Just learned that at least a few lucky holiday travelers will be able to show up to their destinations with their gifts wrapped. As you probably know, it is strongly recommended that you not bother to wrap any gifts that you are flying with in your carryon bag. There seems to be a pretty strong likelihood, depending on the country of your departure, that wrapped gifts will become unwrapped gifts by the security workers as you go through their area.

But, for those flying on Virgin Atlantic from JFK International in New York, things are looking up. Virgin Atlantic has set up a station of “elves” at Terminal 4 following the security checkpoint. They will charge two dollars per package to be wrapped, and all of that will go directly to the Virgin Unite charity. This service is scheduled to be available from December 21 thru December 23, 2011 and sounds just brilliant. If only other airlines would follow their lead….these are the kinds of things that really make a difference in the holiday traveler’s experience. Hope this spurs others to do the same and that Virgin Atlantic extends it to other airports too, fingers crossed!

Boston sits along the Charles River. It is famous for both its historical importance in America and its vast array of tourist activities. It is also the largest city in New England, as well as the capitol of the State of Massachusetts. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Eastern coast, pulling in more than 16 million visitors every single year.

There are more than 16 districts in Boston, effectively making it a considerably larger city than it was during the 18th century. It can also have pretty unpredictable weather, with cold bouts during the winter and stints of humidity during the summer, so it’s best to be prepared for a variety of climates before you set foot in town. The best time to visit Boston is between the months of May and September. The weather is generally pleasant during this time.

John Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts, famously referred to the city of Boston as a “shining city on a hill.” It was originally envisioned to be a Christian utopia for the previously persecuted settlers from Europe. Today it is looked upon as the starting point of the American Revolution, making it important to historians.

Looking to fly into Boston? You can fly into the Boston Logan International Airport. It is the largest and most convenient airport in the region, also acting as the gateway to New England. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are two of the main European carriers that fly into Boston Logan International Airport. If you are arriving by train, you can choose from the South Station, Back Bay and North Station. Amtrack also serves the Boston area, although there is no direct link from Boston and Canada. Coming in by bus is also an option, but driving in your own car is not recommended. Traffic in Boston can become quite gridlocked, and it is better to commute using the “T” or commuter train. You’ll spend less on transportation and you won’t have to sit in heavy traffic.

There are several main attractions to visit in the Boston area, chief among them being The Museum of Fine Arts and the Collection of Historical Scientific Instruments. The Harvard Art Museum and the Harvard Museum of Natural History are also big tourist attractions. The USS Constitution Museum is definitely a must-see. It is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard. Tour Old Ironsides and enjoy hands-on exhibits. The Independence Day Celebration in Boston is also an incredible experience.

As far accommodations go in Boston, the area near the Charles River and downtown Boston offer the best choices. Boston Harbour also offers some stunning hotel choices in addition to the hotels on the Charles River.

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Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy located with Southeastern Asia. The country itself is separated into two separate regions by the South China Sea, creating Peninsula Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Surrounded by countries like Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia has a very rich and diverse culture. The capitol city is Lumpur. The name, ‘Malaysia’ is said to be derived from a Sanskrit name that is translated “land of mountains.’ The history of the island dates back thousands of years, and the traditions of the locals still reflect these ancient roots.

One of the main draws of Malaysia for foreigners is its extreme biodiversity. Also known as a ‘megadiverse country,’ it features a high variety of animal species and a vast array of flora and fauna. It is also the only country with a border on the Malay Archipelago and the Asian Mainland. In the Peninsula Region of Malaysia has more than 620 species of birds alone. There are also over 8,000 different types of vascular plants within the same region. The Sulu Sea along the eastern side of Malaysia is a biodiversity hotspot as well, featuring over 600 coral species and 1,000 fish species.

One of the most famous aspects of Malaysia culture is its fine cuisine, ranging from spicy curry to their famous variations of chilli. Much of their food is influenced by Singapore and Thailand cuisine, but the Malaysians out their own twist onto traditional Asian dishes and make them their own. This fantastic cuisine is often associated with the many festivals celebrated within Malaysia. Hari Merdeka is the Malaysian holiday for ‘Independence Day,’ the King’s Birthday and Labour Day. All of these holidays are heralded in with festivities such as parades, fireworks, street vending and lots of food to choose from. There are also many sporting events held in Malaysia, ranging from badminton, field hockey, tennis, bowling, martial arts, skating, sailing and soccer.

At the capitol, visitors can find the Islamic Arts Center, which features both the artistic achievements and discoveries of the Islamic world. They may also visit the Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the skyline of the capitol city. About 1,000 tickets are sold at the tower every day, so be sure to arrive there early. The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is the ideal place to view the stunning birds of Malaysia. There are nearly 700 different species hidden with the trees, so be sure to bring your binoculars. Bukit Bintang is a popular urban centre with nightlife and traditional Malaysian cuisine around every corner. The Batu Caves are made of limestone are traditionally used for Hindu festivals and pilgrimages.

The best places to lodge can be found in Kuala Lumpur, the capitol region of Malaysia.

Click here for great deals and offers on Malaysia holidays 2012 and all inclusive deals.