“Signoreeeeena. Learn to lean out! You’ll never see anything with your face in the rock.”

My alpine guide is truly baffled. By the kung fu grip I’ve asserted on the limestone, which only loosens with the shaking of ankles and perspiring of palms, I’m starting to resemble a Garfield plush cling.

The internal dialogue has officially spiraled out of control: I can’t do this. I’m going to plummet. To an untimely demise. Do not cry do not cry do not cry… Do. Not. Cry.

Dear Peter,

I am about to do a huge tour of Napa and California Wine Country for a new book, so I kicked off the research the way anyone would—in the city of San Francisco.

It was just a quickie visit, but the main purpose was to attend a re-corking workshop, something I had never even heard about before.

Space, the final frontier, is a little closer to becoming the next big tourist destination.

First entrepreneurs developed sub-orbital spacecraft that could theoretically put rich folks into orbit for a few hours - for a hefty fee. Now a Barcelona-based company has put together a concept for a galactic space resort and expects to receive its first paying guests by the year 2012.

But is it safe? How much will it cost? Is it even feasible? Keep reading to find out the fantastic details of a space vacation…

On October 24, 2009, Peter was broadcasting his radio show from the Venetian Resort, Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Featured guests from the second hour of the show include:

AARP Publications Editor-in-Chief Hugh Delehanty discussing travel trends for Baby Boomers;

Chef Luciano Pellegrini, head chef at Valentino at the Venetian, talking about the latest culinary delights on his menu;

Legendary writer/producer Norman Lear providing insight from his career creating such TV classics as All in the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, Maude,  The Facts of Life, Silver Spoons, Who’s the Boss, and many more;

Robin Leach, entertainment columnist for VegasDeluxe.com and former host of Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, giving a local’s perspective for things off the beaten path;

 

 Norman Lear & Robin Leach on Las Vegas Luxury - Hour 2 - PGW Radio: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This weekend, Peter is broadcasting from The Venetian Resort, Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Of course, Vegas is a food-lover’s delight, teeming with restaurants both on and off the Strip, from Michelin-starred fine dining to hole-in-the-wall finds.

To learn more, we checked in some locals who are renowned for having some of the best palates in the West.

For example, ever wondered where Robin Leach likes to eat when he’s not hobnobbing with the rich and famous in Vegas? Read on ….

Dear Peter,

There’s something about Hong Kong that will always make it home to me—I think because I stay in a handful of hotels regularly and people there remember me, which it adds another layer to a stay that makes everything cozier.

But wait—there is also a bunch of new hotels in town, many with gimmicks, and there are some new tricks for the old faithful, so there is much to tell.

In these tough times when daily stresses are compounded by the need to county every penny, you may yearn for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway.

If your ideal spot is a luxury spa, Marjorie Hope Rothstein has some tips on stretching your travel dollars and where to find great deals this fall and beyond.

First, some tips:

World traveler and shopper extraordinaire Suzy Gershman is back with her latest missive.

Dear Peter,

I know you have a little house somewhere here on the river in Bangkok, and I keep peering out the window looking for it, but frankly, I’ve been very happy bouncing around town in my tuk-tuk and staying at an assortment of luxury hotels.