With four theme parks and two water parks, the family will enjoy non-stop fun. Soar into the darkness of space on the stomach-dropping Space Mountain and then sit back and admire the beautiful Wishes™ Nighttime Spectacular, a fireworks extravaganza in Magic Kingdom.  Travel around the world and sample foods from different cultures, all in one day, at Disney’s Epcot theme park.

This summer is packed with special events that will excite all members of your family! Beginning May 18^th through June 10^th, Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park will be hosting Star Wars Weekends. This is an annual special event that celebrates the Star Wars Saga and the animated television series, The Clone Wars. Embark on Star Tours, meet Star Wars celebrities, attend Jedi Training Academy and end the day by letting loose at the Hyperspace Hoopla.  

Don’t miss out on the ultimate animal adventure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Venture deep into the Pangani Forest for a private guided tour that places you amongst several exotic wildlife species, including Nile crocodiles and massive hippos. The 3-hour tour includes the guided safari, tasting of African-inspired foods and photo CD. Save $50 on tours at or after 11:45 a.m. from May 29- August 25! This is an authentic Wild Africa Trek, just closer to home!

Summer nights aren’t the same without outdoor concerts! During the annual Sounds Like Summer Concert Series, enjoy high-energy performances from some of the best tribute bands at Epcot’s America Gardens Theater. The 2012 series runs from June 10 through July 28 and entrance is free with paid park admission. It will be a toe-tappin’ good time!  

And don’t forget to check out Disney’s Art of Animation, a new Walt Disney World Value Resort, scheduled to open this month! Perfect for families, you can jump into your favorite animated stories, such as “Finding Nemo”, Cars”, “The Lion King”, and “The Little Mermaid.” When completely finished, this resort will host more than 1,100 family suites which sleep up to six people, as well as 800 standard guest rooms.

The travel designers at AurTravel can help make this a summer your family will never forget!

Washington D.C. was originally founded in in 1790 and since then, has grown into a large metropolitan area with a population of over a half million. This is one city where you can see history in the making each and every day. In between the tourist stops, you can enjoy fine dining at one of the more than 100 restaurants in downtown D.C.  

National Cherry Blossom Festival 
2012 marks the 100^thanniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which showcases the 3,000 cherry trees, given to our nation’s capital as a gift from the city of Tokyo.  This annual two-week event is being extended to five weeksfor this historic occasion (March 20-April 27). Free tours are available through the National Park Service Ranger.

White House Spring Garden Tours
A tradition since 1972, for one weekend each spring, visitors can stroll through the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Children’s Garden and South Lawn of the White House. This tour is free of charge, but tickets are required for all guests, including children. Dates for 2012 tours have not yet been announced.

Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tours
Enjoy live music on the east lawn of George Washington’s Mount Vernon home, overlooking the Potomac River. Sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries. You can relax on a blanket on the lawn or reserve a private table for up to 12 people which includes fruit & cheese platters and VIP table service. During this festival, tours are available of the mansion, including areas not open to the pubic any other time. The 2012 festival is May 18-20.

Memorial Day Celebration

Memorial Day Parade Photo © Chris Graham

Several events are held in D.C. throughout the holiday weekend to honor the men and women currently serving, those who have served, and those who have fallen while serving our country. The National Memorial Day Concert will be held on Sunday, May 27 on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. This is a free concert and gates open at 5 p.m.  It will be co-hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna.

On Monday, May 28 at 11 a.m. a wreath laying ceremony and concert will be held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

The National Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 28 at 2 p.m. The parade kicks off on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7^th Street NW, and features marching bands and Veterans units from all 50 states.

Whether you choose to visit Washington D.C. in the spring or wait till the fall to see the colors change, the travel designers are here to help you plan the perfect getaway.

Below is a little more information about some of the attractions Puerto Rico offers.

Bioluminescent Bay

The Vieques Biobay
Visit on a moonless night and you’ll notice the fish swimming in the bay appear to glow green in the water. If you choose to dive in, you’ll look the same way! This is one of the most amazing experiences Puerto Rico has to offer. It’s pure magic! Several tour companies offer kayaking tours of the bay for the more active tourist.

Catamaran Cruises
Grab your friends and kick back and relax as you spend a fun-filled day cruising the Caribbean waters. Most catamaran cruises stop at private beaches for spectacular snorkeling. Or wait till the end of the day and enjoy a gorgeous sunset cruise with your significant other.

Camuy Caves

Camuy River Cave Park
Explore one of the largest cave systems in the world! The 268-acre park is one of the most popular natural attractions in Puerto Rico and features tours of some of the caves and sinkholes. These tours take you through subterranean ravines to the edge of caves over 600 feet deep.

El Yunque Rain Forest 
A two-hour drive from San Juan, this area is about as far removed from the city’s beaches and resorts as you can get. Hike along one of several trails ranging from easy walks to difficult climbs or fulfill a bucket list to-do and swim under a waterfall.

Whatever you choose to do during your time in Puerto Rico, you can be sure it will be fun-filled with beautiful weather! You can’t go wrong!

• GOLFING - Hit the links on some of the world’s most amazing golf courses with some even built around the ancient Mayan ruins. One of the more popular courses is the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. This 18-hole, 72-par championship course provides gorgeous views of the area. Some holes are also lined with natural vegetation and wetlands of the area.
• MAYAN RUINS – El Meco is found just north of Cancun. From here, you can see a breathtaking view of the Chacmochuc Lagoon. Ruinas El Ray is located in Cancun’s hotel zone. This area is famous for the hundreds of iguanas that make their home in these ruins. If you go at the right time, you can see the park rangers feeding these lizards. 
• SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS – Instead of just viewing them through the aquarium glass, slip into the water with these majestic animals. You can choose the type of interaction you want, from petting the dolphins to being pulled through the water by one. There are several companies you can go through to set up this excursion. Most of these companies use facilities on the island of Isla Mujeres, which is about a 30-minute ferry ride from Cancun.
• ADVENTURE TOURS – Choose your adventure! Swim with the fastest fish in the ocean (the sailfish) or with the enormous but harmless Whale Shark. If water isn’t your thing, hike through the jungle to see ancient Mayan ruins or take a bird watching tour. Most tours will pick you up right at your hotel’s front door for a day of fun.

No matter what you choose to do with your time in Cancun, you will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed! We would love to hear your favorite activity in Cancun! Post in the comments section below.

San Diego Zoo
Take a full day to explore this world-famous zoo, which includes a 4,000 bird sanctuary. Explore the zoo on the three-mile guided bus tour or hop on the Skyfari Tram and get a bird’s eye view. The children’s petting zoo lets you get up close and personal with animals such as sheep and goats. And you can even feed a giraffe if you visit on a Saturday or Sunday!

San Diego Wineries
One of the best kept secrets of San Diego – the wineries! Most of these wineries are located only about 45 minutes to an hour away from downtown. Enjoy the spectacular views from the vineyards while you take a guided tour. And then unwind as you sample the different varieties of wine offered. You can even schedule transportation to and from the wineries so you don’t have to worry about driving! A few of the more popular wineries include the Bernardo Winery, Falkner Winery, and Fallbrook Winery.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The park began more than 20 years ago as a breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo’s large animals. Today, the 2100-acre sanctuary is open for visitors to view the large animals roaming in settings similar to their natural habitats. Tour the African plains or Asian Savanna by way of trams, carts, segways and even zip lines!

USS Midway Museum
Step aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century and explore a city at sea. The USS Midway Museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family. Put on your headphones and take the family audio tour, which will guide you through more than 30 locations on the carrier. For the brave souls, the museum features three types of optional flight simulators for all ages.

Balboa Park
You can’t leave San Diego without visiting Balboa Park! As you walk through the park, stop to take a ride on the carousel or hop on the miniature train for a 3 minute, ½ mile scenic trip. Pick up a souvenir from the United Nations Building, which is used for educational and administrative purposes. And the San Diego Zoo is located in the northern part of the park so you can cross these two sites off your sightseeing list in one day!

La Jolla Kayak
For the adventurous adults, La Jolla Kayak offers fantastic opportunities to kayak or snorkel around the sea cliffs, the Seven Caves, and the Underwater Park in La Jolla. Certified tour guides will help you explore the beautiful Southern California coastline.

LEGOLAND®
Geared toward children ages 2-12, LEGOLAND® is built for fun!  With more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions, kids will be entertained for the entire day. Dig for fossils or climb inside the Megga-Egga-Saurus on Dino Island. In Fun Town, children can explore a town scaled down to their size. Join a hilarious race to hose down a burning building at the Fun Town Fire Academy.  For the young inventor, visit Imagination Zone where you can create your own vehicle out of legos and race it against others. LEGOLAND® also has its own water park. Plus, there are action-packed live shows and great restaurants all throughout the park. Join in on the fun!

Sea Life Aquarium
Located next door to LEGOLAND®, the Sea Life Aquarium presents a view of the underwater world easy for a child to understand. In the newly opened Octopus Garden, you can view several different types of these amazing creatures. Kids can also enjoy play zones, fun facts and quiz trails throughout the aquarium.

We’ll take care of all of the details surrounding your bowl experience – from the moment your trip kicks off to your return.

Highlights of the trip include:
• Pre-game bowl party with the Husker Band
• Capital One Bowl Game tickets located in the Nebraska section.
• Choose from two hotels –   Peabody Hotel (Nebraska’s Team Hotel) or the Rosen Plaza Hotel

Depart:  December 31st
Return:  January 3^rd
Game Day: January 2

Peabody Hotel (Nebraska’s Team Hotel): $1689* per person

Rosen Plaza Hotel: $1579* per person

*based on double occupancy

Capital One Bowl package includes:

• Round trip flight from Lincoln or Omaha to Orlando (chartered aircraft)
• 3 nights hotel accommodations
• Luggage handling in Orlando
• Refreshments at hotel upon arrival
• Round-trip airport transfers
• Round-trip game day transfers
• Entry to Official Capital One Bowl game with pre-game party with the Husker Band
• Optional on-site tours
• Souvenir luggage tags
• Lanyard and ticket protector
• All taxes and gratuities

Reserve your spot right away by calling AurTravel at 800-304-1452!

Go Big Red!

French Quarter

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the people of New Orleans continue to rebuild it into the amazing city it was before. No other city can top New Orleans with its uniqueness.  You can hit Bourbon Street for a fun night on the town, stroll through the French Quarter, or sample some tasty beignets at the world-famous Café Du Monde.  However, there are so many more things to do and see in New Orleans.

• Frenchmen Street– Located just a short distance from the French Quarter, this entertainment district provides live entertainment almost every night of the week.  Listen to the amazing sounds of New Orleans musicians.
  

  Garden District

• Audubon Zoo – Lions, tigers, giraffes, and more! Take a safari through Asia, Africa, the Australian Outback and the Louisiana Swamp to view more than 1,500 animal species. Children and adults alike will love this zoo.
• The Garden District – Take a walking tour through this historic neighborhood to see some of the most elegant homes with beautiful landscaped gardens. Most of these homes were built over a century ago!
• Mardi Gras World – Even if you can’t make it for Mardi Gras, you can still experience the excitement surrounding it! Take a tour through this magical land where the astounding Mardi Gras mega-floats are created.
• St. Charles Streetcar- St. Charles Avenue has been described as “The Jewel of America’s Grand Avenues.” For a small fee, you can hop on the St. Charles Streetcar
  

  St. Charles Streetcar

  to see for yourself some of the most superb mansions in the South. Built in the 19^th century, they still possess the grandeur of current times.

• Jackson Square – A favorite site for all visitors, this area is filled with artists, street performers, museums, and galleries to keep you busy. It’s located right in the heart of the French Quarter.

San Antonio’s annual Fiesta de las Luminarias begins at dusk the first weekend in December (Friday – Sunday nights) until just before Christmas Day.  The River Walk is illuminated with luminarias, sand-filled white sacks and a votive candle. View the Holiday lights and luminarias by strolling on foot or hop on a barge for a guided tour. 

SeaWorld San Antonio also gets into the holiday spirit. Holiday lights throughout the park turn it into a holiday wonderland. Shamu even puts on his Santa hat and performs a show, complete with holiday music and lighting.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas hosts an extravaganza with holiday-themed shows, caroling and breathtaking light displays.

Start your New Year off with a bang at San Antonio’s biggest New Year’s Eve party downtown, Celebrate San Antonio. Music on four stages as well as a children’s area add to the excitement of the night. Join 250,000 other revelers counting down to 2012!

Below are just a few of the ideas for your Maui vacation:

Seven Sacred Pools – Located in the Haleakala National Park, this area is known for its hiking trails, pool swimming and cliff jumping. The Pipiwai Trail is a 4-mile (round trip) hike with beautiful waterfalls along the route. The final stop on the hike is Waimoku Falls. Along the trail, take a dip in the Infinity Pool, a secluded pool with a row of thick rocks that prevent you from plunging over the 200-foot waterfall.

Wall of Tears

Wall of Tears – Take in the splendor of the Wall of Tears in a helicopter tour – a one hour roundtrip ride from Maui. This landmark is the largest concentration of waterfalls -17 total – in Hawaii. Little known fact: this “wall” served as the entrance to Jurassic Park!

Submarine tours – Enjoy a spectacular adventure while exploring the undersea world. See for yourself the natural beauty of the coral reefs and marine life.

Maui Ocean Center – This is one of the top attractions in Hawaii! Open every single day of the year, you can see marine life, including tropical reef fish, octopus, moray eels, green sea turtles, sharks, stingrays, and sea jellies, up close without stepping foot in the water.

Sunset Luau – Several resorts offer sunset luaus right on the beach – it’s a must do! Enjoy a variety of different cultural activities, including songs and dances, while feasting on local delicacies. But be ready – sometimes you get to join in on the action!

Surfing Lessons – Grab your friends and hit the water! Surf lessons are designed for all levels – beginner to intermediate. Learn to surf on some of the best waves around! Some clinics also offer professional photographers so you can take proof of your surfing prowess back to the states!

Visit Lahaina – Explore this historic whaling village that is now a Maui hot spot. This area was made famous in the 1800s when as many as 1,500 sailors from over 400 ships took leave in the area. One of the sailors included Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick. Set sail from the harbor for an unforgettable whale watching tour.

Ulalena – Take in the fabulous musical “Ulalena”, a story about Hawaii’s people. This family-friendly show guides you from the island’s creation to its early explorers. You’ll be mesmerized by acrobatic feats!

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey – This is where many of the British Monarchs have taken their vows and where Prince William and Kate will take theirs. It’s also the burial place for royalty and other national figures.

Horse Guards Parade – A large parade ground where the annual Trooping of the Color ceremony is held to commemorate the official birthday of the monarch, typically on the second Saturday in June.

Clarence House – The official residence of Prince Charles, his wife Camilla, and Princes William and Harry.

The Houses of Parliament - The meeting place of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom – the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

Big Ben - The nickname for the great bell of the clock at the north end of the Houses of Parliament.

Big Ben

The Green Park – One of the Royal Parks of London. It has no lakes, no buildings and few monuments. The park consists entirely of wooded meadows.

St. Paul’s Cathedral - Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer were married here in 1981.

St. James’s Park – The oldest royal park in London. It’s known for its views of Buckingham Palace, as well as its pelicans, whose progenitors were a gift from a Russian ambassador in 1664.

Buckingham Palace – The London home and primary residence of the British monarch . It’s also where the wedding reception will be held after Prince William and Kate’s ceremony.

Everyone deserves a trip that is fit for a king (or queen, prince and princess). Let AurTravel help you book yours!