Jul
02
Category: (Uncategorized) on 07-02-2007

We really liked these tips, and they let you see great places, without sweating the cost. The core idea - is an openess to try a little variety in your planning.

  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



chicago_kids_museum_madness.jpgForty-two Chicago area museums have come together for the Chicago Kids(tm) sixth annual “Museum Madness” summer program. Families are encouraged to visit participating museums during the summer months, and every visit means a chance to win great prizes, including roundtrip airline tickets from Orbitz, a night at the Ritz Carlton, museum memberships and more.

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.



Jun
30
Category: (Car Travel) on 06-30-2007

Car-BreakdownDon’t let an unexpected breakdown ruin your summer. Following these tips can help you prepare for the heat:

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.



Knotts Logo

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.

Knotts Sidewinder RollercoasterKnott’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.