The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the most popular treks in New Zealand, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. In fact weather changes are so sudden and dangerous that there’s a strict control of who goes in and out and when. It also requires at least an average physical condition and about four days of your time. This said if Tongariro doesn’t suit your fancy there are several other great to enjoy that are shorter.

Getting there is quite easy along the well paved roads. You will probably arrive from Taupo, bordering the eastern bank of the North Island’s (and country’s) largest lake. At 660 km sq this lake is in fact the crater of a huge volcano; simply imagining what the eruption must have been like makes one shiver.

Many travel guides recommend you stop at one of the nearby DOC Visitor Centers. The one in Turangi is set right besides a river and lake, and is a good place where to spend the night  before heading to the park the following day. It’s imperative you plan ahead your trek, and thus asking for weather forecasts, current trek conditions and different trekking options is advisible. Turangi is also famous for fly fishing, and while there we spent some time looking at the few aficionados that were perched on the rocks- none of them ever caught a single rainbow trout, a species that was introduced in the lake and is now abundant. If you feel like becomming an expert in this sport or simply want to give it a try there are many clubs and organizations that will help you.

The best hikes to the park begin along its western side, and this is where you should head to. You’ll be driving along HWY 47 if comming from the north or HWY  4 if you do so from the south . If comming from the north I recommend one of the passengers keeps an eye out the left windows of the car as there are excellent views of the area  and are well worth pulling over for a picture or two.

If you’re not planning on doing the 4 day trek but would like at least to go for a walk I highly recommend the option we chose: the 5 hour (17 km) round trip hike to the Tama Lakes. You will certainly get tired, enjoy spectacular views of Mt Tongariro and contemplate the stunning lakes. To do this make your way up Mangatepopo Road early in the morning and continue all the way to where the visitor center and hotels are located- it is here you can leave your car in any of the free parkings. You can ask for a free map of the area and then simply follow the well marked paths. There is a loop for this option; I recommend you see the Taranaki Falls from beneath first and from above on the way back.

It will probably be windy no matter what time of the year you go in, and chances are you will see snow as well. Walking at a quick pace will let you stay warm, and you will reach your destination sooner; it would be a pity if you walked too slowly and the weather changed enough to make you have to return, not having a chance to see the lakes. Make sure you have plenty of water and a snack with you to replinish your energy.

Despite walking quickly and thinking we were going to accomplish the trek in less time than expected it took us just over 5 hours to see it all, with a 15 minute break at the lakes included. You will see several hikers along the way, so don’t worry if you think you can get lost.

Once back in the car you can drive further up the road to where Whakapapa Ski Area is. You would expect the views from up there to be amazing, but the truth is that they are nicer along the way. We pulled our camper van over and enjoyed our meal on the curb, and also filmed a bit.

Whether you’re a natural born hiker or not Tongariro National Park should certainly be part of you New Zealand route. Make sure you bring your camera, and even if the weather doesn’t let you take any breathing fresh air in the mountains of New Zealand is a wonderful experience by itself. So get your hiking gear and make your way to Tongariro!

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NO, this isn’t just any man in a towel! It’s part of the latest social media news, the latest and most creative campaign to date online. It’s the Old Spice Man campaign. Nothing short of brilliant, Isaiah Mustafa answers questions from Facebook and Twitter fans in less than 1-minute quips. He’s been a busy man since the campaign launched, add on the social media video component, and well, one can only imagine.

All this press has been great for Mustafa, who just landed a network development deal, and appeared recently on Oprah.

More to come on this story as Stefanie interviews the creatives behind the scenes.

In the meantime… enjoy the video response Old Spice Man gives our very own Adventure Girl, which has all ready gone viral with more than 80,000 views.

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Journalist Jess Berlin, on assignment in Fiji for Adventure Girl, brings back stories of these magical south pacific islands.

Jess kicks of the multi-part series with

“Fiji: These Are 5 of My Favorite Things”

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Hotel Meninas, Madrid

Set in the Opera House area, one of the best locales for sightseeing in Madrid, is the boutique four-star Hotel Meninas.  Its central location makes for a great base camp while exploring one of Spain’s most historical city.

The 19th century building is a protected landmark. It’s exterior is quintessential Madrid, yet its interior boasts the most modern amenities and contemporary style. Each guest room is designed in contemporary flair. I was hosted in room 504- the 5th floor being the top floor of the hotel.

Each of the rooms are designed to make you feel at home, complete with flat-screen satellite TV, a DVD player, room safe, and stocked mini-bar. I’m a big “bathroom inspector”, and was happy to find a beautiful contemporary marble bathroom with all the “fixins”.

In this 37 room hotel there are 8 junior suites, and “family” rooms that are spacious enough to house four people, non-smoking rooms, and also rooms for the disabled, which in Europe is hard to come by. There is also a spa and roof top pool with views of the city.

Being a techno-geek, with the need to constantly be connected, and what I loved is the free internet access in the rooms, and Wifi in the lobby area.  Another amenity on the house!

There is a restaurant in the old wine cellar called the Meninas Restaruant. They also serve a continental breakfast for $15.00 Euro.

I stepped outside the hotel’s doors- made a right then a quick left into the east square- Plaza de Oriente. Within a few blocks squared, choose from Italian, Argentinean, Tapas bars, Sushi, outdoor cafes, all with in walking distance of the Meninas.

Hotel Meninas

Campomanes 7

28013 Madrid

Tele: 915412805

Skype: hotelmeninas

reservas@hotelmeninas.com

www.hotelmeninas.com

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I was recently hosted at the beautiful newly opened 392-room Mandarin Resort in Las Vegas, located at the new CityCenter.

It’s the place where to me, dreams are made of. From the entry point to poolside, service delivered is stellar. This is the place where staff hear your name once, and from that first introduction, you’re called by name- a subtle difference between “just a hotel” and a first class resort.

Las Vegas just got better!

Rooms are modern, with city and pool views. Bathrooms offer contemporary soaking tubs for two. I will say, I’m a techy but had a little bit of trouble with the one touch lighting system- however, if “you get it” like my husband did, you won’t be meaning to turn off the lights instead of pressing the switch to open the floor to ceiling window coverings that are a one touch command.

Tiny nuances that make this place luxury, safes in the rooms actually have a plug for charging your electronics, 20 pool cabanas offer large flat panel televisions, surround sound, bathrobes, slippers and snacks, complete with mini-fridge for entertaining friends.

The  27,000 square foot, two-level Spa facility with 17 treatment rooms including seven private couple’s suites includes a fitness center and hair salon. (I had Celine Dion’s hair stylist give me a blow dry. It’s base camp for her when Celine is not performing).

MOzen Bistro offers up an eclectic mix of Asian fare and sushi, and a not to be missed high-tea at the Tea Lounge with views. Don’t miss dining at Twist,  the extraordinary cuisine of three-star Michelin chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Basically- you never have to leave the resort of sheer bliss! You won’t feel like you’re in Las Vegas, complete with no casinos in sight (thankfully).

Wanting a getaway of pure luxury in “Sin City”? The Mandarin Oriental will be exactly what you are looking for!

752 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89109

+1 (702) 590-8888

I’m back in Zurich this week. I LOVE this pristine city in Switzerland. When I got the call to experience Swiss Air’s new Airbus A 340 plane and San Francisco to Zurich route, I jumped at the chance to come back to one of my world favorites and a couple day stay at Baur Au Lac!

Baur Au Lac is nothing short of spectacular. I’ve written about the hotel in the past, even included it for my Valentine’s round-up piece last February, but if I had thought it couldn’t get better, well, it did!

Opened last month is their new Terrasse Lounge and bar, which is so uber-chic, complete with Ferrari and Bentley owners allowed to park strategically in front of its entrance, sets the scene for some of Zurich’s most elite people watching.

I sat down with our intrepid group of journalists at six o’clock, sipped sparkling wine and took it all in oh-so-happily, because… this is when Zurich’s newest hot spot at its best.

When:

Daily from 10:00 am- midnight (summer only)

Where:

Baur Au Lac

Tearrasse Lounge and Bar

Talstrasse1

Ch-8001 Zurich

+41 (0)444 220 5020

http://www.bauraulac.com

Tripadvisor.com is now offering lists for Top Celebrity Resorts worth experiencing. So, will this service attract travelers looking to grab a piece of celebridum? Would you buy into this?

TripAdvisor.com thinks so…

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“While travelers may visit a celebrity-owned hotel hoping for a brush with fame, these top celebrity-owned properties offer more than just star power,” Christine Petersen, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said in a release. “Excellent accommodations, mixed with a famous owner’s personal touches, have earned these A-list hotels high marks with TripAdvisor travelers.”

1. Rustic luxe with Robert Redford: Sundance Resort, Sundance, Utah

What would you expect from the original Horse Whisperer but a sprawling ranch? Situated at the base of Mount Timpanogos on 6,000 acres of rolling hills and babbling brooks, the Sundance Kid’s retreat has TripAdvisor travelers raving about the resort’s rustic beauty, excellent service, and outdoor activities.

Ranked No. 1 in Sundance, Utah. Average nightly rate: $600

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: romantic retreat, honeymoon

2. City chic with Robert De Niro: The Greenwich Hotel, New York, N.Y.

It’s a long way from the gritty streets featured in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. Many guests note the understated elegance and complimentary in-room snack baskets found at Robert De Niro’s Greenwich Hotel in New York City. Located on a quiet street in Tribeca, De Niro’s hideaway features 88 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, plus a Zen-like indoor pool enclosed in a 250-year-old Japanese bamboo farmhouse.

Ranked No. 104 in New York, N.Y. Average nightly rate: $580

Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers for: stylish decor, romantic retreat

3. Rejuvenation retreat with Olivia Newton-John: Gaia Retreat & Spa, Brooklet, Australia

Olivia Newton-John gets physical with this 20-room, boutique retreat, which features a fitness center, pool, tranquil grounds, healthy food and of course a full-service spa.

Ranked No. 1 in Brooklet, Australia — Package deals start at $1,825 for two nights, shared accommodation for two people

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: relaxation, spa vacation

4. In the jungle with Francis Ford Coppola: Blancaneaux Lodge, San Ignacio, Belize

Seems he didn’t get enough of the jungle during the 14 months he was filing Apocalypse Now in the 1970s. At Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux Lodge in San Ignacio, Belize, is situated in the northwest corner of the 107,000-acre Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The lodge’s high-end cabanas and villas enhance the natural surroundings with thatched roofs, open-air living areas, and hammocks.

Ranked No. 5 in San Ignacio, Belize — Average nightly rate: $315

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: staff/service, honeymoon

5. Life’s a beach with Gloria Estefan: Costa d’Este Beach Resort, Vero Beach, Fla.

The former Miami Sound Machine front-woman hasn’t strayed too far — Gloria Estefan is running this hotel just two and a half hours north of Miami. Costa d’Este boasts a beachside location, pool, spa, and a Cuban restaurant.

Ranked No. 7 in Vero Beach, Fla., — Average nightly rate: $320

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: prime location, beach/sun getaway

6. Haute travel with Donatella Versace: Palazzo Versace, Main Beach, Queensland, Australia

Become one of the beautiful people, darlink. High fashion and hospitality join forces at Donatella Versace’s trendy Palazzo Versace resort on Australia’s Gold Coast, of course. All aspects of the resort were designed to reflect the Versace brand, including high-end freebies like mini bottles of Versace perfume. With so much lavishness in one place, it’s no surprise that one TripAdvisor traveller wrote, “From the moment I stepped out of the limousine to the moment I walked through the doors too leave, it was pure luxury. Opulent furnishings, faultless service and sheer attention to detail made this hotel the Most Outstanding of All Time on my list.”

Ranked No. 1 in Main Beach, Queensland, Australia — Average nightly rate: $535

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: cleanliness, stylish decor

7. Mission possible with Clint Eastwood: Mission Ranch, Carmel, Calif.

When actor and director Clint Eastwood purchased the historic Mission Ranch in 1986, he saved 22 acres of prime real estate on Carmel’s Monterey Peninsula from development. But this isn’t your typical spaghetti western digs. Eastwood, who owns a home nearby, is still spotted on occasion at Mission Ranch, a farmhouse with 31 rooms, ocean views, and sheep grazing in the meadow.

Ranked No. 2 for Specialty Lodging in Carmel, Calif., — Average nightly rate: $200

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: location, culture/sightseeing

8. Cabin fever with Kate Pierson: Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel, Mount Tremper, N.Y.

After roaming around the world, lead singer for the B-52s, Kate Pierson caught cabin fever and decided to open her own love shack, Kate’s Lazy Meadow Motel, near Woodstock, N.Y. Visitors have their choice of kitschy 1950s’ camp cabins, or vintage Airstream trailers.

Ranked No. 1 in Mount Tremper, N.Y. Average nightly rate: $150

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: location, pet-friendly

9. Seaside trendy with John Malkovich: The Big Sleep Hotel, Eastbourne, United Kingdom

You too can be John Malkovich for a night, or at least sleep like him. TripAdvisor travellers admit that they were attracted to Hollywood heavyweight John Malkovich’s Big Sleep Hotel because of the budget-friendly prices, seaside location, and trendy reputation. While many travelers praise the hotel’s overall value and excellent free breakfast, opinion is divided on the funky decor, including photos of John Malkovich and furry curtains.

Ranked No. 8 in Eastbourne, United Kingdom — Average nightly rate: $90

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: stylish decor, pet-friendly

10. Rockin’ yourself to sleep with Bono and The Edge: The Clarence, Dublin, Ireland

Purchased in 1992 by rockers Bono and The Edge of U2, The Clarence Hotel in Dublin, Ireland is adjacent to Temple Bar, a popular nightlife area. Although most travellers praise the hotel’s location, some cite the evening noise as a problem. But what would you expect from rock stars?

Ranked No. 74 in Dublin, Ireland — Average nightly rate: $270

Recommended by TripAdvisor travellers for: young singles, nightlife

May 16, 2010 — A dense cloud of volcanic ash from Eyjafjallajokull Volcano, drifts from Iceland forces the closure of airports in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Sunday. (May 16)

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Video Story

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Source: AP

Frontier Airlines says bring’m on board! Small pets travel for $75

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DENVER — Frontier Airlines says it will let customers carry small pets on board, but it will cost more than some of the fares that Frontier charges its two-legged passengers.

The airline said Wednesday it would let passengers bring along their small dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small birds for $75 each way.

That matches the price charged by another low-fare carrier, Southwest Airlines, which began allowing customers to bring small pets on board last year.

According to its Web site, Frontier charges less for some tickets for people, including travel between Denver and Albuquerque, N.M., or between Milwaukee and Indianapolis or Kansas City.

The pets must fit in a carrier that goes under an airplane seat and must have proper health documentation. Spokeswoman Lindsey Purves said customers should have their vet complete a health form for the animal within 10 days of the trip.

The airline lets bigger pets fly as checked baggage for a $150 fee.

Purves said the airline removed pets other than service animals from cabins in June 2008, requiring that they fly as cargo.

Frontier is a unit of Republic Airways Holdings Inc. Republic’s shares rose 4 cents to $6.19 in afternoon trading.

Source: AP

Think you missed the boat on getting out of town for the long weekend? Think again. We’ve rounded up some great escapes that are still available, whether you’re craving beach or mountains, culture, or calm…

Where better to spend Memorial Day than in Lower Manhattan, the most historic part of the city? Stay at Andaz Wall Street, brand new in January, and take in some American culture, Manhattan-style. Federal Hall, where George Washington took the oath of office, is just down the street.  Visit the cobble-stoned streets of the South Street Seaport and its new Water Taxi Beach, pay homage at the grave of Alexander Hamilton at Trinity Church, or to capitalism at the New York Stock Exchange. And you’re at the ideal point of departure for sightseeing tours of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Andaz, meaning ‘personal style’ in Hindi, is not your average hotel. Here guests can imprint their own styles on their experiences, starting with check-in. This takes place in the Andaz Lounge where service is simplified, without the middlemen of doorman, bellhop, and concierge at the desk – just one “host” for each incoming guest. Full of clever features like a rotating closet that can open either into the bathroom or the bed chamber, and which innovatively incorporates a hanging area, full-length mirror and  minibar and a vanity mirror on the back of the 42-inch flat screen television, Andaz Wall Street is ahead of its time, and has not forgotten the classics like a complimentary shoe shine, suit press, and the day’s paper (The Wall Street Journal, of course).

Rooms start at $275/night, click here for more details.

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Think it’s impossible to get a good rate over Memorial Day weekend? Not at Inn on the Alameda, where rates start at just $215 a night and include the lavish “Breakfast of Enchantment” served each morning and wine and cheese reception each afternoon. Located in the heart of Santa Fe, it’s ideal for a weekend of relaxation, great Southwestern cuisine, and history. With classic Pueblo-style architecture and attentive personal service, the old-world ambiance of Santa Fe flows throughout the comfortable 71 rooms and communal areas.  Mexican tile, handmade furniture, hand-woven rugs, local artifacts, and traditional Kiva fireplaces contribute to the hotel’s warm and inviting atmosphere. Amenities include complimentary parking for guests, two outdoor hot tubs, fitness facility, guest laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and public areas, coffee service, and toll-free and local calls at no charge.

Over Memorial Day, experience the arts and culture by gallery hopping and shopping at the Jemez Red Rock Arts and Crafts Show, or catch a showing of Hitchcock’s Vertigo at The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 29^th.

For reservations and information, contact the Inn on the Alameda at 1-888-984-2122 or 505-984-2121 or at www.innonthealameda.com.

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The Blues, Brews and BBQ Festival, taking place over Memorial Day weekend in Beaver Creek, Colorado, is the unofficial start to summer in the Rockies. Celebrate the long weekend with an escape to Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, which hosts the largest tasting of Colorado micro-brews in the state on Saturday, May 29. Featuring more than 80 special concoctions from 35 breweries, the Colorado Microbrew Tasting has become one of the highlights of festival.

The hotel’s restaurant, 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, has joined in on the festivities by offering a special “Featured Brewers Menu” that will pair beer creations from the microbreweries with special dishes.

Package includes:

~Accommodations at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, located in the heart of the festivities

~2 entry tickets into the Blues, Brews and Barbecue Microbrew Tasting

~2 commemorative tasting mugs

~30% off services at Allegria Spa

Rates start at $219 per night. To book this package,  call 866-471-7658. For tickets to the Colorado Microbrews Tasting at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, call 970-827-6505.  Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.

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Enjoy the Caribbean this Memorial Day without the crowds –or prices – of the high season. Instead of enduring the goose bumps that come after throwing on summer clothes and hoping for warm weather, celebrate on Parrot Cay and kick the summer off early. Check out the amazing deals, all available through September 8, 2010, and if you bring them, kids eat free.

~Four for three deal, starting at $2088

~Seven for five deal, starting at $3480

~25% discount on packages – applies to all packages, which include the Sun and Seclusion, Parrot Cay Honeymoon, Dr. Perricone COMO Shambhala Experience, Wellness programs, and the brand new Babymoon and Romantic Runaway packages.