get your curlers ready

Here's an update from the Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee about the curling venue.

Less than three years to go!

british columbia goes green

Summerhill Winery in Kelowna, BC. Photo by Sue Frause.

If you've been staying away from Victoria, BC due to its policy of raw sewage dumping, fear no more.

Victoria has finally admitted they were pouring poop into the Straits of Juan de Fuca and polluting the Pacific Ocean.

Read all about British Columbia going green in a piece titled 'Lotus land' cleans up act by Seattle P-I columnist Joel Connelly.

Way to go, BC!

gas up and ski / ride free

Whistler Blackcomb is having a terrific snow year. Photo by Sue Frause.

Shell just made skiing and riding your favorite mountains a whole lot easier!

Buy a minimum of 10 gallons of Shell gasoline or diesel at participating Shell stations in Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington and get a Ski Free voucher good for a free adult lift ticket with purchase of a full price adult lift ticket to 30 participating ski resorts in British Columbia, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

See participating Shell stations for further details. Some restrictions may apply.

Once you purchase a minimum 10 gallons of Shell gasoline or diesel, give your gas receipt to a Shell station clerk who will stamp and staple your receipt to a validated Ski Free voucher.

Validated Ski Free vouchers can be redeemed at these participating ski resorts.

Stamped gas receipts must accompany validated voucher. Not valid with any other offer. Not for resale. Not redeemable for cash. Non transferable. Non refundable. Ski Free voucher valid only on days listed for each resort. Offer ends April 15, 2007 unless otherwise noted.

best travel websites

London is a fun destination, even in grey December. Photo by Sue Frause.

I get a fair amount of requests for hotel recommendations.

If I've been to a city, of course I pass along my suggestions. But if I haven't, I usually send my favorite websites.

I'm not a big fan of tripadvisor and although once in awhile awhile I like to read what regular travelers think about particular properties, sometimes I wonder who is writing them (PR people? The competition?).

My favorite site for finding hotels is Frommer's. Not only do they rate them by both prices and stars, their well-written reviews are current and insightful. Although I don't like their hotel reviews as well, Fodor's does a good job in its overviews and itineraries for cities/regions.

Another good website is the Lonely Planet. I used to think it was too hippie dippy but it's broadened its target audience over the years and you'll find accommodations in all price ranges, from youth hostels to luxury hotels.

I'm off to New York City to visit my son next month, and found a great little hotel on the Lonely Planet site. And for only $160 a night (with breaky) -- a bargain for the Big Apple. It's not my favorite part of town (Times Square) but I have friends staying there on business so it will be easier to be nearby.

And of course, if you're headed way far away, check Rick Steves' website. It's chock full of helpful information, including a fun Grafitti Wall where you can read and share tips with travelers on more than 100 topics.

Last but not least is vagablond, which I contribute to regularly. It's all about luxury travel, shopping, fine food and wine.

If you have a favorite travel website, post a comment here and share it with other travels. We can never have too many resources!

vancouver: winter olympics three years away

Sorbet at Hotel Grand Pacific, Victoria. Photo by Sue Frause.

Vancouver, BC is Host City of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Today at noon, the official countdown clock by Omega was unveiled at the Georgia Street Plaza at the Vancouver Art Gallery (located at the corner of Georgia and Hornby across from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver).

Other "three years to go" activities include a celebration at Pacific Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10-4. The Coliseum will be the venue for figure skating and short track speed skating (bring your own skates).