It’s Mardi Gras, people. Time to party. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

There are celebrations being held all over the world, but the two best are Carnival in Rio and the craziness of America’s own New Orleans. By best I mean the most drinking, parades, and public nudity. You may have your own ranking system.

If you can’t get to Brazil or New Orleans there are plenty of other places to enjoy the celebration before Lent sets in (although, my personal experience has shown a lot more people seem to partake in Fat Tuesday than Ash Wednesday — go figure).

St. Louis throws a nice party as does Mississippi’s West Coast (both of which offer lots of family fun). Most cities feature some sort of celebration, although they tend to focus on Fat Tuesday (February 21) rather than weeks of debauchery. San Diego claims to have the best party out west, but I recall one Fat Tuesday in Seattle that brought out police in riot gear, which is always a sign that things are pretty wild (also a sign that it is time to duck down an alley and get the heck out of there).

If you want something that the kids will enjoy (not that they won’t get a kick out of the above, but the parents will probably have a nervous breakdown), then check out the rolling good times at Disneyland. Yes, Disneyland. Parades start tomorrow (February 10) and the fun runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. in New Orleans Square (check link below for dates, subject to change).

Disney’s New Orleans Bayou Bash has all of your favorite Disney characters, street performers, food, and music, and runs well into March.

Unfortunately there isn’t any drinking at Disney’s party, but a quick walk through Downtown Disney, one of the Disney hotels or Disney’s California Adventure can wet your whistle quick enough. Please note, they do tend to frown on public nudity.

Party on!

Photo: Mark Gstohl via Flickr

The eyes of America are on New Hampshire today, but what about the stomachs? Sure, everyone is making time to vote, but what about time to dine? Ask Bobby (or his girl), dining is important. I’m actually surprised it hasn’t come up in the debates.

I’ve been to New Hampton, New Hampshire (or through it as the case may be), but I didn’t spot this diner. Too bad, I’m a sucker for cool signs, romantic gestures, and bacon.

New Hampshire is a great year-round destination for family vacations. Also, voting.

This post is part of Uptake’s Tuesday Roadside Diners & Attractions Series. If you have a photo of an odd, funny or interesting roadside attraction that you would like to see featured here please submit it via the link in the sidebar with subject line: Roadside.

Niagara Falls is, in case you haven’t heard, a really big waterfall on the border of the United States and Canada. Actually, it’s made up of a few waterfalls, including the American Falls, the Bridal Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. Visitors come from all over the world – including America and Canada – to get a gander at the natural wonder. When I announced my own upcoming visit on Twitter recently, I was immediately told by several people to make sure I had my passport so I could visit the Canadian side and get up close to the horseshoe falls by boat.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have a passport with me at the time (it was, ironically, waiting for me in Pittsburgh.) Did my lack of passport interfere with my visit? Do you need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?

Read More »

Buckle up, travelers, it’s time to hit the open super information highway for all of your vacation needs. Well, some of your vacation needs. We don’t sell postcards (but we should).

Over the past week we have carefully considered all of the emails (see link in sidebar) and tweets that we have received, and we’ve picked the most interesting for you to peruse. That, my friends, is how we were raised.

And now is the part where we link to stuff.

Kids and teens are talking travel at a Kid’s I View.

Real people (like you, not the bots and/or zombies) are sharing real travel stories at TravelerVoice.

The Disney Blog has tons of info to help plan your Disney vacation!

Lonely Planet’s Robert Reid talks flying with Iron Maiden’s Captain Bruce Dickinson.

Looking for all things cruise-related? Well, you’ve found it.

Ever considered a Denny’s tour of America? Gadling has.

Switzerland is still beautiful. CNN Travel has proof.

Top 10 new restaurants in America according to Bon Appetit.

USA Today points out that NYC’s Naked Cowgirl is kind of frisky. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

There you have it, folks — a week of internet travel deals and discounts. Also, news. Enjoy the journey!