A Checklist Of Essentials For Your Vacation

You are very excited about that upcoming vacation. Hold on to your horses for a bit, lest you forget some essential preparations you need to make to ensure a grand time for yourself during your well deserved break! You see, you can’t simply open your traveling bag and throw what you feel you would need inside the available space. No, Sirs and Madams! That would be a recipe for absolute disaster that could render your vacation a cataclysmic failure. Imagine being stuck in the middle of nowhere, missing a vital item or two which are essential to your vacation.

Here is a checklist of important things you should remember to bring with you on your vacation. When packing, make sure that these items are prepared before anything els, so that you won’t forget them.

• Your passport and other necessary identification cards. This is critical, especially when you’re traveling to a foreign land. You don’t want to get stuck at the airport, frantically searching for the embassy’s phone number. A vacation should be enjoyed hassle-free. A missing passport can douse cold water in what should be a fun and wonderful time.

• Your credit card and/or an appropriate amount of cash. You know what they say… if you can’t afford a vacation, don’t. You should not be afraid to spend (though you should practice intelligent spending). If you forget your financial limits, what will you end up spending? Worse, how are you supposed to cope with the expenses that your travels would demand?

• Clothes. This includes underwear, of course. You’d hardly forget about these, as they would naturally be the first things you will instinctively pack. In the event that you do forget, you could always buy some new clothing and apparel but it could prove costly. You would do better spending your cash on things germane to the destination you’ll be visiting.

• Toiletries. These are the least important preparations needed for a vacation. Most accommodations these days offer free toothbrushes, soaps, shampoos, towels, napkins and the like. However, it’s the uncommon grooming items that need your attention. If your skin is prone to breaking out in unfamiliar climates, for example, you’d need your personal skin care products. If you’re anticipating an important meeting or perhaps even a date during your vacation, you’ll need your makeup kit.

• Medicines. Especially the ones specifically prescribed for you. There is no guarantee that such medicines would be available in the place where you’ll be spending your vacation. It’s better to be on the safe side and bring your own supply, in case the need arises.

New Smoking Policy Onboard Royal Caribbean Ships

MIAMI, July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In time to help guests set their New Year's resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, Royal Caribbean International announces a new smoking policy onboard its ships, effective January 2008. To bolster the cruise line's new Vitality wellness program, recently debuted on Liberty of the Seas -- the newest vessel to share the title of the world's largest cruise ship with sister-ship, Freedom of the Seas -- Royal Caribbean is increasing smoke-free zones by designating all staterooms and one lounge on each ship in its fleet as non-smoking areas. The new policy will go into effect aboard 18 of the line's 21 ships initially, with Legend of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of
the Seas following suit with the 2008 summer season.

"Feedback from our guests was a driving force behind the new Vitality program and our focus on wellness," said Alice Norsworthy, senior vice president, Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. "Results from online polls as well as input from all of our international offices worldwide, show very strong support of the new smoking policy. These changes reflect a
more contemporary approach to healthier lifestyles and will significantly improve the cruise vacation experience for our guests."

Currently, smoking is prohibited in guest hallways and corridors, restaurants, entertainment venues and most of the ship's interior public spaces except for designated areas in bars and lounges. The new policy will add all guest staterooms and suites, and one bar or lounge on every Royal Caribbean ship onto the roster of smoke-free spaces. Guests wishing to smoke may still do so from starboard outer decks, in designated areas in bars and lounges, and on stateroom and suite balconies. Ashtrays are available in designated smoking areas or by request through stateroom attendants. Violations of the smoking policy will result in cleaning charges to the guest's onboard account and may also be addressed through the line's Guest Conduct Policy, details of which are available both online and in all staterooms.

Royal Caribbean's Vitality wellness program was designed to encourage and introduce ways for guests to achieve a better balance in their lives. The program presents healthier lifestyle choices across every aspect of the cruise experience, including fitness classes and spa treatments, onboard and land- based activities, shore excursions, and healthful drinks and food
selections. Guests have the choice to try one or two elements or enjoy the total Vitality wellness experience to begin a more balanced approach to healthier living.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and three under construction. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe and New Zealand through its cruisetour division. For additional information or to make reservations, call your travel agent, visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com or call (800) 327-6700. For travel professionals, go to
http://www.cruisingpower.com or call (800) 327-2056.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Great Vacation Rentals Make Memorable Getaways

Are you tired of hotels and the usual fare? Are you desperate for some time off without necessarily exhausting yourself with the often demanding schedule of a full fledged excursion? The perhaps vacation rentals would be right up your alley. Vacation rentals are places you can lease where you could spend a quiet weekend with family and friends to relax the body and refresh the soul. These may be in the form of cottages in the great outdoors or a house in beautiful rural areas.

Vacation rentals can become your home away from home. Often, a change of scenery is what we need to recharge ourselves for the rigors of everyday life. A laidback atmosphere provided by the countryside or the forest or any other unconventional environment can be relaxing, and that is what an ideal vacation should be all about.

Vacation rentals have always been a popular option for weekend travelers throughout the years. For starters, there are numerous vacation rentals available in every state, and you don’t have to veer far away from the city to enjoy the amenities and the seclusion they would provide. So anytime work might demand your attention, you could immediately drive back to the workplace to attend to it. With the work taken care of, you could then return to the house or cabin you have rented to continue your weekend getaway.

Another amazing aspect of vacation rentals is the liberty they afford. You can do anything you wish in the house or cabin you will be renting. There are usually no restrictive house rules that are imposed. Do you want to have a barbecue? You could do so, if you please. Do you want to drink the night away with people dear to you? Bring the drinks and you’re all set to go. Do you just want some quiet time to unwind? No tours are waiting for you in the lobby.

With vacation rentals, you will be left to your own devices. This empowering feeling is what many people find so appealing about vacation rentals. Indeed, it’s like being in your own house but with a backdrop of an environment that is free from the hustle and bustle of city life… an environment that is not hostage to the maddening pace of the city… an environment that allows you to savor life at its simplest and best, and helps you think about things that matter the most.

Fun In The Sun: The Perfect Caribbean Vacation

Ask any Westerner what his ideal getaway is, and chances are he’ll have but one answer: a Caribbean vacation. Few destinations have the exotic appeal and the mystical promise of the Caribbean. The region enjoys great weather year round and is almost a perpetual summer. Beautiful beaches of the whitest sand and the most accommodating climate are perfect for a golden tan and a lazy afternoon listening to the music of the waves claiming the seashore.

Indeed, a Caribbean vacation is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life! It has been glorified in popular culture throughout the years, which is testament to how desirable a destination it really is. Many movies have hailed the Caribbean as the most splendid vacation spot in the world. Books have described the Caribbean as if it were paradise on Earth, which may not necessarily be hyperbole. So many printed articles and photographs have been published detailing the wonders that can be experienced if ever you decide to choose a Caribbean vacation.

A Caribbean vacation has become the holy grail of all getaway fantasies. It has served as inspiration for many people to work harder so that they may visit this wonderful place whenever their schedules permit.

A Caribbean vacation has also become a place for romance. Again, ask any couple about to be married where they would want to spend their honeymoon and chances are they will mention a tropical destination as their first choice. This is because the Caribbean has been associated with romantic evenings by the beach and intimate seclusion away from the demands of the modern world.

There are many islands you could visit during your Caribbean vacation. A visit to the West Indies (as the Caribbean is also called) would be wasted if you just settle in one spot. There are almost 500 wonderful destinations to experience and a total Caribbean vacation, though taxing, would be maximized if you try to visit as many of these spots as you could. This is the reason a Caribbean vacation is often planned as a cruise along and across the Caribbean Sea - to experience destinations like the Cayman Islands, the Virgin Islands, the British West Indies, Grenada, Jamaica and a slew of other popular tourist spots.

With the proximity of the West Indies to the continental United States, a Caribbean vacation is not a remote possibility. Travel to the area won’t be exhausting, and you will be able to spend your time and energy enjoying the exotic and tropical majesty of this wonderful destination.

For more information, see these great Caribbean Vacation Specials.

The Wonderful Benefits of All Inclusive Vacations

More and more people these days are starting to prefer all inclusive vacations compared to the regular packages and it is not difficult to figure out why. All inclusive vacations offer comprehensive plans that consist of everything, or almost everything at the very least, that you need for a vacation to truly be enjoyable and memorable. For many people a vacation is the highlight of every year. The demands of work or studies greatly limit the amount of time they could reserve for an out-of-town trip; when the opportunity comes for some rest and relaxation every step to ensure its success should be taken.

Packages offering all inclusive vacations guarantee just that.

Indeed, there are many wonderful benefits that can be derived from all inclusive vacations. Let’s take a look at some of them.

• All inclusive vacations allow you to prepare your itinerary with ease. Flight tickets, lodging, tours and appropriate reservations are be covered by these packages. All you have to do is to select the most favorable one for your desires.

• Some all inclusive vacations come with travel insurance. If you decide to use a vacation package, you won’t have to worry about securing protection for the many aspects of your trip. The processing of the same would be included in the cost of the package.

• Most all inclusive vacations aren’t even set in stone. They can be quite flexible. You an request changes to the specifics of the vacation package and the travel agent will happily oblige. You want a different hotel? Simply ask for it and changes will be made if at all possible.

• There are packages for almost any desired destination. You will always have many to choose from. All inclusive vacations are not offered for select locations only. Almost every popular tourist destination has many packages allotted to it.

• Since all inclusive vacations offer a many services in bundles, you’ll be able to save quite a sum of money. These packages offer services that they procure by buying in bulk. Substantial discounts are often given to the travel agency and such savings are passed on to the consumer.

If you truly want to enjoy a hassle-free vacation from the moment you decide to prepare until you return home from your trip you should seriously consider all inclusive vacations. They can save you a lot of time and resources that you can use for other aspects of your travel.

Searching For Perfect Vacation Homes…

They say that your vacation is only as good as the accommodations you’ll be able to book. No matter how active your schedule may be, your trip won’t be as enjoyable if the place where you stay is quite uncomfortable. You need your rest so that you may fully savor your vacation escape. Hence, it is important to find, and book, perfect vacation homes that would serve as your dwelling place during your out-of-town adventures.

Searching for great vacation homes isn’t really a difficult task. With some time and proper knowledge of what to look for in vacation homes, you’ll be able to discover some great options. Here are some things that will guide you in finding some fabulous vacations homes that can serve as, well, your home away from home.

• Vacation homes should have enough space for all the members of the trip as well as their baggage. Don’t settle for a cramped space. You need to move around rather than develop claustrophobia. Spacious interiors are elements of home design that allow the mind and the body to relax, and vacation homes are supposed to help you do just that.

• Vacation homes should also be proximate to the places you want to visit. You can’t settle for vacation homes in the city when planning some excursions to famed countryside locations. The constant back-and-forth travels will prove exhausting, and that would be detrimental to the invigorative purpose of a vacation.

• Vacation homes should also be complete with regard to essential amenities. Clean, comfortable beds, hot and cold water for showers, potable drinking water, heater or air conditioning appropriate to the climate… these are the basics which should guide your selection of great vacation homes.

• Vacation homes must also have excellent resident support. Is there a caretaker who would attend to whatever needs might pop up? Is there someone whom you could call, and who would be readily available whenever troubles arise with the room or the house you’re renting and the amenities included?

• Vacation homes, ideally, should have a medical practitioner nearby. If not, it should at least be proximately located near a hospital or a clinic. This is important to ensure the transient’s wellbeing in the event that immediate medical attention becomes necessary.

If you truly want to make the most out of your vacation, choosing the right accommodations should not be neglected. You should never underestimate the value of great lodging to the total enjoyment of your vacation.

Ideas For Superb Summer Vacations

During the hottest months of the year, one thought comes to mind for most people: it’s vacation time! The usual thoughts involve some ideas about trips to the beach or some foreign land rich with history and exotic beauty. Though these are excellent choices, they are far too general as options to give us specific ideas of what to expect. For perfect summer vacations, we need suggestions which are more concrete and fleshed out. Hence, here are some ideas for summer vacations that can be remembered and savored forever. Hopefully, you will consider them so that you may enjoy some fantastic escapades during those hot, hot months.

• A Caribbean cruise. For many people, a Caribbean cruise ranks high on their list of ideas for summer vacations. It’s one of the most romantic getaways you could ever have, and it’s perfect if you’re bringing someone special along. The West Indies are not to far off from the continental United States. Getting there won’t be a problem. Leaving that wonderful place with its slew of beautiful spots and all, could be another matter altogether. A lot of people claim that their best summer vacations are those times they spent cruising these Southwestern isles.

• Thailand. Are you a shopping aficionado and a beach bum as well? Then emerging Thailand is the best for you. Home to the most beautiful beaches in the world, most notably the region of Phuket, Thailand has also become a haven for bargain hunters the world over. You would be surprised how far $10 could take you in the shopping streets of Bangkok! Truly, Thailand should rank high in anyone’s list of getaways for enchanting summer vacations.

• A European tour. Always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower, the Mona Lisa, those castles of legends, beautiful hillsides, the Big Ben and a variety of fabled sights? Have you always wanted to immerse yourself in European culture that predates American history? Then you might try a European tour through some famous destinations on this lovely continent. Europe and all its amazingly engrossing territories have always been popular among honeymooners. There’s no reason why it should not hold the same appeal for people looking for perfect summer vacations.

• An Alaskan escape. Sure, it’s unconventional. If you hate hot climates, you may want to experience what has been called the Last Frontier. Alaska is not the most popular place for summer vacations, but this doesn’t mean that it shouldn’t be considered. You could try a variety of snow sports, even fishing and hunting, in the beautiful regions of this northern territory.

• Florida. If you don’t want to go far for your summer vacations, Florida is the place to be. With the best beaches in the US, Florida is also home to a fabulous nightlife that will surely be remembered.

How To Prepare For Last Minute Vacations

You’ve been working all year round. The demands of your job deter any possibilities of a vacation. Yet this hasn’t stopped you from wishing for a lengthy break somewhere down the line to enjoy some much needed R&R. Suddenly, the boss decides to cut you some slack and grant you the vacation time you have long asked for. Unfortunately, it will take effect immediately, and you’re in a race against time to prepare for a last minute vacation which would be worth those countless hours you have spent at your desk.

Though you’re hard pressed to come up with last minute vacations that would fully maximize the break you have been given, you remain unperturbed. Last minute vacations are better than no vacations, after all, and you’re willing to take the opportunity you are given for some wonderful leisure time.

How can you prepare for these last minute vacations? How should you go about making plans when you are given so little time? Here are some tips that may help you make the most out of last minute vacations you have the chance to take.

• Go with what you have long planned for. If you have been dreaming about a Caribbean getaway, you might as well settle with that. Last minute vacations do not grant you the luxury of time to study and select new places to explore. Stick with the ones you already have in mind so that you can proceed with the other requirements that need your attention.

• Arrange your schedule as soon and as quickly as possible. Determine the length of time you can spend for your last minute vacation. Then proceed from there. Your lineup of activities will depend on how much time you have, after all.

• Arrange your travel requirements immediately. The best way to do this is by taking advantage of pre-existing packages. Packages already have available reservations that would do away with the waiting time. Some packages for last minute vacations also do not impose a rush fee for the processing. This will allow you to save quite a bit of money. Also, packages are more often than not all-inclusive. This means you’ll be able to save time because you won’t have to deal with certain reservations individually. Packages for last minute vacations already include airfare, hotel accommodations, tour plans, and even vehicle rental service.

• Plan to leave work behind. Last minute vacations are still vacations. They are meant to help you unwind and recharge yourself for the grueling months of work that lie ahead. Make the most out of it by leaving your work worries behind so that you may be able to savor your last minute vacations to the fullest!

Where To Find Cheap Vacations? No Problem!

With the financial demands of the modern world constantly pressing us to work hard all the time and to manage our budgets efficiently, we are quite hard pressed to allot some resources for a little rest and relaxation. Many people are in search of cheap vacations so as to make the most of what they can afford. The question in people’s minds is this: where exactly can we find packages offering cheap vacations?

Alas, finding cheap vacations is not the answer. The power is in our hands, you see. We have direct control over how much a vacation will cost, and all we need is sound financial planning and a dedication to find the best deals available.

The question is not “where to find cheap vacations?” Rather, what you should be asking is this: how could you ensure a cheap vacation for yourself and your family? Here are some tips to help you.

• Quality supersedes quantity. You don’t have to purchase a lot of items to guarantee a great time. You will spend your vacation for the experience, and experience can never be facilitated by material things. Keep this in mind when preparing lists of what to bring and planning what to buy.

• You don’t need expensive lodging. Remember, you’ll be in a foreign place. You will want to experience the culture and view the beautiful scenery. Most of the time you may be outside. A serviceable room would be enough for your purposes.

• Don’t settle for the first restaurant you see. Consult the locals to find the best deal in town, one which would not compromise the taste of the food for the price.

• Tips can pile up to quite a substantial sum. Remember that tips are never mandatory. They are optional. You have the liberty not to extend tips for some services. When cheap vacations are what you have in mind, you have to remind yourself that you don’t always have the luxury of providing for tips. You could spend the money on something else after all.

• Public transportation is always, always more affordable than a taxi cab or a hired vehicle. Also, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the place if you resort to the common transportation that the locals themselves use.

Cheap vacations are often manufactured. You have the power to make any vacation as budget-friendly as possible. Instead of looking for cheap vacations, try to condition your mind that it’s all in your hands and plan your vacation accordingly.

Top Ten Tips for Traveling with Young Children

Being flexible in your plans is key to keeping children happy and safe while traveling.

Los Altos, CA (PRWEB) July 19, 2007 -– RealTravel (http://realtravel.com), a travel blogging and travel guide site that helps more than half a million people plan trips with advice from other travelers every month, today announces top 10 tips for traveling with young children, according to RealTravel editors and British bloggers Travelling Family.

1. Travel light.

When packing for yourself plus your young children, you will need two steps: First, pack your gear. Then unpack and re-assess what you really need. “When we left the United Kingdom we had 3 large bags, 1 medium bag, 2 car seats and a stroller,” writes Travelling Family. “When we returned we had 4 large bags, 1 medium bag, 2 car seats, a fishing rod, a child’s activity centre, a sun tent, and a stroller. The bags were also a lot fuller than when we started!” Also, keep in mind that small children grow quickly: “If your kids are growing rapidly (as our infant was), pack for the next sizes up, and be prepared to throw away clothes they have grown out of.”

2. Slap on the sun protection, then slap on some more.

Sun protection is essential, especially when you hit a new country and you have no idea initially about how strong the sun is in that region. Travelling Family offers their advice: “We tried aerosols, sprays, creams, and sticks. I would say the creams are the best, as they give the best coverage, and can be packed in the suitcase easily. The sun sticks were okay, but the kids didn’t really like using them, and were hard to apply. Try to get factor 50 if you can, and a kids version.”

3. Find the parks.

“We could be in the most beautiful spot in the world, but we had to forgo the scenic photographs temporarily to go find a park,” shares Travelling Family. “We found if we did this our kids would be so much happier the rest of the day. By the end of our time in New Zealand I was quite a connoisseur on the different types of parks. If you aren’t anywhere there are parks, as we were in Fiji, then make up some new games. We managed to get hold of a bucket and spade and play on the beach in Fiji, and some of the staff enjoyed partaking in a game of football with Matthew.”

4. Don’t plan too much.

Kids are unpredictable. Therefore, planning a meticulous itinerary may not be the best approach. Travelling Family explains: “I knew which country we would be in each day, and where we were sleeping. I planned all this long before we set off on holiday. But I didn’t know what we would be doing in each country. For instance, we planned originally to go to Te Anau and then visit both Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, but we realized that Doubtful Sound was a step too far. Sometimes we woke up and it was raining. That put paid to any plans for the day, and we usually tried to drive instead.”

5. It’s not all about the kids - enjoy yourself.

Why should your life suddenly stop when you have children? Of course it’s going to be different, but you can still have a great vacation. Try to do at least one of each family member’s favorite activities along the way. “We compromised, writes Travelling Family. “I really didn’t want to go and play on the beach every day in Akaroa, but I had to because Matthew enjoyed it. But he didn’t want to watch a speedway in Tauranga, but he did as I wanted to see it. He didn’t care for sitting in a tin can plane whilst we saw Mount Cook, but he sat there and didn’t moan (actually I think he did quite enjoy it!).”

6. Have a positive attitude to plane flying.

Travelling Family shares their advice on air travel: “I have met a lot of people both before and since our journey who have said things like ‘New Zealand is too far for me (an adult) to travel to,’ or ‘were the kids an absolute nightmare on the plane?’ Well, actually, they were great. And I think a lot of the reason why was because I was confident they would be. The trick to traveling with a toddler is to not let them know they can get out of the seat (on their own). We also brought a bassinette and purchased a seat for our newborn, even though he was obviously too small to use it. This ensured we didn’t get people sitting next to us.”

7. Travel when the kids are tired, stop when they are not.

Travelling Family found it was best to balance driving with fun activities. “We found that if we drove too much the kids got fed up. This is natural and to be expected. As a result we tried to only drive if they were tired, or if we had given them a few days of running around a lot. We did meet people that were attempting to pack more into two weeks of a trip to New Zealand than we were doing in one month. And with toddlers in tow, too. You could see it was stressful for both the parents and the children.”

8. Establish a routine.

Every family is different, so find your own unique routine that works for you. It will give your children some structure when the environment around them is changing. “It was strange how we had to re-establish a new routine at each place we visited. We were affected by things like the time the sun went down, the availability of food, the activities we were trying to do. But a routine is essential, and not just for the kids.”

9. Do an activity every day.

Plan activities to do each day using travel guides for your destinations. For example, look up fun things to do in your Australia travel guide if that’s where you’re headed. Writes Travelling Family, “You have to get out. So in the morning have a routine whereby you get up, get dressed, get breakfast, then go do something. Now this activity might not be anything big, it could just be walking 200 yards away to the park, or visiting the local supermarket. But get out and do something. The kids will be easier to cope with, and you won’t get cabin fever.”

10. Chill and relax.

The most important tip when traveling with young children is to relax and have fun! “You have to learn to count to 10, to chill out, to expect the unexpected, and just well relax and enjoy yourself,” advises Travelling Family. “The kids will be kids. They will trash the hotel room, throw apple puree all over the floor of the motorhome, mess their nappies when you are 10,000 feet up, and various other things besides. If you stress, the children will stress. If you laugh they will laugh. Enjoy your children, they will be grown up in the blink of an eye. Enjoy your holiday and make the most of those special days. It’s surprising, you will remember that holiday for the rest of your life, yet it is just a brief period in your day-to-day life. Listen to you children, laugh with them, play with them, and make the most of them. Don’t stress over the small stuff. Enjoy.”

RealTravelers Travelling Family are an adventurous couple with two young children from London who spent five months traveling around the Oceania and the United States.

About RealTravel:
Named \"Best of the Web\" by Forbes and BusinessWeek in 2006 and Best Online Travel Community of the Year in 2007 by the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, RealTravel is a travel blogging and travel guide site that helps more than half a million people plan trips with advice from other travelers every month. Visit us at http://realtravel.com

Media Contacts:
Christina Brzica
RealTravel.com
650-694-4970

Lake Tahoe is Ready for Visitors after the Angora Wildfire

Travel to South Lake Tahoe is ramping up after the Angora wildfire slowed bookings. The fire is out and the weather is perfect for summer and fall activities. Michael Newberger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort says, "It has been clear and the typical Tahoe beautiful summer-blue skies and gorgeous. No visitor to Lakeland or South Lake Tahoe can even tell there has been a fire."

Lake Tahoe, California (PRWEB) July 21, 2007 -- Travel to South Lake Tahoe is ramping up after the Angora wildfire slowed bookings. The fire is out and the weather is perfect for summer and fall activities. Michael Newberger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Lakeland Village Beach and Mountain Resort says, "It has been clear and the typical Tahoe beautiful summer-blue skies and gorgeous. No visitor to Lakeland or South Lake Tahoe can even tell there has been a fire!" A recreational paradise, summers in Lake Tahoe offer world-class mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, para-sailing, and golf for a wonderful mountain vacation.

Summer Festivals and Events

Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival at Sand Harbor - July 12 - August 19, 2007
In its 35th year, the Shakespeare Festival in Lake Tahoe will feature a comedic performance of The Taming of the Shrew paired with the tragic Romeo & Juliet in 2007.

Lake Tahoe Music Festival - July 14 - August 4, 2007
Summer 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of this classical music festival at Lake Tahoe. This year will be a "season of classics," including Classic Beethoven, Classic Jazz, Classic Broadway, Classic Rock, Classic Bluegrass, Classic Jazz and more.

Fall Foliage in Lake Tahoe

Every September through October, Lake Tahoe is the ideal location to view the dazzling red, gold and orange aspens against evergreen forests and endless activities to enjoy the dazzling hues of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Changing colors can be seen by driving along Lake Tahoe's shoreline with brilliant colors on one side and Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, on the other.

All of the exciting attractions in Lake Tahoe are open, the casinos, the beaches, the gondola at Heavenly, the golf courses, the hiking trails, and of course the resorts that Tahoe is famous for.

Brandywine Valley Attractions Invite Visitors for a Fabulous Fall and a Wonderful Winter

Wilmington, DE: The Brandywine Valley, where Pennsylvania and Delaware meet just thirty miles southwest of Philadelphia, has a full slate of exhibits and special events to delight visitors from the beginning of fall through the new year. Detailed information and images are available through the contacts and websites below.

The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford presents “Flights Into Fantasy: The Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection of Children’s Illustration” (September 8-November 18). Artists represented include Edward Kemble, Beatrix Potter, Howard Pyle, and Jessie Willcox Smith, among many others. The museum welcomes visitors to “A Brandywine Christmas” (November 23-January 6) with a room-size O-gauge model railroad layout, an elaborate Victorian dollhouse, and thousands of whimsical "critter" ornaments fashioned from natural materials. Also opening November 23 is “Jerry Pinkney: Aesop’s Fables” (through March 9; closed January 7-18), featuring the illustrator’s delightful portrayals of animals. After January 18, additional illustrations from other well-known children’s stories will be included in the exhibit.

They’re ba-a-a-ck! The Delaware Art Museum welcomes home America’s largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art after an international tour (opens September 23). The Pre-Raphaelites rejected the conventions of their time and focused on the past, particularly the Middle Ages, drawing inspiration from literature, Arthurian legend, Shakespeare, and the Bible. The collection highlights the late work of Dante Gabriel Rossetti as well as the decorative arts of the Arts and Crafts Movement. John Sloan’s images of New York City are on display in “Seeing the City: Sloan’s New York” (October 20-January 20). Paintings, drawings, prints, and photographs focus on people, street life, elevated trains, public spaces, and the pedestrian experience. The museum’s annual exhibit “Precious Spaces: Masterpieces in Miniature” (November 17-January 13) showcases artists’ interpretations of a full-scale work.

The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts presents Ben Whitehouse’s latest endeavor, “Revolution” (August 17-January 6). Curator J. Susan Isaacs says, “Whitehouse not only creates large-scale individual paintings as well as large installations comprised of smaller paintings, but he has also now entered the world of time-based video...” The Whitehouse exhibit consists of a series of 24-hour, single shot, high-definition digital works that record from a fixed point for 24 hours. Jillian Molettiere’s metal wall sculptures come to the DCCA beginning December 2. Molettiere’s artistic vision incorporates iconographic figures into ultramodern environments. The sculptures of Siyoung Lee will be on display later in the season (opens December 18).

The Delaware Museum of Natural History explores “Microbes: Invisible Invaders...Amazing Allies” (September 28-January 6) with special effects and hands-on displays. The museum celebrates the tenth birthday of its dinosaur skeletons (October 14, 21, 28) with special treats and activities. On Saturday, October 27, visitors can get in a Halloween mood with a visit to “Bats and Other Creatures of the Night.” The post-holiday festival “Dino Days” roars into the museum (December 27-28) with fossil dig, live animals, and more.

Hagley Museum and Library welcomes the “Hagley Car Show” (September 16), focusing on cars of the 1950s in celebration of Hagley’s fiftieth anniversary. Music, food, parades, and a collection of operating jukeboxes accompany the stunning display of 600 cars. On September 29, be a guest at Hagley’s “Golden Pheasants Harvest Party,” with hayrides, bluegrass music, and pumpkin carving. “Hagley’s Craft Fair” (October 20-21) features the wood, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, and metal work of talented artisans. “Christmas at Hagley” (November 23-January 1) welcomes visitors to Eleutherian Mills, the 1803 Georgian-style estate E. I. du Pont built for his family, decked out in seasonal splendor. A retrospective exhibition, “Hagley at Fifty: Exploding with History" remains through December 31. Hagley also runs a fall lecture series; contact the site for details.

The Historical Society of Delaware brings the past to life at its Wilmington and New Castle locations. The 22-room Read House, built in 1801 in New Castle by the son of one of Delaware's signers of the Declaration of Independence, exhibits the height of Federal grandeur.

A highlight of this year’s “Everything Autumn” (September 8-November 18) at Longwood Gardens is the debut of the new Indoor Children’s Garden (opens October 27). Triple the size of its previous incarnation, this horticultural wonderland is resplendent with spectacular water features and sculptures. Young visitors will meet the Drooling Dragon, Spitting Fish, and more. Outdoors, a G-scale model railway travels past miniature Longwood landmarks. Unusual gourds and squashes, as well as creatively carved pumpkins weighing up to a quarter-ton, grace the grounds. Tractors, autumnal treats, and a Pumpkin Playground create a real feel of fall.

Later in the season, more than 20,000 blooming flowers flourish in Longwood’s palatial conservatory during the “Chrysanthemum Festival” (October 27-November 18). Cascades, single-stemmed mums and elaborate “thousand blooms” serve as a perfect backdrop for a full slate of performing arts events.

“Christmas at Longwood” (November 23- January 6) lights up chilly evenings with 500,000 outdoor lights, exquisitely strung in colorful displays that awe visitors. Elegantly decorated trees, holiday music, colored fountain displays, and ice skating exhibitions under the stars make yuletide at Longwood unique and memorable. Indoors, poinsettias, decorated trees, and yuletide surprises appear throughout the Conservatory.

Nemours Mansion and Gardens is closed as it undergoes renovations prior to a 2008 reopening.

Rockwood Park and Mansion hosts a “Holiday Open House” (December 7-9). This Rural Gothic Mansion dresses up in holiday finery that befits its history and status.

Woof! Meow! Chirp! Winterthur Museum and Country Estate presents “Pets in America: the Story of our Lives with Animals at Home” (November 10-January 20). Enjoy this family-friendly look at the history of Americans' relationships with pets from the 1700s to the present.

“Yuletide at Winterthur” (November 23-January 6) brings to life the splendor of childhood holiday experiences combined with the fantasy of Winterthur's spectacular period rooms glistening with decorations spanning the centuries. Take a guided stroll through H. F. du Pont's mansion and delight in holiday atmosphere and festive decorations of yore, including 18 fabulous rooms that interpret holiday celebrations from the 1700s through today.

The Discover Brandywine Valley Public Relations Association (DBVPRA) provides a central resource for journalists. Visit the website www.brandywinetreasures.org or contact Susan M. Maynard, 302-651-6912, smaynard@nemours.org for more information.

Discover Brandywine Valley Public Relations Association Members (www.brandywinetreasures.org):

Brandywine River Museum U.S. Route 1, Chadds Ford, PA 19317; www.brandywinemuseum.org. Lora Englehart, 610-388-8337, lenglehart@brandywine.org.

Delaware Art Museum 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE 19806; www.delart.org. Dennis Lawson, 302-571-9590, x. 515, dlawson@delart.org.