Leave Your Heart in San Francisco

It's Valentine's Day. A time for romance, candlelight, flowers and slow dancing with your honey -- and chocolate. A girl has to keep her priorities straight, after all!

For me, there is no city in America more romantic than San Francisco. Like legendary singer Tony Bennett, I left my heart in San Francisco the first time I visited and have been returning regularly ever since. From the shiny red cable cars that climb it's 48 hilly square miles to the broad expanse of the golden gate bridge that connects it's peninsula to Oakland and the mainland, San Francisco is filled with amazing, funky, unique things to see and do.

Among my favorite sites to see are:

• taking a leisurely sunset stroll past the shops and street vendors on the way to a scrumptious meal on Fisherman's Wharf;
  
• twisting crazily down picturesque, flower-banked Lombard Street;
  
• spending quiet moments contemplating the exquisite stained glass windows of Nob Hill's Grace Cathedral;
  
• wandering the tranquil paths of the traditional Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park;
  
• expanding my horizons with a quirky lecture at the innovative Exploratorium, physicist Frank Oppenheimer's amazing interactive museum;
  
• wondering at the gargantuan sculptures that hover above the you at the stunning Museum of Modern Art and, of course;
  
• spending a delightful leisurely afternoon browsing through fabulous shops and galleries;
  
• sampling exotic cuisines from a host of nations . . .

I could go on and on. San Francisco mesmerizes you like some exotic, misty-eyed beauty, then steals your heart away forever. You'll want to stay right in the center of things. I love the elegant urban suites at the Inn at the Opera (above, left). Located right in the famous San Francisco Civic Center, home to six performance houses, the Inn is just steps from wonderful music, exciting theater, charming bistros and unique shops. For other fabulous San Francisco timeshare accommodations, click the post title.

Foreign Shores Beckon for the Holidays

In our last post we talked about popular holiday destinations here in the U.S. But if you yearn for foreign shores, there are a number of popular holiday destinations close to home where you can still get a decent return on the dollar. According to online travel site Orbitz, this year's most popular international holiday destinations are Puerto Rico, Cancun, Mexico City, London and Puerto Vallarta.

With the value of the dollar struggling these days, it's not surprising that Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, is the top sun and sand destination. Mexico's closeness and generally affordable air rates, coupled with the fact that the peso hasn't made much of a dent in the value of a dollar, make its sunny resorts a good value. London is a bit of a surprise, particularly now with the pound trouncing the dollar. Apparently, Americans will always love London (they speak our language, sort of), but just now your money won't go very far (a 40-pound cab ride equals $81.70 U.S.-- ouch!). If foreign shores beckon, your best bet for the holidays is a timeshare in Puerto Rico or Mexico.

Gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean are one of the highlights of a stay at the Hyatt Hacienda del Mar timeshare in Dorado, Puerto Rico (above, left). Just 22 miles from San Juan International Airport, the Hacienda del Mar is located on the island's beautiful north shore. Cool Atlantic breezes brush across the warm sands of the timeshare's magnificent beach. A relaxing river pool meanders through lush gardens, cascading over 14 waterfalls. Biking, horseback riding, tennis and golf are among the delightful activities available. For complete information, click the link.

Ocho Cascades in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (right) is one of my favorite timeshare destinations. Its award winning architecture and lush tropical landscaping provide a dramatic setting for an adult escape. Because of its unique architectural design, Ocho Cascades is not recommended for families with children under the age of 16. But if you're looking for a place to honeymoon or rekindle the old romance, Ocho Cascades will prove a delight. Each villa has its own very private swimming pool or spa. Nearby you'll find wonderful restaurants, exciting entertainment and delightful shopping. Among the activities you can enjoy in Puerto Vallarta are magnificent beaches, deep water fishing, diving and sailing. For complete information, click the link.

Chicago Tops List of Popular Holiday Destinations

If you're headed for Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Denver, or Washington D.C. for the upcoming holidays, I hope you've already booked your flight and your timeshare. Be prepared to elbow the crowds as those are the top five most popular domestic holiday destinations this year, according to online travel site Orbitz.

Having spent considerable time in the Windy City, I was pleased to see it topped this year's holiday travel list. Chicago will always be one of my favorite vacation destinations. The elegant Tremont Hotel timeshare (right) is in the heart of the elite Gold Coast, just steps away from Chicago's famed Magnificent Mile, the cornucopia of trendy upscale shops and restaurants that lines North Michigan Avenue. (For details on the Tremont timeshare, click the post title.)

From the Tremont you're just a quick walk or cab ride to the city's most exclusive shops, finest restaurants, wonderful theatres and pulsating nightlife. Enjoy the Tremont's Gold Coast elegance and Old World charm between forays into the city to sample Chicago's many delights. Sip a nightcap in Ditka's Bar (left) on the premises. You might even catch a glimpse of the legendary Bears football coach. With concierge service and valet parking, you'll always feel pampered at the Tremont.

While you're in Chicago for the holidays, take the opportunity to visit these can't miss sites:

• Field Museum. Chicago's world-class natural history museum, the Field is the home of Sue, the world's most complete T.rex fossil. The dinosaur display at the Field is legendary. And don't miss the Nature Walk, an amazing taxidermy exhibit celebrating the animals of the world.



• The Bean. Part of the new Grant Park expansion, a wide-eyed view of Chicago's skyscrapers is reflected in the mirrored surface of this dynamic sculpture. This time of year it may be a bit cold to wander the park and nearby city beaches, so plan a return in warmer weather to enjoy the lighted display at Buckingham Fountain, the lovely Grant Park rose garden and summer concerts in the park.



• Sear's Tower. A trip to the top of the country's tallest building is well worth the stunning view. Visit late in day to avoid the crowds and take in the breathtaking view of the city as it lights up at dusk (left).


• Skyline. The city of big shoulders, Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper and has one of the most beautiful skylines of any city in world. Take a romantic Lake Michigan or Chicago River cruise to enjoy the full effect of the city.


• Michigan Avenue. A trip to Chicago isn't complete without a day of shopping, noshing and people watching along the Magnificent Mile. Take a carriage ride from the historic Water Tower (the only building left standing after the Great Chicago Fire reduced the city to a smoldering pile of rubble). Enjoy the street musicians, many from the nearby Loyola School of Music. Sample roasted chestnuts and other goodies from street vendors. Remember to visit at night too when thousands of twinkling white lights illuminate the street.


• Lego Store. Located at 520 N. Michigan Ave., this is a fun stop if you're traveling with children. Guarded by a life-size Darth Vader, the store offers every Lego set imaginable. But it's the larger-than-life Lego creations that will amaze the kids (and you).


• Navy Pier. You have to take a ride on the signature giant ferris wheel that overwhelms the entrance to the pier. Carnival rides, a children's museum, eclectic shops and restaurants, and a slew of interesting bars make Navy Pier a great place to while away the afternoon or evening. Summer makes it the place to people watch.


• American Girl Place. Treat your daughter or granddaughter to tea and a show at the American Girl Place located at 111 E. Chicago Ave. Make sure to bring your dolls (they get a special seat at the table with you). Despite the rampant commercialism, you'll find a good message for your children with an emphasis on friendship and self esteem. Have your doll's hair styled in the salon. Pose for a magazine cover photo with your doll at the photo studio. There's even a hospital for dolls in need of a little TLC. If your child is a fan of the American Girl dolls or books, this will be a memorable stop.

You'll find it easy to get around Chicago. Chicago boasts an excellent subway system and a special bus loop visits all the major attractions and museums.

Tranquil Outer Banks Offer Unique Fall Getaway

North Carolina's Outer Banks are a delightfully quiet haven for a romantic getaway or a carefree family vacation. Tranquil, scenic beauty defines the popular barrier islands strung like jewels along the state's Atlantic coast. Gorgeous beaches, diverse parks, history, culture, culinary delights and environmental beauty combine to create a distinctive vacation destination.

Surrounded by 900 miles of ocean, the barrier islands protect North Carolina's coastal mainland from the Atlantic's fury, creating the largest estuary system in the world. The unique environment is a birder's paradise. Miles of pristine beaches, sand dunes and salt marshes are home to more than 400 species of waterfowl, shore and song birds and nesting areas. From fall through spring, birders and nature lovers flock to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge for the migration and nesting seasons.

Hiking is just one of the activities you can enjoy on the Outer Banks. Cycling, equestrian adventures, hang gliding, kayaking and some of the country's finest golf courses delight visitors. Temperate weather, shallow sound waters and rolling waves make the Outer Banks a a water lover's playground. Known as the windsurfing capital of the east coast for its steady, consistent breezes, you can also try your hand at surfing, boating, sailing, jet skiing, diving and fishing. Equipment rental and lessons are readily available.

Restaurants feature fresh-caught seafood, plucked from the cold waters of the Atlantic that morning. Spend the day gallery hopping or poking in the islands' eclectic variety of unique shops. Tour the islands' charming lighthouses.

If you're a history buff, you'll find plenty of historic sites and museums where you can while away lazy afternoons. The Outer Banks are the landing site of Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony, the new world pioneers whose mysterious disappearance from Roanoke Island has never been explained. The Frisco Native American Museum and Natural History Center provides a fascinating historic view of the barrier islands. Lose yourself in the Civil War and World War II relics and artifacts at the North Carolina Maritime Museum. Visit the Kitty Hawk site of the Wright Brothers' historic airplane flight.

Click here to view the great timeshares available in North Carolina and start planning your vacation now.

Italy Tops 10 Hot Honeymoon Destinations

Move over Paris, Italy is the new hot place for lovers. Italy took the top spot in Modern Bride magazine's 11th annual World's Best Honeymoons survey.

More than 6,000 luxury travel agents were asked to rank their 50 favorite honeymoon sites. Third last year, Italy moved into the No. 1 spot for the first time. Hawaii, which has reigned as the top honeymoon destination for a decade, ran a close second. This is the first year in some time that beach destinations did not sweep the top 10, though they still made a strong showing. Warmth, water and sand will always have a romantic allure for honeymooners. Survey results are available in the August/September issue of Modern Bride.

The top 10 honeymoon destinations are:

Italy
Hawaii
Tahiti
Costa Rica
Mexico
France
the Maldives
Anguilla
Fiji
Greece

My favorite section of the survey was the "bests" list:

• Best beach: Caneel Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands
• Best bar: The Setai, Miami
• Best resort spa: Four Seasons, Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Most luxurious bathroom: Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco
• Ultimate honeymoon suite: Premier Overwater Villa, St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora, French Polynesia.

On my next trip to San Francisco, I think I'll have to check out that bathroom! The most affordable honeymoon destinations were Mexico, Las Vegas and the Dominican Republic. If you and your new spouse thirst for adventure, try Costa Rica, South Africa or New Zealand.

A few tips for planning the perfect honeymoon:

• Plan together. Talk about where you want to go and what you want to do. You may be thinking mai tais on the beach while he's thinking jet ski and surfing lessons. This is may be your first opportunity to practice compromise!
• Set a budget. This is your first major expense as a couple. Remember to factor in transportation, lodging, meals, transfers, sight-seeing, activities, souvenirs, tips, taxes and those little luxuries that make you feel pampered. Be realistic about what you can afford. A memorable honeymoon doesn't have to be an expensive one.
• Passports. If you plan to travel abroad for your honeymoon, make sure you apply early for your passports. It can take 10 to 12 weeks for your passport application to be processed. Beginning January 1, 2008, all persons travelling outside the US, including Canada and Mexico, will be required to present a passport to re-enter the country. Click here for more information.
• Pamper yourselves. A honeymoon is a lifetime event. Splurge a little. Get the massage, have champagne and strawberries delivered to your room, take the midnight cruise -- make your honeymoon a memorable trip and start building memories together.