Do you hear that sound? That’s right, school bells in the distance. And right behind that the last cries of children clinging to their summer vacation. Sorry, kids, everyone has to go back to school sometime (except, apparently, Phineas and Ferb). School days are upon us (you’ve probably noticed the shopping ads).

Granted, some of you have kids that have already started school, but come on, school in early August? That’s just cruel.

What does this mean to you, the family traveler? It means that summer vacation is winding down, and with it the extended family vacation that we’ve always heard about (see, Clark Griswold). Now family vacations will be dictated by weekends, holidays and threat of school reprimand (we’re guilty of that last one). Choose your adventures carefully!

School days also mean that kids will be in a crosswalk near you — drive safe!

This post is part of our UpTake Friday Family Series.

Photo: mrsdkrebs via Flickr

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!

Washington, D.C. is home to numerous iconic attractions. You can’t go home without taking a picture of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, and it’s practically unAmerican to visit without stopping at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Of course you’ll also get your photo taken in front of the White House, and everyone who’s ever been to D.C. has already told you to go to the Smithsonian museums. Your list of things to do and see in the capital is already long, but consider adding these overlooked attractions for a trip you’ll never forget.

Read More »

If you are going to be traveling anywhere near Los Angeles this weekend, and by near I mean San Francisco, Las Vegas and Phoenix, then you may want to take some precautions. Things are going down in the city of angels and you do not want anything to do with it.

Seriously.

They are calling it Carmageddon, and it is the closing of the 405 freeway for a 10 mile stretch as of this evening (Friday, July 15), and opening again at 6:00 a.m. on Monday. Basically, the traffic in L.A. is going straight from the frying pan and into the fire. It happens.

Travelers trying to get to Disneyland or the beach for their family summer vacations should allow for long delays (we’re talking HOURS) and avoid the 405, I-10 and 101 (the 405 is closed between the two latter freeways). My advice? If you make it to the Disneyland Resort, just stay there. If you make it to the beach of your choice, find a hotel and ride out the weekend on surf and waves. If you need to access LAX, you are in for a very frustrating weekend. Keep smiling!

This is part of our Friday Family Vacation Series. It’s probably not our best. Hate the message not the messenger.

Photo: Atwater Village Newbie via Flickr