Jeff Martinez

Spring makes a great time to be in the sunny, laid-back city of West Palm Beach: Palm trees are swaying in the gentle Florida breeze, shoppers are out in full force at popular venues like CityPlace and Antique Row, and Florida's largest waterfront music and art festival, SunFest, is again set to light up the city's vibrant downtown. Founded in 1982, the annual event will run April 27 through May 1 and is expected to draw more than 270,000 visitors this year.

Marking its 41st anniversary on Friday, April 22, 2011 is Earth Day, which will be celebrated once again by millions around the world. If you're an eco-minded traveler, you'll be happy to know that a wealth of green hotels are at your disposal, most with programs in place that promote sustainable practices including water conservation and the use of high-quality, environmentally-friendly products.

Las Vegas may be famous for its glitz and glamour, but some 300 miles northwest of Sin City lies a popular destination in its own right. Aptly dubbed "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno holds its own with a vibrant nightlife scene, a bevy of fine restaurants, and scores of casinos sure to please gaming novices and pros alike. Set at the foot of the Sierra Nevada, Reno is within a one-hour drive of such world-class ski destinations as Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows and Heavenly.

They boast trendy decor, chic designs, and upscale amenities for travelers who take pampering themselves seriously. They're situated near some of the most sought-after locales anywhere, from sun-drenched beaches to posh bars to elegant restaurants. And luckily for budget-minded consumers, "funky" does not have to translate to "high price tag." Read on for our top picks of hip hotels that are affordable, ooze style, breathe sophistication and were smartly designed with you in mind.

If you've traveled to San Diego, you've likely shopped and dined in its historic Gaslamp Quarter, caught a Chargers game at QUALCOMM Stadium, relaxed in one of its sandy beaches or enjoyed SeaWorld San Diego's world-renowned rides and attractions. If you haven't been in San Diego for the holidays, however, you're missing out on some of the best holiday celebrations anywhere. Below is a handful of holiday festivities taking place in San Diego, plus San Diego hotels that lie near them.

November is an ideal time to be in the Big Apple: You can see fall foliage at its peak at Central Park, run in all five of the city's boroughs for the annual New York City Marathon, and catch some of the biggest names in comedy at the New York Comedy Festival. As if that weren't enough, New York also kicks off the holiday season with one of the country's largest and longest-running parades - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Looking for the perfect place for Halloween thrills and chills this October? The Florida Keys, made up of more than 1700 picturesque islands about 15 miles south of Miami, feature scores of breezy, tree-laden beaches, fine restaurants and vibrant nightclubs. What's more, each year they host a wide array of family-friendly events sure to satisfy even the most demanding Halloween reveler.

We're one day into October and Halloween is fast approaching! Countless party lovers and trick-or-treaters throughout the country are already clamoring to don their ghoulish masks and sport their most outrageous costumes. Though parties, haunted houses and other Halloween events are never short in number almost anywhere you look, there's one celebration in particular that stands apart from the rest — but you'll have to be in the Big Apple to participate.

If you're looking for the perfect way to kick off the fall season, a vacation in Venice, one of Italy's richest cities both culturally and historically, is sure to hit the spot. Venice is world-famous, among many things, for its beautiful Gothic style architecture, ornate glass work, annual Carnival of Venice (for which participants don elaborate masks and costumes) and Grand Canal, the banks of which are lined with more than 150 centuries-old buildings.

If you think of Miami as the place to be for spectacular beaches, world-class shopping and unparalleled nightlife, you're spot on. But how about its vibrant dining scene? Here's yet another great reason to pack your bags and visit the sun-drenched city this month: Miami Spice 2010, a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion showcasing the very best in Miami cuisine, runs now through September 30.