Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco Provides Fabulous Girls Night Out

Heather and I had a wonderful time (and a great Girls Night Out) at Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco premiere in Florida. Everything from the set, costumes, music, dancing, comedy and acrobatics is AMAZING!

The world permiere of Saltimbanco was held in Montreal in 1992 and featured a cast of 36 performers. During its 14-year tour, the show has visited 75 cities on five continents for a total of more than 4,000 performances before a combined audience of 10 million people.

The name "Saltimbanco" comes from the Italian "saltare in banco," which literally means "to jump on a bench." The show takes its audience on an allegorical and acrobatic journey into the heart of a city. Acts include: Chinese poles, bicycle, juggler, Russian swing, duo trapeze, hand to hand and bungee, along with clown and parody acts.

Ticket prices range from $40-$110 for adults and $32-$88 for children under 12. For dates and locations for Saltimbanco, visit http://www.cirquedusoliel.com/.

The Getaway Girl's Dress on Display for "Red Dress Exhibit"

Thanks to the participation of millions across the country, the color red — and the red dress — represent the ability all women have to improve their heart health and live healthier lives, free from cardiovascular disease and stroke. You can Go Red in your own fashion and know you are making a difference. With the help of passionate women in our community, the American Heart Association will launch the Red Dress Exhibit highlighting various red fashions throughout Orlando to inspire residents to Go Red in their own fashion.

This May, the Red Dress Exhibit will be on display at the Orlando History Museum, Downtown Orange County Library and the Orange County Administration featuring garments donated by Casey Wohl, Girls Getaway Guide Author & The Getaway Girl; Amy Kaufelt, Fox 35 Anchor; Allison Kreiger, former Miss Florida; Linda Stewart, Orange County Commissioner; and many others.

Log onto americanheart.org to find out where the exhibit will be next or contact your American Heart Association.

Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco Comes to Florida

Looking for a fabulous Girls Night Out (GNO)? Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that the Saltimbanco arena tour will perform in seven cities across Florida from April to July 2009. The high-intensity acrobatic spectacle will perform in local arenas in an intimate theatrical setting. For Saltimbanco tickets and information, please visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/saltimbanco.

Saltimbanco is a signature Cirque du Soleil show with a style that borrows from theatre, dance and music and where spectacular costumes, lighting and make-up take pride of place. The international cast of 50 artists hails from 20 countries. Saltimbanco is a show full of color, amusement and amazement.Since its world premiere in 1992, Saltimbanco has toured the world and thrilled more than 10 million people on five continents.

For 14 years, the show performed in the trademark Cirque du Soleil big top. In 2007, Saltimbanco embarked on a new arena tour across Canada and the United States. This model allows Cirque du Soleil to bring its shows to new cities, giving more people than ever the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

Saltimbanco Florida Tour 2009
April 29 – May 3: Lakeland Lakeland Center
May 6 – 10: Gainesville Stephen C. O’Connell Center
May 13 – 17: Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center (FSU)
May 20 – 24: Jacksonville Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena
May 27 – June 7: Sunrise Bank Atlantic Center
June 25 – July 5: Tampa St. Petes Times Forum
July 8 – 12: Estero Germain Arena

Girls Getaway to Miami - Day 2

On Saturday, Liz and I ventured to Full Bodied Wine & Spa (http://www.fbwineandspa.com/) for some terrific spa treatments. Teresa gave me one of the best massages I have ever received (thank you) and Liz got her hair cut while she sipped some light and crispy wine. Co-founder Emile told us the concept behind Full Bodied is “all about the grape.” They even use grape-based treatment products. What a great place to come with the girls and indulge in two of our favorites…wine and spa!

With its upbeat atmosphere, we loved our dinner experience at Historia Romana (where Italians go for Italian). Just one of the restaurants located along Espanola Way, I felt like I was in Spain with the al fresco seating and white lights hanging across the car-less street. Historia Romana features a live band (I just had to join them and play the cowbell), singing waiters, people dancing in the street, and a “Roman-esque” host for your evening fun. After dinner, we walked off our pasta with some boutique shopping along Espanola Way as the stores are all open until at least 11:00 p.m. After our fill of shopping, we ended the evening with one last cocktail at Segafredo on Lincoln Road (http://www.segafredocafe.com/) where people watching and random magicians are more than entertaining.

Sunday Funday was all about the sun. Although it was much too windy for the beach, we enjoyed the Miami sun poolside. What a relaxing way to end a fabulous Girls Getaway to Miami!

PHOTO: Liz gets her hair cut and styled at Full Bodied Wine and Spa in Coconut Grove.

Girls Getaway to Miami - Day 1

My trip to Miami started with a fabulous lunch with Rebecca Kollaras at the brand new Epic Hotel (http://www.epichotel.com/). The restaurant here, Area 31, is located on the 16th floor and offers a delicious assortment of lunch options, including their specialty…seafood. After lunch and a quick look at their pool area (with great Miami views and cozy private cabanas), I headed to my next stop, the new Mary Brickell Village (http://www.marybrickellvillage.com/). This new outdoor shopping area features a great variety of boutiques and restaurants. Next, I headed to the
Mayfair Hotel and Spa (http://www.mayfairhotelandspa.com/), which is located in Coconut Grove. After a tour of the hotel, including the Jurlique Spa and Cabana One (pool area that serves as nightclub), we made our way across the street to CoCoWalk at Coconut Grove (http://www.galleryatcocowalk.com/). Girls could easily spend the day here checking out the great shopping, cozy cafes and wonderful restaurant options.

After walking around CoCoWalk, I met up with my friend Liz and we ventured to the Spa 101 grand opening at Hilton Bentley (http://www.thebentleybeachhotel.com/). After our hand massage and exfoliation we joined a group of friends for dinner at China Grill (http://www.chinagrillmgt.com/). As we sat down the girls ordered two bottles of champagne to celebrate the evening. After Liz and I split the Riceless Tuna Roll and Dragon Roll…both were amazing! We caught a cab to The Mondrian (http://www.mondrian-miami.com/) for a few drinks at their Sunset Lounge, then it was off to Mynt (http://www.myntlounge.com/) for a late night (or early morning) of dancing the night away.

PHOTO: Sami, Betsy, Casey & Liz at Mynt in South Beach.

Girls Getaway to Miami - Here We Come!

Welcome to Miami! From sunning in South Beach to shopping in Coconut Grove, the Miami area has so much to offer fun-loving girls who want to get away from it all!
Follow me and my adventure to this exciting hot spot as I meet up with Liz for one great Girls Getaway to Miami weekend. Be sure to follow our travels on this blog, Facebook (Girls Getaway Guide) and on Twitter (GetawayGirl). Stay tuned!

Fabulous Mother's Day Girls Getaway Packages

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! How can you show mom just how much you care? Send her (or join her) on an amazing Girls Getaway, of course. Here are some great Girls Getaway packages designed especially for your favorite mom.

Mommy Moon in Charleston, SC
If Mom is having a few too many "Calgon, take me away" moments, then a rejuvenating escape may be in order this Mother’s Day. Wentworth Mansion®, the AAA Five Diamond hotel in Charleston, SC, is offering a "Mommy Moon” getaway throughout the month of May to help frazzled moms relax and come back to their families refreshed and renewed. The Mommy Moon treats moms, and a guest, to a kid-free getaway to historic Charleston, which offers sun, history, beaches, shopping, world-renowned restaurants and more. Their stay at the luxurious Wentworth Mansion® includes two nights, a three-course dinner for two at award-winning onsite restaurant Circa 1886, and a 90-minute Lemongrass and Ginger massage for Mom at the The Spa at the Wentworth Mansion® for $1,175 (about $294/person/night) with additional nights available for $425 per night. The dinner at AAA Four Diamond, Mobil Four Star Circa 1886 includes tax and gratuity but not alcohol. For more information, visit http://www.wentworthmansion.com/.

Tulips & Tea in Ottawa, Canada
Nothing says Happy Mother’s Day better than a fresh bouquet of flowers. This year, why not take your mom to the flowers, as the annual Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates the thousands of tulips that pop-up around Canada’s capital in the spring. In honor of the ever-so-sweet smelling blossoms, the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa is offering a Tulips & Tea Package, which includes nightly accommodation and traditional Afternoon Tea at the hotel’s stylish Zoé’s Lounge. Available from May 1 to May 18, 2009, rates start from $199 (USD) per night including food and beverage gratuities. For more information, visit www.Fairmont.com/Laurier.

Sunset & Spa Mother Daughter Getaway in Key West, FL
Wondering how to thank Mom for all her years of devotion and dedication? We've got just the ticket so get down to the Pier House Resort. Sip Mimosas while enjoying three nights in a newly- renovated tropical Lanai guest room. Pamper yourselves with our relaxing 50-minute Swedish Massage, Island Botanical Facial, or Pier House Pedicure. Sunset Sail included.
Offer good from April 19, 2009 - May 16, 2009. Rates start at $240/person/per night, includes taxes and gratuity. For more information, visit http://www.pierhouse.com/.

Hula Girl Getaway in Hawaii

For the more adventurous, mother and daughters are invited to “skirt away” to Hawaii’s Big Island for a Hula Girl Getaway. The Fairmont Orchid’s new female friendly package includes two guestrooms for the price of one, full daily breakfast for four, “Fun in the Sun Activity” passes granting access to surf lessons with the resort’s “Beach Boys” (cultural ambassadors), kayaking, snorkeling and much more, plus a daily hula lesson, daily yoga, daily oceanfront massages, Hula Hands manicure, and a daily Hula Girl amenity for all. Rates start from $979 USD per night, including taxes, for two rooms. Valid through December 20, 2009. For more information, visit www.Fairmont.com/Orchid.

Water Lovers Mother’s Day Getaway in Ambergis Caye, Belize
Tranquility Bay’s Mother’s Day Girlfriend Getaway package is full of surprises both on and under the water. Enjoy guided snorkeling, kayaking, diving and fishing starting at $745 per person for seven nights, based on double occupancy, through 12/14/09. Mothers and daughters can get a two bedroom cabana for $815 per person for the week. The package includes boat transfers to the resort, a welcome cocktail, three full days of guided reef or flats fishing, three days of local diving with two-tank dives (some equipment provided), and a river jungle trip to Altun Ha Mayan ruins. Guests can trade the tour for a personalized Spa Day. This boutique property is perfect for active travelers. Located on Ambergris Caye, it features 11 beach-front cabanas on 12 acres within Bacalar Chico National Park and Marine Reserve. Experience unique underwater adventures as the resort is just a swim away from the Belize Barrier Reef, the world’s second largest reef. For more information, visit http://www.tranquilitybayresort.com/.

Casey Wohl Featured in Woman's Day Magazine

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be featured in the May issue of Woman's Day Magazine. To read the article "How to Have A Great Girls Night In," visit http://tinyurl.com/d6vj5p.

Let me know what you think of the article and how you and your girlfriends have fun while staying in.

Girls Getaway to Asheville Highlights

Biltmore Village (http://www.biltmorevillage.com/) was built in the late 1890s at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate and designed to emulate a quaint English community. This area was co-designed by the architect and landscape architect who designed the Biltmore. Today, Biltmore Village boasts more than 30 shops and 10 eateries, all of which are housed in historic buildings with brick sidewalks connecting the area. Here you will find art galleries (complete with paintings, jewelry and crafts), clothing stores and gift shops. We had a delicious lunch at Rezaz Restaurant and Enotecca (Italian Wine Bar) of Turkey Panini, Specialty Pizza and French Fries with Tomato Jam. In the Village, you’ll also find the most expensive McDonalds ever built, complete with gold inlay, a grand piano, fireplace and wall tapestry.

In downtown Asheville, we dined at Zambra Wine & Tapas (http://www.zambratappas.com/) for dinner. With the restaurant’s Mediterranean flair, our table was full of BBQ shrimp, pork spring rolls, steak and arugula salad all prepared in unique and special ways with local produce and meat. It was all wonderful. After dinner, we stopped at the French Broad Chocolate Lounge (www.FrenchBroadChocolates.com). Who could resist stopping at a chocolate lounge? I had to try their highly-recommended sippable, organic milk chocolate truffles. Absolutely delish and a great way to top off a lovely tapas meal! Casey loved her delectable brownie, and we watched an eclectic group of people relax and socialize in this great “loungy” and comfortable space.

French Broad Brewing Company (http://www.frenchbroadbrewery.com/) was another stop during our getaway. Thanks to Aaron (the assistant to the assistant brewer) for showing me how the beer making process works and providing samplings (my favorite was the Gateway Kölsch). This place is popular among the locals as a great evening hang out with friends, dogs and a bluegrass band (check website for music schedule). Asheville has lots of local breweries and is very dog friendly.

As we rode the Historic Trolley Tour (http://www.ashevilletrolleytours.com/), author Kenneth Richards narrated the 90-minute tour and showed us some of the historical and comical highlights of Asheville. Trolley guests can depart and re-board the trolley at several city destinations, including River Arts District (http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/) and the Grove Arcade (www.GroveArcade.com). Both areas are great for browsing and shopping.

Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (http://www.groveparkinn.com/) was built from granite boulders from Sunset Mountain and opened in 1913. This historic hotel and property was highly recommended as a “place to see” during our visit to Asheville. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Inn was modeled after the old railway hotels of the west. The lobby is known as The Great Hall as it measures 120 feet across, features 24-foot ceilings and two gigantic 14-foot stone fireplaces. The Inn’s elevators are cleverly hidden in the chimneys of the stone fireplaces. Famous guests have included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, George Bush and Will Rogers. We toured the unique Spa at Grove Park Inn, which is ranked 5th in the U.S. and 13th in the world for spas by Travel & Leisure. This underground, cavernous area of indulgence makes you feel like you are in the grotto area at the Playboy Mansion (at least that’s what I envision it to be like). With mineral pools, treatment rooms, massaging hot tubs, and a lap pool, you could spend an entire day here.

While at Grove Park, we dined at the hotel’s upscale Horizon’s Restaurant. Kenneth made our experience wonderful with fabulous meal recommendations, although I doubt you could go wrong with any of your choices here. After Casey’s five martinis and my Mint Julips (specially made by Kenneth himself), we loved our Cedar River Filet of Beef, Sous Vide North Carolina Poulet Rouget Chicken for our main meals and the Vidalia Onion Bisque, Horizons Signature Lobster Bisque, and Fried Green Tomatoes with Blue Crab for the pre-course. Dessert was impeccable with a Dark Chocolate Lava Cake (but can you really go wrong with chocolate?). After dinner, we crashed the wedding reception of some unknowing bride and groom at Elaine’s Piano Bar located at the Grove Park Inn. After several SEC football theme song battles, we called it a night and headed back to our hotel.

Thank you to Dodie Stephens with the Asheville CVB (www.ExploreAsheville.com) for her guidance and great recommendations of things to see and do during our Girlfriends Getaway to Asheville.

PHOTO: Casey Wohl makes beer at French Broad Brewery in Asheville, NC.

Incredible Biltmore Estate Is A "Must See" In Asheville

While in Asheville, we toured the famous Biltmore Estate (http://www.biltlmore.com/). Built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, this 250-room mansion is modeled after 16th century French estates and chateaus. Originally encompassing 125,000 acres, the estate now rests on 8,000 acres in Asheville, NC. The magnificent home is the largest private residence in North America. After six years, the home was finally opened that Christmas Eve 1895. It boasts 43 bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, bowling alley, private gym, formal dining room (with three fireplaces and seven-story ceilings and Fleming tapestries from the 1500s), winter garden, observatory, tapestry gallery, walk in refrigerators, two laundry rooms…and the list goes on

We opted for the audio tour, which provided interesting stories and great information about the estate, its owners, staff and the guests who visited the Vanderbilt family. The tour also highlighted the current upkeep and renovations involved in maintaining this unbelievable property, which includes a staff today of 1,800 employees. If you have never visited Biltmore, I highly recommend it. In addition to the house, visitors may browse the gardens, winery, stables and dine at one of the many restaurants on the property.

PHOTO: Biltmore's formal dining room, complete with three fireplaces, seven-story ceilings and Fleming tapestries from the 1500s.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is Kessler's Newest Masterpiece

Our jaws dropped open as we walked into our hotel. The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville (http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/) just opened on April 1, but there’s “No Foolin” about this fabulous English Tudor-style lodge located adjacent to the main entrance of the Biltmore Estate, the largest private residence in North America.

With its beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 104-room boutique hotel is located in the Biltmore Village. The hotel, which is a Kessler property, is full of Mr. Kessler’s incredible antiques and art, including paintings, sculptures, bronzes, and wood carvings. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by a warm fireplace in the center of the room and two desks that serve as an unconventional front desk/reception area. The furniture and décor in the lobby make you feel as though you walked into a swanky Canadian (or European) hunting lodge complete with rustic furniture and an elegant Old World feel. As we made our way to the elevators (which are lined with deerskin and antique mirrors), we saw even more beautiful works of art and evidence of the Grand Bohemian’s signature flair. The art continues on each floor in the hallways, as well as in the guest rooms. For a complete viewing of local, national and international art (jewelry, ceramics, paintings, sculptures and more), guests and hotel visitors can visit the art gallery located on the first floor.

In addition to the wonderful accommodations, décor and art, the hotel boasts a wonderful bar (Red Stag Lounge) and restaurant (Red Stag Grill), as well as the Poseidon Spa. Casey and I enjoyed a couples massage complete with hot stone therapy…just what we needed after a long day of sightseeing and shopping. The Red Stag area boasts more of the exquisite art and décor and is a great place to dine or have cocktails before dinner.

I highly recommend this fantastic new hotel (perfect for a Girls Getaway to Asheville), which is conveniently located at the entrance to Biltmore and in the heart of Biltmore Village. Mr. Kessler deserves kudos for another great property. Thank you to Kessler staff members Amanda Kleigl for the invitation to see the property, General Manager John Luckett for making us feel so welcome, Richard for a great tour of the property, Reggie for making sure we had spa reservations, and Assistant Gallery Director Laura for sharing her wisdom about the unique artwork found at the hotel.

PHOTO: It was hard to find our "favorite" piece at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville, but we both finally agreed that these leather chairs with a floral background inside, which faced the fireplace, are our fave!

Girls Getaway to Asheville, NC!

Asheville here we come! Casey and I (yes there are two of us) cannot wait to arrive in Asheville, NC for our Girls Getaway.

We are excited to see the brand new Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville (http://www.bohemianhotelasheville.com/), take a ride on the Asheville Historic Trolley, visit the incredible Biltmore Estate (pictured) and see all of the great things this fantastic destination has to offer. Be sure to follow our travels on this blog, Facebook (Girls Getaway Guide) and on Twitter (GetawayGirl). Stay tuned!

Study: American Women Need More Vacations

I thought this was an interesting article by Robert Roy Britt, LiveScience Managing Editor

Britt reports that women who take frequent vacations sleep better, are more satisfied in marriage, and are less likely to be tense or depressed. Problem is, most of them aren't even getting one vacation a year.

A new survey of working women found they got away from it all ...
*Twice a year (23.4%)
*Once a year (34%)
*Once every two to five years (23.2%)
*Once every six years (19.4%)

"It's shocking to me that nearly one in five women we studied reported taking a vacation only once in six years," said study leader Cathy McCarty of the Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wis.
The odds of depression and tension are higher among women who get away only once in two years compared with women who leave it all behind twice or more per year, the study found.

That was no surprise. "Vacations provide a break from everyday stressors," McCarty said. "They allow us time away from work or home and help us release built-up tension."
The results, announced today, are based on surveys of 1,500 working women done in 1996-2001. The details were published recently in the Wisconsin Medical Journal.

While many working Americans get just two weeks of paid vacation a year, the standard is a month or more in many countries. Perhaps employers in the United States should rethink the situation, McCarty figures.

"This study proves vacations are good for your mental health and may help you do a better job at work," McCarty said. "Employers should be supportive of time off because they benefit from having relaxed, happy employees."

OK girls....who needs a Girlfriend Getaway now???

Casey Wohl Helps Parenting Magazine Readers Getaway

I am thrilled to be quoted in the May 2009 issue of Parenting Magazine. To read the article, "Go Away, Girlfriends," visit http://tinyurl.com/ccqxcn. The article provides tips for moms to plan and have a fabulous girlfriend getaway.

Girlfriend Getaway Travel Tips For Moms

It is difficult for everyone to get away. We are all busy juggling work and family. But what happens when mom wants to getaway? The Getaway Girl provides tips for busy moms to help her trip be as stressfree and worryfree as possible! After all, she is the one who needs a break the most.

·A girlfriend getaway must be a planned date/event when you have children, so moms can prepare the kids and line up their care during the trip. Moms need to get away, but must be comfortable with the timing, who is watching the kids, etc. Some moms make their girlfriend getaway an annual event that is sscheduled and anticipated every year as they are more likely to go when it’s a tradition.

·Provide as much details in writing for the caregiver. The more details you have in writing before you depart, the better your trip will be and (hopefully) less calls about what the kids need and/or where they need to be. Include information such as:
*Kids daily schedule (wake up/bedtime, school drop off/pick up, after school activities, evening schedule, etc)
*Mom’s travel schedule/key contact information (hotel, flight, contact numbers for travel partners, etc).
*Important contact list (neighbors, grandparents/family, doctor, daycare/school, babysitter, pharmacy, etc.)
*List of medications, dosage/frequency, special instructions

·Notify daycare/school of who will be dropping off/picking up kids, as well as who to contact in case of emergency (since you will be out of town).

·Leave a list of “things to do” with details and contact information so dad or the caregiver has an idea of activities to keep the kids busy (i.e. visit the zoo or park, friends to play with, etc).

·Select a getaway location tailored to adults; the last things mom’s want on their vacation is to be around someone else’s kids. Agree as a group what you would like to do and where you’d like to go. Also discuss everyone’s budget so have the same financial expectations.

·Traveling with girlfriends should be fantastic! However, sometime the best of friends don’t travel well together. Enjoy your getaway with girlfriends who have similar interests and can join you as you “Leave Your Baggage at Home®.” The last thing you need is to travel with someone who is constantly worrying other things besides your getaway experience.

·Even if the kids are left with their father, it is always a good idea for both parents to have a surrogate form on file with their pediatrician and a will on file with an attorney.

Casey Wohl Quoted in New Bailout Book

I am thrilled to be quoted in the new book "Hey, where's my bailout?" With every highly visible and controversial stimulus plan or bailout to rescue corporate America, many individuals have begun to ask "Hey, where's my bailout?"

Since nobody but you is going to bail you out, authors and entrepreneurs Todd Josko and Debbie Lundberg offer five easy steps to create your own bailout plan for any area of your life - all in only 60 days.

An insightful and entertaining read filled with practicality and usefulness, Hey, Where's My Bailout? offers the tools you'll want to use to begin living the life you truly deserve! For more details, visit http://www.heywheresmybailout.com/

Six Super Sites to Help You Save on Style

Many thanks to my friend Kelly Machbitz for these great tips! Do you use the web to stretch your fashion budget and be the most stylist shopper around? You may have already heard about eBay and Overstock.com, but here is a list of some sites Kelly has recently come across that can help you find your favorite designers at low, discount prices.

1. Bluefly.com
This site hosts a wide selection of discount designer clothing for men and women. Browse by occasion, designer, or top categories, or search their sale and clearance pages. Some gorgeous evening wear and unique shoe choices abound at this retailer.

2. ShopStyle.com
This site allows you to perform a really refined search and has loads of great stores in its network. It allows you to shop across multiple stores at once so you can compare prices and get the best deal. It also allows you to create your own stylebook to store your favorite items and allows you to "create a look" to combine your favorites into ensembles you can share with friends. You can also join or start a group to exchange style ideas with others who share your interests.

3. Shop-It-To-Me.com
Sign up on this site and they will send you a weekly or daily (you choose) e-mail telling you when styles and brands you like go on sale in your size. And as an extra bonus, when you refer 10 friends to the site you will receive a $10 gift certificate.

4. SweetSavings.com
The unique thing about this site is that the coupons actually look like coupons. You can easily scan through the new offerings on the homepage, or you can search by offer (discount, sale, and free shipping), by category, or alphabetically. If you're looking to buy for him or the kids, there are also coupons for that. Bonus: Sign up for their Sweet Savings weekly newsletter and stay in the loop about the hottest deals.

5. SwapStyle.com
Swapstyle is an online fashion swap party where you can swap clothes, accessories, and shoes with people from all around the world at any time, day or night. And it's Free! Imagine browsing at your leisure through an extensive international fashion wardrobe and choosing exactly what you want. It only takes minutes to register, then you're on your way to updating your fashion wardrobe, and the only thing you pay for is the shipping. Swapstyle goes far beyond the traditional home-based fashion swap parties. It's convenient, saves time, and offers so much more variety.

6. Yoox.com
At this site you will find designer goods for men, women and children at approximately half the original suggested price. Categories include new arrivals, vintage, special editions, and more.
There are new sites popping up everyday, so be sure to share with the rest of us when you find a great one!

Information courtesy of Kelly Machbitz. Check out Kellys' site www.TotalFashionMakeover.com for more great tips.

Foreign Visitors to U.S. Hit Record Figures in 2008

Despite a 6% drop in fourth-quarter arrivals, the U.S. hosted a record 58 million foreign visitors in 2008, an overall 4% increase, the Commerce Department reported. Canada, the perennial leader, generated 18.9 million visitors, a 7% increase, while arrivals from Mexico declined 7% to 13.8 million, a total that includes both border traffic and travel to the interior.
Overseas arrivals, (excluding Canada and Mexico) rose 6% to 25.3 million. Although several individual countries also generated record numbers, the U.S. Travel Association warned of a continuing lag in the growth of the overseas component.
Even with recent increases, arrivals from overseas have not rebounded to pre-9/11 traffic levels, which peaked at 26 million in 2000. U.S. Travel said that if U.S. overseas arrivals had kept pace with global travel trends, the U.S. would have attracted 58 million more overseas visitors during the past eight years, representing $182 billion in traveler spending.
Source: Travel Weekly

The Getaway Girl Hosts Orlando Shopping Video

Check out this video link below where I take you on a journey through some of Orlando's favorite shopping destinations. From outlet shopping at Orlando Premium Outlets, to high-end retailers at Mall at Millenia and Park Avenue in Winter Park, shoppers of all budgets can experience an incredible day of shopping.

http://www.visitflorida.com/Orlando/videos/video_id.184

Casey Wohl Serves As Travel Expert for Dove Deoderant

I was thrilled to be asked by Dove Deodorant to participate as a Travel Expert in their exciting 16-week Facebook campaign, which is a terrific way to share information on issues that are important to all women, such as travel, fashion and nutrition. Join me the week of April 6 as we chat about all things travel.

Dove is introducing a unique new addition to the anti-perspirant/deodorant category with its new product, Dove Visibly Smooth--Ultimate, created to help minimize the look and feel of underarm hair over time (perfect for busy Girls on the Go). The unique formula helps women feel stubble-free longer while delivering all the benefits of Dove anti-perspirant/deodorant, including 24-hour odor and wetness protection, Dove 1/4 Translucent Moisturizers™ that care for delicate underarm skin, and alleviating white marks.

Hope you chat with us on Facebook staring April 6 at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dove-Visibly-Smooth/58040884511. Participants will be entered to win fabulous prizes based on each week’s theme, so be sure to join us!

Leisure Travel Looks Like A Bargain

The discount packages, price cuts and promotions offered by hotels, cruise lines and theme parks apparently have caught the attention of would-be leisure travelers. The “perceived affordability of travel” rose to 90.2 in February from 78.2 in October 2008, according to a new U.S. Travel Sentiment Index conducted by Orlando travel research and marketing company Y Partnership.
The index is pegged to a 100 base line established in March 2007. Although the index is a measure of perception and not bookings, it suggests that people believe there are bargains to be had for those willing to take vacations. The increase in the index was the first since January 2008, a month after the current recession began. The U.S. travel industry and YPartnership co-sponsor the index, called travelhorizons, which has been assembled quarterly since March 2007.