Speaking of vacation planning, as I was yesterday, the January edition of Conde Nast Traveler has the GOLD List of World's Best 700 Hotels Resorts and Cruise Lines.

It is a wonderful resource for planning your next vacation as it gives you the opportunity to select a region of the world to find their recommended best hotels/resorts.

Each location is then rated for food, rooms, service, location, amenities and a variety of other categories. I recently attended a conference on Amelia Island, Florida at the resort Gold recommends and here's what they had to say about the Ritz Carleton.

Can't afford a trip this year?

Take one vicariously through the Conde Nast Traveler world's best list.

As we get prepared for yet ANOTHER SNOW STORM, a short visit via the Internet of vacation spots is a great respite from the real world. Enjoy.