TravelLeisure

According to a recent U.S. study, Wyoming is the third happiest state in the country. It's no wonder, with the never-ending outdoor fun the state has to offer. As the snow melts away and flowers start to bloom, Northwestern Wyoming transforms from a winter adventure destination to a summer paradise.

Summer brings an entirely different experience to the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The central location of Togwotee Pass provides for easy access to fishing, rafting, hiking and boating. A drive through the Tetons to the north will bring you to the South Entrance of Yellowstone and several more adventures. Drive south through the Tetons and enjoy the western small town excitement of the town of Jackson.

Located above Jackson Hole in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Togwotee Mountain Lodge is the perfect starting point for an endless array of fun outdoor summer activities that take place in a beautiful natural setting, from horseback riding and hot air balloon rides to mountain bike tours and white water rafting. This summer, Togwotee Mountain Lodge is offering an array of lodging packages for any type of visitor. Read more

The Atlantic Hotel, overlooking Fort Lauderdale, Florida's beaches, has introduced its Shopping & Spa Sojourn package, just in time for Mother's Day. Available from May 8 through August 31, 2009, the Shopping & Spa Sojourn package is priced at $299 per room, per night, based on double occupancy, with a two-night minimum, and includes:

• Grand Deluxe Oceanfront Room – Measuring 600 sq. ft., each room features terraces overlooking the ocean, granite kitchenettes, expansive five-fixture bathrooms, BOSE sound systems and wireless Internet service.
• $50 credit per person to Spa Atlantic – The 10,000-sq.-ft. Spa Atlantic provides a rejuvenating experience that is as therapeutic to the mind and spirit as it is to the body.
• $100 Neiman Marcus gift card – Guests can get an extra style boost from Neiman Marcus, renowned for its specialty fashion and quality products, located in The Galleria Mall at Fort Lauderdale just minutes from The Atlantic Hotel.
• Lunch for two at Neiman Marcus – A cozy-chic, in-store eatery, The Mermaid Bar®, located inside Neiman Marcus, offers a diverse menu with the ambience of a whimsical, modern diner.
• Neiman Marcus in-room welcome amenity
• Personal shopping services available – Guests can experience Neiman Marcus’ unparalleled customer service with personal shopping assistants available.

EPIC, a new luxury waterfront boutique hotel in downtown Miami, was built with the business traveler in mind. This centrally-located hotel is decked-out with tech tools and services traveling executives need most.

One high-tech offering that stands out is that desktop computers are provided in all 411 guestrooms and suites. They are loaded with Microsoft Office software, offer high-speed Internet access, and run an interactive portal that provides guests with hotel information, local Miami guides, and on-demand entertainment. Need to print something? The computers are programmed to print to the front desk, so you can easily pick up your documents when on the go.Read more

With the economy concerning many Americans, travelers who long for a summer vacation need not despair. From Atlantic City to Salt Lake City, areas all around the country are offering a variety of no-charge events, festivals, and cultural attractions that won't break the bank.

Here are some fun, free ways to explore the U.S. on a budget.

I Love New York

• Alive at Five (June 4 - Aug 13) – This free summer concert series has kept downtown Albany's spirits high on Thursdays for 19 years. The stage comes alive with a different genre of music from national, regional and local artists; www.albanyevents.org
• Syracuse Jazz Festival (June 26 and 27) – Onondaga Community College is home to the 27th Annual Syracuse Jazz Fest, the largest free festival of its kind in the northeast. This year, pop star Kenny G. will headline on Saturday, June 27; www.syracusejazzfest.com

Navigating the Rules of Carry-on Liquids

Is it worth it? Is it really worth it? Trying to get that bottle of Evian on board just isn't worth the hassle anymore. And clinging to that cup of Starbucks coffee as you wait to board a 6:00 a.m. flight to anywhere only to be told to toss it before entering the security check point is hard to handle.

In spite of all the stated rules for "liquids, gels, creams and similar substances" published by the TSA, the actual implementation of these rules will vary dramatically from airport to airport throughout the US and abroad. Why? The reasons can vary from lack of training, personal interpretation of the rules by individual TSA employees or just plain laziness in adhering to them. After all, TSA employees are looking for needles in a haystack as thousands of travelers pass their patrol. So getting through with your favorite beverage is really a toss of the dice.

As a traveler, you can either argue your case when faced with a screener who insists you dump that fresh bottle of water or you can simply take steps to avoid any unpleasantness that may ruin the start to that dream vacation or that important client meeting.Read more