We at Kayak feel that bowls don’t get the recognition that they deserve. In fact, no one loves a good bowl more than our CEO. What else can hold tens of thousands of screaming football fans AND mom’s chicken soup. So, whether your favorite bowl is a big game, or covered in snow, or a treasured family heirloom displayed in your china cabinet, Kayak has some unbowl-ievable trip ideas.

Phoenix flights | hotels |cars
Even if you can’t get tickets to the big game held at the University of Phoenix Stadium February 3rd , you can still visit Phoenix and experience the rush of football. Go out for a PASS about five miles from downtown to The Heard Museum, which is not only world-renowned for its Native American art and culture exhibits, but on February 9th & 10th hosts the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. TACKLE a burrito the size of your forearm at one of the many 24-hour Mexican food spots like Filiberto’s and Raliberto’s. For a great halftime show, go to Rawhide Wild West Town (26 minutes south of downtown), where you can experience mechanical bull riding, desert train tours and gold panning. RUN long (About 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix) to Scottsdale and on the first down line you’ll find over 60 resorts and spas, 120-plus art galleries, some 600 restaurants and nearly 200 golf courses. So visit Phoenix and you’ll not only feel like you’ve scored a TOUCHDOWN, but the mild weather and sunny days in February, will make you feel like you scored an extra point!

Murano flights | hotels |cars
The perfect trip to Venice would be shattered without an overnight excursion to the cozy island of Murano (15 minutes via water bus from Venice). Meander around this menagerie of five islets, which has been the center of Venetian glassmaking since 1291. Visit the glass workshops and buy a piece of authentic Murano glass, straight from the source. At the free Museo Vetrario, you can watch a glass craftsman in action and view lovely chandeliers, vases and bowls (of course). Take a peak through the looking glass at the Church of Saints Mary and Donato, which was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mother, and hosts a magnificent mosaic pavement that dates from the 12th century. For a breathtaking view that will make you think you’re wearing rose-colored glasses, go to the top of the Ponte Vivarini bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal of Murano. Finish your day by dining at Dalla Mura (Fondamenta Manin 75) where we recommend a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta.

St. Louis flights |hotels |cars

Bowl a strike with your next vacation by heading to the Gateway to the West! St. Louis will bowl you over as the home to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (111 Stadium Plaza) which displays the sport’s 5,000 year history with artifacts like Mettlach steins and zany 50’s team shirts. You’ll throw a gutter ball if you don’t check out Pinup Bowl (6191 Delmar), the bowling alley/martini lounge, or the University City Loop area where you can shop, listen to live music and dine. Pick up a spare by visiting The Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest monument, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (4431 Lindell Blvd), which contains beautiful mosaics. There won’t be a pin standing when you visit The City Museum (701 North 15th Street), an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects such as salvaged bridges and even two abandoned planes. Finish off your tenth frame by crossing the Mississippi into Illinois and visiting the Cahokia Mounds, (30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL), the site of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico and an official UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vail flights |hotels |cars
Sure, you can go to Vail and ski in the mountain’s four terrain parks, seven wide bowl shaped slopes and 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain and have a pretty good vacation. But while you’re there, why not check out this Colorado village’s complete place setting and have an amazing vacation. Take the Nature Discovery Center’s guided snowshoe adventure on the glass-like top of Vail Mountain. Or jump on a ski bike (part bike, part skis) and cut through the snow like a knife on a nighttime downhill guided tour. And what’s cooler than dog sledding through the awe-inspiring curves and forks of backcountry scenery on the privately owned Diamond Star Ranch. Fill your plate with other activities like tubing, sledding and horseback riding. Enjoy a spoonful of the February events in this Rocky Mountain village, which include CarniVail (Mardi Gras celebration, Feb 3-5), the Honda Session (Snowboard competition, Feb 8-10) and the Bud Light Street Beat (free rock, blues and gospel concerts, Feb 20). Dip into Vail.snow.com for a taste of activities and events, and then scoop up a cup full of great deals on flights, hotels and more at Kayak.com!

Need Fare Alert Reminders?
You and us both. The Kayak Fare Alerts make it easy to track prices to different destinations. Create a new fare alert, and you’ll not only find the best fares on the exact dates you want to travel, but you’ll also see the fare history for your chosen routes and dates.

Don’t be stingy with the bowl,

Steve and Paul, Kayak Founders

If previous civil wars, bear attacks and intestinal surprises scare you from taking out-of-the-ordinary and exotic trips, it’s time to face your fears and check out these very safe and fun destinations. Follow Kayak’s tips and rules and you’ll be able to relax while you snow ski and swim in the same day, kayak with sea lions, be pampered and scrubbed, and know that fear doesn’t control you.

Beirut, Lebanon flights | hotels | cars

Rule number one when visiting this beautiful and culturally diverse city is to stay out of Southern Beirut. Although the airport is south of downtown, you’ll be fine if you take a cab to the Western and Eastern parts of the city. There is a risk of blowing your budget in the shopping districts of Hamra and Ashrafiyeh, (higher end) which are filled with numerous outdoor cafes, jewelers and fashion outlets. Beware of the stunning beauty of the national and international exhibitions of the Sursock Museum (Sursock Street) and the Gemayze Street Staircase (Known as Esacalier de l’Art) where annual open-air exhibitions are held on the 120 stairs. Armor yourself with sunscreen when you visit the amazing beach clubs of the city and bundle up while you ski at world-class resorts in Mt. Sannine (About a 70 minute drive) on the outskirts of Beirut. To prevent exhaustion, rejuvenate yourself at the Manara Palace, with some mezze and a hookah while looking out at the sea and thinking about how happy you are to be in this amazing place.

Lonely Planet tip: In Beirut, little things like lane markers and traffic lights are treated with derision. If you are driving, try to relax and get into the swing of it. If you’re a pedestrian, never relax - you’re the last thing most drivers are thinking about. Visit http://travel.state.gov/ for updated safety information to Lebanon before booking your trip.

Marrakesh, Morocco flights | hotels | cars

If you’re ready to trade in your dull, slow, station wagon-like vacation for something more exotic, spicy and convertible, then grab a travel companion and head to Marrakesh. Feel the wind in your hair at the open air markets just adjacent to Place Jama’ El Fna, where you can buy almost anything from spices to shoes to kaftans to teapots (Avoid paying by credit card). Speed on over to lunch at one of the food stalls in the Djemma El Fna square, where you can try harira soup, fried aubergines, lamb’s head and bull stew (Stay away from salads and uncooked food). Accelerate your digestion of this delicious food with some Ginseng tea with cinnamon from one of the many tea stalls. Next, park yourself at a popular local hammam (bath house) where you’ll scrub yourself and have a chance to caravan with the locals. After a few days in the city, rotate your tires by exploring the Atlas Mountains or taking a Sahara trek.

Lonely Planet tip: The main complaint visitors have is upset stomachs, dehydration and minor skin irritations. To dodge these discomforts, drink plenty of water (go for the bottled stuff) and bring anti-diarrheal pills to avoid Pasha’s Revenge. Sunblock is a must year-round.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica flights | hotels | cars

We at Kayak realize that marriage is scary for some people, but don’t let the fact that Jamaica is becoming a hotbed for weddings keep you from visiting this amazing Caribbean Island. Cruise (Book at kayak.com) on down to the bay of Ocho Rios, which is sheltered by lush garden-like mountains and protected by reefs. Or fly into Montego Bay and enjoy shopping, dining, and all-inclusive beach resorts. If you’re more interested in a quaint Jamaican destination, then visit the village of Port Antonio which is a mecca for deep-sea fishing, and a gateway to the nearby John Crow and Blue Mountain ranges. Whichever region you decide to visit in Jamaica, remember to respect the locals, stay out of inner city neighborhoods, call 119 if you need police assistance, and you’ll be safe, yeah mon!

Lonely Planet tip: The Jamaican traveler’s biggest problem is the vast army of hustlers. Your best bet is a polite but firm ‘No’. Drugs (particularly ganja) are readily available in Jamaica, however possession and use of drugs is strictly illegal and penalties are severe. A night (or a lengthy sentence) in a crowded-to-bursting Jamaican lockup does not make for a relaxing vacation.

Kodiak, AK flights | hotels | cars

One of the biggest dangers on a trip to the island of Kodiak, is having your breath taken away on this sportsman’s paradise. Start with a hike through the network of trails and observe, but don’t feed, sea ducks, mountain goats, and snowshoe hares. Then put on your sea legs (www.kodiak.org) and go kayaking with porpoise, seals and whales while you safely view the famous Kodiak brown bear on the island’s Katmai Coast. Cast a line out from the banks of one of the many lakes, streams and rivers in Kodiak or charter a boat for fishing at its finest. Learn more about the fish you caught at the Kodiak Maritime Museum, which is dedicated to the recognition and preservation of Alaska’s maritime heritage. Regardless of your plans in Kodiak, remember to dress warmly, stay a safe distance from wild animals and enjoy the beauty of Alaska’s Emerald Isle.

Lonely Planet tip: Ward off hypothermia by dressing in layers for insulation and always wearing a hat. A strong, waterproof outer layer is essential. Carry basic supplies, including food containing simple sugars to generate heat quickly, and lots of fluid to drink.

Looking danger in the eye and laughing,

Steve and Paul

After the holiday season, relax and let old-fashioned politics entertain. Start hedging your bets now on how many times candidates will overeat on the campaign trail, make promises they can’t keep, or attack each other for all the wrong reasons. You have the power though, to see them in person and ask the tough questions that need asking. After that, explore these four great states for some much needed post-holiday R&R.

Iowa flights | hotels | cars
Iowa kicks off caucus fever on January 3rd, but you can still join the party in Des Moines. The hysteria of politics will be winding down, but start scouring Kayak now for a hotel room in case political stragglers are still nursing hangovers and bruised egos. While the suits are smiling brightly and waving Miss America style, you can bond with your fellow voters at the downtown caucus hot spot 801 Steak and Chop House at 801 Grand Avenue. Here you’ll see the who’s who of politics, so be sure to brush up on your debate speak and try to entice someone into arguing the finer points of health care. Other political haunts to hit? Dos Rios, Gateway Market and Cafe, and local favorite Tursi’s Latin King. Hipsters and those who love to hate hipsters should flock to the East Village. This pedestrian friendly area features plenty of boutiques, cafes, pubs, restored buildings, and festivals. But if you’re wondering what the heck a caucus even means, try the State Historical Museum in Des Moines where a special caucus exhibit gives you the skinny on its history and meaning.

New Hampshire flights | hotels | cars
New Hampshire holds its earliest ever primary on January 8th. Guess it just couldn’t wait for all the fanfare and neither can we. Canoodle with CNN reporters and political candidates over a cold one at Quackers at the Wayfarer Inn in Bedford. A nostalgic political beat, Tom Brokaw was quoted as calling it “the political equivalent of the ‘Star Wars’ bar.” Party followers should take note that the center of the primary universe seems to lie at the Holiday Inn in Manchester, just a few miles from Bedford. This was the infamous stage where Howard Dean gave his first post-Iowa speech in response to that infamous visceral yell he let slip while campaigning. (You remember that yell.) Next, stretch your legs with a little skiing in Waterville Valley. Just 77 miles from Manchester, it also has been known to attract campaigners, politicians, and media advisors alike. For the artsy crowd, enjoy a show at the Palace Theater and discover the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at the Zimmerman House.

Nevada flights | hotels | cars
Nevada’s caucus kicks off on January 19th, instilling the fear of how the candidates are ever going to campaign in a state about three times the size of Iowa. So where are these hopefuls going to kick back? On the Vegas strip? Go under-cover on your political investigation with a birds-eye view of the city with Sundance Helicopter tours. Remember when Hilary and Bill did that awful mockudrama of the season finale of The Sopranos? Try something a little less awkward and hit up a performance of The Sopranos’ Last Supper at the Empire Ballroom. A trip to Vegas also isn’t complete without seeing Cirque Du Soleil’s Mystere, depicting strange creatures journeying to the edge of human potential. (Sounds just like politics.) Pay your respects to some of our Native forefathers with the Grand Canyon Tour Company. This same-day, round-trip bus tour takes you to the Grand Canyon West, home to the Hualapai Indians. Later, head back to Vegas and visit Coffee Pub, just off the Strip on Sahara Boulevard, which is renowned as a hotspot for local politicians including the governor and mayor.

South Carolina flights | hotels | cars
Lastly, hit the primary in Columbia, South Carolina on January 29th and wind down your political whirlwind tour. Though the South isn’t as keen on donkeys as elephants, there’s still plenty to do in the political ballgame. Start off with a bite at The Back Porch, an infamous GOP haunt, but try to blend in and not stare, you don’t want to frighten away the timid politicians. For something with a little more exposure, try Motor Supply Bistro where Democratic movers and shakers are known to converge. But to see and be seen, hit The Gourmet Shop for lunch and a drink at Gracie’s where young and hip lobbyists are known to hang. Now that you’ve seen all your favorite campaigners, brush up on your South Carolina history at The South Carolina State Museum or try a walking tour of the State Capitol. For a little more diversity, see the Mann-Simons Cottage, the former home of a slave who bought her own freedom. Next take a walking tour through the gardens of Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens, one of the oldest historical homes in the area.