Sherman's Travel

With Memorial Day already in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to turn our focus to backyard grilling. Barbecues are a summer staple (if not a completely suitable replacement for real BBQ). While you might think that you can just grab some hot dogs, hamburgers, and lighter fluid and create a memorable event, it’s important to realize that preparation is the key to a successful barbecue. We don’t grill much at SkyMall Tuesday headquarters because the New York City government frowns upon using charcoal inside of apartment building. That said, we’re well-versed in the tools of the trade and know what it takes to put together a backyard feast worth its weight in flank steak. If you’re going to man (or woman, as it is 2012) the grill for your friends and family, turn to SkyMall and don the Grill Sergeant BBQ Apron.

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Instead of another round of blackjack or poker, why not try your hand at cooking up a gourmet meal? Sure you may be losing money at the tables, but you’ll be saving some cash by cooking at your suite‘s fancy kitchen. The latest amenity from The Signature at MGM Grand entices guests to put down the cards and pick up a spatula with 30-minute TV videos called “Signature Dish” —right in the comforts of their suites and finally utilizing those top-of-the-line kitchens—which include Bosch appliances and subzero refridgerators. With step-by-step demonstrations, guests can whip up creations like scallop risotto, baked ziti, and tandoori chicken curry using recipes created by Uday Huja, The Signature’s executive chef. Instead of running out to the grocery store (are there such places in Vegas?!) guests can dial the In-Suite Dining line to purchase a culinary basket that comes preassembled with all the required ingredients (most meals feed a party of four). You’ll feel lucky in no time–especially since the suites come with dishwashers.

Every now and then Omaha favorite son Andy Roddick shows up at Texas Hill Country’s Horseshoe Bay Resort. But that’s not why you bring your little ones to the Andy Roddick Kids’ Courts. It’s all about scale: Larger, depressurized balls and smaller rackets and courts mean children 4-10 can get their game up to speed more quickly. Your kids can serve for a mere 25 bucks a day: the $15 resort fee you’d be paying anyway plus a $10 racquet rental. Junior tennis clinics and private lessons are also available.
 
If you’re not a tennis family, Horseshoe Bay also has a kids club for the 4-12 set ($75 full day, $40 half day, $55 dinner session), but if your children are like mine and refuse to leave your side during a trip, the club rolls out such activities as hula hoop contests and “dive-in” movies (set amid the pool) for the entire brood. Read more

Even in these tough times, a luxury vacation is not out of reach. Excellence Resorts is currently offering a special promotion at three of its luxury resorts in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Travel this spring or summer and you can save up to 25% percent at the posh Excellence Playa Mujeres, Excellence Riviera Cancun, or Excellence Punta Cana. These romantic all-inclusive resorts include unlimited drinks, all meals, and activities like horseback riding, free bike rentals, and yoga and cooking lessons. Rates start at just $161/night, but you’ll want to book by April 20 in order to receive this discount.