US Airways if offering two nights at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas plus flights from $122 per person, departing on December 3…click here for more details

When packing for a trip, (not including an adventure/sport trip), pick your base color.  For example:  Black or chocolate brown (some look better in chocolate brown as their black) for pants, skirts, and perhaps one dress.  Then all your tops, sweaters, one jacket can build upon the base color.  This would include accessories such as shoes, scarves which can mix and match beautifully to everything else.

This tip was provided by image & design consultant Valerie Burns

For music on the go, Altec Lansing’s Orbit is an ultra portable speaker offering surprisingly rich sound considering it’s itty-bitty size.

Weighing less than 7 ounces, the Orbit conveniently fits into any large pocket and neatly packs away in the included case that attaches to your bag with it’s carabiner.

The speaker connects to iPods, MP3 players, laptops, with a retractable cord that even has a 2.5 mm adapter for use with mobile phones. Powered by three AAA batteries, the Orbit allows for up to 24 hours of straight playtime…giving you tons of time to groove on your next adventure.  

Costing only $39.95, the Orbit is the perfect travel companion for any music lover…available at amazon.com

Enjoy some Greek pop music from Fani Drakopoulou…the song is called “Apon”

Clinging to the cliffs of the magical Greek isle of Santorini, the Katikies Hotel is a white refuge hanging above the deep blue Aegean Sea.

Although this five star hotel is known for it’s stunning views and fabulous service, some guests are surprised at how simple the rooms are considering the high-price…but what you pay for here is location, location, location. The hotel is located in the picturesque town of Oia…which is the posterchild of Greece with it’s white buildings, cobalt blue domed roofs and windmills…even if you have never heard of the place I guarantee you have seen a picture of it.

The maze of steps that connect all the hotel’s rooms and common areas are what makes the place so magical…with the added benefit of a involuntary workout. An especially breathtaking part of the hotel is the main infinity pool, which hangs off a cliff and offers completely unobstructed views of the sea. 

Each room has it’s own private terrace where your complimentary breakfast is served each morning…but seclusion does not end in your room, as the Katikies is full of secret nooks where you can feel as if you are the only guest on the island, making this the ultimate destination for romance. 

So if you are looking for dream-like serenity in a white cloud…Katikies is your answer…katikies.com

1. Laotian banana rice pudding

2. Vayama.com

3. San Francisco Faves

4. Kefta Tagine

5. Hermes space shuttle

This week’s recipe is from Argentina.  Chimichurri is a sauce that is used over steaks and also used as a dipping sauce.  Enjoy!

1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/4 Cup Water
1 small bunch flat leaf-parsley; chopped (should equal about 1/2 cup)
1 medium onion; finely chopped
4 cloves garlic; finely minced
1/2 of a red bell pepper; seeded and finely diced
1 tomato; peeled, seeded, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon paprika
1 Teaspoon bay leaf (laurel); very small flakes
1 Tablespoon coarse salt
1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
hot chili flakes to taste

Make sure all of the fresh ingredients are well washed and clean before preparing.

Add all of the ingredients except the oil and vinegar into a large bowl and toss well to make sure that the salt is spread evenly around the ingredients. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Next add the vinegar and water. Mix well. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

Finally add the oil and mix well. Make sure that the liquids cover the rest of the ingredients. If not add equal parts of oil, water, and vinegar until they are covered at least by a quarter of an inch. Transfer to a non-reactive clean bowl or jar that can be covered. Make sure to cover well. Place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend overnight. For better results prepare at least 2 or 3 days ahead of time.

This week, John from San Diego asks:

“Which Airline Credit card is the best?”

Michelle says:

Rather than being tied into one airline with an airline specific credit card, I prefer to earn miles on my American Express. With Amex points you can transfer them to any of their partner airlines, usually at a 1-to-1 basis.  Amex is partners with many airlines, hotels, etc…..so your points go much further than if you are stuck with a specific airlines card. Click here to see a list of all their partner airlines…

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Each Saturday we will pick one question from a reader to answer.  The winning question will receive a $5 gift certificate to en-day.com travel boutique.  To submit a question go to our contact page and choose “submit an Ask Michelle question” as the subject.

“A passport, as I’m sure you know, is a document that one shows to government officials whenever one reaches a border between countries, so the officials can learn who you are, where you were born, and how you look when photographed unflatteringly.”  

~Lemony Snicket

Travelocity is offering flights to Spain on Iberia starting at $400 round-trip, sale expires 11/30/08….click here for details