Holiday Ripoffs For 2010

With the holiday season almost upon us, stores both in your community and on the internet will be flooded with rabid hordes of shoppers, anxious to find the best bargain before anybody else does.  The problem is that far too many people check their brains at the door on other matters, making it very easy for the more unscrupulous among us to take full advantage of it.

The Top 10 Wine Regions Of The World - The Perfect Holiday, Honeymoon Or Vacation!

Honeymoons in the Countryside: Visit One of the Top 10 Wine Regions in World

For this month's features on TripAtlas.com, we're bringing you some of the top Honeymoon Destinations in the world. Last week, we brought you to the serene and secluded private island of Tikehau in French Polynesia's Tuamotu Islands.

This week, we're taking you to the romantic and remote countryside and best kept secret for your choice of honeymoon destinations - the many beautiful and lush wine regions all over the world.

Fields of countryside, mountain ranges, quaint and romantic bed and breakfasts, luxurious lodges and resorts, villas or medieval chateaux in the south of France are all yours for the taking. What better way to celebrate and commemorate your wedding and future than a tour through some of these regions, relaxing and living bottle to bottle.

The 10 Top Wine Regions of the World

Whether you're a beginner or expert wine drinker looking for a honeymoon destination or romantic getaway, here's a list of the Top 10 Wine Regions in the world, each of which have knowledgeable wine experts, fine food and inviting accommodations. From the classic Old World wines of European countries to the New World wines throughout the rest of the world, join us on our adventure to discover the best destinations.

The Top 5 Old World Wine Regions

5) Portugal. The main wine regions in Portugal are Minho, Douro and Dao, which are found in northern Portugal and are perfect for wine tours between Spain and Portugal. Portugal is home of the famous Port or Porto (named after Portugal's second largest city) and Madeira wines, both fortified, strong bodied yet sweet and thick wines that are often used as after-dinner wines or "digestifs."

4) Germany. While Germany is known to most for its beer rather than its wine, it shows in that it produces only 20% of what France produces in wine yearly. This region's most famous wines are its sweet white Riesling wines. Refreshing, slightly sweet with a zing characterize these wines and are perfect for warm afternoons enjoying the Germany countryside. The biggest regions are Baden, Mosel, Palatinate (or Pfalz), and Rheinhessen.

3) Spain. The two most popular Spanish wine making regions are La Rioja in Logrono, Navarra to its east in the north, La Mancha in the central-south Spain where you can see the windmills of Don Quixote, and the Penedes region just near Barcelona in north-eastern Spain. The most popular Spanish wines are the bright red Rioja wines, the white sparkling Cava wines, and fortified Sherry wine in Jerez in southern Spain near the coast by Morocco.

2) Italy. As one of the largest producers of wine in the world, Italy's main wine regions are found in northern Italy (Piedmont and Valle D'Aosta in north-west Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto in north-east Italy) with classic Tuscany to the south in central Italy. Many Italian wines are made for drinking with food and so visiting the wine region in Italy is perfect for food lovers and those seeking the perfect plate of pasta, meats and an array of cheeses.

1) France. From Bordeaux to Alsace, Burgundy to Beaujolais, Champagne, Languedoc and Cote de Rhone, France is definitely one of the world's top wine regions. A classic "old world" wine producer, France is also the largest wine producer, with 34% of the exported wine market share in the world in 2006. The best way to explore these regions is to rent a car and drive through the countryside on your own to and from your bed and breakfast or chateaux.

The Top 5 New World Wine Regions

5) USA and Canada East Coast. Nestled in just a small region on the east coast, the wine growing regions in this area are: Ontario, Quebec, and New York. While these are definitive of "new world" wines, production in areas like Niagara and Prince Edward County in Ontario are becoming increasingly larger and recognized on the international stage. Known for its sweet ice wines and ice ciders in Ontario and Quebec, these wine regions are littered with bed and breakfasts, cozy lodges and honeymoon packages for those visiting Niagara Falls and Montreal.

4) South Africa. Although wine has been produced here since the 1600's, it wasn't until recent years that its wines have made it on the international scene. Located nearby just east of Cape Town, wine regions of South Africa include Stellenbosch, Paarl and Worcester and are adorned with stark white villas for accommodations. With similar climates as Argentina, Chile and Australia's wine regions, South Africa is best known for its white Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay wines but are slowly developing its red varietals. For a spicier journey through the wine regions with views of fields for miles and strong African mountains in the background, don't miss out on South Africa.

3) USA and Canada West Coast. The most noted states or provinces in this category include California and Oregon with Washington and British Columbia catching up quickly. The Napa Valley and Sonoma regions in California have been the heart of new world wines for many years, and have picturesque vineyards, mountains and luxurious but quaint accommodations throughout small towns like Yountville. Oregon has also surprised many in the wine world, having made a Pinot Noir that beat out its French counterparts - visit Willamette Valley's many wine spots as well as Rouge or Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon for true countryside hospitality during your honeymoon.

2) Argentina & Chile. The Andes Mountains and surrounding areas have proven themselves as fantastic wine growing regions, offering a variety from Maipo Valley, Valle Central in Chile to Patagonia and Mendoza in Argentina. A visit to Argentina and Chile for a honeymoon is perfect any time of the year - with mild winters and warm summers, spring or fall is the best time to go to watch the colors change and the countryside come to life. Many tours are available into the wine regions from Buenos Aires, Mendoza or Santiago in Chile.

1) Australia & New Zealand. There's more to Australian wine than Yellowtail, thank God. Australia has taken the lead in the new world of wines in its mass production of spicy Shiraz wines and strong Cabernet Sauvignons. Visit Hunter Valley, the largest wine production area in Australia, comparable to Napa Valley in California. For a warm and breathtaking honeymoon, try Austria or New Zealand for your honeymoon with all the hospitality the land down under has to offer.

So Bon Voyage on your honeymoon and remember to drink responsibly!

Don't Miss These Holiday Travel Tips - Our Top 5 Holiday Travel Tips to Ensure a Wonderful Season!

It's that time of year and holiday travel tips are just what's needed so your holidays and travel plans are not complete nightmares.

I am a huge fan of the Chevy Chase and other comedy holiday movie classics that prove the point that holiday travel isn't always an enjoyable adventure.

Now that I have my own family and I'm sure many of you reading this can relate that travel during the holidays isn't the relaxing few days off that you imagined. It's more like a whirlwind of excitement, screaming, food, family, plenty of miles, and over before you know it.

You're almost excited to get back to the quiet days of work where you can actually sit for a moment and think. Well maybe not that bad right?

So, let's take a trip of our own and ensure you have a wonderful holiday season without so much chaos, stress, and headaches.

Discount Florida Vacations Holiday Travel Tips (this is from our own experiences)...

**Be sure that you don't overdo it. Now that we have a child everyone wants to see him during the holidays. With family that lives out of town that isn't always feasible to reach everyone within just a couple of days. We have finally decided to alternate years and/or spread out our holidays by seeing family and friends over the season and not within the few days most people celebrate their given holiday.

**Be giving, but be a little selfish. You work hard all year and this is a time for family, immediate family. We make it a priority to have our own celebration and worry about making ourselves relax, and enjoy the season first and foremost. There have been years when we've done nothing but stress and worry about everyone else. That has made for a lousy holiday travel season.

**Our holiday travel tips continue with being prepared. This is just good advice for traveling anytime of the year. The holidays get even crazier and busier with people rushing everywhere to make last minute meetings, parties, see family, shop, etc...
Have activities for the kids, snacks, drinks, your travel route planned out, and a back up plan. Make sure all your ducks are in a row and give yourself enough time to travel safely.

**Give yourself enough time to recoup. This is one of the most important holiday travel tips we can provide. Nobody enjoys going back to their normal, hectic routine without having some rest and relaxing while enjoying the holiday time with family and friends. It only comes once a year and each year we want to make it a time of warmth, love, and more before we venture into a new year.

**Our final of the holiday travel tips would have to be being safe. There are a lot of crazies that come out during the holidays and that may include your family. There are a lot of people trying to get too many places in such a short time. I remember one year my own father jumped on two young guys cars threatening them because they cut us off in a snow storm almost causing us to wreck. My brother and I were very young at the time and my father would've done anything to ensure our safety. Don't let the scam artists and lunatics take advantage of your good cheer and generosity during this time.

Also, for goodness sakes, no matter how in a hurry you are, how rude other people are, and how nuts things seem to be, take the time to enjoy it and please, please be nice to others no matter what. It makes for a miserable holiday season when people act like real jerks and idiots to others (the mall has to be the worst of all)! Be Nice and Happy Holidays.

Top Five Secret 2010 Holiday Destinations

Are the first rays of spring sunshine putting you in the holiday mood? Although there are still a few weeks to go before the summer season starts, you will most probably find out you are not the only one wishing to act on that 'holiday feeling'. Where to? That could be the question. If not Mallorca, the Algarve or the Canaries, what are the new tempting destinations for 2010? There are several summer as well as winter sun destinations emerging this year. The choice depends on what type of holidaymaker you are planning to be in the summer and winter sun season of 2010. To assist you, here is a short comprehensive list of some of the hottest undiscovered top five destinations.

Cape Verde, located in the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its unique landscapes of volcano cones combined with fertile valleys carpeted with lush green plantations. It is a true paradise for hikers, bird watchers and those craving for some peace and quiet on the uncrowded beaches surrounded by unspoilt picturesque scenery. The ten islands of Cape Verde, although forming one region, present identity of their own in terms of nature, the coastline and culture. Thanks to its mild climate, Cape Verde is able to welcome visitors all year round.

The Azores form another archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean which will fascinate those keen on walking tours, whale watching and various watersports like windsurfing, sailing or fishing. There are nine islands to explore in total and they all offer spectacular scenery blended with local traditions and festivals. The cuisine here consists of delicious seafood dishes and the dark sandy beaches stretch for miles. The best time to visit the Azores is summer for the beach lovers and rest of the year for those wishing to explore the natural beauty and history of this region.

Ayvalik in Turkey will appeal if you like quieter beaches of the fairly undiscovered Northern Aegean Coast. The region boasts the longest sweep of sandy beach and a wonderful blend of Turkish and Greek cultures, which is apparent in many parts of the old town. Carpet shops, cozy coffee bars and tea houses and tiny souvenir shops complement the ultimate laid back feel atmosphere. Ayvalik faces the Greek Island of Lesvos and it is also within easy reach of the small Cunda island, both being ideal for day trips should you wish to venture further afield and explore or just get the taste of the delicious seafood in the local restaurants.

Alonissos is a true hideaway in the Aegean Region of Greece. This island provides Robinson Crusoe style seclusion, the cleanest crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea and fantastic beaches. The rich history and culture of this island is reflected in everyday lives of the local people, in its traditions and cuisine. Try the succulent fish dishes, wonderful salads with tasty olives and mingle with the locals in the traditional tavernas. Walk around the picturesque harbours in Partitiri or Votsi or take a trip to one of the sandy beaches in Milia or Marpunta. Generally, unwinding on the beach is the order of the day on this marvelous island. Howeve,r you can also take advantage of the daily excursions and boat trips to historical places and the neighbouring islands, which will enhance your holiday experience.

The recently renovated Velassaru Island is a true gem in the Maldives. Spoil yourself in the truly stylish and sophisticated accommodation in Water Villas, Water Bungalows and Beach Villas where the tiffany blue waters invite you for the morning dip in the ocean straight from your terrace. The resort has a quiet and relaxed feel and its lush exotic beaches are never crowded. The resort's spa provides the ultimate pampering in its overwater treatment rooms and offers a whole myriad of massages, oil treatments and ritual baths. Ideal for honeymoons and year-round escapes, Velassaru Island welcomes visitors all year round, providing you with the most unforgettable holiday moments.

Top holiday destinations in 2010

The Christmas season is coming closer to us, and so is 2010. Sooner or later you will have to think, Easter, New Year and much more. If you are planning a trip in the near future, the big blue sky, I would suggest you consider the programming of today. Is not only going to save money, help you be better prepared.

Here are some trips that I would have gone for the holidays to come as and when the family is not involved ...

New YorkCity - Sure, this place is a beautiful house, when it comes to New Year, but in reality is a unique opportunity. If you plan to stay in town, the good fortune to find a great! It will be very expensive, and might be best to stay out of Manhattan.

Orlando - Nothing like a great day of sun in winter. Orlando has so much to offer, if you take care of things to come. From Disney World and other theme parks, there is much to do. Ifthat were not enough, you're just a car ride from the beach, spend your afternoons.

Phoenix - If you're a fan of nice weather, it's nice to sit in 80 degrees in winter. Now I would not recommend heading there in the summer, the winters are really a pleasure. Head of the park, climb a mountain or visit a spa treatment for president.