TRAVEL-TICKER.COM UNVEILS SUMMER 2012 WHERE TO GO NOW & HOW GUIDE: TOP FIVE SIZZLING SUMMER LOCALES

Guide Provides Travelers with the Inside Scoop on the Best Summer Getaways Based on Seasonal Trends and Value

SAN FRANCISCO (May 3, 2012) – The deal experts at Travel-Ticker.com (www.travel-ticker.com), a leading inspirational travel website, today revealed its Summer 2012 Where To Go Now & How Guide. Each season, the Travel-Ticker team uses its years of experience traveling the globe and hunting for great bargains to provide travelers with the inside scoop, identifying the destinations that offer the best overall experience and value. To create the guide, the experts at Travel-Ticker.comexamine local trends including weather, tourist traffic, entertainment options, cultural experiences and the available deals in each locale. This summer, the expert’s analysis guides us to Catalina, Riviera Maya, San Francisco, South Africa and Washington, DC.

“Summer is peak season for many destinations because it’s the time when many of us take our big vacation for the year. This uptick in demand can quickly drive prices up,” said L. Jasmine Kim, general manager of Travel-Ticker.com. “So, knowing which destinations offer the best experience without the high price tag is even more crucial. Luckily, creating a memorable and affordable summer getaway is completely in reach with a few insider tips on where to look.”

From white sandy beaches to urban locales or exotic outdoor destinations, Travel-Ticker.com’s Summer 2012 Where To Go Now & How Guide features five destinations that fit a variety of travelers’ budgets and personalities:

1. San Francisco – Mild temperatures meet great summer savings

• Why Now: San Francisco, known for its temperate weather during the summer months, is ideal for travelers looking to escape the heat that the season brings to so many other cities. Late summer is the best time to visit the City by the Bay as it tends to provide a bit more warmth and sunshine, but never scorching temperatures. Summer 2013 is expected to be quite expensive as The America’s Cup will be hosted by the city, so take advantage of the lower prices that are available this year.
• Value: The hotel rates in the peak season only average $10 higher than in the off-season, so for those seeking a city steeped in history that offers a family-friendly cultural experience, it’s definitely worth the splurge for your summer vacation. Hotel rates average from $112 per night, but travel Tuesday through Thursday for even greater savings.
• How: Up to 25% off 4-star San Francisco hotel in Union Square -- $165+: Downtown luxury meets discounted rates. Centrally located in Union Square, the 4-star Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco has renovated rooms for as little as $165, May 10-August 20.

2.     Catalina Island – Sail into summer savings

• Why Now: Southern California’s beautiful Catalina Island is a unique summer destination for many, especially families and couples. Even better, during the summer it’s also the perfect combo of great weather and savings. It is the island’s peak season, but with so many travelers also visiting other nearby popular cities, deals tend to be plentiful. Once you arrive to the island, plan to relax and enjoy an abundance of outdoor activities, including sailing, hiking and for the more adventurous souls, scuba diving.
• Value: Catalina Island is generally more affordable in the summer and travelers can save anywhere from 20-55 percent off their hotel stay as compared to fall. Hotel rates average from $90 per person, per night, including roundtrip ferries to/from Long Beach.  How: Top-rated Catalina Island hotel w/breakfast and more, $140+: Just discounted and top-rated on TripAdvisor. Midweek stays at Pavilion Hotel on Catalina Island start at $140 per person, per night. Weekends are $20 more. Breakfast, tours, and more are included. Travel May 4-October 21.

3.    Washington, DC – Peak season, but hot summer deals

• Why Now: As the city is gearing up for election season in the fall, the time to visit DC to score a deal is actually during the peak summer season. Fall is typically the season when DC see’s lower prices, but this year many people will plan to visit to be part of the activities circling the election, and that will undoubtedly drive prices up. If you don’t mind the heat, DC offers a rich cultural experience for all types of travelers and is expected to be quite the bargain over the summer, especially on weekends. The city also provides plenty of free entertainment, including shows and live concerts. Some museums also offer free entrance on a dedicated day of the week (i.e. Tuesdays are free at the National Museum of Natural History's Butterfly Pavilion).
• Value: Rates in the summer will get as low as $69. In fall, rates for similar hotels will run you at least $129 – that’s a 45% savings. Travelers will find the best value at luxury properties as they tend to price quite competitively this time of year.
• How: Washington, DC: 20% off downtown hotel with WiFi -- $109+: Major savings in the heart of DC. Stay at Washington Plaza for as little as $109 per night, plus get complimentary WiFi. We found the lowest rates on select dates, July-September. Stay now-June for as little as $119.

4.    Riviera Maya – Soak up sun and stellar deals in the Mexican Riviera

• Why Now: Travelers seeking warm summer sunshine, white sandy beaches and clear blue waters should travel to the Rivera Maya. The summer months are shoulder season for this beach paradise, resulting in stellar deals and less crowds. And, with many resorts recently popping up in the area, prices this year should be even lower. Be sure to plan a trip earlier in summer to beat the storms that tend to roll in as we get closer to fall.
• Value: Hotel rates in Cancun average $93 per person, per night, which are the lowest prices all year long. By traveling during summer, you’ll not only score a savings up to 50 percent, but you’ll also miss hurricane season.
• How: Riviera Maya: 35% off upscale all-inclusive resort -- from $69: Eat, sleep, swim, or do nothing all day -- for 35% less. The beachfront, all-inclusive Catalonia Riviera Maya Resort & Spa starts at just $69 per person, per night. Upgrade your stay for as little as $10 more. Travel now-October 31.

5.    South Africa – Bask in a tropics of great savings

• Why Now: Being a subtropical location in the southern hemisphere, South Africa sees its winter and off-season run from April through September, but that does not mean cold temperatures. What it does mean is great deals coupled with sunny, dry days and pleasantly crisp nights. The KwaZulu-Natal coast and Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces offer especially beautiful weather with warm, sunny days and virtually no wind or rain. For the more adventuresome, these months are also perfect to observe South Africa’s prosperous wildlife as vegetation is sparse during this time of year making it a great time for safaris.
• Value: Travelers can save hundreds on packages to South Africa when they go in late summer, saving about $970 per person or $1,970 per couple, when compared to winter months. That savings, combined with the best safari game viewing, makes the decision to visit South Africa this summer an easy one.
• How: South Africa tour with air, hotels, safaris, and meals -- $2,949+: Get traveling, get wild, get saving. Gate 1 Travel has a 10-night trip to South Africa that includes flights, hotels, safaris, a cruise, 15 meals, and tours from $2,949 in August and September.

*Prices are per person or per night, based on availability, and do not include additional taxes and fees. Other restrictions may apply. Please see website for more details.

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro Wows Tampa Bay

By Katie Toot

Bridal magazines are loved by brides, moms and women all over the world. These magazines give them an opportunity to hone in on what they really want for their wedding, from everything from the dress to the cake. When he was just 16-years-old, Buddy Valastro, the Cake Boss, dreamed of being in such magazines.

The Cake Boss came to Tampa on June 3 as part of his “Touring with the Cake Boss” tour. He entertained the crowd the entire show and won over everyone’s hearts at the Straz Center. No one could get enough of this love-able family guy.

After decorating a few cupcakes with some audience members, Valastro told the tale of how he became the Cake Boss and how everything started with a wedding magazine. At age 16, he told his father that one day his cake would be featured in a bridal magazine, and a few years later, it was.

A representative from Modern Bride magazine saw one of Valastro’s wedding cakes in the shop window while walking by one day and said she wanted to feature it in the magazine. From that day on Valastro has been in over 200 bridal publications over ten years and was in every issue of Modern Bride for over 3 years. Talk about a popular Cake Boss!

Valastro’s wedding cakes are unique and can be tailored to suit any style wedding. His cake factory, which is about a month away from opening, will allow him to ship his cakes all over the country. If you’ve ever dreamed about having a Cake Boss wedding cake, you will soon be able to fulfill your dream.

Take Your First Steps as Husband and Wife on the Forest Trails of Stonewater Cove

Take Your First Steps as Husband and Wife on the Forest Trails of Stonewater Cove

Spice up your honeymoon at an intimate Midwestern luxury resort that balances adrenalin-pumping activities with pampered relaxation

Shell Knob, Missouri – With vows recited, dinner feasted upon and the wedding celebration complete, the newly married can finally embark on their once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Filled with romance and ready for an adventure, a husband-and-wife team can cement their commitment to each other with a lake and forest adventure getaway to Stonewater Cove Resort and Club.

Hidden on almost 500-acres of lush wilderness in the heart of Missouri’s Mark Twain National Forest, Stonewater Cove Resort features a stunning hand-crafted lodge and custom designed rooms or suites, all offering the ultimate in luxe amenities as well as breathtaking views of the Ozark’s Table Rock Lake. Meander hand-in-hand among the magnificent trees and along the stone-lined paths that criss-cross the property, breathing in the beautifully scented fresh air and reconnecting with nature.

You can strengthen your newly created marriage bond by mastering thrilling guided and non-guided activities designed to test your limits and invoke your senses. Sail over the treetops on a zip-line adventure, bounce through the trees on an ATV ride, amble along handcrafted trails on a horseback ride (limited seasonality), or expand your water-sport skills via water-skiing, wakeboarding, or other lake fun. Take a leisurely canoe or kayak ride to see the wilderness from the lake or enjoy a leisure boat ride along one of the clearest freshwater lakes in the world. Go for a wilderness or photography hike to witness (and capture) nature’s beauty. You can even pit your will against that of the bass and other fish in Table Rock Lake, with fishing poles and bait available off the resort’s dock.

A day filled with adrenalin-pumping activities can be followed by leisurely pursuits. Ease your stresses, aches and tensions with pampering spa treatments, perhaps enjoying a couple’s massage in the privacy of your room or a rejuvenating foot exfoliation. Head to The Lounge for an after-dinner drink, Wii games, board games or a quiet place on a comfortable sofa to read a book and cuddle with your spouse. Sit in front of a roaring bonfire, gaze at the amazing night sky full of twinkling stars, and munch on a toasted s’more.

Retire to your individually designed room or suite for a restful slumber in the wilderness quiet. King or queen-sized beds – custom-made with driftwood from the local craftsman – beckon with their plump pillows, soft sheets and plush down comforters. Step into your elegant, spacious bath – beautifully appointed with knotty-alder cabinets as well as solid, hand-stained oak and cedar trim – to soak in the heavenly bubble tub or the rainfall shower room.

Refuel with gourmet creations from the resort’s chef, who develops a new menu each day. The Lodge restaurant, which features stunning views of the fog lifting off Table Rock Lake as the sun rises in the morning, also serves made-to-order breakfast. And, if your day is filled with back-to-back activities, you can request a boxed lunch to take along on your outdoor excursions.

Do nothing but enjoy your new life together and let the resort handle all the details such as scheduling and transportation. Book the adventure rates and enjoy an adventurous, all inclusive vacation with little guess work as to cost or inclusions – all regularly scheduled guided activities (hours of wilderness adventure per day), non-guided activities, use of resort amenities, meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Spa services, helicopter tours, professionally guided bass fishing trips, or any regular guided activities can also be booked a la carte. Thrill seekers and leisure lovers alike can enjoy the luxe amenities and design elements that blend the resort into the surrounding natural environment. Friendly, professional lodge staff and activity guides ensure pampering, safety and fun. Start on the right foot at this luxury wilderness resort overlooking Table Rock Lake, surrounded by endless forest.

Located in southwest Missouri on the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake, Stonewater Cove is located about four hours from Kansas City, four and a half hours from St. Louis, and six hours from Dallas. The three nearest airports to the resort are Branson (BKG), Springfield (SGF), and Northwest Arkansas (XNA). Resort concierge will gladly arrange airport transfers.

For more information about Stonewater Cove Resort and Club, or to make a reservation, please visit the website at stonewatercove.com or call (800) 792-3956.

Outsource Wedding Thank You Notes

Not long after the first engagement toasts are made, do the wedding gifts begin to arrive. All of these require thoughtfully written thank-you notes. My recently-launched website http://www.thanksforeverything.net writes these notes, with the recipient being none the wiser.

Some people are elated and grateful for the service. Others might raise an eyebrow at the outsourcing of etiquette. Either way, I thought it might pique your interest. The trend of outsourcing life's most personal details is gaining traction, and this thank-you note writing service is keeping pace with the way savvy brides manage the stress of planning a wedding.

With minimal input from the user, we compose thank-you notes that are personalized, poignant and pitch-perfect.

The service can also be used by new and soon-to-be parents for multitude of baby gifts that signal the arrival of a new member of the family.

5 Trends for 2011 Wedding Invitations

Spring for Letterpress

The unparalleled style and tactile quality that every letterpress wedding invitation holds is very fashionable for spring weddings. At every price level, spring brides are choosing letterpress printing for their wedding invitations over all else.

RSVP Postcards

To exhibit their sophistication and eco-savvy mindset, spring brides will be ordering RSVP postcards instead of the traditional RSVP card with return envelope. This saves on printing, paper and postage costs, while displaying a very modern wedding mentality.

Bilingual Invitation Designs

21st century brides are more multicultural than ever before. To service their diverse familial needs, many spring brides are asking about bilingual wedding invitation sets. Available in any printing or design style, bilingual wedding invitations are one of the hottest new items to enter into the wedding invitation industry.

Price Savvy Shopping

Spring brides are searching for specials on affordable letterpress printing and mixing digital printing (for their RSVP) with letterpress printing (for the invitation). By printing the invitation with letterpress and the other elements of the invitation set digitally, spring brides achieve the beautiful invitation sets that they have always wanted while still saving.

Colors Colors Colors

Invitations of every style and design will include more colors in spring 2011. Spring brides will be consulting the Spring 2011 Pantone© color forecast or the Dessy Wedding Color Guide 2011, and matching their invitations colors with their bridesmaid dresses and overall wedding themes.