AOL Travel News

The 5 Best Tour Companies For Paris Sightseeing

Gerard Walen — 2011-04-01T13:00:00+00:00

There are plenty of reasons why Paris remains one of Europe's most-visited cities: world-class restaurants, historic landmarks, museums and hotels, and, of course, romance. Due to its sprawling nature, however, touring Paris can be arduous. Here's a quick look at the myriad options available no matter the mode of transportation.

Get on the bus
Paris by bus is an efficient way to navigate the city streets, but some of the tours can be a bit rushed. A more leisurely alternative is the Cars Rouges (Les) which offers two days of exploration. Customers can get off and tour any of nine sites, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre or Notre-Dame Cathedral, and get back on board one of the open-top double-decker buses at their convenience. Tickets start at 12 Euros for children, 24 Euros for adults.

Get lit
Many Paris tour companies offer cruises along the Seine River, but Viator's nighttime river cruise is adventure that doesn't end when the boat docks. The evening starts with a guided sail along the lamp-lit river; next, a coach tour visits some of the city's most famous landmarks, followed by a three-course meal and a glass of wine at the Chez Clement restaurant.

A gargoyle's view
Some might not group Aeroparis with other Paris tours as it doesn't go anywhere but nearly 500 feet straight up. The spectacular views from this tethered hot-air balloon, though gives a sweeping vista of the city and many of its famous landmarks. Just be sure to check the weather.

Soles to the street
Hoofing it on one of the tours conducted by Paris Walks offers a more in depth and personalized view of the city; and boasts an experienced, multilingual tour guides. More interested in Parisian chocolate or fashions? Not to worry--the company offers Paris that focus on the subject. It's wise to book a spot on these tours in advance as they book up early.

Go Your Own Way
Not into the whole group tour experience? Tourists can create their own versions with the purchase of a Paris Pass. With options of 2, 4 or 6 days, it includes admission to more than 55 city attractions. It comes with a guidebook, and passholders can skip the long lines at some of the city's most popular attractions, such as the Louvre, the Musee d'Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe. And no need to worry about getting around; passholders can ride the Metro system at no extra charge for the duration of the pass.

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Florida Vacations With Baseball, Beer And Gators

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-27T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Tips & Tricks

Photo by Gerard Walen

Sure, there are Florida vacations that center on Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, but everyone's doing that. Don't follow the crowd, at least not all the time.

Some of the best Florida vacations are those with less popular itineraries or that focus on an aspect of the Sunshine State that's tough to find anywhere else.

Here are three ideas for different kinds of Florida vacations.

Spring Training

For about a month beginning in late February, fifteen Major League Baseball teams call Florida home for their spring training games.

The "Grapefruit League" holds games every day through that season in Florida. Vacations can be centered on watching a favorite team play, or catching games at all the stadiums, which are clustered relatively close, ranging roughly from Fort Myers and Jupiter in the south to Kissimmee to the north.

These games are great opportunities to see the teams close up and score autographs from favorite players, and there seems to be an infinitely better chance of catching a fly ball than in one of the big baseball parks.

Florida Beer

3628372010, Flickr - Big Sound Scotch Ale is a special brew by Cigar City Brewing.

Once home to only the big national beer companies, The Sunshine State over the past decade or so has flourished for travelers who want their Florida vacations to revolve around local microbreweries and brewpubs and the great craft beer they produce.

There are dozens of these small breweries in the state right now, many making a splash on the national scene with awards and other recognition.

Among the most notable are Cigar City Brewing and The Tampa Bay Brewing Co. in Tampa, Saint Somewhere in Tarpon Springs, The Funky Buddha in Boca Raton, Intuition Ale Works in Jacksonville (also home to a massive Budweiser brewery), and the Pensacola Bay Brewery in downtown Pensacola.

Many of the breweries offer tours; call ahead first, though, to make sure tours are scheduled the day of your visit.

Old Florida Attractions - Gators Included

kissheartoffl, Flickr - Albino Gator at Gatorland. Wonder if he sunburns.

Before Walt Disney began secretly purchasing large parcels of land in Central Florida for his new theme park project, the state was rife with funky little tourist attractions along the pre-Interstate highways and byways.

Many of them are still active, so folks can plan Florida vacations that focus on them. Catch the live mermaid shows at Weeki Wachee Springs in Spring Hill, see a LOT of alligators and other wildlife at Gatorland in Orlando, observe wild fish and manatees in their natural environment at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Citrus County, or take a glass-bottom boat ride at Silver Springs Park in Ocala.

Other attractions you could add to one of these Florida vacations include the Citrus Tower in Clermont, the Historic Bok Sanctuary in Lake Wales, or Marineland in Miami. Keep your eyes open, though; Florida is dotted with lots of smaller old attractions, and don't forget to load up on tacky, old-school souvenirs at the gift shops!

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Disney World Tickets Explained: Get The Most Bang For Your Buck

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-25T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Disney

Gerard Walen

There are four theme parks, two water parks, an indoor amusement center and restaurants out the wazoo at Walt Disney World. Tickets can be purchased in all ways, shapes and forms for any of them, depending on how much you want to see and do at the Central Florida mega-park. The options can be confusing, so don't wait until you're at the Disney World tickets booth to decide: Not only will you hold up the line, but you may end up not getting the best deal for your dollars.

Here's an overview of the various Disney World tickets options and some tips for getting the most out of your stay.

Magic Your Way
Purchase these Disney World tickets and have access to one theme park per day (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot or Animal Kingdom) for the length of a visit up to 10 days.

For an additional charge, there are options such as Park Hopper, which allows entry to multiple theme parks on any given day; or Water Park Fun & More, which gives admission to the two water parks and other attractions (DisneyQuest Indoor Interactive Theme Park and the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex) as well as a round at Oak Trail Golf Course, a nine-hole walking course.

There's also a No Expiration Option, which allows guests to use unused days any time in the future; ordinarily the tickets expire 14 days after the first use. Prices currently range from $82 per day for a one-day adult base ticket to $26.20 per day for the 10-day option. For ages 3-9, base prices range from $74 to $23.90. Worth noting is that tots younger than 3 get in for free.

Annual Passes
These are the best bargains of the Disney World tickets for the frequent visitor. For admission to all four parks for 365 days, the cost is $499 for ages ten and older and $450 for ages 3-9.

Those upgrading to the Premium Annual Pass also get admission to the water parks, DisneyQuest and more. Premium prices are $629 for ages ten and up, and $567 for ages 3-9. Disney World also offers a Water Park Annual Pass ($99.95; $80.50) and a DisneyQuest Annual Pass ($89; $71).

Florida Residents Get All The Breaks
The House of Mouse knows that a lot of its customers live in its Sunshine State home, so it gives Florida residents a break on their Disney World tickets. Prices and discounts vary, depending on the time of year and which options are desired. Check out the Disney World website to see what's available.

Things to Note
Disney World also offers various dining plans, which can save money on dining in the park.

The water parks are subject to seasonal or severe weather closures.

Prices listed here do not include tax, and are subject to change.

For those driving to the parks, there are signs offering to buy or sell Disney World tickets with unused days at steep discounts. DO NOT DO THIS! These operations are illegal and folks that buy these tickets are likely to be turned back at the gate.

Fortunately there are legitimate ticket brokers who buy Disney World tickets in bulk and resell them at a discount off property. There are also kiosks offering free Disney World tickets. These are usually legitimate (read, usually), but require sitting through a high-pressure timeshare sales pitch. Never fun.

The best bet still remains buying Disney World tickets through the park.

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Indy 500: Celebrating a Century of Thunder in 2011

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-18T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Seasonal

Fotos piloto, Flickr

Originally billed as the "International 500-Mile Sweepstakes Race" in 1911, the Memorial Day weekend high-speed automobile race in Indiana soon became known as the "Indianapolis 500," "The Indy 500," or simply "The 500." The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, nicknamed "The Brickyard" because it once was paved with bricks, opened in 1909. The first 500-mile race took place in 1911.

The 2011 Indy 500 race on Sunday, May 29, will culminate a two-year celebration of its 100th anniversary, but the festivities will start weeks earlier.

Here's a lineup of some of the events planned to mark a century of the Indy 500:

Saturday, May 7
The Allison Transmission Balloon Festival: Thirty-three hot-air balloons will take off from the speedway grounds.
100th Anniversary Indy 500 Emerging Tech Day: Displays of and presentations on new renewable automotive technologies and alternative-power vehicles.

Friday, May 13 to Saturday, May 14
100th Anniversary Indy 500 Celebration of Automobiles: A display of 250 classic cars whose owners will compete for ribbons.

Sunday, May 15, to Thursday, May 19
Open practice days for the Indy 500 race: Drivers hoping to qualify for the race will have access to the track to work the kinks out.

Friday, May 20
Fast Friday: The final day of practice is popular with Indy 500 fans as drivers get their final full day of practice in before the first qualifying time trials.

Saturday, May 21
Indy 500 Pole Day Qualifying: Drivers will attempt to go fast enough to qualify for one of the first 24 spots on the track. From 4:30 to 6 p.m. will be the Indy 500 Shootout, where the top nine drivers will have a chance to better their previous times.

Sunday, May 22
Indy 500 Bump Day Qualifying: The remaining drivers will compete for the final nine spots.

Wednesday, May 25
American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day: Indy 500 fans will get to the track and be able to drive their own cars around the oval, visit Pit Lane, get autographs from drivers past and present, enjoy live music, and more.

Saturday, May 28
Public Drivers Meeting: All 33 qualified drivers will attend the meeting, which is open to the public.
Starting Field and Living Winners Autograph Session: Indy 500 fans will have a chance to get autographs from the 33 drivers, as well as winners of past Indy 500 races.
Indianapolis 500 Memorabilia Show: A display of historic items from the first 100 years of the Indy 500.

Sunday, May 29
The 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race: The race starts at noon as the drivers zoom around the famous oval on a quest for the checkered flag.

Tickets are required for most events, but there will also be plenty of budget-friendly options for entertainment throughout Indianapolis in the days and weeks leading up to the race. If you're traveling from out the area, be sure to book your hotel room for the Indy 500 because they're filling fast.

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List of National Parks for One-of-a-Kind Experiences

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-17T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Adventure Travel, Best Of

veritasnoctis, Flickr

The United States established Yellowstone National Park as the country's first national park back in the 1800s. Other wilderness areas came under federal protection over the years, and the National Park Service was established in 1916 to protect and care for these wilderness areas. The list of national parks expanded, and the federal agency now safeguards nearly 400 places, including battlefields, historic homes and national monuments.

Here is a short list of national parks with adventures and elements unique to each.

Watch the Lava Flow
With three active volcanoes within its boundaries, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park gives visitors a chance to get close to lava flowing from deep within the earth. The Kilauea Volcano puts out 250,000 to 350,000 cubic yards per day. You can explore the park in your car, or hike along its more than 150 miles of trails. Be sure to check weather and lava flow conditions with the rangers in the visitors' center before hiking; conditions can be extremely dangerous.

See the Geysers
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and parts of Montana and Idaho holds nearly 60 percent of the world's geysers, the most famous being Old Faithful. Be sure to attend one of Old Faithful's regularly occurring hydrothermal eruptions, which occur every 60 to 110 minutes and reach an average height of 130 feet, but do not miss the walk through the adjacent geyser basin, an otherworldly environment of smaller geysers, steam vents and hot springs. Other geyser basins are nearby, some more accessible than others.

Watch the Whales
At Redwood National and State Parks in northern California during March, Pacific gray whales stop to feed near the mouth of the Klamath River during their annual migration from summer feeding grounds off the Mexican coast to Alaskan waters. Rangers regularly schedule viewing sessions that month at the Klamath River Overlook, where visitors can see the whales feeding in the shallow water just hundreds of yards offshore.

Feel Tiny
Next on this list of national parks: Grand Canyon. Whether it's a half-day or a weeks-long trip, there are few things that can make a person feel smaller than paddling on the Colorado River through mile-high canyon walls. If you are not an experienced paddler, there are many commercial outfitters that offer trips of varying length.

Get Tropical
Well, subtropical. The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park covers 2,400 acres of South Florida and encompasses a wide diversity of habitats and wildlife, including plenty of representatives of Florida's state reptile: the American Alligator. Boating, canoeing and kayaking can be a blast, but it can also be hazardous, and not because of the gators; it's easy to get lost in the canals and winding waterways that thread through park, which have many unmarked shallow areas where your boat can get stuck. It's best to hire a guide if you want to do some fishing or exploring, or at least take an online boating safety course and be sure you can read a navigation map.

Of course, there are hundreds more adventures to be had, but space doesn't permit a complete list of national parks. You can go to the NPS website to discover more opportunities for adventure and customize your own list of national parks that you want to visit, or you can download an iPhone app that offers information on 50 of the most popular parks.

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Gilroy Garlic Festival: Don't Forget the Breath Mints

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-15T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Arts & Culture, Food + Drink

Bill Strange, official Gilroy Garlic Festival photographer

If you're traveling through the San Francisco Bay area, and you notice a complete absence of vampires and the distinctive fumes of garlic wafting through the air, it's likely that the Gilroy Garlic Festival is in progress.

Held the last full weekend in July in Gilroy, California, the Gilroy Garlic Festival attracts tens of thousands of foodies and families each year for cooking demonstrations, entertainment, gourmet food and wine, and samples of unusual creations that use the local cash crop as their main ingredient. The festival, which has raised millions of dollars for local charities during its more than three decades of existence, will take place in 2011 from July 29 to 31.

Gourmet Alley at the Gilroy Garlic Festival is where you'll find artists, crafters and the food: garlicky bread, popcorn, chicken, beef, fish, mushrooms and, yes, ice cream. Organizers say the vendors are carefully screened to ensure a wide variety of quality dishes.

Then there's the Gilroy Garlic Festival Recipe Contest & Cook-Off, where finalists from across the nations prepare their garlic-infused creations to be judged by a panel of six judges comprising food experts and celebrities. The first-place winner goes home with $1,000 prize and bragging rights. It's a contest for the home cook: no professional chefs or other food specialists are allowed to enter.

What festival would be complete without a queen? Miss Gilroy Garlic Festival Queen is chosen each year to represent the festival throughout the year. Young women ages 18-24 who live in the surrounding area are eligible, and they are judged on a personal interviews, talent, evening gown and "garlic speech." Oh, and besides beaming about all things garlic during the three days at the festival, the winner and two runners-up are awarded scholarships by local organizations.

Other activities at the 2011 Gilroy Garlic Festival include 46 concerts on three stages, plenty of entertainment for children, more than 100 artists and crafters from across the country showing their work, and appearances by Fabio Viviani of the "Top Chef" TV show.

The Gilroy Garlic Festival is a great bargain, too. Admission for the 2011 festival is $17 for adults, $8 for ages 6-12 and seniors, and free for children younger than 6. Admission includes parking, musical entertainment, cooking demonstrations and special area for the youngsters. Parking is free.

And as long as you're in the area, go ahead and book your hotel room for a few more days. There's plenty to do around Gilroy, and if you rent a car, you can be in San Francisco in less than two hours.

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Summer 2011 Holidays: Three-Day Weekends Galore

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-11T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Seasonal

anthonycramp, Flickr

Summer 2011 holidays begin with the Summer Solstice on June 21 (in the Northern Hemisphere), the longest day and shortest night of the year. Over the centuries, this day has been known as Midsummer, St. John's Day or Litha and was especially important in such ancient religions as Druidism and Wicca. Summer 2011 officially ends on September 21, when fall begins.

But most folks don't plan their vacations around the solstice, so here are the major Summer 2011 holidays.

Memorial Day
Technically, Memorial Day takes place before the Summer Solstice, but most people in the United States consider this holiday to be the start of the vacation season for summer. The holiday in 2011 falls on May 30; it always falls on the last Monday of May. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is to commemorate those who have died while serving in the military. Nearly as important to some people, it's the first of the Summer 2011 holidays to encompass a three-day weekend, allowing for longer weekend getaways.

Father's Day
A day to honor one's father (or grandfather), this summer holiday falls on the third Sunday of June in the United States. In 2011, it will be on June 18. Traditionally, children give their fathers cards and gifts (can you say ugly ties and cheap cologne?). Though the roots of Father's Day in the U.S. stretch to the early 1900s, the government did not recognize it as an official observance until 1972.

Independence Day
This holiday, known also as the Fourth of July, marks the signing of the United States' Declaration of Independence from England on, you guessed it, July 4, 1776. It's a day of patriotic concerts and events, picnics, family reunions, and when the sun goes down, fireworks! The 2011 summer holiday falls on a Monday, which makes it another three-day weekend. Travelers should expect a lot of traffic on the road this year.

Labor Day
As Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer vacation season, Labor Day is traditionally considered the end. It's always on the first Monday of September. In Summer 2011, the holiday falls on September 5, yet another three-day weekend. Originally conceived as a celebration of the U.S. labor movement and its trade unions, Labor Day is mostly now a day for rest, picnics, parties and barbecues. Though some political and trade union celebrations occur, they are more low-key than in earlier years. Also, society women once considered it unfashionable to wear white after this summer holiday, but in 2011, that taboo no longer is widely embraced.

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Family Cruises: Look Before You Book

Gerard Walen — 2011-03-07T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

Gerard Walen

Family cruises provide some of the best vacation memories for everyone involved, and the stress level is low because most everything is included in the price of the cruise. But before you book, you need to make sure the cruise provides everything needed for the entire clan. If not, parents or children could end up not being able to enjoy the care-free getaway on the high seas that they expected.

Look for these things before you book:

Activities
A good family cruise should provide activities geared toward all age levels of children. For instance, Royal Caribbean cruises provide programs for ages 0-3, 3-5, 6-8, 9-11, and teenagers. These programs are included in the cruise price, and provide much-needed interaction with peer groups - especially important for tweens and teens.

Child Care
Family cruises need to have places where parents can leave the children in good hands while they engage in adult-oriented activities. Examples of these are Camp Carnival on Carnival Cruise Line ships or Adventure Ocean on Royal Caribbean.

Cruise Travel & Deals

Cruise Ship Horror Stories

Last Minute Cruises

Family Fun
When researching family cruises, make sure there is a range of activities that the entire family can enjoy together. Disney Cruise Lines does this well, with Broadway-caliber Disney shows, poolside parties, and family-friendly port adventures - including on Disney's own Castaway Cay in the Abacos Islands. The Nickelodeon at Sea program on Norwegian Cruise Line offers the family a chance to dance and sing with SpongeBob or Dora, or even be "slimed" together.

Adult Time
Ensure there are places for parents to enjoy some necessary together time while the children are otherwise occupied. Whether it's an adults-only pool, a cocktail lounge, a dance club or the casino (Warning: Disney has no casinos on its ships), it's important for the grown-ups to have a stress-free place to get away for a little while to make sure everyone relaxes on a family cruise.

References
While researching which family cruise is best for you, ask around. A friend, church member or co-worker with children at ages close to yours may be able to offer advice as to which cruises are the most - or least - family-friendly. Also, go on the Internet and look at reviews of the cruises you are most interested in. Don't let one or two sour reviews dissuade you; there are folks out there who aren't happy with anything. If the reviews are mostly positive, then it's likely a good choice.

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St. Patrick's Day Parades: Where Everyone is Irish

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-25T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Seasonal

istolethetv, Flickr

Along with an influx of Irish immigrants to the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries came a celebration of the Emerald Isle's patron saint, St. Patrick's Day.

Parades on or around every March 17 in various U.S. cities have grown more elaborate over the years, in some cases eclipsing even the celebrations back in Ireland itself.

Though many U.S. cities hold a St. Patrick's Day parade, here's a short list of the most travel-worthy destinations.

New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade:
One of the nation's oldest St. Patrick's Day parades is also one of its most authentic. The annual parade down Fifth Avenue dates to 1766, when a military unit of Irishmen, recruited to serve in the American Colonies, marched in a parade. Now, Irish fraternal and beneficial societies band together to sponsor and march in the parade of bagpipers, high school bands and leprechauns.

Chicago, Illinois St. Patrick's Day Parade:
Yes, they do dye the Chicago River green on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, though these days an eco-friendly dye is used rather than the chemicals of years past. That Saturday is also the day the Windy City holds its St. Patrick's Day Parade to allow families to enjoy the festivities without having to take their children out of school. The parade kicks off at noon, but if you want to watch the river being dyed, you'll need to be in place by 10:45 a.m.

Savannah, Georgia St. Patrick's Day Parade:
This sleepy Southern city claims to hold the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world. The tradition dates to 1813, and festivities and events begin about two weeks before the actual holiday. More than 350 units participate in the parade, comprising military units, bands, the Budweiser Clydesdales and more. For those wishing to take part in the religious aspects of the day, a mass is held at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist the morning of the parade.

Seattle, Washington St. Patrick's Day Parade:
Seattle's St. Patrick's Day Parade, like Chicago's, takes place the Saturday before the holiday (unless, of course, it falls on a Saturday). On the day before, Irish revelers mark the path of the mile-long parade by marking it with a green stripe. The St. Patrick's Day Parade is unusual in another respect: anyone is welcome to march in it, though participants must register if they carry a banner or are part of a group.

Boulder, Colorado St. Patrick's Day Parade:
If partying and not parading is your main aim on St. Patrick's Day, parades don't get much better than this. Dubbed the world's shortest, the route covers only two city blocks and has included such units as the "Paddy O' Furniture Drill Team," whose members performed a choreographed routine with aluminum folding chairs.

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Florida Spring Break: Families and College Students Each Have Their Places

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-24T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Beach, Seasonal

Beth Rankin, Flickr

A recent AOL survey found that 75 percent of spring break travelers in 2011 will stay in the United States, and most of those will head to Florida.

Spring break destinations in Florida tend to cater to either college students or families, so you need to do a little research before embarking on your Florida spring break vacation to ensure you've booked your hotel or resort at an appropriate spot.

Florida Spring Break for the College Crowd

Daytona Beach and spring break go a long way back, and even though local law enforcement takes a hard line on public drinking and intoxication, the beaches still fill with young people sowing their wild oats under the sunshine. Plenty of Daytona Beach hotels and resorts welcome Florida spring breakers, not to mention the nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

Panama City Beach has become a go-to destination for the Florida spring break crowd. The Florida Panhandle community not only offers sugar-white sand beaches, but plenty of concerts, contests, celebrity appearances and late-night parties geared to the college crowd.

Even during the slow season, Key West exudes a let-it-all-hang-out attitude, and things can get pretty risque rather quickly on Duval Street in this casual city on the southernmost tip of Florida. Spring break amps it up even more, with throngs of college students partying well into the night in the melange of bars and nightclubs.

Miami, Florida Travel Guide

Orlando, Florida Travel Guide

Palm Beach, Florida Travel Guide

Florida Spring Break for Families

Hit the beaches of Southwest Florida for some relative solitude during your Florida spring break vacation. Though Siesta Beach in Sarasota can get quite crowded with spring breakers from local high schools during the day, you won't be subject to witnessing the over-the-top shenanigans of the college crowd. For a bit more solitude, head north to the beaches of Anna Maria Island, where you can park close to the sand and let your children play in the edges of the gentle surf while you relax nearby with a cold drink and a book. The nearby cities of Bradenton and Sarasota offer plenty of family-oriented activities for when you want to take a break from the afternoon sunshine.

The oldest permanent European settlement in the United States, St. Augustine offers families not only beaches, but plenty of fun - and educational - activities for a Florida spring break spot. You and your children can pretend to fire the cannons at the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest existing fort in the United States, or get some up-close encounters with toothy reptiles and other wildlife at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

If you're willing to brave the crowds during Florida spring break, you can take your family to the theme parks. Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and Busch Gardens Tampa are great places to take the family any time of the year, but they do become quite popular during the times that the kids are out of school. There are a few tricks to navigating the crowds, but you can expect to spend a few hours of your Florida spring break waiting in line.

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When is Easter 2011?

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-23T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Seasonal

US Army Africa, Flickr

If you want to calculate when Easter 2011 is celebrated, you'll need to look to the heavens - kind of.

Easter Sunday falls on a different date every year. It is determined by the phases of the moon and the liturgical calendar of the Roman Catholic Church, which considers it a "moveable feast."

In most Christian religions, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which they say occurred three days after his crucifixion (marked on Good Friday each year). In the Catholic Church, it marks the end of Lent, a 40-day (not counting Sundays) season of repentance, prayer and fasting that begins on Ash Wednesday.

So when is Easter 2011? The quick answer for most Christian religions is April 24.

Most churches determine the date by the appearance of the "paschal" full moon, which is the first full moon that rises on or after the Vernal, or Spring, Equinox. Easter Sunday comes on the first Sunday after that moon. The roots of the word "paschal" trace to the Greeks "Pascha," which itself derives from the Hebrew "pesach." In English, both words mean "Passover," which is the Jewish holy season that celebrates the Israelites' release from slavery in ancient Egypt.

After much controversy during the early centuries of Christianity over determining exactly when Easter is, this method has been widely accepted over the years.

However, determining which date Easter 2011 is on gets a little more complicated when you consider that the paschal moon is not necessarily an actual full moon and that not all religions track time by the same calendar that's hanging on your wall.

The paschal moon is one of the "ecclesiastical moons" of the lunar calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle with months of 30 or 29 days. The ecclesiastical moon falls on the 14th day of the lunar month and is sometimes is a few days off from the actual full moon because of cumulative small variances in the lunar calendar. In 2011, the paschal moon happens to fall on the same date as the full moon in the sky - April 17.

Further complicating matters is that most Eastern Orthodox churches calculate when Easter is based on the old Julian calendar, rather than the Gregorian calendar used by Western churches. Because of this, Orthodox Easter Sunday can be take place several weeks from the Western celebration. In 2011, though, Orthodox Easter is also on April 24.

Incidentally, Easter Sunday in the Western religions can fall on any date from March 22 to April 25. And as far as the Easter Bunny, don't worry; he very carefully keeps track of when Easter is, and has not missed one yet.

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On the Beach Weddings: Planning Ahead Reduces the Risk of Disaster

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-18T16:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Beach, Romantic

odetothebigsea, Flickr

So you and your betrothed are determined to begin your journey into marital bliss on the beach. Weddings on the sand can be extremely romantic, but few marriage ceremonies go off without a hitch, and beach weddings can present some unusual challenges. Here are a few pointers to make sure on-the-beach weddings flow as smoothly as gentle waves breaking on the sand.

Have a Plan B
This tip is first because it's the most important: Mother Nature is fickle. No matter what the weather forecast, things can change quickly on the beach.

Weddings have been ruined by more than rain, though. Strong winds can whip up a sandstorm, algae blooms can raise an overpowering stench, and of course summer means hurricane season.

Making matters more uncertain, your wedding planning likely begins months before the actual ceremony. Other than perhaps consulting the Old Farmers' Almanac, you'll likely have no clue what the weather will be on your wedding day.

That's where a Plan B comes in. At the very least, you should pencil in a couple of hours of rain-delay time. If you're lucky, you know someone who owns a big house nearby where you can move the ceremony if necessary. Otherwise, contact local chapels, churches, restaurants, convention halls and hotels to determine if they might have room on your wedding day. Depending on your budget, you might want to put down a deposit to hold the space, just in case.

Memories, and Photos, Last Forever
Find a wedding photographer who is experienced with beach photography. He or she will tell you to schedule the wedding for late afternoon because the natural light at sunset is the most ideal for shooting photos on the beach. Weddings only last about fifteen minutes or so; the photos will be around for a while.

Be sure to consult with several photographers before choosing one. Don't rely on Uncle Bob, who has a "really nice camera" and a knack for taking snapshots. Your photographer can also offer tips on what type of attire will best work for photos on the beach (seersucker and sandals, anyone?).

Scout It Out
Do your homework. Choose the beach where you want to be married, and then make sure it's allowed! Some municipalities forbid on-the-beach weddings.

Try to keep your guest list in mind, too. If you live in Atlanta, you might want to have the wedding on, say, a beach in Florida rather than Hawaii. More guests will be able to make it (unless your family and friends all live in Hawaii). Save the exotic locale for the honeymoon.

Hire a Pro
The world is full of folks who make a business out of planning weddings. Just make sure, as with the photographer, that you consult with several wedding planners and that the one you choose has experience with weddings on the beach. There are few life events more stressful than planning weddings - on the beach or not - that you can gain a lot of peace of mind by putting the nuts and bolts into someone else's hands.

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Romantic Vacations: How to Pick a Destination

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-14T12:30:00+00:00

Filed under: Romantic

Photo by photon on Flickr

Poets, philosophers and academics have tried to understand romance for as long as lovers have gazed into each other's eyes. Those lovers know what quickens their hearts when they are together, but it's hard to put it into words. In many ways, it's equally hard to define romantic vacations. What is romantic to one couple may be sappy to another. But there are certain types of places that make romantic vacations happen a bit more easily.

Romantic Vacations: To the Beach!
Few places spark romance more than the seashore. Whether you're shelling in Sarasota or hugging in Hawaii, there's just something about sun and sand that sings to the heart. No matter how crowded the beach is during the day, few folks linger at night, making it perfect for long moonlit walks on the edge of the surf. And if the sun gets too hot during the day, you can always retire to the coolness of your hotel or resort to heat things up in a different way.

Romantic Vacations: All Inclusive Resorts
A romantic vacation should have you and your significant other thinking about, well, romance. Not cooking, cleaning, choosing restaurants, and deciding what to do or how to pay for everything. That's where a romantic vacation at an all inclusive resort comes in. For one prepaid price, you can have meals, drinks, activities, lodging and transportation covered. Popular romantic destinations include Cancun, Tahiti, and Costa Rica. To make sure your romantic vacation isn't disturbed by hordes of screaming children, check out an exclusive couples-only resort.

Romantic Vacations: Shared Interests
The best relationships embrace at least a few shared interests. If you both love to hit the slopes, a romantic vacation at a ski resort may be in order (think long massages in your room afterward). Francophiles can't help but have a romantic vacation in Paris. Oui, c'est magnifique! Scuba diving couples can sneak a kiss underwater at spots all over the world.

Plan ahead for what you need to take on your romantic vacation. Your supplies will vary, depending on your destination, but what you bring is not as important as what you leave behind - the stress, worries and the day-to-day annoyances that conspire to keep romance at bay.

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Washington DC Tours: Exploring Your Passions

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-11T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of, Arts & Culture, Seasonal

Even if you lived there and had unlimited time to explore the nation's capital, it would likely take decades to see all the sights in Washington DC. Tours, whether guided or on your own, can be the answer, especially if your time is limited and you want to delve deeply into a particular site or subject. Here are a few of the more specialized Washington DC tours that are available.

Washington DC Tours: Cherry Blossom Festival
In conjunction with the National Cherry Blossom Festival, this walking tour will lead you through the dazzling blooms of spring that each year brings thousands to Washington DC. Tours cost $15 and are given rain or shine. Guides offer information about how and why the cherry trees came to Washington DC, and divulge a few secrets known to insiders.

Washington DC Tours: The Lost Symbol
This tour takes you to the landmarks and locations from Dan Brown's best-selling book. Follow the same path taken by protagonist Professor Robert Langdon and see the real-life clues that he used to solve a thrilling mystery of conspiracy in the novel. You'll visit such sites as the U.S. Capitol Building, the George Washington Masonic Memorial, the US Botanic Garden, and the International Spy Museum.

Washington DC Tours: For Foodies
Gourmets, gourmands and just plain folk who want to explore the culinary scenes of Washinton DC neighborhoods can sign up for one of the DC Metro Food Tours. Guides will not only take you for tastings and meals at some of the district's finest restaurants, but also share tidbits about the local history and culture. Costs vary.

Washington DC Tours: By Bicycle
If you want to get around a little faster than walking Washington DC, tours on bicycles could be the cure. Bike and Roll supplies bicycles and safety gear for their tours, with itineraries covering the district's monuments and historical sites as well as special seasonal tours, such as during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Costs vary.

Washington DC Tours: Time Travel
No, you won't be strapped into Doc Brown's DeLorean a la "Back to the Future," but you may feel like you've traveled to the past on one of Natalie Zanin's Historic Strolls. Tour Washington DC as it was during the times of Charles Dickens, the Civil War, and "The Bad Olde Days" (featuring the conmen, criminals and other dastardly characters who frequented the district in the mid-1800s). Costs vary.

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Mardi Gras Costumes

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-10T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Arts & Culture

Photo by Infrogmation on Flickr

Mardi Gras costumes run the gamut from simple to elaborate, playful to grotesque, and store-bought to creative, so you are limited by only your budget and your imagination. Of course, if you land a coveted invitiation to one of New Orleans' exclusive masquerade balls during the season of Mardi Gras, costumes should show that you've put some effort into them.

The simplest of the traditional Mardi Gras costumes is the feathered mask, available in most costume shops anywhere, or if you're in New Orleans, pretty much any store that sells anything.

Also traditional for Mardi Gras are the more elaborate Venetian Masks, which trace their roots to the society of the Venetian Republic (which lasted from the 7th to the 17th century) and are now part of the modern Carnevale celebration in Venice, Italy. These ornately designed masks are brightly festooned with gold and silver and elaborate designs in the Baroque style. (The masks were featured prominently in the 1999 Tom Cruise movie "Eyes Wide Shut.")

Traditional colors of Mardi Gras are purple, green and gold, so those are the hues that you'll want to emphasize in your costume. But don't be afraid to mix in some other shades from the palette; the more colorful, the better.

Anyone who's people-watching in the streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras season will see costumes of all stripes, from elaborately constructed themed creations to, literally next-to-nothing, body paint.

Ubiquitous, though, are the beads. Whether you snatched them from the air as they were being tossed by parade float riders, or traded a flash of bare breasts for them, beads are nearly considered currency in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Costumes are accessorized during the festivities by the sometimes elaborate strings of plastic jewelry, and even in other communities that celebrate Mardi Gras, beads are everywhere.

Then there are the Mardi Gras Indians - African-Americans who don Native American-inspired costumes for their revelry. These feather-laden Mardi Gras costumes can be over the top: A chief's suit can weigh as much as 150 pounds and cost $5,000 or more. The Indians comprise nearly 40 tribes of various sizes who take part in the dozens of parades in New Orleans leading up to Fat Tuesday, and they've been participating since at least the middle of the 19th century.

Regardless whether you're having a Mardi Gras party at home or taking place in one of the public celebrations, the sky's the limit when putting together Mardi Gras costumes.

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Cruises from Port Canaveral

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-10T13:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Cruise

Just a few decades ago, passengers couldn't take cruises from Port Canaveral - there weren't any. But now this bustling port on the east coast of Florida offers a home to three major cruise lines with a total of six cruise ships. Most sail to the Bahamas and points farther on longer cruises. Also, Port Canaveral is a 90-minute drive from Walt Disney World and other Central Florida theme parks; that's why Disney Cruise Line berths two ships there. Here's a closer look at the cruises from Port Canaveral:

Cruises from Port Canaveral: Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival was one of the first cruise lines to berth ships at Port Canaveral. The Sensation offers 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau and Freeport in the Bahamas. The ship has can hold 2,052 passengers, with a staff of 920. The larger Dream (3,653-guest capacity, 1,369 staff members) sails for 7 days at a time to Nassau and Grand Turk; Cozumel, Mexico; Isla Roatan, Honduras; Belize; and Costa Maya, Costa Rica.

Cruises from Port Canaveral: Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean sails two ships out of Port Canaveral. The Monarch of the Seas' 3-night cruises make port in Coco Cay and Nassau, as do its 4-night cruises. It has a staff of 814 to serve up to 2,744 passengers. The Freedom of the Seas offers two 7-day itineraries: Coco Cay-Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands- Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Labadee, Haiti-Ocho Rios, Jamaica-George Town, Cayman Islands-Cozumel, Mexico. The Freedom of the Seas can hold up to 3,634 passengers and a staff of 1,400.

Cruises from Port Canaveral: Disney Cruise Line
The parent company of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and a whole panoply of princesses sails the 2,400-passenger Disney Magic on 7-week cruises to St. Maarten; St. Thomas-St. John; and Castaway Cay, Disney's own private Caribbean island in the Bahamas; or Key West-Grand Cayman-Cozumel-Castaway Cay. The brand-new-in-2011 megaship Disney Dream can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers with a staff of 1,458 on 3-, 4- and 5-day itineraries to various ports in the Bahamas. The Dream features high-tech accoutrements and the AquaDuck, a 765-foot-long enclosed water coaster that partially extends over the side of the ship. The Dream's sister ship, Disney Fantasy, is expected to replace the smaller Disney Magic in 2012 at Port Canaveral.

Photo by Gerard Walen

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When is Ash Wednesday 2011?

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-04T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of

Photo by Maureen Lunn on Flickr

Ash Wednesday 2011 will mark the beginning of the season of Lent in the Catholic Church. The date of the observance differs each year; in 2011, Ash Wednesday falls on March 9. Lent is a season of repentance, prayer and fasting in the Catholic faith, and certain rituals take place for followers of the religion.

Lent begins 46 days (40 days not counting Sundays) before Easter Sunday, when most Christian faiths celebrate the resurrection from death of Jesus Christ. The date of Easter is determined by the appearance of the "paschal" full moon, which is the first full moon that rises on or after the Vernal, or Spring, Equinox. Easter Sunday comes on the first Sunday after that moon. The date of Ash Wednesday is calculated from that. In 2011, Easter Sunday falls on April 24.

Other religions that recognize Lent, such as the Eastern Orthodox Church, calculate the dates differently.

On Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church, members attend a special service where a priest, minister or in some cases a layperson dips a finger into ashes, draws the shape of a cross on the faithful's forehead with the ashes and recites a Bible verse, usually Genesis 3:19: "Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return" (or words to that effect).

The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made by burning the palm fronds that were blessed on the previous year's Palm Sunday (the week before Easter). A priest blesses the ashes by sprinkling holy water on them. The Ash Wednesday ritual traces its origin to religious ceremonies of the Middle Ages, and the ashes symbolize the penance that - along with prayer and ritual fasting - marks the season of Lent.

Many non-Catholics are interested each year about when is Ash Wednesday for another reason: The day before is Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, a day of feasting, drinking and debauchery that is celebrated by communities and cities around the globe. The Mardi Gras, or Carnival, season actually begins each year on January 6, but most people associate the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday with the biggest parties and parades, especially in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Mardi Gras Party Tips

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-03T10:58:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of

Whether you call it Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday or Carnival, there are certain things you can have at your own celebration that will evoke the spirit of the occasion as it is celebrated in its most famous venue - New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mardi Gras Party Tips: A Little Background
Mardi Gras can refer to the entire Carnival season, which begins January 6 and lasts until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Catholic Church's Lenten season of fasting and prayer that ends on Easter Sunday. To differentiate the day before Ash Wednesday from the entire Carnival season, many celebrators refer to it as Fat Tuesday - the English translation of the French "Mardi Gras."

Mardi Gras Party Tips: The Essentials
Fat Tuesday partying in New Orleans revolves around dozens of parades with float riders in colorful costumes tossing strings of plastic beads or other trinkets. Your invitations should ask guests to come in appropriate costume, and have some beads ready to string around their necks as they arrive. If you're lucky, you've been to a few Fat Tuesday parades in person and have a stash of beads put away; if not, you can buy them at your local party supply store or order them online. Pick up a few inexpensive feathered masks while you're there for party guests who aren't wearing costumes. The beads and masks can do double-duty as decorations by hanging them on household items around the party area.

Mardi Gras Party Tips: The Music
Load your CD or MP3 player with as much Zydeco, Cajun and Creole tunes as you can find, or if you really want your party to rock with the Mardi Gras spirit, hire a local band who plays that style of music. And your guests may find it hard to keep still while those lively tunes are playing, so be sure to clear out a spot for dancing, if space allows.

Mardi Gras Party Tips: The Food
First you must have a King Cake, a wreath-shaped confection with a trinket (usually a little plastic baby figure) baked into it. Traditionally, the person who gets the piece with the baby is on the hook for hosting the next party, but feel free to make your own tradition, such as giving a gag prize (maybe a plastic king's crown) to the lucky guest. Next, be sure to have plenty of spicy Cajun cuisine. Gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp, crawfish and steamed crabs are all good choices.

Mardi Gras Party Tips: The Drinks
For an authentic New Orleans atmosphere, mix up a batch of rum-heavy Hurricanes, like those served by the long-time New Orleans club Pat O'Briens. Put some wine out for those who don't like hard liquor, and for beer drinkers, you can't go wrong with a selection of brews from Louisiana's Abita Beer, if it's available where you live. For soft drink lovers, ice up a selection of Barq's sodas, a New Orleans icon before it was bought by the Coca-Cola Co. in the 1990s.

To be strict, if you're holding your party on Fat Tuesday itself, it must end no later than midnight - the start of Ash Wednesday. Even New Orleans' French Quarter shuts down every year at the stroke of 12.

Photo by Bengyt Nyman on Flickr

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Bourbon Street, New Orleans: Party Central

Gerard Walen — 2011-02-02T14:41:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of

During the day, visitors, residents and their families quietly linger over cups of chicory or meander through the cobblestone streets to browse in funky local shops, all while being bathed in the historical ambience of Bourbon Street. New Orleans' French Quarter comes to life after dark, especially along this boulevard of debauchery.

You'll definitely want to leave the babies with the babysitter before you go to experience the adults-only atmosphere of public drinking, likely profanity and possible partial nudity on Bourbon Street after dark.

Though the world knows of the notoriety of Bourbon Street, New Orleans residents tend to point out that it is just a small part of the city, and encourage visitors to explore the rest of New Orleans outside of this narrow corridor. But there's no denying that vast numbers of tourists visit the Louisiana city to party in the French Quarter, and specifically Bourbon Street.

New Orleans builders laid out the French Quarter in a grid pattern in 1721, and it measures roughly 6 blocks by 12 blocks. Bourbon Street spans the length of the Quarter, from Canal Street to Pauger Street. The hard-partying action mostly takes place on the eight blocks of Upper Bourbon Street, New Orleans' hub of strip clubs, restaurants, pubs and T-shirt and souvenir shops. Amongst those, you'll also find a few jazz clubs and historic hotels.

The biggest parties take place during festival times, particularly Mardi Gras, when hundreds of thousands of tourists descend on Bourbon Street. New Orleans opens its arms to these visitors - and their money - especially after the massive destruction wrought upon the city by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. New Orleans is still rebuilding; its tourism industry is a big factor in the city's rebirth, and a major magnet for that tourism remains Bourbon Street.

New Orleans allows public consumption of alcohol by those of legal drinking age on the streets of the French Quarter, and along with the drinking comes a loss of inhibition. Women flashing their bare breasts for strings of beads is a fairly common sight - as are throngs of men waiting to capture those moments on camera.

Bourbon Street and its bars boast some signature cocktails, such as the rum-filled Hurricane, concocted by Pat O'Brien's, and the Hand Grenade, a melon-flavored mixture made with "secret ingredients" sold at Tropical Isle and marketed as the strongest drink on Bourbon Street.

With all that free-flowing alcohol and newcomers unaccustomed to Bourbon Street shenanigans comes some danger to tourists. If you're imbibing, try to keep your consumption at a reasonable level. Remain aware of your surroundings, avoid the side streets and stick with a group. Don't forget the address of your hotel in New Orleans, even if you have to write it on your arm, so you can tell your cab driver how to get there when the night is over.

And, again, a reminder. Your family can have a great time exploring Bourbon Street and the Historic French Quarter during the day, but plan to have someone responsible watch the kids if you're going at night.

Photo by Daquella manera on Flickr

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Fat Tuesday Overview

Gerard Walen — 2011-01-28T09:56:00+00:00

Filed under: Best Of

"Fat Tuesday" is the English translation of the French "Mardi Gras," a day of feasting and celebration before the start of the fasting and abstinence of the Catholic religion's 40 days of Lent. Also known as "Carnival," Fat Tuesday in most communities - especially New Orleans, Louisiana - encompasses parades, parties and lots and lots of feasting, especially on rich and fatty foods.

Fat Tuesday: Why Tuesday?
Lent begins each year on Ash Wednesday, 46 days before Easter Sunday. The Catholic Church looks on this period as a time of fasting, prayer and almsgiving. Some people feel the need to "give something up," usually a bad habit or vice, for Lent. Fat Tuesday offers a chance for these people to let loose before the period of austerity. Of course, there are plenty of non-religious people who enjoy the partying on Fat Tuesday and have no intention of observing Lent.

Fat Tuesday: When Is It?
Fat Tuesday actually is the final day of the Mardi Gras or Carnival season. Traditionally, the season begins on January 6, known as the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, celebrating the visit of the gifts-bearing Magi to the baby Jesus. The Mardi Gras season extends to Fat Tuesday, which occurs between February 3 and March 9 because the date of Easter changes from year to year.

Fat Tuesday: The Parties
New Orleans, the most famous Mardi Gras city in the world, celebrates throughout the entire Carnival season. Dozens of parades, costume balls and parties fill the calendar culminating in Fat Tuesday - an official holiday in Louisiana -- which ends promptly at the stroke of midnight. Most of the parades are put on by "krewes," social groups formed primarily to sponsor the parades. Float riders wear colorful masks and costumes while throwing plastic beads and other trinkets to the throngs lining the parade routes throughout New Orleans, especially in the historic French Quarter.

Fat Tuesday: The Food
The Carnival season kicks off food-wise with parties featuring a King Cake, a wreath-like confection in which a small trinket is hidden. Pieces of the cake are doled out to revelers, and the one who gets the piece with the trinket (usually a small figurine of a baby) is named "King for the Day" - and is beholden to host the next King Cake party. It used to be traditional to slaughter and eat a fattened calf on Fat Tuesday, but in most places these days that tradition has been supplanted by indulging in other rich and fatty food. Some people celebrate Fat Tuesday by making and eating pancakes, which gives them the chance to use up eggs, dairy and fat before the fasting period of Lent. In between Epiphany and Fat Tuesday, general feasting on local delicacies - and more King Cake - occurs regularly in the communities that celebrate the season.

Photo by dsb nola on Flickr

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