Travel Ideas

Dig the lightsaber out of the closet and brush up on your Yoda-ese: Star Wars Day is this Sunday, May 4 -- as in "May the fourth be with you." Around the world, Rebel scum and Vader disciples alike will gather for Star Wars costume parties and movie-watching marathons. How anyone could sit through The Phantom Menace again though is a mystery. And in a pre-holiday announcement poor Mark Hamill has been awaiting since 1983, the cast of J.J. Abrams' upcoming Episode VII film has been revealed.

In May, travelers in search of Americana, booze and racing have two iconic options: the Kentucky Derby (May 3) and the Indianapolis 500 (May 25). If you're overwhelmed by trying to pick one to attend, we've matched these two classic American races head-to-head in a contest for your time and money. And they're off!

As you celebrate Hairstyle Appreciation Day today (you are observing it, right?) keep this fact in mind: at the end of every hair cut in salons, beauty parlors and barbershops around the world, potentially great works of art are swept away in the trash.

That's the way Leila Cahoon sees it anyway. A semi-retired cosmetologist in Independence, Missouri, Cahoon is also the owner and namesake of Leila's Hair Museum. Her collection of more than 2,000 objects woven from human hair is considered the largest collection of its kind in the world. (She also has some things made of horse hair, but that's a whole 'nother conversation.)

In its four seasons, IFC's Portlandia has offered snapshots from dozens of enclaves in and around Portland, Oregon. PDX may be where "young people go to retire," but it's also a great escape to forget about growing up for just a weekend. From the uppity, yet historic, Pearl District to low-brow North Portland, you can enjoy moments from the show -- and see how the real Portland compares to Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein's version.

Prince William and Kate Middleton's third wedding anniversary is Tuesday, April 29. Don't worry if you forgot to send the royal couple a gift though; they're all set (but probably appreciate your thought). If their anniversary has you dreaming of castles and courts, and wishing we had stateside options to visit, good news: the United States is home to one genuine royal palace as well as some worthy imitators.

The containing search for bodies from the South Korean ferry and Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, and a hijacking scare on a Virgin Australia flight are among today's points of interest.

On April 27, Pope Francis will host a spiritual doubleheader of sorts in Rome for two of Catholicism's most illustrious leaders: Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II. The late popes –- the former who sought to modernize the church through Vatican II, and latter who is credited with helping to topple Communism in Eastern Europe –- will be canonized this Sunday. In effect, they will, as saints, join the church's eternal hall of fame. And it's estimated that two million travelers will be in Rome to witness their canonizations.

Details emerging about the South Korea ferry crash victims is among today's points of interest.

Today, William Shakespeare lovers celebrate the 450th anniversary of the immortal's Bard's birth. We thought we'd join in by showcasing some out-of-the-ordinary ways to experience the work of the man who wrote, "All the world's a stage."

The search for survivors of the South Korea ferry disaster is are among today's points of interest.