One of my best friends just returned from a whitewater rafting trip on the American River.

Well, she called it "rafting."
Her version of this adventure sport involved a case of cheap beer and a lazy float down the Lower American River—a stretch of water that's occasionally mild enough to snooze on. When I heard that she'd spent more time cracking cans of PBR than actually paddling, I couldn't help but laugh a little. My own experience on that same river had left me with some of the largest bruises of my life. And I loved every second of it.

When LeBron James recently announced his decision to play for the Miami Heat next season, the press and the fans went wild—but perhaps no group was more elated than the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. The CVB is hoping this NBA coup will attract more visitors—particularly international visitors—to South Florida.

Come December, East and West Coasters may flock inland to our favorite ski towns (and, let’s admit it, après-ski towns), but by spring, we’re usually headed back to our respective shores and making plans for summer travels, seaside.

It’s unfortunate that we too often relegate the Rocky Mountain states to winter-destination status; after a few years of spring and summer trips to Colorado, I’m struck by how much the area has to offer summer vacationers. Under mountains in bloom, towns put on festivals (I happened upon a great wine fair in Boulder last year), rivers welcome rafters, trails beckon hikers. Planning a Colorado vacation for summer means a ticket to a veritable mountain paradise.

If the definition of hedonism is to devote oneself to the pleasure of the senses, then my recent weekend getaway in Seattle certainly fits the bill. I’d never been to the Emerald City before, and each moment was a salve for a separate sense, be it sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound.

If you've never been to a car race, it can be hard to imagine the appeal of something like the Indianapolis 500. But it's the little things that lock it in--the visceral details that you can't pick up from the TV screen. Being up close to the track, you can feel the snare of the wind as cars snap around corners and the rumble of shifting gears shaking through your bones. It's a feeling that's overwhelmingly immediate. You're there. You're part of the race. And even if you don't know antifreeze from anti-lock, it's exciting as hell.

After two visits to New Zealand, I am very familiar with travelers' number-one question: just how long does it take to get there? The answer: about 18 hours’ flight time from the U.S. East Coast, or three in-air viewings of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But here’s why Down Under is worth the long haul: once you land in New Zealand—no matter where you touch down—some of the world’s most varied and striking landscapes are a stone’s throw away. In fact, you can visit half a dozen pristine national parks in the time it took you to fly from New York to New Zealand; big on beauty and small on space, New Zealand’s geography favors travelers tight on time. Plus, all Kiwi national parks welcome visitors with free entry and hospitable overnight huts.

The Tiger Woods scandal could be good for the travel industry. Travelocity reports that in the days following Woods’ announcement that he’d return to professional golf at the upcoming Masters, searches for trips to Augusta – flights, hotels and vacation packages – increased over 16 percent as compared to the week prior. And a trip won't come cheap, even economy hotels are charging a premium for the Masters.

When Tiger Woods tees off at Augusta National at 1:42 p.m. today, the world will be watching. Those lucky enough to have scored passes to the Masters will have a front-row seat to the action.

Like you, I'm sure, I have a HUGE list of places to see and things to do before I die. And every trip, I try to cross one off my list. So when I found out that I'd be going to Maui with my husband's family, I immediately began to research surfing lessons. For years and years I have wanted to give this sport a whirl and finally I would have my chance.

On the first night of my recent Utah ski trip, my local guide raised a glass to propose this toast: Here's to a week of great skiing and proving that you really can get a drink in Utah!

It didn't take much to prove that point. Outings to restaurants with extravagant wine lists, après ski taverns and local distilleries all did their part to debunk the myth of strict drinking laws in Utah.

Because a good stereotype is meant to be squashed, I'm passing along my very scientific research findings to you: a collection of spots to throw one back in the not-so-dry state! The qualifications for my list are simple. It has to come recommended by a local, and it has to serve intoxicating libations.

Looking for a great spring break deal? Most people have  islands on the brain, but some of the best deals are found in the mountains. Spring skiing is a rare convergence of the best deals, the best weather and fewest crowds. Watch my interview on spring skiing deals in Colorado from the top of Keystone Mountain.