Phoenix, AZ

Even if you can't get tickets to Super Bowl XLII held at the University of Phoenix Stadium February 3rd , you can still visit Phoenix and experience the rush of football. Go out for a PASS about five miles from downtown to The Heard Museum, which is not only world-renowned for its Native American art and culture exhibits, but on February 9th & 10th hosts the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest.TACKLE a burrito the size of your forearm at one of the many 24-hour Mexican food spots like Filiberto's and Raliberto's. For a great halftime show, go to Rawhide Wild West Town (26 minutes south of downtown), where you can experience mechanical bull riding, desert train tours and gold panning. RUN long (About 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix) to Scottsdale and on the first down line you'll find over 60 resorts and spas, 120-plus art galleries, some 600 restaurants and nearly 200 golf courses. So visit Phoenix and you'll not only feel like you've scored a TOUCHDOWN, but the mild weather and sunny days in February, will make you feel like you scored an extra point!

Murano, Italy

The perfect trip to Venice would be shattered without an overnight excursion to the cozy island of Murano (15 minutes via water bus from Venice). Meander around this menagerie of five islets, which has been the center of Venetian glassmaking since 1291. Visit the glass workshops and buy a piece of authentic Murano glass, straight from the source. At the free Museo Vetrario, you can watch a glass craftsman in action and view lovely chandeliers, vases and bowls (of course). Take a peak through the looking glass at the Church of Saints Mary and Donato, which was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mother, and hosts a magnificent mosaic pavement that dates from the 12th century. For a breathtaking view that will make you think you're wearing rose-colored glasses, go to the top of the Ponte Vivarini bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal of Murano. Finish your day by dining at Dalla Mura (Fondamenta Manin 75) where we recommend a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta.

St. Louis, MO

Bowl a strike with your next vacation by heading to the Gateway to the West! St. Louis will bowl you over as the home to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (111 Stadium Plaza) which displays the sport's 5,000 year history with artifacts like Mettlach steins and zany 50's team shirts. You'll throw a gutter ball if you don't check out Pinup Bowl (6191 Delmar), the bowling alley/martini lounge, or the University City Loop area where you can shop, listen to live music and dine. Pick up a spare by visiting The Gateway Arch, the world's tallest monument, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (4431 Lindell Blvd), which contains beautiful mosaics. There won't be a pin standing when you visit The City Museum (701 North 15th Street), an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects such as salvaged bridges and even two abandoned planes. Finish off your tenth frame by crossing the Mississippi into Illinois and visiting the Cahokia Mounds, (30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL), the site of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico and an official UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vail, CO

Sure, you can go to Vail and ski in the mountain's four terrain parks, seven wide bowl shaped slopes and 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain and have a pretty good vacation. But while you're there, why not check out this Colorado village's complete place setting and have an amazing vacation. Take the Nature Discovery Center's guided snowshoe adventure on the glass-like top of Vail Mountain. Or jump on a ski bike (part bike, part skis) and cut through the snow like a knife on a nighttime downhill guided tour. And what's cooler than dog sledding through the awe-inspiring curves and forks of backcountry scenery on the privately owned Diamond Star Ranch. Fill your plate with other activities like tubing, sledding and horseback riding. Enjoy a spoonful of the February events in this Rocky Mountain village, which include CarniVail (Mardi Gras celebration, Feb 3-5), the Honda Session (Snowboard competition, Feb 8-10) and the Bud Light Street Beat (free rock, blues and gospel concerts, Feb 20). Dip into Vail.snow.com for a taste of activities and events, and then scoop up a cup full of great deals on flights, hotels and more at Kayak.com!