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.

We’ve set up a separate web address for you to use for your API calls. It’s (oddly enough) api.kayak.com.

The idea is to insulate you from shifting load between clusters which can confuse your API sessions.

Just change your API code from “www.kayak.com” to this new address and everything should work as before. Note that if you have a private other host that you currently use, you needn’t change anything.

If you have questions, contact your personal API consult (wink, wink, that’s me) or send feedback.

Now that holiday shopping is done, it’s time to stress about New Year’s Eve plans. Sure, you can head to your local “First Night [insert city here]” for a sober community party (B-O-R-I-N-G). Or then there is a shindig at the boss’s house where his daughters will perform songs from the Sound of Music while you fume over the lavish spread paid for with your bonus money. Why not try something new this year- start the year someplace else!

New York flights | hotels | cars
Nothing says New Year’s like Dick Clark, B-List bands and of course Times Square! Everyone should be able to say they braved the cold, crowds and Ryan Seacrest at least once. Claim your plot (aka one square foot of space in Times Square) by 3pm. Bring food, drinks and chamber pot because you’ll be there until the ball drops. Or for an alternative, race into the New Year with the 3.3 Mile Fun Run around Prospect Park in Brooklyn or with New York Road Runners’ 4-mile Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. For something less strenuous, take a leisurely walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and ohhh and ahhhh over fireworks from Staten Island, Brooklyn, Central Park and New Jersey simultaneously. If you’re the flexible and quiet type, then check out Jivamukti Yoga Center’s Annual New Year’s Eve Mauna where you’ll yoga in silence until midnight, when the instructor will welcome the New Year with chants of “lokah samasta sukhino bhavantu” or “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.”

New quirky New York lodging on Upper West Side from from $63/nt

Las Vegas flights | hotels | cars
Instead of gambling with the outcome of your New Year’s Eve experience, head to Las Vegas for a guaranteed payout. Tell the blackjack dealer to hit you with great values on flights and hotels at Kayak.com (Book early). Then welcome the New Year with champagne (it’s legal to drink on the street) and a hundred thousand people on The Strip, while fireworks explode above you in the desert sky. But make sure you’re there by 8:00 p.m. because The Strip will be stacked with partiers, and it will be hard to keep your poker face while trying to get through the crowds. If you plan to have dinner that night, make reservations early because restaurants will fill up quickly. If you still have energy on New Year’s Day, go to a sports book like the one at the MGM Grand Hotel (with just under a hundred TV’s), and bet on the big game and almost every other sporting event happening around the world. Regardless of how you plan to spend New Year’s in this roulette table of a city, get ready for an adventure that will spin round and round and land on a great time.

Orbitz Package Deal: Flight + 3-nts Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino only $399pp

Barcelona, Spain flights | hotels | cars
If you want to bring in the New Year by competing in a party triathlon, then head to Barcelona where only the fit and ambitious cross the finish line of an amazing night. Prepare yourself that afternoon with a siesta and then carb up that evening with a great meal at one of the city’s many restaurants like the Mediterranean inspired Taxidermista. Make sure you’re at the starting gates, (Placa Catalyuna, Placa Real) a few minutes before midnight, armed with twelve grapes. The first stroke of midnight is the starter’s pistol so you’ll want to begin eating your grapes (one for each stroke of the clock), and make sure they’re all gone before the last stroke, for a year of good luck. If you’re still in the game, race into one of the bars and nightclubs in the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas. Dance and socialize and keep hydrated with plenty of the Spanish sparkling wine, cava. The last leg of the race will be heading to the beach to drink hot chocolate and snack on churros. You’ve crossed the finish line when you see the sun rise.

Find the Best Fares from your home airport to Barcelona

Bangkok, Thailand flights | hotels | cars
If your idea of a perfect New Year’s Eve destination is one which offers events featuring world-class entertainment, imported DJ’s spinning at swanky clubs and dazzling firework extravaganzas, then how about one night in Bangkok? OK, it’s a long trip, so you might want to spend more than one night but that’s how the song goes. There are three official venues in the city offering music and stage performances so choose between the newly revamped CentralWorld, the National Stadium, or at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. If you’d prefer something more intimate and within stumbling distance, many hotels including the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Millennium Hilton and The Shangri-La Hotel host private dinners and parties. Or float into the New Year on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River which offers great views of the spectacular fireworks display. Finish up your celebration with a Thai tradition and head to a temple on New Year’s Day to ensure happiness, health and good fortune for the year to come.

Find the Best Fares from your home airport to Bangkok

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Happy New Year!

Steve and Paul, Kayak Founders

OK ladies, since we covered trips for men last week, it’s your turn to grab a bunch of gals and your favorite bum-slimming jeans for a girls’ weekend away from work, men and kids. Ever wonder why celebs such as Jennifer Aniston and Eva Longoria look so good? That glow is more than the effects of Botox and Tae Bo, but the afterglow of frequent getaways from the stress of being a millionaire adored by the masses. Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? So take a page out of Nicole Kidman’s book before you stress yourself into the pages of Britney’s never-ending story. And men, before you roll your eyes and stop reading, score points with your significant other by suggesting she take one of these trips. We’ll even let you take credit for the idea.

St. Barths flights | hotels | cars
Whether you want to call it Saint Barthelemy, St. Barths, or St. Barts, this island is the getaway to gain that golden brown tan you’ve admired on frequent visitors Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Kate Moss. If you hate tan lines, start by showing off your celebutante body on Grande Saline Beach. Slip back into your skivvies and scuba dive along Lorient Beach or Petit de Anse to catch a sea turtle sighting or make friends with the parrotfish. After a hard day of relaxing on the beach and beating off the paparazzi, have your personal assistant book a reservation at the exquisite Carl Gustav Restaurant for fine dining fit for a star or a spa treatment at Hotel Guanahani and Spa. But celebrities are just “normal” people too, so join them for a cold one at Le Select or enjoy some live entertainment at Bar de l’Oubli. For a little fun, introduce yourself as Nicole Kidman’s best friend’s cousin’s babysitter. Tabloids, here you come!

Namibia flights | hotels | cars
Assuming you don’t live under a rock, you’ve heard of the Southern African country of Namibia made famous by Brangelina. Of course, you don’t have to be pregnant with Brad Pitt’s baby (a girl could hope!!) to visit this beautiful country known as a top spot for eco tourism. Namibia offers it all, including unspoiled coastline, desert, grass savannahs, rugged mountain ranges and lush sub-tropical green space. Start in the northwest, and enjoy some hiking along the Kaokoland mountains which run along the coast. Next, go further inland to explore the The Etosha National Park & Game Reserve, one of the finest and largest in Africa. If you want to live like star, book a room at Burning Shore luxury resort where the Jolie-Pitts camped to await the birth of Shiloh. While you live like a star, take advantage of the resorts offerings of tours including safaris, trips to Bird island, Walvis Bay Lagoon, Sandwich Harbour, pelican watching at Point Seal Colony and dolphin-sighting excursions. Check out of Burning Shore and check into Okonjima, a luxury bush camp home to The AfriCat Foundation, a non-profit organization, committed to long-term conservation of Namibia’s large carnivores, especially cheetahs and leopards. Spend several days on safari, learn how to track these large cats and take a photography class so you can capture all these amazing memories to the envy of all your friends back home.

Lake Como, Italy flights | hotels | cars
Going from one Sexiest Man Alive to another, what woman wouldn’t want George Clooney to rub sunblock on her while exploring the waters of Lake Como on his boat (pause to enjoy mental picture). Since purchasing his mansion away from mansion, celebrities have flocked to Clooney’s Lake Como villa including Jennifer Aniston, Matt Damon and TomKat who reportedly considered tying the knot at the villa. With two or more friends sharing a room, the celebrity-studded Villa d’Este is a steal. Pretend you’re on the set of Ocean’s 14 as you enjoy the resort’s vast acreage and luxurious amenities including a helipad for a quick getaway. If you don’t make a celebrity’s paycheck, there are plenty of hotel options under $200. We recommend the Hotel Orso Bruno which is located near Laglio on a quiet corner of the lake. You’ll want to get the lay of the land with a tour of the lake via boat or seaplane. There are tons of charming towns to explore, so hop the ferry Gestione Navigazione Laghi which stops at each of the towns along the lake. We recommend extended stays at Como, Bellagio and Varenna. Lake Como isn’t known for nightlife, so budget a few hours for a long dinner and many bottles of delicious wine. If you can still move after a four hour meal, the town of Bellagio is your best bet for bars, just walk along the Lungo Lario Manzoni on the water’s edge and cafe hop among the rich and beautiful.

Sun Valley flights | hotels | cars
Are you an avid skier or a ski bunny? Either way, join Paul Newman, Oprah, Brooke Shields and a few celebrity prancing pooches in Uggs at America’s first ski resort Sun Valley. Unlike other celebrity ski resorts, you won’t break the bank on room and board (can’t promise the same for your leg) and you won’t need designer ski suits to fit in. Beginners will want to hit Dollar Mountain, known as one of the finest teaching mountains in the world. With over 200 experienced instructors, there might even be a hot ski instructor romance in your future. Don’t worry Picabo, there are plenty of slopes for wanna-be Olympians. Take the Mayday chairlift (even sounds scary, doesn’t it?) to Little Easter Bowl for the most difficult run. Revive those aching muscles with a sports massage at Solavie Spa Resort where you can rub elbows with elite Hollywood refugees. Try Kneadery for brunch and see if the Schwarzeneggers are scarfing down eggs at the table next to you. When you’ve had enough of your famous peers, opt for seclusion with a bike ride along Trail 142 for spectacular views. Or for a true celebrity work out, visit Sun Valley Resort Horsemen’s Center for some riding or play a round of golf at Sun Valley Resort Golf Course. Reflect on your journey to fame and wander into Duchin Lounge for a cold one and a little jazz for your celebrity epiphany.

Europe’s Cool Capitals flights | hotels | cars

Visit the cool capitals of Europe and find out what’s cool, new, hip and trendy: Art and architecture in Amsterdam; Food and design in Vienna; Fashion and shopping in Antwerp; Restaurants and nightlife in Zurich. These cool capitals have it all and can help you save on newly reduced vacation packages.

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Staying home with the kids,

Steve and Paul, Kayak.com founders

I love the smell of testosterone in the morning. Or the afternoon, if you were out late letting that Y-not chromosome off its leash the night before. A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, and we know some good places to do it. Whether you’re in search of a poker game, outdoor adventure, or a sweet fishing spot, you need some time with the boys. So take a break from work, life and yourself (that’s right, you don’t have to shave, bathe or eat your veggies for a few days). You are so money and you don’t even know it.

Alaska flights | hotels | cars
The great outdoors really deserves the word “great” in Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. There’s plenty of room for you and your boys to spread out–about 17 million acres, mostly accessible only by air or boat. And the variety of rockin’ bring-your-best-camera-and-plenty-of-batteries terrain includes rainforests (they’re not just for the Equator), fjords, and some of the highest mountain peaks on the continent. Challenge your Bud bod with the steep 10-mile hike from Ketchikan into the mountains on the Deer Mountain Trail. Or just kick back with a cold one and do some fishing - you might catch a halibut that weighs as much as you do. Dig salmon? They run in all the popular colors and styles: red, pink, silver, king and dog. And speaking of dogs, Temsco Helicopters will take you flightseeing to a camp on Denver Glacier for a half-hour of dog sledding - and you can drive. Mush!

Orbitz Package Deal: Alaska adventure: Flight + 3-nts from $881pp

Louisiana - Bring Your Friends flights | hotels | cars

Planning a trip for a group of guys? Consider Louisiana. What better destination than a state known for great food, world famous nightlife, exciting collegiate and professional sports, outstanding outdoors activities - including world class fishing and hunting - 24/7 casinos and Bourbon Street? Suggest Louisiana for an upcoming vacation with your buddies. It’s sure to be a hit.

Utah flights | hotels | cars
You saw “City Slickers,” didn’t you? Pack your midlife crisis in your saddlebag, corral a couple of your favorite urban cowboys and ride out to a dude ranch in the wide open spaces of Utah. Keep it real with a hard day’s work at Rockin’ R Ranch in Antimony or get spiritual in a sweat lodge ceremony at WindWalker Guest Ranch in Spring City. Or do the full-on working vacation by herdin’ dogies and sacking out in the bunkhouse on a real cattle drive at the Box C in Grouse Creek. Just remember: Don’t bring your coffee grinder, keep an eye on Curly and warn your wife before you jump into bed with your spurs on.

Orbitz Package Deal: Enjoy Utah Ski trips starting from $206/pp

Baja, Mexico flights | hotels | cars
Hey, think of the inspiration Che Guevara got from a motorcycle trip. Explore the rugged landscape of Baja by motorcycle, getting closer to nature or to the freedom of two wheels and a whole lot of horsepower. Just a man, his bike and the desert. Or a man, his bike, the desert, a support van, meals, and iPod and a guide. Chris Haines Motorcycle Adventure Company runs 4-to-7-day motorcycle tours from San Diego and Ensenada as far as Cabo San Lucas, where you can chow down on a Fat Boy Burger at the Harley-Davidson Bar & Grill. Streak along the ocean on a BMW, tear up the winding back roads on a Yamaha, or bounce into the sunset on an ATV. Roads? You don’t need no stinking roads. Discover Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, tequila and carne asada. Put your boots up on the patio and crack open a fresh lobster at Restaurant Las Fuentes in Todos Santos. Pop stuffed jalapenos at La Palapaloca in Ensenada - if you come during any of the Baja Races, the joint will be jacked with competitors. Che couldn’t have done better.

Orbitz Package Deal: 3-star hotels in Cabo starting from only $73/nt

Bermuda flights | hotels | cars
In Bermuda, you’re never more than half a mile from water: fishing, diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, a few overdressed Europeans and of course money launderers. Drop anchor in Hamilton and head to the harbor to rent a boat, kayak or jet-ski. Fantasea Bermuda will outfit you for catamaran sails, snorkeling, wreck tours, mountain biking and scuba diving and even pour you a drink after. Tobacco Bay in St. George’s Parish is the go-to beach for water sports and mingling, though Church Bay in Southampton Parish has the best snorkeling — and the pink sand that lures bikinis. Gambling is a no-no, but poker tournaments for prizes are held at Legends Sports Bar and Bermuda Bistro in Hamilton. Celebrate your win with a Cuban cigar at Jasmine, the bar at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. Or go west, young man, to Sandys, and escape the genteel jacket-and-tie vibe in a cabana on stilts at the hip, screw-the-dress-code resort 9 Beaches. Like all the big hotels, they have more recreational equipment than you do, and you can find booze and poker at the Frog & Onion Pub. The Triangle is a sweet place to get wrecked. To avoid cold-water shrinkage, go anytime from May through October.

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Fare Alerts Just Got Better
We’ve heard your feedback and Kayak now offers “date specific” fare alerts to and from your favorite destinations, all at the best prices. By creating a new fare alert, 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. Plans flexible? Create a Buzz Alert to our Top 25 cities or find fares from our popular trip ideas.

Who’s the big winner?

Steve and Paul, Kayak co-founders

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, why not head somewhere that’s, ummm, nice? Nobody says you have to do your holiday shopping in your hometown and does your niece REALLY need another hoodie? Before you roll your eyes, anticipating the same old holiday shopping destinations featuring tr√®s expensive cities such as New York and Paris, read on because we’ve uncovered a few hidden gems that will take your declining dollar a lot further.

Huntsville, AL flights | hotels | cars
Although 99% of lost bags are eventually reunited with their owners (according to the airlines), there are a few pieces of luggage whose owners cannot be located within 90 days (maybe they’re still stuck on the runway). After all tracking options have been exhausted (tapping toes together while repeating “there’s no place like home”), the bags are then sold through exclusive contracts to the Unclaimed Baggage Center just outside Huntsville, Alabama. More than 7,000 new and used items arrive daily at this out-of-the-way warehouse store. There’s something here for everyone on your list including computers, laptops, clocks, and MP3 payers. There are a variety of men’s suits, women’s designer clothes and expensive jewelry. Having a baby? You’ll find infant car seats and strollers at a real bargain. Looking to pick up a new hobby? Choose from tennis rackets, golf clubs, tents, sleeping bags, basketballs, and skis. If you find a Treo with a picture of our CEO in Orlando, please return it. His wife is trying to call.
Orbitz Package Deal: Holiday Hotels in Huntsville starting at $57/nt

Canada flights | hotels | cars
From designer boots to those you can strap to your board, apres ski in Canada offers up more than just burning thighs at the end of the day. With an array of shops at the base, you can shop ‘til you drop in Quebec, Alberta, or British Columbia. Do it all on your next Canadian ski vacation. www.canada.travel/skinow

Nuremberg, Germany flights | hotels | cars
One-stop shopping didn’t start with Wal-Mart, but on European market squares. For a festive medieval shopping experience (as opposed to the Thunderdome atmosphere you’ll experience at Wal-Mart), visit Christkindlmarkt on Hauptmarkt Square in Nuremberg, open through December 23. More than two million visitors from around the world visit this market each year to nibble on the traditional Lebkuchen (fresh-baked gingerbread), sip Gl√ºhwein (a spicy mulled wine) and to wander from stall to stall checking out traditional handmade Christmas decorations, advent wreaths and dried flowers, decorative trees and flower arrangements, candles, Nutcracker soldiers, angels, traditional wooden and tin toys, hand puppets and more. The red-and-white-striped booths are especially festive at night. When you’re ready for something different, veer off from the 200-some stalls in the square, walking along the marked trail to check out the city’s famed Nativity scenes. There are plenty of historical spots to see after you reach your shopping threshold including Kaiserburg Castle which is encircled by a town wall with a total of 80 towers.
Orbitz Package Deal: Willkommen great deals on package trips to Germany

Frankenmuth, MI flights | hotels | cars
If you can’t go across the pond to Germany, head to Michigan instead. Visiting Frankenmuth is sort of like visiting a Bavarian village, complete with Alpine-inspired architecture and restaurants featuring hearty German fare, including potato salad, sausages and sauerkraut. Dozens of shops along Main Street offer everything from cheeses to cuckoo clocks, but the big player in this town founded by German immigrants is Bronner’s. It calls itself the “world’s largest Christmas store”, and it takes hours to check out the 50,000 or so items on display. Outside is a replica of the chapel in Oberndorf, Austria, where “Silent Night” was sung for the first time. It’s especially fun to visit during the Holiday Celebration & Candlewalk November 23 or during Zehnder’s Snowfest, January 23-28, with its full schedule of outdoor fun, including snow sculpting and ice carving competitions.
Orbitz Package Deal: Find hotel travel deals in Michigan’s Little Bavaria

Santa Fe, NM flights | hotels | cars
Despite an influx of new residents from southern California, the capital of New Mexico has managed to keep its quirky charm. In fact, shoppers have converged on the Governor’s Palace in Santa Fe for more than four centuries. A crossroads of cultures, this log-roofed portico on the city’s main square is the epicenter of the silver and turquoise trade. Here’s where Native American craftsmen have been trading their handcrafted jewelry and belt buckles first for goods brought in by Mexican peddlers and, later, Americans following the Santa Fe Trail. These days, the tourists may come by car, but all the vendors are rigorously vetted for authenticity (no “made in China” jewelry!). Not in the market for a concho belt? There’s lots more to browse for in the shops around the adjacent Plaza, including books, clothing, chilies and curios. Just a few miles away is Canyon Road, with art galleries awaiting the discerning eye with a fat pocketbook. There are plenty of places to unwind after a day of shopping. Santa Fe is packed with great spas, charming hotels and plenty of restaurants serving margaritas the size of that new bunch bowl you just purchased for your mother-in-law.
Orbitz Package Deal: Shop and relax at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa from $138/nt

Deals:

• Vacation packages
  Including 5 days / 4 nights for $199 by American Express
• Beijing on Sale
  Visit the Great Wall, from $370* each way.
• Ski Vacations
  From $569, includes flight + 3 nts hotel + 2 day lift
• Sweet Deal a la Montreal
  Book 1 night, get the 2nd at 50% off, plus great added values.
• ALASKA
  Get your FREE Official Alaska State Vacation Guide today!

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Did you know?
While Santa is busy checking his list to find out who has been naughty or nice, Kayak elves (aka engineers) are busy checking Kayak’s extensive database housing millions of airfare searches. We’ll use this research to prepare an email filled with tips for saving money on your holiday travel. In fact, help us personalize this data for you by answering a few questions about your holiday travel plans. Kayak’s holiday travel tips will be coming to town (aka your inbox) very soon.

Finding out who’s naughty or nice,

Steve and Paul, Kayak founders

Remember those great trips you took before the kids? Back in the day when your hangover woke you up, not a child wanting juice. When the liquid that came in a box was pink wine? Remember when your favorite jeans fit or that nose hair you keep plucking wasn’t gray? While you can’t turn back time (that Cher song is in your head now, isn’t it), you can get away for a long weekend or more with your significant other or a best friend (if you’re lucky, it’s the same person). A recent Kayak survey found that 30% of parents have never taken a vacation without the kids. Everyone needs a break from family, even your kids, so consider one of these guilt-free getaways.

Aruba flights | hotels | cars
Located in the heart of the southern Caribbean, Aruba is the perfect place to soak up some sun with a year-round average temperature of 82 degrees. This island paradise is perfect for parents fleeing the kids, with romantic hotels, luxurious spas, championship golf courses, vibrant casinos and miles of clear blue waves and white sand. Check out cool activities like land sailing, ATV tours, and scuba diving with the fish. No sting rays, we promise. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try mountain biking, customized to your own skill level by a professional tour guide, through the Aruban countryside along donkey trails. After recovering from your uphill trek, kick up your heels at night with live music and street festivities. If you’re feeling lucky, head on over to the Crystal Casino, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with 24 gaming tables and slot machines. Celebrate your winnings with Aruba’s signature cocktail, the Aruba Ariba!
Orbitz Package Deal: Renaissance Aruba Resort for $240/nt

New York City flights | hotels | cars
New York is just a hop, skip, and direct flight away from every major city in the U.S, so pack your bags and drop off the tykes at Grandma’s house. From Broadway shows to the guitar-playing Naked Cowboy in Times Square - New York has it all. Start your morning with brunch at the famous Boathouse Restaurant, nestled in the heart of NYC’s Central Park. Afterwards, check out the scene at the South Street Seaport with more than 100 shops, restaurants and festive outdoor concerts and performances. Feeling frisky? Head on over to New York’s Museum of Sex for shocking and erotic exhibits about human sexuality through the decades. If you need to catch some shut eye in the city that never sleeps - spend the weekend in one of AKA’s luxurious suites. The extended-stay property’s new Sleep School program provides light-sensitive accommodations and a personal sleep screening to help you catch up on your zzzz’s.
Orbitz Package Deal: Visit NYC in style — Air + 2-nts for $455/pp

New Orleans flights | hotels | cars
Let loose in the Big Easy! New Orleans, is steeped in culture, from creole cooking to its long musical history as the birthplace of jazz. NoLa-bound guests can savor the sounds of renowned festivals, like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest or grab a drink at Lafitte Blacksmith, the oldest structure in the U.S. that’s used as a bar. Indulge in the city’s beloved beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe Du Monde, or sip on a mint julep while listening to authentic jazz spilling out from the streets of the French Quarter. The Marriott and Renaissance Hotels of New Orleans are arming guests with the essentials for an Ultimate N’awlins experience by offering street tokens, pralines at turndown, $20 gift cards to Cafe Du Monde, Pat O’Brien’s and Central Grocery and a city map.
Orbitz Package Deal: $421/pp for Flight + 2-nts at 5-star Le Pavillon

Santa Fe flights | hotels |
cars
With an average of 300 days of sunshine, Santa Fe puts vacationing without the little ones in a whole new light. Take advantage of unique & local attractions like the renowned Georgia O’Keefe Museum, the Santa Fe Opera House, and Loretto Chapel, home of the famous “Miraculous Staircase” seen on TV’s “Unsolved Mysteries.” Santa Fe is the second largest art market in the nation, with more than 100 galleries and studios that art aficionados can enjoy during a walk along legendary Canyon Road. After a long day of sightseeing, retreat to the Eldorado Hotel & Spa for a variety of Southwest-inspired amenities ideal for lovebirds. From a candlelit dinner at the award-winning Old House restaurant to a couple’s massage at Nidah Spa, Santa Fe’s premier hotel is the perfect setting for those looking to rekindle the romance.
Orbitz Package Deal: Experience the turquoise mines - from $138/nt

Deals:

• Fly Funjet to Las Vegas
  Absolute lowest prices of the winter!
  Funjet
• Vacation packages 5 days/4 nights for $199
  American Express
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• Four cool cities one hot site!
  Amsterdam, Antwerp, Zurich, Vienna in style!
• Tahiti
  Save $1500 with free dinner & breakfast at Tahiti’s finest resorts!

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Did you know?
Having trouble leaving the kids? Guilty? Babysitter issues? A vacation without the kids is good for parents and children so Kayak.com partnered with Family Travel Expert Eileen Ogintz to provide a list of tips to help make a trip away from the kids easier on everyone.

GET OVER THE GUILT. Making time for yourselves helps you to be more effective parents and happier spouses. You come back rested and revitalized and that’s as good for the kids as for you.

START WITH A LONG WEEKEND GETAWAY. Don’t plan a two week trek across Africa for your first trip away. It will be better for baby and parents to start with a three- or four-night getaway and work your way up to a week or more away.

DON’T VENTURE TOO FAR. In case you want or have to get back in a hurry, choose a destination within an easy drive or direct flight away from your child.
To see all of Kayak’s tips, including advice on keeping the kids happy while parents are taking a break, visit our tips page.

Getting away guilt-free,

Steve and Paul, Kayak co-founders

Sing along:

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the slopes will be delightful.
If you have time to go,
Embrace the snow! Embrace the snow! Embrace the snow!

Fuel prices don’t show signs of stopping,
and the housing market just keeps on dropping.
But Kayak flight options are low,
So let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!

When you finally get on your flight
Best you pray with all your might
Lest you get stuck on the runway
Lord knows that’s no place to stay!

The fire is slowly dying
And the drinks you’re still a buying.
But as long as you love skiing so,
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

Winter’s no reason to hide indoors or hightail it to the Caribbean. Channel your inner adolescent and get away for some fun in the snow, if only for a weekend.

Lake Placid, NY flights | hotels | cars
Wanna ski where Olympic champions have schussed? Head to Whiteface, just outside Lake Placid, NY. The Winter Olympic Games were held here way back in 1980 — and even longer ago - in 1932! Home of the “greatest vertical drop this side of the Rockies”, it’s got some of the best alpine skiing and snowboarding in North America. The Cloudsplitter Gondola carries skiers and riders to the top of Little Whiteface in a mere 7-1/2 minutes. After a day on the slopes, head into town for a little R&R on the seven-days-a-week free shuttle. If you like to mix up your ski trip with other activities, the Whiteface / Lake Placid area is the country’s top resort for off-hill activities including bobsled and luge rides, ice skating, cross country skiing, ski jumping, World Cup events, hockey, figure skating, shows, concerts and more.

Park City, UT flights | hotels | cars
Yeehaw! Snowboarding enthusiasts intent on jibs, hits and slides can’t do much better than the five sculpted terrain venues at Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. Funboxes, rails and jumps vary among the sites, with the newest, King’s Crown, catering to those in the midrange of ability. Off the ‘boards, slip down the Alpine Slide (with over 3,000 feet of curls, swirls, dips and turns), board the Alpine Coaster to meander more than a mile along elevated tracks, or grab onto any of four ZipRider cables (which means you can race your friends!). Hollywood types just love this resort area, and usually find an evening to dine at Zoom, Robert Redford’s restaurant.

Canada flights | hotels | cars

We all know that Canada offers majestic peaks, astonishing terrain and fluffy powder basked in sunshine, but did you know that its funky alpine villages offer 5-star eateries, natural hot springs and a smoking hot nightlife? Ski the renowned resorts of Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia, and discover that winter vacations involve more than just snow and mountains. You haven’t skied, until you’ve skied Canada. Visit www.canada.travel/skinow or subscribe to their e-newsletter for ski updates.

Wenatchee, WA flights | hotels | cars
If you like the idea of skiing, but not so fond of the elevation, uncontrollable speed, looming death, etc, then perhaps you are better suited for cross-country skiing. In the summers, apple orchards are the draw for the beautiful valley around Wenatchee, Washington but in winter, the dry snow, sunny days and miles of groomed trails beckon cross country skiers from around the country. You can rent skis or snowshoes at Plain Hardware (not surprisingly located in the town of Plain) and head off to Lake Wenatchee State Park for well-marked trails. Since you’re not whizzing down a mountain with your eyes closed, you’ll actually get to enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you. Next, explore the See & Ski Trail starting across the road from the Chiwawa Sno-Park and following the meandering course of the Wenatchee River. Accommodations won’t break the bank here. Stay in one of the areas many affordable hotels (under $100) or for romance, one of the charming B&Bs.

Edmonton, AB flights | hotels | cars
Nobody takes ice hockey as seriously as Canadians, eh hoser? No offense to the Carolina Hurricanes or Florida Panthers, but hockey is meant to be played in the frozen north, not the frozen drink south. Plan a visit to Edmonton around a couple of games (especially those pitting against the hometown Oilers archrival Calgary Flames) to get immersed in the local culture - and have a puck-slapping good time. The schedule runs through April, so there’s lots of opportunity. When you’ve witnessed one hockey fight too many, head to West Edmonton Mall for some retail therapy and a swim. Billed as the world’s largest entertainment and shopping center, this mall features the world’s largest indoor amusement park, the world’s largest indoor wave pool, real submarine voyages in the world’s largest indoor lake, an exact replica of the Santa Maria, an 18-hole miniature golf course and of course some shops, restaurants and bars as well.

Deals:

• Flights
  Multi-carrier U.S. fare sale! Roundtrip from $103+
• Ski Country
  Great deals to Ski Country! Flight + 4-nights from $409
• See the world
  Roundtrip fares from $193+
• United Airlines
  Flight + 3-nights from $379 to your favorite ski destinations!
• Thanksgiving
  Hotels from $45, Flight + 3 nights from $278

See more deals

Win a Hilton Head Mansion Vacation
Dust off your yearbook, letterman jacket, and logoed shot glass because Kayak.com and Hilton Head Island are giving you and 13 of your friends an ocean-front mansion for a reunion week to remember. You’ll laugh over old times in the pool, tease one another over questionable hook-ups during a putt-putt game in the basement, and toast special friends on one of the many ocean-view balconies. Simply take our survey on reunion trip trends and you’re entered to win. Tell your friends and receive an additional entry for each email entered.

Waxing our skis,

Steve and Paul, Kayak founders

Do you hold on to the past? Before you answer Mr.-still-wears-acid-wash or Mrs.-these-shoulder-pads-make-my-waist-look-thinner, we’re talking to those of you still holding on to summer. The signs are in that fall is here to stay (the leaves are turning, kids are back in school and the Phillies/Mets blew their leads in the post-season race). But that doesn’t mean you can’t travel in search of summer. Before you complain about angry fall weather Dorothy, there are plenty of sun and sand destinations out of the hurricane and tornado path.

Santa Cruz, CA flights | hotels | cars
With 29 miles of beaches, 14 state parks, 50 wineries and over 300 days of sunshine, Santa Cruz offers the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Start your day with some delicious French toast at Aldo’s on the pier. Then head downtown to the cultural and social center of Santa Cruz on Pacific Avenue, where you can find information about outdoor activities, gallery openings and special events. Have lunch at Aqua Bleu Sushi where the fish is fresh and the drinks are strong. After lunch, head down to Cowell Beach for a surfing lesson or rent a bike and ride four miles to Wilder Ranch State Park for some mind-blowing trails. Reward yourself that afternoon with a bottle of wine from the local winery Bonny Doon (we love their whites) or a soak in a hot tub at Well Within. If you’re in Santa Cruz on a weekend, finish your day by going to the 100-year-old Santa Cruz Boardwalk and take a ride on the Big Dipper roller coaster.

Orbitz Package Deal: Experience the small bayside city of Santa Cruz for only $432 (Flight + 3nt Hotel)

Flagstaff, AZ flights | hotels | cars
With a wide array of hotels and other lodging, Flagstaff is an excellent location for several “dry” day trips including Sedona’s red rocks (an hour south) and the Grand Canyon (90 minutes north.) Drive down historic Route 66 and take in the charming cafes, motor courts, and the famous old watering hole, The Museum Club. Head a few miles west of the city to the 200-acre botanical garden at The Arboretum, where you’ll see one of America’s largest collections of high country wildflowers and a pretty cool Wild Birds of Prey program. Think your mother-in-law’s mouth is the largest hole on earth? If so, you’ll enjoy seeing a close second in the Barringer Meteor Crater, touted as the world’s best reserved crater. Visit the Interactive Learning Center for the inside scoop on the big ole hole. And at night, head over to the Lowell Observatory, an astronomical research center at which the planet Pluto was discovered. Let us know if you see Uranus. You might even be able to spot a tropical storm with one of the telescopes. Lucky for you, you’ll be safe and dry thousands of miles away.

Orbitz Package Deal: Visit the Grand Canyon or red rocks of Sedona; Flight + 3-nt Hotel from $515pp

Zanzibar, Tanzania flights | hotels | cars
If you’ve worked out all summer and you’re not about to let a little wind and rain keep you from showing off your fantastic body, then head over to the cluster of islands that make up Zanzibar, where it’s bikini season for everyone (especially large, hairy men from Eastern Europe). Stay on Mnemba Island, which is surrounded by humpback whales, dolphins and the occasional whale shark. Take a 90-minute jet boat ride to the main island of Zanzibar and then grab a taxi to the south coast to the Menai Bay Conservation Area which protects endangered sea turtles that come to breed on the island (how’s that for romance). Once on Zanzibar, you must also visit Stone Town, a UNESCO site blending Moorish, Middle Eastern, Indian, and African traditions and architectures, filled with mosques, bazaars, and 19th century dwellings. And be certain to have dinner on the wharf in Stone Town. For a couple of bucks, you can hear local music and sample local fish, food and drinks. They might even make you a Hurricane- a little fruit juice plus a lot of rum adds up to a very good time.

Orbitz Package Deal: Dr. Livingstone, I presume…5-Star Zanzibar Hotel for $196nt

Futaleufu River, Chile flights | cars
Miss outdoor sports about now? Spice up your fall vacation with a whitewater adventure with a trip down the Futaleufu River in Chile. It’s spring in Chile don’t forget and the snow from the mountains is melting into the rivers which means killer rapids! Clear waters, rainforests, alpine setting, boulders and waves also make for a coveted rafting experience. Plunge right in on the Bridge to Bridge and get warmed-up for your rough and rugged excursion. Then head to Inferno Canyon and explore the roaring whitewater and tranquil pools. Try the popular sport of canyoning by rappelling down the rocks and waterfalls after an afternoon of mountain climbing. Indulge in some bird watching, swimming, and relaxation. Then hit the rapids and try the Terminator Section, it’ll kick butt and take names so hold on tight. You can also combine your rough and rustic vacation with some horseback riding with Chilean cowboys and organic wine sampling of Chile’s finest. You’ll come back ripped, tan and maybe a little hungover.

Deals:

• Alaska
  Get your FREE Official Alaska State Vacation Guide today!
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• Florida
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• California
  from $68/night
• A whole new Canada
  Where will your Canadian experience begin? Save up to $200.

See more deals

Did you know?
Interested in a past issue of Kayak Trip Ideas? Every issue, from the ones you love to hate like clothing optional beaches to the ones you ate up like world’s best street food, is archived in our Trip Idea section. Not only can you reread these classics but you can post comments as well.Whether you’d like to recommend another destination not included in an issue or want to share insider secrets on one of the destinations covered, our readers (and our employees) are interested in what you think.

Bring back some sun for us,

Steve and Paul, Kayak founders