The Girls Getaway is a pipedream for some, and at its worst, conjures Spring Break-esque images of shiny beads, gaudy feather boas and cheap tiaras. For those who prefer more style and class to their girls’ getaway, Hilton Barbados has debuted a luxurious special offer.

For the woman who celebrates all her life’s milestones with elegance and style—be it an engagement, birthday or, for some, even divorce—Hilton Barbados Resort is elevating the occasion with posh special offers to pamper her and her guests like they deserve.  Plus, women who book between now and Sept. 30 for stays through Dec. 14, 2014, are treated with special room rates starting at US$179, and up to $400 in free spending money from the Barbados Tourism Authority to celebrate in the lap of luxury.

An opulent departure from your typical girls’ getaway, Hilton Barbados Resort is welcoming women to lavish activities throughout their stay, including a first-class retreat in the Prime Minister’s suite. The retreat includes welcome mimosas followed by a gourmet brunch, a choice between a manicure, pedicure, neck or back massage, and then afternoon cocktails with hors d’oeuvres on the balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Other gal pal bonding activities include a “Fancy Dress Up Dinner” hosted by the resort’s chef at the Grille Restaurant, a poolside tea party, cocktails at the on-site historic Charles Fort and more.

Ladies will also be rewarded with up to $400 in spending money per room: $150 per person when staying at least five nights and $200 per person for seven nights, based on double occupancy. This special offer from the Barbados Tourism Authority can be used for attractions and activities such as the Calabaza Sailing Cruises or the idyllic Orchid World, as well as the Aerial Trek Zipline Adventure and more.

For room reservations, visit hiltonbarbadosresort.com/free-spending-money.  For further information or to book one of the enticing ladies’ programs, email reservations.barbados@hilton.com or call +1 246 434 5720.  Offers and activities are subject to availability and advance reservations are required.

It’s time to ‘Go Bananas’ once again when the 3^rd Annual Banana Festival takes place on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Port of Hueneme, Oxnard Harbor District, 105 East Port Hueneme Road.

The free festival provides visitors an opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day in addition to learning about the journey of the banana and inner workings of the Port. Festival highlights include delicious food and banana treats, live music, interactive displays, recipe contests, arts & crafts, kid’s activities, Port tours and more.

Visitors can enjoy tasty banana flavors with the variety of dishes such as banana empanadas, banana tamales, delicious grilled bananas with chocolate, and fried savory bananas, including banana crepes and caramel banana crème brulee. Those taste buds desiring a different zest can enjoy dazed & confused fries, candied bacon sushi rolls, spiral fries, hamburgers, nachos, and tacos. Besides the food, attendees can quench their thirst with ice cold local brews, soft drinks, and banana ice cream, plus banana Italian ice and creamy banana smoothies.

Hot local bands will entertain the crowd on the main stage providing a wide array of music for all preferences.

A look into the Port’s daily operations and its interworking are provided at the Port Pavilion. Visitors can learn how the Port works for the community as well as about its many imports and exports that are transported globally throughout six continents.

For those wanting to view operations taking place during festival weekend, the Waterside Port Tours offer a rare opportunity to see The Port from the sea as the Bluefin boat of Hook’s Landing located in Channel Islands Harbor takes visitors in and around the Port and the Naval Base. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Kids can have endless hours of fun in the Kid’s Zone! Fun highlights include a banana crafts, inflatable fun, small rides, and a climbing wall!

Those who love to shop will enjoy browsing through local vendor exhibits offering gourmet foods, boutique clothing, hand-crafted jewelry, garden art, hats, sunglasses, maritime treasures and so much more.

For Festival information, call 805-535-4060 or visit the website at www.BananaPortFest.com.

Cook Islands Island Travel North America is treating qualified travelers to the Cooks Islands, who book travel now through Nov. 14, 2014 for travel from Nov. 2 through May 31 to one complimentary pre-paid $100 NZD (valued at $82 USD) Westpac Bank debit gift card.

The promotion is valid for the first 350 new ticketed bookings originating from North America per passenger on Air New Zealand for both adults and children with proof of a minimum of three nights’ accommodations.

There are three easy steps to accessing the cash:

• Book and travel during the above specified times
• Register at www.cookislands.travel/cookscashregister-nam
• Pick up the debit card at Cook Island Tourism Information Center in Avarua (Town Center) Rarotonga with an ID card, sign the back of the card and enjoy a shopping spree
• “The gift card gives travelers another reason to visit the beautiful tropical paradise and experience the many attractions the destination offers, from first rate restaurants to casual cafes, a myriad of water sports and cultural attractions,” says General Manager Cook Islands Travel North America John Petersen.

The Half Moon Bay Coastside truly comes to life during the fall and early winter season. Located approximately 35 minutes south of San Francisco, this charming region embraces its reputation as the pumpkin capital of the world.

In addition to the annual pumpkin festival, visitors will delight in crab season, outdoor adventures and the much-anticipated inaugural Husk to Harvest Farm Dinner at La Nebbia Winery.

The gorgeous coastal views of the Half Moon Bay Coastside provides the perfect backdrop for idyllic hikes or kayaking adventures while the crisp evening air sets the mood for holiday shopping on the delightful Main Street.  
 
Below is a summary of what’s new along the Half Moon Bay Coastside. Visit mobile-friendly www.visithalfmoonbay.org for everything needed to plan a visit including information on cozy inns and luxury coastal resorts, renowned restaurants, farm visits, golfing, wine tasting, fishing, pumpkin festivities, surfing and much more.