Sherman's Travel

In a city more known for its picturesque harbor, baseball park, and greatest television series known to mankind (yes, I’m still mourning The Wire), Baltimore also deserves a nod for its culinary hot spots that go far beyond the crabs. Here’s the deal: Most visitors’ stay in the Inner Harbor area – which is lovely – but riddled with chains. My advice? Lace up your sneakers or spring for a taxi on a few great meals outside the area. Here are three must-stops for some great bites in Baltimore. Read more

Charleston is not all about fancy plantation homes and spooky ghost tours, y’all. This city is serious when it comes to food and has earned cult status as a culinary destination for foodies. It would take weeks to chow your way though this charming destination, but here are three must-stops to get you started. Read more

It used to be that travel loyalty programs were only for grown-ups, or at least those who had finished elementary school. No matter how many miles your 10-year-old racked up jetting back and forth to Grandma’s each Christmas, none of them translated into rewards or elite status. While that’s still largely the case, a growing number of programs geared toward the under 12 set offer a chance for the little ones to earn their own perks. Here are a few of the newest for hotels, airlines, and destinations.

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Ever since I attended a friend’s late-April wedding in Charleston a few years back, I’ve known that this month and early May are two of the best times for a romantic long-weekend visit. The city is famous for its gardens – especially its dazzling red and magenta azaleas – and its stately old trees look so alive with freshly minted green leaves. Equally as memorable is the amazing food. Plus, the weather is warm (and can even be a bit hot) but it’s not as humid as is typical in summer. Here’s a quick guide to how to enjoy the “Holy City” (nicknamed because of its many church steeples) during a two- or three-night visit over the next six weeks.

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The other day my daughter and I were in a neighborhood toy store that had aggressively beefed up its selection of costumes and scary accessories for Halloween. And for some reason I felt the need to point out that beyond late October, we could walk into that store the rest of year and still find good, spooky stuff.

The same holds true for some great destinations. If what’s clogging my inbox is any indication, attractions and hotels nationwide are preparing to roll out over-the-top ghoulish events and shows and candy-laden amenities (if I see “spooktacular” in an e-mail subject line one more time I will simply freak). But the simple truth is, many of us families won’t be traveling on Halloween and will miss all of the seasonal, scary fun in those places. Which is why if you have a hankering for the spooktacular the rest of the year, it helps to know about a few year-round scary sights for kids.

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Even though we’re no longer kids, Halloween makes us feel nostalgic for that spooky feeling that ghost stories inspire. If you want your romantic getaway to give you goose bumps, consider a visit to Savannah (shown at left) or Charleston – or even both as they are just a 2.5-hour drive apart. In these charming, but undeniably haunted, historic Southern cities (Charleston dates to 1670, Savannah to 1733), the weather in November is still mild and once all the kitschy Halloween décor is taken down, their authentic ghostly pedigree shows. I have visited both cities twice and would return to either in a heartbeat – knowing it will certainly beat faster when the sun goes down and the spirits come out to play!

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If you are getting married soon and plan to take off for just a few days after your wedding on a “mini-moon,” you are not alone. An estimated 30 percent of couples getting married in the next 12 months who know their honeymoon plans say they plan to take a honeymoon lasting just a few days right after the wedding, rather than a traditional week-long or longer one, according to a recent survey by BedandBreakfast.com.

Both budget and time constraints among just-married couples are contributing to the “mini-moon” trend. “The survey confirmed that most newlyweds will take a several day mini-moon rather than not taking a honeymoon at all,” says Martin Slagter, vice president of HomeAway, Inc., which owns BedandBreakfast.com, a website showcasing 11,000 B&Bs and inns worldwide.

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Get a load of true southern charm in the Carolinas for less! Four Marriott Hotels in both North and South Carolina (Charleston, Columbia, Raleigh, and Greensboro) have dropped their prices by over a third for summer travel – that means rates from $69/night! The Renaissance Charleston is hard to resist. Guests staying here can wander the surrounding colonial streets or attend the annual arts Spoleto Festival (May 27 to June 12). The historic hotel is situated in the city’s oldest quarter and comes with newly renovated rooms and a rooftop pool. Plus, local beaches are just minutes away. The lowest Marriott deal rates start at $69/night for weekend stays, and $99/night for weekday overnights (prices don’t include breakfast). Offer is valid through July 25 and must be booked by midnight on April 15. Call 800-228-9290 use code ADP or book online at www.marriott.com.

For more trip-planning info, see our Charleston Travel Guide or use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find budget-friendly flights.

Spring is a great time for a romantic getaway – either to Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, or the West Coast – so here are four tips to help you maximize your enjoyment of the destination, and each other, while away à deux:

Avoid kids and conferences: Nothing wrecks a romantic mood more than screaming kids – but loud, badge-wearing conference-goers are a close second. The best way to avoid both is to book a smaller resort, preferably one where children under 16 are either not allowed or discouraged.

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Need a little drama in your life? Look no further than the Spoleto Festival, America’s premier performing arts festival, running May 27-June 12! Right now, the Andrew Pinckney Inn in Charleston, N.C., is offering rates starting at $149 per night through the duration of the festival. In addition, guests receive complimentary breakfast served on the rooftop terrace.

THE VALUE: The Andrew Pinckney Inn is conveniently located near many of the festival venues and by staying there you can save 15% on select festival performances.

THE CATCH: The Spoleto Festival is not free. Each performance requires a separate ticket.

THE DETAILS: To book, visit the Andrew Pinckney Inn and enter the promotional code: GSAP11 or call 800.505.8983 and ask for the Go Spoleto! discount.

WE’VE GOT MORE: Use our Travel Search price comparison tool to find low rates on flights to Charleston, N.C..

Check out our Charleston Travel Guide and find out what else you can do while enjoying the festival!