Winter in Venice: $149 Rates at The Venetian and The Palazzo, Las Vegas

This holiday season, how about winter in Venice? Not Italy, but the Las Vegas Strip! The Venetian and The Palazzo are putting on a one-of-a-kind celebration that they say will be the "most majestic winter wonderland Las Vegas has ever seen." The five-diamond resorts will transform into a winter wonderland with an ice skating rink above The Venetian's outdoor Grand Canal-- complete with snowflakes, strung holiday lights, and a 65-foot LED holiday tree perched atop the Doge's Palace fountain. While you stroll around, you'll be entertained by a colorful cast of characters: magicians, carolers, puppets, jugglers, and candy cane stilt walkers. Enjoy seasonal treats like eggnog cupcakes, warm apple cider, spiced cocktails, and hot chocolate. And to cap off each day, you’ll be in for a treat: a "spectacular light show performance beyond your wildest imagination." Winter in Venice will take place from November 21, 2011- January 8, 2012. Special package rates are available for $149 per night in a luxury suite, two-night minimum required, with a bunch of add-ons included (hot chocolate for two, skate rentals, $40 off seasonal spa treatments).

Catch a Concert at Madison Square Garden; Stay at Affinia Manhattan Across the Street

Hoping to catch a concert at Madison Square Garden this fall? There's an impressive roster of big names coming to New York. Try Duran Duran, Foo Fighters, Katy Perry, Enrique Iqlesias, Taylor Swift, Josh Groban, and more... After your show, get some shut-eye at the Affinia Manhattan, located just across the street. Fresh from a $25 million redesign by the internationally acclaimed Rockwell Group, the hotel has designed a special package that's sure to delight music fans. Available through December 31, 2011, the "Two for the Show" package includes a complimentary room upgrade, two cocktails at Niles New York City Bar & Restaurant, a $10 iTunes gift card to buy your favorite songs before the show, and a late check-out at 3 pm so you can sleep in after a late night on the town. Need tickets to the show? The hotel’s resourceful concierge can be reached at 646-733-2901.

Book Your London Hotel for the Olympics & Queen's Jubilee

2012 will be a big year for Britain, says Travel Agent Magazine. London is prepping for a series of blockbuster events, starting with the Queen's Jubilee in June, honoring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 years on the throne (can we say gigantic flotilla on the Thames?) If you're eager to get in on the action, and also partake in Olympic fever, it's best to book your hotel room ASAP. The USA Today reports that "hotels are expected to fill about 92% of their rooms, which will mean many sold-out nights"-- according to a new forecast from Pricewaterhouse Coopers. "And that's despite a number of new hotels that have opened, including Dorchester Collection's tony 45 Park Lane in Mayfair and Starwood's trendy W in the heart of Leicester Square."

Looking for a hotel in London or the surrounding area? Five Star Alliance has a number of recommendations- whether you want a family-friendly boutique hotel or an opulent palace on the Thames. There are also a slew of four-star hotels available.

Pictured: The Athenaeum Hotel and Apartments.

Celebrate Halloween in New York City

Halloween is fast approaching, and we hope you’re ready to embrace all the fun that comes with this superstitious holiday. Aside from watching scary movies and carving pumpkins, consider making a trip out to New York for the NYC Village Halloween Parade on October 31st. This is the largest parade in the country, and it brings more than 50,000 costumed marchers, puppeteers, and bands to the Big Apple. This parade strongly encourages public participation, so get your costume ready and book your trip to New York City today!

Consider staying at the Pierre Hotel New York for your Halloween escapade. This luxurious hotel was recently renovated, and is located on 5th Avenue overlooking Central Park. The Pierre’s incredibly central location and legendary history make it an exceptionally elegant hotel. All of the Pierre’s guestrooms and suites have been transformed to feature an inviting, residential-style décor. During your luxurious stay, don’t forget to check out the NYC Village Halloween Parade, going from 7pm-11pm on Sixth Avenue from Spring Street to 23rd Street. A crazy night out for the parade isn’t in the cards for you this year? Then be sure to watch it live on WPIZ Channel from 7pm – 10pm and on NY1 from 8pm – 9:30pm on your flat panel television in the Pierre Hotel. Let us reemphasize that this parade strongly encourages public participation, and prizes will be awarded for the best costume, so start brainstorming your outfit now and book your stay at the Pierre Hotel today!

Le Meurice in Paris Bestows 4th Annual Prize for Contemporary Art

In just a few short weeks, Le Meurice in Paris will announce the winner of its 4th Annual Prize for Contemporary Art. The luxury palace hotel-- decorated with beautiful artwork and designer furniture by Philippe Starck-- created this annual art prize to highlight its commitment to young, up-and-coming artists who are shaking up the French art scene. Chosen from an exclusive group of 50 artists by a panel of acclaimed arts professionals, the winner will get to exhibit their work at Le Meurice, and they'll receive an endowment of 20,000 euros. There are now six finalists in the running, and we wish them luck!

* Nicolas Moulin (Galerie Chez Valentin), who will be exhibiting in Bratislava 2012

* Louidgi Beltrame (Galerie Jousse Entreprise), who will be exhibiting in Sao Paulo and Rio in 2010 and will also show at Zona Maco Contemporary Art Fair in Mexico in 2012

* Emilie Pitoiset (Galerie Lucile Corty), who will be exhibiting at Galerie Klemm in Berlin in 2012

* Didier Faustino (Galerie Michel Rein), who will be exhibiting at the Fine Arts Museum in Taipei in 2012

* Mathieu Kleyebe Abonnenc (Galerie Marcelle Alix), who will be exhibiting at The Serralves Foundation in Porto in 2012

* Fabien Giraud and Raphaël Siboni (Galerie Loevenbruck), who will be exhibiting at the International Contemporary Art Fair "Art 43" in Basel in 2012

The Zurich Film Festival Honors Actor/Director Sean Penn

The Zurich Film Festival kicks off tomorrow, and the largest city in Switzerland will be welcoming filmmakers, critics, and movie enthusiasts from around the world to a beautiful setting on Lake Zurich with the Alps as a backdrop. The annual Zurich Film Festival will run until October 2, 2011, and this year's guest of honor is actor and director Sean Penn. If you're lucky, you might still be able to grab a room at the inn. The Baur au Lac, the award-winning hotel which dates back to 1844, is offering a "Film Festival" pacage that includes accommodations, fresh fruit and chocolates in-room, a daily buffet breakfast or in-room Continental breakfast, two tickets to the film festival, a five-course dinner in the newly renovated Pavillon restaurant, and unlimited use of the rooftop fitness club. Valid through October 2, 2011, priced priced from CHF 1,042, subject to availability.

VIP Access to the Venice Film Festival with the Molino Stucky Hilton

Jet to Venice and experience the International Venice Film Festival in true Hollywood style. The Molino Stucky Hilton Venice has organized a glamorous package with VIP access to the Venice Film Festival terrace located just in front of the Palazzo del Cinema on Lido beach. You'll arrive by private water taxi just like all the A-listers. The offer includes:

*Accommodation for two nights (minimum) in a deluxe room

*Bottle of Prosecco and fruits upon arrival

*Buffet Breakfast

*Special VIP cards for the Venice Film Festival terrace and water taxi rides to/from the Venice Lido

*Two cocktails at the Red Carpet Terrace

The offer is valid from September 1-11, 2011 starting from 379 euros. Formerly a flourmill and granary, the Molino Stucky is perfectly situated on the Giudecca, the gondola shaped group of eight interconnected islands minutes away from Piazza San Marco and Venice's major attractions.

Picnic by Lake Geneva with Chic Treats from Hotel President Wilson

The annual Geneva Festival is in full swing, a 10-day extravaganza of concerts, sporting events, lakeside games and good eats. The best part of all is on August 13th, when thousands of spectators will be privy to one of the finest fireworks displays in the world. Lucky guests staying at the Hotel President Wilson, recently emerged from a full renovation in 2009/2010, should consider reserving a picnic basket to nosh on gourmet treats while taking in the spectacular light show over the lake and Mont Blanc! The luxury hotel, the choice of traveling dignitaries and celebs, offers chic picnics during the summer months. The "traditional" version features a tomato mozzarella delight, grilled artichokes with black olives, club sandwiches, lemon rice salad with tuna, fruit salad, chocolate bars, chocolate cookies, and four drinks per person. (Cost: CHF 45 per person.) There's also an "oriental" version with hummus, tabouli, tomato meatballs, Lebanese desserts and more... (Cost: CHF 50 per person.)

Summer Events in Aspen: 20% Off The St. Regis Resort

Think Aspen is just for the snow-lovin' ski bunnies? Think again. Surrounded by stunning mountainous wilderness, this choice Colorado destination is just as happening in the summer months. The Aspen Music Festival runs for eight weeks (through August 21) with concerts and Shakespeare productions. The Aspen Arts Festival takes place on July 23rd and 24th when Wagner Park morphs into an open-air art gallery with over 175 exhibitors showcasing jewelry, pottery, sculpture, glass, ceramics, paintings and prints. August means the USA Pro Cycling Challenge, an intense seven-stage race which will put cyclists in Aspen on August 24, followed by the 2nd Annual Big Aspen BBQ Block Party on August 27th and 28th. The sister event of New York City's acclaimed barbecue block party (hosted by Danny Meyer's Union Square Events), the extravaganza in Aspen will take place at the base of Aspen Mountain, where some of the country's top pit masters will be serving up mouthwatering barbecue. Hot deal: The St. Regis Resort Aspen is offering 20% off their best available rates for guests in residence during one of these spectacular summer events. Available through September 5, 2011.

Experience the Montreal Jazz Festival with Hotel Le Germain

The 32nd edition of the Montreal Jazz Festival is in full swing. With more than 3,000 artists from 30 countries performing 650 concerts for 2.5 million visitors, it's one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. Fret not- it's not too late to experience this sensational event! The star line-up will continue to dazzle the crowds through July 4, 2011. Stay at Le Germain Montreal, a trendy boutique hotel located downtown, and they'll even hook you up with VIP treatment! The Jazz Festival package includes accommodations for one night, breakfast at Laurie Raphaël Restaurant Montréal, parking for one vehicle, and a festival kit packed with two official t-shirts, a shoulder bag, access to Open House evenings and the Montreal Guitar Show, two $5 discount vouchers for the Old Montreal walking tour, and two compilation CDs from the 2010 Festival. Priced from $299 per night.