Tuesday, Aug 16
Partly Cloudy
Currently: 75˚F
Feels Like: 77˚ F
Hi: N/A˚, Lo: 56˚
Wind: 6, Gust: N/A MPH
Wind Direction: N (360) 
Tonight: 56˚
Sunset: 8:29 PM
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous
Wednesday, Aug 17
Hi: 80˚, Lo: 60˚
Wind: 5, Gust: N/A MPH
Wind Direction: NW (307) 
Thursday, Aug 18
Hi: 86˚, Lo: 66˚
Wind: 15, Gust: N/A MPH
Wind Direction: S (180) 
Friday, Aug 19
Hi: 77˚, Lo: 60˚
Wind: 10, Gust: N/A MPH
Wind Direction: NNE (23)
Saturday, Aug 20
Hi: 79˚, Lo: 59˚
Wind: 9, Gust: N/A MPH
Wind Direction: NE (54)
weather feed courtesy of weather.com - thanks!
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Back to school travel safety tips from Mishawaka Police
Fox 28 Officers are offering the following tips for kids and drivers to keep in mind throughout the school year. Even if you don't ride in a motor vehicle, you still have to protect yourself. Because of minimal supervision, young pedestrians face a wide … |
 Intelligent Travel from National Geographic Traveler Magazine (blog) |
The Radar: Namibia Travel Tips, Find Flights With Wi-Fi, Travel's New Vernacular
Intelligent Travel from National Geographic Traveler Magazine (blog) Discover nine top spots to visit in Namibia plus practical travel tips on staying safe, hiring a car, and spotting wildlife. [Lonely Planet] Hipmunk, the airfare and hotel search aggregator, is adding a new feature to its iPad and iPhone apps which … |
 Daily Mail |
Things We Learned About Italian Travel From The Jersey Shore Cast
Gothamist But since they're currently still open for business, here are some travel tips from the cast, from last night's premiere: An Italian guy on a Vespa is like a hot guy here on a street bike. They may or may not sell eyelashes in Italy. … 'Jersey Shore' cast: 4th season most dramatic yet |
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Travel tips from BA cabin crew
Cheapflights.com British Airways' cabin crew is among the best in the business, and some of the things they've learned can make your next trip decidedly easier: Travel with fold-way shoes, like 'redfoots.' That way you can ditch the heels for flats and take up minimal … |
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Vacationing With A Pet? Some Tips From a Vet
Patch.com Calabasas and Encino veterinarian Dr. Isaacs shares tips for traveling with pets, picking a carrier, being safer and happier. Author, Don Helverson, runs and plays with his pets before taking a cross-country trip. Give dogs a good romp before a big … |
 Intelligent Travel from National Geographic Traveler Magazine (blog) |
Photo Tips from Nat Geo Travel Photographers
Intelligent Travel from National Geographic Traveler Magazine (blog) At these day-long events, hear from National Geographic Traveler photographers as they share tips and advice about these topics: Using Light to Make Powerful Images; Putting the WOW in Your Nature and Outdoor Photography; A Passion for Travel: Photos … |
Flower power: Escape the bustle of Manhattan to play in a field of wildflowers at Steep Rock nature preserve.
By Erik Torkells
If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the city. Bypass a New York City vacation for value stays within driving — or train — distance to the metropolis.
1. Hudson Valley, N.Y.
How many places are so beautiful they’ve inspired an entire art movement? Drive up the Hudson River and hop from town to town. Storm King Art Center, on the western side, is home to extraordinary outdoor art, including Maya Lin’s “wavefield.” Continue the art quest at Dia:Beacon an old Nabisco factory in Beacon. It’s filled with contemporary art. The town of Hudson, meanwhile, is antiquing central—most every storefront is selling antiques. Then take a stroll at Walkway Over the Hudson State Historical Park, where a 19th-century railroad ridge is now open exclusively to pedestrians. Rail trails lead from either side of the bridge, so you can keep on walking…. As for a hotel, rooms at the four-star Tarrytown House — located on a private estate — start at 7 for the first weekend in August.
2. Litchfield County, Conn.
When the temperature is 90 in New York City, it’s generally more like 80 in Litchfield, the northwest corner of the Connecticut. You can stay in Danbury, which isn’t in Litchfield but has plenty of hotels, including the Ethan Allen Hotel (from 8 a night), which is owned by the furniture company. An amazing new restaurant, Community Table, has opened in an old house in Washington: It serves Manhattan-quality locavore food at a fraction of what you’d pay in the city. On a less sophisticated note, at the Goshen Fair on Labor Day weekend, you can watch tractor pulls, livestock judging, lumberjack contests, fiddler concerts and more. The area also has a lot of fun shopping, from the New Milford swap meet to tag sales to thanks-I’m-just-browsing antiques stores, as well as lovely hiking in places like the Steep Rock nature preserve.
3. Wildwood, N.J.
One of the kitschiest towns in the East, Wildwood is the Jersey Shore with all the neon trimmings — plus the beach, of course. The carnival-like boardwalk has fun for kids of all ages (including those of us who never grew up): miniature golf galore, roller coasters, water parks, go karts, old-time photos…. For you art-school types, the town also stakes a claim to the country’s highest concentration of mid-century architecture.
4. Connecticut Coast
A lot of us forget about the Long Island Sound when we think about the shoreline, which is a shame, because the Connecticut coast north of New Haven has something for everyone. There are classic New England small towns, like Madison and Guilford: Stop by the fantastic independent bookstore in Madison (R.J. Julia), then head to the town beach—and on your way back, pop by Ashley’s Ice Cream, a Connecticut chain. For a little more excitement, drive up to Mystic, which has all manner of maritime-themed attractions. If you’ve never been on a submarine, by all means visit the U.S.S. Nautilus. Stay in New Haven, where good hotels are cheap in summer — the Omni New Haven has rooms from 4. Plus, you can go for clam pizza at Pepe’s, which many folks think is the country’s best.
5. Philadelphia
If we’re talking about cool in the hipster sense, you gotta give props to Philly: The city has an arts scene and food scene that you only find in cities where rents are cheap enough that young people can take a chance and try something. (In other words, not New York.) To save money getting there, take a New Jersey Transit train from Penn Station to Trenton, then transfer to SEPTA for service to Philly. (The total one-way cost is as little as .) Explore neighborhoods like the Old City, Northern Liberties and Manayunk. The locals aren’t too cool for ice cream: Capogiro Gelato Artisans is worth seeking out.
Related resources
Formerly the editor of Budget Travel magazine, Erik Torkells has written for many other publications, including Travel + Leisure, the New York Times and T Magazine. He has appeared on MSNBC and “Good Morning America” on Orbitz’s behalf.
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10 air travel tips from a cabin crew
Aviation Record by Inside Retail As holidaymakers are preparing to set off, British Airways' cabin crew give their top tips to make travelling that little bit easier. 1. Travel like a celeb and pack a pashmina. They are particularly good if you're moving between … |
First stop Far East: Royal Caribbean departs on a 5-night cruise from sparkling Shanghai. Credit: SF Brit.
By Kim Windyka
Sure, the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas are all fabulous choices for a cruise getaway, but sometimes you’re in the mood to try something out of the ordinary. And what better way to indulge that interest than by setting out on a one-of-a-kind exotic cruise through Asia, India or Africa? Ports that are off of the beaten path and generally longer itineraries make for an unforgettable experience you’ll be able to savor long after you return home. Take a look at three exotic itineraries that will give you a taste of these unusual and exciting sailings.
5-night Far East
Before your evening departure from Shanghai with Royal Caribbean, admire the city’s architecture or explore a silk factory. Continue on to Naha, Okinawa where you can tour stately Shuri Castle — considered a World Heritage site — or take in the scenery at the gorgeous Bios Hill Botanical Gardens. Then, check out famed sites like the Grand Hotel or peruse cultural gems from the Forbidden City at the National Palace Museum in Taipei, Taiwan before finishing your cruise in bustling Hong Kong.
10-night Red Sea Voyage
You’ll cruise with Azamara out of Sokhna, Egypt and spend two days each in vibrant and unique ports. First, visit the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh, a tourist haven where sun, surf and water sports rule. Continue on to famed Luxor for a 2,000-year step back into history as you walk amongst the ancient statues and monuments. The Jordanian city of Petra boasts the country’s only port, and offers great opportunities for diving and other beachside pursuits. Finally, a must-see on your final stop in the Israeli city of Eliat is the Coral World Underwater Observatory, which boasts a Caribbean reef encounter, marine gardens, touch pools and more.
Spend the night in posh Burj Al Arab before a Dubai and India cruise. Credit: Shahram Sharif.
12-night Dubai & India
This Royal Caribbean cruise sets sail from glitzy Dubai and makes stops in some of India’s best ports. First, you’ll dock in the landmark Indian city of Mumbai, where you can enjoy attractions like Mahalaxmi Temple or take in stunning views at the Hanging Garden. Your next stops in both Mormugao and New Mangalore promise even more natural beauty and marvelous beaches. Sail on to Cochin, where history, architecture and cuisine reign supreme. Make sure to take in at least one museum on your final stop in Oman’s capital city of Muscat, or just play ruler for a day at the Sultan’s Palace!
Related resources
Kim Windyka is a travel brands copywriter, bona fide Twitter addict and freelance feature writer whose work has appeared in Metro Boston, the New Hampshire Visitors Guide and the Nashua Telegraph. Despite being a Northeast native, she dreams of palm trees daily.
By Vince Font
For as much as people await the arrival of summer with bated breath, it sure has a way of sneaking up on us. And if you’re not careful and if you don’t act fast, it’ll pass you by the way it’s done in years past. With that in mind, here’s a rundown of three of the best last-minute beach vacations: east coast, west coast and in-between (the Gulf Coast, in case you didn’t catch it).
Savor the crisp ocean air at your alfresco table at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel.
Beach vacations in the West
Carmel, officially called Carmel-by-the-Sea, is one of the most beautiful cities on California’s Monterey Peninsula and a perfect beach vacation destination if you’re looking for a more upscale, classy getaway. And it doesn’t get much classier than a stay at L’Auberge Carmel, an 82-year-old wonder of European architecture just four short blocks inland from the beach. This is one of those places that you read about and admire in those “best hotels in the world” articles you see from time to time, but never really think you’ll ever visit. If its plush furnishings and designer bedding aren’t enough to convince you to book a summer vacation stay, maybe the in-room massage and spa treatment will. If you’re not a fan of hands-on relaxation, then a meal at the hotel’s intimate Aubergine Restaurant, where you can choose from any of 4,500 bottles of wine in the cellar below, will certainly do it.
Beach vacations in the East
Situated about an hour away from Jacksonville on the gorgeous Outer Banks islands of North Carolina, you’ll find Atlantic Beach. And once you do, you might not want to “unfind” it ever again. The sense of history in this area is strong, but even stronger is the recommendation to take a beach vacation at the Sheraton Oceanfront Hotel. For the price, you’d be hard pressed to do much better. But monetary value and bang for buck isn’t the only thing this place has going for it. A stay here puts you immediately on the beach, a stroll away from deep sea fishing excursions and scuba diving, and a quick drive from a day spent taking in the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Variety may be the spice of life, but it’s a prime ingredient in summer vacations. The Sheraton Oceanfront’s got that portion of the recipe covered.
Beach vacations in-between (The Gulf Coast)
You probably never think of Texas when you think about summer vacations and beach frolicking, but unless you want to keep trying out the same-old, you should consider broadening those horizons. Take Galveston, a city in Texas located on Galveston Island on the Gulf Coast about an hour away from Houston. The locals here know all about the Wyndham Hotel Galvez and Spa, but unless you pay it a visit for yourself you won’t really have an appreciation for the diversity that exists in a state you probably assumed was made up of miles of endless road and desert. If so, you’ve probably seen “Giant” one too many times. But enough about movies. The Wyndham in Galveston, also known as The Queen of the Gulf, dates back to 1911 but its amenities are strictly 21st century: it’s got swim-up bars, a full service spa, and an on-site restaurant so good you’ll end up taking breakfast, lunch and dinner there during your stay.
Related resources
Vince Font is a travel writer with a deep love of weird, wacky, and off-the-beaten-track vacation destinations — as long as staying in a luxury hotel is part of the deal.
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