www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday January 24, 2009 - 23 Be a Winner! Oct 29 - Nov 4th Enter these DailyWebTV th At home and abroad Saturday Jan 24th - Jan 30th Real Estate Conserving energy in the home is good. But where do you start? contests. I t seems appropriate this week to talk about the first ever Official American Website. The inauguration of President Barack Obama gave the world hope. I keep hearing Canadians, unhappy with the politics of the U.S. over the last eight years such that they wouldn't travel there, now saying they'll go back. I've found a new site that makes it easy to figure where and how to go -- www.DiscoverAmerica.com . It comes from a partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. The 15,000-page website has great content on the 50 U.S. states, popular cities and the country's five territories. It gives official entry policy information, interactive mapping tools, an activity finder and travel booking options. It has a section on reader reviews and pictures, which is interesting. The content is supplied by destination marketing organizations, Fodor's, American Express, weather. Com, Google Maps, and the United States Department of State. You can research beach holidays, city breaks, a visit to a theme park, or a guest ranch in Arizona and Texas. I really like the interactive U.S. map which lets me explore the U.S by region, state, city or activity. Another planning feature allows you to map distances between destinations. While you're looking through it, you're led inside the pages by selecting a destination you've viewed on the map. Another feature that works is the Activity Finder, which lets you research travel by activity rather than location. You can choose from 23 popular trip activity categories, such as shopping, coasts, national parks, theme parks and more. The site will also display recommended destinations that correspond. Dear Sam: We're finding that all the best deals are all-inclusives, and we'd been there and done that. Can you suggest some reasonable prices to somewhere warm but not hot for a two weeks break? My husband does like to golf, but it isn't necessary. Reader Dear Reader: Portugal comes to mind. And yes, the weather should be spring-like and there are golf courses. J.M. Vacations has a special on leaving Feb. 22. According to golf writer Marc Atchison, golf destinations are places you can combine golf with visits to historic towns, quaint bars and restaurants where the local wine flows like water, and prices for food, lodging and golf are always reasonable. Portugal, which moves to a Latin beat after the sun dips behind the 18th tee, is no exception to this rule. Its offerings of spicy fish and seafood dishes and fine wines -- this country ranks among the best wine producers in the world. For two weeks in a fully furnished apartment at the Aparthotel Oceanus, in Albufeira, the airfare from Toronto, transfers and 14 nights accommodation in a one-bedroom unit costs $998 + $335 taxes each for a total $1,333. Call your agent or J.M. Vacations at 416-979-1100 SIGN UP and you could WIN! certificate $200 giftDove Spa. to Health & Beauty Facial rejuvenation that can treat all areas of the face in harmony and with less surgery. Sunday In Motion Monday What is the Finance and Insurance team at a car dealership, and are the bank rates cheaper? Lifestyle & Leisure Tuesday Think refill, not landfill. Wednesday Home & Garden Leather floors are the latest style in home flooring. Learn more about the newest trend in home décor. Thursday In the Kitchen Subtle herbs compliment the rich mushroom flavour in this decadent soup. New Homes Friday What to look for, inside and out, in a new home. Visit DailyWebTV.com to Win!