http://www.metro.usen-us We know — you’ve barely planned your Thanksgiving, let alone started to think about going on a ski vacation. But if you want a great, money-saving ski getaway this winter, it’s imperative you book now,  as deals will start to dry up by next week.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/19/05/3751-82/index.xml Beaujolais Nouveau, the French red wine that’s released worldwide annually on the third Thursday of November, is ready for its close-up, as people around the world prepare to sample the 2009 vintage. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/19/05/3040-82/index.xml U.S. tourism chiefs are targeting credit-crunched jobless people with time on their hands while in Asia golfing holidays are booming reported a study released at this week’s World Travel Market industry event, held in London.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/12/05/2930-82/index.xml At the age of 21, Peter Rudiak-Gould essentially exiled himself to Ujae, a small atoll in the Marshall Islands. Sounds like heaven, right? But as Rudiak-Gould points out in his new book “Surviving Paradise: One Year on a Disappearing Island,” although you might dream of visiting a tropical wonderland, living on one in a forgotten part of the world (he was 70 miles from the nearest telephone, car or store) does have its challenges. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/12/05/2458-82/index.xml If you want to share that Thanksgiving turkey with your loved ones, traveling during the holidays is an unavoidable nightmare — long lines, rude people, expensive tickets, delayed flights — all for the honor of having your family drive you crazy for a long weekend. So we asked Scott McCartney, author of “The Wall Street Journal Guide to Power Travel” his tips on how to stay sane this holiday season (but no advice on how to handle a pushy mother-in-law — sorry).http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/11/22/1412-82/index.xml Haunted colonial mansions, triathlons and motivational theme parks — not things you think of when you think of Jamaica? Think again, mon. Jamaica is fast becoming the health and activity capital of the Caribbean. Feel like you need to recharge rather than merely relax? With direct flights on JetBlue launching in January and locals that welcome you with open arms, you’ll be getting your groove back in no time.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/05/08/5616-82/index.xml Why compost your old pumpkins when you can launch them?http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/11/05/08/5109-82/index.xml A roadtrip is one travel adventure that every girl should take in her lifetime — preferably with her best girlfriend in tow. If you’ve been dreaming of a cross-country adventure, read Nona Willis Aronowitz’s tips on how to hit the road in style and safety. She shares some highlights here:http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/29/04/0137-82/index.xml Nearly 65 percent of the world’s airlines are expected to increase their extra fees by up to 20 percent next year, according to a study released this month by revenue specialist firm Collinson Latitude.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/29/03/5525-82/index.xml Canandaigua. Skaneateles. Penn Yan. Sodus Point. No, these aren’t the settings of Dr. Seuss books, these are the hamlets, villages and roadside attractions dotting the stems, sterns and flanks of the Finger Lakes in Central New York.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/29/01/0757-82/index.xml Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots — as well as your opera glasses — when visiting the Berkshires. Nestled in western Massachusetts, and just 2.5 hours from New York City, the Berkshires offer some of the best outdoor activities on the East Coast as well as a ton of cultural opportunities — we’re talking museums, historic sites, music festivals, dance venues and galleries.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/22/09/5425-82/index.xml A second runway and a giant new control tower opened this week at the Cancun airport, doubling the flight capacity at the popular Mexican Caribbean resort region, its operators said.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/22/09/5149-82/index.xml If you don’t think the usual cheesy Halloween parties and bad costumes are going to cut it this Oct. 31, maybe it’s time to take a trip somewhere on the spooky side. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/14/21/3349-82/index.xml Jamaica — the land of low-key rest and relaxation — is aiming to up its active image with a new triathlon and wellness festival.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/14/21/2646-82/index.xml Forget the indie rock scene. Montreal is getting a reputation in Hollywood as the place to go to shoot your movie. “The strength of Montreal is that its architecture can look like Paris, New York, Moscow, London and even Mumbai. Recently, I met Indians who told me that De La Commune Street, with its facades, reminds them of the waterfront in Mumbai,” says Nicholas Barker, the man who is in charge of reading through film scripts to choose suitable locations within the city.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/08/06/2219-82/index.xml Old Istanbul’s bath houses hosted scheming Pashas and shapely concubines before modern bathrooms sent them into decline, but their appeal to tourists and the growth of the spa industry promise a revival. Developers are spending millions of dollars buying and restoring Istanbul’s finest hammams, or steam baths, after decades of neglect. They are banking on rising tourist numbers and a surge of interest among Turks in Ottoman customs.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/01/06/1401-82/index.xml Of all of Hawaii’s islands, Kauai is where vacationers wanting a peaceful getaway need to go. Its laid back spirit and under-developed scenery are easy to adore and boasts breathtaking views — from the Kilauea Lighthouse on the northern coast to a neat “tree tunnel” which was planted more than 150 years ago. There’s hiking at Koke’e State Park, sunbathing at Poipu Beach,  as well as Mount Waialeale — a  spot that’s considered the wettest in the world. Plus, the island boasts more rivers and waterfalls than any of the other Hawaiian islands. http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/10/01/04/5238-82/index.xml If Paris is a moveable feast, it’s becoming a more affordable one, thanks to the economic slowdown. From multi-starred restaurants to neighborhood brasseries, eateries are struggling to lure customers as the recession cuts local and tourist spending and businesses slash corporate accounts. Here are some notable mentions: http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/30/21/3902-82/index.xml When the leaves change on the East Coast, it is the stuff of beauty — and popularity. Whole industries are created to cater to city slickers trying to view the fall foliage.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/24/06/3117-82/index.xml Although “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” might not paint the City of Brotherly Love in the best light (fans of the show know the show’s main characters, aka “The Gang,” are far from saints), you can’t deny the popularity of “Sunny” has drawn attention to the city. And now, with its two-day, two-night DIY tour for people interested in visiting familiar locations from the show, Philadelphia is capitalizing on that recognition.http://www.metro.us/us/article/2009/09/24/06/2423-82/index.xml