Every big airport has its own unique features, from its terminal layout to its transportation system. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is as loud and hectic as any big city airport. I've put together this Sea-Tac Airport primer to help visitors and travelers find their way around. I've included information on food and shopping, parking, construction, and transportation.

The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise decorates their grounds in 250,000 twinkling lights to celebrate the winter holiday season. The event, Winter Garden aGlow, is a great way for families to spend time together. After strolling through the colorfully sparkling gardens, you'll be able to warm yourself with hot chocolate or hot mulled wine or cider. Santa, reindeer, and a variety of live entertainments are on the schedule for a few of the evenings. Winter Garden aGlow will be held on evenings through January 10 - check the Idaho Botanical Garden web site for schedule details.

From the snow-covered mountains to the scenic islands to the vibrant cities, the Pacific Northwest is filled with romantic getaway options. How to choose? Check out one of these travel guide books that focus on romantic getaway spots in Oregon and Washington.

The official travel web site for the state of Washington has added a special section related to Twilight, the popular book and movie series. The site covers locations featured in the story, including the town of Forks and the beach at La Push. The information is aimed at people interested in learning about and exploring these Washington locales and addresses lodging, dining, attractions, and Twilight-related special events. There's even a map for a Twilight-themed road trip.

The chilly months of the year are a great time to visit the Oregon Coast. Not only can you enjoy watching the wild waves as storms roll in, you can explore the shops and museums located up and down the coast line. To make a visit even more enticing, many of the Oregon Coast hotels and resorts offers special winter rates and package deals.

The Vashon Island Holiday Art Studio Tour is a wonderful way to spend a day exploring, visiting and learning from local artists, viewing creativity of all kinds, and maybe even getting some Christmas shopping done. During the tour you have the chance to stop at 38 different art studios, checking out the work of artists who paint, sculpt, weave, and much more. The art studio tour will take place 10:00 am to 4:00 pm over two weekends in December - the 5th and 6th, and 12th and 13th. Vashon Island can be reached by a short ferry ride from the terminal in West Seattle, Southworth, or Tacoma.

We have many different ways to celebrate the winter holiday season here in the Northwestern United States. Our mountains and forests are great places to go choose and cut your own tree, or to enjoy snow sports such as tubing and skiing. Holiday parades, tree lighting ceremonies, and craft fairs are offered in most every community. These links and resources will help you find your own way to enjoy the holidays:

• Christmas in Alaska
• Christmas in Idaho
• Christmas in Montana
• Christmas in Oregon
• Christmas in Washington
• Christmas in Seattle/Tacoma
• Christmas in Portland

(photo courtesy of Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium)

Some of Alaska's most spectacular scenery can best be seen from the sea, making Alaska a great cruise destination. Due to popular demand, more cruise lines than ever are planning Alaska cruises. Many of these leave out of the Port of Seattle. About.com's guide to "Cruises" has put together this excellent article to help you plan your 2010 Alaska cruise.

One of Seattle's many holiday traditions is the month-long Winterfest at Seattle Center. Highlights of Winterfest include the ice skating rink at Fisher Pavilion, the Classic Carousel, and the Winter Village and Train inside the Center House. Ice sculpting, comedy, fireside singing, and a cultural festival are other Winterfest events. Live music can be enjoyed throughout; the musicians and performers come from around the region and include the Northwest Boychoir, the Microsoft Orchestra, and the Seattle Flute Society. If you stay into the evening, you and your loved ones can take in the festive holidays lights sprinkled throughout the Seattle Center grounds and buildings.

I had a great time on an Alaska Inside Passage cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl. One of our ports of call was Skagway, a charming town that played a key role in both the Klondike Gold Rush and World War II. I enjoyed walking all around Skagway and checking out the small town's many attractions. I hope you enjoy these photos of the sights and scenery you'll find in Skagway.