TEDTalks

"Ideas Worth Spreading"

At first glance, a choir may seem like nothing more than a group of singers. But look a little closer. Conductor Eric Whitacre's performers don't simply sing. They remind us of what it means to be truly connected.

Off Track Planet

The Independent Travel Lifestyles Guide for the Young, Sexy and Broke

This year, New Year's Eve is on a Tuesday. Instead of figuring out how to trick your boss into thinking you're alive on Wednesday morning, pull the cork out and send 2013 off properly by getting as far away from the office as possible.

Adam Williams

Music fanatic, surfer and culture enthusiast

When I booked my trip to Morocco, I had only a few notions in mind: good surf, good food and a drastic cultural change from my humdrum winter in England. It was a bonus that what I came to discover during my 12-day trip was far more than what I expected.

Andrea R. Vaucher

Journalist, author, media specialist

George Hobica

Syndicated travel journalist and founder of Airfarewatchdog.com

John Corcoran

Small business attorney and creator of SmartBusinessRevolution.com

Going on a long road trip with kids is kind like watching a Ken Burns documentary. You have a feeling you should be enjoying it, but you're really not. And you end up just wanting to take a nap.

Richard Bangs

Author, 'The Lost River'

What makes us quest to the reaches of the world? Glamour may not be the right word, but not because it is too overreaching; it is only insufficient. In short, we have selected the places herein simply because they open our eyes and make us wonder.

Cheapflights

www.cheapflights.com

Jason Alderman

Senior Director, Visa Inc.

I understand the appeal of having a guaranteed vacation home in an area you love and the flexibility many timeshares offer of being able to swap your unit. But I worry that many buyers don't consider all associated costs and mistakenly think timeshares are sound financial investments that will appreciate in value.

Christopher Elliott

Author, How to Be the World's Smartest Traveler (and Save Time, Money, and Hassle)

Pam Didner

Marketer, Writer

My husband and I came to Portland because that's where the jobs were at the time. Twenty years and two kids later, we are still here. There is no place like home.

Joshua Berman

Author, 'Maya 2012: A Guide to Celebrations in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize & Honduras'

"The weather can get a little rough at times," understates Craig Simson, Ski Patrol Director at Keystone Resort, Colorado, who begins each workday with a 7am briefing at the summit of Dercum Mountain.

Jason Gardner

Writer and photographer

Few foreign tourists experience the folkloric festival in the northeastern Brazilian city of Recife, different from the stereotypical version in Rio with its glitter and bikinis and exotic headdress.

MiniTime

www.minitime.com

National parks may be synonymous with the quintessential summer road trip, but there's a lot to be said for bringing the kids during the off-season, when prices are lower and crowds are thinner.

Rebecca Fannin

Author-Silicon Dragon, Startup Asia

They're a good alternative to the five-star brands if you're willing to give up some perks that really aren't all that necessary. And you can have bragging rights that you stayed in perhaps the trendiest and most offbeat hotel in town!

MiniTime

www.minitime.com

Winter arrived with a big snowy bang across much of America, which has many folks already pining for an escape to warmer climes. If your family is ready to trade the snow for some sunshine and sand, here are five tremendous deals at kid-friendly beach resorts to get you packing.

Roadtrippers

Discover Your America

Do you spent Christmas Day watching Ralphie? When you order pizza do you tell the driver to "keep the change, ya filthy animal"? Or perhaps you've called someone a "cotton-headed ninny muggins" more than once this December? If so, you'll love this map of Christmas movie filming locations.

Viator

Tours and activities around the world

Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Papa Noel, Saint Nicholas -- whatever name you want to call the rotund man in the red suit, it's hard to deny the magnetic charms of everyone's favorite Christmas character.