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Spirited Travels Worth Checking Out

There's only so many days in the week (and hours in the day). It's impossible to keep traveling and still get all the work done. That's why I sometimes have to rely on word of mouth when it comes to wine and spirit travels. As I prepare to cover my first South Beach Food and Wine Festival, here's some adventures you might want to check out:

You don't see a lot of skiing trips that involve liquor, but I found one that combines them both (off the slopes, of course). The Above the Clouds travel package started in December, but there's still time to check it out. The trip will take you through the snowy mountains of Vail and Beaver creek with plenty of time for sport, gourmet meals and mixology classes, thanks to a partnership with Zacapa Rum. It's a group package that could fulfill many dreams. Check it out -- and make sure you let me know how it went.

If you are thinking of Vegas(and I'm planning a trip as we speak), St. Patrick's Day may be the time to go and start the celebration early. The St. Patrick's Day Festival will be held on March 13th at the Mandalay Bay Beach. Musical guests include Everlast and the music of Whitney Ford Singles the Blues, La Coka Nostra and House of Pain in the evening. During the day, admission is complimentary for hotel guests and locals, with Irish bands and DJs. There will be plenty of drink specials for the beach party (and I'm guessing some corned beef and cabage, Vegas style).Tickets to the evening concert are available at the Mandalay Bay Box Office -- (702) 632-7580 -- or at Ticketmaster.


Another way to try out some tasty drinks while traveling is to take a cruise. I sat in on a press conference with Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday and they have some exciting things in the works. First, their mega ship Norwegian Epic is right on schedule for its inagural cruise in June. They are also getting ready to launch service out of Tampa and Rome. I'm always excited to hear about new cruises through wine countries and Rome through the Meditaranean -- including a unique stop in Israel -- definitely sounds like a recipe for spirited travel. If you prefer more nature than coliseums, Princess Cruises is debuting new excursions in Alaska for the summer. Whales, Glaciers & Bears on one tour?  It could be fun and I'm sure there'll be a tropical drink at the bar waiting to remind you that you're on a cruise!