Taste Your Way Across South America - 10 Dishes To Try

Photo Credit: inloughborough.com

I have always been fascinated with South America because of it's abundance of natural beauty and the unique combination of flora and fauna found there. It is a without a doubt one of the most unique places on earth, just waiting to be explored. No trip to South America would be complete without a first hand taste of the local fare, which can range from simple treats to more complex spicy dishes. Rest assured that whatever you try it will be bursting with flavor. Let's take a short culinary tour of South America!

Fantastic Friday Travel Deals - Last Minute Travel Savings!

Photo Credit: Flickr user ToniVC

It's Friday again and it's time once again to have a look at this week's top deals. Whether you are spending this holiday with family and friends or taking a fun getaway before summer you are sure to find great last minute vacation package deals and more to the destinations you love like Europe, the Caribbean and as far away as Australia! New this week: Find exciting Adventure Travel offers, and scrumptious Food and Wine escapes! As always, I wish you Happy Travels!

Friday Travel Deals - Escape to the beach!

 Taino Beach, Bahamas

This week's travel deals are just what you need to plan a perfect beach escape to the Bahamas, Hawaii, Barbados, Los Cabos, Costa Rica or Myrtle Beach. Take advantage of discounted hotel rates, air credit and free nights!

Colonia Tovar, Venezuela - Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

View of Caracas, Venezuela

I've always wanted to visit Latin America, and when the opportunity came for me to go to Caracas, Venezuela with a group of friends, I was there in a heartbeat. Venezuela is quite the place, from the busy subways of Caracas to the towering Kerepakupai-Merú Falls (Angel Falls) in the heart of the Canaima National Park, but nothing surprised or intrigued me more than a charming little town way up in the mountains called, Colonia Tovar. The fascinating thing about this town is that it is a German settlement in the middle of a Spanish speaking, Latin American country!

Friday Travel Deals - Spring Into Travel With These Super Deals!

Photo Credit: Flickr User WisDoc

Spring is in the air and everyone is getting excited! I hope you are excited too, because this week's deals are even better than last week's. Over 3000 hotels around the world are offering free nights, plus vacation deals to Mexico & Paris, free tickets to Cirque de Soleil and all time low, low prices on Caribbean Cruises. Spring into travel with these super deals!

Signature Cocktail For A Special Day! - Cherry Coconut Fizz

Photo Credit: Flickr User Brian Glanz

I just want to say thank you to all my readers and followers on Twitter by inviting you all to welcome the weekend with a signature cocktail from the Diva! I am an island girl at heart and there's nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of fresh Coconut Water. Growing up my mom used to mix Coconut Water with Red Frutee (a local Barbadian Cherry flavored soda), and as an adult I decided to add some Malibu Rum to give it a kick. So Happy B'day to myself and Happy Weekend to you all! Cheers!

Cherry Coconut Fizz

Ingredients
2 parts Fresh Coconut Water
1 part Red Frutee or Cherry Flavored Soda
1 part Malibu Coconut Rum

Method
Mix all ingredients together in a pitcher and serve chilled. Garnish glass with a Maraschino cherry. Enjoy!

Tropical Fruit Wine-Making - Mango Wine

When I'm in the mood for wine, I usually just buy it from the store or a winery. I have never ventured into wine-making at home, though many islanders are known for making homemade wines from almost any fruit in season. In terms of quality I would say these wines are quite good too. If you are brave enough to try it, here's a tried and true recipe for Mango Wine. Cheers!

Friday Travel Deals - Hawaii on Sale! And much more...

Can you believe it's March already?! Where did the time go? I hope you're ready for another round of Friday Travel Deals. This week's deals include hotels, vacations and flights to the Dominican Republic, Walt Disney and Paris, and a very special promotion to Hawaii so you can 'Catch the spirit of Aloha'. Pack your bags there's a deal here for you! May you find the deal you've been waiting for. Mark your calendar for Happy Travels!

Hotel Deals
Crowne Plaza - Save Now with Crowne Plaza's Bed & Breakfast Package!
Walt Disney World - Book Early & Save up to 20% at the official Walt Disney World® Holiday Inn hotel!
Playa Mujeres, Cancun - 5-Star Cancun hotel on secluded beach up to 55% Off incl. daily breakfast
New York - New York City Hotel Sale through March - Save up to 30%  from USD$89
Hawaii - Hawaii Hotel Sale: Save up to 50%! - Ends 3/31/10
Washington D.C - Washington D.C Hotel Sale: Free Nights & Free Attractions! - Expires 4/13/10
Phoenix, AZ - Escape Winter in Phoenix & Save up to 30% on hotels! - Expires 3/15/10
Southern Hotels - Southern Charm: Free Nights & Hotels from USD$48! - Expires 3/31/10

Vacation Package Deals
Dominican Republic - Save up to 60% hotel and flight + hotel packages! - Expires 3/31/10
Beach Vacations - 4+ Night Beach Vacations w/Air at Top-Brand Resorts Hurry! Ends soon.
Paris & London - 6 Night Dual-City Vacation w/Air & Hotels from USD$849
Ireland - Multi-City 6-Night Sightseeing Package in March from USD$749
Europe - 5-Night Vacations w/Air: 20+ Countries on Sale (Rome, Amsterdam +) from USD$862

Flights & Car Rental
USA to Central America -  Flights to Central America from across the US - Each way from USD$190
USA to Hawaii - Oahu, Kauai and Big Island Flight Sale into May Each way from USD$295
Canada to USA - AA Sale: Canada to the US for less: Flight + 2 Nights from USD$326 - Ends 3/31/10
Hertz Car - Free Weekend Day with minimum 3-day weekend rental - Expires 3/31/10

Barbados Island Tour in Rugged Outback Style!

Today's travel diary is written by Markiesha, my dear cousin and best friend, and co-owner of Baywater Tours. Here's her take on our recent excursion together in Barbados. If you are interested in doing any of the tours mentioned here, visit Baywater Tours for more information. Follow @baywatertours on Twitter.

If you ever plan on visiting the beautiful, tropical island of Barbados there are a couple of tours that you absolutely must consider doing.  There is the Bajan Roots and Rhythms Dinner Show at the Plantation Garden Theatre, the Tiami Catamaran Cruise and the Atlantis Submarine to name a few.