Let’s Talk About Dubai

Why exactly is it so appealing? Since I'm a Dubai virgin-- passing through the airport on a Delhi-Moscow flight doesn't count for much-- I can only hazard a guess or two. Beaches, warm climate, awe-inspiring architecture that continues to push the envelope, underwater restaurants, the world's only seven star hotel... But Europeans calling it the new Côte d'Azur and buying up real estate like it's their job?! Proximity can't be the reason. Dubai is hot; it's been marketed as hot, and the incredible development continues to gather steam. Thus I implore you, dear reader... let's talk about Dubai. What makes it so damn hot?

Break Your Cabin Fever at Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival

Racing, ski jumping, chariot racing, snowboarding jam session, ski jöring events down Lincoln Avenue: the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival takes over the entire town come February. And it's a spectacle you won't want to miss. After all, it's been around for 93 years (that's the oldest Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi!) and is sponsored by the oldest winter sports club in the US of A! And of course there's the much-anticipated nighttime event, featuring the legendary "Lighted Man" (one of the famous exhibitionists, clad in a glowing suit of lightbulbs, launches fireworks as he skis down the mountain). Intrigued? Get yourself to Steamboat Feb 8-12!

Martin Luther King Day at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

In honor of Dr. King, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is offering free admission all day long. Opened in 1992, the Institute offers the best, most comprehensive and moving exhibitions on the history of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. A walk through the galleries—past replicas of segregated streetcars and fountains, a replica of the bombed and scarred Freedom Riders' bus, films and media presentations—is a journey through the events of the 1960s and the struggle for equality and racial justice. Importantly, the exhibitions highlight the Civil Rights Movement in relation to the ongoing international human rights movement today.

Dine Out Vancouver 2006

It's back. The very popular, very scrumptious, very affordable Dine Out Vancouver. Where-- for a limited time-- lucky foodies can enjoy three-course dinners at 144 of Vancouver's hottest restaurants for $15, $25 and $35 per person. But hurry! Tables fill up fast, and time is running out (from January 20 to February 2). Vancouver.com's compiled a full list of all participating restaurants according to the price-tiered menus.

Cheap Airfare to Sundance

A big thanks to the Mobissimo blog. (Flights from SF are $435, from NYC $389, and LaLaland $325.)

Where Not To Eat in Antigua, Guatemala

Ringed by volcanoes, brimming with colonial charm, Antigua has become a hotspot for savvy travelers, who are enchanted by the pastel facades of churches and large Spanish houses, cobblestone streets lit by antique street lamps and Mayan markets. This town is the essence of romance. But finding a decent restaurant may prove difficult. Clinton may have dined at La Fonda de la Calle Real, but forget it— this place has gone to the dogs. Avoid Frida's at all costs, where overpriced Mexican fare is bland and mediocre. Near the Parque Central, Monoloco serves ghastly American-style bar food to a crowd of eager Norteamericano youth and Guatemaltecans from the capital who trek to scope Antigua's bar scene on the weekends. So what's a hungry gal to do? Head to the exquisite, romantic Panza Verde, set in a graceful colonial building with candle-lit walkways, garden courtyards with fountains, and a menu that includes such delightful dishes as tenderloin slathered in mushrooms and escargot.

All About Turin, Italy

The sights, the eats, the Turin Olympic transformation... CNN.com Travel's got it covered. (But the best time for experiencing the city's marvelous renaissance may be after the Feb 10-26 Olympic Games, when visitors can enjoy a year full of festivals sponsored by UNESCO, sin the crowds.)

Don’t Miss the Winter X Games 10, Aspen

Mark your calendars for January 27-January 31; you can't possibly miss this party. We're talking the premier winter action sports event in the world (!) and Aspen is going off. Over 200 bad-ass athletes compete for medals and prize money in the following sports: Moto X, Ski, Snowboard and Snowmobile. If you can't make it to Aspen to gawk and gape at their wondrous stunts (and thereby miss out on Aspen's hedonistic nightlife), you can still catch all the nighttime events broadcast live on ESPN and ABC.

Dubai Towers…Istanbul?

Forget the Burj al Arab. Istanbul's getting a make-over with the help of Dubai Holding's international subsidiary, Dubai International Properties. The pair of 150-meter high towers will be the tallest buildings in Istanbul-- a grand, ever-present symbol of foreign investment in Turkey. In renewed negotiations to become the first muslim state in the EU, Turkey has become a hot ticket for Arab investors. The $500m Dubai Towers will include a five-star hotel, luxury residences, office and retail space.

Da Vinci Code Chateau for Rent

By Luxury Larry of World Extravagant

One of the biggest movies to hit the screens this year will surely be the Da Vinci Code, based on the best selling novel, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Ron Howard. Many people do not know, but the chateau which is featured extensively throughout the book, Chateau de Villette, actually exists and parts of the upcoming movie were filmed on location.

Only 35 minutes outside Paris, Chateau Villette does exist and is one of the most historical chateaux in all of France. The property was built in the late 1700s by Jules Hardouin Mansart, and has 17 bedrooms each with its own private bathroom on 185 acres of gorgeous grounds which were landscaped originally by the Sun King's personal gardener, Andre Le Notre, complete with lake, swimming pool, tennis court, and hunting grounds.

Even though you feel as if you were in the 17th century, there is a modern telephone system accessible from each room, in addition to wireless Internet connection. The chateau is a spectacular location for family vacations, weddings, seminars, product promotions, business meetings, elegant parties and other special events.