Visiting prospective colleges is similar to peering into a looking glass. Through exploring the college, as well as the respective city, prospective students and their families can catch a glimpse into their daily routine, what classes might be like, who their peers could be and much more. As I mentioned in “College Visits – San Francisco and South Bay,” I wanted to go to school in L.A. And to this day, I am so happy I went to visit the campuses: the L.A. I had dreamed of was nothing like the actual city. It is also important to consider that as students get further into their college years, their lives tend to be less centered around campus and more grounded in the surrounding areas.

Georgia Tech. Photo: hectorir

Atlanta
Atlanta is a hotbed of higher education. With more than 30 institutions of higher learning, the city is teeming with students, culture and history. With so many colleges available to explore, it is advised that you narrow down your list of schools to a number that is manageable for you and your family. However, this guide should get you through the major players and allow you to explore the city in about three days.

Start with Georgia State University, which is located in the heart of Atlanta and is close to Underground Atlanta, an entertainment district where you can grab a snack and sneak in some shopping before your next stop. Drive northeast 6.5 miles to Emory University, located in the suburbs of Druid Hills.

The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the Top 10 public universities in the country. Located in on 400 acres in Midtown, just north of downtown. Only six miles away from Georgia Tech is the historically black Morehouse College for men and the historically black Spelman College for women.

Oglethrope University is located 10 miles north of downtown and is a great way to round out your Atlanta college visits. If you have some spare time, be sure to visit Centennial Park, which was created for the ’96 Olympics.

Plan a trip to Atlanta on TravelMuse.

Loyola New Orleans. Photo: AuthenticEccentric

New Orleans
Believe it or not, the Big Easy is not just a hive of debauchery, drinking and hurricanes. Although its reputation proceeds itself, New Orleans is a fascinating, cultured city with more than 10 institutions of higher learning. So parents fear not, and hop on the nearest streetcar to easily explore the city.

Uptown Schools: Located on St. Charles Avenue, Tulane University is the largest and most well-known university in the city. Right next door, often overlooked in the shadow of Tulane, is Loyola University, a Jesuit university with fewer than 3,000 students. The only historically black Catholic college in the United States, Xavier University is located close to the Carrollton streetcar line. Be sure to explore the and Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo.

Lakefront: For a larger campus feel, the University of New Orleans is the place to go. The campus is located on the beautiful shores on Lake Pontchartrain and in one of the city’s nicest residential areas. Dillard University is another one of the city’s historically black private colleges. Dillard is home to the Institute of Jazz Culture, which promotes jazz culture and education.

Plan a trip to New Orleans on TravelMuse.

Post adapted from “College Visit Guide: Atlanta” by Aaron Butzen and “College Visit Guide: New Orleans” by Ashleigh Nushawg.

Trying to pick the right college is difficult; believe me. I was dead set on attending school in Los Angeles . . . until I visited the colleges I was interested in applying to and realized that just because a university looks good on paper doesn’t mean that it’s the right fit. When I stepped onto the UC Santa Cruz campus, I knew immediately that it was the right school for me.

Spring and summer vacations are a perfect for checking out prospective colleges for your future applicant. Whether you’re planning on a quick weekend getaway or an extended (and well-deserved) vacation, there are many ways to integrate college visits into your travel itinerary. The San Francisco Bay Area and South Bay have a multitude of phenomenal institutions to consider—from small art schools to Stanford, one of the most well known universities in the world.

San Francisco State University. Photo: Orin Zebest

Day 1: Berkeley and San Francisco
Known as a hub for liberal politics in the 60s, UC Berkeley is one of the finest public universities in the United States. Spend the day strolling down Telegraph Avenue, shopping in the local record stores and dining at Chez Panisse, the culinary icon Alice Waters’ famed restaurant. Be sure not to tire yourself out though, because afterwards you can make your way down to San Francisco, where there is a college on what feels like every street.

If you begin your college-visit trek near Golden Gate Park, you can visit the University of San Francisco (near Haight and Ashbury streets) and the University of California, San Francisco (in the inner Sunset). From there, cruise on over to the outer Sunset where you will find San Francisco State University. If you have an art student in the family, be sure to head out to Russia Hill, where you will find the San Francisco Art Institute.

Day 2: Silicon Valley
Approximately 45 minutes south of San Francisco is Palo Alto, a major focal point of the 1990s high-tech boom. It is also home to the famous Stanford University, one of the leading research and educational institutions in the world.

As you move further south, deeper into the hear of Silicon Valley, you will find Santa Clara University, California’s oldest college. SCU was founded in 1851 on the sight of one of the original 21 California missions. Next on the list, San Jose State is home to more than 30,000 undergrads and grad students. Be sure to explore the city, which is full of culture—a trip to The Tech Museum of San Jose and dinner at Original Joe’s old-time steakhouse is a perfect way to cap off a day of exhausting college visits.

Porter College at UC Santa Cruz. Photo: Peter Alfred

Day 3: Santa Cruz
Unless you’re really alert after your Silicon Valley college visits, I suggest leaving Santa Cruz until day three, because it’s an approximately 45-minute drive from San Jose and lies on “the other side of the hill”—over the windy Highway 17. After the nerve-racking drive, you will be welcomed into the cozy little beach town of Santa Cruz—home to surfers, the Boardwalk, banana slugs and, of course, UC Santa Cruz. The campus is vast and hilly, so be sure to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes.

Post adapted from “College Visit Guide: San Francisco Bay Area” by TravelMuse Editorial and “College Visit Guide: California’s South Bay” by Nicole Fancher.

Plan your Northern California college visit on TravelMuse.

TravelMuse is excited to take part in the EyeforTravel’s Social Media Strategies for Travel USA 20010 conference, which will be held in San Francisco from March 24 to 25 at the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf.

We’ll be making a short presentation and participating on a panel focusing on the Best Practices to Get the Highest ROI on Your Social Media Initiatives alongside Henry Harteveldt (Forrester Research), Brandie Feuer (Tropicana Las Vegas) and Yvonne Chen (Facebook).

Last year I attended and presented at the conference and came away armed with lots of ideas, so I am looking forward to this year’s event. The conference is aimed at travel marketers who want to learn more about social media and how to generate leads, drive traffic, boost conversions and ultimately grow sales. Here’s a taste of what will be covered this year:

• Analyzing the Advancing Social Media Landscape
• Managing the Strategic Importance of Social Media in Your Business
• Managing Your Brand Reputation Online
• Social Media Metrics and Meaning
• Twitter and the Rise of Micro-blogging
• What Extent are Travelers Influenced by Social Media?
• Boosting CRM and Loyalty Results

There’s a wide range of leading industry experts from new and established companies presenting, including Facebook, Hilton, Virgin America, Orbitz, Yapta, Uptake, Tripology, SouthWest and more.

To find out more and register, go to http://events.eyefortravel.com/social-media

To receive a 15 percent discount on your conference pass, send an e-mail to Gina Baillie (gina@eyefortravel.com) and tell her that TravelMuse referred you.

If you have prospective college students in your family, consider utilizing your next family vacation to check out universities. There are first-rate colleges and universities in virtually every corner of the United States, so you can work some college visits into your vacation itinerary or, even better, plan your vacation according to where you’re college applicant is interested in applying.

This post we’ll explore colleges in Seattle, but stay tuned in the coming weeks for insider looks at college towns across the United States:

Washington University. Photo: eyspahn

There is a multitude of colleges and universities within the city radius: University of Washington, Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University, Cornish College of the Arts, Gage Academy of Art, as well as a plethora of local community colleges.

Capitol Hill: the Art Student

For the aspiring student artist, explore the Capitol Hill area, which boasts Seattle University, the Gage Academy of Art and Cornish College of the Arts. Exploring the Hill on foot is demanding, since it’s quite hilly.

A short walk south of the Hill off Broadway Street, you’ll find Seattle University. The campus is a green enclave that climbs south towards First Hill and descends east towards 12th Street. Opposite SU, the Gage Academy of Art is on the north side of the Hill where Broadway crosses 10th Street. The historic Gage Academy building has one of the most spectacular views of the city—a spread including Lake Union, Queen Anne Hill, the downtown skyline and the Olympic Mountain range.

If your journeys north and south haven’t totally fatigued you, stroll down to Cornish College of the Arts. The Cornish campus is on the invisible border of lower west Capitol Hill and downtown Seattle. Perfectly located, Cornish is luckily just a leap from many artistic ventures. Music fans will delight in the Experience Music Project, just a 10-minute walk from campus. Another artistic wonder, the downtown branch of the Seattle Public Library, is a sculptural masterpiece that would be a shame to miss.

Dining in Capitol Hill/Downtown:

• Coastal Kitchen—Northwestern food with a rotating menu that explores different Regions of the world. 429 15th Avenue East, tel. 206-322-1145.

• Dahlia Lounge—Tom Douglas’ renowned restaurant serving comfort food with a Northwestern twist. 2001 Fourth Avenue, tel. 206-682-4142.

U-District: the Student Athlete

The University of Washington (UW), located in the Montlake and University area, offers something for everyone. The school hugs Lake Washington and peers out towards the North Cascade range. The Montlake Cut, the link between Lake Washington and Puget Sound (Portage Bay), is famous, while “The Ave.” is an infamous party zone. Student athletes and outdoor enthusiasts can take pleasure in the trails that reach over the Cut and converge at the Washington Park Arboretum.

Dining in the U-District:

• The Ram Restaurant & Brewery—Burgers and brews. 2650 University Village, tel. 206-525-3565.

• Café Solstice—Fantastic coffee, pastries, sandwiches and a favorite place to study. 4116 University Way NE, tel. 206-675-0850.

Queen Anne Hill: Traditionalists

Seattle Pacific University sits at the base of Queen Anne Hill. The campus is extraordinary with sprawling lawns and tree canopies. SPU offers several different degree choices and is definitely a place to check out both because of its academic credibility as well as its location. Spend the day at the river trail across the street from the school and then cool off in the shade of a large maple on campus.

Dining in Queen Anne Hill:

• 5 Spot—All kinds of omelets to choose from for breakfast; salads, sandwiches, and burgers for lunch and dinner; great place to grab late-night food as well, since the Spot is open until midnight! 1502 Queen Anne Ave N 98109, tel. 206-285-SPOT.

• Tup Tim Thai—A great place for tasty, mid-day Phad Thai! 118 W Mercer St 98119, tel. 206-281-8833.

Where to Stay

Seattle has several terrific hotels. Here are three that are family friendly:

Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University Street, tel. 206-621-1700.
www.fairmont.com/seattle

Sheraton Seattle Hotel
1400 Sixth Avenue, tel. 206-621-9000.
www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton

Inn at the Market
86 Pine Street, tel. 206-443-3600.
www.innatthemarket.com

Plan your Seattle vacation on TravelMuse.

Adapted from “College Visit Guide: Seattle” by Ray Rogers.

Everyone can get down with the green on St. Patrick’s Day 2010. Festivals are held all over the world, so whether you’re planning a trip to Ireland, staying stateside or even escaping to the sunny Caribbean, you’re bound to find a celebration worthy of wearing your green. Here are TravelMuse’s top nine St. Patrick’s Day events:

Guinness glasses dance in the streets of London to celebrate the feast day of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Photo: zorilla

1. New York City
Since 1762, New York City has been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a huge parade. This year it kicks off at 11 a.m. at 44th Street and Fifth Avenue. Don’t look for floats or balloons; this is a true marching parade, with dozens of bands, pipers and the like from the United States and Ireland. www.nyc-st-patrick-day-parade.org

Plan a trip to New York City on TravelMuse.

2. Boston
Boston beats New York City as the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States, with the first one held in 1737. This year’s parade of floats, marching bands and pipers starts on March 14 in South Boston. www.irishmassachusetts.com

Plan a trip to Boston on TravelMuse.

3. Savannah
Now celebrating its 186th year, the city of Savannah offers up one of the largest events in the United States, with 400,000 people expected to attend! The St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off at 10:15 a.m. on March 17 with bands, floats and plenty of green. www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com

Plan a trip to Savannah on TravelMuse.

4. Chicago
For more than 40 years, Chicago has actually dyed its river emerald green for the annual Irish fest! This year, look for it to happen on March 13 at 10:45 a.m. The downtown one is always held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day and kicks off at noon. www.chicagostpatsparade.com.

Plan a trip to Chicago on TravelMuse.

5. Montserrat
St. Patrick’s Day in the Caribbean? Sure! It makes sense when you find out that Montserrat recognizes the date as a national holiday and many citizens have Irish heritage. A full week of St. Patrick’s Day events is planned from March 13 to 20, with, of course, the biggest celebration on March 17. www.visitmontserrat.com

Plan a trip to Montserrat on TravelMuse.

6. Dublin
Ireland started its St. Patrick’s Day Festival only in 1995 (it was mainly a religious holiday before that). Now the hugely popular event in Dublin is a six-day affair (this year, it’s March 12 to 17), with a parade on the final day. Over the course of the festival, more than 4,000 performers will entertain about one million people with music, street theater, carnivals, comedy, street performances, dance and a treasure hunt. www.stpatricksday.ie

Plan a trip to Dublin on TravelMuse.

7. Toronto
Toronto’s 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March 14. There’s a full slate of Irish step dancers and pipe-and-drums bands who will march. The night before, put on your formal attire and attend the Grand Marshall Ball to dine, dance and bid in a silent auction. www.topatrick.com

Plan a trip to Toronto on TravelMuse.

8. Sydney
Sydney’s big parade kicks off the St. Patrick’s Day 2009 celebration on March 21. After the parade, a variety of entertainment, crafts, food and children’s activities are offered in Hyde Park. www.stpatricksday.org.au

Plan a trip to Sydney on TravelMuse.

9. London
London celebrates all week, but the main events are the parade and a festival, both on March 14. The parade kicks off at noon from Hyde Park corner. The festival also starts at noon and runs until 6 p.m. Trafalgar Square hosts the main stage, but events also happen at Leicester Square and Covent Garden. Sample Irish food, dance, crafts and music. www.london.gov.uk

Plan a trip to London on TravelMuse.

Adapted from “Top 10 St. Patrick’s Day Events” by Kim Foley Mackinnon.

Also called “Lunar New Year,” Chinese New Year is the most significant holiday in Chinese culture. Although China has been using the Gregorian (or solar) calendar since 1912, the country still follows the lunar calendar for traditional holidays. Traditionally, the festival begins on first day of the month of the Chinese calendar and ends on the 15th. From scrumptious food such as jau gok (the main Chinese New Year dumpling) to customary red packets filled with money, this holiday is just a small window into China’s rich and fascinating culture.

If the events of Chinese New Year spark your interest in the customs, traditions and history of China, why not plan a trip to explore the country for yourself.

Sunset at the Forbidden City in Beijing, China. Photo: Robert Prior

Top 5 Beijing Sights

The Forbidden City
Home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the massive Imperial Palace, better known as the Forbidden City, still stands as a shrine to China’s imperial past. Plan two full days if you want to see the entire complex, but the major highlights such as the great halls and the imperial gardens can be seen in one day.

Tiananmen Square
Flanked by the main gate of the Forbidden City (which is emblazoned with an enormous portrait of Mao) at one end and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (his mausoleum) at the other, Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, is a monument to communist rule and architecture.

The Summer Palace
Starting as a quiet garden, this expansive palace on the outskirts of Beijing was completely rebuilt by the Empress Dowager Cixi after a ransacking by the Anglo-French forces during the Second Opium Wars. The Summer Palace’s serene, lakeside complex offers innumerable walkways, gardens, and temples for visitors to see. Keep your strength for the trek to the monumental Tower of Buddhist Incense which offers a stunning view of Kunming Lake and the distant Beijing skyline.

The Great Wall
Originally built to keep out the invading Mongol forces, the Great Wall has come to symbolize China itself. There are eight portions of the wall open to the public, ranging from the rugged at Simatai to the tourist friendly at Badaling. Kids will love the roller coaster like system to get up and down the mountainside at Badaling, as well as the opportunity to feed the bears in the bear exhibit at the entrance.

Lama Temple
I’ve seen many temples during my travels but this one blew them all away. Said to be the most important Buddhist temple outside of Tibet, this collection of temples offers shrine after shrine, with each more impressive than the last. The Lama Temple culminates with the towering Maitreya Buddha, which is registered in the Guinness World Records as the world’s tallest Buddha.

* Adapted from Miranda Young’s “Beijing’s Top 10 Sights.”

For more tips and advice, read related articles on TravelMuse:

• Experience Beijing: The Local Perspective

• Zen and the Art of Travel in China

• Family Adventure in the Middle Kingdom

• A Hike on the Great Wall

• Guilin: China’s Fantasy Land

• Explore our complete list of articles on China.

Plan a trip to China on TravelMuse.

We’re counting down the hours with only two days until the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games!

If you’re heading to Vancouver, Whistler or Richmond, British Columbia, download this FREE, handy guide packed full of restaurants, attractions, nightlife, shopping and event suggestions near the main venues, including: BC Place Stadium, Canada Hockey Place, Pacific Coliseum, Richmond Olympic Oval, Whistler and more.

Download pdf

Whether you’re planning on getting in on the live action between Feb. 12 to 28 or you’re inspired to visit the beautiful province of British Columbia at a later date, we hope this helps you plan a great vacation.  Plan your trip to Vancouver and check out more Vancouver trip information on TravelMuse.

Guide courtesy of WCities

Note: If you have trouble downloading this pdf in your browser, right click on the “Download pdf” link and save the file to your computer.

You’ve made it this far through the school year—time to recharge for finals and blow off some steam at one of TravelMuse’s top spring break destinations:

1. Jamaica

Pristine beaches, reggae and lingo like “go jam” (socialize)—it all adds up to an island paradise. There are plenty of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, but you can find something a little different (and cheaper) by staying at a furnished apartment or guest house. Explore limestone caves, waterfalls and mineral springs; listen to live reggae in Montego Bay or Negril; visit Bob Marley’s Birthplace and Mausoleum; discover the Ocho Rios Craft Market for unique souvenirs or the decadent Devon House to step into the past. Or, simply relax on the beach and enjoy paradise.

Visit www.visitjamaica.com for travel deals. Plan a trip to Jamaica on TravelMuse.

Let your school stress melt away in Jamaica. Photo: 04deveni

2. Costa Rica
San José and Tamarindo both offer the nightlife any spring breaker desires, but for those on a budget the best bet is Jacó for discos and dive bars galore. For surfing, the beaches of Jacó, Esterillos, Hermosa and Boca Barranca provide the best waves. Costa Rica is ideal for those looking for an eco-adventure. With 20 natural parks, eight biological reserves and numerous protected areas throughout the country, there are plenty of opportunities to hike, bike and do other outdoor activites. Trek up to see one of the finest volcanic craters in the world in Poás Volcano National Park; enjoy zip-lining through the cloud forest in Monteverde; or go rafting on the Reventazón River.

Visit www.visitcostarica.com and read our Costa Rica articles for more information. Plan a trip to Costa Rica on TravelMuse.

3. Panama City Beach

The tried-and-true college Spring Break locale, Panama City Beach has 27 miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrews Bay in the northwest of Florida. The beach town welcomes college students every year for what has to be the prototypical spring break experience. Enjoy live reggae at Willy’s Pier Bar; eat seafood on the open-air deck of the Barefoot Beach Club; sip fruity cocktails at the Tiki Bar on the beach at Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort. For a break from the sun, head over to Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium housed in a 75-foot high cruise ship run aground.

Visit www.visitpanamacitybeach.com for more information. Plan a trip to Panama City Beach on TravelMuse.

4. Europe
Yes, Europe is an expensive choice, but deals can be had, especially during the spring. Virgin Vacations offers packages at nearly half the cost of the same trip during the summer.
As every college student with thoughts of backpacking knows, hostels across the continent are an affordable accommodations option, but check out universities in the city or cities you plan on visiting to see if they rent out dorm rooms during breaks.

Check out tourism board Web sites like www.visitbritain.us and www.visitdublin.com to find free attractions and discounts. Plan a trip to Europe on TravelMuse.

London is just one of your many options for an adventurous spring break. Photo: Jim Linwood.

5. Austin

During spring break, the average high temperatures are in the mid to upper 70s. The locals are dedicated to the city’s slogan—“Keep Austin Weird”—with attractions like the Cathedral of Junk (junk turned art in a resident’s backyard) and the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture. Mix in numerous nightlife options, particularly along Sixth Street, gorge on delectable barbecue at the likes of the Salt Lick and get to know the “Live Music Capital of the World” for a memorable Spring Break.

Visit www.austintexas.org or read our Austin articles for more information. Plan a trip to Austin on TravelMuse.

Post adapted from “10 Top Spring Break Spots” by Andrew Weiss.

Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow this Groundhog Day, but six more weeks of winter will give you more time to plan your (hopefully warm) spring break getaway. Here are TravelMuse’s top five picks for families:

1. Los Angeles
The City of Angels has something for everyone. Beaches? You bet, from Santa Monica State Beach to Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Amusement parks? From Disneyland to Universal Studios to Six Flags Magic Mountain.

Shopping? Try the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica for a collection of boutiques in an open air mall or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Eating? For the best burger known to man, visit The Apple Pan in West Los Angeles. Sports? Depending on the timing of your spring break, the Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Kings or Galaxy could have a game. And yes, you might see a movie star.

Check out our L.A. articles, or visit discoverlosangeles.com for deals and discounts.

Plan a trip to Los Angeles on TravelMus and find places to stay in Los Angeles.

Visit Hollywood Boulevard to look for your favorite celebrities' stars on the Walk of Fame. Photo: Average Jane.

2. New York City
Though there are beaches in Brooklyn and Queens, the weather is a tad cool in spring to be on the sand, and the city offers much more to keep all ages happy. Iconic landmarks abound, like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge. Check out museums from the American Museum of Natural History to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. Central Park alone offers 843 acres of possibility, from an afternoon picnic to a visit to the zoo.

Before you go, check out our numerous NYC articles, or Web sites like nycgo.com for special offers and discounts for museums, tours, shows and shops.

Plan a trip to New York City on TravelMuse and find places to stay in New York City.

3. San Diego
If the kids love animals, San Diego has plenty for them. SeaWorld San Diego features Shamu in the “Believe” killer whale show. The San Diego Zoo has five endangered giant pandas who call the zoo’s Giant Panda Research Station home. In the zoo’s 1,800-acre Wild Animal Park, you can see more than 3,500 animals.

Find many other attractions and activities, even non-animal related, recommended by in our San Diego overview and at www.sandiego.org.

Plan a trip to San Diego on TravelMuse and find places to stay in San Diego.

4. Washington, D.C.
With a new president who has inspired millions of kids and teenagers to get involved in service and the political process, now’s the time to visit our nation’s capital. Wander the National Mall from the Capitol steps to the Lincoln Memorial and go up the Washington Monument. Get lost among the treasures of the world’s largest museum complex at the Smithsonian museums, from the National Portrait Gallery to the National Air and Space Museum.

Get more capital ideas with our D.C. coverage and by visiting www.washington.org.

Plan a trip to Washington, D.C., on TravelMuse and find places to stay in Washington D.C.

The ruins near Riviera Maya. Photo: joiseyshowaa

5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
College Spring Breakers may enjoy going crazy in Mexico, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for families. To go with the spectacular beaches and clear waters, a trip to the Riviera Maya can include snorkeling amidst the jungle in the largest “natural aquarium” in the world, Xel-Ha; a visit to the picturesque Mayan ruins situated along the sea at Tulum; an excursion to La Quinta Avenida (Firth Avenue) in Playa del Carmen for shopping and dining. All-inclusive resorts line the shore, but for those seeking something different, beachfront boutique hotels and cabins on the jungle’s edge are also available.

Read our Riviera Maya articles, or visit www.rivieramaya.com for more information.

Plan a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico on TravelMuse and find places to stay in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

* Post adapted from “10 Top Spring Break Spots” by Andrew Weiss.

Glancing at my Facebook feed, I noticed that the official U.S. Snowboarding team had been chosen for the  Vancouver 2010 Olympics. Will the reining half-pipe champ Shaun White defend his title?

With the countdown to the Games (February 12 to 28) underway all eyes will be on Vancouver and Whistler.

I took a ski vacation to  Whistler Blackcomb in 2007 and this resort ranks as one of my favorites. It offers more mountain than you can possibly cover, great après ski and friendly people. Even three years ago there was a huge amount of construction underway in preparation for the games, so I’d love to return to see what changes have been made.

Fiona heads down the Olympic Women's Downhill and Super G.

Highlights of our trip:
What struck me soon after driving out of the airport was the gorgeous scenery of the Rocky Mountains and dramatic backdrop it provided to Vancouver itself. As you make the two-hour drive up to Whistler, the scenery just gets more impressive! As well as the phenomenal skiing, I can recommend:

1. The Westin Resort and Spa Whistler: Located right next to the gondola, this is a great place to stay—especially because they offer suites which made it ideal for preparing food for our 9 month old infant outside of regular eating hours. The FireRock Lounge provides a good après ski hangout and with great tapas. The Aubergine Grille also offers fine cuisine with a good of range of seafood.

2. Peak to Creek and Dusty’s Bar: One of my favorite runs on Whistler mountain was Peak to Creek—a seven kilometer (over four miles) groomed, intermediate run with over 5,000 feet of continuous vertical. After heading down without stopping, what better place to go than Dusty’s Bar.  A great place to kick back, relax and enjoy a well earned beer!

3. Infant Daycare, Creekside: This was the only one in the resort when we visited and we loved it. However, when I tried to find contact information to share I discovered that it’s no longer available. There are options for children ages 18 to 48 months with Whistler Kids Winter Childcare, including a daycare at The Westin. For children younger than 18 months, the resort advises contacting Babysitting Whistler.

4. Whistler Village: Offers great restaurants, bars and shops. The place really comes alive later in the afternoon as everyone descends from the mountain providing an après ski vibe reminiscent of European resorts. Check out places to eat in Whistler.

5. Granville Island, Vancouver: Only five minutes from downtown Vancouver, this area is not to be missed with a great food market, shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, etc.

What do I dream of doing on my next visit to Whistler?

1. Try out the new Peak-to-Peak gondola that connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.

2. Go helisking!  Maybe I’ve been watching too many extreme ski/board Warren Miller movies, but I’d love to try helisking –packages start at $795.

3. Stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler—consistently rated as one of the top 50 ski resorts by Condé Nast Traveller.

Typically host resorts of the winter Olympics have fewer skiers and snowboarders the entire season of the Games, so don’t rule it out as a place to visit this year—plan a trip to Whistler and/or plan a trip to Vancouver.

For more tips and advice read related articles on TravelMuse:

• Vancouver: Winter Olympics in 2010
• Master the Slopes at Whistler Blackcomb Resort
• Family Fun in Whistler
• Weekend in Whistler