Author: Marcia Frost

Marcia Frost has been doing travel segments on CI Living, an afternoon lifestyle show on CBS in Central Illinois and Western Indiana, for the last decade. She covers areas throughout the Midwest, as well as a few more distant getaways a year (i.e. resorts, known attractions, historical locations, and cruises) each year.. Autoimmune disease has slowed down her travel to more accessible than adventurous and she has used the opportunity to stress disabled travel, health, spa, and wellness. She has also written for Terra Travelers Magazine, Insider, Medium, The Pennyhoarder, The Daily Meal, Long Weekends Magazine, Yahoo!, USA Today, Hotels.com, TripSavvy, and Girls Getaway. Follow Marcia’s adventures to see a preview of what she will bringing next on Twitter and Instagram @SpiritsTraveler and at http://www.Facebook.com/MidwestTravelWithMarciaFrost

While every state in the union now makes wine, you still won’t find any areas as well-known as Napa and Sonoma. They are two of the most recognized wine regions in the U.S. and they also happen to be right next door to each other in Northern California. If your time is limited, how do you choose?

It’s hard to believe that two places producing wine could be so close yet so different, but it’s …

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Victoria is in the British Columbia region of Canada. It is actually the capital of the province. This quaint city borders between the water and the mountains, allowing breathtaking scenery and plenty to explore, taste and learn.

It’s easy to get to Victoria. Ferry service is available from Port Angeles and Seattle. You can also fly directly into the airport from many Canadian cities (including Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary), as well as Seattle and San …

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Until the 2010 Olympic Games brought it to the attention of the world, Vancouver was a quiet British Columbia city that was often forgotten when planning vacations. The renovations and revitalization of city for the world’s biggest sporting event has left a region with great food, wine, culture and activities, all between the Pacific Ocean and the snowcapped mountains.

Granville Island
As you cross into Granville Island, the world changes quickly as you no longer …

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Colorado is known for seasonal activities such as skiing and hiking, but there’s something more unique you can do there any time of year. The craft spirits business in Colorado is booming, and you might want to hit the road (not while you are drinking, of course) and check it out. All of these distilleries welcome you to arrange visits and tastings.

Boulder Distillery, Rob’s Mountain Gin-Boulder
You can fly into Denver from just …

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Santa Catalina Island is a slice of tropical life nested in Southern California. Once you arrive in Avalon, you can forget all your worries and play as if you’ve landed in the Caribbean.

You will find Catalina Island listed as a stop for a number of cruise ships on their way to Mexico from Los Angeles or San Diego. It is also just a short ferry ride from the Southern California ports of Marina Del …

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The beauty of Canada is undeniable, with its cascading mountains, huge lakes and flowing waterfalls, but beyond Montreal, Niagara and Vancouver, there is another part of Canada that people often forget. The Okanagan Valley has all the scenery of its fellow states and has also become a region known for its wine and food. It’s not a surprise considering the fish, fowl, fruit and vegetables grown throughout the area.

You can easily find Inniskillin (which …

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In a world where camping lovers and luxury travelers collided, someone decided to do something about it. Glamping combines the best of both worlds for those who love to sleep under the stars, but want to do it in a comfortable bed; or the couple that is torn between one’s desire to pitch a tent and the other’s need to have a comfortable floor to walk on.

The whole idea of glamping is one of …

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The world is full of beautiful beaches, but some places are better than others to spend your vacation. Think about what you really want to do on that trip before deciding where to go. You will find more to do than lying by the ocean at the best beach destinations.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Perfect blue water, white sand and beach beds (not just chairs) everywhere. It’s hard to match Punta Cana. There are many …

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South Beach is a section of Miami, Florida, that is known for its art galleries, boutiques and great beaches. It’s also an easy area to find the perfect place to stay. Whether you are looking for a large resort or a small boutique property, you will find hotels lining the streets of Collins Avenue and Ocean Avenue.

Hotel Riu South Beach
The Spanish Riu Hotel chain brought a little bit of Europe to South Beach. …

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While visions of Australia often contain pictures of the Great Barrier Reef or the Sydney Opera House, South Australia is often overlooked. This area may be the best find of all, offering an abundance of activities in and out of the water.

Rich History
It was 1836 when the first British settlement was established in Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, and Adelaide would be founded a few months later, but evidence of mining and rock art in …

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Grey’s Anatomy has made Seattle famous for ferry rides (and hot doctors), but there’s plenty more in this city. You can easily find fun things to do for a day – or even a week.  It’s also a very walkable city so you can try to keep fit while enjoying some of Seattle’s best treats, like gourmet food and chocolate. The only thing you can’t be guaranteed of enjoying is the weather. Bring the umbrella …

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Mazatlan was a weekly stop on episodes of The Love Boat television show. It’s still a big cruise port, but there are plenty of places to stay on dry land, with lots to do to keep a vacationer more than satisfied during a week in the sunshine on the Mexican Gold Coast.

Perfect Weather
It doesn’t matter what time of year you head to Mazatlan, the chances are pretty good it’s going to be warm …

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Dear Travel IQ: Can you explain the how to properly use a concierge?  Many of the nicer hotels I visit have a concierge, but I'm not sure what is an appropriate question outside of a restaurant suggestion or directions.  What can a concierge do for me (and should I then do something for them)?

Signed: Confused and Lost in Vancouver

 
 

Dear Confused: All large hotels and resorts (and sometimes even smaller …

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Whether you are a mother, daughter, sister or aunt, Mother’s Day is a great excuse to plan a girl’s weekend getaway. For some, that may just mean taking the day off and heading to the local salon, but if you have a little extra time, there are some great options out there for places that know how to treat the ladies. I have some favorites that can satisfy just about anyone.

New York City, New

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