but his mama was determined that he would not stay that way. She sneaked spelling books into her son’s quarters, so he could teach himself to read. During this Pre-Civil War period, educating blacks was a crime worthy of a whipping.

After Barney’s mother died, his master sold him to another owner. The reason is unclear, but it might have had something to do with the fact that his master was also his father, which accounted for Ford’s Caucasian appearance. His new master was an alcoholic Shakespearean actor, who liked to walk around the house quoting the bard. Ford thought that this was the way that white people spoke, and adapted a Shakespearean speech pattern.

When his master rented him out to a steamship company, Ford escaped by jumping off the ship. He came to Chicago and got involved with the underground railroad. Through a series of complex events, which your tour guide will explain, he became a successful restaurateur.

Edwin Carter

Like many men of the era, Edwin Carter came West for the gold. He was not misinformed, but he did not realize the environmental damage that the mining industry had caused. Mercury and cyanide were the primary chemicals used in mining, and these ingredients caused grotesque mutations in the local wildlife. Convinced that these animals would soon face extinction, Carter taught himself taxidermy, so that future generations could see the animals that once roamed our lands . Fortunately, the town listened to him, and revised their mining standards.

The Carter museum sits on Ridge Street, and the Backstage Theatre is nearby. This theater company features musical, dramatic and comedy performances for adults, and matinees for children during the weekend

This is just a taste of the off–slope activities in Breckenridge. Come on out and enjoy!

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2011-12-07T08:25:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

La Nina Lite? Forecasts for the 2012 ski season.

Posted: 07 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

Most ski enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest will think back fondly on the winter of 2010. Five months of massive snowfalls kept runs skiable well beyond the usual dates, much to the delight of ski resorts and skiers from the Cascades to the Rockies to the Sierra Nevadas.

In fact, I’d bet that Nina will be a most popular name for baby girls born this year in the western states… in honor of La Niña, that magical ocean-atmosphere phenomenom that graced the west coast with all that snow.

In a nutshell, the La Niña weather pattern starts with slightly lower surface water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Air currents blow cool, moist air across the western states, and voila! Powder on the summits from Tahoe to Sun Valley to Vail. Last year, during the 2010-2011 ski season, La Niña graced ski resorts with epic snow accumulations: a record-braking 524 inches in Vail, 783 inches in Snowbird, and 810 inches on Squaw Valley (that’s over 67 feet – enough to bury a six story building!)

As we watch the skies and the weather reports, anticipating the first real snowstorm of the 2033-2012 season (any day now!) the questions most debated are whether La Niña will return this year: What kind of a snow year will we have? Should we plan a vacation to the mountains, or is this a good year to head to a beach?

La Niña rarely arrives two years in a row, so expectations for a repeat performance of the 2010-2011 ski season are guarded. However, ocean temperatures are still measuring within the range of La Niña, so we’ll definitely see a solid snowpack over the western and northwestern states. The question is whether La Niña will arrive with the wild ferocity of last season. The answer depends on air pressure systems over the arctic, a factor which cannot be measured as easily as ocean temperatures.

The arctic air pressure systems can be negative or positive, according to the general pattern of air movement in the stratosphere. A negative phase in the arctic air sends frigid cold and raging blizzards across the northern hemisphere, which is what we experienced last year. A positive phase in the arctic air would tone down La Niña’s effects, giving us a more moderate winter. Many meteorologists, including the NOAA and the Farmers’ Almanac, are forecasting a slightly milder winter for 2011-2012 – still cold and wet with plenty of snow, but not packing quite the same punch as last year. In other words, La Niña lite!

So back to the vacation planning… mountains or beach? Odds are not good that La Niña will roll into town three years in a row, so this is definitely the year to head to the slopes and save the tropics for next year when snowfalls may be less than average. Anyone who missed out on the great conditions last year can stop kicking themselves, because Mother Nature is giving you a second chance!

Suzanne lives, writes, and plays in the mountains of Central Oregon with her family of adventure-prone boys.

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2011-12-06T08:20:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Have a Green Winter Vacation with Snowshoes, XC Skis, and Sleds

Posted: 06 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are some of the greenest activities you can partake in come winter. They require no fuel or landscaping and allow you to spend some time outdoors, appreciating the winter beauty while generating your own heat rather than sitting by the fireplace or radiator. There are several FlipKey-listed rental homes that provide sleds, cross-country skis, or snowshoes to guests.

Snowshoes

This thousands-of-years-old tradition provides a practical way to get around when there’s snow on the ground. If you like hiking during warmer months, you might want to try strapping on a pair of snowshoes over your boots this winter vacation. You’ll get a chance to spend some quiet time in nature and won’t have to worry about getting lost, as you can follow your own trail back.

Near Killington in Vermont, this five-bedroom house provides plenty of outdoor activities so you can skip the popular slopes if you want to set out on your own. The rental comes with snowshoes and nearby trails, as well as ice skates and a skating pond. Another alternative to the downhill action in Vermont, this 10-bedroom place in Stowe offers 12 pairs of snowshoes so you can explore the property – located on a horse farm within the ski resort – with a large group.

You can check out the beautiful Adirondack region on snowshoes too. A two-bedroom farmhouse on a lake offers two sets of snowshoes during winter, and other activities include ice fishing and watching race car tournaments on the frozen lake. This one-bedroom rental on the same Lake Algonquin provides two pairs of snowshoes to guests as well.

Out west, enjoy the winter scenery at a two-bedroom cabin in Colorado by making use of the four sets of snowshoes and poles available to guests. There’s a fire pit and a hot tub for relaxing your sore muscles afterwards. In the Lake Tahoe area of California, this four-bedroom vacation rental is adjacent to a forest preserve which you can explore on the two pairs of snowshoes provided.

Cross-Country Skis

Another quiet way to enjoy the serenity of the season is on cross-country skis. It’s not as common to find a rental home that comes with ski equipment, but we have tracked down a couple for those of you who want to give the sport a try.

Visitors to Rocky Mountain Escape in Alberta, Canada, get access to cross-country ski equipment, along with snowshoes, and there are guided day hikes and meals included in rental rates. It’s quite the way to experience winter in the Canadian Rockies.

Further afield, this two-bedroom chalet-style apartment in Germany comes with four pairs of cross-country skis, a wooden sleigh, and two pairs of Nordic walking poles, so you’re all set to enjoy the picturesque rivers and mountains of the Bavarian countryside.

Sleds

Obviously a more kid-friendly activity, sledding can also fit into a romantic getaway or a large reunion. All you need is a hill and some snow and the thrills can rival those of an amusement park. Plus, getting yourself and your sled back up the hill is all the exercise you’ll need on a winter day. And it’s much easier (not to mention cheaper) than lugging all of that ski equipment.

Enjoy the slopes out west the simple way: At this three-bedroom cabin near Lake Tahoe, not only are sleds and saucers provided, but there’s also a binder of information that includes the owners’ “favorite secret sledding spots.” This expansive four-bedroom getaway in Montana is near ski slopes but also offers sleds and a nearby sledding hill for guest use. Or take a bigger group to a five-bedroom rental near Park City, Utah, where winter-friendly amenities include sleds, fireplaces, a boot dryer, and a hot tub.

Which low-impact winter sport are you going to try this season?

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2011-12-05T08:16:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Deals of The Week: Ski Season’s Greetings

Posted: 05 Dec 2011 07:12 AM PST

Winter’s approaching, so dust off those ski poles and goggles and get ready for what promises to be an exceptional season. As the powder starts to pile up it’s time to start planning your next ski trip. Rental managers are here to help with great deals for a memorable winter getaway!

Kids Ski Free!	Stay 6 Nights get the 7th Free!
“Altitude Adjustment” is a cozy cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. Located in the Maggie Valley down the street from the Cataloochee Ski Resort, the cabin is close to North Carolina’s best winter activities. Sip some cocoa by the fire and enjoy a relaxing ski vacation with your family.	Telluride has exploded from “Colorado’s best kept secret” to one of the most well known ski resorts in the country. Relax after an intense day on the slopes with a homemade espresso by the outdoor fire pit. Follow that up with a trip to the jacuzzi then dry off in the sauna and you’ll be good as new for another ski day
Stay 4 nights, get 3 Free!	20% Off Sunriver Town Home !
You can ski from your rental home to the lifts and back at the end of the day from this delightful Rocky Mountain condo. After dipping in your private jacuzzi head downtown to Main St. to experience the alluring Breckenridge après- ski environment. Don’t forget to take in the beautiful montain view from the second floor balcony!	Part of the Bend ski area in Oregon, consistently rated as one of the top ski towns in the country this Sunriver town home has it all. The nearby Mount Bachelor has some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest. It is open year round and boasts the second largest terrain park in the country.

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2011-12-02T08:17:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Swimming With the Dolphins

Posted: 02 Dec 2011 07:33 AM PST

by Crystal Beran

With its beautiful beaches, year-round sunshine and welcoming locals, Hawai’i is a popular travel destination year-round. On the Big Island of Hawai’i (not to be confused with what many people refer to as the “main island,” Oahu, where Honolulu can be found) by far one of the coolest activities is swimming with the dolphins.

Swimming with dolphins is an incredible experience, and if you’ve got an adventurous streak then there’s a pod of wild dolphins about a half an hour south of Kona that I’d like to introduce you too. Most mornings, you’ll find a group of 20 or so people bobbing up and down off shore, waiting for the pod to swim by. Of course, these are wild dolphins, so there’s no way to be sure they’ll show, but one of the best snorkeling spots on the island is just four miles further south, so if the dolphins are a no-show, you can easily jump in the car and see some amazing corals and fishes.

For this day or half-day adventure, you’ll want to make sure you pack the following: swim suits, towels, masks and snorkels, swim fins (a must!), and a positive attitude. You may also want to bring: beach chairs, a picnic lunch (alternatively, there are some restaurants about 15 minutes from these two spots), a wet suit, and a boogie board (to float on top of, not to surf on).

Head out on the road early if you hope to see this pod of wild spinner dolphins. Ideally, you want to be in the water no later than 7am, so be sure to have a good breakfast in the car and give yourself plenty of time to get there. In my experience, most of the dolphins have usually headed out to sea by about 8am, but you never know. The dolphins often hang out on the south side of Kealakekua Bay, at a park called Kealakekua Bay Park, which can be accessed by taking Napoopoo road down the mountain.

If the dolphins are there, swim out from the rocky shoreline (you’ll hit white sand literally as soon as you get in the water) and swim towards the buoy. This early morning swim is one of the best feelings, especially when electrified by the excitement of swimming out to meet with a group of wild yet friendly animals. The water can feel cold at first, but early in the morning the air is cooler, so the ocean can almost feel warm when you’re first swimming out. As you swim further from shore, the white sand slips away below you, and you find yourself surrounded by turquoise blue water. The long, slanted rays of sunlight reach all the way to the sand below, which you can still see from the buoy, where the water is about 30 feet deep and almost always crystal clear.

Once you reach the buoy, you’ll need to wait for the dolphins to come to you. They are wild animals so remember never to chase them or make any loud noises or sudden movements around them. Rangers occasionally patrol the area and the penalty for harassing the dolphins is a ticket for $10,000.

I’ve seen anywhere from a handful of dolphins to a few dozen in the bay. They swim in a large, slow circle and if you position yourself just right they’ll sometimes come within inches of you (but keep your hands to yourself–your fingernails are sharp enough to slice right through a dolphin’s skin). If you’re very lucky, you may even get to see a few youngsters trailing after their mothers. Once, I swam slowly alongside a calf who played a game of mirror with me, turning himself around along with me and moving further away or closer in as I did. When the dolphins are heading out to sea for the day, they’ll do some incredible acrobatics. If you’re close enough, try to watch the show from both above and below the water – the corkscrew maneuvers are amazing.

Make sure you head back to shore before you get too cold. If you’re not wearing a wetsuit, you really shouldn’t spend more than a half an hour in the cool water.

The best part of this adventure is that even if the dolphins aren’t there when you arrive, you’re only four miles away from Honaunau beach (often referred to by the locals as “Two-Step”) just north of City of Refuge. Just head down along the low-lying road and turn into the park. The beach is accessed by a side road to the right just before the ranger station where you’d pay for parking if you were going to City of Refuge (which is an informative half-hour stroll that I do recommend). There’s not much sand at this beach – mainly just a hard slab of lava – so you may want beach chairs if you’re going to stay a while. Make sure you only enter and exit the water from either the boat launch or surrounding beach or from “Two-Step,” if you’re going snorkeling, otherwise you could harm the coral and the algae that the sea turtles feed on. If you’re not sure how to get into the ocean here, ask the locals, they’re happy to show you the way.

And if you’re very, very lucky, you may run into wild spinner dolphins here as well. I took my family to Kealakekua one morning, swam with the spinners, and then headed down to Two-Step where we bumped back into the pod, this time about 200 members strong!

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2011-12-01T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Eating Our Way from Coast to Coast

Posted: 01 Dec 2011 01:00 AM PST

For five good friends heading East to West, there's nothing more rewarding than a delicious meal after hours of sitting in a van together.

1) New York, NY- Café Cluny

To start the trip off right, we began our day with a beautiful brunch at this adorable restaurant in the West Village. The food and service are of the finest quality, but it's still totally affordable. We were greeted by perhaps the friendliest hostess in all of Manhattan, and seated in a sweet little booth by the window. The coffee is delicious and strong, and they serve everything from French toast to a Breakfast Sub. They are known for their light and fluffy herb-roasted potatoes, so don't forget to ask for a side.

2) Albion, MI- Alice's Diner

Breakfast is very important to us, and as soon as we walked through the door of Alice's Diner, we knew we'd come to the right place. The florescent lights keep the small room bright and the windows look out onto the street. Our waitress was incredibly friendly, and our coffee cups were never empty. No pancakes here, but delicious eggs of all kinds make up for it, as well as biscuits and gravy! Our local friends told us about some secret items, like a huge veggie omelet that's not on the menu. A legitimate diner, for sure.

3) Chicago, IL- Boiler Room

There are a million places to eat in Chicago, but we had a particularly enjoyable dinner at Boiler Room in Logan Square. This bar/restaurant takes beer and pizza to a whole new level. They have a huge list of amazing beer, and even some Jameson on tap! The pizza has thin, crispy crust and any topping you can think of. The Cuban came with ham, chicken, and PICKLES! Delicious. Make sure to get a whiskey soft-serve ice cream cone after dinner.

4) Minneapolis, MN- Bryant Lake Bowl

This place has everything you could ever ask for: Cheap Bowling, delicious microbrews, and pub food of the finest caliber. Much of the fare is made from organic ingredients, and they make a bunch of their sauces and dressings from scratch. The pulled pork sliders and mock duck rolls are not to be missed, as well as the homemade Green Goddess dressing that comes on the house salad. This place was featured on the Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," but it doesn't really fall into any of those categories. It's delicious and cozy, and an awesome place to hang out for the night.

5) Iowa City, IA- The Wedge

Getting close to the middle of the country and feeling pretty tired, we decided to order some pizzas from the Wedge. SO GOOD. One pizza had pistachios and pesto. Another pizza was called the Taco and had pieces of chicken, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Need I say more?

6) Omaha, NE- Mother India

This tiny restaurant served up some of the best Indian food any of us have ever had. An older Indian man and woman run this place, only seating about 8 tables at a time. The curries were amazing, and the naan was that perfect mixure of fluffy and crispy. Try the Chicken Tikka Makhani and the Saag Paneer. They have some pretty amazing traditional desserts, too.

7) Denver, Colorado- Pete's Kitchen

The walls of Pete's Kitchen are covered in certificates awarding them the title of Best Late Night Diner for many years in a row. Located on the newly hip Colfax Road (apparently the longest paved road in the U.S.), this establishment caters to lovers of milkshakes and burgers. It's greasy food with no apologies, and they do it right. Great service, plenty of items on the menu to choose from, and an awesome diner vibe.

Taos, New Mexico- Leonora's Hot Tamales

Somewhere off the side of the road in the magical and quirky town of Taos, you'll find Leonora selling pipin' hot tamales out of a mobile cart. These are legit. Served in the husk and filled with everything from cheese to green chiles and pork, this New Mexican specialty is the perfect snack when walking around town. We enjoyed them so much that we bought a bunch more and took them home to make a meal out of. Perfect with a southwestern style salad and some cold, cheap beer!

9) Tuscon, Arizona- B Line

This place has got it all. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a fantastic Happy Hour. We went here for lunch on Halloween day, and the staff was bubbling with excitement from being dressed up. Even the chef was wearing face paint. The service was impeccable (free coffee and iced tea refills!) and the food was delicious. Try the tuna sandwich with a side of the tortilla soup. Amazing.

10) San Francisco, California- Comstock Saloon

After a long journey, we decided to reward ourselves with some fancy cocktails and delicious fare at one of our favorite Bay Area bars. Esquire named this hidden gem one of the top bars in America, and we have to agree. The drinks are creative and presented like a gift. Think cucumber garnishes and recipes with elderflower liquor. As for food, our favorite is the Fisherman's Breakfast (but for dinner): pan-seared trout, hash browns, sautéed chard, and one egg sunny side up. And they have live jazz!

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2011-11-30T08:07:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Top 5 views of Paris for a Budget Traveler

Posted: 30 Nov 2011 06:31 AM PST

by Megan McDonough

Paris remains as one of my all-time favorite cities. Of course, I'm sure this is true for many travelers and art lovers alike. The first time I stepped foot in the City of Lights was during my junior year of college, when I studied and worked in London. Our program was hosting a weekend trip to Paris so I made sure I was the first person to sign up.

As a young student with limited funds, I remember my friends and I stuffing leftover croissants from breakfast into our purses to serve as a mid-day snack. Looking back, I cringe at this slightly embarrassing memory, but I don't regret the experience one bit. Two years later, I re-visited Paris on a solo trip and although I was no longer a broke college student, I still took advantage of the free and fabulous views one can find in Paris.

Montmartre

I used to wonder why Parisians were so thin despite eating carbohydrates all day. Then I discovered Montmartre and things started making sense. Although this artsy neighborhood of Paris is relatively close to a metro stop, it definitely requires an uphill hike to make it to le Sacre Coeur – therefore helping me understand how locals stay so fit. Below the hills, just outside of the church is one of the most magnificent views. I recommend going here just as the sun begins to set. You will see the city transform from day to night, as the city lights are illuminated.

Galeries Lafayette

It took me two trips to Paris to figure out that Galeries Lafayette was not only a shopaholic's paradise but also one of the best views in Paris. The shopping center is massive, so do your best to avoid picking up a shirt here or a skirt there. Go all the way up to the top floor and find the door that leads outside. I was pleasantly surprised not only that this outdoor space existed, but also at the spectacular view in general.

Centre Georges Pompidou

Similar to Galeries Lafayette, the Centre Georges Pompidou rooftop offers a memorable view of Paris for the reasonable price of zero euros. If you have already bought a ticket to the National Museum of Modern Art, take advantage of the elevator, which takes you to the rooftop where you have a clear view of Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacre Coeur. If you are in the mood to feel rich minus a huge bank account, head to the trendy Georges Restaurant and order a glass of wine.

Parc du Champs de Mars

Although this is not a view from a 50-story building, the panoramic view from Parc du Champs de Mars is not only free, but one of the best ways to see the Eiffel Tower up close and personal. If you want to see the Eiffel Tower glitter, make sure you arrive closer to the evening hours. During the day, the view is equally stunning and the architectural details are front and center. If I were planning another trip to Paris right now, I would call up a group of friends and plan an afternoon picnic in the park and make sure we had enough wine and cheese to last us a few hours.

Arc de Triomphe

Anyone visiting Paris will undoubtedly make it to the Arc de Triomphe at some point on his or her trip. I suggest heading there in the evening because the romantic city lights will be turned on. Bonus points if you are visiting around Christmas time. My second trip to Paris was in late December and there were holiday decorations and outdoor markets all along the Champs-Élysées. Standing underneath the Arc itself gives you a panoramic view of the city as you watch beeping cars speed their way around the roundabout.

Other views for a small price: For just a few euros, you can take an elevator to the top of the Eiffel Tower. To actually see the Eiffel Tower at night, you won't get a better view than the one on the top floor of Montparnasse tower. I paid for both of these views and did not regret it. In fact, these views were so memorable that I don't even remember what I paid in the first place.

Megan is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Bohemian Trails, an online travel magazine focusing on global art, culture and off-the-beaten path destinations. Born in Washington D.C. and now based in New York City, Megan is a freelance writer and social media specialist in the travel industry. Her passion for travel has taken her to Europe, South America, Mexico and Egypt.

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2011-11-28T08:19:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

10 Great Cities to Shop for Holiday Gifts

Posted: 28 Nov 2011 06:23 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

Don’t know where to pick up your holiday gifts this year? No worries, there are great shopping destinations in every continent. If you still need to find an urban shopping paradise, check out the following cities.

1. London

London is home to luxury shops and quirky retailers alike. While Harrods is certainly the most famous high-end department store, hip fashion, unique gifts, rare sweets or one-off handmade jewellery are best found in Covent Garden. At big shopping centers like Westfield, in turn, you can find refuge among more than 275 luxury, premium and high-street retailers showcasing over 700 brands. It’s the largest urban shopping centre in Europe, including a cinema, gym, several bars and restaurants – all under one roof. Consult Visit London for more details on London’s best shopping areas.

2. New York

New York is a fashionista’s paradise. From the high-end boutiques on Madison Avenue to the luxury department stores on Fifth Avenue, to the funky shops in SoHo, there is something here for just about everyone’s taste.

New York magazine provides information on current sales and store openings. An even more curated guide is Daily Candy, which features a handpicked selection of all that’s fun, fashionable, food related, and culturally stimulating in the Big Apple.

3. Paris

After museums and monuments, shopping in Paris attracts millions of visitors each year. While in the Marais, you can find great eclectic fashion, unique jewelry, antiques and fine art, the area around St. German-des-Près is known for chic classic design, books, and home furnishings. Then, there’s the must-visit: the grand department store called “Galeries Lafayette.”

Consult Conciergie.com and ShoppingbyParis for useful information.

4. Milan

Milan’s shopping can essentially be divided into the following neighborhoods: Monte Napoleone [quintessential], Vittorio Emanuele [most central], Brera [trendy], Torino, Ticinese [avant-garde], Buenos Aires [popular], Paolo Sarpi [Milan's Chinatown], and Corso Vercelli [unexpected].

5. Shanghai

Shanghai is often called the “Oriental Paris.” Whether it’s crickets or pearls, you can get them at the markets in this city. Those who prefer high-end shopping, in turn, should head to West Nanjing Road. In addition, there are numerous malls to choose from, such as the Super Brand Mall, the largest shopping centre in the city.

6. Mumbai

Why not come back from India with a number of unique souvenirs, including scarves and other Indian crafts? If this sounds like the trip for you, then the markets of Mumbai are ideal. Lonely Planet tells us that you can purchase just about anything in the bazaars located north of the Fort. The main areas are Crawford Market (fruits and vegetables), Mangaldas Market (silk and cloths), Zaveri Bazaar (jewellery), Bhuleshwar Market (fruits and vegetables) and Chor Bazaar (antiques and furniture). Dhabu St, in turn, is the place to get leather goods, while Mutton Street is great for antiques, reproductions and junk.

7. Istanbul

There are so many items to buy in Istanbul, it’s really more of a question of narrowing down your choices. At the big malls, such as Istinye Park, you can purchase many of the brands that are available all over the world (this particular mall even has a Porsche dealership). However, for more characteristically local souvenirs, a great place to go is the Grand Bazaar. Here, you can purchase anything from leather goods to belly dancing costumes. For Turkish delights, head to the Spice Market.

8. Marrakech

Like in Istanbul, many international brands have flagships stores in Marrakech. However, the real excitement is to be had at the souks. Here, you can have fun bargaining as you browse through Moroccan slippers and Oriental lamps. Saffron and other spices are also great local finds that are worth seeking out and bringing home. There are time-old shops that specialize in these specialties, and you can even hire a guide to take you through the souks.

9. Munich

Munich is the best place in Germany to buy beer, but many other products can be purchased here, too. Main shopping streets include the Kaufingerstrasse and the Neuhauserstrasse, where international as well as local brands can be found. For higher end shopping, head to the Theatinerstrasse, the Fünf Höfe and the Maximilianstrasse for even more luxury.

10. Tokyo

Tokyo offers shopping for all budgets. While the 100-Yen shops offer chopsticks, tableware, fans, kites, origami paper, calligraphy sets, “Hello Kitty” and more, the high end stores specialize in luxurious japanese designs.

Happy shopping!

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five continents. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-11-23T08:11:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

The Perfect Post-Holiday Walk

Posted: 23 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

After several hours of prepping and over an hour of eating Thanksgiving dinner (and other holiday meals), my family likes to go on a nice, long walk. Whether we’re in the city or countryside that particular year, we always find someplace to explore on foot, while burning off calories, catching up on stories, and breathing in the crisp air. Not only is it a tradition for us and many families, it’s also a green—and completely free—activity.

If you’re staying in a vacation rental for the holidays, look for one with easy access to great walks. There are plenty of notable FlipKey-listed properties that are adjacent to walking trails and paths that offer an active way to de-stress while exploring the natural and cultural offerings of the area.

You can get to know the rivers and lakes of the U.S. with stays at many of these vacation rentals:

This three-bedroom house in Tennessee is near a walking trail along the Little Pigeon River, which has several forks and tributaries and flows through Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Afterwards, relax in the hot tub or by the fireplace.
A one-bedroom cabin in Nebraska features a wooded path to the Platte River, a significant waterway that eventually flows into the great Mississippi and out into the Gulf of Mexico. While staying here, you can also try some catch-and-release fishing on the pond and keep your eye out for wild turkeys roaming the property.
If a lakeside retreat is what you had in mind, check out this four-bedroom rental home in Maryland with a walking path next to Deep Creek Lake, a reservoir bordered by a state park where black bears can be sighted. More family fun can be had at the pool table or foosball table, both available for guest use in the house.
Or look into this three-bedroom cottage in North Carolina that offers direct access to a path along Lake Tomahawk, a popular fishing spot with views of the surrounding mountains. If the weather allows for more outdoor activities, the house is also within walking distance of tennis courts and a public playground.

If you’re looking for a more exotic destination this holiday season, check out some of these listings:

This two-bedroom apartment in Iceland has a path in front that takes you to lava fields, ocean views, and bird watching. After wandering the bizarre, variable landscape, you can sit inside and enjoy direct views of the sea, the mountains, and the city of Reykjavik.
Or try out a five-bedroom Italian villa next to a trail that brings you to the oldest village in the area. Quaint cobbled streets and beaches on the Mediterranean Sea await. And the house offers a garden and terrace to enjoy the mild climate and ocean views.
When a tropical vacation is in order, consider this two-bedroom Kauai rental that offers a walking route to famous Poipu Beach in one direction, and to restaurants, resorts, and spas in the other direction.
This two-bedroom place in St. John in the Caribbean gives you access to Kiddel Bay via a walking path. It also includes a sun deck with a pool and hot tub, as well as a covered porch for dining and grilling, where you can host your tropical-themed holiday meal.

Whether your post-holiday-dinner plans involve exploring rustic villages or enjoying lakeside views, I hope you find serenity in getting back to the basics, like cooking, walking, and enjoying the company of family.

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2011-11-22T08:04:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

10 Things to do in Madrid

Posted: 22 Nov 2011 05:37 AM PST

by Isabel Eva Bohrer

If you’re looking to live life to the fullest, the capital of Spain is the place to go. Madrid is a sophisticated city, which attracts thousands of tourists year-round, offering entertainment and leisurely pursuits for people with many different interests and tastes.

With family ties to Madrid, I would visit the ciudad year after year, every time falling more in love with its vibrant culture, friendly people and delicious food. For over a year, I now consider myself an official madrileña, living in the Spanish capital for good. I regularly write about what livin' la vida local is like, including a recent feature in National Geographic by the very name of “I Heart My City: Isabel Eva’s Madrid.”

Here are ten ideas to get you started in my favorite city:

1. Stroll around in the Retiro Park. When National Geographic asked me which is the first place I would take a visitor in Madrid, I replied the “Retiro Park.” Whether you are looking to go for a stroll, a jog or a romantic row, there are plenty of outdoor activities you can pursue in this park. There are also frequent art exhibitions (both indoor and outdoor) as well as countless activities for children and families.

2. Go see a flamenco show. Listening to traditional Spanish music and watching gitanos (gypsies) dance to it is a tourist staple. In Madrid, there are numerous flamenco venues to choose from, some more touristy than others. Head to the Tablao Las Carboneras for a small-scale venue that offers dinner, drinks and flamenco shows.

3. Eat chocolate con churros. The classic in terms of Spanish breakfast. Churros are pieces of fried dough, and chocolate is, well, chocolate. At the Chocolatería San Ginés, you can get this treat at any time of the day.

4. Take a tour of the Bernabeu soccer stadium. Soccer fans will find delight in this stadium. During the tour, you can learn about the history of the building as well as the Real Madrid team. All their trophies are on view here. You can also fill up on energy at the Puerta 57 bar and restaurant. Last but not least, if you are in town when a game is going on, you can witness the Spanish fans (and players) first-hand.

5. Admire Spanish masterpieces at the Prado museum. If you are interested in art, the Prado is a must-do. Here, you can revel in front of Velazquez, Goya and many others.

6. Take a day trip to Toledo. Just a 34-minute train ride away, the small city of Toledo is well worth a visit. Rich in history, it still retains its traces of three religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

7. Fill up on energy with a cocido madrileño. Especially if you are visiting in the winter, this typical stew will keep you warm. It includes chickpeas, onions, potatoes and meat.

8. Go for tapas in La Latina. Tapas can be had all over town, but the La Latina neighborhood is a great place to hop from bar to bar. Especially if you are coming on a weekend, be prepared to stand and wait; the popular places tend to fill up fast.

9. Party until the sun comes up. Madrid, and Spain in general, is famous for its nightlife. In the capital, you can choose from bars and clubs with all kinds of music, from traditional guitar songs to jazz festivals to contemporary music discos.

10. Witness a bullfight. Barcelona has abolished bullfights, but in Madrid, you can still attend one. The ideal month to go is during the San Isidro fair in May. Should you just want to take a tour of the Las Ventas arena that is possible, too.

Isabel Eva Bohrer is a freelance writer and photographer who has dispatched pieces from over twenty countries across five different continents. In homage to the Spanish capital, she publishes MADbudget, the Ultimate Guide to Madrid. Learn more about her work at www.isabelevabohrer.com.

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2011-11-21T08:56:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Prepare for Ski Season with the four S’s

Posted: 21 Nov 2011 05:52 AM PST

There’s more to a great ski vacation than just a lift ticket and a cozy apres-ski fireplace. To really prepare for a week on the slopes, skiers should plan on covering the four S’s: swaps, squats, socks, and snow-dancing. November is the time to start planning for ski season, to be fully prepared to make that first run!

Swaps

It’s okay to rent ski gear if needed, but even better to find a great deal on your own skis and boots that you know will fit right. All across the country, November is the month for ski swaps, when warehouses and convention centers fill with last year’s models and gently used gear, at prices that put skiing within reach of any budget. Most swaps are held by ski clubs or teams, so the aisles are filled with folks eager to talk shop, and point you in the right direction for gear that is right for you.

Squats

All that hiking and biking you did over the summer may have left you in terrific cardio shape, but what about those quads? Remember last year, when the first day of your ski vacation left your lower half screaming for mercy? That’s right – start doing squats now, and build your tucking endurance. If you’re very serious, start a whole plyometric regimen to develop explosive jumping power. Your thighs will thank you.

Socks

As the first S implies, I’m all about the bargain when it comes to ski gear, except when it comes to socks. Never skimp on ski socks; warm, comfortable feet are fundamental to a fun day on the slopes. Buying a new pair of cushy, cute ski socks has become a pre-season tradition for me (and they make thoughtful pre-vacation gifts for your traveling companions as well.) Three things to look for in a good ski sock: a merino wool blend for maximum warmth, wicking, and non-itchiness, a thinner section at the ankle to reduce bulk in the boot, and of course a little snazzy style–stripes are a favorite!

Snow-dancing

What, you thought that snow just starts falling, without being invited? By mid-November, as the temperatures plummet and the wind blows in low heavy clouds from the west, snow fanatics can’t help themselves from doing a little snow dance to bring on the first flakes. So join in: wave your arms, shake what Mother Nature gave you, and bring on the snow!

Suzanne lives, writes, and plays in the mountains of Central Oregon with her family of adventure-prone boys.

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2011-11-18T08:18:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Turn Your Travels into Homemade Gifts

Posted: 18 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

T-shirts, keychains and shot glasses are easy souvenirs, but they don’t carry a whole lot of significance for the giver or receiver. Besides, what’s the point of buying something made in Thailand when your vacation was actually to Costa Rica?

If you didn’t have time (or funds) to comb through artisan markets and pick out locally made crafts for all of your friends and family during your trip, it’s not too late to turn your travels into meaningful gifts… Roll up your sleeves and start making them yourself.

First, identify what materials you have to work with. Besides the photos you took, did you save any maps, brochures, currency, transit passes, newspapers, magazines, bottles, coasters, shopping bags? (If not, then keep it mind on your next trip!)

The list of objects you can craft from these salvaged bits of your travels is endless. Here are some ideas to get your imagination rolling:

Print your best photos and stick them onto business-card-sized magnets.
Cut maps into squares and make origami ornaments.
Construct a mobile or piece of wall art out of subway passes.
Cover a box with clips from travel brochures and fill it with homemade treats from a recipe you learned on your trip.
Use a page from a foreign-language newspaper or magazine to make a picture frame.
Craft maps into paper flowers and use exotic glass bottles as vases…

What other DIY souvenir ideas do you have? If you’re looking for more inspiration, search on Etsy for “map” or “bottle cap” or whatever you have on hand, and you’re bound to find some interesting inspiration.

To tie it all together, you can use materials saved from your trip for presenting the gifts as well. Use a map or a newspaper as wrapping paper, or turn a coaster into a gift tag. Fashion a foreign-language newspaper into a bow or ribbon, or create a card with photos or remaining scraps from your project.

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2011-11-17T08:05:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

California Thanksgiving

Posted: 17 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate the things we value most in life. For my Californian extended family, turkey and football aren't exactly at the top of that list. Instead, we cherish healthy food, good wine, time spent outdoors, and time spent laughing together. Each year we head to my aunt and uncle's beautiful old ranch on the Santa Barbara coast to catch up, cook, eat, and play.

Rule #1 of California Thanksgiving- Eat outside

No matter how cold it is, Thanksgiving dinner is enjoyed outdoors. We pull a bunch of wooden picnic tables together under the Eucalyptus trees and cover them with tablecloths, flowers, dried leaves, and candles. We wrap up in warm jackets and put on our thick socks, and keep a fire going in the fire pit. There's nothing like enjoying the festivities with the sound of the waves crashing in the distance and the breeze rustling the leaves.

Rule #2 of California Thanksgiving- Don't forget about the vegetarians

In our family, there are quite a few vegetarians, so the spread has to include plenty of options for the non meat-eaters. We make tons and tons of food, and sometimes two of the same dish, one with meat and one without. Some of the family favorites are a green bean casserole with water chestnuts and crispy fried onions, and grandma's weird dessert of green jello full of nuts and cottage cheese.

Rule #3 of California Thanksgiving- Keep the wine flowing

Some of the best wine in the world comes from California, so we give thanks for living in such a beautiful climate that produces all kinds of grapes for all the different varietals. Usually earlier on the year, our family goes wine tasting at different vineyards in Napa and Sonoma. We buy all our favorites, and save them to enjoy when we all see each other again in the fall. We appreciate the bottles so much more after waiting to drink them together!

Rule #4 of California Thanksgiving- Walk it off!

Instead of sinking into the couch and turning on a football game, we pile into the back of a big pickup truck and drive down the mountain to the beach for a long walk along the Pacific Ocean. We chase each other with seaweed and try to spot more dolphins than the other cousins. We bring a few surfboards and wetsuits just in case anyone is moved to play in the waves, and we take lots of pictures as the sun goes down and leaves amazing colors in the sky. It's easy to give thanks when we are surrounded by beauty and full of delicious food!

Rule #5 of California Thanksgiving- Make a weekend out of it

The party isn't over yet. We stay up late around the fire pit telling old family stories and laughing. Eventually everyone will slowly make their way to bed, whether it's a tent set up in the backyard or a parked RV under a tree. Tomorrow we'll wake up and do it all over again, enjoying the leftovers and the company. It's rare to get the whole family in the same place at the same time, and we take advantage of every minute of it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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2011-11-16T08:49:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Thanksgiving Turkey Tips

Posted: 16 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

In my family, we are always trying to get creative in the kitchen when it comes to Thanksgiving dinner. Often we'll incorporate less traditional side-dishes into our meal to keep things interesting, but regardless of the accompaniments, there's always a turkey on the table.

Coincidentally, though we've always cooked a turkey, every year it seems we forget exactly how to best cook a turkey – the tips to keep it moist and juicy, how to prepare it for roasting, how to give it the best flavor, and how long it needs to cook for. There are so many pieces to consider when cooking the perfect turkey, it's almost impossible to remember them all! This year in an attempt to have the best turkey ever, I've compiled a list of essential tips and tricks, plus a few fun ideas for proving your turkey finesse, and wowing the entire family.

Getting Started

Let's start with the basics. Every turkey is different, and every family's tastes differ, so you need to know first how to handle and prepare the turkey that's going to grace your table. If you're using a frozen turkey, be sure to defrost it completely before starting work with it.

To begin, there are a few options. You can brine your turkey ahead of time, helping it to keep its moisture as it cooks – it's a simple trick that makes worlds of difference, but can be time consuming. If you're going to brine, just be sure to plan it out ahead of time – some recipes (like the one above) have you brine overnight!

You can also fill the bird with stuffing, and I usually find that a combination of coarsely chopped veggies (carrots, onions, and celery) works best. You can even tuck chopped fresh herbs and garlic (and maybe a few slabs of butter?!) under the skin of the bird if you're feeling fancy, which lends great flavor with minimal effort. Just keep in mind – your turkey will cook more evenly if it's not too densely stuffed, so if you're stuffing, do so sparingly!

Another fun idea to try when preparing your turkey is to make an edible rack to rest it on. This means you won't have to worry about the hassle of using (and cleaning) a traditional roasting rack, plus your leftover pan drippings will be enhanced with wonderful veggie flavors, and will be the perfect base for homemade gravy! To make an edible rack, simply stack whole carrots and celery stalks crisscrossed on the bottom of a roasting pan, and lay your turkey on top of that.

Cooking Time

So now you've either stuffed your bird, or prepared it for cooking. As a general rule, you should plan on 20 minutes per pound in a 350 degree F oven for a defrosted turkey, and 10 to 15 minutes per pound for a fresh one. Before popping the bird into the oven, coat it with vegetable or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then, cover with aluminum foil to prevent too much browning. For even roasting, make sure to truss your turkey too.

For best results, roast your turkey according to the times above, but about 45 minutes before it's finished remove the tinfoil so it can get nice and golden all over. Cook until it reaches 180 degrees F (to get the best temperature reading, insert a thermometer between the leg and the breast). Once it's finished, let it sit and cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting. And voila! You have a perfect turkey.

Now that you've got the basics down, and are headed for a really stellar turkey, here are a few more fun tips and tricks to consider.

Brown Beauty

Brush the skin of your turkey with white vermouth about 15 minutes before it's done cooking. The sugar in the wine will brown the outside of your bird beautifully, and make the skin taste divine.

Super Stock

Save the carcass, and make homemade stock! When you've eaten all of the meat, just place the carcass, along with any veggies and herbs you've got laying around, in the bottom of a large pot and fill it with water. Boil away until you've created a flavorful and fragrant stock and then use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Pan Gravy

Don't let those pan drippings go to waste! Collect all of the drippings from the bottom of your pan once the turkey is done cooking, and incorporate them into some fantastic gravy to accompany your turkey and various side dishes.

And if you're feeling outrageously crazy… go for a Turducken. I've never tried one of these myself, but I'll be pretty darn impressed if you do!

Taryn Collins is an Owner Services Specialist at FlipKey. She enjoys traveling, being outdoors, being active and trying new things, and she loves baking. When not writing for the FlipKey blog, Taryn spends the majority of her time photographing and writing for own my personal baking blog.

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2011-11-15T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

FlipKey’s Flippin’ Awesome Vacation Giveaway!

Posted: 15 Nov 2011 07:59 AM PST

FlipKey is proud to announce our first ever sweepstakes, the Flippin’ Awesome Vacation Giveaway! From now until January 10, 2012, you can enter to win a seven-night stay in one of three amazing luxury vacation rentals. The grand prize winner will be able to enjoy their selected property with up to 10 guests! Enter now by checking out our Facebook page!

The Grand Prize

One week (7 night) vacation in your choice of one of three luxury vacation rentals
$3000 for airfare and expenses
Invite up to 10 friends to your vacation!

The Homes

Villa Les Rizieres, Bali

Within driving distance of the “Best Golf Course in Asia,” this Balinese villa puts luxury and convenience at your fingertips. The house is surrounded by a tropical walking garden, and the grounds come complete with a tennis court and both indoor and outdoor pools.

Punto de Vista, Costa Rica

Seeing is believing when it comes to the incredible panoramic views at Punto de Vista. This rainforest mansion overlooks a gorgeous golden-sand beach, and the local flora and fauna come right up to your door. Ten bedrooms provide enough space for you and your friends.

Villa Ferraia

This incredible estate in the beautiful Tuscan countryside can accommodate all your guests in comfortable suites that overlook impeccably landscaped grounds. Enjoy a private pool and roman baths, as well as a restaurant-grade kitchen where you can practice your favorite Italian dishes.

Enter Today!

The Sweepstakes is open from now until January 10, 2012. Sign up today for your chance to win.

Invite Your Friends

Share the contest with your friends on Facebook and we’ll give you an extra chance to win for each friend that enters!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER
Contest open to U.S. residents only. Read Official Rules.

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2011-11-14T08:26:00.001-08:00

The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

The Yin and Yang in Wine Country

Posted: 14 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Barrie Cleveland
California Winery Advisor

What a year in the California Vineyards! In 2011 it was a "perfect storm" of strong winds, hail, devastating frosts, thunder-storms, cool summer temperatures, heat spikes and then September rain and then more rain in October!

Gary Gibson, owner of Shadow Canyon Cellars in Paso Robles feels fortunate, "We received less rain than Napa Valley, and so the weather did not have the same impact here as up north. We are just very lucky we are having a warm, rain free period that is going to allow the fruit to ripen."

Not all growers had the same luck.

The Yin – Here are comments culled from a few growers in the state.

This year has been the most challenging year since our beginning back in 1994
It has been alternating dry, cold, rainy, hot and then humid conditions confusing vines and us vintners alike
After the late rains the berries bloated up, cracked and almost exploded in my hand
I think everyone was challenged this year with the early season freeze and cool summer
Mother Nature threw us some curveballs this year

The wine country is, of course, a great place to visit while wineries are busy transforming grapes into wine. During the Fall there are fewer people about and the mood is more relaxed than the Summer months. Tasting rooms and restaurants are less crowded and glad to see you.

What's that in the vineyard? To dry out the grapes this year, vineyard owners went so far as to enlist the aid of helicopters to fly low and blow-dry their crop.

The Yang – Winemakers see bright quality and opportunity.

Due to the weather the 2011 vintage will likely produce wines with lower alcohol and less overreaching fruitiness. As winemakers have said, "Mother Nature has thrown us some curveballs this year, but is providing a last moment reprieve and we are seeing excellent fruit."

With the extended growing season the fruit stays on the vine longer. Extended "hang time" adds greater complexity to the grapes and can result in some remarkable wines. This is an opportunity for winemakers to create elegant restrained wines with a balance of flavor, fruit, acid, alcohol, oak and varietal nuance.

Growers are glad their year is over, winemakers are busy and hopeful for some great wines and us consumers are eager to taste the results! It is a balance of nature after all.

*The ancient Chinese subscribe to a concept called Yin Yang which is a belief that there exist two complementary forces in the universe. One is Yang which represents everything positive or masculine and the other is Yin which is characterized as negative or feminine. One is not better than the other. Instead they are both necessary and a balance of both is highly desirable.

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2011-11-11T08:11:00.001-08:00

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6 Safety Tips for Traveling Abroad with Kids

Posted: 11 Nov 2011 01:00 AM PST

by Jason Brick

Travel to foreign countries is always an adventure, travelling there with children doubly so. It creates a situation where a parent has to balance a fun and enriching experience against the risk of a child becoming hurt or lost in a place where you don't know the language, layout or laws. Although every country presents its own unique challenges, a few safety rules apply wherever you choose to take you little travelers.

1. Be Realistic

Don't plan on a 10-mile hike along the Great Wall if you have two toddlers. Don't go to Mexico City with your teenage daughter. Your trip will be better if you plan it with the abilities of your kids in mind. The U.S. State Department keeps updated files on how safe other countries are – and can help you plan the right trip for your family.

2. Have and Practice a Plan

Create an emergency plan for the most common family travel troubles: a lost family member, getting separated and an injured child. Give each person a specific job – even toddlers can learn to grab onto mommy or look for somebody official. Practice each scenario at home until everybody knows their part.

3. Keep a Photo Handy

Imagine for a moment describing what your child looks like, while panicked, using a foreign language. If you have an image on-hand you can bypass that problem with a solution worth 1,000 words. Better yet, snap a photo with your cell phone every morning as the family leaves for the day's adventure. That picture will include your child's current hairstyle and the day's outfit.

4. Use the Security Blanket

The security blanket assigns parents two roles. One parent is "security" – responsible for all tasks outside of the family. Security buys tickets, talks with tour guides and keeps an eye out for hazards. The other parent is the "blanket" and responsible for everything involving the family. Blanket tracks the location of all the kids, watches for heat stroke and upset stomachs and mediates disputes and disagreements. This means somebody's always watching the children even when things get complicated. Single parents traveling with kids can assign the oldest child to cover many of the responsibilities of the blanket's role.

5. Use a "Hands-On" Approach

Preschoolers and kinders are too heavy to carry everywhere, but prone to wandering off. You can solve this by setting the rule that young children must have one hand on a parent at all times, unless they get special permission. This is especially important in crowds, or while boarding public transportation that could separate the family. As situations become more crowded or risky, you can up the age for this requirement – right up to even the parents holding each other so the family moves as a group. Each person should have a specific parent to touch – otherwise, mom and dad might each assume the other has contact.

6. Assign a Meeting Place

Whenever you arrive at a new location, set a group meeting place to go to if somebody gets lost or separated. That place should be easily visible even to the shortest members of your family, and accessible without having to pay admissions or wait in long lines. For the youngest children, draw a map – or use a guide map available for the location – and mark your meeting point. This will help adults steer your child there even if she's too young to navigate on her own.

Jason’s martial arts habit has led him to teach safety and self-defense on three continents. When not travelling with his family, he lives in Oregon. You can read more at www.brickcommajason.com.