LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Where to see the skies burst into color

For most Americans, the Fourth of July is a time for hamburgers, hot dogs, and flag-waving. But nothing is as thrilling as the spectacular displays of light in the sky—firework productions. And yes, there is something new under the moon.

See our slideshow of Great July 4th Fireworks.

Old-fashioned Roman candles and ladyfingers have given way to complex, multi-break shells with more than a dozen effects in a single firework, and setting them off is now part of an over $900 million industry. With the high-tech choreography and split-second timing of today's shows, you can be sure that the rockets’ red glare will burst precisely when those words are sung during the Star-Spangled Banner.

“It’s the use of chemistry as a performance art,” says Dr. John Steinberg, second vice president of the Pyrotechnics Guild International, an organization of amateur and professional fireworks enthusiasts. ]]> Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Experts rank the most popular trips worldwide

It's not hard to find a common characteristic among Forbes Traveler's top 15 North American vacation spots: sun, sand and sea clearly dominate the leisure-destination favorites.

See our slideshow of North America's Top 15 Vacation Spots.

From the sprawling, desert-oasis swimming pools of Las Vegas to the golden sands of Maui, warmth and water rank high on the list of features sought after by vacationers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

We gathered data on flights, hotels, vacation packages and customer preferences from six major travel organizations and agencies (Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Hotwire's Travel-Ticker.com, Vacation.com, the Carlson Wagonlit travel agency network, and Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.) to present a snapshot of the hottest vacation hangouts during the past year.

While tropical climes comprise the lion's share of our list, not all preferred vacation paradises are perpetually sun-soaked. ]]> Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:43:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Take the lug out of luggage-with style.

Aboard a crowded Italian train last fall, I discovered I had taken a polished Milanese businesswoman’s seat by mistake, which meant leaving my humdrum, over-packed suitcase in one compartment to hunt down a patch of open floor space in another. When I returned moments later, my bag had been stolen—something that never would have happened had I been able to just sit on it.

See our slideshow of High Fashion Carry-Ons.

With a little foresight, I’d have brought along a ZÜCA Pro, the most fantastically functional bag because it both fits comfortably in an airplane’s overhead bin and serves as a chair. A sturdy seat that can support 300 pounds without a hitch is integrated into the bag’s aluminum alloy frame, while inside there are removable ballistic nylon packing pouches that stack like drawers. The Sport model has a dual wheel system that climbs stairs. ]]> Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:50:38 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

The most popular destinations up North

The global recession may have lowered tourism numbers in many vacation spots, but at Grouse Mountain resort in North Vancouver, British Columbia, things are looking up, both literally and figuratively.

See our slideshow of Canada's Most Visited Tourist Attractions '09.

Attendance at the 82-year-old ski and recreation destination has remained lofty, increasing to 1.2 million in 2008 compared with 1.1 million the previous year, according to William Mbaho, the resort's public relations and communications manager. "Snow enthusiasm is not waning," he says, adding that so far in 2009 there has also been an increase in the number of students at the resort's ski and snowboarding schools.

But visitation isn't the only thing on the rise at Grouse Mountain. The SkyRide, North America's largest aerial tram system, "takes visitors a mile up the mountain to our alpine station, 3,700 feet above sea level," says Mbaho. ]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2009 05:12:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Pack your bags, grab the kids, save money

If you only take one family vacation this year, make it count. Summer 2009 has some of the best-value deals we’ve seen in years, as the luxury travel industry works overtime to compete for their most valued clients—you and your family. Whether you’re planning on a full week of sun and sailing in the Caribbean, or an educational weekend in our nation’s capital, you’ll reap the benefits of an industry that’s scrambling to get your attention.

See our slideshow of 10 Great Family Vacations 2009. ]]> Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:27:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

The most sandy, sensuous hot spots

Chic, cosmopolitan cities are the pinnacle of sexiness in North America, right? From LA to New York to Miami, Mexico City, Montreal and back, we seek sensuality and romance in fashion, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

See our slideshow of North America's Sexiest Beaches.

Fair enough, but even the most committed urbanite—yes, the one who stays at the hottest boutique hotels, gets the choicest tables and hits all of the most exclusive after-hours spots—has nothing on the raw, primal sexiness of a world-class beach. When it really comes down to it, there is not, and never will be, anything to rival that potent cocktail of sun, sand, sea and (the all-important) liberation of clothes that can only be found at a beach.

And you need not go that far a field to discover your little bit of beach bliss. ]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:04:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Blissful spots for sand and sunshine

It’s a ritual that families all across America partake in every summer—loading up the car, hitting the highway and heading to the beach. Rafts and coolers get pulled out of garages, Frisbees and games like Boggle that may not have been used all year are all of a sudden travel essentials. And once you arrive at your chosen beach town, check into your hotel, motel or rented beach house, it’s all about leaving the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind—for a few blissful days anyway.

See our slideshow of America's Favorite Beach Towns.

“There’s just something about the beach town that is so classically American,” says Michele Pecoraro, vice president of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. ]]> Wed, 17 Jun 2009 06:40:00 GMT

LAUNCH SLIDESHOW

Circle the globe in luxury—at discount prices

If you've got the time and the money, a round-the-world trip is one of the great travel bargains you can find today. Rarely has there been such an opportunity for good deals in the high-end world of round-the-world tours. Although some options have disappeared in the declining economy—several companies that specialized in round-the-world private jet vacations have merged, and the number of itineraries offered has shrunk significantly—you can still travel around the world by sea or air, and even customize an itinerary, if desired. And at great prices.

See our slideshow of 'Round the World Trips '09.

Cruise lines are negotiating rates, and many are offering value-added benefits like shipboard credits; unlimited, free shore excursions; and hosted cocktail parties open only to world cruise passengers. ]]>