They say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and I’m sure that’s true in more ways than I’d ever dare to imagine. But with the Strip’s increasingly luxurious resort hotels, intoxicating nightlife, and fanfare-worthy entertainment, Las Vegas is becoming the vacation destination that you can’t help but tell everyone about. Why have the time of your life in one of the most daydreamed-about places on earth, and not boast about it to your buddies?

Case in point: Two weeks ago, I had the pleasure of staying at The Palazzo, a brand-new, all-suite resort hotel and casino nestled between The Venetian and Wynn Las Vegas. Now, I’m not the most ardent Vegas vacationer out there--I generally just tag along for the odd bridal shower or birthday. But I soaked up every second of this trip, and left yearning to return as soon as possible.

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Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Entertainment, Green Travel, Hotel Travel, Las Vegas, Shopping, Spas
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Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Vegas veteran, there’s never been a better time to visit. As the new year begins, Vegas offers an incredible array of new resorts, renovations, nightclubs, and more. The city has never been the center of so much excitement.

Among the most captivating of these new additions is the Palazzo, which opened earlier this month and is the newest and largest resort in the city. The sister property of the Venetian, it is connected to its neighbor by walks and waterways, and its elegant architecture evokes a similar Mediterranean charm. Its luxurious sports bar and lounge, the 40/40, was created by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z. And with a spacious pool deck overlooking the Strip, suites with sunken living rooms, plenty of premium restaurants, and 50-plus international boutiques, it’s poised to be the premier new hotspot in Las Vegas.

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Posted in Bars & Nightlife, Casinos & Gambling, Culinary Travel, Entertainment, Las Vegas, Spas
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When I think of Japan, I usually conjure up images of serene temples, delicate cherry trees, and of course that ever-so-delish dish of choice, sushi (although as a vegan, I’m more apt to prefer California’s version, the tasty avocado roll). Not to mention some of the most fascinating cartoon art and pop culture around (Maguro Parasite Museum, anyone?).

After reading an article in Outside magazine on ski getaways in Japan, though, I checked out Japan's Travel Info website--and man, is there ever some amazing skiing in this island nation. Nagano, the main city of Japan’s most mountainous region, is just a two-hour train ride away from Tokyo. It’s no wonder the city was selected to host the 1998 Winter Olympics: it’s got plenty of incredible ski resorts, including the largest one in Japan, and boasts 9,840-plus-foot peaks, perfect powder, and runs for all ski levels and tastes. Not to mention its incredible historical significance--it grew up around 1,400-year-old Buddhist temple Zenko-ji, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Japan. Nagano is easily the country’s best one-stop ski center.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member brunokyooshi

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Posted in International Travel, Ski & Sport, Spas, Spiritual & Religious
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Like many of you, I'm thinking a lot about my New Year's resolutions. Every year I diligently make promises to myself that I intend to keep, but I always revert back to my coffee-swilling, bacon-eating, gym-phobic ways within a month or two.

What I need is some professional help to inspire me to make permanent changes in my life, but the program would have to be fun if I’m going to commit. That's why this year I'm contemplating indulging in a wellness regimen at a destination spa.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member Mandan Lynn.

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Posted in Adventure Travel, Celebrities, Spas
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I’ve never really understood the appeal of the spa, let alone spa travel. I bruise easily, am ticklish, and have frighteningly sensitive skin, so my spa visits (mostly results of misguided gift certificates) have been somewhat traumatic. But ever since I visited China, where inexpensive spas were ubiquitous and my body sore from traveling, I’ve begun to rethink my position. Luckily, should I decide to become a true Spahound, my en-route options are fast becoming endless as transportation hubs take notice of spas’ popularity.

From October 31 to November 3, Spa Finder will assemble representatives from 50 of the world’s leading spas at New York’s Grand Central Station for The Spa Experience, allowing commuters to receive treatments or attend seminars on their way to work. I’m not sure I like the idea of taking to the massage table or cozying up to any sort of seaweed in public, but I’ll admit that an on-the-go massage does sound like the ultimate antidote to Grand Central’s legendary hustle and bustle.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member smmmarti guide

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Posted in Health & Wellness, New York City, Spas
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Peppermint or strawberry scrub? Rosemary or sage and lemon wrap? If you’ve ever indulged in a day at the spa, you know that the menu reads more like the bill of fare at a decadent sweet shop rather than a list of services at a health resort. Even better, these treats are a calorie-free, guilt-free way to give your body a boost.

With more travelers focusing on health and wellness in recent years, Spa Finder surveyed travel agents and discovered that spa vacations are on the rise. Being a traveler who doesn’t exactly like to “rough it” while on vacation, I, too, contribute to the growing numbers.

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Posted in Health & Wellness, Polls & Studies, Spas
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Few things are more decadent than starting a day opening gifts, ending it with a steak dinner accompanied by a hearty bottle of Syrah, and filling up the hours in between at the spa. That was my Christmas.

Don't get me wrong. I love a Christmas back home surrounded by family and home-cooked meals, but every now and then it's nice not to lift a finger, or step foot in an airport.

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Posted in Health & Wellness, Holiday & Seasonal, Hotel Travel, Spas
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Respite for our hectic lives can no longer be found from a mere Saturday walk in the park. Have you noticed? Seriously. It used to be that I could take a walk on the beach for an hour and feel renewed. But not anymore. And it's not just me. I see it with my friends, colleagues, and in the industry. People need something more than a yoga class, something that stretches beyond an hour of downtime. And that, my traveling friends, is what the Minimoon is all about.

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Posted in Health & Wellness, Spas
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