More than a few cold and lonely travelers have likely fantasized about having another body to warm up the hotel bed. But they probably didn't exactly have in mind the trial service offered by some Holiday Inns in Great Britain: human bed warmers. With the new perk, a staffer (at two London hotels, one in Manchester) will dress in... Full story »

No admission's required to nature's gallery of ice sculpture - from roof overhangs to Great Lakes shorelines - this time of year. But ice sculpted by humans is a less slippery, and equally magical way to go this time of year.   At this weekend's 28th annual Plymouth Ice Festival (Jan. 22-24), you'll find 100-plus professionally-made ice sculptures. There's... Full story »

The Upper Mississippi River is eagle central this month, as thousands of the majestic bird flock to areas of open water to feed, particularly along locks and dams where tasty fish also congregate. Bald Eagle Days, the largest Midwest event dedicated to this national symbol, is being held this weekend - Jan. 8-10 - at the Expo Center and... Full story »

Champagne's had its day in the limelight; now, apparently, it's ice wine's turn. The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa released its lineup today of the year's themes for its popular Cooking Live series, run by chef Ted Cizma. And first on the docket, on Jan. 19, is a dinner featuring ice wine, a dessert wine produced from grapes that... Full story »

If your New Year's resolutions include something along the lines of "get healthier," then it should also include a number of vacation getaways, or so research shows. Full story »

Some years, it just seems right to close the old year and usher in the new with the wild abandon of a crazy dance party. Other years, it may be quiet reflection you crave. That, and the fact I have a terrible time with decisions, is why I love New Year's Eve bashes that offer a choice - even... Full story »

Start with this Travel and Leisure list of the best places to spend Christmas.  Full story »

Some 2.7 million of us Michigan residents are planning some year-end holiday travel that takes us more than 50 miles from home, up 35 percent from last year's projected 2 million, according to AAA's latest travel survey. Nationwide, AAA predicts 87.7 million Americans will travel, up 3.8 percent from a year ago. Here are some other findings from the... Full story »

You can sleep with Michael Cera or Justin Long - well, above the bakery in which they once ate donuts, anyway - after being the first to watch the premiere of the Michigan-made Youth in Revolt at Frankfort's Garden Theater. The film, starring Cera, Long, Ray Liotta and more, is showing at the newly remodeled theater Dec. 29, more... Full story »

Letting the deals dictate your winter ski and snowboarding fun is not as much a hardship as you might think, especially this year. Friday (Dec. 18) is the day to gather a group of friends or family members and head to either Crystal Mountain for the first of the year's four 5-for-$50 lift ticket deals or Boyne, where the... Full story »

Most of Michigan's major ski resorts open this weekend, thanks in part to more than a foot of fresh snow, with some offering early season lift ticket rates. Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville opens noon Friday (Dec. 11) and through the weekend, with an expected 30 percent of its skiable terrain open. Lift tickets are discounted to $25 for adults.... Full story »

Heading to Rio to ring in the New Year, you'll want to plan your wardrobe colors accordingly, depending on your resolution list. Looking for love, it's red you'll want to wear, prosperity (green), and so on. That's just one reason it's good to know some of the world's most unusual New Year traditions before checking the bags. If the... Full story »

Travelers may be in luck this winter in the good deal department, if pre-holiday specials are any indication. Among the latest deals: Book a two-night stay over the holiday season at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, and you'll get $30 (per couple) in credits to the Turtle Creek Casino and two breakfasts each day for $99/night. Winter perks... Full story »

The idea of giving the gift of travel magazines (while on sale!) comes from colleagues at the Midwest Travel Writers Association, a group with a vested interest in keeping magazine subscriptions selling. But the members also are avid readers, and also savvy travelers, probably the main reason they're flocking to an Amazon.com $5 magazine sale that ends today. Among the... Full story »

No doubt, staying overnight in a lighthouse come the dead of winter, right on Lake Michigan, at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, would give as clear a picture as you're likely to get of the loneliness and occasional desolation felt by the lighthouse keeper of old. There's certain to be a bit of romance, too, as you curl... Full story »