I’ve scheduled my weekend getaway to check out the new Kinzie Chicago (where they “Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang” Package is quite enticing), but I’d have a hard time choosing from these romantic options if I didn’t already have plans. Also in Chicago, the Intercontinental Michigan Avenue has thought of everything, providing babysitters (in partnership with Monicare Nannies and Household Staffing) for the busy working couple in a package that includes accommodations and a credit to the Michael Jordan Steakhouse. When I was in Sandusky, Ohio, I had the pleasure of meeting Terri Bergman and checking out The Kitchen Bounty . If you’re in the area on Valentine’s Day, she’s holding an open house at The Kitchen Bounty-Perkins Campus with a spectacular dinner. One of my favorite warm spots is at the Paradisus Palma Real (or the Paradisus Punta Cana ) and they are ready for romantic long weekends with Royal Service Accommodations, a dinner for two on the beach. A welcome of Moet...

While many think of Thanksgiving as a day to fill the house with family and turkey with all the trimmings, that doesn’t always work for everyone. I happen to have a small family scattered around the country. I also know of others who have no family, or just prefer to get away from all the hassle and turn the four day weekend into an ideal vacation. Untitled Document Find the perfect vacation Africa Alaska Asia Australia Bahamas Canada New England Caribbean Europe Hawaii Mexico Panama Canal South America South Pacific Western US Holiday travel can often be very expensive. This isn’t usually the case with Thanksgiving, es...

People always ask me if I pay for travel and the truth is, I don’t because it’s part of my job. It’s a fun and wonderful job that I wouldn’t trade for the world. The fact is, though, I am working when I’m traveling for Wine And Spirits Trave l, as well as many other publications. In addition to the day of going to wineries, checking out hotels, eating at great restaurant and those dreaded (lol) spa treatments, there's the part of making deadlines. I’m up at dawn at the computer and often back there late at night. It’s a lot different for most of you so I’m happy to pass along ideas for vacations – especially when you can even do them for free. It just happens that I was hit with three contests this week for places that are on my bucket list for 2012 so I thought I’d pass the information along.  I hope to hear that one of my lucky readers will be enjoying their very own free trip! Anguilla Anguilla is in the Leeward Island chain of the Eastern Caribbean. It’s small ...