If the idea of celebrating the New Year in one of the most beautiful cities in the US appeals, consider spending a few days in San Diego, CA. It has the added benefits of a warm and balmy climate, gorgeous beaches and plenty of events to choose from.

Sailing Parties on San Diego Bay

Those hoping 2011 will be a year of prosperity may want to start the New Year on a decadent private yacht party out on the bay. Three decks each have their own live entertainment and there are unlimited drinks and appetizers to be enjoyed from 8pm to 1am, all for less than two hundred bucks. For a similar price the USS Midway, a floating aircraft carrier museum for most of the year, invites guests aboard to a black tie gala event enjoying magnificent fireworks and sounds from the Big Daddy Orchestra.

San Diego Hotel Events

The larger luxury hotel chains all celebrate New Year in San Diego with a big bang! The Hyatt Regency at La Jolla offers the chance to watch the ball drop Times Square style without the chilly temperatures. Various ticket prices cover the Grand Ballroom party, open bar, reserved tables or premier dinner seating.

The Hilton Bayfront has something for everyone with 12 themed party areas from groove to electronica. Midnight is celebrated with a balloon drop, fireworks, party favors and a few undisclosed surprises. This upscale all-inclusive event runs from 7pm to morning.

The Hard Rock Hotel always knows how to give a good time and New Year’s Eve in San Diego is no exception. Live DJs keep the party buzzing and the event becomes a lively pool party the next morning.

Best value New Year’s Eve Party tickets are to the Shout House where the standing-room-only tickets for the show are just $35. Add a lavish buffet, party favors and a champagne toast in a souvenir glass for around $100.

Children’s New Year’s Eve Parties

Much more affordable at around $15-20 per head and very family oriented, the Escondido Children’s Museum puts on kid’s craft events and free face painting from 6pm to 10pm. Fireworks go off at 9pm and there is a family disco at this 16th Annual First Night Escondido event.

New Year’s Day

If all that late-night partying is not for you, enjoy a champagne brunch on New Year’s Day at one of the top San Diego hotels or aboard a two-hour scenic cruise and start 2011 in a more sedate style.

If you’re flying to San Diego for New Year’s and need to rent a car, check out our low rates on car rental. We are conveniently located near the San Diego International Airport (SAN).

Missouri is unofficially called the “Show-Me State” and it is a most appropriate slogan for Christmas in Kansas City, MO. The events kick-off in mid-November with the Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony. 2010 is the 81st annual event which attracts crowds of 200,000 spectators.

A City of Lights

To complement the Plaza Lights, the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting also takes place with an evening of family entertainment as the 100 foot-tall tree, one of the tallest in the nation, is illuminated in Crown Center Square. The mayor is joined by a celebrity for the switching-on ceremony and in 2010 it is Chef Celina Tio of TVs “Iron Chef” fame. The tree is a symbol of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund which organizes money-raising events for the less fortunate in Kansas City. One of the fund-raisers is that the wood from the Christmas tree is carved into commemorative ornaments which are sold to benefit the charitable fund.

The Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) Plaza Lighting Ceremony takes place on Thanksgiving Night in the 8-block district of restaurants, theaters and bars opposite the Sprint Center. Once the lights have been switched on by Kansas City chefs running backwards there is a splendid fireworks display above the XXI Forever Store and the Intercontinental Hotel. The crowds can enjoy live bands playing seasonal holiday favorites. Finalists from the Kansas City Superstar singing competition will also perform as a show choir accompanied by dancers from the Miller Marley Studio to complete this Christmas extravaganza.

Christmas in the Park at Longview Lake is another traditional favorite at Christmas in Kansas City. Listed as one of the top 10 things to do, children of all ages will be enchanted by the 175 animated figures in this Winter Wonderland. Christmas Card Lane is another great area to drive through and see the 200 homes which are seasonally decoarated in this holiday-spirited sub-division.

Cultural Christmas Events in Kansas City

Known for its excellent arts events and theater performances, Kansas City Christmas celebrations are the highlight of the season.

The Kansas City Symphony Orchestra will perform “How the Symphony Saved Christmas” at the Lyric Theater in December with a free holiday concert at the Music Hall on December 24.

Performances of “Polar Express in 3D”, “Madeline’s Christmas” and the “Nutcracker and the Mouse King” will delight children throughout December at the H&R Block City Stage and at Union Station. The American Heartland Theater presents the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play”.

If you are heading for Kansas City at Christmas, you are sure to be fully entertained. If you’re in need of a rental car or car hire at a great value, Payless Car Rental is conveniently located at Kansas City Airport (MCI).

Christmas in Toronto, Canada closely follows the traditions of the UK and the USA with an emphasis on shopping, gift exchanges and a traditional family Christmas Day dinner of turkey with all the trimmings.

There are plenty of events to be enjoyed in the period leading up to Christmas in Toronto. In late November the Santa Claus Parade starts at Bloor and Christie Streets and winds its way through the city to Front and Church Streets. This lively parade has floats, costumes, carolers, entertainers and Santa Claus himself leading the colorful procession. Christmas Craft Fairs are hosted in busy malls and for children the Soulpepper Theater will present the Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol”. Another popular event for children is the gingerbread house decorating workshop held at Casa Loma on Austin Terrace in the heart of the city.

The Cavalcade of Lights is one of the loveliest events heralding Christmas in Toronto. The event begins on the last Saturday in November with a one-night spectacular of fireworks and musical concerts in Nathan Phillips Square by some of Canada’s top performers. 2010 is the 44th Annual Cavalcade and will include performances by Shawn Desman, Divine Brown and Sarah Slean. After the fireworks at 8pm there is an outdoor skating party celebrating 40 years of the JUNO Awards.

The Cavalcade of Lights is a month-long event as the city is lit up with thousands of festive Christmas lights including the beautiful Christmas tree at Nathan Phillips Square. Kensington Market also comes alive with illuminations and celebrates the annual celebrations of both Christmas and Hanukkah.

Boxing Day

December 26 is known as Boxing Day in both Canada and the UK and its roots go back to when many staff were in service at the “big house”. On Boxing Day the Victorian gentry gave their servants the day off to return home to their families. It is also traditional to give gifts and money to the poor on St Stephen’s Day, as it is also known.

Modern day Boxing Day in Toronto is more closely akin to “Black Friday” in the USA, when the day after Thanksgiving the shops reopen with some of the best sales bargains of the year. In similar style, Boxing Day sales in Toronto heavily discount unsold Christmas stock making it a great day to spend Christmas gift cards and cash!

Those who prefer to avoid the manic scramble can stay home and watch the traditional sports matches on TV.

If you’re traveling to Toronto this winter, we can help you save more on car rental in Toronto. We are conveniently located at the main Toronto airport, Lester B. Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Although Orlando, Florida may not be the first place that springs to mind when choosing a destination for the Christmas holiday, this sub-tropical paradise has a host of things to do on a very festive winter holiday theme.

Christmas in Orlando is magical and nowhere does it better than Walt Disney World. If you want to give your family some unforgettable Christmas memories, visit Disney’s Christmas Parade. The glittering floats and parade characters ride down Main Street generating wide-eyed wonder against the magical backdrop of the Magic Kingdom. In the evening, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is sure to capture the magic of Christmas with sleigh rides, fireworks, brightly lit Christmas trees and miles of colorful lights.

If you want a snowier treat, the Polar Express Experience in SeaWorld whisks visitors on an exciting trip to the North Pole in an amazing virtual ride with all the motion, scents and sounds of the journey. The trip is loosely based around the magical children’s story of the same name and the ride culminates with visitors interacting with polar bears, penguins and beluga whales, all at home in their chilly winter wonderland.

Silver Springs theme park near Ocala makes a great day out from Orlando, just 80 miles north along the Florida turnpike. It has a calendar of year-round events in a tropical garden setting beside natural springs which pump sparkling spring water at an amazing rate. Take a glass-bottomed boat trip to greet the resident alligators, turtles and fish.

In the holiday season the Festival of Lights at Silver Springs decorates the botanical gardens with millions of lights. Carol singers stroll the grounds and there is a beautiful lighted boat parade and musical stage shows. Best of all these outdoor events can all be enjoyed amidst pleasant Florida temperatures of around 70-80F during the day. Enjoy the fabulous Holiday Buffet before taking the leisurely drive home through the Florida scenery.

The Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando puts on a splendid ICE! Attraction which is open to all. It creates its own winter wonderland with 40 artists from China carving 2 million pounds of ice over several weeks to create an amazing ice display. Visitors can see the life-sized nativity scene and a host of three-dimensional sculptures in amazing detail. Tickets include the loan of warm overcoats to wear during a visit to the “Florida Fridge” which is maintained at a very un-Orlando-like 9°F. With an ice-skating rink, Santa in his ornament room and carousel rides, there is really nowhere nicer to be for the holidays than Orlando, Florida.

If you’re traveling to sunny Florida this winter, check out our low rates on car rental in Orlando. We usually have many cars and minivans for rent at Orlando International Airport (MCO) during the holiday season.

We here at Payless Car Rental have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We’re thankful for the privilege to continue to serve our leisure and business travelers in this economic climate. We’re thankful for the great employees we have here at Payless, especially those that have stuck with us all these years. Most importantly, however, we’re thankful to you, our customers, who continue to support us and provide constructive feedback on where we can improve. We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels!

If laboring in the kitchen over a hot stove does not sound like your ideal Thanksgiving, why not take advantage of the long weekend break and head for Phoenix, Arizona? The arid climate and mild temperatures make it a great place to escape to for a Thanksgiving weekend break with great restaurants, hiking, fishing, golf and some very special events for all the family.

Fountain Hills, just 30 miles from Phoenix Airport in the McDowell Hills, hosts one of the best Thanksgiving parades in North America. Parada de los Cerros has colorful floats, marching bands and marines to get visitors in a great party mood.

Thanksgiving Dinner in Phoenix

For a memorable turkey dinner with a difference (and absolutely no hot stove in sight) book dinner at the Revolving Restaurant in the Hyatt Regency’s Compass Arizona Grill. It serves à la carte and buffet fare throughout the day including carved roast turkey, baked ham and an appetizing seafood bar along with 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline.

For a taste of decadence at the “Jewel of the Desert”, book a long weekend at the Arizona Biltmore which has been offering fabulous Thanksgiving specials since it opened in 1929. As well as serving superb Thanksgiving meals in its three top restaurants, it offers two 18-hole golf courses, 8 heated swimming pools and a 92-foot waterslide to make Thanksgiving in Phoenix truly memorable for kids, golfers and food-lovers.

Things to Do in Phoenix at Thanksgiving

Phoenix Zoo with its 1,300 animals and 2½ miles of trails is popular at any time of year. In late November, the zoo show puts on an elaborate display of animal-themed lights which offer great entertainment after dark. The 2.5 million lights and 500 sculptures showcase bats hanging in trees, alligators, rhinos, ladybugs and more. With carousel rides and holiday music, it is a great way to celebrate a fun-filled, family Thanksgiving in Phoenix.

Black Friday bargains are plentiful in Phoenix’s stores and malls for shoppers prepared to get up extra early, or maybe not go to bed at all! In the Westcor Midnight Madness Event, many of the area malls and town centers open for business at midnight and most other stores open well before 7am.

To sum it up, Phoenix offers warm sunshine, great food and plenty of family entertainment to make it a truly memorable Thanksgiving vacation for all the family.

If Phoenix is in your travel plans this Thanksgiving, we would like to help you enjoy your Phoenix trip on a budget. Payless Car Rental, your discount rent-a-car company, is conveniently located at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Check our Phoenix value offers to save even more!

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Thanksgiving is traditionally a time when families gather to enjoy a huge turkey dinner with all the trimmings followed by pumpkin pie and an afternoon snooze. If you are looking to break the routine, there are some great places to enjoy Thanksgiving doing something a little different. As Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday it is easy to make it a long weekend break, incorporating a little Black Friday shopping too! Most of our Payless stores will be open for service during the Thanksgiving holidays. Here are some popular Thanksgiving travel destinations where we have Payless locations in.

Thanksgiving in San Francisco

Not only does San Francisco have great restaurants offering Thanksgiving favorites, you may want to join in the Turkey Trail Trot in Golden Gate Park. The 5-mile Turkey Trot run is guaranteed to burn 600 calories, the 3-mile Pilgrim Promenade amble should shed 300 calories and the Kids 100-meter Gobbler Chase should burn up all of 8 calories!

Another San Francisco Thanksgiving tradition is the engagement ceremony on Golden Gate Bridge itself. Those who say “Yes” have to chain a lock to the bridge and throw away the key, symbolizing a locked relationship forever.

If you’re staying in San Francisco, choose a hotel near Union Square to get a head start on all those bargains on Black Friday at Macy’s and other upmarket stores. Later, Ghirardelli Square hosts the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony with Christmas carolers, stilt walkers and of course free Ghirardelli chocolate.

Thanksgiving in Atlanta

If your Atlanta turkey dinner is weighing heavy, there are miles of hiking trails to walk it off. The scenic Silver Comet Trail is 13 miles northwest of Atlanta. Bring your roller blades and the dog and enjoy the fall colors.

Atlanta hosts a Marathon and Half-Marathon through downtown Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day, or go ice skating in Centennial Olympic Park which is decorated with a dazzling display of colored lights.

Thanksgiving in Denver

Those celebrating Thanksgiving in Denver will find plenty of venues offering family brunch or more traditional turkey fare. Everyone will enjoy Denver’s parks and zoo and the Children’s Museum offers plenty of hands-on activities to entertain and amuse.

Winter sports enthusiasts can drive an hour or so northwest to Winter Park Resort which offers 3,000 acres of snow-covered terrain for skiing, snowboarding and other exciting winter sports.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend the “Nutcracker” ballet opens at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and on Sunday the Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game is held at Invesco Field. Add to that Denver’s great reputation as a shopping city, with the downtown Denver Pavilions and the upscale Cherry Creek Mall and you have the perfect destination for a happy Thanksgiving.

We recently opened our new Payless store in Miami, Florida. The newest Payless Car Rental store is conveniently situated inside the new 3.4 million square foot Rental Car Center at the Miami International Airport (MIA). The new Payless store in Miami, FL is the fourth Payless store in a major airport market in Florida. We hope that with our new Miami store, you can plan a vacation to Miami and still save more for the trip. For more information, check out the press release.

We’re offering 5% off on rentals booked in the month of September that have a pickup date before December 31, 2010. Enter 9521pc in the Discount / Promo code box on PaylessCar.com to receive this discount on our already low rates!