THEY SERVE UP DEALS! YOU SAVE!

Have you swum with a dolphin or snorkeled among tropical fish? If not, this Memorial Day special may be the lure to get you into the water at Discovery Cove (Orlando, FL). If you book by May 27 for use through the rest of 2024, you will receive 20% off your reservation, plus a complimentary premium drink package (a $40 value per person). As part of the all-inclusive experience, guests also enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast and lunch, limitless snacks throughout the day, and unlimited gourmet coffee, ice-cold beverages, and beer and wine (for guests 21+). Parking, lockers, wetsuits, and swim gear are also included. If you need any further enticements, Discovery Cove has introduced new experiences, such as Flamingo Point, a vibrant and spacious environment that provides a serene setting for guests to observe the graceful creatures up close throughout the day while learning from the park’s expert aviculturists. You can don a mask and snorkel with more than 20 sharks, such as resident Pacific Blacktip, Nurse, Zebra, Whitetip Reef, and Bonnethead sharks. This upgraded program gives a portion of the proceeds back to support the Guy Harvey Foundation. The Ultimate Animal Experience program allows guests to experience an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour, animal meet-and-greets, and more. The Ultimate Animal Experience program is an add-on to the all-inclusive Discovery Cove Day with some exciting extras.  These extras include a second enhanced interaction with dolphins, along with a private photo session with two dolphins, behind-the-scenes tour of all Discovery Cove support areas, private snorkel tour of The Grand Reef. Personal walk-through of the Explorer’s Aviary, Otter Enrichment session in the Freshwater Oasis, and special meet-and-greets with tropical birds and small mammals.

www.DiscoveryCove.com

Boardwalk Bowl declares May the month to appreciate active and retired military personnel and all teachers. Must show a valid ID to enjoy 50% off games and shoe rentals, plus 20% off food and soft drinks the entire month.

www.boardwalkbowl.com

When you book your meeting at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort (Naples, FL) between June and December, you get not just one, but your choice of five “Paradise Perfected” perks for booking a minimum of 25 guest rooms per night with a two-night minimum stay and standard F&B minimum. The property has 180 guestrooms, including eight gulf front suites and 30 junior suites. There are 10 event spaces, including the Vanderbilt Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300-people when set in rounds. There are seven outdoor venues, the largest of which can also host 300 set in rounds. Here are some of the perks: two complimentary VIP welcome amenities (chef’s choice); one complimentary upgrade to a one–bedroom beachfront suite or lanai beachfront fire pit premium room at the group rate, reduced outdoor site fee of 50% for select beachfront venues, 10% discount on group golf rounds, and one gift certificate for a complimentary two-night/three-night stay. The resort is 22 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport.

https://www.laplayaresort.com; (239) 598-5700; sales@laplayaresort.com; (800) 237-6883

Unsure which is grander: the JW Marriott Nashville’s 34^th floor Bourbon Steak restaurant and its abutting Bourbon Sky Lounge, or the new promotions being offered to secure your group business. First, the facts: this offer means a contract must be signed by July 31 for a minimum of 150 rooms on peak night, and must be actualized between June 23-30, August 18-31, or December 6-29 of 2024. Here are just some of the possible amenities you can score with your new booking at this Tennessee beauty: 10,000 Bonvoy points (50K at signing and 50K upon program completion), complimentary one-hour reception including an open bar and three Chef’s choice hors d’oeurves, two complimentary rooms for pre-planning visit (up to two nights), and two complimentary hot breakfast items added to the continental breakfast.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bnajw-jw-marriott-nashville

Save up to 50% on bookings made now on stays through March 31, 2025 at the family-friendly, all-inclusive, and finally open Wyndham Alltra Samaná, managed by Playa Hotels & Resorts, in the charming town of Las Galeras in the Samaná province of the Dominican Republic. The 404-room resort marks Wyndham Alltra’s first resort in the Dominican Republic.  It won’t be the last. Later this year it will be joined by Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana, also to be managed by Playa. The two resorts earmark Wyndham’s rapidly growing all-inclusive portfolio, which now spans about 40 resorts worldwide. “The Dominican Republic has long been a coveted destination for travelers looking to relax amidst some of the most stunning beaches in the world,” said Fernando Mulet, Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts… As we continue to add stunning resorts in the Dominican, Wyndham Alltra is the perfect brand to deliver on that promise.” The resort guest rooms and suites have private balconies and garden views.

www.alltrabyplaya.com/samana; www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Tin or aluminum are traditional 10^th anniversary gifts for married couples, but to celebrate Opal Collection’s 10th Anniversary the luxury hotel and resort company is offering group guests exclusive incentives, including complimentary guest rooms, upgrades, and turn-down gifts. Plus, a complimentary champagne toast and a $1,000 Opal Collection gift card for the meeting planner. Minimum guest room spend of $20,000 for 2024 for one group arrival. One Opal Collection gift card per booking. Subject to availability. Black-out dates apply. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Not applicable to already confirmed groups. Meetings must be booked by August 31 and consumed by December 31, 2024 (with the exception of Opal Sol, which may be consumed until Dec. 31, 2025).

Matt.Pave@ophotels.com; (855) 314-2829.

You have until September 30 to book your next meeting at Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach (FL) to receive great incentives. Meeting must be actualized by December 23 and only valid for new group events. The Wyndham Grand Clearwater beach has 22,000 sf of meeting space and 343 guest rooms. Incentives vary by the size of groups, from 10 to more than 50, but some incentives include 5% off all Master account charges, $150 complimentary gift certificate for Pallavi Spa, and reduced resort fee to $20 per group room.

https://www.wyndhamgrandclearwater.com/meetings?;  (727) 281-9500

Book a new meeting at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (West Palm Beach, FL) by June 30 and receive up to $20 per room night. This promotional offer is valid for any new qualified event in The Palm Beaches and must utilize the Convention Center with minimum contracted room nights of 300 rooms on peak with a minimum of two or more nights. Event must actualize with the 2024, 2025 or 2026 calendar year. Cannot be combined with other promotions.

Scottsdale, AZ isn’t pretending that temperatures in the city don’t soar during summer months, but they want to cool down the heat by offering a Sizzling Summer Rebate Program, based on having a minimum of 125 total group rooms and actualizing during these time periods: May 27 – September 13, 2024; May 26 – September 12, 2025; and May 25 – September 11, 2026. The RFP must be sourced through Experience Scottsdale. Total rebate, up to $5,000 max, is credited to the client’s master bill. Rebates only apply to new meetings and there must be written confirmation of eligibility from Experience Scottsdale.

www.experiencescottsdale.com/meetings/summer/

Book your next meeting or event at Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa (Indian Wells, CA) for stays through September 30, with low rates and no resort fee. 35,000 sf of versatile indoor and outdoor spaces.

www.tommybahamamiramonte.com/meetings-social-events/; (442) 305-4533; sales@tbmiramonte.com

Book any group meeting or event at the Walt Disney World Swam and/or Dolphin (Lake Buena Vista, FL) by December 24 this year and use by December 31, 2025 to receive Triple Marriott Bonvoy™ Points, complimentary Planning Meeting for up to 12 Guests for up to two nights, round trip airport transfers, F&B, and a VIP Epcot Fireworks Yacht Cruise for up to 12 guests.

https://swandolphin.com/meetings/request-for-proposal/

The beaches of St. Petersburg, FL may be a strong attraction, but in this case, perhaps the reason to book one of the TradeWinds Island Resorts could be the promotional incentive to book your group’s meeting by December 20. The meeting for a minimum of 50 rooms on peak must also be used by December 20. There are at least a dozen incentives offered, and when you book, you get to choose six of them. Incentives may include 4% rebate to the master, donation to the charity of your choice; 10% discount on published Banquet Food & Beverage spend; 10% discount on published A/V spend; Complimentary break for staff office; or a Complimentary 2-night stay certificate for meeting planner.

https://www.tradewindsresort.com/offers

Visit Plano (Plano, TX) has an offer designed for foodies. Receive a Free and limited time foodie pass when you accumulate points by checking into participating restaurants and redeeming coupons. Then you cash in your points for prizes provided by Visit Plano. Check in to 20 restaurants and be automatically entered into the “Fit for a Foodie” sweepstakes. First place: certificate for a Charcuterie Board Making Class led by the Executive Chef for six people at the Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West and $500 in restaurant gift cards. Second place winner gets a one-night weekend stay at the Hilton/Dallas Plano Granite Park and $250 in restaurant gift cards. Third place winner will receive a one-night weekend stay at the Dallas/Plano Marriott at Legacy Town Center and $100 in restaurant gift cards. Go to visitplano.com/tasteofplano and register for free. Open the pass from the received text or email and follow the directions to add the button icon to your home screen. Do NOT forget this step. Then go eat and accumulate points!

www.visitplano.com

Book any new convention or meeting through Visit Winston-Salem (NC) by June 30 for a stay in any year and receive up to $3,000 in Travel Back Rewards towards a future meeting. Book through 299 room nights and receive $500 credit, but if you book at least 499 room nights and get $1,500 in credits. Book more than 500 room nights and receive $3,000 in credits.

https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/why-winston-salem/travel-rewards#/

Save 20%* on four-nights at a Universal Orlando Hotel by booking by December 15. Travel dates now-May 23, May 27-November 26, and December 1-19.

https://www.universalorlando.com/

Florida and Georgia residents only: Buy a 2-Park 1-Day Park-to-Park and get two days free at Universal Studios Orlando and Universal Islands of Adventure. (Hint: if you are a Harry Potter Wizarding World fan as I am, you must have tickets to both parks to receive the full experience). Must be used by June 26, 2024. Unused days will be forfeited. Guest must present valid proof of Florida or Georgia residency at time of purchase, ticket pick-up and redemption. This promo is only online.

www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/tickets-packages/offers/ticketoffer

The all-inclusive market in Mexico and the Caribbean just received a boost from Playa Hotels & Resorts with the completion of extensive renovations at the newly renamed Wyndham Alltra Vallarta in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. To celebrate the grand unveiling, Wyndham Alltra Vallarta if offering a 40% discount on bookings, valid for stays through December 20, 2024. Owner and operator of all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean, Playa Hotels & Resorts has drawn inspiration for the property (formerly known as Wyndham Alltra Riviera Nayarit) from ancient Huichol culture. The renovation includes 159 rooms, including all Junior Suites. The Alltra VIP Club for club level guests has speeded up its semi-private check-in (and out) service, enhanced its concierge assistance and personalized cocktail service. Club guestrooms receive upgraded minibars, in-suite Nespresso coffee makers and a complimentary hydrotherapy spa experience. Five dining venues have been revamped. The brand introduces its new Agave Bar and the first Mezcaleria in the chain’s portfolio.

www.AlltraByPlaya.com; www.WyndhamAlltra.com

Book new business in a Boston or Cambridge (MA) hotel and receive a 10% rebate off the banquet master bill and 10% off all rooms booked. Here are the eligible program dates to qualify: 2025: 11/18/2024 – 04/17/2025; and 2026: 11/17/2025 – 03/31/2026.

sales@meetboston.com; www.meetBoston.com

I have a dear friend who believes the power of the beach overcomes any of the day’s negativity. She would go crazy for the ‘Wealth of Wellness’ package offered by Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, located within the luxury residential development Quivira Los Cabos at the tip of the Baja Peninsula. The updated-for-2024-package integrates numerous wellness components available within the resort community. The exclusive five-day “Wealth of Wellness” package, available through December of 2024, includes all-inclusive F&B, two 50-minute organic massages or facials, mountain bike tour for two, use of beach cabanas with personal butler service, a cooking class for two, and shuttle service and access to sister properties, which also have all-inclusive F&B,

www.pueblobonito.com; (800) -990-8259

FFEA ENTERTAINER SHOWCASE APPLICATIONS

Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) is calling all Entertainers who would like to showcase before more than 300 event professionals during the Annual Convention & Tradeshow, August 20-22 at the Renaissance Sea World Resort (Orlando, FL). Deadline to submit an application is May 31. The performance slots, from 10-20 minutes long, are an opportunity to perform before attendees representing events, festivals and fairs, as well as industry suppliers and sponsors. Chosen acts will be given a dedicated time slot. The Entertainment Showcases Committee is seeking a wide variety of unique performances – music, dance, visual and novelty acts. FFEA attendees represent over 3,500 festivals & events produced in the state of Florida and the average event spends $45,000 on Live Acts. Members include cities, non-profit organizations, Chambers of Commerce, independent planners and tourism Agencies who produce art festivals, food & wine Events, sporting Events, music festivals, fairs, holiday events, parades and community festivals.

https://ffea.memberclicks.net/2024-showcase#!/

NEW AND PUTTING ON A NEW FACE

In 2024

The $50 million transformation has been completed. The Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown (Fort Worth, TX) has reopened. Across the street from the Fort Worth Convention Center, the entire hotel has been renovated. It has about 30,000sf of conference space and breakout rooms. Signature restaurant bar, West+Stone, and More by Sheraton are dining options onsite. 403 rooms, 12 more suites than before (now 37), with one of those being more than 1,000 sf. The indoor pool has been remodeled and the fitness center is state-of-the-art.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dfwds-sheraton-fort-worth-downtown-hotel

The reimagined and redesigned Harrah’s Las Vegas, connected to CAESARS FORUM conference center, provides over 550,000 sf of meeting space, a brand new porte-cochère entrance, Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay, as well as 12 dining venues, and features the two largest pillar-less ballrooms in the world at 110,000 sf each. Can host up to 10,000 attendees. There are 2,500 renovated guestrooms, including 200+ suites, enhancements to common areas.

https://www.caesars.com/meetings

Super Nintendo World, one of five worlds at Universal Epic Universe (Orlando, FL), will open in 2025.

https://www.universalorlando.com/web/en/us/epic-universe/worlds/super-nintendo-world?

Caesars Entertainment and long-time hospitality partner Nobu Hospitality (a global luxury lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper), are erecting a Nobu restaurant inside the soon-to-be Caesars New Orleans. The Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans, located within the Caesars tower, will mix Matsuhisa’s signature style infused with New Orleans flair. It will be the third hotel and fourth restaurant within the Caesars Entertainment Empire. Spanning two floors, Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans will feature a dedicated reception desk and offer 54 exclusive guest rooms designed by Rockwell Group and is expected to open in the Fall. The restaurant is slated for a late summer opening. The Nobu restaurant, with seating for 175, will feature fresh fish and seafood in the form of nigiri and sashimi. Signature dishes include Yellowtail Jalapeño, featuring delicately sliced yellowtail sashimi with touches of garlic puree, adorned with jalapeño slices, crowned with cilantro and served with Japanese citrus soy sauce. Another highlight is the Black Cod Miso, prepared by marinating the fish in den miso sauce for two to three days to produce the iconic, sweet-savory flavor.

www.CaesarsMeansBusiness.com; harrahsneworleans.com.

InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk (San Antonio, TX) opens this summer with 390 rooms, 20 suites, and 18,000 sf of meeting space in the 21-story property. InterContinental Hotels & Resorts said the hotel will directly have access the landmark Riverwalk promenade. Onsite valet parking services, self-parking garage, same-day dry cleaning services, and the Club InterContintental lounge will all be available. Owned by Trailbreak Partners and Scarlett Hotel Group. Designed by Leo A Daly and the internal IHG design team.

www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/san-antonio

In 2025

The seven floors of 182 guestrooms and suites in The St. Regis Washington, D.C. (downtown D.C) have been redesigned and refreshed with a light creamy palate and pops of blues, grays and gold. The 2,508-sf Astor Ballroom and 2,500-sf Astor Terrace have both also received restoring touches. Next up: the hotel’s onsite contemporary Mediterranean restaurant, Alhambra, gets a new outdoor terrace, and there will be updates to the St. Regis Bar, as well as redesigns to the Food & Beverage venues in 2025.

www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/wassx-the-st-regis-washington-dc

Opal Sol, an all-suite luxury resort, comes to Clearwater Beach, FL in 2025. The resort will have floor-to-ceiling Gulf views from every suite and more than 57,000 sf of event space. When combined with its sister property, Opal Sands, via the sky bridge, there will be more than 106,000 sf of event space and 478 luxury rooms and suites.

https://www.opalcollection.com/opal-sol; Danielle Silva, Associate Director Of Sales: (727) 674-4104, danielle.silva@ophotels.com

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana Sun will open on Uvero Alto Beach, gearing towards newlyweds to families, in 2025 Spa, world-class fitness center, and nearly a dozen dining options with international cuisines, and a new water park will be the draw. Located about one hour from Punta Cana’s airport, the resort will offer 620 suites. “Guests today look for easy, stress-free vacations that don’t break the bank, and all-inclusive resorts can make that happen,” said Gustavo Viescas, President, Latin America and the Caribbean, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “From Dominican Republic to Mexico, Barbados and Jamaica, Wyndham allows guests to travel the world—and expanding brands like Wyndham Alltra makes international travel possible for guests of all kinds.”

www.wyndhamalltra.com; www.WyndhamRewards.com; www.playaresorts.com; www.wyndhamhotels.com

Hyatt Hotels is busy adding to their collections. The first Hyatt Studios hotel opens in Mobile, AL in 2025. Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga in Tennessee just broke ground and is expected to open in early 2026. Located downtown in the Southside area, the 123-room hotel is being developed by 3H Group Inc. under a franchise agreement with Hyatt. It will feature the brand’s all-day food-and-beverage concept, Talk Shop, serving as a welcome area as well as a rooftop bar and meeting space.

https://www.hyatt.com/brands/caption-by-hyatt

YOU HAD ME AT A BOURBON-INFUSED MEAL, COCKTAIL AND THE SIGNED BOOK!

Anyone who knows me understands I love to cook, bake, and experience new foods and cocktails, and that I always have a book I’m reading or listening to, so this event makes my heart flutter with excitement. Mainsail Lodging & Development is offering an evening of culinary exploration celebrating Chef Edward Lee’s new book, “Bourbon Land,” at four award-winning hotels in Florida and Georgia. Designed for whiskey lovers or anyone curious about how to drink or cook with bourbon, each two-hour event (6-8 pm) includes a welcome cocktail; live cooking demonstrations of four recipes from Chef Lee’s new book (and you get a signed copy), served with Four Roses Bourbon pairings; a deliciously boozy dessert; and a Four Roses Bourbon gift set featuring a signed copy of “Return of a Whiskey Legend” by Master Distiller Brent Elliot. Guests will also have the opportunity for Chef Lee to sign books and take pictures following the event. “Bourbon Land” provides highlights on all things involving the whiskey – how it is made, its history, how to read a label, the famous distilleries, and how to taste bourbon like a professional. The book also includes 50 recipes on how to cook with bourbon, as well as cocktail recipes. Four of the menu items in the book will be demonstrated during the event, held inside each hotel’s culinary show kitchens. Here are the hotels and dates. Monday, June 3, Epicurean Tampa (Epicurean Theatre) – 1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL; Tuesday, June 4, Luminary Hotel & Co. (The Workshop Culinary Theater) – 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL; Wednesday, June 5, Epicurean Atlanta (Epicurean Theatre) – 1117 W Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA; and Thursday, June 6,  Trilith Guesthouse (The Kitchen) – 350 Trilith Parkway, Fayetteville, GA.

For tickets and view the menu and the venues, visit Bourbon Land Book Tour (https://splashsites.my.canva.site/chef-edward-lee-bourbon-land-book-tour)

BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The short answer to the best credit cards for international travel goes to the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve®, according to the results of personal finance website WalletHub, based on a comparison of more than 1,500 credit cards. Both Chase Sapphire cards have $0 foreign fees (which my credit card also has and am sure other ones do) and great travel rewards, which likely have a bigger variance. “Most people agree that foreign transaction fees are a rip-off, according to a new WalletHub survey, and that’s without even realizing that foreign fees can apply to orders from the U.S. placed with a foreign merchant. More than two in five people say they’ve been charged a foreign fee on an online purchase, for example. Despite how common and unpopular foreign fees are, around one-third of us still have no idea whether our credit cards charge foreign fees. Figuring that out before your next trip abroad or major purchase from an international merchant is a must. A credit card with no foreign fee can save you 3% in fees and more than 6% on currency conversion, according to WalletHub’s research,” stated John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor. This survey notes that nearly one in three Americans don’t know whether their credit card has a foreign transaction fee, or even that foreign transaction fees can apply without foreign travel. 52% of baby boomers worry about card loss/theft the most when using their credit cards internationally, while 34% of Millennials are most concerned about foreign transaction fees. 82% of Americans don’t know that using a credit card gets them the best exchange rate when traveling abroad. A no foreign transaction fee credit card saves travelers around 6.5% relative to airport currency exchange services and banks.
www.WalletHub.com

ESPRIT AWARDS COMPETITION OPEN & NEW CATEGORY ADDED

Each year, the International Live Events Association (ILEA) recognizes and awards live events across 15 categories for planning to production, design to event. This year, a 16^th category, Best Overall, has been added, so there will be Best Overall for Corporate Events, Nonprofit/Association Events, Private Events, Public Events, and Weddings. The other categories are: Catered; Design/Décor; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Initiative; Entertainer/Entertainment; Event Capture; Innovation; Logistics; Makes an Impact/Gives Back; Marketing Campaign; Marketing Collateral; Multi-Day; Planning; Scenic Design/Installation or Exhibit Design; Technical Production; and Virtual. Any individual and/or company representative in the events industry is eligible to enter the Esprit Awards competition for events that occurred between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2023.
www.ileahub.com/esprit-awards

SIOUX FALLS SOURCED SWEEPSTAKES IS BACK!

Sioux Falls Sourced is back for a third year and you have the chance to win a box stuffed full of products that are sourced from the Sioux Falls, SD area. Each quarter Experience Sioux Falls gives away a box to 50 randomly selected winners. The featured products change each quarter.  No purchase necessary. The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States who are at least 21 years of age and have a physical address in the United States. Entries for the Spring box are open until May 31. Prizes total $113, and include items such as a Freedom Studios Freedom Candle, Baseball Seams Co. keychain, and food items such as The Jam Man chokecherry jam and Twisted Bee Snacks garlic parmesan pretzels. Here are the next Entry Dates: Quarter 2 Summer Box: June 1 – August 31; Quarter 3 Fall Box: September 1– October 31; and Quarter 4 Winter Box: November 1 – December 31.

Register at https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/sioux-falls-sourced?; info@experiencesiouxfalls.com

CALL FOR SPEAKERS

You have until June 10 to apply to be a Speaker for Catersource + The Special Event, to be held February 24-27 in the Broward County Convention Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

https://cs2025.c4p.catersource.com/?utm_mc=em_CSE25_CallForSpeakers_YE_022124_No&_mc=em_CSE25

FFEA COMPETITION IS OPEN AND CALL FOR JUDGES

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is now accepting entry applications for the 2024 SUNsational Awards. Deadline to enter is June 15. There are about 35 categories to be judged. For full info and to apply online: https://www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards. There is also a need for judges for the following categories: The following are the areas of expertise that we are looking for: Graphic Design, Social Media, Photography, Broadcast Media, Public Relations, Advertising, Event Programming and Virtual Events. Apply online at  https://www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards.

WHERE TO GO FOR SUMMER VACATION WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Personal finance website WalletHub compared 100 metro areas across 41 key indicators of an affordable and fun vacation, assessing from the cost of the cheapest flight to the number of attractions to the average price of a two-person meal. The company noted that the average flight costs $377, lasts just under four hours, and has .4 connections. Los Angeles, CA won as the most attractive destination on the West Coast and Washington, DC took tops for the East Coast. Texas and Florida are the top summer destinations in the U.S, each with at least two metro areas in the top 15. San Antonio, TX has the lowest nightly rate for a three-star hotel. Starting with Atlanta, GA in first place, here are the top 20 summer U.S travel spots. Washington, DC; Orlando, FL; Honolulu, GI; Tampa, FL; Austin, TX; Philadelphia, PA; Chicago, IL; El Paso, TX; Cincinnati, OH; Salt Lake City, UT; New York, NY; Richmond, VA; Miami, FL; Springfield, MO; Knoxville, TN; Tulsa, OK; Oklahoma, OK; San Antonio, TX and lastly, Los Angeles, CA.

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-summer-travel-destinations/3792

MEETING PLANNING GUIDES (FREE)

Greensboro, NC – https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/meetings-conventions-sports/request-meeting-planners-guide.aspx

Scottsdale, AZ – www.experiencescottsdale.com/maps-guides/meeting-travel-planners-guide/

Stafford, VA – https://form.jotform.com/240735819722057

Sioux Falls, SD – https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/plan-your-trip/visitor-guide

FESTIVALS

Now – October: Sounds on Centre, free concert series presented by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, 6 p.m. on the first Friday of each month in the heart of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. Bring a lawn chair and dancing shoes.

www/SoundsonCentre.com.

May 10 – 18: Wild Amelia Nature Festival, presented by Keep Nassau Beautiful. Discover the wonders of the great Amelia Island, FL outdoors through engaging, hands-on activities. Guided nature tours, photography workshops, a green business expo.

www.KeepNassauBeautiful.org

now – October 29: Bands On The Beach summer concert series held at Pensacola Beach, FL’s Gulfside Pavilion, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Santa Rosa Island Authority presents the series, featuring regional artists performing a wide variety of music every Tues Santa Rosa Island Authority | What’s Happening Bands on Beach (visitpensacolabeach.com) day evening at 7 pm. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. No pets and no glass allowed.

Info: SRIA at (850) 932-2257.  http://www.visitpensacolabeach.com/whats-happening-bands-on-beach/

May 23-27: Abbey Road on the River (AROTR) celebrates over 60 years since The Beatles revolutionized music on The Ed Sullivan Show stage in front of 74 million television viewers. AROTR has honored Beatlemania for the past 20 years. This year at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN, 50 bands from all around the world will perform on six stages. The festival will feature Beatles tribute band, The Fab Four, as well as other tribute bands like Jan & Dean’s Beach Party, Tony Kishman’s Live and Let Die: the music of Paul McCartney, and tributes to Queen, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, The Monkees, Chicago, CSNY, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley. Local acts will include harpist Erin Hill, Louisville School Of Rock, The Rigbys, CMN Trio, Louisville Brass and Electric, The Get Down, Doorway, Nick Peay, The Kukes, Paulie Felice, and Laren Rapp.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased with a $20 discount through February 29 by using code LOVE at www.arotr.com.

August 30 – November 3: Universal Studios Orlando presents Horror Nights.

www.universalorlando.com

September 5 – 8: Amelia Island Dance Festival. World-class classical and contemporary performances of dancers from across the nation and from local dance institutions of Northeast Florida.

www.AmeliaIslandDanceFestival.org

Karen Kuzsel is a writer-editor based in the Orlando area who specializes in the hospitality, entertainment, meetings & events industries.  She is an active member of International Live Events Association, Meeting Professionals International and the Society of Professional Journalists. She is now serving on the 2023-2024 MPI Independent and Small Business Owners Advisory Board. Karen writes about food & wine, spas, destinations, venues, meetings & events. A career journalist, she has owned magazines, written for newspapers, trade publications, radio and TV. As her alter-ego, Natasha, The Psychic Lady, she is a featured entertainer for corporate and social events. Karen@KarenKuzsel.com;   www.karenkuzsel.com; www.ThePsychicLady.com; @karenkuzsel; @thepsychiclady. She is also active with Experience Kissimmee CVB and Wedding Venue Map..