At Gaylord Palms’ “Shrek the Halls” 2011 Christmas Event

Puss ‘n Boots and me…. we’re buds! My hubby treated me to a weekend of revelry at Gaylord Palms resort in Kissimmee, FL for my birthday in December. The resort, normally a feast for the senses any time of year, was awash in Christmas magic, blanketed in twinkling lights, colorful wreaths, ongoing seasonal music and spectacular holiday shows. This year’s theme is “Shrek the Halls” … a tribute to the loveable cast of characters from the movie, “Shrek.”

From now through January 2^nd guests and visitors can partake in some pretty cool happenings, including ICE!, the legendary annual exhibit of ice sculptures that, this year, features Shrek and friends.

The fact that the festivities are geared toward kids added to the appeal, since my husband, Patrick, and I – though 50-plus – definitely qualify.

Patrick reserved a great package deal, which included, among many other perks, tickets to ICE! as well as to the “Shrek Feast” character breakfast buffet. After having checked in on Saturday and receiving royal treatment as a birthday girl (surprise complimentary room-to-suite  and dining upgrades), Sunday morning found us at Villa del Flora for a sumptuous meal while characters milled about, including the giant ogre himself.

We hugged and took photos with Shrek and his beautiful pre-dusk Fiona, a vision in Cameron Diaz chic. But the cat’s meow was meeting Puss ‘n Boots, the movie character voice-acted by Antonio Banderas. Keep in mind that these larger-than-life cuddly creatures are not permitted to make a sound, much less speak during public appearances.

So, we’re dining on smoked salmon with capers and onions, spinach quiche, fresh fruit, assorted omelets  and an array of cheeses and meats – forgoing the waffles, pancakes and pastries – while sipping bloody Mary’s and Mimosas along with freshly brewed coffee. Lo and behold, Puss ‘n Boots appears at our table.

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve been on a “cat” kick lately (that’s another story) or if I got swept up in the sheer magic of the moment, but not only did I hug the huge cat-masked Banderas look-alike, but I scratched his fuzzy tummy to see if he would purr. His big body went wild, right leg shaking in a frenzied motion that cracked up the crowd. Then we snuggled cheek-to-cheek for my photo op, when I whispered to him that his whiskers were indeed tickling my face.

That did it. He tried to stifle his unauthorized audible laughter… snorting, snickering… obviously moved by the unexpected sentiment from this perennial child… and remained available for my amusement throughout our meal. Hey Puss, not trying to “rat” you out, but rather expressing appreciation for one of the highlights of our visit!

Among others, of course, was ICE! – a colorful 20,000 square-foot display of Shrek characters and Christmas-themed figures sculpted from two million pounds of ice. Don’t miss the 30-foot ice slide… despite all the health warnings, it’s tame enough for me… and all the other kids. Pack gloves and be prepared to wear a resort-issued quilted parka as the exhibition area is maintained at a frosty nine degrees. A refreshing break from tropical temps and a great reminder of why we choose to chill out in Florida, any time of year.

Written by Lisa Codianne Fowler for and courtesy of Getaway Plus

Fans of the Fab Four, check this out! The 2012 Beatles Tribute Cruise departs on February 4^th, coinciding with the 48^th anniversary of the Beatles first U.S. television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. Cabins are going fast! The cruise will feature Beatles bands, friends and historians. Here are some of the details:

Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 will be sailing from Ft Lauderdale on February 4, 2012 aboard the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s OASIS of the SEAS for seven nights featuring exciting ports of call, Falmouth; Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and the exotic private island of Labadee. This FABulous cruise coincides with the 48^th Anniversary of the Beatles first U.S. Television appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show and Super Bowl XLVI and will celebrate the band with an all-star cast of entertainers and musicians.

Beatles Tribute Cruise 2012 Entertainment:

Laurence “L J” Juber: a two-time Grammy award-winning finger-style acoustic guitarist, also known for his electric work as lead guitarist in Paul McCartney’s Wings. Juber has released 16 critically acclaimed solo albums which feature his celebrated arrangements of popular tunes and genre-crossing compositions.  Guests will enjoy L J’s acoustic guitar concerts from the ship’s intimate stages; he will offer private guitar lessons and a Beatles Guitar Workshop.

Revolution- The Beatles Tribute as a long time headliner on Royal Caribbean Revolution brings the music, mannerisms, sounds and authentic Beatle instruments to its fantastic act. Returning Beatles Tribute Cruisers are asked to dress up in their best 60’s style gear when the band plays for a “Beatles DANCE Party” for the special BTC group. According to Greg Piper the leader of Revolution, “We’ve been headliner entertainers for Royal Caribbean for over 10 years – we highly recommend the Oasis – the best cruise ship on the seas.”

Tim Piper: Revolution’s John Lennon created the critically acclaimed “Just Imagine” Lennon solo show about six years ago. This show has played to sold out audiences all over the country and Tim has something extraordinary planned especially for this cruise.

Mark Hudson: an incredibly talented singer, songwriter and Ringo Starr’s former producer. The artist Mark Hudson’s talent, humor and style are readily apparent upon meeting him. As a veteran headliner for the Fest for Beatles Fans, Mark delivers his unique one-man rock band and comedy show to the Beatles Tribute Cruise for several key appearances. Mark will also be offering private songwriting lessons!

Tony Bramwell, Beatle bud and childhood friend of John, Paul, George and Ringo returns to share stories of the Beatles from  before they were big stars and from inside the board room of Apple Corp. Tony was a huge hit on last year’s Beatles Tribute Cruise and he will introduce his latest masterpiece.

Joe Johnson, the host and creator of the nationally syndicated radio show Beatle Brunch, returns as emcee. Joe will entertain with Beatles trivia contests, prize giveaways and a special presentation of the Ed Sullivan Show that aired on February 9, 1964. All the entertainers will be invited to join in to share their special memories of that historic moment in music history.

For more information and reservations visit http://www.BeatlesTributeCruise.com.

Elegant and edgy, Charleston is sure to capture your attention… and your heart. Less than 300 miles from Ocala, it’s a short trek to a magical getaway. Think gardenia-scented antebellum charm, toss in windswept shoreline, culinary delights and lively nightlife, and voila! You’ve got all the ingredients for a deliciously-varied vacation.

Simply Historic

Charleston’s famous Historic District is replete with stately mansions, historic churches, intriguing museums, antique shops, world-renowned restaurants and unbridled grace, history and tradition. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along cobblestone streets or go on a guided walking tour at dark through Charleston’s most haunted sites. Embark on Charleston’s finest home tours for a taste of what it was like to live in the low country during the Civil War. Referred to as the Holy City, it provided a haven to those who fled religious persecution. Church spires line the cityscape, and represent a myriad of faiths.

Surf’s Up!

Known as “The Edge of America,” Folly Beach is a seven-mile-long barrier reef located just eight miles south of Charleston — the closest beach to the city. Calm and relaxed, Folly Beach is arguably the best beach in South Carolina and one of the most in-demand surfing spots on the East Coast. It’s is a great place to splash in the waves, collect seashells and see the Morris Island Lighthouse. A fishing pier and sun swept views make it one of the last authentically rustic beaches in the area. If you’re a history buff, Folly abounds with Civil War historic and cultural sites. Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms are more upscale and boast warm waters and gentle surf… ideal for a relaxing swim.

Southern Comfort

Charleston is known for seriously great Southern dining, with festive dockside oyster roasts, high-end restaurants, outdoor cafés and fresh-from-the-dock seafood. Old-fashioned favorites such as low country boil, she-crab soup and pralines share center stage with New Southern Cuisine; young local chefs are earning raves for imaginative dishes like deep-fried pig ear appetizers and grits with foie gras. Just north of the historic downtown near the College of Charleston, the Upper King area is a bastion of urban cafés and edgy boutiques. At the tip of a peninsula, the city’s historic downtown only covers a small geographic area, but it’s so densely packed with museums, restaurants…See More and bars, you could easily spend a week or more here.

Seeing Stars

Charleston’s too-quaint-to-be-true cobblestone lanes and antebellum mansions almost seem made for the movies. So it’s no surprise that several famous films have been set here; The Notebook, The Legend of Bagger Vance and The Patriot, among many others. The opera Porgy and Bess, about poor African-Americans struggling to exist in 1920’s Charleston, gave the world the song “Summertime”, among many others. Modern-day musicians include pop-folk singers and country rockers. Step out on the town to also discover a variety of jazz bands and classic quartets who play live on any given night in the city’s many fashionable bars, lounges and hotel lobbies.

If you like theater, you’ll love Charleston. In 2010 it was listed as one of the country’s top 10 cities for theater, and one of the top 2 in the South. The most famous of them all is The Dock Street Theatre, America’s first. Home of the Charleston Stage Company, it’s South Carolina’s largest professional theater company, presenting a full season of plays, musicals and theatre-for-youth productions.

Check out Charleston, a beautiful Southern Belle with a trendy twist. It’s just miles away but worlds apart. For more information, call 843-853-8000 or visit www.charlestoncvb.com.

Words by Lisa Codianne Fowler

Reprinted from What’s Up Ocala Magazine (c) 2011

Flying Penguin? Every now and then you stumble upon something silly in cyberspace that just makes you smile. That was the case with this post on Southwest Airlines’ blog which is populated by posts from employees, customers and just plain fans of the Texas-based company.

Penguin on a Plane: The Story Behind Pete

by Ross Nelson, Guest Blogger for Nuts About Southwest

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s your lucky day.”

Those seven words, kindly provided by the flight attendant, can either make or break a flight. Are we about to experience copious amounts of turbulence? Is someone famous on board? Is the lavatory door jammed? Will we be receiving an unlimited supply of delicious honey roasted peanuts?

Then came the follow-up, “We have Pete the penguin from SeaWorld on board this Southwest flight, and we would like to take him out so he can stretch his legs and walk down the aisle.”

The following 15 minutes of Southwest Airlines Flight 583 from San Francisco to San Diego confirmed my love for Southwest Airlines, SeaWorld and random acts of animals walking on airplanes. As Pete waddled toward the rear of the aircraft, passing giddy children and business people alike, a SeaWorld representative provided facts and information regarding penguins over the flight PA system. Pete confidently strutted his way down the aisle while periodically poking his head under seats.

“That’s not something you see everyday!” understated the passenger next to me.

“Ha ha, I thought penguins couldn’t fly?!” I heard from the back of the aircraft.

As Pete made his first pass, I decided to begin recording him by placing my laptop on the ground, where I could record a “bird’s eye view,” with the hopes of later sharing this experience with my friends and family. After the curious penguin made his two trips up and down the aisle, he was placed back into his carrier, leaving passengers in a state of “shock and awwwwe.” Pete’s tuxedo tour left a lingering buzz the remainder of the flight–it truly was our lucky day.

I later decided to upload the video onto YouTube. Little did I know, “Penguins on a Plane” had a one-way ticket to viral-town. Within two weeks, Pete became the most popular penguin in the press, waddling his way onto major television networks and acquiring over half a million YouTube views. Thanks, Southwest and SeaWorld, for letting Pete the Penguin march his way into everyone’s hearts!

Southwest services over 100 destinations across the US. Ask your Personal Vacation Specialist about flying Southwest on your next Grand Getaways Vacation.

Posted by Lisa Codianne Fowler for blog.gograndgetaways.com (c) 2011

Sarasota/Bradenton is  coveted for its gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultural venues. And if you want to get down to earth, there’s no better place than here.

A year may sound like a long time, but when you’re exploring Australia’s vast and beautiful landscapes, it will seem like weeks! Before you book your flight to Australia, check out this overview of  the best things to see and do in the land down under.

Top 10 Things to See and Do in Australia

1. The Great Barrier Reef

With some of the best scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, and underwater life in the world, a trip to the Great Barrier Reef is a must! Located on the northeast coast of Queensland, it is a world-class site for living coral, diving, dazzling white beaches and romantic, luxury island escapes.

2. Kuranda Range and the Outback

Take the train from Cairns and travel through the beautiful Kuranda Range, stopping at Barron Falls, Stoney Creek and Kuranda’s Rainforests. It then heads for the remote outback to the Chillagoe Caves, Mount Surprise, the Undara Lava Tube and ends at Cobbold Gorge. You can trek and horse ride and stay at one of the many Outback Stations where you’ll learn to steer cattle and shear sheep!

3. Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Stunning Ayers Rock or Uluru (in the aboriginal Anangu language) is found in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. This enormous red rock, right in the heart of Australia, is one of the most photographed sights in the world and is home to the most breath-taking sunsets you’ll ever see.  There is beautiful local accommodation where you can sleep in simple luxury and dine under the stars.

4. Australia’s Wildlife and Marine Life

Kangaroo Island is great for seeing Australia’s unique wildlife in particular its national mascot the kangaroo as well as cuddly koalas, possums and wallabies. Meanwhile a visit to Seal Bay Conservation Park will give you a guided tour through packs of fat sea lions and fur seals. Another great wildlife spot is Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. From July to November, if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of migrating humpback whales.

5. Australia’s National Parks

Considering it’s one of the driest continents in the world, Australia has a huge variety of national parks to choose from. Wildlife, World Heritage and Marine Parks each offer a unique insight into Australia gloriously diverse habitats. Don’t miss Shark Bay on the west coast for sightings of the toothy mammals or Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Finally, see the Blue Mountain range in New South Wales for views of mesmerizingly deep gorges and wild bush landscapes.

6. Tasmania

Tasmania, or Tassie as it’s more fondly known, is an island off the southeast coast of the Australia. It is most famous for being the home of the Tasmanian Devil; a foraging little creature with a deafeningly loud screeching growl. Cuddlier wildlife also lives on Tasmania including wallabies, koalas and wombats. Choose from lacing up your walking boots and to trek the wilds or winding your way through the Tamar Valley vineyards, tasting as you go!

7. Australia’s Wine Regions

In Western Australia, Margaret River and Great Southern are the two main wine regions. Margaret River’s location offers fantastic grape-growing conditions and also awesome waves; known as a mecca for surfers, they travel there from all over the country to catch the biggest waves. For Riesling lovers, the Great Southern on the east coast of Western Australia is the place to go.

8. Great Ocean Road

This is the ultimate road trip along Australia’s southeast coast. The Great Ocean Road as it is known was built by servicemen as a memorial to their fellow servicemen who were killed in World War I. The road winds along Australia’s coastal mountains giving way to ocean views so stunning, they will take your breath away.

9. Working in Australia

If you want to do more than sight-see, you will find there is a large choice of work available in Australia – from nursing to fruit picking. Some agencies in the UK can even set you up with work before you travel. Au pairing, teaching English, ski instructing and work in the hospitality industry are all great ways to earn extra cash for your travels. Word of mouth from people you meet is a great way to find jobs.

10. Volunteering in Australia

This is a very rewarding experience and one looked upon favorably by future employers. You can teach English to children or adults, take part in wildlife conservation – whether in rainforests or coastal regions, assist local communities with various projects from building to education, health and cultural development and even gain a work experience placement in journalism or law.

James is a freelance writer and scribe based in London, UK. When not traveling he maintains travel news site, PRnewshub.co.uk.

Each year, Frommers’ editors, authors and experts from around the world sit down to talk about the best cities, islands, beaches and other vacation destinations for the coming year. They aim for a list that steers clear of too-hot spots or places that are so under the radar you’ll find yourself lost. Here’s their list of top 10 for 2011:

A view of downtown Doha, Qatar as seen from the Corniche.
Photo by gwilson/Frommers.com Community

Doha, Qatar
Doha doesn’t attract the hoards of beer-swilling British tourists or the sheer number of hotels that the U.A.E.’s Dubai does, but its beaches are more beautiful and its gourmet restaurants are less crowded. The Al Jazeera news network is what put Doha on the map a decade ago, although a different sort of camera — the movie kind — is what’s drawing tourists for the Doha-Tribeca Film Festival. Next year marks its third installment. Doha is concentrating on beefing up its presence on the international stage by following up its world-class, I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art with a bid for the Olympics in 2016 and the Fifa World Cup in 2022. Plus, the city is hosting professional soccer’s Asian Cup in January.

Rio’s crowded Ipanema Beach.
Photo by Queensue/Frommers.com Community

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Although hardly a secret destination, Rio de Janeiro is shedding its image as a sun, sea, and samba town and going for glamour and sophistication. Join the friendly Cariocas for an innovative 10-course Amazonian dinner at Rio’s top Le Pré Catelan restaurant or some delectable “brapas” (Brazilian tapas) at hip eatery Oui Oui. Even Rio’s magnificent beaches are better than ever before; from Leme to Leblon, new outdoor cafés boast fabulous seaside patios with comfortable bathroom facilities. As host of the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics, the city is abuzz with exciting developments that will be sure to attract huge crowds. Beat the rush and see how the Girl from Ipanema is all grown up.

A reflection in the helmet of a Stockholm Palace guard.
Photo by foehner/Frommers.com Community

Stockholm, Sweden
Best-selling writer Stieg Larsson has rocketed Stockholm to the top of the list of most popular European cities through the exploits of computer hacker Lisbeth Salander, better known as the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It’s high time: Stockholm has always been a city of under-appreciated surprises and discoveries. Every visitor should see the main sights (like the Royal Palace and the winding cobbled streets of medieval Gamla Stan), but then hop on the 1900 steamboat that takes you past hidden creeks and marshland to the royal family’s palace on Drottningholm. Swim in a restored 1904 Art Nouveau pool, tuck into reindeer or arctic char in a gourmet food market, or try a distinctly different guided walk over the rooftops. And of course, follow in the footsteps of Lisbeth Salander on the former working-class island of Södermalm.

Atlanta skyline from Piedmont Park.
Photo by Jay Filter/Frommers.com Community

Atlanta, Georgia
As the gateway to the New South, Atlanta has certainly come a long way since it burned to the ground during General William Tecumseh Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864. And while remains of the Civil War are still a big draw for visitors — the Kennesaw Mountain/National Battlefield Park and Cheatham Hill specifically, there is much more to this great city than 150-year-old confrontations. Atlanta boasts the world’s largest aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola museum, a world-class zoo, an impressive botanical garden, and Federal parks highlighting the life and works of native son Martin Luther King, Jr. Reinvigorated neighborhoods scattered throughout the city, such as Virginia-Highlands, Midtown and Buckhead, are easy to navigate on foot and boast great shopping, dining and nightlife. Progressive yet rich in history, Atlanta truly has something for everyone.

Broadstairs Stone Bay Beach Huts along the Kent Coast in England.
Photo by Jill Emeny

Kent Coast, England
Less than two hours from London by train, the Kent Coastline offers long stretches of clean, sandy beaches, secluded coves, and bustling seaside towns. There’s plenty to keep visitors going over a long weekend, from quirky independent shops to worthy eateries to stylish boutique hotels. A focus for visitors is the area from Whitstable to Ramsgate, taking in the colourful beach huts of Herne Bay and the traditional seaside resort of Broadstairs, with many beaches to be discovered along the way. Walkers can take off on a bracing cliff top ramble whilst exploring the 27-mile-long Viking Coastal Path, taking in smugglers haunts, and some of the oldest churches in England.

Spring colors in Hokkaido, Japan.
Photo by Wend In Leong/Frommers.com Community

Hokkaido, Japan
The northernmost island of Hokkaido was the final frontier for the citizens of Japan, so it’s only fitting that it’s the final frontier for visitors as well. Hokkaido confounds expectations at every turn. While the mainland of Japan has a reputation for being tiny and crowded, Hokkaido is expansive and sparsely populated. While the mainland features typically Asian architecture, the major cities of Hokkaido have a distinct, almost European feel. And while Japan is known as a technological paradise, Hokkaido overflows with natural wonders, from fields of alpine flowers in the summer to breathtaking ice-scapes in the winter months.

Beach along the Cesme peninsula, Turkey.
Photo by Spiterman/Flickr.com

Cesme Peninsula, Turkey
The picturesque villages with crumbling Greek facades and enormous stretches of sparsely populated beaches that were once the hidden playground of Izmir’s working class have developed into a veritable international holiday sensation. Today, relaxation can be found at more than a dozen deluxe thermal spas and visitors can find lodging at opulent bayside resorts, romantic boutique hideaways, or even a stately Pasha’s manse. Step back in time at Erytrai, the city of antiquity peeping out from under the Mediterranean brush, and pass into the medieval era in Çesme’s hybrid Genoese-Ottoman fortress before returning to the 21st century in one of the many elegant streetside cafés of Alaçati or the white-glove restaurants at Dalyan cove.

Mason’s Rock near Virginia Falls in Nahanni National Park.
Photo by Mike Beauregard/Flickr.com

Nahanni National Park, Canada
If there’s such a thing as a quintessential Canadian wilderness experience, paddling down the Nahanni River may be it. While the remote Nahanni National Park in the Northwest Territories has always had a degree of recognition — it was the world’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site — its profile increased dramatically in 2009 when the park underwent a massive expansion to become more than 11,500 square miles of protected land (nearly the size of Switzerland). While the park’s remote nature means that this is not a budget trip, you also don’t have to be a grizzled outdoorsman to enjoy it — warming in the north means that the season gets a little bit longer every year, and many people choose to float comfortably down the river in a whitewater raft, enjoying the abundant wildlife.

Boats and swimmers in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Photo by Kim Mazzucco/Frommers.com Community

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
A tiny town fronting a small protected harbor on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers up a laid-back environment, spicy food, palpable tropical heat, and streets filled with the rhythmic lilt of patois and reggae music. From the shore right in town you can watch surfers tackle Salsa Brava, a steep reef break reminicent of Hawaii’s treacherous Bonzai Pipline. Just south of town are white sand beaches backed by thick rain forest and protected park lands. If you decide to do more than sunbathe, you can hike the trails of the nearby Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park. You’ll almost certainly hear the roar of howler monkeys, and watch parrots fly by.

The island of Ponza, off Italy’s western Mediterranean coast.
Photo by bitter like a coffee/Flickr.com

Ponza and the Pontine Islands, Italy
The principal island in Italy’s Pontine archipelago is one of the most naturally gorgeous and downright fun islands of Italy, and just far enough from the mainland to be an impractical destination for mass tourism. So much the better for those who do go to the trouble of making a trip here, because what you’ll find is a rare Mediterranean gem that has kept its Italian identity intact and undiluted. It’s not that Ponza is “undiscovered.” On the contrary, it’s a summertime escape that enjoys feverish devotion among the bella gente of Rome and Naples. If you want to avoid the holiday scene altogether, just come in the gorgeous shoulder months of May, June, and September — locals will tell you this is when their island really shines.

Argentina wine is booming, Evita’s busting, the gaucho is all but gone and the tango’s making another comeback. MENDOZA, Argentina—Once a year this laid-back city at the foot of the Andes sets aside the siesta, cerveza and empanada and rolls out the red carpet for its Masters of Food and Wine festival.

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler recently heralded Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades as a winning combination, placing three area properties in the 2010 Top 100 Reader’s Choice for Mainland U.S. Resorts.

Condé Nast Traveler readers voted Longboat Key, Florida, as the No. 2 island in all of North America, for its blend of wild, natural beauty and manicured elegance. Visit Florida reports.