One of the cool things, if you’re into cool things, about living in Los Angeles is all of the Hollywood fun. Take the premiere of Real Steel that my family and I attended at Universal City Walk (adjacent to the Universal Studios theme park). My kids got to meet a bunch of their favorite Disney channel stars, my wife got to drool on Hugh Jackman, and I ate all the popcorn I could eat (which is way too much). Of course, their favorite part was meeting all of the robots from the film, and I can’t say that I blame them.

If you’re a fan of pop culture and entertainment it’s pretty easy to find out when and where movie premieres are being held. I can’t promise you a ticket, but I can darn near guarantee that you’ll see a celebrity. The kids will love it.

This post is part of UpTake’s Friday Family Series. If you would like to see your family vacation photo here please submit it via the contact link in the sidebar, subject line: Family Photo.

Photo: Whit Honea

Did you miss me? Of course you did. Don’t fret, gentle reader, it’s time to get back on the super information highway and pick up all the travel-related hitchhikers you can carry. Don’t get greedy.

Here’s how this works, over the past week we have “carefully” considered all of the emails (see link in sidebar) and tweets that we have received, and we’ve picked the most interesting (i.e. fewest words for me to type) for you to click on. That, my friends, is how we do it up in here (the virtual here).

And now is the part where we link to the deals and the news and the stuff.

Why travel to the stars when you can travel with them? Lonely Planet drops names.

Hilton has launched the Hilton Huanying program in 13 countries. Did yours make the list?

Travel talk with kids and teens at a Kid’s I View.

Check out the lobby of Disney’s soon to open Aulani Resort in Hawai’i over at Disney by Mark.

Safaris are a trip of a lifetime according to CNN Travel.

Three small towns, three road trips — via Gadling.

Las Vegas has its eye on you, London. And Vegas’s Ferris wheel is even bigger.

Workout in your hotel room! Overhead Bin tells you how.

The Disney Blog gives some good tips on Orlando vacations and weather-related safety.

Real people are sharing real travel stories at TravelerVoice.

Bonjour Paris has news of a hot new vending machine — the heat is from the bread.

Looking for all things cruise-related? Look no further.

There you have it, all of the online travel news that is fit to print (but don’t print it because of the trees and stuff).  Happy travels!

Couples Retreat may have topped the box office with $35.3m over the opening weekend, but it doesn’t really make the case for vacation therapy.

In fact, this Vince Vaughn starrer goes the other way – and suggests that the best way to save your marriage is to escape from the wacky Couples Retreat staff and the weird yoga techniques (filmed at the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora). You end up at a singles resort instead, get sloshed, scream and shout at your spouse and then a round of make-up sex solves all your problems. Read More »

by Eric Carle

If your travels find you in the Los Angeles area this weekend then you need to do yourself a favor and visit the annual Festival of Books on the UCLA campus.

The festival is sponsored by the Los Angeles Times and runs Saturday (10-6) and Sunday (10-5) with free admission (and  $9 parking).

Meet the authors!

Among the offerings are over 100 author panels, numerous readings and hundreds of book signings – including celebrities from Michael J. Fox to Tori Spelling (also, actual writers).  There will be tons of other events, including cultural and musical presentations and some pretty good eats.

There are two areas for children which feature storytelling, crafts and more.  According to the L.A. Times, DJ Lance Rock and Brobee from “Yo Gabba Gabba!” will be present, which excites me more than it probably should.

Things to know before you go:

It is supposed to be quite cool, relatively speaking, with highs in upper 60′s/lower 70′s, which means dress in layers or bring a sweater, but this is L.A. and plenty of water and sunscreen are still good bets.

Bring cash.  There are ATMs available, but not readily.

Directions to the UCLA campus from where you are! Yes, I see you.

Allow for distance and lines:

• Parking – Chances are you’re going to be a decent walk from the festival.  Shuttle available.
• Lines – Hard as it is to believe, you may not be the only person interested in meeting your favorite author.  Get to panels and signings early and be prepared to stand in line.  They can get ridiculous, but the front of the line is much more fun than the back.
• Overall area – The festival is HUGE and there is literally much ground to cover.  You will be walking.  A lot.

It’s definitely a good way to spend the day, expand your personal library and meet some of your favorite authors (if you see me, say hi!).  Support the arts, people!

While you’re out and about in the Los Angeles area check out the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival or get some exercise for a good cause with the March of Dimes (not just in L.A.).

Happy reading!