A permanent Michael Jackson show by amazing Cirque du Soleil will call Mandalay Bay home in spring of 2013. A creative team for the show has been identified and production has begun to evaluate the transformation of the resort’s theater. In true Cirque style, we’re confident this will be an incredible production. And although we don’t know any of the details, we’re guessing a moonwalk or two will be incorporated along with white beaded gloves.

If you need your fill of the King of Pop before 2013, plan a Las Vegas vacation around Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour. This opens December 3 at Mandalay Bay for an extended run during its North American tour (December 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14). Complementing the Las Vegas stop is Michael Jackson Fan Fest which is authorized by Jackson’s estate.

Michael Jackson Fan Fest is anticipated to allow fans to view memorabilia, items from Neverland Ranch, photo opportunities on recreated sets from historic Michael Jackson videos, Q&A sessions with members of the creative team from Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour, and giveaways. Get your dancing feet ready. There will be contests around the UBISOFT video game, “Michael Jackson The Experience.” Yeah, sounds like something every Michael Jackson fan must experience.

Visit www.MichaelJacksonFanFest.com for updates and ticket and session information. Michael Jackson Fan Fest will open 4 hours before Michael Jackson The IMMORTAL World Tour. Book your Las Vegas accommodations soon and get going on practicing your Michael Jackson moves.

Image Source: CIRQUE DU SOLEIL/JACOB KEPLER

Image Caption: Key Members from Cirque du Soleil, The Estate of Michael Jackson and Mandalay Bay held a press conference at Mandalay Bay on Wednesday, April 27 to announce several new projects that will feature the life and career of Michael Jackson. (PRNewsFoto/Cirque du Soleil, Jacob Kepler)

The U.S. State Department issued a Travel Warning on April 22, 2011, informing U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the country’s security situation. Now, if you have a vacation planned in Mexico or considering one, say to some place like Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta, read on, especially if you’re not involved in the narcotics trade and know how to practice common sense. Yes, we believe traveling safely is priority number one when it comes to vacations so we want to ensure you review the latest travel advisory.

The Travel Advisory reminds travelers millions of U.S. citizens visit Mexico each year without incident. It also states:

“Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.”

Yes, crime has no address and crime could happen anywhere, including right here in the United States in neighborhoods traditionally deemed safe. Statistics indicate narcotics-related homicides along the Mexican border states have increased. Although there is no evidence U.S. visitors are targeted, the State Department urges U.S. citizens to travel only daylight hours, use toll roads when possible and avoid isolated roads.

Luckily for travelers, most of the major resort areas in Mexico are NOT in these high-crime regions. Vacation destinations as Acapulco, Cancun and Riviera Maya are quite a distance away and resorts take special care to ensure their guests are safe.

But don’t let us make the decision for you. Do some research, learn the facts and visit the U.S. State Department website to view the Travel Advisory yourself before booking your vacation to Mexico.

Image Source: Riviera Maya Tourism Office

Home to a melting pot of flavors with Cajun, Creole, French and American dominating the scene, New Orleans is an ideal culinary vacation destination.  The Crescent City continues to welcome visitors with a vibrant culinary scene. Following is a tasty sampling of what’s been happening in the New Orleans dining scene this spring:

Home to the most innovative and talented chefs in the world, New Orleans Chefs Tory McPhail (Commander’s Palace), Stephen Stryjewski (Cochon) and John Harris (Lilette) were recently announced as three of the five finalists for the 2011 James Beard Awards’ Best Chef: South category. The winner will be announced in New York City on May 9, 2011.

The New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) has partnered with Emeril Lagasse’s foundation to offer its high school students a four-year program in culinary arts. NOCCA is renowned for its creative arts programs and its ability to help aspiring musicians, dancers and artists thrive.

Former New Orleans Saints Quarterback and New Orleanian Archie Manning have partnered with Harrah’s New Orleans to open Manning’s, a restaurant and bar located in Fulton Square set to open in fall 2011.

World-renowned chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto have announced their partnership and the formation of Home on the Range: Folse Tramonto Restaurant Development, LLC, in which their first joint venture will be Restaurant R’evolution. The restaurant is scheduled to open in the Royal Sonesta Hotel in 2011 and will offer contemporary Creole cuisine.

Upcoming food events to tempt your tummy into planning a New Orleans vacation include:

• New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, May 24-28, 2011
• New Orleans Oyster Festival, June 4-5, 2011
• Tales of the Cocktail, July 20-24, 2011
• COOLinary New Orleans, Aug. 1-Sept. 30, 2011
• Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival, Oct. 14-16, 2011

Hungry for a New Orleans vacation? Thought so.

Photo courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau/Carl Purcell