New Jersey is known to have one of the most culturally diverse population in the whole US. People of different nationalities setting up shop creating a unique mix of food, culture, history and hospitality like a basket of fruits that all taste good. From the wonderfully relaxing beaches to the many leisure activities that can be enjoyed day and night comes the time when you need a bit of rest form all the exciting offerings the state has to offer.
from the Sea Isles to the other wonderful beaches many hotels and local inns abound to give tired souls a place to relax and recharge for another days adventure. Some of the best Jersey Shore hotels can be found near the wonderful beaches making it ideal for beach lovers and their families to have a relaxing night in peace. Wake up to the beautiful sunrise on the beach when the seas are calm and the atmosphere is surreal, kinda’ feels you’re in a different place far from the shores of New Jersey.
Luxurious Valentines Getaways
Got some cash to spare? Are you yearning to pamper yourself and your partner for Valentines? If so, take a look at some of these luxurious destinations that will surely make both of you happy on Valentines Day, courtesy of About.com.
JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa
Phoenix, Arizona
This resort and spa is one of the cheapest on my list – rates start at $600++ per night. Their Valentine offer is dubbed Escape to Romance and the package includes the following:
• Overnight stay for two
• Rosetta Ridge champagne, chocolate strawberries, or truffles and rose petals delivered upon arrival
• Couples massage
• Dinner for two at AAA Four-Diamond Ristorante Tuscany or the steakhouse
• Breakfast in bed
• 2 p.m. late check out
Inn of the Five Graces
New Mexico
Here’s a cheaper package for $500++. For this price, you can Paint the Town Red and get the following:
• One night’s accommodations
• Passionate fruit cocktail
• Chocolate-covered cherries and blush Champagne
• Red rose bath salts sprinkled in a staff-drawn bath
• Frette bathrobes
• Red Turkish slippers
• Red incense coils to burn
• Two red-thread eternity bracelets
Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas
Las Vegas
If glitz, glamour, and gambling is what you are after, then head on to Las Vegas – it can’t get any better than that! For $897 you will find yourself Hopelessly Devoted while you enjoy the following:
• Two nights’ luxury accommodations
• Champagne and strawberries upon arrival
• Three-course Valentine’s Dinner for two
• Breakfast for two daily
• “Six Simple Kindnesses:” Message in a bottle, aromatherapy bath, massage mentoring session, love note under pillow, memory book, rose-petal turndown
• Valet parking
• Resort fee included
Now if only you could split yourself into three and go to all of those places!
Photo courtesy of http://www.flyawaycafe.com/
Great Valentines Deals At Orbitz
Do you celebrate Valentines Day? Even if you have been married for years and have children, travel on this special day should not be dismissed. In fact, you might actually want to take this opportunity to go on a break and go on a getaway – just the two of you. If you are looking for such a chance, you might want to pay Orbitz a visit, as they have a lot of sweet deals for couples this Valentines. To give you an idea, here are some of the deals they currently have on offer:
Top Destinations for the 2009 President’s Day / Valentine’s Day Weekend(1)
Ranking Destination Average Daily
Hotel Rate
1 Las Vegas , NV $111
2 Cancun, Mexico $262
3 Orlando, FL $116
4 New York, NY $203
5 Honolulu, HI $137
6 San Diego, CA $134
7 San Francisco, CA $108
8 Chicago, IL $125
9 New Orleans, LA $124
10 Puerto Vallarta,
Mexico $201
(1) Based on package and hotel bookings from 1/13/09 – 1/17/09 and average daily hotel rates from 1/13/09 – 1/17/09.
These are only some of the destinations that you might want to consider for your romantic weekend getaway. As they are the “top” destinations, the prices they fetch are actually still a bit high. I am sure that if you look into other destinations that are not so popular – but no less romantic – you will be able to find even sweeter offers. What are you waiting for? Take this chance to spend time with your loved one.
Photo courtesy of http://www.seatwave.com/
Discovering Turtle Island
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have your own private island? Or wanted to feel like a celebrity? Well, staying in Turtle Island in Fiji will give you a good idea of what “privileged” feels like. This super-romantic island hideaway is guaranteed to give you a taste of paradise. Turtle Island is even famous for being Hollywood’s idea of paradise, having been the site of the Blue Lagoon films.
Turtle Island gives unparalleled exclusivity, admitting only fourteen couples at one time. It’s designed primarily for couples, with activities such as romantic picnics for two, intimate moonlit dinners at seaside, horseback riding at dawn, relaxing and sensual massages. Indeed, the island is a prime choice for honeymooning celebrities, such as The Bachelor’s Trista and Ryan, Nick and Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears. Accomodations are luxurious: a two room “bure” that provides separate sleeping, dressing and bathing areas, with amenities like a Jacuzzi, double showers and king-sized beds. And with 500 acres and 14 beaches for the 14 couples, you really won’t have to worry about sharing your space (or your man!) with others.
And how’s this for exclusivity: you can even rent out the entire island. Lest you’re worried about getting bored (as if!), Turtle Island offers a lot of activities. There’s the usual water activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and even a sunset cruise. And for the landlubbers, you can go on island and garden tours, hike, go horseback riding, or have a lobster and champagne picnic. Ahh, the good life!
Travelling Pregnant: Preparations
When I found out that I was pregnant (for the 3rd time!) a couple of months ago, some of the issues that came to mind was having to cancel a trip to Singapore for our anniversary in July (too early in the 1st trimester), and the long-postponed Christmas trip to Europe (at 8 months, forget it). A bore, but the good news now is that I’ve just entered the “honeymoon period” of pregnancy, also known as the 2nd trimester, which means, yes, we have a 2-3 month space to plan a fabulous holiday before life gets even crazier with a third child.
When one is pregnant, the most vital aspect to keep in mind is the safety and health of both Mum and baby. Obviously that vetoes ultra-exotic destinations where jungles and industrial strength mosquito repellent are involved, multiple-modes of transport (including camels, bumpy dirt tracks, elephants end the like) and of course, extreme sports (duh). So with my nightmarish first-trimester all-day nausea behind me, I am eagerly surfing the web, looking for the ideal spot.
According to the BBC, from 12-24 weeks is the ideal time to travel, and this is what one should be preparing:
Preparing to travel
* Check with your doctor, midwife or consultant that in your particular case, it’s all right to travel.
* Take a copy of your pregnancy records with you.
* Keep a record of your blood type.
* Check with the airline that they’ll allow you to travel. Some companies won’t take women after 32 weeks of pregnancy.
* Ensure you have all the medicines or remedies you’ll need for typical pregnancy symptoms, such as heartburn, constipation, and so on.
* Make sure your health insurance is valid while abroad, and during pregnancy, and covers a baby (if you did give birth at 24 weeks, your baby would need some very special and potentially very expensive care).
* Find out about medical facilities at your holiday destination, so at least you know where to go if there are problems.