Sherman's Travel

There’s something so American about enjoying a hot dog on a hot summer day – with all the right fixings, of course. To kick off our quintessential summer food series (more to come: BBQ, ice cream, and more!), we’re starting with the hot dog! We’ve found the five best cities to satisfy your frankfurter fix, and exactly what to get when you’re there.

1. Chicago, Illinois
Renowned for its dogs, Chicago is the number one destination for world-famous franks: Other cities and hot dog makers around the world try to replicate the Chicago-style hot dog for its flavorful all-beef frankfurter and soft poppy seed bun. You can find delicious dogs all over the city, but if you want the very best, go to Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots for its Mighty Dog (a hot dog, a tamale, chili, and cheese, all on a steamed bun) or Hot Doug’s for its special foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, foie gras mousse, and fleur de sel. Read more

It’s dad’s turn to indulge in a little R&R. What better way than golf? Check out our top ten list of the best golf resorts around the world. Happy Father’s Day!

1. PGA National Resort and Spa Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

It’s the stuff of legends. Home to the PGA Tour’s Honda Classic, the PGA National Resort and Spa is steeped in golf history. Boasting signature courses like “The Palmer” and “The Squire” (designed and named after Arnold Palmer and Gene Sarazen, respectively), an on-site Golf Academy offering lessons from certified PGA pros, and a newly renovated golf complex, it’s easy to see why this resort is a favorite among golf buffs. Treat dad to the Gold Golf Package, which includes resort accommodation, daily breakfast at the Palm Terrace restaurant, one round of golf daily on selected courses, and unlimited balls and bag storage. Room rates start from $129 per room per night. Read more

Think New York City has a lock on the most expensive hotels in America, or glitzy South Beach? Think again. The highest hotel rates in the U.S. are actually in Hawaii, according to a report from Skift.com. So far in 2013, guests have spent an average of $233 per night for a hotel room in Hawaii – that’s an increase of $27 over the previous year! With airfare costs on the rise, this can make for a spendy island getaway. But not all Hawaii hotels cost a fortune. Here are some money-saving tips so you can enjoy the luau (or the whale watch, or six hours of lazying in the sun with a view of Diamond Head in the distance) without worrying about how you’ll pay for it: Read more

The woman whose camera went missing five years ago after a diving trip to Hawaii has been identified! Her underwater camera made a 5,200-mile Pacific Ocean journey from off the coast of Maui to a beach in Taiwan. After many calls out into the world-wide-web, Lindsay Crumbley Scallan was finally found after a friend recognized her on a TV news story. Back in 2007, Scallan had been visiting Hawaii from her home state of Georgia. Read more

In honor of the new pope being announced, we thought, ‘what could we write about?’ Genius struck: places where it’s appropriate to wear red slippers, a la Jorge Mario Bergoglio. So here they are! Read more

Have you booked a trip to Hawaii for 2013 yet? On and off since late fall, we’ve seen jaw-droppingly low fares from Hawaiian Airlines, offering non-stop service to the 50th State. And they’re back again this week.

Depart from New York City and head to the Aloha State’s capital, Honolulu, for just $365, round-trip, taxes included. For a more laid-back vacation on the islands of Maui, Kauai, or Kona (The Big Island), add just $13. For less than $400, you could trade next week’s chilly New York forecast for Hawaiian paradise. Seriously. Read more

Coupling low airfare with reduced rates at choice hotels and resorts can often prove challenging. So we’ve done it for you with today’s weekly deals round-up. Fly and stay at many favorite U.S. destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco, New York, and even Hawaii, for less.

Hawaii always pops up on everyone’s list of dream beach getaways. With round-trip airfare from New York to Honolulu as low as $422, check the “Aloha State” off your bucket list this season. If you call Chicago home, fly to the islands for $599. Depart from Los Angeles for $437. Enjoy accommodation in Oahu, home to the state’s bustling capital, at The Stay Hotel for $136 per night in April, saving you 35 percent. The hotel is conveniently located a block away from iconic Waikiki Beach. Read more

It’s that time of year. Jack Frost has taken his first bite out of winter and on the most dismal of days we start dreaming of leaning palm trees, swaying hula dancers, and any drink with an umbrella teetering on top. While driving or walking to work dodging sideways sleet, it’s settled, our dreams turn into plans, and our island itinerary is set: indefinite sun, never-ending beach strolls, and overflowing Mai Tais await. Having made the over-ocean journey to the Hawaiian Isles more times than I can count, may I suggest Maui as your your muse for a complete getaway that puts tropical before touristy and sand before scene. I’ve found two beachfront locations that fly under the radar of most visitors’ viewfinders.

Read more

In many parts of the world, temperatures are starting to slide in a bitter direction. The calling of Old Man Winter is growing tougher to ignore, and the yearning to escape to warmer weather is very, very real. It’s probably about time you rewarded yourself with a trip to Hawaii…or perhaps somewhere even more exotic.

For those already planning a jaunt to the 50th state, or those who have had it on their bucket list for many years now, there’s a little-known secret that could enable you to make that dream trip even more spectacular. Island lovers the world over have fawned over the gems tucked away in French Polynesia, but Tahiti is undoubtedly one of the most remote locales in the world. Getting there is not only trying, but incredibly expensive. If you’ve done even casual research on flying there, you’ve most likely turned away in disgust after seeing how high the fares were when connecting through LAX. Read more

Ninety-eight percent of Lanai, Hawaii‘s sixth largest island, may just have been bought by Oracle boss Larry Ellison, but Hotel Lanai is offering you a chance to experience his private domain with summer rates starting from $99 per night.

Built in 1923 as a retreat for executives of the island’s former Dole plantations, Hotel Lanai’s 11 guestrooms hearken back to that era with wicker chairs, ceiling fans, and hardwood floors set amid lush palm trees. Adding to its tropical character are Hawaiian quilts, furnishings, and artwork by local artists that adorn each room. Guests can also enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout their stay, and a complimentary breakfast served daily in the lobby from 6:30am to 9:30am.

If you venture out, Lanai has a host of activities on hand, like kayaking off its North Shore, hiking the Munro trail to the island’s highest point, or golfing at one of Lanai’s two breathtaking courses. And when the hunger pangs hit, tuck into baby back ribs, meatloaf, and other hearty American fare at the Lanai City Grille at Hotel Lanai, voted a 2012 Neighborhood Gem by reviewers on OpenTable.com.

To book, visit www.HotelLanai.com and submit a reservation enquiry. The hotel requires a 50 percent deposit at the time of booking, and children under eight stay for free if no additional beds are required.

See our Hawaii destination guide for more trip-planning information, then use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find the lowest rate on flights, hotels, cruises, and more travel deals.