Forget everything you know about student hostels -- the cramped rooms; sparse furnishings and blah décor. Today a new breed of boutique hostel offers travelers an affordable and eye-catching place to stay.

It seems like a pretty simple directive -- don't get plastered before you get on a commercial airline. But you'd be surprised at how many people knock back one too many and become their own in-flight entertainment. Check out this article from Elliott.org before you order that next drink.

If you're traveling on the East Coast, there are amazing travel deals out there -- and they don't involve long lines at security. Read all about how traveling by bus is making a big -- and welcome -- comeback in the New York to Washington, DC, corridor.

As the days get shorter and winter sneaks up, our thoughts are turning toward traveling to destinations with just a bit more warmth and sunshine. And what better place to focus our vacation attention than the South Pacific? Check out our picks for the seven most stunning Polynesian islands and share your favorites with us!

American Samoa
American Samoa is a unique mix of Polynesian and US cultures so it's a great place to begin your South Pacific vacation without experiencing too much culture shock! The main island of Tutuila has a lot to offer travelers, but be sure get off the beaten path and head out to the Manu'a Islands where you'll marvel at the turquoise, coral-filled waters.

Cook Islands
If you've ever wanted to play castaway then any of the 15 of the remote Cook Islands set the perfect scene. Rarotonga tends to be the most popular with travelers due to its amazing beaches and jungles, but snorkelers and divers should head straight to Aitutaki to explore its renowned coral lagoon.

Fiji
Fiji is the classic Polynesian vacation destination and one of the easiest to travel to as it caters to travelers of all shapes and sizes. The locals are incredibly friendly, the beaches are pristine, the diving beyond compare and there's some incredible history and culture to be explored in the island's interior.

Tahiti
Whether you're looking for a family destination, a romantic honeymoon getaway, or simply a chance to relax in the sun and get pampered at a spa there's no better place to do any or all of the above than Tahiti. With more than a hundred islands to choose from (including Bora Bora, the Marquesas and Tahiti itself), there's literally something for everyone in this magnificent corner of French Polynesia.

Tonga
Tonga prides itself on being both the Friendly Islands and we couldn't agree more. In 'the place where time begins' (referring to its location just east of the International Date Line), you'll just love the laid-back atmosphere and the warmth of the locals. And don't forget to take advantage of Tonga's amazing whale watching opportunities!

Tuvalu
Made up of three reef islands and six atolls, Tuvalu is one of the smallest and most remote islands in the world and one of the few places on earth where you can really get away from it all. The culture of the people of the atolls is unlike any other in Polynesia and one that you'll want to experience first-hand.

Vanuatu
The 83 islands that make up the archipelago of Vanuatu range from the touristed to the uninhabited and this mix makes for a unique South Pacific getaway. Dive to the depths of the ocean to explore shipwrecks, surf down Yasur volcano or hike to spectacular waterfalls; no matter what you decide to undertake, Vanuatu will satisfy your every adventurous desire.