The sound and sight of pounding rain in Austin, Texas, has been rare since I moved to Austin in late 2010. Most Austinites I know welcome gray skies with open arms — relishing in the greener landscape that the rain brings. But a sizable chunk of Austin’s economy revolves around SXSW, an annual interactive, film, and music event that seems to grow exponentially each year. With the growth of the festival comes the expansion of festival events. Film screenings, tech panels, concerts, and other related activities spill onto the streets, overtake parking lots, and set up shop in other, seemingly unlikely, outdoor areas. A few days ago, event planners began rushing to prepare for SXSW 2012 rain. All over Austin, SXSW producers are currently racing to adequately care for expensive gear crucial to upcoming events related to each of the three industries represented at the festival. Meanwhile, attendees are already pinching through the streets with umbrellas in hand and galoshes on foot. This will be the scenery for the hundreds of thousands of people traveling from across the globe to Austin for SXSW. If I may offer a silver lining to travelers: while in Austin, feel free to refill your water glass at bars, coffee shops, and restaurants — the “every ounce counts” signs will invariably bare less meaning by the end of the festival.
What will you do if the Mayan calendar is correct?
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the end of the Mayan calendar and 2012 marking the end of the world, as we know it. To help gain some insight, the people over at First Choice have created this infographic to give everyone a fun visual of where and how one could spend their last year on Earth. The group polled over 2,000 United Kingdom locals as well as some top travel bloggers. While 51% of participants said they would spend time with family, 22% said they’d want to see the world. How would you respond?
If you’re having trouble viewing the infographic, you can click here to see a larger version.
The 2012 Bucket List was created by First Choice – The Home of All Inclusive
Jeopardy! wants to send you to South Africa
Popular American quiz show Jeopardy! and South Africa Tourism have joined forces to launch a new contest that will send one lucky winner off on the trip of a lifetime. To enter, simply drop by the Visit South Africa Facebook page, click on the “Jeopardy!” link and fill out the short form. You’ll want to hurry though, as the contest only runs through March 22 and a winner will be randomly selected the following day.
That lucky winner will receive an all-expense-paid ten day trip to South Africa that includes round trip airfare and luxury accommodations in some of the country’s best hotels. They’ll also travel by train aboard the famous Rovos Rail while immersing themselves in both culture and adventure activities throughout the region. Of course, no visit to South Africa is complete without going on safari, and the winner will be treated to daily game drives while spending two nights at the MalaMala Game Reserve where they’ll go in search of lions, elephants and a variety of other creatures.
To celebrate the launch of this promotion, Jeopardy! has also created an online version of the game that includes categories that are focused on South Africa. Trivia and travel buffs can test their knowledge of the country and its abundant wildlife. While the questions aren’t particularly tough it is still fun to play through.
Having visited South Africa in the past I can tell you that it is amongst my favorite destinations. The country is a great blend of culture and adventure that isn’t found anywhere else and the diversity of wildlife has to be seen to be believed. Whoever wins this trip is in for a real treat to say the least.
Hotels offer VIP culinary experiences for New York travelers
New York City is one of the top food destinations in the United States. To help visitors experience the city’s gourmet offerings, these luxury hotels are offering VIP culinary experiences to their guests.
St Giles Hotel New York-The Court
The St Giles Hotel New York-The Court is located in midtown, giving guests prime access to the best restaurants, cafes, and bars the city has to offer. Guests of the hotel will be able to indulge even further by partaking in their James Beard Award Package, which is linked to the James Beard Foundation Award Ceremony and Gala Reception in May 2012. The package includes:
- Overnight accommodations in an executive suite on May 7
- Two tickets to the James Beard Award Ceremony and Gala Reception at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall
- Private chauffeur car service to and from the event
- Chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne
- A copy of the brand new book titled “The James Beard Foundation’s Best of the Best: A 25th Anniversary Celebration of America’s Outstanding Chefs”
- Breakfast for two in the onsite Icon Restaurant
- A portion of the proceeds being donated to City Harvest, an organization that helps feed the hungry
To take part in this package, you will have to place a bid on Luxury Link from March 14-March 21. Trump International Hotel and Tower
Located near New York’s iconic Central Park, the Trump International Hotel and Tower is world-renowned for its luxurious offerings. It’s no surprise then that the property’s onsite restaurant, Jean-Georges, has received numerous accolades like five stars from Mobile Travel Guide, a AAA Five Diamond Award, and four stars from the New York Times. For guests who want to experience the superb cuisine of the restaurant, the hotel is offering a Jean-Georges Culinary Masters Course for guests who book a three-night stay. The experience includes a VIP cooking demonstration led by Michelin three-star Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and a one-hour pastry-making class with Executive Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini.
Rates start at $3,333 per night. Click here to book.
Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park is a five-star hotel that offers elegance, charm, and VIP dining. Recently, Gadling covered the property’s All Caviar Package, which is so luxurious it is worth mentioning again. Guests will be treated like royalty as they are met on arrival with a caviar martini. From there, there is an afternoon of caviar tasting at Petrossian led by a French expert. In the morning, guests will enjoy a full American breakfast and a 60-minute Caviar Skin Crème Massage at La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Still craving caviar? The experience will take you back one last time to Petrossian for a three-course caviar pairing.
Packages start at $1,985 for a park view room, with upgrades available at an additional cost. Click here to book.
Located on New York’s grandest shopping street, The Setai Fifth Avenue is an upscale hotel that matches its surroundings. Inside the hotel you will find Michelin-starred restaurant Ai Fiori by Chef Michael White, which features modern interpretations of regional Italian and French dishes. For guests who want to live lavishly while in New York, the hotel is offering a package called The Experience. With the offer comes:
- Overnight accommodations for three or more nights
- Full American breakfast at Ai Fiori or in-room each day
- Three-course tasting menu and wine for two at Ai Fiori
- Unlimited soft drinks, water, and afternoon snacks
- Free Wi-Fi
- Chef’s welcome amenity
The package runs until the end of the year and rates vary depending on dates. Click here to book.
Luxury spring break options for the budget traveler
Do you wish you could afford to relax on a beach in the Caribbean with private butler service, or watch the sunset from the veranda of a luxury villa this spring? Thanks to Jetsetter Home‘s spring break sale, now you can.
Jetsetter Homes boasts properties all over the world, and during select dates this spring, some of their most affluent properties will be on sale. The private villas are each hand-selected, visited, and approved by Jetsetter travel correspondents, so you know the recommendations you’re getting are coming from a travel professional.
There is no fee to signup – simply go to the website and register for free.
To get some affordable, last minute vacation ideas for spring break, check out the gallery below.
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