I’m a huge fan of Dancing with the Stars and often fantasize about being on the show and winning first place.  Dance was my first love, and at one time I thought I’d be a Broadway dancer like Liza Minnelli or Debbie Allen.  Though journalism eventually stole my heart, I still love to dance.

In fact, many of my travels have included dance lessons:  I learned to tango in Buenos Aires, meringue in the Dominican Republic, Raggae in Jamaica, and belly dance right here in Atlanta.  If you love dance as much as I do, you may want to try out a “dance vacation.” (Photo: Betty & David, Salsa Retreat)

Dance vacations are becoming popular all over the world through special tours, resorts, and cruises.  Here are a select few to check out:

• You can literally dance with the stars on the new Cruising With The Stars,  a dance-focused fan cruise that launches in June from Los Angeles, for a 7-day excursion to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival Cruise Lines.
• Dance Fun Cruises has salsa cruises headed for the Mediterranean and Mexican Riviera in October.
• Becka Tango Tours offers customized tours with daily tango lessons at your hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Salsa Retreat offers salsa vacations and workshops in Oaxaca, Mexico.
• Move to the rhythms of the drum at One World Dance & Drum’s African Dance and Drum Retreat near Seattle in May.  Or visit the African Drum and Dance Festival in San Francisco in November.
• And finally, bring your sexy back at X Burlesque University, where burlesque choreography is taught by the women featured in “X” Burlesque at the Flamingo Las Vegas.

So gather your girlfriends – or your sweetheart – and dance your cares away on a dance vacation.  It’s great for your mind, body and spirit.  I’m adding Cruising With the Stars and X Burlesque University to my Bucket List!  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain.

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

Many women at 40 and beyond are getting married for both the first and second time.   Second weddings can be smaller and more intimate, so smaller hotels are a perfect setting.  If you’re planning a spring or summer wedding and looking for a smaller setting, here’s a location to consider. In Jacksonville, Florida; the 23-room Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant is a popular choice for an intimate and romantic wedding, right on the beach. (photo: Just Married, The Casa Marina – Kalin Thomas)

The Casa Marina  is a member of the exclusive Historic Hotels of America, and is the only historic hotel in Florida that sits right on the beach.  It opened in 1924 during Florida’s first land boom, when Hollywood royalty lounged on Jacksonville Beach.

Today, the restored hotel is extremely popular for beach weddings because of its great location, and the supreme personal service of its wedding staff.   If you’re planning a wedding here, you can rest easy that the staff will take care of everything from the ceremony to the reception meal.

The beautiful beach makes for a wonderful romantic setting, especially at sunset.  Casa Marina is also a great place to stay for your honeymoon.  Enjoy the delicious Sunday Brunch in the hotel’s restaurant.  Or enjoy live music and cocktails in the rooftop Penthouse Lounge, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

If you’d like to go off property, it’s just a three-minute walk to the Pier Restaurant and Sandbar , for a romantic dinner on the beach.  Just a short drive away, you can stroll the shops and restaurants at Jacksonville Landing ; or take a romantic horseback ride along nearby Ameila Island.

This is a good time to visit the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant during its “Fall in Love Package,” which includes chocolate-dipped strawberries and champagne, along with a standard deluxe room for $99, or a two-room parlor suite for $129.   For more information, contact Catering Director Rebekah Blakely at 904-270-0025, or visit www.casamarinahotel.com.

And here’s an extra tip:  Check out this book for inspiration from women who married after age 40: Getting Married After 40: Advice & Inspiration from 100 Women Who Found Good Men & Happy Marriages

And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

Some of the advantages of renting a vacation home include:  more bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen, more economical for parties of 3 or more, more privacy than a hotel, and most have all the comforts of home — and then some.

I recently celebrated my birthday with girlfriends at a St. Simons Island vacation rental and had a great time.  The four-bedroom, 4 ½ -bath home  was yards from the beach; had its own pool; provided four bicycles and an electric car; had a large and well-stocked kitchen with digital appliances, where we had a wonderful time bonding while preparing meals;  had a screened-in back porch and a wraparound front porch with rocking chairs.  The owner even welcomed us with two bottles of wine.  It was fabulous!  I plan to rent that house again, and am now open to renting homes more often.

Here are a few sites that specialize in vacation rentals:

• http://www.vrbo.com/

•  http://www.hodnettcooper.com/

• http://www.homeaway.com/

• http://www.vacationrentals.com/

So as you plan your travels for 2012, consider booking a vacation rental.  You might find it’s the perfect option for a girlfriend getaway, a romantic weekend, or even a family reunion.  It’s also a great way to celebrate turning 40!  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain (Photo: Washington DC Vacation Home Rental)

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

New York (Eastern Time)

Celebrate at Ground Zero in New York’s Times Square for a $600 package that includes hotel accommodations, free admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck , water taxi around the Statue of Liberty,  and shopping discounts at Macy’s and Bloomy’s.

New Orleans (Central Time)

This home of Mardis Gras knows how to party.  So for one of the best locations for French Quarter partying and a rooftop view of the fireworks, stay at the Omni Royal Orleans hotel.  Currently room rates are $299 per night for a New Year’s weekend stay.  For more information on New Orleans New Year’s fun, click here.

Phoenix (Mountain Time)

At the Hyatt Regency, $189 per night let’s you enjoy a New Year’s Eve party with free champagne, and a breakfast buffet the next morning.  And if you’re just getting back to your room at 5am, no worries – you get a 2pm late checkout.

Las Vegas (Pacific Time)

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.  So get your party on at the MGM Grand, where you can celebrate New Years on The Strip.  Various packages include a $1400 New Years Wedding Package, Cirque du Soliel at Ka Theatre for $69 to $180, and a dance party at Studio 54 for $150.

And if you wake up with a hangover the next morning, you may wonder  how in the world this outrageous celebration got started.  Check out this site for the history of the holiday, and all things Times Square.  I’d love to hear about your favorite New Year’s Eve destination.  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

One of the most accessible destinations in the United States is the capital — Washington, D.C.  The pedestrian-friendly city has very well-established and well-maintained curb cuts for wheelchairs throughout the tourist areas, a very accessible subway system, and the Smithsonian Museum complex has sign interpreters for the hearing impaired.

Even theme parks like Walt Disney World are becoming more and more accessible to travelers with disabilities.  Last year, the first theme park designed specifically for travelers with disabilities opened in San Antonio, Texas.  Morgan’s Wonderland caters to mental and physically challenged tourists, but has rides and attractions for people of all ability levels.  It even has swings that accommodate wheelchairs.

Airports and Amtrak are also more accessible to passengers, and even have web pages with specific information for travelers with disabilities; for example this page from Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson Airport – one of the busiest airports in the world.

Hotels and cruise ships are leading the way with accessibility, with amenities like:  room entrances wide enough for wheelchairs, bathrooms accessible to wheelchairs, acceptance of guide dogs, closed captioning on televisions, assisted listening headsets, telecommunication devices (TTD), materials printed in Braille or large text, blinking lights on doors and phones for the hearing impaired, grab bars in tubs/showers, and Braille letters and numbers on doors and elevators.

Here are a few websites that cater to travelers with disabilities:

www.travelinwheels.com

www.disabledtravelers.com

www.access-able.com

www.gimponthego.com

www.abilitytrip.com

www.handicappedtravelclub.com

www.deaftravelclub.com

www.accessibledestinations.com

www.abletotravel.org

www.newmobility.com

Got any stories about your experiences as a physically challenged traveler?  Please share them with us.  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

One of my favorite literary tours is Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil in Savannah, Georgia. I took the tour in the 90’s a few years after the non-fiction book came out. The bus drove us by Mercer House were the real-life murder happened, to restaurants where the characters hung out, and to Club One where real-life character, The Lady Chablis, entertained us with her drag show. I even got her and other real-life characters to sign my book.

Before the book Eat Pray Love even became a movie, tours were already being formed in Italy, Bali, and India for lovers of the book. And by the time the movie came out, travelers were flocking to those countries.

Another part of literary tours is visiting the homes of famous writers, like Mark Twain. There are even entire festivals to honor writers like Ernest Hemingway and Zora Neal Hurston .

Here are just a few destinations and hotels where you can travel by the book:

• Harry Potter tours — tours of London, Oxford and Scotland.
• Under the Tuscan Sun — biking tours of the Tuscany region of Italy highlighted in the book.
• Lynott Tours — literary tours of English authors such as JK Rowling, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare.
• Lord of the Rings Tours
• Hobbit Motels – Lord of the Rings themed motels in Woodland Park, New Zealand
• Pavillon des Lettres – Paris hotel pays homage to 25 international authors, including Voltaire.

So if you’re thinking of a unique way to celebrate your 40^th birthday, why not try a literary tour. And remember: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.” – Mark Twain

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

So you won’t get dubbed “The Ugly American,” I’ll provide a few tips throughout the year on cultural etiquette in international destinations.  We’ll start with Japan…

I love Japanese culture – especially their emphasis on spirituality.  But I had a bit to learn about their cultural etiquette while reporting on tourism in Tokyo.  I noticed that the Japanese were always speaking to the male members of my crew instead of to me.  I was the only black member of the crew, so I thought it was my race.  But then I found that in the Japanese culture women always defer to the men in the group. It’s customary to bow when you greet people.  And if you’re doing business, you should also present your business card to the person – always with both hands.

When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to take your shoes off  before walking into the house.  And when you sit on the floor to eat, be sure not to point the soles of your feet at anyone – it’s considered offensive.  When eating, it’s OK to share your food with others, but now with the end of the chopsticks that you’ve already eaten with.  And never,    ever blow your nose at the table! Here’s a surprising tip – it’s OK to loudly slurp your soup.  It’s an accepted practice to show the chef you’re enjoying the meal.  Boy did I have fun with that one!

As Japan’s Tohoku region continues to rebuild after the recent earthquakes and Tsunamis, the country’s tourism board says places outside of that area are still safe to visit.  To help promote tourism, the first “Been There Done That – Japan Checklist was produced last month to give travelers 27 unique lists of things to do and see in the country.   The book can be bought on Amazon, and part of the proceeds will go to the rebuilding of the Japan’s Tohoku region. A final thought on etiquette — learning just a few words of Japanese like “good morning, “please,” and “thank you” will get you major brownie points with the locals.  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness” – Mark Twain.

Spa Etiquette Tips

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment to check-in, change, and relax.
• Turn off your cell phone, and speak quietly to be considerate of the spa atmosphere.
• Remove all jewelry – they’ll get in the way, and can be damaged by the oils used.
• If you’re uncomfortable with nudity, leave your underwear on. A sheet is covering you at all times, and only the parts that are being massaged are exposed.

• It’s best to get your massage before your facial or mani/pedi.
• It’s OK to let talk to your therapist and let them know if the pressure isn’t good or if the music is too loud, etc. It’s also OK to talk during your session or say nothing at all – the therapist will take your lead.
• When getting a spa treatment in another country, research their etiquette before you go.
• If you’re paying with a gift certificate, don’t forget to tip your therapist.
• Don’t plan anything strenuous after your massage – going to lunch with a girlfriend is good, but something like shopping should be done before the massage.
• Remember to drink lots of water afterward to help release any toxins in your body.

A spa day can be a special treat for your 40^th birthday – by yourself, with the girls, or with your sweety. And of course, it’s always great when you can get a deal – like during Spa Week. To find participating spas in your area, visit http://www.spaweek.com. And remember: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness” – Mark Twain.

Bathrooms

First and foremost, carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. You’ll likely encounter a wide range of ‘bathroom’ options. In the big cities, you’ll find quite civilized potty options, but the one thing you need to get used to is throwing the paper in the bin and not the toilet.

Snack Time

Two words: Peanut butter. If you and your child like the stuff, this is the biggest lifesaver when traveling. There’s nothing more packed with protein and energy. (Photo: Lainie Liberti and her son Miro Sevin Siegel)

When Things Go Wrong

When things go wrong, have a sense of humor! Your kids will think it’s an adventure if you do. The biggest gift traveling offers is the opportunity to be in the present, meaning truly experiencing whatever comes your way and being ok with whatever that is.

Learning While Traveling

Since we’re on an eight-year around the world adventure, we do what I call “world schooling.”  We learn about countries and cultures through our research, we talk to the locals, and we give back.  We’ve volunteered at animal reserves, schools, hospitals and libraries. The benefits are so rewarding for both you and your child.

Luxury vs. Local

We’ve found the most rewarding experiences have been living as locals do – or in our experience, living with locals. Opt for a week with a ‘host family’ instead of a hotel.  And always try to stay with a family that has similar-aged children as your own.

Best Memories

Our best memories are always surrounding laughter — like the time we sat down on a bench in Parque Central in Antigua, and just like a scene in a movie, a dog jumped up and grabbed my popsicle and ran away.  It’s best to relax and enjoy the moment, no matter what happens.  It’s the best way to make magical memories.

For more information on Lainie’s travels, visit http://www.raisingmiro.com/.  And remember:  “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” — Mark Twain.

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.

Editor’s Note: In her last post, Kalin introduced us to

The next day we did breakfast at Niki’s West, a historic restaurant that’s popular with the locals. We all enjoyed their delicious biscuits and omelets. If you go, get there early because they fill up fast. And if you’re late for breakfast, just hang around for the lunch buffet. As we were leaving we could already see the lunch line forming as the delicious foods and homemade cakes were being put out for the buffet. After breakfast, we walked off a few calories at The Shops of Grand River, where we shopped at stores like: Jones New York Outlet, DKNY and Wilson’s Leather Outlet (contact the Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau for a book of coupons). (Photo: Girlfriends enjoying conversation at Ross Bridge Resort)

There was even an art gallery where one friend bought some inspirational wall hangings. We continued our shopping at the Pepper Place Harvest and Holiday Market — located at the old Dr. Pepper bottling plant. Here’s where I sampled some of the best blueberry jam I’ve ever tasted. Then we switched from shopping to sipping at The Winery at Pepper Place. If you want to go wine tasting or just see the sights without having to worry about driving; book a limo, sedan, or SUV with woman-owned Executive Shuttle Network Executive Shuttle Network.

We enjoyed it all, but I think everyone’s favorite activity was tapping into our inner artists at My Paint N Party. Stick figures are about as artistic as I get. But My Paint N Party is just the place for “non-artists” proving that everybody has a creative artist inside. They make it easy for you. The instructor shows you a photo (ours was of pink boxing gloves to “knock out” breast cancer), and she takes you through each stroke from beginning to end. At first I was worried I’d have the worst painting in the class, but the process was so much fun, and there were even times when it felt like meditation. We joined a few other women in the class and were all laughing and encouraging each other. And by the end, we all had masterpieces. I give all the credit to the excellent instruction and jovial atmosphere created by Roz Jackson and Kelly Daniel. It was a highlight of our trip.

On our last day, we enjoyed a wonderful Sunday brunch at Brock’s at the resort, which included made-to-order omelets and waffles, sausage, fruit and desserts. Then we walked off our big meal by touring the Civil Rights District in downtown Birmingham. We were able to visit four different sites just steps from each other, including: The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, with its thought-provoking exhibits; Sixteenth Street Baptist Church which honors the student activists who were water-hosed and arrested by police during civil rights demonstrations in 1963; and a lighter side at the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, which honors the heyday of jazz and the many musicians who hailed from Alabama. It was a wonderful way to end the weekend, with an appreciation for those who made it possible for us to have the freedoms we have today. It was just us girls – and we had a ball!

From now until March 27, Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa has a special where you book two nights and get the third night free. To book your own girlfriend getaway in Birmingham, visit www.birminghamal.org. Or for other destinations and packages, visit www.girlgetaways.com and www.girlfriendgetaways.org.

The next time you find yourself waiting for a man to take you places, stop waiting and get away with your girlfriends. It’s a great way to re-bond, and re-charge. And remember: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness” — Mark Twain

Check out more fabulous Girlfriend Getaway pictures on our Facebook Fan Page.

Kalin Thomas is Women at Forty’s Travel & Leisure Editor. She is also Senior Writer/Photographer for SoulOfAmerica. Before starting her own multimedia company, Kalin spent 17 years at CNN where she won several awards for her work as producer/correspondent for CNN’s weekly travel program, CNN TravelNow. She is currently writing a book about her travels. For more information on Kalin, visit www.seetheworldproductions.com.