A San Francisco-based company is bringing the once famous zeppelin back to American shores.  Currently, there are only three zeppelins in the world.  The other two are in Germany and Japan. Airship Ventures Inc. will be using the craft, which arrived in San Francisco last week, to give aerial tours of the Bay Area.  The tours will start from Moffett Field, a former military air base about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

A zeppelin is larger in length than a Boeing 747.  It has a metal frame, covered with canvas that makes it different from the blimps usually seen floating over college football games.

The tours will be quite costly, nearly $500 per person for an hour-long flight.  Why so much?  It is a novelty, to be sure.  It is also exclusive.  That’s because the cabin can only hold 12 people at a time, in addition to a two-person crew.

Airship Ventures says that the flight will pass over San Francisco, the area’s vineyards, the rugged northern California coastline, the city of San Francisco, and the bay.

People who know their history will remember hearing about the Hindenberg, a giant zeppelin that caught fire over New York, killing more than 30 people.  Since that disaster, no zeppelins have set down in the United States.  But there is little chance that Airship Ventures’ craft will burst into flames.  Modern zeppelins are kept aloft with non-flammable helium.  The Hindenberg, on the other hand, was filled with highly flammable hydrogen.  It was, to use the clique, an accident waiting to happen.

Airship Ventures has ordered two more zeppelins from Zeppelin Luftschifftechnik, the German company who manufactures such aircraft.  One of the two new aircraft will most likely be based in New York, while the other is rumored to be slated for a home base in Florida.

If you like it faster, bigger or just better then the new theme park rides for 2008 will definitely fill your needs.  These are some of the best rides that have ever been designed and they include everything from interactive elements to stomach dropping excitement. 

Silverwood Theme Park in northern Idaho is set to premier the Aftershock in July of 2008.  This is a 191 foot tall steel roller coaster that reaches speeds of 65 miles per hour and G-forces of 4.5.  It is definitely not for the weak at heart (or at stomach).

River Battle may not be the most heart stopping fun around, but this great family ride at Dollywood in Tennessee.  Not only do you get to shoot targets and other people on the ride, but you also have the ability to shoot the people watching the ride along the way!

Hershey Park in Pennsylvania is the top of the heap for vertical drops at present.  Fahrenheit, which premiers in 2008, drops an insane 97 degree drop for 121 feet.  It is high speed, high intensity and definitely one for the experience rollercoaster junkie.

Legoland offers great interactive opportunities for the whole family.  The new Lost Kingdom Adventure is set in the Land of Adventure and is sure to offer a new thrill every time you enter its domain. FireFall is another of ride for thrill seekers everywhere.  It takes riders up to 60 feet and then through 360 vertical arcs that twist, turn and spin through fire and water effects.

If you’re ready to head out for a summer vacation this year, don’t miss out on some of the latest trends in travel.  The green movement continues across the travel, resort and hotel industry, more venues are offering eco-inspired amenities and features.  Cruise ships are heading out to Europe this year as more people want to explore beyond the usual Caribbean and South American ports, and more dining options at destination cities mean every foodie can travel to their heart’s delight.  If you’re looking for a fresh new experience this summer, make sure you pick a vacation that’s right in line with these other five trends:

1. Luxury trekking.  Outdoor enthusiasts can embark on a rigorous journey to the mountains and cliffs, but bask in luxury when they head back to the cabin.  The latest trends in trekking offer sleeping bags inside deluxe accommodations; head off to luxurious cabins outfitted with hot tubs and down bedding.
2. National park adventures.  Since many people are choosing budget-friendly options to manage high gas and travel costs, heading out to camp sites and adventure tours at a National Park may be on the itinerary.  Look for exclusive vacation packages at several destinations across the U.S.
3. Spa lodging.  Head off to a spa for a pampering treatment, but extend your experience with an overnight stay.  More spas will be catering to the budget-conscious traveler this summer with extended stay vacation packages, freebies and discounts on treatments.
4. The classic American roadtrip.  If all else fails in your trip-planning, you can always head off on a roadtrip.  To curb increasing gas expenses, you can choose a city or town in your region for a semi-‘staycation’.
5. Water park mayhem.  Whether you’re traveling with the family or just want to feel like a kid again, heading to the water park can be a great way to spend a weekend or an extended stay. Water parks with lodging options make it easy to take advantage of package deals and enjoy a wealth of on-site activities and amenities.

Angels and Demons was the second book by Dan Brown (the first was The Da Vinci Code) and a prequel to the first release.  The majority of the story takes place in the amazing structures in, around and even under Rome, Italy.  You could spend a full vacation just following the foot steps of the characters in “Angels and Demons.”

One of the main locations in the book is the Vatican City.  Today the Roman Catholic Church has opened much of the city up to public tour.  The numerous museums are open, free of charge, almost anytime during the year.  The Archives are not open to public tour, but you can tour them virtually through the Vatican City website.

The Tiber Island is a boat-shaped island in the Tiber River that has long been associated with healing.  The main character in the book is thrown by an explosion into the river near the island.  The island was once the home of the temple to Aesculapious (the Greed god of medicine and healing).  The island is small and can be toured in just a few hours.

If you don’t want to feel your way through the book on your own you can try one of the many tours of the sites that are available today.  3 Millennia is a touring company that offers and “Unofficial Angels and Demons Tour.”  It will only last a few hours, but will take you too many of the sites featured in the novel.

Witur offers the La Roma di Bernini and includes many of the sites from “Angels and Demons.”  It includes the II Panteon, Raffaello’s Tomb, Christ by Michelangelo and much more.  This tour is a bit longer and will take around 7 hours.

The Official Angels & Demons Tour - The Path of the Illumination will take you through the novel - the sites, the mysteries and even the hidden symbolism.  This is the most extensive tour that is available for the sites (and secrets) of the Dan Brown novel.  The standard tour package is approximately 4 hours long.

Rome, Italy is an amazing location to visit – full of history and intrigue.  Add to that the focused mystery created by the Dan Brown novel, Angels and Demons and you have the makings of an adventure that you aren’t soon to forget.  Try combining the paid tours with self tours and create the ultimate experience of reading it then seeing it.

Fishing is not just a sport or activity for many people - it’s the only way to live! Finding the perfect fishing hole is important, but finding that perfect fishing lake is like discovering the Holy Grail. The best thing about most of the top fishing lakes in the United States is that most offer something for the rest of the family as well.

Norfolk Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas offers 501 miles of unspoiled shoreline. The waters are deep and clear. The lake offers plenty of record breaking fish for you to find. The crystal clear waters offer scuba diving opportunities and there is golfing and shopping near by.

Lake Mead is the largest man-made lake in the United States and is created by the water backed up from the Hoover Dam. The lake has become famous for its striped bass, but you can also find largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie and bluegill in Lake Mead. The number of activities around the lake are only limited by your desires (and you imagination).

Guntersville Lake is a 69,000 acre reservoir on the Tennessee River in the state of Alabama. With 950 miles of shoreline, the lake is a classic bass fishing community and a regular stopping place for professionals and hobbyists alike. Within a short drive is some of the best hiking, shopping, and caving experiences in the state.

Lake Powell in Arizona is the second largest man-made lake in the United states. The lake is 186 miles long and around 500 feet deep in places. It is a year-round fishery and the off-seasons can offers some of the most productive fishing days. You can catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, walleye, crappie, catfish and carp. The surrounding region offers 96 canyons to explore (many only accessible by boat). There are also some interesting archeological sites to see.

Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma is another amazing clear water lake. The 130 miles offer beautiful rock bluffs and spectacular sunsets. Year-round fishing is good in the lake and you can catch black, white, and striped bass along with crappie, catfish, bream and walleye. Rainbow and brown trout are stocked in the Illinois River below the dam. The lake is also a great place for water sports and activities (including scuba diving, water skiing and cover sailing). There are also interesting shopping and historical sites near by.

Fishing lakes are great for the sportsman in the family, but they can also offer plenty of other attractions for everyone else. Most all the top fishing lakes have outdoor activities of every type, but many also offer nearby shopping, cultural events and historical sites.

Everyone one wants to be king or queen, even if it’s just for a day. The next time you plan a vacation, look into some of Ireland’s amazing castles. While you may not actually be royalty, walking through the halls of the majestic and historic structures are sure to make you feel as though you are.

Drimnagh Castle in Dublin is the only castle in Ireland that is still surrounded by a flooded moat (today it is stocked with fish). The castle was constructed out of local grey limestone and several of the origional features have been restored. One of the most striking aspects of this castle is the formal garden. It is laid out in a 17th century style and is truly a spectacular creation.

Smarmore Castle is one of the oldest castles in the country and it dates back to around 1320. In the 16th century, two additions were added to the structure. All the stones are local and create walls that are eight feet thick. It was privately owned and used as a residence up until the 1980’s. Today the castle has been reinvented as accommodations and each room features distinct aspects of the castle’s history.

Kilkenney Castle was started around 1172. Three of the origional towers still remain. The castle and the extensive grounds are well worth a visit. Although the castle was remodeled in the 19th century, many of the original castle features have been excavated.

Dromoland Castle dates back to the 15th century. The present building was completed in 1835 and today is a luxury hotel complete with golf course. The restoration and renovation of the castle into the hotel managed to keep the essence of the structure intact.

King John’s castle in Limerick city was originally built around 1200 but has been repaired and rebuilt many times over the years. It was built as a defense for the Shannon River. It also served as the administration center for the kingdom. Today you can view the underground excavations of pre-Norman features, a reconstructed courtyard and many exhibitions as well.

Kilkea Castle was originally built in 1180 and is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited castles in Ireland. The guest rooms in the castle hotel have been fully refurbished and have a modern comfort with a 12th century charm.

The history of the Emerald Isle is rich and intriguing. The numerous historic castles and other structures are a good way to begin a journey into Ireland’s past.

NASCAR may not be “the American pastime,” but it continues to draw fans and spectators from all walks of life – and the numbers just continue to climb. Not only do the races offer exciting opportunities, but many of the tracks sit in regions that are great for a getaway. Check out some of the races and enjoy the sites, sounds and tastes of the area along the way.

1. Atlanta Motor Speedway hosts to Winston Cup Series events each year. The track is located about 30 miles south of Atlanta off of I75. Nash Battlefield is one of the view Civil War Battlefields in the country that remains intact, giving visitors an opportunity to step back in time. The region also has a strong culture grip – with many museums and performances through out the year.

2. Bristol Motor Speedway is one of the smaller tracks in the series, but it does not lack for excitement. It only takes the cars about 15 seconds to go completely around the track. The only problem with this track is that tickets sell out years in advance. While you are in the area, be sure to visit Paramount Center for the Arts. It was built in 1931 and recently restored to its origional splendor. Bristol Caves is a great underground adventure that the whole family will enjoy.

3. Darlington, South Carolina is one of the toughest tracks on the series route. It is also one of NASCAR’s oldest tracks. When you come to Darlington for a race, be sure to check out all of the historical building through out the city.

4. Daytona International Speedway is probably the best known track in all of NASCAR – mostly because of the famous beach nearby. The races in Daytona are as much about the destination as they are the track. Plan on staying for more than the weekend. Not only do you need to take time to visit the amazing beaches in the area, but you also have several science and cultural museums where you can spend your day.

The next time you plan a day at the races, why not make the trip just a little longer and enjoy the sites that the area has to offer. Most NASCAR cities are more than just a racing track. They have historical and cultural attractions and events that make them worth a visit even if you weren’t coming for the races. Add a day or two to your race trip and enjoy the city as well.

The idea of recreation vehicles for a vacation may not be appealing to many people. Being cramped in a metal cage surrounded by thousands of other people in similar situations is just not that great of a vacation plan. Fortunately, that is not a choice you will be forced to make.

The RV’s of today are much more luxurious than they once were. Instead of being cramped, you will find that you have plenty of room to relax. For the price of a nice suite at a hotel, you can rent an RV that has as much space as a small apartment. Even better, you have the ability to take your temporary home to any location in contiguous North America.

The technology behind the better RV’s seems to be the slide out sections that allow the parked vehicle to expand to the sides. This innovative technique lets you spread out when you have settled into your parking location. You can have a full kitchen or a large sitting area for the family. It is also possible to have a master suite that will include a king sized bed.

Not only have the accommodations made vast advancements from just a few years ago, but the parks have also improved. Today you will find many amenities (including pools, golf courses, showers, laundry centers, play grounds and other family friendly activities). More money is being spent on the RV’s so more money is being invested in the locations that these moving apartments need to park.

The intrigue that Americans have over the RV’s just continues to rise (even with gas prices doing the same). As the interest continues to grow, so will the opportunities for the new and improved RV experience.

Most major attractions or sites in the United States have RV parks located in or near them. The cost of hook ups will depend largely on the other amenities that the park offers. If you want to have complete control over you bathroom breaks, meals stops, and even the location of where you sleep each night then the RV life is perfect for you. The best part about traveling in an RV is that if you don’t like your neighbors, you can easily pick up and move to another location.

The next time you think about getting away, think about making your trip portable. Rent an RV, pack up your bags, and just follow the road and your whim to where ever they may lead you.

The Sahara Desert is a massive land of sand and heat. Its area covers the same space as the United States. Although most people envision rolling sand, the Sahara is much more. There are plains, plateaus and mountains. The one unifying aspect of the region is the extreme aridness. There is just no (or very little) rain that falls in this region.

Although the Sahara Desert can be one of the cruelest and most raw places on Earth, but it is also one of the most amazing places to visit as well. A trip into the Sahara Desert is much like stepping back in time - it has changed very little (in terms of human attempts) since the time of the Pharaohs. Most of the land is still just as imposing as it was back then.

The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is either in October and November or March to early April. Winters are extremely cold at night and the summer heat is unbearable. What ever time you choose to visit the desert, be sure you pack (and dress) so that you can layer on or off as needed.

Tassili National Park is wonderful place to visit during your Sahara Desert vacation. The park is unihabited and covers an area roughly twice the size of Switzerland). It is one of the largest national parks in the world. The park is marked with impressive canyons and stone forests that create natural mazes spanning as far as the eye can see. It is only possible to travel in the park through state-approved tour agencies.

A camel trip is another experience you won’t soon forget. Camels are the traditional way to travel through the vast desert and the historic trade routes of thousands of years back are still the same ones used today. And experienced guide will lead you on your camel riding trip.

The small, oasis village of Merzouga is the best location to find the giant sand dunes. These dunes can reach almost 1200 feet in height. It is no wonder that the area has become such a draw for tourists.

Sunrise and sunset are some of the most impressive times in the Sahara Desert. The region is famous for the brilliant colors and pictures created during these moments of the days. If you get nothing else from your visit to the Sahara Desert, the sunrises and sunsets are sure to take your breath away.

Are you ready to take a ride across the moon? Space Camp has been offering individuals the chance to experience the wonders of space travel without leaving the safety of ground since 1982. It is designed as an educational platform for children and teens, but also offers great opportunities for adults.

The Corporate Development Training takes you out of your normal routine and environment and forces you to see your team members in a new light. You can fly to the stars or battle among the clouds. Huntsville, Alabama offers a unique retreat that you can find no where else in the world.

Corporate Space Camp gives groups the chance to see if they have the “Right Stuff.” Every member of the team has specific roles, from commander of the mission to mission control. You will have to learn your position and what is required while at the same time learning the importance of working as a team.

The team will work together to test their abilities at the launch, orbit, and landing of the space shuttle in the simulator. It will require the use of problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. The mission length depends on your specific requests, but can run from 1 to 6 hours in the simulator. The full program (including training and simulator) will run one or two days.

The Aviation Challenge lets you take to the sky as you learn to fly in the high-performance jet simulators. Crew members work together in the simulator and in mission control to complete the mission tasks laid out for them. It requires coordination, training, and communication for the entire team.

There are also Profession Development programs available for teachers (after school and weekends during the school sessions and week long programs during the summer months). These experiences are specifically designed to work with national standards to help teachers incorporate math, science and technology into the entire curriculum no matter what they teach or where they may teach it.

On Tranquility Base in Huntsville, Alabama (located at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center) will take you to new heights - as a person and as a team. The activities offered here are unique and challenging and will offer you an experience you will never forget. You will learn to push yourself beyond what you dreamed possible and you will learn how to function more effectively as part of a team. If you want to learn how to fly high, then you might want to consider Space as your next frontier.