There is no better way for you to celebrate the New Year than a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico!

When the weather is still frigid and unbearable, an escape to the warm and sunny atmosphere of El Dorado Spa Resorts & Azul Hotels is just what you need!  Take advantage of some amazing rates. Whether you are looking for a fun family getaway or a chic couples retreat, these resorts are sure to satisfy any need. With a truly unique Gourmet Inclusive concept, which encompasses a la carte dining, 24-hour room service,

beach and pool butlers, and personalized concierge services; this is a perfect excape.  I have some incredible rates, so call me!

Book by Jan. 3, 2011 and travel up to April 23, 2011. 

Top Five Things To Do In Sydney Australia

Sydney is a great city, with probably the most beautiful natural harbour on earth.  Yes, I'm having an opinion.  People tend to try to cram a lot in a very short period of time, which is too bad.  I think that the cities of Australia are worth as long a visit as someone going to Paris, or London, or Rome -- really, people do spend a week or more in those places.  Why not Sydney?

So here's my list:

1.  Bridge Climb will give you spectacular views of the city, the Opera House, the Harbour - all while climbing to the top of one of the icons of Sydney.  The Sydney Harbour Bridge is as well-known a sight at San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge.  You're strapped in, you get a bridge-suit, you're guided, and you're maybe thinking you're out of your mind, but this is a real thrill.

2.  You know you've always wanted to try this.    Let's Go Surfing - Bondi Beach - is a surfing school that can get even a grandma like me to stand up on a board.  It's a 2 hour lesson in a small group in easy waves.  Plus, this is the beach that has all the Surf Life Savers, ladies.  These are good looking blokes!

3.  Australia has some amazing food.  Fresh produce, and a great and famous Fish Market that also offers cooking school.  Somehow, I feel that a cooking class in a local market makes you feel more like a part of the place.  It's like a total immersion!

4. The Sydney Opera House is magnificent.  One of the most expressive buildings I've seen, I think I've taken over 500 photos of it.  And made one watercolor.  And seen a performance or several.  And done group tours, and private tours, and backstage tours - you need to do it.  Learn the history, fall in love with the building, experience it for yourself.  But don't wait til the last minute, you do need to pre-book your tours.

5.  Yes, you want to do a cruise on Sydney Harbour.  But you want to Cruise Like A Local.  Really, the choice is being on a vessel with maybe 200 of your closest strangers, or on a small, private yacht owned by a local, and really feeling the place.  Done it both ways.  I prefer Sea Sydney Cruises, and cruising like a local.

Holiday Travel Memories

One of my favorite travel memories was a trip to London over Christmas and New Years with Victory Gardens Theater, located in Chicago.  It was an amazing trip.  We saw Shakespeare, and Tennessee Williams, and Chekov - among a lot of other plays.  Redgrave was in the Tennessee Williams and I was with a group of people who didn't want to applaud because of her politics - yet her performance was so riviting, that the entire group was on their collective feet at the end of the play.  It was an amazing event - this was in 1988, and I remember only the emotion of the play.

London was like a fairy tale for Christmas. I loved the experience.  And I would love to hear your holiday travel memories.

Yelam Seyalkoodum! It means ‘everything is possible'

I learned about this from Pam of Nerd's Eye View.  Pam Mandel is a wonderful blogger, and she's one of the co-founders of  Passports with Purpose.   From their mission statement:  "Passports with Purpose is an annual Travel Bloggers’ fundraiser. In 2009, 90 bloggers participated and raised almost $30,000 to build a school in rural Cambodia (complete with a school nurse and a kitchen garden that provides each child a daily meal). In 2010, we have set our sights even higher. With your help, we will raise $50,000 to build a village, brick by brick, in rural India through our partnership with Friends of LAFTI."

This year, they've reached their goal of $50,000, but you can still participate.  I am signing up to participate for 2011, and will donate a gift certificate of some sort.  But it all goes to my belief that travel can help heal the world. 

Packable Holiday Gifts

Traveling with kids for the holidays?  HipTravelMama shared some tips for the best packable Christmas gifts for kids.  What with all the TSA Regulations, it's fun to pack something soft, light weight, and safe.  My personal favorite is the

Sushi Dinner shown on Etsy. 

Blog your way to the North Pole

Quark Expeditions has a great contest!  Blog your way to the North Pole.  I'm entering, please vote for me!

Man Arrested for Dropping Anchor Onboard ms Ryndam

What was he thinking?  Rick Ehlert, a 44 year old California man, has been arrested for dropping anchor while sailing on Holland America's ms Ryndam over the weekend.  His statement?  He knew how to release the anchor because he owns a 50-foot yacht with a similar anchor.  Really?

Although the ship was undamaged, the action did endanger ship and passengers.  So, we'll all sort of wait to see what the trial brings.  Yes, I'm having an opinion and would not be unbiased on his jury.