10 Great Places to Sleep with a Ghost!

Happy Halloween and Happy Traveling!

Joan

For some travelers, the ultimate amenity is a ghost. In a recent survey, 44% of respondents said they had visited a haunted house. More than a quarter said they'd like to sleep in one. A good place to encounter a spirit might be a B&B, says Brian Megless  of BedandBreakfast.com, survey sponsor. "The properties are unique and full of stories and historical importance," he adds. He shares some favorites with Larry Bleiberg  for USA TODAY.

Featherbed Railroad Bed & Breakfast Resort 

Nice, Calif. 

The spirit of a former railroad worker is said to haunt one of the nine cabooses that make up this rail-themed Northern California inn. Several guests say they've seen a man in striped pajamas sitting on a bed in the Celebrations caboose, which is decorated for Halloween every year. 800-966-6322; featherbedrailroad.com

• PHOTOS: Booooo! Haunted houses and inns

Red Garter B&B 

Williams, Ariz. 

This Victorian inn operated as a bar and bordello until the 1940s, which might explain the continued presence of Eve, a former call girl. "Guests have felt the bed shake and felt people touching their arms when no one was there," Megless says. 800-328-1484; redgarter.com

• 1906 Pine Crest Inn & Restaurant 

Tryon, N.C. 

Psychics say an energy vortex may be responsible for the otherworldly occurrences at this Blue Ridge Mountain inn. "The furniture mysteriously moves around in the guest rooms and common areas," Megless says. For example, a former innkeeper said he once woke up and found his dresser blocking the door and clothes scattered around the room. 800-633-3001; pinecrestinn.com

Penny House Inn 

Eastham, Mass. 

This restored 17th-century sea captain's house is home to several playful spirits, Megless says. One named Charlotte makes a loud impression. The staff has learned she loves to crank the volume of the spa's sound system. "They're really careful when they turn on the music," Megless says. 800-554-1751; pennyhouseinn.com

John Denham House 

Monticello, Fla. 

This 130-year-old inn has a long documented record of haunting — as does the entire town of Monticello, which is near Tallahassee. The National Historic Register B&B even hosts ghost-hunting weekends, where guests learn how to track spirits and collect audio, video and photographic evidence of paranormal activity. 850-997-4568; http://www.johndenhamhouse.com/

Black Horse Inn 

Warrenton, Va. 

Three ghosts have been reported in this former Civil War hospital — a history that Megless notes "definitely makes it a little bit more creepy." One female spirit, believed to be a nurse, laughs in men's ears. Another spirit, the "Christmas ghost," seems to have toppled a Christmas tree several years in a row. Now the tree is wired to the wall. 540-349-4020; blackhorseinn.com

Magnolia Mansion 

New Orleans 

Travelers need only read the inn's guest book for accounts of the spirits seen here. "This may be the most happily haunted B&B on the list," Megless says. Guests describe hearing movement in their rooms at night, and then waking up to find pillows stacked at the foot of their bed, and their belongings rearranged. One woman had the sheet pulled up over her, and her cheek stroked by a spirit known as "The Caretaker." 504-412-9500; magnoliamansion.com

Ghost Rails Inn 

Alberton, Mont. 

This inn once housed Milwaukee Railroad work crews, but it's Bertha, the former property owner, who may still roam the halls. "She continues to make the bed in Room 5 and fluff the pillows and carry the towels down the hall," Megless says. Other ghosts include a tall, silver-haired woman who moves belongings around in Room 8, and a male ghost often seen in Room 9. 406-722-4990; ghostrailsinn.com

Colonel Taylor Inn B&B 

Cambridge, Ohio 

Joseph D. Taylor, a Civil War soldier and four-term U.S. congressman, still roams the halls of his former home, guests say. "Even though it's a smoke-free B&B, people have seen smoke from the colonel's pipe lingering in rooms he used to frequent," Megless notes. In addition, the owner's family and tabby cat have been spotted in the home, where beds rock mysteriously and toys move on their own. 740-432-7802; coltaylorinnbb.com

Foley House Inn 

Savannah, Ga. 

When renovators found human remains in the wall of this Savannah inn, it seemed to confirm a local legend. In a deathbed confession, a former innkeeper admitted to killing a boarder in self-defense and hiding his body. Some guests report hearing noises and feeling a mysterious rush of air. Over the years the spirit has picked up a name in honor of his final resting place, Megless says. "The locals refer to him as Wally." 800-647-3708; foleyinn.com

Where would you go to find great food?

The grand main entrance of the Elysian hotel features a star-like chandelier. A living room with black velvet couches is to your left, and the front desk is to your right.

CAPTION

By Barbara De Lollis

TripAdvisor has compiled its inaugural foodie-destination lists for around the world, so USA TODAY TRAVEL has compiled a photo gallery of the No. 1-ranked hotels for the Top 10 US destinations.

PHOTO GALLERY:  Top hotels in Top 10 foodie towns

PHOTO GALLERY:  Top 10 NYC hotels

CHICAGO - This is the Elysian hotel's private entrance, an unusual feature for an urban hotel. TripAdvisor members currently rank the Elysian as their No. 1 hotel in Chicago.

CAPTION

By Barbara De Lollis

The top-ranked hotels in each place range from obvious choices for foodies such as the Elysian in Chicago, which is home to the Michelin-star-rated Ria restaurant, to no-frills choices that encourage you to venture out for fabulous meals.

So which places made it on to this year's Travelers' Choice Food and Wine Destinations Top 10 list?
Here you go:

• 1. New Orleans
• 2. Napa, Calif.
• 3. Chicago
• 4. Charleston, S.C.
• 5. San Francisco
• 6. New York City
• 7. Savannah, Georgia
• 8. Santa Fe, N.M.
• 9. Las Vegas
• 10. Asheville, N.C.

TripAdvisor's Top 10 list for Europe:

• 1. Florence, Italy
• 2. Paris, France
• 3. Rome, Italy
• 4. Sorrento, Italy
• 5. York, England
• 6. Siena, Italy
• 7. Bologna, Italy
• 8. San Sebastian, Spain
• 9. Barcelona, Spain
• 10. Edinburgh, Scotland

WOW VACATION!

Pack Your Bags For Australias Great Barrier Reef With Globus

By: Globus

For nature-lovers, a visit to the Great Barrier Reef is a quasi-religious experience. The 1600 mile long organism, which can even be identified from space, is actually a web of 2,900 self-contained reefs that lie between 40 and 100 miles off Australia’s north-east coast. From a plane, the Reef looks like a giant blue rash, but beneath its placid waves lie canyons of brilliant coral, each one a mini-galaxy of sea life, including wildly colored fish and anemones, giant turtles, moray eels, sharks and manta rays so large they can blot out the sun’s light as they pass overhead. The clarity of the water, the intensity of color, even the quality of the antipodean light are like nowhere else on earth. Most visitors fly into the booming tropical city of Cairns, then head north along the verdant Cook Highway to Port Douglas – a former gold rush port that was a virtual ghost town in the 1960s but is now one of Australia’s most glamorous resort destinations. (It lured Bill Clinton while President in 1996, and again in 2001). From here, high-speed catamarans run out to submerged platforms on the Reef, a jumping-off point for snorkelers and tours on glass-bottomed boats. (Companies also offer tanks for certified divers, but snorkeling is just as impressive: In fact, the colors of the Reef are most brilliant in shallow, sun-filled water.) It’s an unforgettable experience: the Pacific pumps back and forth like a giant lung over forests of stag horn coral, whose tips glow like electric Christmas tree lights. Clouds of tropical fish explode off the sandy ocean floor, green sea turtles glide purposefully by. And don’t miss the giant clams – mega-mollusks, each four foot wide, 500 pounds in weight and dressed in lurid velvet, they gabe up invitingly from their beds of soft coral swaying in the current. A kick of your flippers takes you down to admire the vibrant colors shimmering in the slanting sunlight. And when you touch their sensuous lips, the century-old shells close slowly into fixed, happy smiles.

Encounter unforgettable adventures when you plan your trip with Globus. Escape to the most exciting reef in the world, The Great Barrier Reef, when booking with Globus and Prestige Plus Travel today!

10 Hotels in Movies

10 Hotels in Movies

Ever wonder what it would be like to stay in the same hotel as Bill Murray in Lost in Translation or wake up in a penthouse suite in Caesars like the guys from the Hangover? Well this is your chance. This is a list of ten hotels which were featured in movies and we can offer you a chance to live large like a movie star with one of our vacation packages.
Caesars Palace
		Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Movie: The Hangover (2009) The true comedy of The Hangover begins when three friends Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis wake up in their Caesars’ suite without their groom-to-be friend Justin Bartha. Caesars Palace is famous worldwide for its magnificent beauty and impeccable service. This majestic Las Vegas hotel offers a 129,000 square foot casino, 26 restaurants and cafes, sprawling gardens and pools, a world-class spa, and the renowned Colosseum spotlighting world-class stars. Caesars will allow its guests to find out whether the tagline from The Hangover, “Some guys just can’t handle Vegas,” includes them or not.
St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
		Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia Movie: Couples Retreat (2009) St. Regis Bora Bora Resort provided a perfect setting for the Vince Vaughn comedy Couples Retreat where couples in struggling relationships come to this beautiful resort to try to fix their problems. From the Oasis Pool; to the central pool, with a swim-up bar; to the saltwater private lagoon, full of native fish and stingrays, St. Regis allows guests to dive into the many pleasures of paradise. Private villas offer guests a chance to experience one of the most beautiful and romantic islands in the Pacific.
Bellagio
		Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Movie: Ocean's Eleven (2001), Ocean's Twelve (2004), & Ocean's Thirteen (2007) The Bellagio is home to Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean’s movies which were jam-packed with A-list actors such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. The hotel provides its guests with a retreat unto themselves, the 3,933 Guest Rooms and Suites are an extension of its AAA Five Diamond Award-winning Las Vegas hotel. Bellagio provides a Las Vegas entertainment experience for everyone, whether you prefer high-energy or a more intimate experience.
Park Hyatt Tokyo Hotel
Location: Tokyo, Japan Movie: Lost in Translation (2003) This five star hotel, located right in the heart of Shinjuku, one of Tokyo's best known business districts, provided the main setting of Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation featuring actors Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson. Occupying the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel overlooks Tokyo and the Kanto Plain all the way to Mount Fuji. Located in the Shinjuku district, this hotel is close to Shinjuku Station, Shinjuku Park, Nishi Shinjuku and areas of Shibuya and Aoyama.
Fontainebleau
Location: Miami, Florida Movie: Goldfinger (1964), The Bodyguard (1992), & Scarface (1983) Whether it was Sean Connery as James Bond in Goldfinger, Kevin Costner protecting the star singer Whitney Houston in The Bodyguard, or Al Pacino as the gangster Tony Montana in Scarface this beautiful hotel in Miami Beach has provided the movie industry with a perfect set location for many memorable films. Fontainebleau’s striking design, contemporary art, music, fashion and technology merge into a vibrant new kind of guest experience. The 22-acre oceanfront hotel features signature restaurants by award-winning chefs; two chic nightlife venues; a two-story, 40,000-square-foot spa, expansive poolscape, a pristine Atlantic Ocean beach and state-of-the-art conference and event facilities.
The Grand Hotel
Location:Taipei, China Movie: Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994) The Grand Hotel in Taipei was the location of the Academy Award nominated movie Eat Drink Man Woman. Supported by red columns and with golden roof tiling, the Grand Hotel stands much like a majestic 14-story palace. The hotel is equipped with 487 rooms which offer a birds-eye-view of bustling Taipei in the day and a serene city at night. The Grand Hotel offers a variety of dining choices, including Chinese, Western and Japanese restaurants.
The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa
Location: Lake Lure, North Carolina Movie: Dirty Dancing (1987) The Lake Lure Inn was one of the locations used in the romantic film Dirty Dancing starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. Whether you're an adventurer seeking a "Dirty Dancing" themed cabin, prefer the nostalgia of the historic Inn, or just need a relaxing weekend laying by the pool the Lake Lure Inn has what you are looking for. From its boat rental service, to its perfect wedding scenery, the Lake Lure Inn will provide guests with a perfect vacation location.
Stanley Hotel
Location: Estes Park, Colorado Movie: The Shining (1980) Although the movie itself was not filmed in the Stanley Hotel, the book that inspired it was written about Steven Kings stay in room 217 of the Stanley. Whether you are a big Jack Nicholson fan or Steven King fan, the hotel will bring memories of The Shining to anyone who visits. The Stanley Hotel is a historic landmark hotel in a spectacular mountain-view location, offering old-world charm matched with the latest of modern amenities. Guests can take a ghost and history tour, use the full-service spa or just relax and enjoy the view from your room or suite. The Stanley Hotel sits 7,500 feet above the ordinary in beautiful Estes Park, an hour from Denver and minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Hotel Des Mille Collines
Location: Kigali, Rwanda Movie: Hotel Rwanda (2004) Hotel Des Mille Collines is the hotel which was used by Don Cheadle as a shelter to save his fellow countrymen in Rwanda from genocide. The Mille Collines is a four star hotel with a fine setting and personalized service situated in a large exotic garden in downtown Kigali, Rwanda. Enjoy culinary delights and international cuisine in the top floor Restaurant "Le Panorama" with its magnificent view over Kigali.
Beverly Wilshire
Location: Beverly Hills, California Movie: Pretty Woman (1990) & Beverly Hills Cop (1984 This five star hotel was where Julia Roberts and Richard Gere stayed in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman, and also where Eddie Murphy lived in the hilarious comedy Beverley Hills Cop. In the heart of Beverly Hills this historic hotel buzzes with vitality from dramatic renovations, blending tradition and trend. See-and-be-seen dining and glamorous events are balanced by quiet, personal comfort in the spa, the pool and luxury guest rooms.

60 Second Geography - United Kingdom

Few places cram in as much scenery, history and culture as the United Kingdom. England's southwest is dominated by a rugged shoreline and ancient history, the uber hip and metropolitan capital, London, sits amid the rolling hills of the southeast. The people of northern England are among the friendliest; while the scenery of the Northumberland coast, Peak District and Lake District are all incredible sights to behold.

But to experience the true wilderness of the United Kingdom, travel to the Scottish Highlands where you will discover that it can be harsh, snow capped and often inaccessible. Art-drenched Edinburgh is a stunning city to explore (especially if you are a JK Rowling or Harry Potter fan), and the larger islands of the Hebrides attract walkers and whiskey lovers.

Across the water, sharing land with Ireland, Northern Ireland is a stylish and modern area anchored by Belfast. Outside of the city, the countryside is every bit as intriguing as the United Kingdom's.

Wales features the vibrant Cardiff and industrial Swansea to the south, and craggy peaks of the Snowdon Massif to the north.

England is the biggest country in the U.K., and is home to the largest city in Europe - London. It's also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world's top tourist attractions. England is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture - from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East. So no matter what kind of experience you want, you'll find the perfect destination in England.
Northern Ireland is the smallest country in the U.K., and is situated in the northeast corner of Ireland. Northern Ireland's size makes it easy to navigate. Once you've settled into your hotel, you can easily visit the country's main attractions on short day trips. The country offers a variety of landscapes from breathtaking mountains and glens, World Heritage Sites to an inland sea.
Scotland is a diverse and extraordinary country, with a rich and fascinating history. The country has nearly 800 islands, only 300 of which are inhabited, and these islands are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. It is a photographer's paradise. In Scotland you will find vibrant and exciting cities, breathtaking lochs, mountains and coastlines. Scotland shares its Southern border with England and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the west and the North Sea on the east.
Wales is bordered by England on the east and is a small country with a rich history and spectacular landscapes, including three national parks and five "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty." Due to its size (170 miles tall by 60 miles wide) you're never far from a mountain or a sea. But Wales is also home to vibrant cities, traditional villages and great tourist attractions. Welsh - the native language - is spoken by many people in Wales, and is one of the oldest (and some say most difficult to understand) languages in the world.
What are you waiting for? Contact Prestige Plus Travel and explore the United Kingdom.

Americans in Paris

Americans in Paris: Experience Expat Heaven with Globus

By: Globus

Paris in the 1920s was a golden age for financially-challenged American writers, who flocked here for the excellent exchange rate for the dollar and the liberated lifestyle – not to mention the hottest art scene in the world. Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald and his flamboyant wife Zelda, Ford Madox Ford, Gertrude Stein, T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound and E. E. Cummings all staked a claim in the capital of Jazz Age Europe (and were joined by Irishman James Joyce, Brit George Orwell and a bevy of Russian and Eastern European geniuses).

Hemingway in particular captured the frenzied party atmosphere after the sacrifices of World War I – the members of his so-called “Lost Generation” would hang out on the “terrasses” of boulevard cafés, listen to African-American musicians in the smoky jazz bars, and enjoy bargain meals in the louche back streets of Montparnasse. At that time, Hemingway lived as an unknown writer with his wife, Hadley, in a tiny, sunny flat (74 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, near the Place de la Contrescarpe), where he recalled in later books like “A Moveable Feast” the classic ambiance of cheery drunkards, street urchins, hard-working flower-sellers and prostitutes with hearts of gold. Their apartment on the top floor cost only 60 francs per month – a few American dollars at the time – and Hemingway wrote his first short stories while looking out over the poetic rooftops of the city. Of course, the writer’s diet of bread and cheese was tempered by the occasional martini at the Hotel Ritz (on the Place Vendôme) with F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Hemingway retained a lasting fondness for the place.

When he returned to Paris in 1944 as a war correspondent with the American troops, he headed straight to the Ritz to “liberate” its ancient wine cellar after the German Occupation – and stayed for weeks in room 31. In the 1950s, the hotel named the Hemingway Bar in his honor and installed a marble bust of the great writer there.

Great storytellers don’t use scripts. They use itineraries. Contact Prestige Plus Travel and follow your Globus itinerary to experience France’s history and stories today!

 

We are still here! THE TRAVEL PROFSSIONAL!

Welcome Fellow Traveler!  I have some very exciting news to share with you. Contrary to many misconceptions your local Travel Agent DOES EXIST.  I am that agent and I am here to help you.  Did you know that travel agents have been around since 1841?  An Englishman named Thomas Cook started organizing rail trips.  And guess what?  The travel agency business is busier then ever.

First of all I would like to clear up some of the misconceptions about travel agents.

1. It does not cost more the book with a travel agent.  This is my business and profession.  I am aware of the deals, discounts and techniques for saving money for my customers.
2. I earn my money from commission paid by the travel supplier when I book their products.  It does not cost you more to book with me
3. I do not charge for booking an airline ticket because I use an air consolidator.  In order to protect my business I do charge a $50.00 per person cancellation fee after deposit has been made.  This has become standard practice in the business.  As much as you want to go on your trip (that is why we have insurance to protect you), “stuff” happens. My nominal fee is for the research I did. I will have the information ready when you can travel.
4. Yes, the Internet plays a big role in booking travel. It is a great source of information.  I will save you the time, money and trouble.  You have a live person to talk to.  Figuring it all out takes time and that is why I am here.  I can sort through the dozens of offers and find what best suit  s the traveler. Despite today’s technological advances, people will yearn for the human touch, something Thomas Cook understood 170 years ago.
5. It can be hard to find a good travel agent.  I have been in the business for over 30 years.  Just like in a regular business I have to keep educating myself in order to be current with all of the specials.  I belong to a great consortium that allows me to find the best values for my clients.

 I hope I have relieved you of some of the misconceptions about travel agents.  I am here to serve you. To help you find the dream vacation and to experience your dream vacation.

Now for the even better news.   – I make house calls!  If you live in the Coachella Valley I will bring you all the information that you need.  Please visit my website: www.prestigeplustravel.com.  Take time to visit it – if you cannot find something call me 1-800-511-1489.  I will find you what you are looking for – I will research until you are satisfied and book your glorious trip.

Looking forward to hearing from you and Happy Traveling!

Joan Sawaya, Owner

Prestige Plus Travel