Something to add to your party bucket list….Each month, when the moon is full, some 20,000 international fun-seekers find themselves at the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin for this infamous all-night party. Hip travelers from around the world pound back buckets of cheap potent booze, watch fire-eaters, and dance to the beat of throbbing techno.Hopping from bar to bar blasting a cacophony of electronica, you’re guaranteed to lose your shoes somewhere along the sandy white beaches and — if you consume too much of the locally brewed Sangsom whiskey — you might also lose your mind. Have you survived a Full Moon Party? Share your experiences with other Travel Junkie Julia readers in our comments section…

While this charming Greek island has many beaches, the crescent-shaped Red Beach is one of the most unusual. Due to special geographical features and ancient volcanic activity, the shores are red and black. Soaring scarlet lava cliffs and iron-rich sedimentary rocks jut into the clear blue water of the Aegean Sea. Here you’re likely to find topless bathers sprawled out on sun-chairs under bright umbrellas, likely recuperating from last night’s debauchery. In the party-heavy summer months, many people rage until sunrise, then come here straight from the clubs.

Dubbed the St. Tropez of Uruguay, Punta del Este draws an upscale crowd of models and millionaires, looking to escape the sweltering heat of summer — which begins in December and ends in March — and hit the beautiful beaches in style. On the southern tip of this underrated South American country, this coastal resort town is where the Buenos Aires elite go to see and be seen. In La Barra, Punta’s trendiest neighborhood, a glamorous crowd flirts and flits from beachside chaise lounges at upscale resorts to yachts, chic casinos and nightclubs complete with velvet ropes. Here at the sexy seaside playground of Punta del Este, there’s a unique beach vibe for every kind of traveler. Check out the fashionable Bikini Beach, where you’ll find sun-kissed, bronzed bodies dressed in the latest swimwear, or Jose Ignacio Beach, where international DJs set up turn tables and tiki torches for “chill-out” sessions in the sand.

If the weather outside is frightful, just bundle up in that warm, wooly parka, because even though it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t still get out there and enjoy the winter weather. If you’re looking for a snowy getaway this holiday season, here are a few fun winter activities:

Go Dog Sledding in Yukon:
Escape the city and explore the hardcore Yukon wilderness. Yukon offers stunning scenery and pristine nature – perfect for an untamed adventure. You can ski, snowmobile, ice-fish but one of its most unique activities is dogsledding. Muktuk Adventures is just one of the many companies offering day-long dog sledding expeditions with a team of experienced Huskies. Embrace your inner musher and drive a dog team of your very own across the ice. If you’re thinking of a future trip, a good time to visit this part of our country is during Yukon Quest. It’s an annual 1000-mile dog sled race run in February, between Whitehorse and Fairbanks Alaska. The trail follows historic Gold Rush and Mail Delivery dog sled routes from the turn of the 20th Century. http://www.muktuk.com/

Join Outward Bound in Colorado:
Push beyond the boundaries of Colorado’s ski resorts with Outward Bound. Outward Bound is an international, non-profit organization that offers a series of great winter courses across the Americas. “Colorado Backcountry Ski and Ride,” is one trip that takes you beyond the ski slopes for a backcountry winter expedition in the Collegiate Peaks. It’s a chance to ride untracked snow in a remote area, all under the watchful eye of an experienced guide. Beyond the stunning scenery, the incredible powder and thrill of adventure, you’ll also learn avalanche training techniques, winter camping, expedition and survival skills. All courses involve camping, cooking your own meals and a low-impact “Leave No Trace” philosophy. With over 40 schools around the world, Outward Bound emphasizes personal growth through experience and challenge in the wilderness. It’s an awesome way to learn new skills while playing in winter backcountry. http://www.outwardbound.org/

Spot Polar Bear in Manitoba:
They call it the “Polar Bear Capital of the World.” Churchill, Manitoba is one of the world’s best places to spot and observe polar bears. There are several tours and ‘tundra safaris’ where you can see polar bears in their natural habitat. Hop aboard a specially designed tundra buggy – which looks a bit like a huge tractor – and head out onto the tundra to safely observe these cuddly yet dangerous bears. You could spot a polar bear with her cubs or maybe even a massive male snacking on an unlucky seal. Plan to come to Churchill in October or November, when the bears congregate along the coast in search of food, before the bay freezes-up. But go soon…. if the current warming trends continue, scientists predict that two-thirds of the world’s polar bear population could disappear by 2050. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, this is your chance to see these majestic creatures up close and personal. Embrace the winter weather by honouring one its icons – the illusive polar bear. http://www.tundrabuggy.com/

Meet Santa in Finland:
For a festive spin on the typical Ho Ho holiday, visit Santa Claus Village in Finland’s Arctic Circle. While many of us believe Santa resides in the North Pole, the Finns believe he lives in the small Nordic town of Rovaniemi, a 10-hour drive from the capital of Helsinki. Here you’ll find a charming tourist village dedicated to all things Santa. It comes complete with an elves workshop and a post office where you can send postcards back home to friends and family. Let’s not forget Santa himself, whose lap is available to children of all ages. If you’re crazy about Christmas or just want to experience the all-day sunlight of the Arctic’s midnight sun, you’ll enjoy a visit to Rovaniemi, a magical winter wonderland in Finland’s Arctic Circle. www.santaclausvillage.info

But Wait….Here Are Some Helpful Money-Saving Tips For Your Winter Getaway:
Now that you’re armed with some cool new winter destinations options, the next step is to turn your fantasy trip into a reality. For most of us, budget is a concern, so here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re booking a winter getaway.

1. Book at off-peak times: If it’s possible, book your trip at times other than the holidays and Spring Break. Opt to travel after Christmas or after mid-March. This flexibility can often save you a bundle. Mid-week flights and accommodations are also significantly less expensive, so if the boss allows a Monday-Thursday vacay, you’ll save money and avoid crowds.

2. Use travel rewards to help offset the cost of travel: If you’re an American Express Gold Rewards Card member this is a chance to use TripFlex. You can book any travel on your Card, including flights, hotel rooms, packages or car rentals, and then call Amex to pay for the purchase with points. You can use points to pay for part or all of the purchase, including fees and taxes. You can also transfer your points to frequent flyer programs, including 1:1 to Aeroplan. Now’s the time to redeem those rewards points!

3. Scour for deals and discounts: If you’re planning a ski vacation, check out sites that will help you save on lift tickets at resorts around the country. A few popular options include: Check Discount Lift Tickets (www.discountlifttickets.net), Liftopia (www.liftopia.com), GetSkiTickets.com (www.getskitickets.com), and SkiCoupons.com (www.skicoupons.com).

4. Get social: Turn to social coupon sites for deals on activities, spa services and restaurants all across North America. While Groupon and LivingSocial are some of the most popular, my new favourite is www.yipit.com. It’s a site that filters daily deals from across multiple coupon sites and sends you the best in just one email.

-Most destinations have dedicated tourism association websites aimed at promoting all the cool activities, restaurants and tours their cities have to offer. These tourism sites have virtual tourist guides, packages and often contests that can help you save money on everything from lodging to day-trips. A few local examples include: Quebec City Tourism (http://www.quebecregion.com/en), Nova Scotia (http://www.novascotia.com)
Niagara Falls Tourism (http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/) and Tourism British Colombia. Often these sites will have a dedicated section called “Special Offers,” where they list current promotions, packages and last minute savings (http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/SpecialOffers/British-Columbia.htm)

Have a wicked winter getaway and Happy Holidays!

With its extravagant showgirls, gluttonous all-you-can-eat buffets and hedonistic hot spots featuring celebrity DJs, there really is no place like Vegas! If you’re looking for a gambling getaway with the girls, or just for a relaxing impromptu vacation away from ‘real life,’ Sin City is a fun, affordable choice for a weekend escape. With so many entertainment and restaurant options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so here are a few tips from my recent trip to Vegas.

Where to Eat: Jaleo, in the Cosmopolitan hotel, offers Spanish tapas in a lively casual colourful setting. Expect melt in your mouth paellas, fruity sangrias and a delicious (albeit small) selection of plates designed to share among friends. Some of their most popular dishes include:  Pan con tomate (rustic bread brushed with fresh tomato), Gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautéed with garlic) and seared scallops with romesco sauce and ‘mojo verde.’ But my personal fave was the Croquetas de pollo – eight melt-in-your mouth cheesy chicken fritters, comically served in a red suede sneaker. Jaleo is a fun choice for a delicious night out, but be prepared to spend a bit of dough. Portions are small, so if you’re looking for more bang for your buck, the buffet at the Wynn will offer much better value. http://www.jaleo.com/

Where to party: If you’re looking to let loose and get wild, check out the latest and coolest super club to hit the scene – Marquee Nightclub, a 60,000 square-foot space with seven bars, a projection stage, LED DJ booth, massive outdoor pool and coliseum-style banquette seating http://www.marqueelasvegas.com/. As you know, waiting in line is a total buzz kill. Avoid lineups and bouncer drama with Vegas VIP, a luxury travel agency specializing in nightlife and party services. Bachelors may enjoy the “Hangover Package” or the “Charlie Sheen,” with limo transfers and exclusive access to famous strip clubs Spearmint Rhino, Crazy Horse III and Sapphire http://www.vegasvip.com/.

What to Watch: It may not be the newest kid on the block, but the Cirque du Soleil spectacular Le Reve holds up to this day. As the title suggests Le Reve (French for “The Dream”) is pure fantasy, a mystical illusion sprung from a wild (arguably insane) imagination. The show, located in the Wynn Hotel, combines the elements of water, fire, acrobatics, gymnasts, aerialists and synchronized swimmers. It’s less about the storyline and more about the dramatic visuals. Le Reve is 75 minutes of pure awesome, leaving the audience wondering how did they do that? www.wynnlasvegas.com Scan www.travelzoo.com or go to the “Tix 4 Tonight” ticket booths scattered along the Vegas strip for last minute, same day discount prices.

Where to Shop: If Crystals high-end shopping haven at CityCenter is too expensive (which it totally is…) check out Las Vegas Premium Outlets. You’ll find huge sales across some 150 stores, including A|X Armani Exchange, Ann Taylor, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Coach, Cole Haan, Dolce & Gabbana, Elie Tahari, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Nautica, Polo Ralph Lauren, Salvatore Ferragamo, St. John, TAG Heuer, Theory, etc. http://www.premiumoutlets.com

How to Get There: If you’re an American Express Gold Rewards Cardmember American Express Gold Rewards Card, enjoying a last-minute jaunt to Vegas is a breeze with the TripFlex option. Simply book any travel on your Card, including flights, hotel rooms or car rentals, and then call Amex to pay for the purchase with points. You can use points to pay for part of the purchase or the full purchase, including fees and taxes. You even have up to one year to redeem your points for a statement credit towards the travel purchase.

Happy Vegas!

It’s everyone’s favourite four-letter F word. Free. There is something inherently satisfying about getting something for nothing. When it comes to travel, it is possible to score upgrades, perks and privileges at no additional cost…you just have to know some tricks of the trade. For those looking to cut back expenses without cutting back on the experience, here are a few tactics on how to score a free upgrade:

-When it comes to renting a car, reserve the most popular low-end model. Chances are that they will be sold out by the time you arrive and you can get upgraded to a nicer model at no additional cost.

-If you’ve visited a city in the past, stay at the same hotel. Upon check-in, mention that you are a frequent guest and politely ask about an upgrade. Share your story: an anniversary, a big birthday, or an otherwise celebratory occasion
can get you attention and possibly special treatment.

-Join an airline-affiliated frequent flier program and earn points. The higher your frequent flyer status, the better your chances are of receiving an upgrade.

-A lot of us sit on our points without cashing them in. These points have monetary value, so if you’ve been waiting for a while to cash them in, best to use them every time you fly, rent a car or get a hotel room. Then you’re putting them to good use. The American Express Gold Rewards Card has a great program where Cardmembers can use their Membership Rewards points to pay for part or all of their vacation costs. Unlike other programs, The Gold Rewards Card allows you to pick the flight you want, the date you want and you can use your points to book it, with no restrictions or black-out dates to worry about.

-Never be the first to board the plane. Waiting to ask the gate agent about empty seats that are left after the plane boards could score you extra leg room. Ask about the availability of bulkhead seats or the emergency exit row. These seats have more space, but some don’t recline, so be sure to do your research and check out www.seat guru.com for a look at your aircraft’s most comfortable seats.

-If your flight is overbooked, volunteer to get “bumped.” In return for this act of kindness, you typically get a free flight to use within a year. If they end up not needing you to volunteer your seat, they may upgrade you on that particular flight. It’s a win/win to volunteer….

-For upgrades to first class, you’ll have a better chance of getting bumped up if you know someone already seated in the first-class cabin. Upon boarding, ask the agent about sitting together. Dress in business attire, fly solo and always be polite to the person at the counter.

Dressed in a skin-tight wet suit, a blue helmet and a bright red life jacket, I clumsily paddled my way into the pursed mouth of a narrow limestone cave. Snarls of foamy saliva-like waves lapped up against the rock’s jagged jaws, and – as a tidal surge swept over my sit-on-top kayak shoving me towards a serrated stucco cave wall – there was nothing left to do but duck limbo-style and hope for the best.

Typically, sea cave kayaking in this part of California’s Channel Islands involves wide open, well-lit, bat-free rock openings, but this particular cave one was more of a challenge. With a little paddling prowess and a strong partner, I narrowly avoided being smashed, face-first against a roof of barnacles. Luckily, rhinoplasty by crustacean was not on today’s itinerary but excitement sure was….

This thrill of adventure was what brought me here in the first place. Scorpion Anchorage Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the Channel Islands and is located some 20 miles from the mainland of Ventura Harbor. Home to some 2,000 species of plants and animals, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world, the Channel Islands are said to be like the Galapagos Islands, where isolation has allowed evolution to take its course. The result is a diverse endemic wildlife unlike any other, including the island fox, the munchkin dudleya, and the bright blue Island Jay. Depending on the season and migration patterns you can also spot dolphins, sea lions, seals and grey whales swimming off shore.

Santa Barbara Adventure Company (http://www.sbadventureco.com/) offers many outdoor adventure activities within the region, from paragliding, to rock climbing, surf lessons to this – a guided one-day sea kayaking trip through Channel Island’s caves.

Our day began when Kenji Webb, our knowledgeable tour leader and field guide, distributed our kayaking gear, gave us a safety debrief and walked us through the basics of the perfect paddle. After scribbling our names on liability waivers, four couples in banana-bright kayaks set out single file, paddling through the cold choppy waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Scaling the shoreline, we were introduced to the geographical formations of the island: coastal bluffs, sharp spiny fault lines and stone versions of Rorschach inkblots that resemble white elephants. We learned that the Channel Islands were home to pygmy mammoths, a variation of the Columbian mammoth species that swam ashore from the mainland some 20,000-40,000 years ago. At four to six feet tall, these mini mammoths freely roamed the island. Today, while these prehistoric creatures are now extinct, their fossils and their legend remain.

Paddling the kayak head-on through unforgiving swells, past dense kelp forests and the occasional curious sea lion poking his head out from beneath the ocean surface, our group followed Kenji into a protected area sheltered from the wind. He took the time to explain a bit about the region’s flora and fauna, before plucking a saffron coloured sea star (a.k.a starfish) from a lava-pocked rock and passed it around. Handling the prickly invertebrate, I paid close attention to its tiny, suction-cupped tube feet used to cling to rocks and trap prey. Sea stars are fascinating little creatures. Not only are they carnivorous, bloodless and eat with their stomachs inside out, but sea stars can regenerate lost limbs like Marvel superheros.

A visit to the Channel Islands goes beyond just a kayaking excursion. It’s a look at some unique coastal wildlife and enjoy the remote wilderness just outside the city.

What You Need to Know Before You Go:

-If you’re flying to California or planning a rental car road trip to Ventura, use your rewards Card to offset the cost. I use the American Express Gold Rewards Card which offers double points on eligible gas, grocery, drugstore and travel spending. The points add up quickly so you can use them towards future travel, hotel or vacation packages without the pain of blackout dates or other restrictions.

-As with any adventure, there can be some risks associated with sea cave kayaking. It’s best to listen to the guide’s instructions, come equipped with the proper gear and always have insurance.  Some Credit Cards, like the American Express Gold Rewards Card, offer travel related insurances to Cardmembers. Before heading out on your trip check to see what’s covered by your Card- if you run your kayak into an agitated sea lion, you could be covered for emergency medical expenses.

-The journey begins at Island Packers Dock in Ventura Harbor (about 30 miles south of Santa Barbara) with an hour boat ride from the California mainland to Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz Island. Bring something warm to wear because the boat can be quite chilly.

-Since there are no services on the island, don’t forget to pack everything you need for the day: water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sturdy shoes, and a warm change of clothes. Dress in layers and leave the cotton at home. You can leave your valuables (or anything you don’t want to get wet) in a storage box on the island while you kayak.  Santa Barbara Adventure Company provides wetsuits, life jackets and paddle jackets specific for kayaking.

-Expect to kayak about three hours, approximately 2.5 miles depending on weather conditions, plus there is time afterwards to explore Santa Cruz Island and hike around.

-To book a sea kayaking tour, visit Santa Barbara Adventure Company  http://www.sbadventureco.com/adventures/channel-islands/#sea-cave-kayaking

Happy kayaking!

Balanced atop a wobbly 11-foot board, knees bent, arms wielding a long angled paddle, I took a deep breath and braced myself for the boat wake that rip curled towards me. Not far from the kelp forests, rock cliffs and sandy white shorelines of Newport Beach California, there I was, a student at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Boot Camp, trying my best to learn a new sport, get some exercise and not topple face first into the freezing cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (a.k.a stand-up paddling or just SUP to those in the know) is an emerging activity that is growing in popularity all over the world. Health and fitness experts are boasting about its cross-training benefits, claiming that it helps strengthen the core, improve posture and sculpt the buns, thighs and abs.

Modern SUP began in Hawaii in the 1960’s with the ‘Beach Boys of Waikiki.’ These water sports instructors would use their long boards and outrigger paddles to navigate the ocean and monitor their students learning to surf.  In the early 2000s, Hawaiian surfers such as Rick Thomas and Laird Hamilton brought Ku Hoe He’e Nalu, (the Hawaiian word for SUP’ing) to the mainland as a way to train while the surf was down. Since then, this decade-old sport has exploded into the mainstream as a growing recreational activity.

Reid Inouye, publisher of Standup Paddle Magazine, says that interest for the sport has grown by as much as 800%. “We’re still in that first level of people finding out about (the sport). We had a competition in Tahoe five years ago, and seven guys entered. This year, there were 400,” he told a Desert News reporter in last summer.

While the hub of stand up paddling is concentrated along the Californian Coast, there are more and more companies popping up in “non traditional surf areas” all across North America, from New York, where you can paddle the Hudson River, to Nashville, Tennessee, Vail Colorado and the Okanagan Valley in British Colombia.

The Sup Spot http://thesupspot.com/ an adventure company based in the Newport Beach area of sunny Southern California, is one of many companies offering stand-up paddle boarding lessons across all levels, from beginners who’ve never paddled, to hardcore racers looking to perfect their sprint stroke. Who better to teach a newbie paddler like me than Jodie Nelson, a professional surfer, the Sup Spot owner, and the first woman to paddle a grueling 39.8 miles from Catalina Island to Dana Point. Not only did she raise $125,000 for Breast Cancer awareness but she had a close encounter with a Minke whale that landed her a guest spot on the Ellen Degeneres show.

My hour-long crash course began with the basics: the correct stance and form, to paddling techniques and proper equipment usage.

(Jodie Nelson, professional surfer and my SUP instructor)

“A common mistake people make is holding the paddle the wrong way,” explained Jodie. “For a further reach and more efficient stroke, the angle of the paddle should be facing away from you, not towards you,” she continued. “Another common mistake is to have your hands too close together. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart, one hand on the center of the paddle, the other on the T-bar.  If you lift your paddle over your head, your arms should be at 90 degrees,” demonstrated Jodie, arms over her head like a sea-dwelling superhero.

Successful stand up paddling is all about balance, so, as I climbed up on the board, I found the center point, kept a wide stance, distributed my weight and slowly crept from the kneeling position to standing upright.

True, there was a little arm flailing and a few “whoas” did escape my lips but I’m happy to report that I didn’t fall in! Instead, I learned that I’m actually quite good at stand-up paddle boarding! Who knew? That said, before I give myself too much credit and quit my job to join the surfer circuit, I must resign to the fact that it’s truly a sport that anyone can do. (For the video of me learning to SUP check out Outside Television at http://www.outsidetelevision.com/shows/outside-today/summer-2011-episode-6 (around 3:15 mins into the segment)

“Surfing can take years to master, but with stand up paddle boarding on flat water, people can get up on the board and start enjoy themselves in a matter of minutes. It’s low impact, it’s not intimidating and can be done in almost any body of water around the world by people of any age,” explained Jodie as we skimmed effortlessly across the water’s surface.

“Also, the vantage point from a board is a completely different view from a kayak or canoe,” said Jodie as she explained that in the protected area of Corona Del Mar, not far from Laguna Beach, the turquoise waters are so clear it’s as if you’re on a glass-bottom boat. You can spot brightly-colored orange Garibaldi fish, dolphins and migrating grey whales that swim alongside you. Jodie admits “I’ve seen more wildlife since I started SUP than I ever did all my surfing life!”

Skimming calmly and meditatively along the water, calories burning, arms and quads toning effortlessly, I learned first-hand that SUP is not just a growing hobby among water-sport addicts, it’s also a cool way for tourists to spend a day out on the water and sightsee as they sculpt.

For more information:

The Sup Spot Stand Up Paddling Bootcamp classes are held year round, through all weather conditions.  For more information, check out http://thesupspot.com/ Hour-long private lessons are $100, semi private are $75 per person and $65 for groups of three or more. Classes are held in Malibu, Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Harbor.

For the Video of me learning to SUP check out Outside Television at http://www.outsidetelevision.com/shows/outside-today/summer-2011-episode-6 (around 3:15 mins into the segment)

Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes California.

You don’t have to be Brad or Angelina to travel in style. From Aspen, to Vancouver, Bahamas to Manhattan, here are some travel tips that will have you living the celebrity high life…without breaking the piggy bank.

Top 5 Budget Saving Tips: Travel Like a Celeb for Cheap!

1) Fly like a Celeb:
Fly to St. Bart’s, Cabo or Cannes using rewards points. The American Express Gold Rewards Card offers double points on eligible gas, grocery, drugstore and travel. The points add up quickly so you can use them towards future high-end, celebrity-esque travel without the pain of blackout dates or other restrictions. Use your rewards points towards flights or hotel accommodations (from Little Nell in Aspen to the Esperanza Hotel in Cabo) and you could be rubbing elbows with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey, J. Lo or Fergie.

2) Spa like a Celeb:
Get pampered and polished at the Terranea Resort, a stunning ocean front Mediterranean estate not far from Los Angeles. If their amazing Crystal Quartz Body Scrub, Volcanic Clay wrap or Thai massage treatments don’t fit within your budget, opt for a classic manicure. When you book this $45 treatment, you get access to the resort’s facilities and can spend the day lounging by their pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean, steaming in the sauna or working out in their state of the art fitness facility. http://www.terranea.com/

3) Dine like a Celeb:
STK, Nobu, Bouchon, Craft and Scarpetta are just some of the hot celebrity-chef-run restaurants to dominate the culinary scene…and the pocketbook. For high-end dining at a fraction of the price, opt for breakfast or lunch instead of dinner. An early meal often means better deals.

4) Social Media like a Celeb:
Hotels are now sharing exclusive deals on their Twitter and Facebook pages, so be sure to follow celebrity hot spot hotels like The Beverly Hills Hotel, SLS and the Standard for upcoming promotions.

Turn to social coupon sites for travel deals on hotels, flights, activities, spas and restaurants. Some of the most popular are: Gilt City www.giltcity.com, LivingSocial Escapes (http://livingsocial.com), Groupon http://www.groupon.com/getaways and Jetsetter http://www.jetsetter.com Do your research to make sure it’s actually a good deal. Be sure to always read the fine print and blackout dates before booking. You’ll get bigger discounts if discounts if you get your friends to sign up too.

5) Party like a Celeb: Avoid lineups and bouncer drama with Vegas VIP, a luxury travel agency specializing in VIP nightlife and party services. Marquee (http://www.marqueelasvegas.com/) XS, Rehab at the Hard Rock Hotel (http://www.rehablv.com) …tons of amazing clubs to check out! For an affordable fee, Vegas VIP will hook you up, walk you past party line-ups and make you feel like the young, rich and famous http://www.vegasvip.com

Rehab Sunday afternoon party in Vegas at the Hard Rock Hotel.

Armed with a freshly brewed cup of Tim’s coffee and faced with the freedom of the open road, it’s time to take in some of Canada’s most iconic cultural sites. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rockies to the historic cobblestone streets of Quebec City; the home of Anne of Green Gables in Charlottetown, to the kitschy haunted houses in Niagara Falls, the Canadian landscape is a rich tapestry of sights and experiences.  Known for its natural beauty, its charming clean cities and hospitable locals…you can’t go wrong with a homegrown Summer trip exploring the great outdoors in our very own backyards.

Here are a few tips on how to pull off your very own Great Canadian Road Trip:

1) Pick Your Route:  The Trans-Canada Highway is one of the world’s longest highways, extending from the Pacific Coast in Vancouver to the Atlantic Coast in Newfoundland, through all 10 Canadian provinces. For hardcore road trippers this is the best route to get from point A to point B and get a feel for the diversity of the country. http://transcanadahighway.com. But if you’re looking to focus on a particular province or region, then don’t forget about these historic drives: Icefields Parkway (the central route through Banff and Jasper national parks), Cabot Trail (along the northern shore of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia), the Dempster Highway (from Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, North West Territories) or the “Sea to Sky Highway” (snaking along the edge of the Pacific in Vancouver towards Whistler).

2) Drive Smart: Gas prices are at an all-time high, but to save money on fuel and increase your car’s efficiency, try some of these simple techniques: Open the windows instead of blasting the air conditioning; maintain a constant speed when driving; check the tire pressure before you head out on the road trip; keep idling to a minimum; and regularly maintain your vehicle.

3) To find gas prices in cities across Canada and the US, ‘Gas Buddy’ is a great mobile app and online resource. Select a city, plug in your postal/zip code and the aggregator will present all of your fuel options by distance and price. It even trends the average gasoline prices over the past few days and months. Check out the Trip Cost Calculator, which will show you the cheapest gas stations for filling-up along your desired route. www.gasbuddy.com/

4) Become a Rewards Warrior: The cost of road tripping is a lot less painful when you’re earning points. The American Express Gold Rewards Card offers double points on eligible gas, grocery, drugstore and travel spend, covering just about all your road trip expenses. The points add up quickly so you can use them towards future travel without the pain of blackout dates or other restrictions.

5) Don’t Forget Your Passport: If you’re crossing the border from Canada into the US, be sure to have the proper documentation. Many citizens have been turned away from entry because they’ve forgotten their ID. Avoid hassles and be sure to pack your passport.

Any particular places you think are must-sees when driving through Canada? Share your own road trip tips here….