Cheapcaribbean.com has rounded up some deals at a variety of new and/or renovated resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Pricing starts at $399 / person, based on double occupancy, and include airfare; some resorts are all-inclusive while others are not. Some of the deals offered include resort credits, and many offer an additional $100 off the price of these trips if booked within a certain time period – definitely worth clicking around.

Check out the deals here.

Delta announced changes to both the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks programs, and here the most important part:

In early 2009 – date still TBD – you’ll be able to transfer miles between your existing Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks accounts.

Late next year, the two programs will be merged into a single program, but until then, here’s more of what’s in store for frequent fliers of Delta and Northwest, according to a press release from Delta:

Starting in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit, to allow members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta or Northwest operated flights.Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 Elite Qualifying Miles and base miles per flight. This makes Delta the only major airline to maintain this minimum for all customers.

Qualification requirements for Elite status, which enables members to receive additional program benefits and complimentary upgrades, will be as follows:

SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members now have the ability to receive complimentary upgrades on both airlines. (Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America.)SkyMiles members will qualify for Medallion Threshold Rewards when they surpass Platinum Medallion status. As members reach designated thresholds they will earn additional bonus miles and/or other exclusive benefits or gifts. (still undetermined what that mileage number is, look for info in early ’09).

Northwest WorldPerks members will continue to enjoy similar Elite Extra Perks program benefits when they surpass the Platinum qualification requirements.More information on the programs are available online at

delta.com/skymiles and nwa.com/worldperks.

Normally, that kind of driving is white knuckle time all on it’s own; add in a 15-year old teenager logging some highway time and it becomes reason enough to imbibe an entire bottle of pinot grigio upon arrival.

But then we arrived at our destination: Alys Beach, the latest - and last - beach area to be developed along in south Walton County, along County Road 30A, and all that tension just melted away. Of course the pinot helped but even sans wine our temporary home is enough to melt away any tension.

The small community of whitewashed courtyard and freestanding homes is in the infancy of its development; just about 30 homes are now complete. Over the next few decades, that number will rise to 600. Despite its diminutive stature, there’s nothing lacking here in what’s definitely the ultimate Nirvana in this part of the world.

We’re in a courtyard home, a three-bedroom dream house of luxurious touches. From the marble bathrooms to the Bogey-esque furnishings (that’s Humphrey Bogart - i.e. 40s-era charm, to those of you who have no clue about to what I am referring), the tall ceilings, the courtyard filled with overstuffed loungers and a melodious fountain, down to the huge selection of CDs in rotation on the house-wide sound system, nothing has been overlooked here. (Rates start at $150 per bedroom, per night in the off-season  so the house we are in is $450/night).

I do not plan to use any of the fab kitchen utensils or appliances, save for the toaster, fridge and corkscrew - and obviously the dishwasher upon departure. We’ve hit the pool, the bike trails, the little coffee shop / bookstore called Fonville Press and of course, we’ve hit the beach - the wide, sugary white sand called very early to us.

While Alys is indeed in its early stages, this may be the best stage of all - there are plenty of treasures to discover, plenty of options for dining, and plenty of ways to lose oneself in luxury. But there are no crowds - yet. This little undiscovered bit of heaven in South Walton won’t stay undiscovered for long.

When I snap out of my stupor, I’ll write more and post some photos.

Ever since college – and honey, that was a long time ago – I’ve heard about Kansas City and what a great town it is. From the shopping to the famed fountains to the excellent museums, KC was a place people raved about; I never had a reason to go, and frankly didn’t think I could be missing all that much.

Boy, was I wrong.

It was a conference which brought me to Kansas City, but I won’t need that excuse – or any excuse – to go back; I’ll just go. Beyond the baseball and barbeque, Kansas City is a town filled with art, culture and shopping – making for a perfect getaway with the girls. 

DAY 1: The shopping is so good in KC, it’s best to pace oneself – so we’ll hit three areas in three days, with plenty of cultural diversions and some simple sinful delights in between. Today, hit the south side’s Brookside  neighborhood – the city’s first suburban shopping area, built in the 1920s.

The atmosphere is English village but the vibe is decidedly urban and hip, with stores ranging from a natural pet food palace called Brookside Barkery and Bath to the anything-goes funkiness of Stuff.  An Italian market, a wine cellar and a variety of eateries are scattered throughout the very walk-able area.

After recharging with a spot of lunch or a glass of wine, head to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

to wander through the great huge sculptures outside the museum or the comprehensive collection of  art through the ages – from ancient times to modern – housed in the two beautiful buildings.

The new Power & Light District is a huge entertainment complex downtown – and it is the ultimate bar-hopping spot. (Let’s face it – you’ve got to love a place that has a tag line of ‘get turned on’). There’s a retro-chic bowling alley, live music venues, an Irish pub, a sleek seafood restaurant and bar, and more, more more.

DAY 2: Today is power-shopping day at the granddaddy of all power-shopping malls: Country Club Plaza. 

And I wasn’t kidding about that granddaddy tag; CCP was the first shopping mall in the United States, and it’s a doozy: 120 stores over 14 blocks. From the basics – Ann Taylor and such – to the designer – Burberry A/X and St. John – there’s just about anything one’s heart could desire. Throw in some amazing local boutiques and stores, including Halls (super-designers all under one roof – but if you’re a 12 or above, limit yourself to the shoe section) and you’ve got yourself the Grand Prix of shopping.

After a day at the plaza, the girls will be too exhausted to do much else – so either order room service or hit one of the great restaurants in the plaza and call it a night.

DAY 3: Time to split the difference – shop and  play. Roll out about 10 am and head to Briarcliff Village – a new development that is a high-end haven of local boutiques and restaurants, including a health food store. Hit the Land of Paws (get it?) for doggie treats,  pop into the Pastry Goddess for a made-from-scratch treat, and wander through the other stores. Finish up with a girlie light lunch at the Café (outdoors, if weather permits).

Why a light lunch, you wonder? Because you’ve booked the girls for spa treatments at the small but excellent Argosy Casino Spa.

While there are just three treatment rooms and few frills – no quiet room, locker room, whirlpool and the like – the highly-trained staff is all about the body. Facials and massages are customized to problem areas; yes, my therapist spent the entire time on my shoulders and neck – and I loved every second of it.

Once everyone’s recovered from their spa stupor, it is time to hit the tables in the Mediterranean themed casino.

MUST STAY: I’m not a big stay-all-over-town kinda girl, but when it comes to KC, if one plans to hit the casino (and enjoy it) then it is best to spend two nights in the city and one at the casino. The Intercontinental Kansas City has just finished a $15 million renovation and overlooks Country Club Plaza – a lush spot that’s close enough to downtown’s attractions but gives full access to the bars, restaurants and shopping at Country Club Plaza. Then spend a night at the trés chic Argosy, where if you’ve ever stayed in a casino hotel that wasn’t the Bellagio, you’ll be shocked at the sleek rooms and décor.

When I came up with the Girlfriend Getaway idea for this blog, I never thought I’d be writing about what to date has been my most favorite getaway of all: A getaway with my 10-year old daughter Maddie.

Mads and I had the chance to tour Colonial Williamsburg this summer while on assignment for another publication. And we had the most delightful time, from her dressing up in period costume (despite the sweltering temperatures and equally sweltering humidity) to both of us dancing at the Governor’s Palace, to a mother – daughter tavern dinner that included an astounding magic show that we still marvel over. (Where did  those oranges come from?)

Colonial Williamsburg is a real American Girl getaway – so bring Felicity and Elizabeth if you’ve got them — this is their story come to vivid life. It is so easy to get caught up in Revolutionary times – from the dramas being reenacted in front of the Capitol to the gracious evenings spent dancing to the tavern sing-along at dinner.

So this week, Maddie and I want to take you to the ultimate spot for an all-American mother/daughter getaway: Colonial Williamsburg.

DAY 1: Get your bearings in Colonial Williamsburg; a map and guide to each week’s activities is a must. Peruse said map and guide over a leisurely meal or beverage in the garden at Chowning’s, one of the town’s eateries. (Be sure to spring for the $10 refillable plastic mug if you’re a soft-drinker – you’ll save buckets of money.)

The keys to exploring Williamsburg are pacing yourself, planning ahead and also taking a break from all the history – and there are plenty of diversions to be had.

Next stop is outfitting yourselves – or at least your daughter – in period costume. Dresses are readily available, either from the Market Square Stands or the Mary Dickinson Shop. Rentals cost about $20/day or $50 and up to purchase; hats and caps are only available for purchase – about $25 and 6, respectively.

 Maddie in her colonial costume

 Then, perhaps a carriage ride through town – either in the splendid Governor’s carriage, with its leather seats and hand-painted trim, or a simpler, open-topped carriage – is in order. The short (15 minutes or so) rides offer an overview of the town – as well as allow us ladies to practice our parade waves.

Swing by one of the Revolutionary City activities, which take place throughout the city throughout the day. The historic interpreters are scattered though the crowd to pull visitors into the action.

Then it’s time to wander. A favorite of all children is definitely the Powell House, where kids eagerly jump into the chores of the day – mashing vegetables or rolling out dough in the kitchen, making beds, feeding the chickens. Once the chores are done, there is a bit of fun – learning Colonial parlor games or practicing a new dance.

At the Powell House, learning parlor games…

…and how to roll the hoops.

DAY 2: This morning, indulge in a hearty breakfast – either at the bountiful buffet in the dining room of the Williamsburg Inn, or a more casual breakfast at the Lodge – because it’s time for some real work, Colonial-style.

Become a farm apprentice or get muddy in the brickyard, stomping the clay to make it pliable enough for the brick molds. When the hard work is over, take in one of the day’s programs.

After lunch – it may be time to get back to the future – if only for a while. Head into Yorktown to explore the James Riverfront, take a sail on the Schooner Alliance, or explore the downtown boutiques. Or spend the afternoon at Busch Gardens Europe, screaming on roller coasters.

DAY 3: Put the period costumes back on for a final day of colonial life. Pop into the Coffee House backyard to see what kind of ‘Delightful Diversions’ are on for the day, wander through the historic buildings (you can tell which are open by the flag out front) and catch a fife & drum program. That evening, join in a dance at the Governor’s Palace, and finish with a grown-up girl’s dinner at the King’s Arms Tavern.

At the Coffee House backyard, an interpreter brings the day’s events to life.

MUST STAY: In Williamsburg – and the options are plentiful, from the elegant Williamsburg Inn to the charming historic Colonial Houses. Maddie and I stayed in a house, and we loved it – our own little colonial place to call home.

Prices for Williamsburg lodging range from budget through luxury; the Inn, Lodge and Colonial Houses offer the best walking access to the city, not to mention the sounds of cannon fire and the chance to explore the city and its charms at any moment. Online: Program, lodging and general information about Colonial Williamsburg is online at www.history.org. Note that CW is a ticketed attraction; admission ticket/hotel packages are available.

The wide, blue New Mexico skies have been the inspiration for many an artist; after all, Santa Fe has the highest per capita population of writers and artists in the country. But a luxurious Santa Fe escape with the girls should be lead by indulgence – in the mind, body and spirit that embody all that is Santa Fe.While it’s always important to book ahead when travelling, nowhere is that more true than Santa Fe; whether a spa treatment, cooking class or dinner reservation – get on the phone and make those appointments well in advance of your trip.

DAY 1: Get your gourmet bearings with a dine-around lunch at a few of the city’s most talked about (and loved) white-tablecloth eateries, like Amavi, Coyote Café and Rio Chayma. Led by one of the industry insiders from the Santa Fe School of Cooking, you’ll have access not only to a great dish (and often wine pairings) from each of the four restaurants, but you’ll be pampered by the chefs themselves. With scrumptious squash blossom benigets served up by chef David Sellers at the relatively new Amavi, and elk tenderloin and fingerling potatoes from Eric Di Stefano at the venerable Coyote Café, this walking gastronomic tour is an affordable luxury at $115 per person. Rather get the hands dirty? Then sign up (in advance – they’re popular) for a hands-on cooking class at the school.  Walk off a bit of lunch either browsing through the offerings from Native American craftspeople just outside the Palace of the Governors (they’re all vetted by the museum to ensure you’re buying authentic, hand-crafted products) or stroll over the O’Keeffe Museum to ponder the age old question: What do those flowers really represent? Hmmm. Day 2: High-tech meets hiking in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, where a modern-day treasure hunt awaits. Grab your own GPS or hook up with a guide from Santa Fe Mountain Adventures on a geocaching challenge. Using the GPS, choose various waypoints – longitude and latitude settings – and set out through the trails to find a treasure, be it an incredible view or a little trinket. Guided tours run from $25 - $50 per person, while the do-it-yourself version for the more adventurous can be found online from the city’s convention and visitor’s bureau. Those who want a bit more of a cultural slant to their adventure can choose a city tour instead, where clues will help lead you to your location. That afternoon, it’s time to chill.

The pool at La Posada is inviting enough, but I’ve always found it an indulgence to have a massage then curl up in bed with a good book and a glass of wine. So book a late massage, order a treat from room service and hit the sack.

Day 3: Spend the day gallery-hopping. Canyon Road  is a good place to start when it comes to Santa Fe art scene; the little homes-turned-galleries interesting to navigate. But don’t overlook the new contemporary movement that’s helping to turn the city from an arts destination with just a Southwestern and Native American focus into a place where collectors can find contemporary offerings from local, national and international artists. The Railyard Galleries – just outside the historic downtown area – are a collection of three contemporary galleries; just down the street is Zane Bennett, and nearby is SITE Santa Fe, a huge venue dedicated to cutting edge exhibits. 

MUST STAY: La Posada de Santa Fe. Just a few blocks off the plaza, La Posada’s a world of its own, with six lushly landscaped acres and casita-type rooms featuring traditional Santa Fe furnishings without overdoing it. The Staab House lounge is a perfect spot for drinkies, while the casual outside dining area serves up small plates in addition to Southwest-inspired entrees.  

But to find the beating heart at the center of this Georgia peach, one has to head to the center of the city: Midtown.Midtown Atlanta is artsy and funky, upscale and bohemian – a bit of a mix of everything. A decidedly urban atmosphere has been recreated in this part of town, and it is home to the city’s top arts and culture offerings – the High Museum of Art, the excellent Alliance Theatre and the historic Fox.  It’s also home to Piedmont Park, the 180-acre urban retreat designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, more famously known as the designer of Central Park in New York City. A few new shopping ventures round out the offerings in Midtown – and the combination of arts, shopping and dining is reason to explore a new side of Atlanta.

MUST DO: Wander in Atlantic Station. The work/shop/live development may be a bit manufactured, but it is also hard to resist as Atlantic Station is walk-able, attractive and entertaining. Hit IKEA simply because there isn’t one here in Memphis; the Swedish home retailing giant offers plenty to gawk at and lots to ship home. A pretty park with lake connects the main entertainment district with the retail district; in between there are plenty of vibrant restaurants and bars for day or night hopping. After Atlantic Station, check out the progress on the Midtown Mile project – a Chicago-esque shopping development which will encompass 14 city blocks when it’s complete. Some of Midtown’s best stores are already open on Peachtree and have been for ages, including Retromodern.com, Ligne Rosetis and Space.

MUST SEE: The Louvre exhibits at the High Museum. At the High, collaboration with Paris’ Louvre Museum is underway; treasures from the Louvre’s collections will be rotated for the next few years. Through September, an exhibit featuring the ancient treasures of the French museum is the highlighted exhibit; the newly-expanded museum is worth at least a half day of additional exploration – more if you can spend the time.  

MUST EAT: At ONE Midtown Kitchen. ONE  is a bar-ish, open kitchen restaurant featuring small plates, a nice wine list and scrumptious cocktails. Oh, and did I mention the view of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta skyline? To die for!

MUST SLEEP: When in Midtown, stay in Midtown. The swanky new TWELVE Hotel is all-suite and uptown chic, while the staid Four Seasons is the choice for a lush, indulgent weekend.    

Absolutely. While the must-browse stores – Neiman Marcus, Burberry, the store formerly known as Marshall Field’s – Macy’s – and Water Tower Place all face the Magnificent Mile, there is so much more to shopping in Chicago than Michigan Avenue. (This from a girl who simply must inhale the rarified air of Neiman’s anytime she’s in Chicago, now that she lives in a non-NM town).

The key to the best of Chicago shopping, actually, is getting off of Michigan and into the neighborhoods. Bucktown, Wicker Park and Lincoln Park are chockfull of personality and great stores where the locals shop; each neighborhood has its own style and vibe, and the stores reflect that. Oak Street – just off Michigan – is replete with designer boutiques and designer prices. Kind of a mini-Michigan Avenue, if you will.

MUST DO: Power shopping on West Armitage, between Lincoln Avenue and Clybourn. Is it Lincoln Park, or not? There’s a long-running debate about which neighborhood this stretch of Armitage falls into, but no matter – the stores are excellent, there are plenty of little eateries – from an excellent hot dog and bagel shop to more upscale options – and it’s a vibrant corridor with great energy.

Try Tabula Tua for Juliska glass, reasonably priced pewter serving pieces, and casual everyday Italian dinnerware. Yes, they ship! Across the street, Nuada is contemporary Celtic – two words one hardly associates with each other – and perfect for finding unusual gifts. My advice is start on one side of the street until you hit the residential buildings, then jaywalk and come down the other side – this could take a whole day.

MUST SEE: City Soles / Niche – it’s two, two, two shoe stores in one!  This Wicker Park store fronts a funky corner at the intersection of North And Damen;  and carried everything from high-end heels to Converse Chuck Conners. The sale rack takes some serious time, energy and dedication to go through, but is worth the effort.

MUST EAT: Bin Wine Café, 1559 North Milwaukee. Wine flights, cheese flights, baked brie – what’s not to love? And each menu item comes with a wine pairing suggestion, making it even easier to order. Open for dinner daily and Sunday brunch.

MUST SLEEP: Staying with the off-Michigan theme, try the Trump Chicago if you can afford it – tops for service and luxury; rooms start at $550 but can fit three comfortably. Or  the funky, always-changing W Chicago Lakeshore with its Lake Michigan views and hopping lobby bar is always a great choice; rooms can start as low as $199 some weekends.  

It took a hurricane named Wilma to batter Cancun almost senseless in 2005, just after Katrina slammed the Gulf Coast. Much of Cancun’s infrastructure was damaged, almost all the hotels were battered, and plenty of beach had washed away. But both the city and its major shareholders – the hotels – saw the devastation as a chance to rebuild, and rebuild they did – more luxuriously than before.

The result is a beautiful, high-end destination for a girl’s weekend, with revitalized beaches, luxury resorts, designer shopping and a bit of adventure.

MUST SEE: Chichen Itza. Yes, most of the archeological wonder of the Mayan culture is now off limits – almost no climbing, no touching, and no entering the ancient ruins.

But the seat of Mayan civilization is a must see. Get there as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day, and allow at least three hours for a tour. Instead of spending your money on an all-day bus tour (most of which include a lunch and then a stop at a roadside market) rent a car and drive yourselves or hire a private driver to take you to the ruin; finding a guide is essential for understanding the history and what you’re seeing if you’re not big into research or reading pre-visit. Check with the hotel concierge to find a knowledgeable guide and / or driver; guides are also available on-site and will cost about $60. Admission is about $8 US.

MUST DO: Canopy tour of the Yucatan jungle.

This, from a girl who abhors the thought of a jungle at all times – but found herself a convert after a trip to Selvatica, just south of Cancun. A bumpy ride brought us to the rustic yet charming base camp, where we donned remarkably unflattering harnesses and helmets, then climbed up a winding staircase to the top of our first tree. There, one of our guides helped us ‘jump’ up to attach the harness to the steel cable strung between the first tree and the next – about 30 feet above the jungle floor. Suffice it to say my girlfriend Sheryl – and avid indoors-woman – was not amused, muttering ‘I really don’t like you right now’ before she attached herself to the zip line. She then screamed the whole way to the next tree; by the time I joined her – she was all smiles, proclaiming ‘I LOVE this!’ We both did – zipping almost two miles from tree to tree, then mountain biking over to a cenote – a deep, spring-fed pond where we cooled off. Photo courtesy Selvatica

MUST EAT: Thai, at Thai, the unexpected restaurant at the La Isla Mall. Hard to believe that a Thai restaurant is the place to go in Cancun, but Thai’s lagoon-front location, casually elegant atmosphere and completely authentic cuisine add up to an unforgettable and unhurried evening. Reserve one of the thatched-roof dining huts if possible; the huts aren’t just waterfront but built over the lagoon; each individual hut seats from 2 – 8 people and some even feature lounging beds. Service is attentive yet unhurried, and the Thai specialties are fresh, ample and beautifully presented.

MUST BUY:  Mexican crafts. Although the designer shopping in Cancun is excellent – both La Isla and Kukulcan Plaza are chockfull of designer boutiques, from Lacoste to Burberry to Longchamps – taking home some native crafts is essential. I particularly found the Mayan people at Chichen Itza to be the best-priced, bringing home a variety of small, festively painted, footed bowls as gifts for my girlfriends, my daughter, nieces and their friends; some tour operators will tell you that the vendors are in Chichen Itza illegally and not to buy from them. It’s important to find out from your hotel concierge where authentic Mayan crafts can be found; most of the mercados in the downtown area – not the hotel zone – are the place to find authentic goods. Be ready to haggle. 

MUST SLEEP:  JW Marriott Cancun. Even with a new five-diamond AAA rating, the JW Marriott is a centrally located luxury value – with rooms starting at $259, double occupancy, including breakfast for two daily. A Mayan-inspired spa, two outdoor pools and an indoor spa pool, and three excellent dining options are on-site.

Cancun Tourism Office