Tickets for Space Shuttle Discovery’s Final Launch – November 2010

America’s Space Shuttle program is rapidly winding down, with only two scheduled launches remaining. If you have ever been to a space shuttle launch, then you know what an amazing experience it is. Crowds gather along the shore waiting with anticipation as the countdown clock clicks down. Then, Liftoff!! Puffs of white smoke are visible as the shuttle clears the tower. If you are close enough, you might even feel the ground shake. Regardless, you will hear the thundering roar of the engines as astronauts ride on a column of fire to outer space. Keep following the column – you will see the booster rockets separate and fall back to earth. WOW!!

If you have never been to a launch or want to catch one more before the program comes to end, you might want to clear your schedule for early November. Discovery is set to fly one last time before it goes to its new permanent home at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum on the National Mall.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has been offering the public the option to purchase launch viewing tickets for years. These viewing tickets get you as close as possible to the launch site when you are a member of John Q public. (There are closer sites, but unless you are a VIP, press member, or just really lucky, you can forget about that option).

Because of the popularity of the final flights, they are changing the process up at bit. You must register to have an opportunity to buy tickets. Yep, if you don’t register, then you won’t be able to buy them. So, if you were planning a trip down to see the launch and want to get really, really close to all the action, then you need to follow the below:

1. Register between August 16, 2010 (beginning at 9AM) through August 23, 2010 (ending at 5PM) by calling 1-800-936-0506 (U.S.) or 1-312-429-0505 (International)
2. A random drawing will be held between August 26th and September 17th. You will be notified via e-mail whether you have or have not been picked.
3. If you are chosen, then you get to buy tickets. Note - there are only 6 tickets per household. You will be given a ticket for one of the following three viewing areas: NASA Causeway, Kennedy Visitor Complex, or the United States Astronaut Hall of Fame. You will also be given an Admission ticket to Kennedy Visitor complex to use within 7 days.

For a die-hard space fan, this is the ultimate experience. It will be a once in a lifetime event. For more details and pricing, check out the following website: www.ksclaunchtickets.com

If you just want to go down and see the launch, there are plenty of places you can view the launch for free in Titusville and Cocoa Beach. Check back in October – I will post a blog with some of the best free viewing spots. This picture was snapped last year at a free viewing area.

Florida’s Dog Friendly Beaches – Sanibel

So, it’s finally August, one of the hottest and steamiest months of the year. We are officially in the dog days of summer. Wouldn’t your canine best friend love a day at the beach?

I have a yellow Labrador retriever named Smokey, and living in Florida, he loves his beach days. But, you may have trouble finding dog friendly beaches in the Sunshine State. Many of the beaches don’t allow dogs. Some only allow dogs to visit certain times of the day. And then there are the few beaches that dogs are allowed to play on any time of day.

Sanibel has to be one of the most dog friendly beaches in Florida. In fact, Smokey gives their beaches his very coveted Four Paws Up award!!



Sanibel is one of Florida’s most beautiful beach destinations. Located west of Fort Myers, the beaches are known around the world for their beautiful blue green waters, white sandy beaches, and shelling. In fact, people come from all over the world in search of some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful treasures.

All of Sanibel’s beaches are dog friendly. As long as your dog is on a leash, he (or she) can walk along the shoreline, play in the water, dig holes, and roll around in the sand. You can walk for miles on beaches that are literally postcard perfect. If you get hot, you and your pooch can go for a swim. Smokey loves to swim out to the sandbar and back!!

For humans, it doesn’t get much better than this. Pick out your favorite spot on the beach. Setup the chairs, beach umbrella, picnic lunch, then sit back, relax, and feel the tropical breezes on your face.

Two of Smokey’s favorite dog friendly beaches on Sanibel are:

• Bowman’s Beach: This beach is located just off Sanibel-Captiva Road. Shimmering white sand, beautiful blue-green water, excellent shelling, and some pretty good fishing make this a popular spot for both humans and canines.
• Blind Pass: Blind Pass links Sanibel to Captiva. Dogs are only allowed on the Sanibel side. Park in the small lot and then start walking. You can walk for miles here or pick out your perfect spot to relax.



To get to Sanibel, you will have to pay a $6 toll to cross the causeway. And, once you get to your beach, you will have to pay to park by the hour. But it’s a small price to pay for a lifetime of beach memories for you and your dog.

OK. I am going to shamelessly promote one of the travel guides I wrote for Great American Vacation Ideas. The Sanibel-Captiva guide is filled with areas to visit on the islands, detailed beach information, shelling tips, plus lodging and dining ideas. Go to our website, www.greatamericanvacationideas.com and click on the Florida tab to purchase it. Once your done reading, you will want to pack your bags and leave today!!!

Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada

If you are a classic car lover, then consider cruisin’ on over to Reno, Nevada. The annual Hot August Nights event takes place August 1st – August 8th. Reno, Sparks, and South Lake Tahoe play host to hundreds and hundreds of classic rides.

Love the classic cars of the 50’s and 60’s? Well, this will probably be as close to Heaven on Earth for the classic car lover. Classic T-Bird convertibles are lined up next to Vettes, GTO, Mustangs, ’57 Chevy’s, Lead Sleds, Rat-Rods, and more!!

Casinos around the area host “Show n Shine” competitions, classic car auctions, swap meets, gearhead games (think lug nut stacking), and classic car competitions. The best event – the nightly cruises in Reno & Sparks. Claim your spot on the curb and relive your youth as the classic cars roll on by.

Of course the 50’s and 60’s weren’t just about the cars, music played a huge role too. Each of the big casinos hosts nightly free entertainment!! This year’s lineup includes Herman’s Hermits, The Buckingham’s, Sonny Turner (lead singer of The Platters), tribute bands to Frankie Valli & The Beach Boys, and more!!

This is a great place to host an event. If you need a break from looking at all those classic cars, then head over to Lake Tahoe. Play golf on one of the many gorgeous courses or take a boat ride across the beautiful shimmering lake. And then there are the casinos like Harrah’s and Circus Circus. Maybe you will win big enough at the slots or poker tables to buy one of those classic rides. (Don’t bet on it!!)

For more information and event schedules, make sure to visit the official Hot August Nights website: www.hotaugustnights.net.

WELCOME TO THE GREAT AMERICAN VACATION IDEAS TRAVEL BLOG

Hello!! Welcome to our very first blog post.

First, let me introduce myself. I am a travel writer for the Great American Vacation Ideas travel guide series. Ever since I was a small child, I have loved traveling across this country. Each summer, the family would head out and visit some of the great National Parks, big cities, and beaches scattered around America. Today, I still travel, but this time for an actual living. So, this blog is going to be a slice of what I have seen – favorite destinations, hidden gems, and more.

Each week, I will be writing blogs about all things travel in the United States. Topics will include:

• Travel Destination Ideas
• Day Trip Suggestions
• Pet Friendly Travel Tips
• Festivals, Events, and Shows throughout the country
• Money Saving Travel Tips
• Gift Ideas for the Traveler
• Even book suggestions – Why not pick up a novel written about one of your favorite places?

This blog is produced on behalf of Great American Vacation Ideas, an internet travel guide website. So, you will also get a sneak peak when they release new travel guides!!


Happy Travels!!!