For the 20th year, Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, aka Dr. Beach and director of Florida International University’s Laboratory for Coastal Research, has released his list of the top 10 beaches in the United States. This year, the Empire State of New York is home to the winner: Coopers Beach in Southampton on Long Island (not to be confused with Cooper’s Beach in New Zealand on North Island). Coopers takes the crown after placing third last year.
Dr. Beach bases his selections on 50 specific criteria, including the beach’s width at low …

Disneyland Resort is making upgrades to the pool and courtyard areas of the Disneyland Hotel, continuing the property’s current renovation project. Changes will include building a new pool and water play area, renovating an existing pool, opening a new restaurant and bar, and re-theming of the hotel’s three guest room towers.
Changes will restore and highlight the original midcentury style of the hotel. The hotel’s original two-story bungalows were built in 1955, just months after Walt Disney’s first theme park opened its gates; the first tower was erected in 1962. …

Caring for SeaWorld’s 303rd endangered turtle patient this year is no small task for park aquarists. The recently rescued reptile is a three-foot, 270-pound loggerhead, found in the waters of San Carlos Bay near Ft. Meyers, Fla. on May 6.
The large male was seen floating to one side for several days. Emaciated and covered in barnacles, his condition was most likely caused by ingesting a foreign object.
Immediately upon his arrival at SeaWorld’s Animal Rehabilitation Center, aquarists began removing the barnacles and treating him with antibiotics. Veterinarians performed x-rays …

Curaçao’s newest luxury resort embodies the spirit of this captivating island destination and brings authentic hospitality and cultural flavor to guests
Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina bid bon bini (“welcomes” in Papiamento) its first guests today, and introduces a new level of luxury and service to the Dutch-influenced Caribbean island. As the focal point of the 1,500-acre Santa Barbara Plantation resort community, the 350-room beachfront resort features Old Quarry by Pete Dye, the island’s only 18-hole championship resort golf course; Atabei Spa, an eco-friendly holistic retreat inspired by …

Travel Ticker®, a leading inspirational travel website, today announced the results of its 2010 Family Vacation Survey, conducted by Harris Interactive®. This year, 80 percent of parents who go on family vacations say they would prefer to visit a non-theme park destination for their next family trip if cost and planning efforts were comparable. To help, the experts at Travel Ticker have done all the planning work for them, finding affordable family trip ideas for an experience better than any theme park.
It’s no surprise that the 2010 Family Vacation Survey …

Myrtle Beach’s Beach Cove Resort offers a stay in a one-bedroom, oceanfront Executive Suite that features Two Queen Beds, Sleeper Sofa and Private Balcony and sleeps up to 6 people.
The resort’s website is running a $92 a night (min 1 to max 7 nights) special. But, check out Hotwire’s Travel Ticker and you’ll find that same special advertising at $79 a night.
Beach Cove Resort sports 4 pools, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, a lazy river, pool bar, restaurant and family fun at this North Myrtle Beach resort.
That $79 rate is only good …

Carnival Cruise Lines has officially launched its new, year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, SC. Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to the Bahamas and Key West in Florida from the Passenger Terminal in downtown Charleston. In 2011, Carnival will also offer a series of Bermuda cruises from Charleston on the Carnival Fantasy.
The 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy features a host of on-board amenities and facilities including a 12,000-square-foot health spa, extensive children’s facilities for kids in three age groups, a variety of formal and casual dining options and 12 …

Picking up on Hollywood’s fascination with hotels throughout the years, Hotels.com, the hotel experts, lifts the clapper board on ten hotels around the world that have been made famous by films.
Hotels have been used in scenes of love, conspiracy, heartache and even murder and will continue to play an important part in film history. The versatility of hotels enables the creation of a specific world, era, mood or atmosphere for any particular film genre.
1) Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Udaipur, India, 5*
Film: Octopussy starring Roger Moore as James Bond
The glorious Taj …