Miami: Beyond the Super Bowl

Pop some fresh batteries in the remote and saddle up in your favorite seat–tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday! This year the big game takes place in Miami, Florida, which is expecting a massive influx of travelers. If you’re in town for the weekend and need a break from the crowds–or even if you’re planning to visit once the NFL fever dies down–gives these alternative attractions a try.

Bike the Everglades
The Everglades National Park isn’t the gator-laced hoodoo swamp it’s made out to be. Rent a bike (or bring your own), and glide through miles of gorgeous wetland under a full moon. These ranger-led tours take about three hours and cover 15 miles of trail.

Easy Money: Resort Credits

Don’t get me wrong — discounted room rates are great. Like a moth to a flame, I’m drawn in by percent-off promotions when I shop for a hotel deal. And these enticing deals are everywhere — 25% off! No, no wait, there’s another one – 40% off! Wait – 60% off!

And then I stop to think — 60% off what, exactly? If you don’t know the starting price of a hotel room, the discount may not mean much to you.

Personally, I like my discounts in dollars. Resort credits offer a specific dollar amount for you to spend while you’re at your hotel on cocktails, food, spa treatments — you name it. It is one of the most popular hotel trends in a down economy and, depending on the amount, can add a great deal of value to your vacation. Here are three resort credit offers available right now:

Surf’s Up: In-Flight Internet is on the Rise

On Wednesday, American Airlines expanded its availability of in-flight Internet services, essentially granting everyone with a laptop, BlackBerry, or other Wi-Fi-enabled device the ability to stay plugged in once they hit the skies. Services are available for $12.95 per flight on Boeing 767-200 airplanes connecting New York with Los Angeles and San Francisco with Miami.

American isn’t the first airline to offer such services. JetBlue has been connecting passengers for free on its BetaBlue aircraft since December 2007, as has Air France on its Airbus A318 jets. Other international airlines such as Qantas in Australia and Dubai’s Emirates airlines offer similar services. Domestically, Delta, Southwest, and other airlines also have in-flight Wi-Fi programs in the works.

Photo courtesy of IgoUgo member rokiss.ch.