The Pierre hotel, re-opened this year after a $100 million renovation, has been awarded a 2010 AAA Five Diamond rating, an accolade that recognizes it as among the best in North America. This award puts the Pierre solidly in the elite group of just 113 five diamond hotels across America, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

If you're going to be in Peru, we found some great rates at the MiraFlores Park Hotel in the Miraflores neighborhood of Lima.   It s a luxury property, owned by Orient Express, but your dollar goes further in Peru and we found some special rates from $217. per night for an executive view room and $247. for an executive ocean view.  The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking the pacific in the trendy Miraflores neighborhood, which some compare to the Village in NYC.  The location is perfect for stop overs before or after a trip to the Amazon or Machu Picchu.  Its a $10. cab ride from the airport and a great place to hang out and walk around.  The action centers around Parque Kennedy and radiates all around.

With gasoline prices much lower than their highway robbery highs of just a year ago, more people are planning road trips. The comfort of a car can be more preferable than sitting in sardine-tight airline seats. And considering the security hassles and delays of flying, it is often quicker and considerably cheaper to go by car. For example, these movies prove it is much more fun on the road, at least for members of the audience.

Vegas Vacation (1997 once again in this comic series of family travel movies had the Griswold dad, mom and two teens on the road. This time they arrived in Las Vegas, where each had a hilarious adventure. Wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) was hit on by the horny Wayne Newton. Yes, the real Wayne Newton, whose comic intensity almost stole the movie.