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July 10, 2017: Also known as “autocamp,” Glamping is camping out without the need to bring and set up all the gear and features a collection of fully equipped custom Airstream trailers and luxury tents with high end linens and blankets. Overnight prices range from $200-$500 a night, with some autocamps also including a cozy club house for socializing. Look in northern California, around the Russian River area and farther north, if you’re looking for a more luxury style camp out!!! Be aware — no room service.

July 4, 2017: Yup — largest day for beer consumption in the US — with over ONE BILLION DOLLARS (yes — that’s with a B as in Beer) spent on beer for Independence Day celebrations. July is also National Ice cream month — not sure if it’s appropriate to mix ice cream with a beer topping?

Unfortunately we missed National Waffle Iron Day in June — most US waffle consumption is in the cooler times of the year with mid-west and east coast consumption higher than the West. Best new innovation in waffle making is the all in one  Bacon Nation Waffle Stick maker that lets you grill your bacon at same time you make your waffle — high tech bacon and waffle baking together at the same time.  What a great country!!

July 3, 2017: Armed air marshals are still flying on US carriers — domestic and international — and on a recent Delta flight from England to New York one of the marshals forgot their gun after using the bathroom. A passenger found the loaded weapon and turned it in to a flight crew member. Authorities — the air marshal program is managed by TSA — commented that the gun was “left unattended.”

• CANADA (great exchange rate and they treat travelers like guests)
• COLUMBIA (culture, nature and hospitality — even a visit from the Pope planned this year)
• DOMINICA (hasn’t changed much since Columbus set foot a few hundred years ago-even the rain forest)
• FINLAND (a TC favorite — don’t miss an outdoor sauna and the cloudberries)
• NEPAL ( lots of landmarks, Himalayas, Kathmandu Valley — but be ready to rough it)
• MONGOLIA ( giant wrestlers, beautiful horses, warm hospitality — even a Hard Rock Cafe to open this year).

June 19, 2017: The new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, controversially replacing the former Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, is part of California Adventures Hollywood Land, and brings Disney’s Marvel Entertainment franchise on stage — and maybe even more with a Marvel “Hero’s” attraction next up? Work continues on the Park’s new 14-acre $1-billion Star Wars Land (near Frontierland) with opening set for 2019. Disney continues to “wow” guests with new attractions and entertainment — and admission price increases!!!

June 16, 2017: Google Earth is revising itself to include — not only mapping — but adventure and world exploration. The Google Gang has partnered with the BBC and NASA to add video clips, photos, and text narratives to 3D representations of numerous interesting new destinations and sights. You can visit the Jane Goodall Institute in Tanzania for a chimpanzee update, ride with the Muppets through world regions and culture and hit the “feeling lucky” feature to explore lesser known destinations — like the Indonesian island of Bunaken, part of a little known national marine park. The new App is a neat way to “immerse” in getting lost — and having fun!!!