The newest Disney Cruise Line ship, Disney Fantasy, floated out of the enclosed building dock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany last week as fireworks filled the sky. Disney Fantasy will starts its voyage towards New York city, where it will be Christened on March 1st and on March 31, 2012 the Disney Fantasy will start its maiden voyage.

The Disney Fantasy is a sister ship to Disney Dream, and will feature many of the same new features Disney Dream has, for example the Aqua Duck water slide and magical portholes in the inner stateroom. In addition the Disney Fantasy will offer two new Broadway-style musical spectaculars, a dining experience at Animator’s Palate where guests’ own drawings magically come to life, an interactive adventure quest starring the Muppets, and a water play area called AquaLab, and much more.

The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. For more details, check out Disney Cruise Line.

New on Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy will have two new shows never seen on Disney Cruise line before; “Wishes” and “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular”.

You may know the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and The Pirates League makeover stores from the Disney Parks, but Disney Fantasy will be the first cruise ship to host these two retailers onboard and children of all ages can live their princess and pirate fantasies. After the makeovers the young princesses can “look the part” for dinner at Royal Court, an elegant restaurant inspired by the classic Disney films “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.” And kids will love the deck party “Mickey’s Pirates IN the Caribbean” known from all Disney cruises when they decked out via a Pirates League.

The nine-hole, Disney-themed miniature golf course isn’t “just plain Goofy.” It also stars Goofy’s son, Max. The interactive holes emphasize various golfing lessons – but, of course, with goofy twists. There are simulators that provide a variety of state-of-the-art virtual sports-gaming experiences, ping pong and foosball tables, and an arcade offering a variety of the latest interactive video games plus gaming classics such as pinball and air hockey.

I have said this so many times before, but Disney cruises are not just for kids, and Disney Fantasy promises new additions for adult passengers as well. Nightlife for adult vacationers takes a Fantasy spin with Europa – an entertainment district of high-energy, sophisticated and trendy clubs and lounges. Inspired by the night spots of Italy, France, Ireland and London, Europa is a continent of adult nighttime fun without borders. La Piazza is a lounge that draws inspiration from stylish Italian plazas. Skyline is a chic bar that provides ever-changing birds-eye views of stunning European cityscapes. O’Gill’s Pub is a rollicking Irish bar and Ooh La La is an elegant French champagne bar. The Tube transports guests to a vibrant metropolitan club reminiscent of swinging London. Adult only dining is available at Palo specializing in Northern Italian cuisine with a contemporary twist, and Remy, the most upscale and romantic dining experience about Disney Fantasy and serving French-inspired cuisine. And don’t forget the Senses Spa & Salon, a spa of ultimate pampering is only for guests 18 and older and there is also an adults only swimming pool for relaxing.

Hello there. The Skimbaco Travel blog has been experiencing some travel and lifestyle related detours for a while, but the blog will be more revived than ever shortly. One of my favorite ways to travel is moving around, and truly seeing a place like locals do. We have now lived in New York for 3,5 years, and while we love it here, it’s time to move on.

Our new semi-permanent destination is Stockholm, Sweden and we possibly are staying there around three years, plenty of time to travel around Europe and get to live the Scandinavian lifestyle we love. I cover a lot of our move to Sweden from my personal perspective at Skimbaco Lifestyle and will be covering the travel aspect more here.

But for now… Pictures from Stockholm that I took on my last visit in 2010.

Keen to avoid a thanksgiving kitchen nightmare? Why not book a suite at The Mark and enjoy a festive dinner at The Mark Restaurant by Jean Georges Vongerichten. This exclusive offer will take care of your sumptuous accommodation and thanksgiving feast, allowing you to spend the holiday enjoying New York’s premier museums, shops and the splendor of Central Park. The Mark not only surrounds you in luxury and style, it places you at the epicenter of Manhattan’s social and cultural riches.

Read also 10 holiday travel tips that save time and money and check out some current travel deals at CheapSally.com.

Travelocity wants you to have easy-breezy Holiday trip, and help you to save time and money when booking your Holiday trip. For instance, I typically like to wait ’til the last minute and get the last minute deals, but when it comes to traveling during the Holidays you can’t do that, trust me, there never will be last minute flight deals during the Holidays. In fact – we already have our flights bought to Texas for Christmas. Continue reading and get more Holiday travel tips like this!

1. Don’t wait to purchase flights.
The cost of airfare goes up, not down, the closer a holiday gets, and due the increased amount of travelers no last minute deals will be available. Don’t hold out for a last-minute deal. Book as soon as you know your plans for lower prices and more choices and for getting seats for your entire family.

2. Be flexible with travel dates.
Airlines know some dates are more popular than others when it comes to holiday travel, so some may charge more for flights on those days. Travelocity’s analysis of Thanksgiving airfare for 2011 found you can save an average of $200 by adjusting your travel dates. In general, dates to avoid this holiday season: Nov. 27 and 28, Dec. 22, 23 and 26 and Jan. 2.

We booked our family of five’s trip from New York to Texas and saved over $1,300 by booking our flights on December 25th and 31st. I’m fine flying on Christmas and saving that money for more fun in the destination.

3. Research alternate airports.
Many major cities are serviced by several airports, so don’t forget to check the ‘search alternate airports’ box, flying to an airport that’s a little less convenient can mean big savings. Bare in mind the cost of transportation as well. We live in NYC area and only fly from Stewart in Newburgh or White Plains because they are closer to home and take less time to get to the airport, the parking is cheaper and no expensive road tolls to pay to get there. Flights from JFK or LaGuardia typically are little cheaper, but when you sum up the time, parking, tolls, the other airports are not just more convenient but also cost effective.

4. Leave enough time for connecting flights.
Avoid connecting flights if you can — during the holidays and otherwise. Every additional flight increases the chances of something going wrong. If a connection can’t be avoided, be sure to allow plenty of time to make your connection and build in extra time in case your first flight is delayed. With planes flying at near capacity over the holidays, it could be a very long time before the airline is able to find you an available seat on another flight.

5. Don’t over pack.
Nearly every major airline charges $25 for the first checked bag and $35 for the second. If each member of a family of four checks two bags, that’s an additional $240 round-trip. Travelocity advices to carry on only and save yourself money, but I recommend checking in a large bag and packing it jointly with other family members because you also don’t want to over pack for carry on and especially on smaller planes they might check it in anyways at the gate.

6. Don’t put important items in checked baggage.
If you must check bags (see No. 5), be sure you don’t pack away items like medication, a cell phone charger and anything else you can’t live without. Once you check that bag you’re not going to see it again until you arrive at your destination, no matter how delayed your flight may be.

7. Check in online before flight.
Every major airline allows passengers to check in online up to 24 hours before the flight and print boarding passes, pre-pay for checked baggage and more. This is a huge time saver at the airport and means skipping the check-in line and heading straight to security with boarding pass in hand.

8. Show up early at airport and leave enough time to get through security.
Airlines, airports and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be staffed up to deal with holiday crowds, but expect security lines to be longer than usual. Leave one hour from the time you arrive at the security to get to your gate. Even if you are an expert traveler remember that Holiday time is often the time when the casual travelers travel the most. Many airports have casual, expert and family traveler lanes; choose the one that best describes you so you and your fellow travelers have as easy a trip through security as possible.

9. Know the latest TSA rules.
You have to take off your shoes at security at most airports. Everyone must follow the 3-1-1 rule and take laptops out of their bags and put them through the metal detector in its own bin. Outerwear must be removed before walking though the metal detector. Don’t be the one who holds up the line – know the rules. For more information, visit TSA.gov.

10. Take advantage of cheap hotels.
Of course you love your family. You probably love your in-laws even more, right? But wouldn’t these holiday visits be even a little sweeter with a little privacy? Consider checking into a nearby hotel instead of sleeping on the sofa — hotel deals (with the exception of properties in resort areas) are plentiful during the holiday season.

These tips were provided by Travelocity and fully agreed by me! Be prepared for a fun Holiday trip and start booking and planning today!

Scarves are my favorite travel accessory. I know I’m not alone, because every time you see celebrities traveling – they are sporting a scarf, like Ashley Tisdale, Victoria Beckham or Emily Blunt in the picture above.

Top 3 Scarf Tips for Traveling

1. Always bring a scarf for your flight. Even during summertime a thin silk or cotton scarf keeps you warm if the air-conditioning on the flight is too cold, and a warm cashmere or wool scarf will keep you warm on flights during fall and winter. Get a large enough scarf, wrap or pashmina so you can use it as a mini blanket during the flights. The polyester blankets on board are not the nicest ones, and by bringing a scarf you’ll get a fashion accessory and a blanket in one.

2. Bring scarves in different prints and colors and create your travel wardrobe only using 4 colors that mix and match easily, like black, white, grey and red, or beige, brown, orange and white or navy, white, pink and red. Then you can easily change the look of the same outfit with a scarf and other accessories.

3. It’s a scarf, it’s a blanket, it’s a shawl… Think multi-use, and also multi-outfit. Can the same scarf go with a t-shirt and jeans and the next day accompany a little black dress? Can the thin silk scarf work as a shawl with your dress and then wrapped with your business suit? Eva Longoria shows how it’s done!

Read more tips about scarves at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

Scarves Galore

Here are some cute scarves in different looks for the fall and winter.

Jones New York Wrap, Satin Pashmina $20 (sale price) is a great find from Macy’s, if you can’t make a commitment to an expensive good quality scarf. Get it in a “not safe” color that will pop from your outfit.

Roberto Cavalli Zebra Print Scarf $138 is great quality, timeless animal print that also happens to be very trendy. Soft wool.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Scarf, Lightweight Wool Equestrian $58 makes your outfit look like million bucks even if it isn’t. Easy way to make your travel wardrobe look more upscale, if you are into that look.

Gallieni 100% Wool Scarf $69 (sale price) has to be my favorite of these all! It’s bohemian enough so you can wear it with t-shirt, shorts and sandals, or you can use it as a shawl with a dress or use it with a blazer, jeans and high heels. Very versatile and trendy right now.

Refined silk-cashmere wrap by J. Crew $75, is a silk and cashmere mix scarf that everyone should have in their closet at least in one color (many to choose from). Good quality, classic.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Scarf, Silk Trim Cable Knit Scarf $48.00 is so pretty, very feminine, and can also be worn with so many different outfits.

One of our favorite hotel and resort chains, Four Seasons teamed up with some of our favorite luxury family travel bloggers to offer you a fabulous giveaway to to win a luxury family vacation at one of three Four Seasons locations, taking you to skiing in Vail, eating lobsters in Boston or enjoying the beach at the island of Nevis.

Visit Luxury Travel Mom, Ciao Bambino, Posh Brood for the details of this luxury family travel giveaway for your chance to win.

I wrote about glamping at Paws Up resort in Montana a while ago, and here is a bit more about the one-of-a-kind resort. I highly recommend Paws Up if you are looking for a getaway to relax and enjoy nature but still want to be pampered with luxury accommodations, or if you are looking for original Montana adventure.

Paws Up in Montana

Paws Up wilderness resort is located 35 minutes northeast of Missoula, in Greenough, and it is very easy to get there from the Missoula airport. I recommend renting a car if you would like drive around in Montana while your stay, but there is a resort transportation at Paws Up that will have you covered too during your stay. There is also a complimentary, round-trip transportation between the airport and Paws Up is included in all room rates.

I didn’t really know what to expect when arriving to Paws Up, but I had not realized how large the area was until I saw it. The entire resort is 37,000 acres and it includes plenty of trails, and a working cattle ranch and forest areas for wild animals like deer to roam. The main lodge doesn’t include hotel rooms, and you will always get a private lodge or a tent for your stay making the resort not really feel like a resort at all, but your own private vacation.

Activities

While enjoying the serene surroundings and the beautiful Montana mountain side would be enough to draw me to Paws Up, their superb list of activities makes it even better. There are plenty of inclusive activities you can do (that are included to your nightly fee) from hiking to geocaching and fishing to disc golfing. The Montana resort is a perfect place for kayaking, swimming, mountain biking and rappelling and in addition to many activities you can do on your own, they also offer instructed activities. You can take it to the extreme by rolling down the hill in a gigantic zorb ball, take a hot balloon flight or take a river adventure in the Alberton Gorge, a full day whitewater adventure featuring class III+ rapids.

My visit to Paws Up was (too) short, but I was able to spend a few hours horseback riding and had an archery class. The horseback riding was very mellow, and anyone can do it, even if you haven’t been horseback riding before. We had as authentic Montana cowgirl as possible guiding us and telling us about the life in Montana while riding through the beautiful forest trails. I love horses and riding, and it was such a great way to reunite with an old hobby. I had not tried archery before but I think I did OK – I was just happy to try something new that I would normally never do. My friends on the trip tried sporting clays, shooting clay targets that simulate real hunting. This is so not for me, but the ladies had a lot of fun with it.

Lodge

Paws Up has several lodges in different sizes, starting from 1,300sq up to 3,248 sq wilderness estates, in which I stayed. I heard that several celebrities like Carrie Underwood and the Rolling Stones like to rent a few lodges for themselves and their posse for relaxing getaways, and the luxury lodges truly are rock stars of lodges and I now understand why they are popular among people who can afford it all and could choose anywhere in the world to go to.

The attention to detail like original art work in the houses, or wine cooler for keeping the wine chilled combined with the breathtaking mountain views from the front porch and the hot tub in the back created a perfect relaxing environment, where I urged even my friends not to open their laptops and just enjoy the moment.

We were told that “just dial 1 if you would like to order food” and we wanted to test how well it really works; would we be able to order what we wanted, and how fast it would be delivered. I felt little spoiled yet it felt so luxurious to dial 1, and order pizza, wine and the fixings for S’Mores. It is absolutely mind blowing to me to order pizza and S’Mores in the middle of the mountains and have rustic pizza and everything needed for S’Mores on a platter delivered to your lodge within 30 minutes. And the S’Mores – we roasted them in the majestic fireplace in the lodge.

The house I stayed was so well equipped and absolutely gorgeous. The glassed in showers and separate a jetted spa tubs made even taking a bath after mountain activities a luxurious experience. But if you wanted more activities, the hot tub outside was great for jumping in, the full house surround system allowed music streamed to every room, and the upstairs game room was filled with games to play. Of course, gigantic flat screen TV’s were found all over in case the quietness of nature came too much to bare for you. The kitchen was equipped for a private chef with Viking appliances and everything you would think of needing preparing gourmet meals (in case you didn’t want to dial 1 to order anything).

Glamping in glamorous tents

And then there is glamping… Paws Up is famous for glamorous camping in their luxury tents. Read more and see all of the photos of glamping at Paws Up in a post I wrote earlier.

Disclosure: Mercedes-Benz paid my stay at Paws Up, and I was not asked to write this post. All of my opinions are my own.

Greetings from Singapore!
I just arrived to Singapore on Finnair’s special Angry Birds flight from Helsinki. The first ever Angry Birds Asian Challenge took place on this fun flight that seemed to go much faster than the 11,5 hours than what it did in reality. The Asian Challenge winner Jani Uljas from a Finnish travel website Rantapallo.fi was crowned at the Changi Airport immediately after the flight.

The plane was decorated in the Angry Birds theme, every passenger was able to get their own Angry Birds plush toy and Helsinki airport had special musical performance (Angry Birds theme music of course played by a live band) and special Angry Birds menu at the Finnair lounge prior the flight. These are just a few of the fun details of the first ever Angry Birds flight. More details and pictures coming after I have toured a few days in Singapore and get back to my home office.

Until then… See more in this video created by Changi Airport in Singapore today.

Now that we have to leave big bottles of shampoo at home and pack most of our makeup, it can be a challenge to find great products for travel. You can get travel sized beauty products or fill-in containers, and here are a few of my favorite inexpensive travel sized beauty products, which are also easy to find.

Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths – I buy these at Target. They are little towels that you just wet and then will take off your make up and wash your face. They make them for all skin types. I put a few in a Ziploc bag in my makeup bag. On a long flight, stash a few in your purse to wipe airplane grime off.

Neutrogena Make-up remover Cleansing Towelettes – I use these to remove eye makeup. Again, I buy them at Target and they come in small travel packages.

Sudzz hair care products, I just bought these at my salon, but many of the salon brands of shampoo and conditioner now come in travel sizes.

Phyto Defrisant for hair. I have the curly frizzy kind of hair so I won’t leave home without Phyto Defrisant. This is a French line of hair products and I swear Defrisant is magic. It comes in a small travel size at most retailers that sell Phyto.

Finally, my makeup bag is always armed with good ole’ Sebastian Shaper Spray.

What products are in your makeup bag?

Guest post by Andrea Pesking Katz. Andrea Peskind Katz runs Great Thoughts, a lifestyle blog focusing on Great Books and Great Travel. To quote Robert Frost, this website was created to “unite my avocation and my vocation.” After 20 years in high pressure sales, Andrea retired to spend time doing what she loves- hanging with her family, reading good books and enjoying good travel. Andrea is always looking for the next great read and the next great beach or warm locale.