WBIR.com, updated daily. Coverage includes local news, national news, video, weather, sports, features and more . . . straight from the heart of East Tennessee. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article TOKYO (AFP) - – Japanese painter Ikuo Hirayama, a campaigner for the preservation of the world's cultural heritage known for his works on the Silk Road and Buddhism, died Wednesday, a spokeswoman said. He was 79. Hirayama died of a stroke at a Tokyo hospital, the spokeswoman for his art museum in western Hiroshima said. He is known for his efforts to preserve cultural treasures such as the Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia, China's Mogao Caves and Afghanistan's Bamiyan Buddhist monuments, which were dynamited in 2001 by the Taliban. His goal was "to make people of all races and religions aware of the value of these human treasures, thus leading to mutual understanding and the promotion of world peace," said the UN cultural organisation, which made him a goodwill ambassador in 1988. Having experienced the 1945 atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima at the age of 15, Hirayama suffered after-effects of radiation exposure later in life. He was first recognised widely for his 1959 work "Bukkyo Denrai," depicting an ancient Buddhist monk who introduced the religion from India to China. Hirayama created a series of Buddhist-themed paintings of landscapes and ancient ruins through his frequent trips to sites along the ancient Silk Road. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Japanese_painter_Hirayama_dies_at.htm 3rd Dec,2009 BULUAN, Philippines (AFP) - – Philippine security forces on Thursday secured the territory of a powerful clan linked to the political massacre of 57 people and started disarming its militiamen, officials said. An AFP photographer witnessed armoured personnel carriers patrolling highways in the southern province of Maguindanao, and television footage showed police commandos surrounded buildings in major towns controlled by the clan. National police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said security forces had arrested some of the gunmen linked to Monday's massacre, while the army said it was hunting for many other suspects. "Most of the armed group that perpetrated this crime have run away towards the mountainous area of Maguindanao," military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner said on ABS-CBN television. "That is where we are conducting our pursuit operations." He said the army has also disbanded the provincial Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit, militiamen under the control of the family of the alleged massacre mastermind, Andal Ampatuan Jnr. Militiamen are regularly used by the government to augment police and army forces in remote areas plagued by Muslim and communist insurgents. Related article: Gunmen arrested over massacre National police spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina said the entire police force which had been providing security at Ampatuan Jnr's office had been relieved. Ampatuan Jnr is the mayor of a town in Maguindanao while his father of the same name is the provincial governor. Police said about 100 Ampatuan gunmen allegedly abducted a convoy of aides and relatives of a rival politician, Esmael Mangudadatu, plus a group of journalists, on Monday. The victims were snatched as they were travelling in a six-vehicle convoy to nominate Mangudadatu as the opposition candidate for provincial governor in next year's elections. They were shot at close range, some with their hands tied behind their backs, and dumped or buried in shallow graves on a remote farming road close to a town bearing the Ampatuan name. Fifty-seven bodies have been recovered so far, and police are still searching for more possible victims. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Forces_secure_Philippine_province_after_murders.htm 1st Dec,2009 NEW YORK – ABC says more than 1,500 people have called to complain about Adam Lambert's sexually charged performance at the American Music Awards. The network characterized the response as "moderate." Before his performance, Lambert said that he wanted to break down a double standard that existed where female performers are often sexually provocative while men don't do it that often. There were also hostile comments online about the "American Idol" glam rocker who sang his new song "For Your Entertainment" on Sunday's show with an elaborate, SandM-themed production. Lambert fondled a dancer, led another around on a leash, had a dancer briefly stick his head in Lambert's crotch and kissed a man. ___ ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/ABC_gets_complaints_about_Lambert_s_performance.htm 23rd Nov,2009 Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitWhile some of us are still trying to catch the last rays of summer sun, winter vacation planning should definitely be getting under way - especially if you want to get a good deal on some of the top spots.My brood of six children enjoy a wide-range of winter-time activities. From my oldest, who could live her life in a bikini year round, to my youngest, who gets bored very easily. I've found that there are a plethora of destinations that can suit even the most finicky traveler.Here, in no particular order, is my Top Ten list of Winter Vacation Destinations:Smuggler's Notch, Vermont. Located on 1,000 acres in Vermont's majestic Green Mountains range near Jeffersonville, Smuggler's Notch received a near perfect score from onthesnow.com's readers in a survey on family-friendly ski resorts. Outdoor activities include tube sliding, snowmobile tours, ice skating, and dog sledding with Alaskan Huskies. Indoor fun can be found at the indoor pools and hot tubs or The Fun Zone Family Entertainment Center, which includes a miniature golf course and arcade. Teen Alley (13-15 year olds) and Outer Limits (16 and older) cater to the younger generation with X-Boxes, Wiis, and weekly special events, including a dodgeball tournament and dance party.There are five condo communities that offer rentals at the resort. (Prices vary.)www.smuggs.comTraveler's Tip: If you are an RCI member, you can exchange for lodging at Smuggler's Notch. Members also receive special offers on lift tickets, children's camps, equipment rentals, and other amenities. Not an RCI member, book your reservation now and receive 2008-2009 season rates. Worried that your plans might change? Don't! While a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, reservations cancelled more than 7 days before planned arrival receive a full refund. (Reservations cancelled within 7 days receive a full credit that can be used within the next two years.)Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitCoconut Bay Resort and Spa, St. Lucia. For fun in the sun, there's no place like the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Resort located on the far-less congested south side of the island. Easily accessible from Hewanorre International Airport, Coconut Bay houses two distinct wings to accommodate all travelers. "Splash is family-friendly, while "Harmony" caters to adults only. Current rates run from $310 per person for either wing. Children 3-12 stay with their parents for $55 per night. Teens 13-27 are an additional $75 each per night. Families with children must eat on the family dining schedule.For land lubbers, there is tennis, basketball, and volleyball. For those who like to get wet, Coconut Bay has the largest resort beach in St. Lucia. It also houses the largest water park on the island - providing hours of fun with slides, twisters, and tubing along its only "lazy river".www.coconutbayresortandspa.comTraveler's Tip: While on the island, take a day trip to the world's only "drive-in" volcano. You'll be able to walk around the hissing bursts of steam and bubbling pools created by sulfur springs at this natural wonder.Taos Ski Valley Resort, New Mexico. This family-owned and operated resort sits just outside the city of Taos, New Mexico, and caters to the whole family. While a variety of ski and snowboarding camps are offered to meet all skill levels, child care is also provided for guests as young as six-weeks old. Restaurants include Tenderfoot Katie's Cafeteria (salad bar, burgers, tacos, and sandwiches) and The Phoenix Grill, which offers outdoor seating and beer and wine when ordered with food.While Taos has a municipal airport, the greatest availability of flights is into Albuquerque. You can then rent a car for the 2 hour and 15 minute drive up to the resort. Like to ride the rails? New Mexico just began service on a new commuter train line. It runs from Albuquerque to Santa Fewww.skitaos.orgTraveler's Tip: There are a multitude of housing options. From lodges and resorts in the villages near Taos Ski Valley to hotels and inns in the city of Taos, most are linked on the Taos Ski Valley website. You can check that site for specials on vacation packages as well. Currently a January special is being offered - purchase three nights of lodging and lift tickets and receive your fourth night free.Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitIce Hotel, Sweden. Head north of the Arctic Circle to Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and check into the world's largest hotel of ice and snow. Three types of accommodations are available. You may choose to sleep in an ice room, where your bed is a thermal sleeping bag laid out on reindeer skins on your bed of ice. Warm accommodations include two chalets and standard hotel rooms. Or, you may choose to hike out on a wilderness camp adventure, where cooking is done in huts and sleeping in primitive cabins. Hotel costs range from $382 to $765 per person per night, depending on your choice.The Old Homestead is an historical log cabin, situated only 800 meters from the Ice Hotel. There guests can enjoy a dinner buffet of local delicacies. The Ice Hotel Restaurant, located in the permanent "warm" buildings serves many Swedish and Lappish dishes. You can dine on venison, reindeer, and arctic raspberries. To compliment the Ice Hotel experience, many offerings are served on ice plates made from the arctic waters of the Torne River.While an attraction in itself, the hotel is not the only thing to see and do on this vacation. Hunting, ice fishing, and snowmobile and dog-sled safaris are also available.www.icehotel.comTraveler's Tip: During the day the Ice Hotel operates as a museum and visitors meander in and out. Overnight guests only have access to their rooms after 6:00 p.m., and they are required to checkout shortly after they are awoken at 7:30 a.m. with a cup of warm lingonberry juice. Luggage cannot be taken to the "cold" rooms (it would freeze) but are stored by the hotel for the guest's convenience.Coldfoot, Alaska. From Fairbanks, The Alaska Adventure Company offers 3 day/2 night ($599 per person) and 4-day/3-night ($689 per person) travel packages to view The Northern Lights. With a combination of flights and ground tours, you can view the Trans Alaska Pipleline and cross the Arctic Circle. From the Coldfoot Camp, you'll head to the Gold Rush town of Wiseman to view the Aurora Borealis. Optional packages include traveling the famed Dalton Highway into the Brooks Mountain Range, a dog-sled tour, and even an Arctic Mountain Safari.www.alaskaadventurecompany.netTraveler's Tip: Traveling to Alaska can be as exciting as being in Alaska. For those daring to drive, The Milepost (www.milepost.com) offers tips and maps. Several airlines, including Alaska Airlines and Delta offer daily service to major cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Rail travel is available, but the Aurora Winter Train schedule only operates on weekends. (www.alaskarailroad.com)Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitOrlando, Florida. For much to do in a small radius, not many areas can compete with Orlando, Florida. It's a perfect winter destination if you wish to get out of the cold. In addition to the giants (Universal Studios and Walt Disney World), smaller attractions like Sea World, The Holy Land Experience, and Discovery Cove offer plenty of variety to any lengthy vacation. For dinner and a show, make reservations at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater. You will celebrate a Princess' birthday as you dine on steak or chicken. But don't get too comfortable - an uninvited guest may arrive to ruin the festivities. If you've never seen a Cirque du Soleil performance of acrobatics, dance, and live music, check out La Nouba. The circus-style characters perform two shows each night, Tuesday through Sunday, in Downtown Disney. For NASCAR fans, get behind the wheel yourself at The Richard Petty Driving Experience.My personal favorite: For a rip-roarin' night of family fun, head over to Disney's Hoop-De-Doo Revue. It's housed near Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Campground. For a set price, you get a Old West Saloon-style show and a delicious dinner. Performers often pull unsuspecting audience members into the act. Fried chicken and ribs is served all you can eat with a generous accompaniment of fixin's (including a delicious cornbread) and dessert. Along with soft drinks, sangria and beer are also included in the price of admission.Traveler's Tip: Do some internet research, attractions often offer on-line discount coupons. Hotel accommodations, even in the peak winter months, can be found for as little as $39 per night - and most are within minutes of the major attractions. And, if your birthday falls during your vacation, check out Disney's current promotion - gratis admission to a Disney theme park on the big day.Lick Creek Summit, Idaho - If you're really adventurous, head about 110 miles north of Boise to McCall, Idaho. There you'll find Payette Powder Guides. Owners Chuck Rea and Marty Rood can provide you with a true backcountry winter adventure. Self-catered groups are welcome to rent their yurts, as long as a trip leader is certified in first aid/CPR and has completed a Level 1 Avalanche Safety course.Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitThe best deal, however, is to join one of Payette Powder Guides' fully catered backcountry ski trips. Costs run $495 per person for 3 days/2 nights and $595 per person for 4 days/3 nights. (Not including tax and guide gratuities.)Rea and Rood also hold avalanche safety classes. Instruction includes how to identify avalanche terrain and how to test for weak layers. The January 2 and 3, 2010, class is only $199.www.payettepowderguides.comTraveler's Tip: The group is running a Winter Solstice Special. A 3-day/2-night fully catered trip is heading out December 19-21 for only $395 per person.Oahu, Hawaii. Looking for sunny winter days, look no further than Oahu, Hawaii, with average temperatures in the 70's all year long. This island is 596 square miles of entertainment - regardless of what your idea of entertainment is. Want leisurely walks along the shore or a good book on the beach? Head to Waikiki. Want an educational experience? Visit the USS Arizona Memorial and Pearl Harbor. From Diamond Head to The Foster Botanical Gardens, from ski diving to scuba diving, from swimming with the dolphins to helicopter tours - you can find it in Oahu.One of my favorite attractions: The Polynesian Cultural Center, a non-profit facility created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We walked through a cultural "village", where my daughter could climb into a native hut and made her own poi with a mortar and pestle. We also enjoyed a luau and revue-style show. (www.polynesia.com)Traveler's Tip: Don't assume you can't afford a Hawaiian vacation. There are ways to cut costs. On my last trip, I rented an efficiency studio apartment. My daughter and I ate breakfast at the apartment and made sandwiches for lunches, we splurged by going to dinner shows and luaus in the evenings. Double think the rental car - at least until you check and see what kind of transportation is available through your hotel and what is within walking distance. The turn-down in the economy has hit Hawaii as well. Check on-line for hotel specials and airline deals.Snow-Lover or Sun-Lover, Winter Wonderlands AwaitBogus Basin, Idaho - Encompassing 2600 acres that span three mountains, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area is just 16 miles north of Boise. Run by the Bogus Basin Association, a charitable organization created by the Boise community nearly 66 years old, winter recreations are affordable and family-friendly. Ski and snowboard schools offer instruction at all skill levels for ages three and up. There are numerous Nordic and snowshoe trails. Day lodges and Yurts ($125/night) are available for rental. Pioneer Condos, which provide ski-in/ski-out accessibility to Bogus Basin, provide studio apartments that sleep 6 ($129/night) and 1-bedrooms that sleep 4-9 ($149/night. Two and three night minimums may be imposed.www.bogusbasin.orgTraveler's Tip: Check out the Pepsi Goldrush Tubing Hill. The $10 ticket includes tube rental (and tax)and access to the hill for 2 hours. Just make your reservations early. Only 100 tubes are allowed on the hill during each session.Stowe, Vermont While there are plenty of retreats in Stowe, Vermont, this particular Top Ten entry is reserved for a uniquely special resort - The Trapp Family Lodge. This is the wonderful place that reminded the Von Trapp family, of The Sound of Music fame, of their beloved Austria. They relocated here after the war and started welcoming guests to a 27-room lodge in 1950. The resort now spans 2,400 acres and houses a 93-room expanded lodge, very similar to the original, along with 100 two-bedroom chalets (time-shared) and 26 three-bedroom villas (whole or partial ownership). With an on-site cross-country ski center and an indoor pool, you can mix active pursuits with quieter ones - like yoga or baking classes.While Villa rentals (Friday to Friday) and Guest House rentals (Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday) are only available on a weekly basis, lodge accommodations can be booked nightly on either a Modified American (3-course dinner and full breakfast) or Breakfast (full country breakfast) plan. Rates vary by season, type of accommodation, and enhancements.www.trappfamily.comTraveler's Tip: The Trapp Family Lodge houses the first cross country ski center in the country. 60 kilometers of groomed trails join 100 kilometers of backcountry trails to accommodate Nordic skiers and snowshoers.Prices were verified at time of publication but are subject to change without notice. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Top_Ten_Winter_Vacation_Destinations.htm 26th Oct,2009 Winter is the perfect time to escape from the rain, snow, cold and drear doldrums and embrace tropical paradises, steam and slide down mountainous aeries and explore the history and culture of down under. Here are my favorites from nearly thirty years of travel and exploration.Best Beach Escape Destinations in WinterMexico Travel Escapes in WinterMultiple Cities in Mexico offer up resorts where you can golf, bird, snorkel, dip into blue holes and investigate Mayan and Aztec culture as well as study up on the local industry. Find exotic birds, buy local leather handicrafts, study the architecture of religion or cozy up to a wooden plank table, digging your toes into sand and dine on fresh fish and chips caught in the surf as the sun sets. Truly heaven. My favorite where I found the fresh red snapper fish and chips was on far side of Cozumel island. Hualtulco offers some of the best snorkel, birding and coffee plantation excursions. Mazatlan is memorable for GI Joe parachute toys, booze cruises (where you can spot rare seabirds) and lovely downtown district. Hawaii Travel Escapes in WinterIn Hawaii, you're likely to find many golf resorts, volcanoes with tropical and desert vegetation, snorkel beaches, pineapple, great entertainment shows and shopping. My favorite island is Kauia with the lovely hiking trail down the coast, caves, many beaches and the famous waterfalls. Maui is notable for sugar cane, lots of golden and quiet beaches, a great drive to the top of Haleakala past tropical gardens and the local birds plus affordable golf. Hawaii, the big Island, will capture you with the gorgeous Japanese garden and tropical garden, Volcano National Park with the lava tubes, horse ranches and a huge variety of beaches and interesting golf. Oahu has the museums, crowded beaches, aquarium, and surfing.Costa Rica Escapes in WinterSave money and reap in the wildlife in Costa Rica after you skin wears from all the salt and surf. I loved the mountains best because the birds came through the mist in such variety and sang happily it made birding a true pleasure along with inexpensive accommodations on a plantation with fresh fruit juice made from who knows what. Jaco was my favorite town with a great surf beach, walking beach, horse riding, proximity to National Parks for wildlife and hiking and a terrific price tag. In Cahurita you will find scoundrels, bananas, turtles, great beaches and better and different wildlife. Camping is done.Best Culture Down Under Winter TravelAustralia Travel Escapes in WinterAustralia is big, with many, many places to visit. The beaches along the Queensland coast at Mackay, Rockhampton and Hervey Bay could easily fit into the best beach escapes, but then you'd miss kangaroo's, coral reefs and snorkeling, tons of National Parks, tropical rainforest, aborigine culture and much more. Dindin National Park in the Atherton tablelands requires a jeep but is well worth spending time.New Zealand Travel Escapes in WinterNew Zealand is best known for Kiwi's, a type of native ground bird and their soccer (football) team, Maori's and sheep. I loved the South Island with their English style punting in Christchurch, train across the mountains where you can stand outside and take photos, fishing and just about anything.Peru Travel Escapes in WinterExcept for adjustments to the altitude in many of the cities, Peru is full of history, wildlife, shopping and my favorite part—access to the Amazon where you stick to your clothes, ride riverboats to keep cool and look for wildlife, and wildlife which almost sit on your head.Best Winter Golfing TravelPhoenix, Arizona is the location. South of Phoenix in the Green Valley area you can find great condominium golf course packages and access to great museums, wildlife, desert park, native American history and more. But golf is at it's best and you might find a roadrunner or two.South Carolina and pine heaven make this state premier for winter golfing, but unfortunately I haven't been there so can't comment on it.Best Winter Ski ResortsSun Valley, Idaho Winter Travel EscapesClimb into a large wooden hot tub, race down slopes, watch the slope action or slip away and see Volcanoes of the Moon and abounding wildlife on your winter vacation.Whistler, British Columbia Winter Travel EscapesBeautiful mountains with a many runs, many quite challenging but also for the beginner makes Whistler a great destination to ski. Available condominiums and resorts are plentiful. Nearby Vancouver offers many museums and great restaurants that can add to the fun. Access via railroad made this ski resort easy to get and lots of fun on your winter vacation. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Top_Ten_Winter_Travel_Destinations.htm 26th Oct,2009 2009 already enjoys considerable hype as the year of the travel deal. Free flights to Phuket, dropping hotel rates -- it's a veritable boondoggle. If you've got the cash, there will be deals. But where shall you go? Here's a brief list of up-and-coming hotspots for 2009 travel, and of course, we have a few choice words to add. 1. Riviera Nayarit - Just north of Puerto Vallarta, this stretch of sun and sand is busy launching itself as the next place to be. Since it's up and coming, the area is a bit of a hodgepodge of activities; luckily, there's something for everyone, whether you like golf, surf, or just plain old sun. 2. Vancouver - If you didn't know, Vancouver is hosting the 2010 winter Olympic Games, and boy are they excited about it. The three-time "Best City" winner by way of Conde Nast Traveler has added several ski runs, bobsled runs, and two high-speed trains that shuttle between the airport and downtown Vancouver, then Vancouver and snowy Whistler. It's a great time to go, as in 2009 there will be multitudes of parties and events gearing up for the games in 2010. 3. Kansas City - Reason number one: It's cheap to go. Reason number two: You'll want to stay. Kansas City has been busy pouring $9 million into the arts, culture, and dining scene, reinvigorating downtown. There are live performances, the recently expanded Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, and a growing recognition of fine dining (don't worry, there's still plenty of delicious barbecue). 4. Peru - It's hot now, and it's going to remain hot in 2009. There's hiking Machu Picchu, drinking pisco sours in Lima, and Lake Titicaca—floating islands housing hundreds of people. Plus, it is still affordable to go. 5. Vilnius, Lithuania - Each year the European Union taps one (or more) cities to be the reigning "Capital of Culture" for the year. 2009 is Vilnius' year. It also happens to be the thousand-year anniversary of the birth of the city. There will be over 900 arts events spread out over the year, with the twin apexes being May 2 (Street Musician Day) and June 20 (Culture Night: Let There Be Night ... eh?). The former is a day for rock, classical, folk, and jazz in the streets all day long, and the latter will be an all-night affair—from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. there will be dance lessons, open-air movies, church concerts, fashion shows, and museum exhibitions. And the fact that Lithuania is in the EU but does not employ the Euro makes it super affordable. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/The_Travel_Hotspots_of.htm 26th Oct,2009 When our editors got into a room to hash out our top travel picks for 2009, we realized just how much the economic, social, and political changes of 2008 have sculpted the travel landscape for the coming year. The rising cost of air travel, the global economic crisis, and the fluctuating dollar made once-popular destinations in Europe out of reach for many of us. New hotspots, like South America, emerged, as their exchange rates offered visitors more bang for their buck. Heightened interest in "going green" meant more focus on eco-friendly tourism and great-outdoors vacations than ever before. And let's not forget the historic presidential election of Barack Obama, which has sparked Washington, D.C.,'s massive resurgence as a tourism destination. Underpinning all of this, however, is a renewed emphasis on great-value vacations — something we at ShermansTravel know all about. Our editors brought their dollar-savvy expertise and collective travel mileage to the office globe to cast a wide net of places to go in 2009, nearly all of which offer a good degree of affordability in addition to unique, memorable travel experiences. So get out and explore these 29 places before the crowds do . . . in 2010. 1. Tasmania Roamed by the feral Tasmanian Devil and the spotted-tailed quoll, Tasmania is, at least in part, an untouched wilderness spanning rainforest, beaches, high mountain plains, and lakes sailed by black swans. Historic towns, fertile farmlands, and pleasant cities also add to its charm, belying a darker side of the Australian island's history, when the land doubled as a detention center for convicts. Travelers head here to experience ultimate adventure and breathtaking scenery. Why Go In 2009: The value of the Australian dollar is at its lowest in five years and is predicted to fall even more within the next few months — bad news for Aussies, good news for U.S. travelers. Now is the time to take advantage of the plummeting Australian currency and to see the primordial beauty of Tasmania without breaking the bank. Worried about the long flight? Don't be. In September, Qantas Airways unveiled its new fleet of spacious A380s — the largest commercial jet in the world — making the transpacific distance seem a little less difficult; note that a domestic transfer to Tasmania is best routed via Melbourne. 2. Austin, Texas Austin's superlative live music scene may have made the city famous, but this hip Texas capital city's quirky charm extends far beyond its melodic beats. Largely enriched by the dynamic energy of the homegrown University of Texas, Austin boasts the Lone Star State's best cultural offerings, with numerous galleries, museums, and music venues (more than 100 in all!) alongside some more unexpected attractions — like the summer congregation of some million bats by the Congress Avenue Bridge — without sacrificing its appealing small-town feel. Combine that with more than 300 sunshine-filled days a year, and it's little wonder that Austin's consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the U.S. Why Go In 2009: Sure, traveling abroad can be a pricey venture in these trying economic times, but who says you need to leave America to escape it? Austin, whose unofficial motto is "Keep Austin Weird," offers the American traveler a rare U.S. city vacation destination that's devoid of the cookie-cutter commercial strips found nearly everywhere else — in fact, all chain and big-box stores (think McDonald's and Walmart) are pleasantly absent from the downtown area, giving way to hundreds of sensational local businesses that can only be experienced in Austin. What's more, some exciting new music festivals are slated for autumn 2009: Look for the Texas Wine and Song Festival in October and the punk and indie rock Fun Fun Fun Fest in November. 3. Cappadocia, Turkey Located in the center of Turkey, approximately 450 miles from Istanbul, Cappadocia is a Salvador Dali painting come to life. This bizarre, lunar-like landscape is dotted with extraordinary "fairy chimney" rock formations, dramatic gorges, troglodyte houses, subterranean chapels, underground cities that once sheltered early Christians, and exquisite hotels carved out of the area's abundant soft stone. Make pottery in Avanos, go wine-tasting in Urgup, and rise with the lark and take to the skies in a hot-air balloon for a bird's eye view of Goreme National Park's dramatic valleys and conical rock formations. Why Go In 2009: Most American tourists are still reluctant to venture beyond Istanbul and Turkey's Mediterranean coast, so go now before word spreads that Cappadocia has reached beyond backpackers and archeology buffs to appeal to a more luxury-minded set. The Serinn House, a boutique design hotel in Urgup with just five rooms (when was the last time you stayed in a WiFi-equipped cave?), opened in early 2007. Also, due to the favorable exchange rate (though Turkey aspires to adopt the euro and join the European Union, the Turkish lira will remain in circulation through 2009), Turkey is both exotic and affordable. 4. San Juan, Puerto Rico Founded in 1521, San Juan is not only the political and cultural capital of Puerto Rico, but it's the United States' very oldest city. At turns charming and gritty, historical Old San Juan and the sugary, resort-laden Condado and Isla Verde beachfronts woo visitors — moving away from the sand, urban sprawl and factories dominate. Combine your trip with escapes to off-the-coast islets like Vieques and Culebra for a truly unforgettable Caribbean experience. Why Go In 2009: When it comes to quick, affordable beach and cultural getaways, few destinations rival San Juan, which is less than a three-hour flight from Miami or under five hours from New York. Combine short flying times with cheap flights — low-cost carrier JetBlue offers non-stop service from several East Coast cities (with a new D.C. route launching in December), while American Airlines operates its Caribbean hub there, making for competitive pricing. What's more, no passport is required for travel — and with the historic district of Old San Juan delivering a winning combination of European culture with Caribbean charm, it's a chance to indulge in an affordable taste of Europe right here in the Americas. 5. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Most visitors to Zimbabwe come solely with a visit to the Victoria Falls region in mind — the tourism hub of the country, its developed infrastructure and special "tourism police" make it a comfortable and secure base for tourists. Nestled on the country's border with Zambia, visitors come to the area to ogle the largest waterfalls in the world (twice the height of Niagara), and for the highly accessible wildlife viewing and safaris along the Zambezi River. Adrenaline junkies can explore the terrain from atop an elephant or a white-water raft, or take things down a notch while perusing the local craft market or kicking back at colonial-style luxury lodges. Why Go In 2009: While Zimbabwe's volatile political situation may deter some visitors, the recent runaway inflation of the Zimbabwean dollar has translated to bargain rates and reemerging tourism around Victoria Falls. Instead of going on safari in South Africa, where costs can approach $1,000 per night, try Zimbabwe, where the same experience is priced at half the cost and the U.S. dollar is the currency of choice. Expect five-star accommodations at three-star price tags — don't miss luxurious newcomer, Wild Horizons Sanctuary Lodge (opening in May), or the February reopening of the upscale Bumi Hills Safari Lodge at Lake Kariba. 6. Willamette Valley, Ore. Located about an hour's drive south of Portland and spread out on the banks of the Willamette River, this up-and-coming wine region has been making waves of late in wine glasses across the nation. Billing itself as the "place for pinot," this slumbering grapevine district is home to more than 200 wineries, most of which beckon visitors with tasting rooms and even eco-wine tours. Visitors can also opt to take in the vineyard-covered landscape from a hot-air balloon ride, trot along farm-dotted trails on horseback, or take home a one-of-a-kind find from one of the many antique shops. Why Go In 2009: Although enthusiasts forecast that this area will be the next Napa Valley, the less-commercialized Willamette Valley remains — for now — a much more affordable vino-centric destination than its southerly California neighbor. Plus, new developments are on the horizon for those looking for an alternative to the area's charming BandB circuit — in August, for one, the region's first luxury inn, The Allison Inn and Spa, will be unveiled, featuring extras like a restaurant dishing out regional cuisine and a working vineyard. 7. Montenegro Montenegro has come a long way since its shaky days following Yugoslavia's breakup. With medieval cities and ancient monasteries, over 200 miles of coastline, a plethora of beaches, soaring Dinaric Alps, four national parks, and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this gem of a country — often overshadowed by fashionable neighbor Croatia — offers travelers a spectrum of outdoor and cultural experiences — at much more reasonable rates. Why Go In 2009: Currently ranked as the second fastest growing tourism market in the world (falling just behind China), you'll need to head here fast, before rates rise to match Montenegro's mounting popularity. Luckily, travel will be easier than ever as of June 2009, when Montenegro Airlines expands its service to Tivat via London Gatwick. Meanwhile, Aman Resorts is slated to celebrate the opening of its newly branded Sveti Stefen island resort, a former fishing village and modern-day celebrity retreat that closed for the Aman takeover and luxury makeover last year. This highly anticipated development has consequently sparked other luxury hotel negotiations in the region (the Four Seasons among them), as well as the pending transformation of Tivat's Port Montenegro into a marina for mega yachts. 8. Salvador, Brazil Brazil's third-largest city, Salvador is often called the "soul of Brazil" for its colorful open-air markets, religious festivals, Afro-Brazilian cuisine, Samba and Reggae music, and friendly residents. Once a hub for the slave trade, the city exhibits strong cultural ties to Africa. Home to a number of museums, parks, architectural highlights, and golf courses, Salvador is also ideally situated along Todos os Santos Bay, perfect for working in some beach lounging, visiting "barracas" (beach bars), or surfing. Each year, the city's massive Carnaval celebration rivals that of Rio's, drawing some two million people to party in the streets for miles at what's billed as "the world's largest festival." Why Go In 2009: If you're looking for a fresh perspective on Brazil and/or have been priced out of Rio, Salvador is the perfect Brazilian-city-and-beach-vacation alternative. Rio's Carnaval may get most of the worldwide acclaim, but Salvador's version not only offers better overall value at lodging and restaurants, but one giant street party to remember — with celebrations along the beaches, music and dancing throughout the city, and a wild float-speckled main parade. What's more, getting there is easier than ever, courtesy of American Airlines' new non-stop routes to Salvador via Miami. The city is also a port of call that's growing in popularity on great-value South American cruise itineraries from companies like Royal Caribbean and Crystal Cruises. 9. South Korea In just two decades, South Korea has emerged as a stable democratic country with big ambitions. The bustling megacity of Seoul embodies the nation's new spirit, where towering skyscrapers and posh department stores are interspersed with venerable imperial palaces, traditional teahouses, and centuries-old Buddhist temples. Ancient Gyeongju, meanwhile, offers a glimpse into Korea's 5,000 years of history, and was ranked in 1995 by UNESCO as one of the world's ten most historically significant places. Nearby, a sunrise climb to the temple-topped peak of Mt. Tohamsan reveals the origin of the country's moniker, "Land of the Morning Calm." Why Go In 2009: The South Korean won has lost more than 30 percent of its value against the dollar since just one year ago, giving the American traveler plenty of purchasing power — of particular interest for shoppers looking to pick up brand-name consumer electronics and designer fashions in Seoul. What's more, the number of international tourists boomed some 12 percent between 2007 and 2008, a trend that's inspired hotel chains like Wyndham and InterContinental to expand their presence in the country in 2009. 10. Tel Aviv, Israel Fabulous Tel Aviv, dubbed "the Miami of the Mediterranean," is easily Israel's coolest city. Trimmed with gorgeous beaches, loaded with Bauhaus architecture, and populated with smartly dressed locals with a fierce appreciation for art, cuisine, and nightlife, Tel Aviv is the hedonistic antidote to historic, heady Jerusalem, which, even at just one hour away, is a world apart in every respect. Indeed, while Jerusalem is all about the past, Tel Aviv is Israel's definitive 21st-century flag-bearer, with a regular rotation of new restaurant, hotel, and bar openings, and a superb design-forward sensibility that's altogether unmatched in the Middle East. Why Go In 2009: Tel Aviv turns 100 in April 2009, making it older than Israel (which celebrated its 60th in 2008). While the city never needs an excuse to party, visitors can count on an amped-up centennial schedule with eight months of festivities culminating in December. The line-up features fun events like a centennial photo shoot of thousands on the beach in April; a flower carpet in Rabin Square in September; and an international film festival hosted by the Tel Aviv Cinemateque in November. Keep abreast of event schedules at tlv100.co.il and book your room now; the city's best hotels are bound to book up fast. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Top_Hot_Spots_of.htm 26th Oct,2009 The harsh-but-lively southern Arizona desert; the frontier in Nevada and Utah; the sprawling, craggy desert of mid–New Mexico. By Katie Arnold and Mary Bianco, Travel+Leisure SOUTHERN ARIZONA (330 miles round-trip from Phoenix)All hail the saguaro—a plant that can weigh up to eight tons and live more than 150 years, and thrives in the harsh light of the Sonoran Desert. It's the de facto icon of southern Arizona, a parched and prickly region of acacia, mesquite, and cacti, complete with the odd rattlesnake. Yet you'll also find mountains, sometimes even snow; a vibrant culinary scene; and hiking trails that lead to sacred tribal lands and centuries-old Spanish missions. This isn't your average desert adventure. Lay of the LandPhoenix and Tucson may be less than two hours away from each other, but their souls couldn't be more different. Head south from Phoenix on Interstate 10, and the manicured lawns and transplanted palms soon give way to open desert plains. North of Tucson, the Santa Catalina Mountains provide a cool break from the blazing summer heat. Take the winding, scenic highway to the top of 9,157-foot Mount Lemmon and the resort village of Summerhaven, where the Mt. Lemmon General Store and Gift Shop sells sinful slabs of homemade fudge (locals swear by the cookie-dough variety). Just outside Tucson, Saguaro National Park gives the ultimate overview of this ecosystem—green paloverde trees, purple cacti, and fuzzy teddy-bear cholla, not to mention cartoonish road-runners and piglike javelinas. Despite its seemingly ubiquitous presence on Arizona license plates and postcards, there's nothing like the real thing: a live encounter with a giant saguaro. In downtown Tucson, the desert disappears for a spell amid historic districts with good secondhand shops and an Art Deco movie palace. The vintage-style Hotel Congress has a hopping performance space and a stellar breakfast spot, plus bragging rights from its role in the 1934 capture of John Dillinger. Follow I-19 out of the city to the bird-watching town of Amado, where you can lose yourself in the cottonwood forest and check out the world-famous telescope on nearby Mount Hopkins. The drive ends in the blossoming arts town of Tubac, with a hike to the missions at Tumacácori National Historical Park—a mere 15 minutes from the Mexican border.The RoutePhoenix to Tucson: 116 milesTucson to Amado: 43 milesAmado to Tubac: 13 milesSouthern Arizona Insider's Guide Where to StayGrande dame: Built in 1930, the Arizona Inn (2200 E. Elm St., Tucson; 800/933-1093; arizonainn.com; doubles from $329) is a swanky throwback to another era. The pink adobe-style resort has a gorgeous pool, croquet on the front lawn, and vintage bikes for riding the nearby paths.Spanish flair: Hammered-tin lamps and carved-beam ceilings add old-world atmosphere to the Hacienda del Sol Guest Ranch Resort (5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd., Tucson; 800/728-6514; haciendadelsol.com; doubles from $175). Set in the Catalina foothills, the 1929 former girls' boarding school has lush gardens and an award-winning restaurant.Saddle up: Indulge your city-slicker fantasies at the Tanque Verde Ranch (14301 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson; 800/234-3833; tanqueverderanch.com; from $275 per person, all-inclusive), located between Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest. A horse comes with your vacation, and wranglers lead wilderness rides into the sunset.Where to Eat and DrinkFor meat lovers: John Wayne ate here, so a meal at the Cow Palace (28802 S. Nogales Hwy., Amado; 520/398-1999; dinner for two $59) is obligatory for all True Grit fans. Keep in mind: real cowboys order steak. And don't let the kitschy steer on the roof put you off.Cult following: Everything seems supersize at Wisdom's Café (1931 E. Frontage Rd., Tumacacori; 520/398-2397; dinner for two $30), a three-generation-strong family enterprise known for its mason-jar margaritas and deep-fried, cinnamon sugar–dusted fruit "burros." Even the fiberglass chicken statues are larger than life.What to See and DoCactus central: A surprisingly lush landscape, Saguaro National Park (nps.gov/sagu) is divided into two parts: one east of Tucson, in the Rincon Mountain District; the other 30 miles west, on North Kinney Road. Both have excellent hiking trails and scenic drives that showcase the park's plant specimens and wildlife.Studio visit: Whether or not you're a fan of Ted DeGrazia's much reproduced art, the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun (6300 N. Swan Rd., Tucson; 520/299-9191) is worth a visit: the adobe walls seem to glow in the morning light, and the open-air chapel, built by the artist in the 1950's, features his colorful murals.Look sharp: Seventeen acres of prickles and thorns mean heaven for succulent lovers at Mesquite Valley Growers (8005 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson; 520/721-8600), a nursery that stocks a vast selection of garden art. Desert fashion: The two locations of Tucson's W Boutique (4340 N. Campbell Ave., 520/577-3470; 7049 N. Oracle Rd., 520/877-8790) are good sources for warm-weather staples, including slouchy linen pants by Georgie and Warhol-print swimsuits by Diane von Furstenberg.Boutique block:  Once a fort that marked the northern frontier of New Spain, the 150-year-old Old Town Artisans (201 N. Court Ave., Tucson; 520/623-6024) houses a cluster of charming shops (although the turquoise-jewelry quotient is a little high). The best part: sitting in the courtyard with a prickly-pear margarita. Star power: One of the world's largest telescopes sits atop Mount Hopkins at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory (670 Mt. Hopkins Rd.; 520/670- 5707; cfa.harvard.edu/facilities/flwo/about.html), just outside Amado. Amateur astronomers can check out the scaled-down models at the visitors' center, 10 miles below.History lesson: The remnants of not one but three Spanish missions are on hand at Tumacacori National Historical Park (1891 E. Frontage Rd., Tumacacori; 520/398-2341), accessible via a 41/2-mile trail from Tubac.Spotlight: Tucson Restaurants There's more to this town than the three C's (chili, corn, and cilantro). From breakfast to nightcap, here are eight of the latest dining destinations.The hideaway: Behind the RumRunner wine shop lies the Dish (3131 E. First St.; 520/326-1714; dinner for two $80), a bite-size boîte. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, the bar offers a special: mussels and a glass of wine for $11.50.Regional darling: Suzana Davila, who runs the nouvelle-Mexican Café Poca Cosa (110 E. Pennington St.; 520/622-6400; dinner for two $75), constantly updates her chalkboard menu—look for pollo en pipian or the irresistible tamale pie.Star chef: James Beard Award winner Janos Wilder peppers his creative dishes at Janos (3770 E. Sunrise Dr.; 520/615-6100; dinner for two $105) with native ingredients like cholla buds, mesquite flour, and saguaro blossoms.The romantic: Muscovy duck and short ribs with Yorkshire pudding are a few of the old-world favorites at the Grill at Hacienda del Sol (5601 N. Hacienda del Sol Rd.; 520/529-3500; dinner for two $100). The wine list is exceptional.The takeout spot: Among the 25-plus rotating varieties at the Tucson Tamale Company (2545 E. Broadway Blvd.; 520/305-4760; lunch for two $17): vegan-friendly spinach and wild mushrooms, and a fiery slow-roasted sirloin.Morning ritual: Whether it's sausage and biscuits or "eggs and gunpowder," breakfast at the Hotel Congress's Cup Café (311 E. Congress St.; 520/798-1618; breakfast for two $15) is funky and fun. Cocktail hour: Tucson's bar scene isn't all about tequila. For proof, look to VinTabla (2890 E. Skyline Dr.; 520/577-6210; dinner for two $65), which serves 90 wines by the glass and is co-owned by a master sommelier. Carnivore feast: Cure a serious iron deficiency at Jonathan's Cork (6320 E. Tanque Verde Rd.; 520/296-1631; dinner for two $85) with a thick cut of steak, ostrich, bison, or the tried-and-true liver and onions. Don't pass up the margaritas.DESERT BACKCOUNTRY (381 miles round-trip from Las Vegas)"Welcome to the Greatest Earth on Show", declares one highway sign. Those words couldn't be truer about this drive from Las Vegas through Nevada and Utah—where the sky is vast, the landscape is alive, the cowboy hats are big, and the pickup trucks come caked and splattered with red dirt. This is the real American Southwest, with a wildness and emptiness that allows you a taste of frontier life. It's a trip through the land of the Marlboro Man and Thelma and Louise.Lay of the Land Twenty miles outside Las Vegas, a world away from the fountains at Bellagio, the I-15 freeway traffic starts to dwindle, and a realization sets in: this is 100 percent desert—mesquite-shrub, cholla-sprouting, brittlebush-parched earth. Make a stop at Nevada's Valley of Fire State Park, where red sandstone that's been whipped, beaten, and sculpted by wind and rain forms odd geological structures, such as beehive- and piano-shaped stones. The drive north passes through Joshua tree–strewn desert and canyons, ending up in the hub of St. George. Remnants of its Mormon pioneer past live on downtown, but the area shows signs of overdevelopment from the snowbirds who have flocked to this sunny corner. East of and#8201;St. George lies the 1950's-style town of Springdale, reached by State Route 9, which dips along the Virgin River and ascends into pasture surrounded by mesas. Motels and cafés line Zion Park Boulevard, Springdale's main drag, along with galleries and (of course) adventure outfitters. The main draw here is nature—you're right outside Zion National Park. Head northeast from St. George to Silver Reef, an atmospheric ghost town that was once the largest settlement in southern Utah. An 1879 Wells Fargo bank (which now houses a bronze-sculpture gallery), an old stone kiln, some photogenic ruins, and the Cosmopolitan Restaurant are all that remain of the former silver-mining boomtown. West of St. George is Ivins, set in the foothills of Snow Canyon State Park. The landscape forms a jigsaw puzzle of snowcapped mountains, jagged cliffs, deep valleys, and jumbled lava rock. In these parts, sunsets are an event, with the mesas and cliffs morphing from maroon and orange into green, purple, and black.The RouteLas Vegas to Valley of Fire: 73 milesValley of Fire to St. George: 84 milesSt. George to Springdale: 41 milesNevada and Utah Insider's Guide Easy access: Aside from campsites, the only place to stay inside Zion National Park is Zion Lodge (Springdale, Utah; 888/297-2757; doubles from $159), which lets you roll out of bed and onto a trail (it's right across from the Emerald Pools hike). Ask for one of the historic 1920's cabins with a fireplace and front porch.Canyon views: A spa, a hilltop labyrinth, and the popular Spotted Dog Café make Flanigan's Inn (450 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, Utah; 800/765-7787; discoverzion.com; doubles from $119) feel like its own little village. Several rooms have decks or patios; Zion National Park is a five-minute walk away.Mind-body-soul: With the help of the "adventure concierge" at the Red Mountain Resort and Spa (1275 E. Red Mountain Circle, Ivins, Utah; 877/246-4453; redmountainspa.com; from $199 per person, including meals and some activities), guests choose from an extensive list: yoga or tai chi on the rocks; biking; even a hike with dogs from the local animal shelter. The rooms may be understated, but the landscape sure isn't, and neither is the food (like the deceptively decadent lemon cheesecake).Where to Eat and DrinkCowboy cuisine: Located in the ghost town of Silver Reef, the Cosmopolitan Restaurant (1915 Wells Fargo Rd., Leeds, Utah; 435/879-6862; dinner for two $80) is worth finding, even on the darkest nights when you'll have to watch for wildlife crossing the road. The Western-saloon exterior is a somewhat incongruous prelude to the cooking of Hungarian chef Imi Kun, whose goat-cheese spaetzle is out of this world. Sweet treat: Long live the cake parlor—thanks to Twentyfive Main (25 N. Main St., St. George, Utah; 435/628-7110; lunch for two $20) and its daily selection of house-baked cupcakes, from orange blossom to peanut butter cup. Savory items include pressed sandwiches, pastas, and salads.Power meal: The berry-topped waffles at Oscar's Café (948 Zion Park Blvd., Springdale, Utah; 435/772-3232; breakfast for two $20) will satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Breakfast burritos and hiker's granola are other popular options at this colorful restaurant. What to See and DoHot rocks: Geology class would have been so much more riveting after a field trip to the Valley of Fire State Park (Overton, Nev.; 702/397-2088; parks.nv.gov). Nevada's oldest state park is made up of some 35,000-odd acres of petroglyphs and dramatic rock formations. Scenic spectacle: Stop in at one of the two visitors' centers in Zion National Park (Springdale, Utah; 435/772-3256; nps.gov/zion) to find the right hike for your time and skill level. (Among the most memorable routes: wading along the Virgin River in the famed slot canyon known as the Narrows.) For a quick overview, drive the Zion–Mt. Carmel highway from the western entrance. Town crawl: The roughly 10-block, self-guided walking tour of St. George (maps available at 1835 S. Convention Center Dr.; 435/634-5747; utahsdixie.com) features mid-1800's Mormon sites such as Brigham Young's winter residence and the 1876 Tabernacle.Lose the crowds: Should Zion ever get overrun (and it does), Snow Canyon State Park (1002 Snow Canyon Dr., Ivins, Utah; 435/628- 2255) is a much better kept secret. The kid-friendly, two-mile round-trip Butterfly Trail brings you to the park's impressive lava flows. Creative Hub: Four galleries, a pottery studio, an arboretum, and more make up the Coyote Gulch Art Village at Kayenta (875 Coyote Gulch Court, Ivins, Utah; 435/688-8535; coyotegulchartvillage.com). Painter Gina Jrel and sculptor Quinn are standouts at Juniper Sky Fine Art Gallery, while Gallery 873 has distinctive metalwork. Take a break beneath the round skylight at the adobe Xetava café.CENTRAL NEW MEXICO (464 miles round-trip from Santa Fe)Many visitors to New Mexico rarely venture far from the northern part of the state, missing out entirely on its midsection—sprawling, craggy desert with no shortage of superlatives. Where else in the span of 500 miles can you find the country's oldest continually inhabited Indian pueblo, an internationally acclaimed art installation, the largest collection of radio telescopes in the world, and a town dedicated entirely to pies? Lay of the LandForty-seven miles southwest of Santa Fe on Interstate 25, Bernalillo borders the Rio Grande, in the shadow of the imposing Sandia Crest. The challenging La Luz Trail switchbacks eight miles and 4,000 feet to the summit, but even a one-mile trek will earn you sweeping views of the Rio Grande Valley.Heading west on I-40, you'll trade the urban sprawl of Albuquerque for wide, lonely landscapes en route to Acoma Pueblo, an 860-year-old, still-inhabited "sky city" atop a 370-foot sandstone mesa with views of colorful badlands. Fifteen miles farther on, the turnoff onto Highway 117 marks the entrance to El Malpais National Monument and National Conservation Area (nps.gov/elma), a jagged maze of lava flows and cinder cones. The blink-and-you'll-miss-it outpost of Quemado might seem an unlikely place to find cutting-edge art. But the Dia Art Foundation's Lightning Field is both impressive and provocative—a meditation on unexpected symmetry amid natural chaos. Even the caretaker, a reticent and rangy cowboy straight out of No Country for Old Men, seems like part of the installation. From Quemado, drive 10 miles east on Highway 60 to quirky Pie Town, then continue to the Very Large Array, a center for radio astronomy whose 230-ton antennas stand out in stark contrast to the empty plains. Next stop is Magdalena, a pioneer settlement and artists' colony at the foot of the Magdalena Mountains. The city of Socorro, a 16th-century trading post on the Camino Real, is home to the Old San Miguel Mission, an adobe Catholic church founded in 1598. Nearby, scout for pelicans and sandhill cranes at the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, a lush oasis with trails and picnic areas on the Rio Grande. The Route Santa Fe to Albuquerque: 63 milesAlbuquerque to Quemado: 169 milesQuemado to Socorro: 93 miles   New Mexico Insider's Guide Where to StayPueblo Luxe: Golf, horseback riding, and post-adventure pampering (try the ancient-drumming mud mask) are part of the draw at the Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort and Spa (1300 Tuyuna Trail, Santa Ana Pueblo; 800/554-9288 or 505/867-1234; hyatt.com; doubles from $199), a sprawling Native American–owned hotel near Bernalillo.Green Acres: A 200-year-old hacienda, Los Poblanos Inn and Cultural Center (4803 Rio Grande Blvd. N.W., Los Ranchos de Albuquerque; 505/344-9297; lospoblanos.com; doubles from $155) also runs an organic farm with fruits, vegetables, and fields of lavender. The eight guest rooms have kiva fireplaces and colorful New Mexican folk art. Bunkhouse Digs: Kick back on the porch swing at the Fite Ranch Bed and Breakfast (Co. Rd. A153, San Antonio; 575/838-0958; fiteranchbedandbreakfast.com; doubles from $100), a 1930's working cattle ranch in a dusty hamlet near the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.Where to Eat and DrinkDown-home dish: Southwestern comfort foods (chiles rellenos; chimichangas) are the specialties at the Range Café (925 Camino del Pueblo, Bernalillo; 505/867-1700; dinner for two $40), in a cheerful, bustling adobe on Bernalillo's main drag. Tribal Eats: Corn—the Acoma people's sacred sustenance—is the base for many of the dishes at the Yaaka Café (Sky City Cultural Center, Acoma Pueblo; 800/747-0181; lunch for two $20), which serves beef pozole and traditional lamb stew in a sunny room that opens onto the Haaku Museum's courtyard.Fresh baked: Named after a homegrown apple-pie business in the 1920's, Pie Town still lives up to its reputation, thanks to the diminutive Daily Pie Café (Rte. 60, near mile marker 56; 575/772-2700; dailypie.com; slices from $4) and Pie-O-Neer (Rte. 60; 575/772-2711; pie-o-neer.com; slices from $5).State Treasure: The parking lot of the low-slung, ramshackle Owl Bar and Café (77 Hwy. 380, San Antonio; 575/835-9946) is almost always full, a testament to its mastery of New Mexico's culinary sensation: green-chili cheeseburgers. Order two. What to See and DoMountain High: Climbing 2.7 miles in 15 minutes, the Sandia Peak Tramway (40 Tramway Rd., Albuquerque; 505/856-7325; sandiapeak.com) is the world's longest aerial tram—and a much speedier way up to the peak of 10,378-foot Sandia Crest. Ancient Dwelling: Take a guided tour of the vibrant pueblo above the Sky City Cultural Center and Haaku Museum (Acoma Pueblo; 800/747-0181; acomaskycity.org; tours $20). You can buy crafts and jewelry from Acoma artisans, shop for hand-coiled local pottery at the Gaitsi Gallery, or view exhibits on hundreds of years of Acoma culture.Force of Nature: In 1977, sculptor Walter De Maria stuck more than 400 stainless-steel poles into a stark desert basin 45 minutes outside Quemado. The Lightning Field (505/898-3335; lightningfield.org; May 1–Oct. 31; admission from $150 per person, including overnight stay) is named for the poles' propensity to attract electrical strikes during summer storms. The site can accommodate only six visitors at a time; after checking in at the Dia Art Foundation's office in Quemado, you're taken to spend the night in a rustic log cabin with three bedrooms, a fridge stocked with enchiladas, and a porch that opens right onto the exhibit.Sci-fi site: The Southwest's most surreal roadside attraction is easily the Very Large Array (36 miles east of Pie Town on Rte. 60; vla.nrao.edu), a collection of 27 giant dish antennas used by astronomers to study radio waves emitted by stars and planets. (Look familiar? The 1997 movie Contact, starring Jodie Foster, was filmed here.) Don't miss the hands-on exhibits about life in outer space.Spotlight: Santa Fe The country's oldest state capital celebrates its 400th anniversary this year. Spend a day catching up on the city's most compelling sights.For jewelry, textiles, and high-quality crafts, go directly to the Palace of the Governors (105 W. Palace Ave.; 505/476-5100; palaceofthegovernors.org), on the plaza's northern side, where Native American artisans from 23 tribes gather daily to sell their handmade goods.Hidden amid a slew of kitschy curio shops, Dressman's Gifts (58 Lincoln Ave.; 505/982-0227; dressmansgifts.com) is the real deal, with a good selection of carved wooden angels and other New Mexican folk art.Built in 1922, La Fonda on the Plaza (100 E. San Francisco St.; 800/523-5002; lafondasantafe.com; doubles from $319) is a landmark Santa Fe hotel with wood vigas (beams), kiva fireplaces, and polished tile floors. The rooftop Bell Tower Bar is the place for sunset cocktails with a view of the Jemez Mountains.Breakfast at Café Pasqual's (121 Don Gaspar Ave.; 505/983-9340; breakfast for two $30), a block off the Plaza, has been a well-loved tradition for 30 years. Lines form early for smoked-trout hash and huevos motuleños. Fresh-baked croissants and other snacks are on hand at Station Coffee (530 S. Guadalupe St.; 505/988-2470), an airy new café in one of the Railyard District's original brick warehouses. Scout for organic meats and greens, hothouse tomatoes, and green chilies at the always-mobbed Santa Fe Farmers' Market (1607 Paseo de Peralta; 505/983-4098; santafefarmersmarket.com), every Saturday morning in the progressive Railyard District.The newest addition to art-filled Canyon Road is Bittersweet Designs (901 Canyon Rd.; 505/660-1953; bittersweetdesigns.com), which sells handcrafted jewelry and journals made with vintage wallpaper.Legendary cantina El Farol (808 Canyon Rd.; 505/983-9912; dinner for two $70) dates back to 1835. Stake out a spot in the bar for live music and dancing, or sit on the porch and check out Canyon Road's Friday night gallery crowds.Part roadhouse, part specialty grocer, Tesuque Village Market (138 Tesuque Village Rd.; 505/988-8848) is located just north of the center, in the neighborhood of Tesuque. Refuel with an oven-fired pizza after a hike on the Winsor Trail.Santa Fe's first luxury resort to open in a decade, Encantado (198 State Rd. 592; 877/262-4666 or 505/946-5700; encantadoresort.com; doubles from $550), from Auberge Resorts, has 65 casitas, a spa, and the most talked-about new restaurant in town. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Southwestern_Weekend_Getaways.htm 26th Oct,2009 Compare costs of all modes of transportation this holiday season – planes, trains and automobiles – and you can save hundreds of dollars. By Harry R. Weber, AP Holiday surcharges. Bag fees. Fees for just about everything. Long airport security lines. Flying might not be your cheapest, quickest or most comfortable option to travel to grandma's house this Thanksgiving.   Consider taking the bus or Amtrak, driving or even renting a recreational vehicle for a family adventure. At an average $2.57 a gallon this week, gasoline is almost 12 percent cheaper than it was a year ago.   Still, the distance you have to travel may make the airplane route the only practical course.   "Prudent families should closely compare the cost of all modes of transportation for both price and hassle," says Rick Seaney of FareCompare.com.   Here's a by-the-numbers look at different modes of transportation for a family of four traveling on three routes representing a cross-section of the country on Nov. 25 and returning on Nov. 29 — and how you can save during your trip. The airfares selected were the cheapest nonstop itineraries available as of last weekend.   1. New York City to Boston   Booking a flight on US Airways will cost you $282.20 roundtrip, including taxes and fees, per person. Add in one bag checked at the airport for each family member and that adds $200 roundtrip. Kits that includes a fleece blanket, an inflatable neck pillow, eye shades and earplugs will run you another $28 for four. Air total: $1,357.   Greyhound will get you there for $144 roundtrip. Checking a second bag for two adults will cost $40 roundtrip. Bring your own food from home for about $16, pillows and DVD player for entertainment. Bus total: $200.   Roundtrip on Amtrak will cost the family $594. Your first three checked bags are free. Hitting the dining car for specialty salads for everyone will be $72 roundtrip. Train total: $666.   You can drive the 215 miles each way for about $50 in gas roundtrip. Meals on the road will add about $80 more. No charge for entertainment you bring with you. Driving total: $130.   2. Atlanta to St. Louis   A Delta Air Lines roundtrip flight runs the family $1,037. Roundtrip fees for one bag checked by each person at the airport adds another $160. If you want some entertainment, Wi-Fi for one laptop would be about $12 roundtrip. Air total: $1,209.   Greyhound roundtrip runs you about $811. Checking a second bag for two adults will cost $40. Bus total: $851.   There's no train itinerary available to get you there by Thanksgiving dinner.   Drive the 555 miles for about $150 in gas roundtrip. Add in roughly $160 in meals. Driving total: $310.   3. Los Angeles-Portland, Ore   Alaska Airlines tickets will cost the family about $1,949 roundtrip. One checked bag per person each way is $120 roundtrip. Want food on the flight? A picnic pack including salami, cheese, crackers, apple sauce and energy-drink mix runs $48 roundtrip. Air total: $2,117.   Greyhound gets you there for about $874 roundtrip. Another $40 for the bag fees. Bus total: $914.   The train costs $999 roundtrip, plus about $150 for meals if you buy them on board during the nearly 24-hour ride each way. Train total: $1,149.   Driving probably won't work for most people, since it is 964 miles each way.   For those so fed up with tarmac delays, lost baggage and other hassles, you might consider renting an RV for your Thanksgiving trip.   Jon Tancredi, a spokesman for the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association, says the homes on wheels mean no lost luggage, missed connections or less-than-helpful gate agents.   "There's no charge for baggage, movies or boxed lunches," he says. "Heck, there are no boxed lunches, as RVers have a gourmet kitchen in tow."   Take traveling from Pittsburgh to Lancaster, Pa., as an example.   The group estimates that the cost over three days for a family of four driving the 238-mile trip in a motor home would be $846, including rental charges, fuel, meals and campsite fees. The rental charges alone run about $180 a day. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Creative_Ways_to_Save_Big_on_Holiday_Travel.htm 26th Oct,2009 With more than 21,000 spas to choose from in the U.S. alone, just figuring out where to go can tie you up in knots. But don't sweat it: We've identified the top 10 (affordable) spas for every type of decompression. By Melisse Gelula, Budget Travel 1. The holistic havenElemental Embrace Wellness Spa Retreat in Brighton, Ont.   Trained vaidyas—ayurvedic doctors who practice India's 5,000-year-old system of holistic medicine—oversee the cleanse-and-reboot treatments at Elemental Embrace, a small wellness spa 90 minutes east of Toronto. The number of guests is limited to 20 to ensure a guest-to-staff ratio of about 1:1. Though you can get the usual facials and wraps here, most people come for the ayurvedic treatments (such as swedana, an herbalized-oil massage followed by an intense steam bath, $55) and for colonics ($100). The real standout, though, is the creative, Indian-inspired cooking; dessert is served first to give the body time to break down hard-to-digest sugars. Best Deal: The $317 nightly rate, which includes all meals, daily yoga and meditation classes, evening lifestyle seminars, use of the facilities, and a $136 credit to put toward treatments. 866/212-9355, elementalembrace.com.   2. The celebrity favoriteCygalle Healing Spa in La Romana, Dominican Republic   Before she opened her full-service, ecofriendly facility on the grounds of the Casa de Campo resort last year, Cygalle Dias's organic facials, massages, and mani/pedis were available only through her mobile spa business—and primarily enjoyed by boldface names like Rosario Dawson. Now, those same services are available to anyone who makes an appointment at Dias's namesake spa. The emphasis is on fresh, natural ingredients: "Pharmacists" mix up individual batches of potions using fruit, honey, flowers, herbs, ground coffee, cornmeal, and more for each client. A popular four-part treatment sampler includes a 30-minute water ritual (alternating between hot and cool pools), a facial that uses local sugar and botanical extracts, a 50-minute massage, and either a wrap or a scrub, all of which take place in spacious bamboo-and-stone suites or in open-air gazebos scattered throughout the resort's garden. Best Deal: Through December 20, a three-night stay runs $594 and includes breakfast daily and a four-treatment sampler. 800/877-3643, casadecampo.com.do.   3. The outdoor adventure Red Mountain Resort and Spa in St. George, Utah   Set in the shadows of the red-rock cliffs of Snow Canyon State Park, this fitness-focused spa puts hiking front and center. Guests choose from 30 different guided treks each week, some of which explore nearby Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks, as well as the Grand Canyon (about 100 miles away). An adventure concierge is on hand to help guests select the right difficulty level: Explorer treks consist of leisurely walks in the foothills, while Endurance outings are recommended for human billy goats. Best Deal: For $259 a night through the end of November, the Red Rock Girlfriends Getaway includes all meals, daily hikes and classes, gym access, a massage, and an afternoon of guided kayaking or horseback riding. 877/246-4453, redmountainspa.com.   4. The pastoral escape Spa Eastman in Eastman, Que.   It's only about an hour from Montreal, but Canada's oldest destination spa feels blessedly remote, thanks to its setting: 315 acres of ponds, wildflower meadows, and groves of cedar, pine, and birch trees. The 43 rooms are divided among seven buildings across the property, from a bare-bones, solar-powered wood cabin that sleeps two to the spa's original eight-room French-style stone house, equipped with a fireplace and lounge. Some therapists have been with the retreat for more than 15 years—unusual in the spa world—and the staff's certified kinesiologists will help you make the most of the property's nine-plus miles of hiking trails. Best Deal: A $698 three-night Relaxation and Fitness package, which covers all meals, classes, a training session, and five treatments, including massages and a body wrap. 800/665-5272, spa-eastman.com.   5. The exotic hotspot Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort in La Fortuna, Costa Rica   Plenty of people are drawn to Tabacón for the thrill of bunking at the base of the 5,360-foot (and active) Arenal volcano. Yet it's the hot springs that run through the property and create natural thermal pools that make staying there such a restorative experience. Meandering pathways flanked by tropical plants connect the resort's low-slung buildings, and the treatment rooms in open-air bungalows take in some of the best rain-forest views. Not surprisingly, the spa specializes in volcanic-mud wraps and hydrotherapy treatments, like a sea-salt-spiked Jacuzzi session. Best Deal: A three-night Yin Spa Package, at $1,496 per room, includes three spa treatments per person—a neck-and-shoulder massage, a reflexology massage, and a facial—as well as a traditional temazcal sweat-lodge cleansing session for two. 877/277-8291, tabacon.com.6. The place to lose that last 10 poundsThe Oaks at Ojai in Ojai, Calif.   A perfect counterpoint to the fancy, celebrity-studded hideaways in nearby Santa Barbara, the Oaks' unpretentious family-run spa has had its own devoted following for 32 years. The scale of the place is modest—there are 46 rooms in a Spanish-style former hotel—but its clients' weight-loss goals are decidedly ambitious. Guests practice restricted food intake, with daily meals and snacks totaling just 1,000 calories, and spend their days in a variety of noncompetitive fitness classes, many of which are geared toward beginners. Among the 14 offered daily are a handful of throwbacks like aqua and step aerobics, which somehow feel just right in this old-school environment. Facials and massages are extra, but at $80 apiece, they're hardly budget busters—and they make for well-deserved treats after all that discipline. Best Deal: The $189 nightly rate includes all meals, classes, and use of facilities such as the pool and gym. 800/753-6257, oaksspa.com.   7. The good life for less Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, Calif.   New resorts often dangle spa deals to help get the word out. That's the case with Sand Hill, a 123-room retreat that opened in April with rates low enough to make its over-the-top luxury accessible, at least through the end of the year. Everything about the hotel broadcasts excess, from the huge rooms (starting at 527 square feet) and designer Italian bed linens to the giant rain showerheads and marble bathtubs. The many freebies at the heated outdoor pool—smoothie shots, melon balls, and frozen grapes delivered hourly to your chaise—will help you forget (momentarily) that you'll be picking up the tab for meals at Sand Hill's pricey rustic-American restaurant (entrées start at $22). Even the spa treatments aim for grandeur: The Forest Sanctuary option includes a redwood-scented body wrap that evokes northern California's outsize natural resources. Best Deal: Until December 31, the A Girl's Gotta Get Away weekend package starts at $185 per night and includes a bottle of sparkling wine, a $100 spa credit, and a $50 breakfast credit. 650/561-1500, rosewoodsandhill.com.   8. The beachfront yoga retreat Maya Tulum Wellness Retreat and Spa in Tulum, Mexico   At the still-almost-pristine south end of the booming Riviera Maya, an hour and a half from Cancún, Maya Tulum specializes in weeklong programs that are popular with both novices and experts. (Many experienced yoga instructors even come here for training programs to beef up their skills.) Guests stay in the 45 thatched-roof palapas with net-draped beds and private bathrooms, and most rooms have views of the Caribbean. The larger of the two yoga pavilions accommodates up to 80 people, but bring your own mat if you want to practice on the beach—borrowed resort mats aren't allowed on the sand. (You'll also need to pack your own bug repellent and beach towel—and a flashlight, since the grounds are dark at night.) In the spa, local cacao, honey, and clay are used for the six Mayan-themed wraps, scrubs, and massages. A nopal-and-aloe-vera wrap ensures that even the painfully sunburned can share in the pampering. Best Deal: A seven-day Mind-Body-Spirit program costs $1,368 and includes airport transfers, meals—typically casual, seafood-focused Mexican dishes like shrimp ceviche and fish tacos—twice-daily yoga classes, two spa treatments, and two half-day excursions, such as snorkeling at the Dos Ojos cenote or checking out the Mayan ruins at Cobá. 888/515-4580, mayatulum.com.   9. The historic New England charmer The Spa at Equinox in Manchester Village, Vt.   Last year's $20 million renovation, with interiors by New York City designer Geoffrey Bradfield, gave this 240-year-old southern Vermont resort a much-needed elegant update (think striped sofas, wrought-iron tables, and stylized tree-branch patterns in the rugs). The 13,000-square-foot spa, added to the Equinox in 2005, has a 75-foot-long heated indoor lap pool and a lounge with a fireplace—plus a list of locally appropriate treatment options like a maple sugar body scrub. If you feel like getting out, Manchester Center, less than three miles away, is the perfect place to go bargain-hunting: It's home to dozens of designer outlets, including Burberry, Theory, and Tse. Best Deal: Weekdays from November 1 to April 30, the three-night Cloud 999 package costs $999 per room and includes a $999 spa credit—enough to cover one full treatment per person per day, with just enough left over for a $35 Express Manicure. 800/362-4747, equinoxresort.com.   10. The desert oasis Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Palm Desert, Calif.   At 38,000 square feet, Desert Springs in the Coachella Valley is one of California's largest spas. In the newly remodeled space, you'll find everything from separate men's and women's hammams to digitally programmable Kohler rain showers (for those who must have the water temperature just so). The hotel's 884 rooms are equally well decked out: All have 37-inch HDTV screens, granite vanities, and private balconies with views of the resort pools or the surrounding Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. Of the eight restaurants on the property, the liveliest scenes are at the Lobby Bar and at Mikado, a popular spot for cocktails and sushi. Best Deal: The Escape! Spa Package starts at $409 per room per night and includes breakfast, two treatments, and access to the pool and the 4,000-plus-square-foot gym. 888/538-9459, desertspringsresort.com. http://www.knoxvillenewcomers.com/article/article/Spas_Made_Simple.htm 26th Oct,2009