WHERE THE RUNNERS GO:

Marathoners can travel to any of the top 10 U.S. cities and a wide variety of international cities to find their dream race and trip. According to non-profit organization Running USA, there were more marathons held in 2006 than ever before, including five races with more than 30,000 finishers. Racers looking for a European vacation can head to:

• London - which held the third largest marathon last year
• Paris - which held the fourth largest marathon
• Sweden or Germany - which held races all ranked in the top 12 international runs

Runners hoping to find a race locally have to plan in advance, with the ING New York Marathon becoming increasingly competitive to enter, and the Windy City marathon filling up more than six months in advance.

WHERE THE CYCLISTS GO:

Cyclists are the second largest growing segment of active travelers behind runners. New York, a hot spot for cyclists, holds its annual Commerce Bank 5-Boro Bike Tour in the city and had a 12,000 participant increase this year with more than 42,000 people from several countries.

Cyclists seeking some extra competition may want to try out the Iron Horse Classic in Durango Colorado, where bikers race a steam locomotive. The group tries to beat the nation’s most famous antique train, the Silverton-Durango Narrow Gauge Railway, over a 50-mile route from train station to train station in the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

WHERE THE SEA-GOERS AND BEACH LOVERS GO:

Active travelers looking for a sunny beach vacation to recover from their active lifestyle may want to check out the Baja Peninsula for a week-long sea-kayaking trip or a visit to one of Mexico’s many surf camps. Domestic travelers can participate in one of Hawaii’s many race and trail offerings from the Kilauea Volcano Wilderness Marathon to the always popular Susan G. Komen 5K Hawaii Race for the Cure.

Active travel is not limited to single-day events. There are plenty of multi-day tours, from the annual Tour of Colorado (a seven-day bike ride) and the Pan-Mass Challenge (a two-day charity ride) across Massachusetts, to several annual charity group rides in Europe, such as London to Amsterdam and London to Paris (three to five days). Many of these events include festivals with concerts, BBQ, and shopping, offering the active traveler even more reasons to opt out of the scenic drive this year.

You can learn more and Book your next adventure with Travelocity.

This could be the next sport - though pretty dull to watch in real time.

 Mileage runners are the high-tech nomadic wanderers of the air. Predominantly male, generally obsessed with flying and miles, and typically employed in white-collar careers that involve significant business travel, they scour the web for cheap flights, phoning in sick or using vacation days to fly the longest itineraries they can string together.

Here’s what the article writer did:

I was 18 spine-crushing hours into a knight’s tour of airport terminals in Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego and three other cities. Wired News gave me $500 and a mission: Squeeze as many miles as possible out of those five bills, using the tricks and techniques invented by a subculture of airline hackers called “mileage runners” who specialize in accumulating frequent flyer miles at low cost. Now with more than 6,000 miles and 31 hours booked, my only problem was how to spend the other $224.

A really fun read.  The new sport is Extreme Travel

http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/07/mileage_runner

US Airport WiFi Guide

And if you need to know where to plug in that laptop (especially if your flight is delayed), here is a link of places to plug in at worldwide airports.

Airport Power Plugs

This rolling luggage cart converts into a stable work platform, providing a sturdy place to use your laptop while traveling when there are no convenient tables, and eliminating the need to perilously perch a portable computer upon your lap.

The desktop is integrated into the carts molded ABS and lightweight anodized aluminum frame, and it unfolds at the touch of a button into a platform 26″ from the floor, secured by the telescoping handle at two points and reinforced by a Y-brace underneath.

The platform can hold up to 20 lbs., and can accommodate a 17″ wide laptop, or a smaller laptop with an external mouse. The carrying platform can fit a 36″ business case, yet the 17 3/4″ width of the cart allows it to maneuver in airplane isles.

When fully compacted and stowed, it will easily fit into an overhead compartment. 17 1/2″ L x 15 1/2″ H x 6″ D. (11 1/4 lbs.)

This is from Hammacher Schlemmer
and we keep finding great stuff there. Take a look. 

1. Be flexible with dates.Shifting your plans by a few days can save hundreds of dollars. Instead of getting to the beach on Friday, go earlier or later, and use the savings to splurge on dinner at a great estaurant at your destination.
2. Set a budget, not a destination. Let the deal be the inspiration. If the price is right, you’ll enjoy the beach whether it’s in Hawaii or the Caribbean. So look for the better deal, pull out the swimsuit and go.
3. Be a contrarian. Don’t follow the crowds– head for the hills! Check out mountain resorts during the summer. Visit Las Vegas mid-week. Or enjoy a city break over the weekend.
4. Travel to alternate airports. Travelers are amazed to find that flying to Newark instead of JFK, or Oakland instead of San Francisco, could potentially save them hundreds of dollars.
5. Go local. Avoid airport crowds and contribute to the regional economy by vacationing at destinations within a 2-4 hour drive of your home town. Use the Local Trips tool at Hotwire.com

Participating museums include: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, American Indian Center of Chicago, Art Institute of Chicago, Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture, Bronzeville Children’s Museum, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago Cultural Center, Chicago History Museum, Children’s Museum in Oak Lawn, Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, Clarke House Museum, Des Plaines History Center, Downers Grove Park District Museum, DuPage Children’s Museum, DuSable Museum of African American History, Elgin Public Museum, Elmhurst Art Museum, Field Museum of Natural History, First Division Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Frank Lloyd Wright Fredric C. Robie House, Glessner House Museum, Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center, International Museum of Surgical Science, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Kohl Children’s Museum, Lake County Discovery Museum, McCormick Tribune Freedom Museum, Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science & Industry, Naper Settlement, National Museum of Mexican Art, Notebaert Nature Museum, Oriental Institute Museum, Polish Museum of America, SciTech Hands On Museum, Skokie Heritage Museum, Smart Museum of Art, Wheaton History Center, Wonder Works Museum.

Families can get involved by visiting www.ChicagoKids.com for details. The program runs from June 15 to August 31, 2007, with a drawing for prizes being held September 15.

1. Cooling system — When your engine is cold, check your coolant and make sure your radiator fins have not been clogged by dirt or debris. Remember to keep fingers away from the electric cooling fan while doing this and never remove the radiator cap if the engine is warm. In addition to coolant, keep an eye on the oil level and the fluids for power steering, brakes and transmission.

2. Temperature Gauge — If your temperature gauge moves into the red zone or the high temperature warning light goes on, pull over to a safe location and stop your engine. Do not open the radiator cap. Driving a car while the engine is overheated can cause serious damage.

3. Oil — When the temperatures are high, you need oil that provides extra protection for your engine. A fully synthetic oil such as Mobil 1 is a good choice; it’s designed to protect your engine at any temperature and provides fuel economy benefits. Fuel economy grades provide excellent fuel savings compared to higher viscosity grade oils.

4. Belts and hoses — Inspect all belts and hoses, looking for signs of wear such as blistering or cracks in the rubber. If they show signs of wear, replace them now.

5. Tires — In high heat, under-inflated tires are more likely to blow out. Once a month, check the pressure of all tires. To find the correct pressure rating for your vehicle, look inside the driver’s doorframe or your owner’s manual.

6. Windshield wipers — The rubber on your wiper blades is susceptible to the summer heat. Examine your blades, and if they show signs of wear, invest in a new set.

7. Battery — Hot weather can shorten the life of your vehicle’s battery. Inspect the batteries and battery cables for corrosion, cracks and dirt. Many service centers can check the condition of the battery and charging system. If the battery is weak, replace it.

8. Lights — Check your headlights on low and high beam, as well as your brake lights, turn signals, side marker lights and emergency flashers. If you’re towing anything, check your connections to ensure your trailer lights are working properly.

9. Vehicle Exterior — Wash your vehicle regularly to preserve the finish. After it has dried, apply a coat of wax to the exterior to protect the surface.

10. Emergencies — Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with some basic items in case your vehicle breaks down. Be sure to include a quart of oil, a gallon of drinking water, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, basic tools, gloves, a flashlight with some spare batteries and a first aid kit.

On the 4th of July, all kids ages 3-11 with Paid Admission, will get a free “Snoopy’s Doggie Bag,” filled with a Hoffy hot dog, a bag of Lay’s potato chips, a Pepsi soft drink and Knott’s Berry Farm Premium shortbread cookies.  

Better Yet, Adults visiting on the 4th can still take advantage of the Knott’s pay once, visit twice promotion, or as they call it on the farm, P1V2. With every full paid adult admission of $48.95, you can return for a second visit free through December 31, 2007.

Knott’s newest crowd pleasing attraction, is the Sierra Sidewinder. Now the wildest thing in Camp Snoopy, Sierra Sidewinder is a ride like no other.  It takes passengers over 1,411 feet of track at a dizzying speed of 37 miles per hour, all while rotating on its axis. Though this whirlwind only lasts a little over a minute, it includes a drop of 39 feet, turning riders into human twisters!   The kids should eat their free food AFTER this ride!

At Independence Hall, Knott’s Berry Farm will take a look back at our nation’s history with special appearances by Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, and John Adams. Tour guides dressed in colonial attire will be available to guide guests to the replica of the Liberty Bell, Hall of Flags and the Independence Hall Museum which includes exhibits on Betsy Ross, George Washington and the British Military.

The Independence Hall Declaration Chambers will also be open with ongoing performances of the multi-media presentation “A Storm in Philadelphia” an account of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. All the activities scheduled for the 4th of July at Independence Hall are free to the public. Independence Hall is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with activities for the celebration scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The day wraps up, with a beautilf fireworks show, which is stunning to watch at over Knott’s Independence Hall.  The park will be open from 10AM to 10PM, and is great summer adventure in Southern California.  It is close to Disneyland and is a little smaller and more intimate than Disneyland, which is also close by.

Get 10% off car rental with Budget!
 

Budget is helping promote geography education among America’s children by providing fun and informative road-trip activities for kids, while also offering ways for parents to save money while on vacation.

Now through August 15, 2007, customers who rent from participating Budget airport and neighborhood locations will receive a free copy of the Budget “Best Trip Ever” money-saving coupon booklet, which includes great deals and special offers on a variety of products and services,

• Discounts on Budget car rentals at airport and neighborhood locations
• Discounts on Budget Truck rentals
• Kids games and activities, courtesy of My Wonderful World, a National Geographic-led campaign to help boost kids’ global geography knowledge, or “geo-literacy”
• Dollars-off coupons for Dunkin’ Donuts
• Buy-one, get-one-free offers and dollars-off Baskin Robbins coupons
• Special offers on breakfast, kids’ meals and dessert at Perkins Restaurant and Bakery

In addition to great savings and deals, the Budget “Best Trip Ever” coupon booklet includes information on the “Budget Geo Brain Game Sweepstakes,” where participants who can successfully answer 10 geography questions supplied by National Geographic will be entered into a drawing with a chance to win one of eight $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds.

The Budget “Best Trip Ever” booklets also show parents and kids how to be part of the My Wonderful World campaign with tips for making vacations more fun and memorable as well as Geo Brain Game warm-up questions.

The games include: “Sights to See,” a crossword puzzle filled with names of popular tourist attractions in the country; “Jokes for the Road;” and “Back Seat Bingo,” the traditional bingo game with boxes illustrating street safety signs, animals and other sights kids might see while on a family road trip.

Since you are going to need a rental, why not get a few extra coupons. This is a nice value - so book right today.

Get 10% off car rental with Budget!
 

 Welcome to Dicken’s World.  Here’s the link to a great article.  It is not the happiest place on earth.

 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19211348/site/newsweek/page/0/