FOXNews.com: Playing with Caterpillars: machines, not insects

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Playing with Caterpillars: machines, not insects Apr 30th 2013, 15:23 December 2012: Equipment on display at the Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria, Ill.The Associated Press December 2012: The center lets visitors climb inside the machines for a closer look while computer simulations provide an opportunity to learn how to manipulate the controls.The Associated Press December 2012: The center lets visitors climb inside the machines for a closer look while computer simulations provide an opportunity to learn how to manipulate the controls.The Associated Press December 2012: The center has a movie in a theater that's built into the bed of a giant truck used for mining.The Associated Press December 2012: Alongside all the black-and-yellow machines are four computer simulators where you can see what it's like to drive an excavator or bulldozer.The Associated Press Next Slide Previous Slide PEORIA, Ill. –  Here's a place where the word caterpillar does not refer to fuzzy little insects. The new Caterpillar Visitors Center is all about the roaring black-and-yellow machines that dig and lift at massive construction and mining sites. Caterpillar Inc., maker of the heavy machinery ranging from bulldozers and excavators to tunnel-boring machines and giant generators, is based in the central Illinois town of Peoria. The company opened a nearly 50,000-square-foot visitors center last fall, investing more than $52 million dollars in the center and the Peoria Riverfront Museum nearby. My wife was a little dubious about my plans for a family day trip to the Caterpillar center, but my 4-year-old-son and I couldn't wait. My parents tell me my first word was "book" and my second word was "truck." I've been a big fan of both over the past four-plus decades. Now, with a little boy of my own, I had a perfect excuse to satisfy my mania for powerful engines, giant wheels, sturdy shovels and other nifty machines that dig, pound, push, flatten and otherwise manipulate materials in ways that seem beyond the strength of mere mortals. And I'm not alone: The center attracted 50,000 visitors within just four months of opening. First thing you experience when you enter the center is a movie in a theater that's built into the bed of a giant truck used for mining. At 24 feet tall, the 797 Mining Truck is the biggest in the industry. When loaded, this truck can carry well over a million pounds. The tops of the wheels are higher than an NBA basketball hoop. The theater fits 62 people comfortably, and shows a short movie about Caterpillar, its products and some of the jobs that have used Cat equipment. The seats vibrate to the sound of a revving diesel engine and the action-packed movie really makes you feel like you've ridden in one of these behemoths. After the movie, it's time to hop into the cabs of an excavator, roller, bulldozer and a handful of other giant heavy vehicles. My son had to be pried out of a backhoe. I was doing the prying, since I wanted a chance at the controls. The wide open main floor area teems with kids (and adults) grinning for photos while perched inside the giant buckets or scoops of the different vehicles. You don't get to drive them around, of course, or actually cause the equipment to move. But that doesn't stop fans from having the time of their lives while playing with the controls and letting their imaginations do the digging. All the while, the giant mining truck towers above. Alongside all the black-and-yellow machines are four computer simulators where you can see what it's like to drive an excavator or bulldozer, using the same controllers you would use in the real equipment. These simulators are used to train operators before they take out the pricey machines. I managed to damage the virtual pipeline I was trying to cover up. Off the main floor, there are extensive exhibits about the company's history, engineering innovations and environmental efforts. The displays are media-rich, with many monitors showing neat footage like molten steel being formed into engines. One of the big surprises to me was Caterpillar's attention to environmental sustainability. Engines are designed to be rebuilt and interchangeable. The center has several displays showing how a worn-out engine can be born anew with new steel fused to old and rebuilt parts added on. Kathryn Spitznagle, the Caterpillar Visitors Center's manager, says increasing its energy efficiency — both in its equipment and in this new facility — is a point of pride for the company. The Visitors Center was built with solar panels that supply up to 75 percent of its energy on a given day, mechanical and electrical systems that use 35 percent less energy than a similar-size building, and rain water retention and irrigation systems that reduce potable water usage by 85 percent. The innovations won the building an LEED gold certification, which is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council to buildings that meet certain standards for energy and environmental design. Last stop at the center is the gift shop, where you can buy Cat clothes, model equipment, toys and other gifts featuring the familiar yellow-and-black design — though the company also offers items in pink and camo if you prefer. ___ If You Go... CATERPILLAR VISITORS CENTER: 110 SW Washington St., Peoria, Ill., http://www.caterpillar.com/visitors-center. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., with last ticket sale and entry at 3:30 p.m. The average visit is 90 minutes to two hours. Closed Sundays and holidays. Adults, $7; children 12 and under accompanied by an adult, free (limit four children's admissions per one adult ticket; call 309-675-0606 to arrange school or group visits). Located about a three-hour drive from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis.

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FOXNews.com: What if the price drops after buying my airline ticket?

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What if the price drops after buying my airline ticket? Apr 30th 2013, 16:50 Does Virgin honor price drops after buying a ticket? When is the best time to go to Death Valley?  We answer these and other nagging travel questions. Q: I read that Virgin America will honor price drops after purchase but before travel with a $75 change fee. My flight to Edinburgh, Scotland dropped by $100 but when I called for a credit voucher good for future travel they denied me because I had purchased non-refundable tickets. Anything you can do about this? A: If you were flying to Scotland, it was on Virgin Atlantic, not Virgin America. Although the two airlines have a business relationship, Virgin Atlantic, like many foreign-based carriers, does not issue refunds on non-refundable fares when there's a price drop after you buy. By the way, Virgin America upped its fee to $100 effective last July, and United and US Airways recently upped their change fees from $150 to $200 on domestic fares. Q: We are planning a trip to Death Valley National Park. When is the optimal time of year to visit and what's the nearest airport? A: If you'd like to avoid the extreme heat that this area of the country is famous for, experts (i.e., park rangers I spoke to) suggest visiting between mid October and mid March. You'll also avoid the rainy season that way, and in mid March you might also be treated to a profusion of wild flowers. Although it's located in California, I'd suggest flying into Las Vegas for the cheapest airfares. It's about 130 miles from the park's entrance. Q: I will be flying on United Airlines from a domestic U.S. airport to an international destination with a connection in Houston.  If my luggage is lost, would domestic or international lost luggage compensation rules apply? A: Even though you began your trip in the U.S. and connected within the U.S., your trip would be considered an international itinerary. International lost luggage compensation, which is typically lower than domestic compensation, would apply. Domestic compensation tops out at $3300. Compensation for luggage lost on an international flight is capped at 1000 "Special Drawing Rights," a currency established by the International Monetary Fund, and is governed by the Montreal Convention. One SDR is currently equal to USD $1.50, so your maximum compensation would be $1500. On most airlines, you can buy additional excess baggage valuation (typically up to $5000 of coverage) for a reasonable fee when you check in your bags. Have a question about travel or airfares? Send your questions to questions@airfarewatchdog.com and we may answer them in this column. George Hobica is a syndicated travel journalist and founder of the low-airfare listing site Airfarewatchdog.com. Related Stories New rules of airline travel United, US Airways boost ticket change fee to $200 The Mavericks hit the road

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FOXNews.com: 12 best budget airlines

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12 best budget airlines Apr 29th 2013, 17:15 Who says traveling the world has to be expensive? We've scoured the globe to find the most affordable airlines, whether you're looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer, more exotic adventure on the other side of the world. Travel can be an expensive hobby--you have to figure out where to stay, what do see and do, what to eat, and more importantly, how to get there, and all without breaking the bank. Flying can often be the priciest part of the journey, especially with all the extra baggage fees and other taxes that are involved nowadays. Luckily, there are airlines out there that want to make it easier--and cheaper--for travelers to get from Point A to Point B. We've rounded up 12 of the world's best budget airlines, great for that quick weekend getaway you've been dreaming about and there to help support your endless sense of wanderlust with an affordable way to visit a new city abroad. JetBlue Airways Comfy leather seats and televisions for all So you want to fly down to D.C., Orlando, or even San Juan for the weekend--no problem! JetBlue Airways makes your flight--whether it's a cross-country hop to San Francisco or a shorter, regional flight to Boston--comfy and enjoyable with plush leather seats and your very own TV screen equipped with 36 channels to make the time fly by. Complimentary snacks like Linden's chocolate chip cookies, Terra blues potato chips, and Dunkin Donuts coffee are available among other tasty snack options, and to top it all off, your first checked bag flies free of charge. Taking the red-eye? JetBlue offers a complimentary snooze kit with eyeshades, ear plugs, and pre-landing treats like hot towels, coffee, and orange juice to help you greet the new day. Where they fly: Between major cities in the northeast, southeast, and western United States; the Caribbean; select cities in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Southwest Airlines Fun-loving employees and open seating options Best known for their above-and-beyond customer service--the airline made news in 2011 when a pilot held an outgoing flight for a grieving grandfather trying to see his dying 2-year-old grandson--Southwest Airlines now offers connections to even more cities around the U.S., Caribbean, and Mexico, thanks to a nifty new partnership with Air Tran Airways. Their unique open seating boarding procedure is another thing that makes this airline stand out. You'll receive a group number when you check-in (the earlier the better), and after your group is called, stand in line and choose any seat you want while boarding the plane. Your first bag flies free, and your biggest decision all day will be choosing between the window or aisle seat. Where they fly: Major cities throughout the United States; Nassau, Bahamas; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Mexico City, Cancun, and Los Cabos, Mexico. WestJet Connecting Canada with the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean Founded in 1996 and based out of Canada, the idea behind WestJet is that you shouldn't get less service just because you're paying less for a ticket. The airline has won several awards since then, was named J.D. Power Customer Service Champion, and is involved in several community service projects including the Boys and Girls Club of Canada, Make-A-Wish Canada, and the Ronald McDonald House among other charity groups. WestJet is also committed to investing in more eco-friendly practices like building more fuel-efficient jets. The airline offers flights to and from a number of Canadian cities, as well as flights between Canadian cities, making this an affordable way to visit the sites in Montreal, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Victoria, and Toronto for less. Where they fly: Major cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Major cities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Check their flight map to see more options. LAN Gateway to South America Looking for an affordable way to explore South America? LAN is known for their reasonable long haul prices between the U.S. and a variety of destinations--sign up for their email newsletter and never miss a sale. The airline also offers extensive in-flight entertainment options. Each seat has its own television, and you can choose from more than 100 movies, 42 TV shows, 25 games, and even customize your own music playlist from their collection of more than 1,000 CDs or listen to one of their 10 available radio stations; entertainment options sure to make that international flight go by in a jiffy. Where they fly: Miami is the major U.S. hub, but flights also leave from most major cities in the U.S. and Canada. Within South America, destinations include Lima, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Guayaquil, Bogota, LaPaz, and Caracas among others. Domestic flights are also available within Colombia, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. IcelandAir Spice up your next transatlantic flight with a free stopover in Iceland Want to make that long awaited trip to Europe just a little more interesting? How about adding a free stopover in Iceland? Thanks to IcelandAir, you have the option of adding a stay of up to seven nights when traveling from the U.S. and Canada to Europe for no additional cost to your original plane ticket. If you've got time to spare, don't miss this opportunity to tack on a few days and explore this intriguing nation, home to the Blue Lagoon, gorgeous natural landscapes, and a rare chance to catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. Check their website for specials from the U.S. and Canada to seemingly pricey destinations like Oslo, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, and for budget-friendly packages to Iceland that include airfare, hotel stays, and visits to popular attractions. Where they fly: From New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Orlando, Minneapolis, Denver, Seattle, Halifax, and Toronto, to 25 major European cities and, of course, Reykjavik, Iceland. Aer Lingus Service with a brogue and a smile Erin go bragh! Originally created in 1936 to provide service between the Emerald Isle and the U.K., Aer Lingus is now the national airline of Ireland, operating 43 aircraft and carrying more than 10 million passengers per year. Customers can look forward to an impressive amount of in-flight entertainment-long haul flights from the U.S. feature a large selection of movies, TV shows, and music on demand, as well as several radio stations and gaming options-and complimentary in-flight WiFi on all flights beginning June 2013. Check the Aer Lingus Vacation Store for special deals on trips to Ireland that include airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals depending on the package. Where they fly: Major cities in the U.S. and Canada, various cities in the U.K. and around Europe. Also to Puerto Rico, Sydney, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Oman, Morocco, and the Canary Islands. EasyJet Affordable flights around Europe and the Middle East The U.K.'s largest airline, EasyJet connects 30 countries on 600 routes, transporting more than 59 million passengers a year, all while offering some of the cheapest fares around Europe. If you're hoping to visit more cities while in Europe or the Middle East, this airline makes it easier to hop a plane to a new place for less. Their nifty Inspire Me tool can help figure out where to go next--just enter the European city you plan to leave from, set your budget range, and watch the options appear. A search from London, for instance, yielded one-way tickets ranging from nearby Edinburgh and Belfast to cities as far away as Berlin, Munich, and Milan for less than $50. Where they fly: Throughout the U.K. and between a number of major European cities; Moscow and various cities in Eastern Europe, Morocco, Turkey, Israel, Cyprus, Jordan, and Egypt. RyanAir Cheap flights--but watch for extra fees RyanAir is probably one of the most well known of all the budget airlines, but unfortunately is also known for offering super-low base ticket prices and tacking on extra fees for things like baggage, purchasing your tickets with a credit card, reserving seats, and reissuing boarding passes--at one point the airline even considered charging passengers to use the onboard restrooms. According to their website, these extreme methods are used as a way to encourage people to fly in a simple, low cost way, for instance, without any checked baggage, so for budget travelers with only carry-on luggage, this airline can be a great way to see more cities for a fraction of the price you would be spending on another airline. Where they fly: Various cities around Europe, Morocco, Cyprus, and the Canary Islands. FastJet Africa's first budget airline If you're looking for an affordable way to explore more of Africa, perhaps before or after your dream safari trip, try FastJet, Africa's first budget airline. Domestic flights start at about $20 one way, but make sure you pack a snack--because of the short flight time between cities, onboard refreshments are not offered at this time. You are allowed to bring one carry-on item with you as long as it can fit into the overhead compartment and prices start at just $6 to check a bag, making this no-frills airline an affordable option to hop between popular destinations like Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Where they fly: From three international airports within Tanzania, Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, and Mwanza Regional Airport, with more routes expected to open soon in Entebbe, Uganda, and in Nairobi and Mombasa, Kenya. Hawaiian Airlines Your ticket to paradise If you're on the east coast and think a trip to paradise is financially out of the question, think again. Hawaiian Airlines began non-stop flights from New York City's JFK International Airport last June, creating quite a stir in the tri-state area with prices in the $400s for a round-trip ticket. Keep an eye on their website for specials that are also available from California, Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, connecting the continental U.S. to the Hawaiian Islands at competitive prices. The airline also provides connections to other South Pacific islands and parts of Asia, making that dream trip across the Pacific well within reach. Where they fly: Honolulu, Hawaii, is the main hub--you can island hop to the other Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island, or fly to the Philippines, Japan, South Korea, Tahiti, Singapore, Australia, and American Samoa. JetStar Domestic flights between cities in 15 Asian and South Pacific countries Australia's award winning low cost airline is Jetstar, a group of airlines made up of Jetstar Airways, based in New Zealand and Australia; Jetstar Asia, based in Singapore; Jetstar Pacific, based in Vietnam; Jetstar Japan; and Jetstar Hong Kong. Together, the Jetstar Group has flown more than 75 million passengers, helping people fly between hotspot destinations around Asia, the South Pacific, and Hawaii for less since 2004. You have the flexibility to choose how many included amenities you want while booking thanks to their cheap base fares and the ability to add extras as you go���the standard ticket price includes one piece of carry-on luggage (a great value for those who tend to pack light), while other variations include seat selection, food, beverages, and in-flight entertainment. Where they fly: Various cities in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines. Tiger Airways Great for hopping between major cities in Asia Let's say you're visiting Australia but really want to pop over to Singapore to explore the city's vibrant culinary scene. Tiger Airways offers low fares great for last-minute split-second decisions to explore a new city, a network spanning more than 50 destinations in 13 different countries around Asia and the South Pacific. Check out their Flight Combos for even more savings and a chance to tack on a free two-hour guided sightseeing tour of Singapore if you have at least five hours to spare between connecting flights. Where they fly: Cities throughout Australia, Tasmania, Indonesia, India, Cambodia, Thailand, Taiwan, China, and the Philippines; Singapore, Kuching, Macau. More FromBudget Travel 8 Incredible Grand Tours You Can Actually Afford 12 Phrases That Mean Big Travel Savings 12 Most Iconic Rivers on Earth 11 Surprisingly Lovable Airlines Related Stories Delta Air Line reunites boy with beloved shirt from deceased father Virgin America allows passengers to send each other a drink United, US Airways boost ticket change fee to $200 What to ask before dropping your children off at a hotel kids' club

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FOXNews.com: What to ask before dropping your children off at a hotel kids' club

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What to ask before dropping your children off at a hotel kids' club Apr 29th 2013, 04:30 The kids' club at 2013 Gold List property, Chiang Mai's Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi ups its game (and puts other clubs to shame) with activities like rice planting, water buffalo riding, and muay thai (kickboxing).Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi You're on the verge of booking the perfect resort vacation, and you plan to include a little grown-up time by dropping your children off at the kids' club. How do you make sure that the program measures up to your expectations (and your kids') so that you can truly relax? I typically call ahead before booking and ask to speak to the club's manager. Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you want. In many cases, the manager will be able to email you more detailed information than what's available online. Once you've confirmed that the program meets your needs, go ahead and make your booking, reserving a space for your child a week before your visit. On your first day at the resort, make time to drop in, meet the staff, and take a look around. It's worth re-asking a few key questions on-the-spot just to make sure you are entirely comfortable with the hotel's program and staffing. If not, you'll still have time to make adjustments by using a hotel babysitter or a local camp. What's included? Pricing and available hours are a little different at every club I've visited. Some include meals and snacks, while others expect you to order a meal at additional cost. Most include all activities, but in some situations (a field trip or an optional activity, for example) your child could incur extra charges. Find out exactly what's included, what your kid needs in order to participate, and how flexible the drop-off and pickup times are before making your plans. What ages can you accommodate? Some clubs will accommodate young babies, while others want only kids who are fully potty independent (and will call you to pick up your child if there is an accident). Make sure you know what is expected, and verify that there are age-appropriate toys and activities available for your kids. How are staff selected? I always like to know how kids' club staff are trained and how long they have been working at the hotel. What are the maximum staff-to-child ratios, and what happens if more kids enroll than expected? Does the club stop accepting kids, or bring in staff who don't normally work with children? If you are planning to send your child several days in a row, will the staffing change each day? It's important to note that local day care laws vary considerably, especially internationally, so training might look quite a bit different than what you are used to at home. What areas of the hotel will the kids be in? For some parents, a secured room with a fully fenced play area is an ideal situation, while others want their kids to make use of the resort facilities. There's no one right answer, but if the kids will be out and about, make sure the you're comfortable with the way the hotel keeps track of kids and keeps them safe. For hotels with a swim program, you'll want to ask detailed questions on pool safety, especially for non-swimmers. Can I see a schedule? The best way to determine whether a hotel is offering a quality kids club or parking the kids in front of a TV all day is to ask to see a weekly schedule. If there isn't one, or if the planned activities don't seem stimulating, that should raise a red flag. Can I leave the property? Some resort programs require that parents stay nearby to help in case there's a problem, while others allow you to visit the surrounding area. If you're planning on an excursion, verify that your hotel's program rules allow it. More from Condé Nast Traveler The Best New Hotels in the World 26 Travel Apps that Will Change Your Life 35 Blissful New Spas Americas Must-Eat Sandwiches Most Luxurious Cruise Cabins Related Stories 4 To-dos Before Your Summer Vacation Top five family vacation blunders 3 ways to make family travel cheaper Seven tips for a stress-free vacation

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FOXNews.com: Tuscany walking tour

FOXNews.com FOX News Network - We Report. You Decide. // via fulltextrssfeed.com

Tuscany walking tour Apr 27th 2013, 09:00 Our waiter, Giado, covered his eyes in dismay when we told him we were setting off the next day on a weeklong walking tour of Tuscany. "You really want to walk? It's sometimes 16 kilometers [about 10 miles] from one town to the next, with nothing in the middle to eat or drink."  His concern seemed genuine, and given that we'd just demolished two of Osteria le Logge's most amazing desserts, a mascarpone terrine with port granita and a chocolate panna cotta with lavender cream-somewhat justified. Nearly every window in the city of Siena displayed something I wanted to eat: biscotti, lardo, wheels of pecorino, bresaola, cones of gelato. I knew we wouldn't find much of that while footing it through hay fields. But my mom, my sister, and I had come here to start a seven-day trek through Italy's villages-we wanted to really experience the countryside, not just drive by it. Everyone has a fantasy of what Tuscany looks like: old stone farmhouses, rolling fields, lines of cypress trees. (Admit it: You've seen Under the Tuscan Sun at least once.)  That was certainly our terra cotta-colored vision, and we were convinced that a self-guided tour was the only way to live the dream. Countless companies offer walking tours in Tuscany; we chose an outfit called Girosole because it was run by locals passionate about their homeland and intimately familiar with the best walking routes. The company allowed us to start our trip on any day and add extra nights in a given location, in the event that we couldn't tear ourselves away from a favorite sliver of la bella vita.  For $1,390 per person for eight days (in high season), the company booked our hotels, provided walking directions (and a cell phone in case we got lost), and supplied a driver who transported our luggage-and sometimes us-from hotel to hotel. The self-guided option left us free to start our days whenever we pleased and walk at our own pace without contending with anyone else's schedule or group dynamics. Neither my mom nor I are regular hikers, but my sister is a marathon runner, so having the services of a driver gave Mom and me an out: If we were too lazy-or worn out-to walk one day, we could always hitch a ride with the bags. Our driver turned out to be not one person, but two: Paolo Forti and his son, Giacomo. Giacomo, 27, wore oversize Ray-Bans and was exceedingly (and adorably) polite when he picked us up in Siena. He opened doors, carried our bags, and on the way to Montalcino, where we started our trip, he narrated the scenery, pointing out the small town where he grew up, offering advice on his favorite wines, and telling us to look for rosebushes planted at the end of every vineyard row. "The rose and the grape, they take the same element from the ground, so the farmer, he can know if the land is good for the grape," he said, in charmingly accented English. When we reached Montalcino, Giacomo handed over a set of maps and customized directions, and then we were off and walking. For us, a typical day started at 9 A.M., and we often set out right from the front door of our hotel-in this case, Hotel dei Capitani. We'd wind our way down from one of the jewel-like hilltop towns we stayed in, looking back to see the fortified castle of Rocca d'Orcia recede behind us on one day, the walled town of Montalcino the next.  Then we were crossing fields of hay that waved in the wind, fording rivers next to stone bridges destroyed during World War II, and passing row after row of heavily pruned grapevines, all while following our endearingly quirky walking directions: You arrive at another open meadow. Keep right through the next fork just past the small ruined church. The trail bends into a gap in the brush. They seemed cryptic out of context, but on the trail they made perfect sense.  One leisurely walk led to Bagno Vignoni, a spa town where people have taken the waters since Roman times-thermal pools still bubble and boil there. We scrambled across cliffs that spewed hot, sulfurous water into turquoise pools, dined at a restaurant beneath a fragrant acacia tree, then soaked our feet in the warm mineral water that flowed through channels carved into the rock. Heaven. We'd usually make it to the next town for lunch, but twice we stopped at a grocery store before setting out and bought picnic provisions: prosciutto, pecorino made from local sheeps' milk, Sicilian blood oranges, fresh-baked bread, and a thermos of red Brunello-we were, after all, in wine country. One day we waded through knee-high grass into an olive orchard and sat beneath the trees, our jackets serving as a picnic blanket. I picked a tiny stalk of wild onion sprouting delicate purple flowers and presented it to my mom, who wore it in her buttonhole. Mom was almost giddy from all the gorgeousness. She couldn't stop hugging us and saying "I'm so lucky!" My sister and I rolled our eyes, but secretly we agreed. Girosole sent us on a path through the Orcia River valley (Val d'Orcia). It's an area of such well-preserved agrarian beauty-where cypress trees and crop rows trace the same lines they did when this land was first farmed-that it's been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It's the place where the concept of man-made landscape began, when the wealthy merchants of Siena laid out plots of land in the 14th and 15th centuries with the aim of making them not just manageable, but also aesthetically pleasing. We felt like we were walking through a 600-year-old period set piece, where every field, tree, and house was placed just so, and around every corner was another equally cinematic view. Let's just say we took a lot of photos. Throughout the trip, we were in daily contact with Giacomo or his father, and when they came to collect our bags, we'd pepper them with questions. One morning, we asked Giacomo about a massive building we'd seen in the distance, which he explained was a hotel dating back to the Middle Ages built to house religious pilgrims.  During Caesar's time, the main north-south byway cut through the Val d'Orcia. Later, in the 7th century, Christians traveled by foot on their way to Rome, and it remained a pilgrimage route for a thousand years. Monasteries and inns sprang up to serve the travelers, but by the 17th century, the road fell out of fashion. But those earlier journeyers left behind a province perfect for strolling, where scenic lowlands were punctuated with hilltop fortified settlements, most of which were located less than 10 miles-a manageable day's walk-from another town. Remnants of this once-illustrious route are sprinkled throughout the Val d'Orcia. Just after passing through the hamlet of Villa a Tolli (which was so deserted I had to use my camera's self timer to photograph the three of us in front of a dreamy stone house covered in climbing roses), we rounded a corner and saw the Abbey of Sant'Antimo, its bell tower peering above the countryside. The abbey was built and rebuilt many times, first in the 700s by Lombard kings to house pilgrims. Its current form is gracefully curved in a rare French-Romanesque style, dotted with prehistoric-looking carvings of monsters and oxen and men. Close up, its massive building blocks seemed to glow from within. There were other visitors at Sant'Antimo, but we spent most days in splendid isolation, encountering almost no one-just us and fields of poppies, thorny brambles of wild roses, stone walls blooming with irises, and clumps of rosemary as big as bushes. We walked right up to the iconic Cappella di Vitaleta. Flanked by two rows of towering 40-foot cypress trees, this tiny chapel is reportedly the most photographed church in Tuscany, but it's reachable only on foot.  We had it all to ourselves for almost an hour; to celebrate our private tour, my sister and I turned cartwheels right on the lawn. Similarly deserted was the Collegiata church, in the slumbering town of San Quirico d'Orcia. Its entrance is flanked by delicately knotted columns resting on the backs of fantastical lions while scaly monsters tangle in battle above the door. Though it was designed to make 13th century pilgrims cower before the power of the church, we modern-day travelers were just as awed, dwarfed and alone before those spectacular stone beasts. When we saw Giacomo again, we asked him where everyone was. "The Italians, they don't walk," he said. "They come by car, they have lunch, they have a coffee, then they get back in the car." The under-populated countryside stood out in blissful contrast to the teeming villages where we spent our nights. One day, as we lingered outside a ceramics shop, surveying the valley we'd just walked through, we overheard another tourist. "Okay, this is our third town today. Are we done yet?"  While they rushed on to Florence or back to Rome, we spent leisurely afternoons and evenings poking around in boutiques, gaping at medieval architecture, and strolling the narrow lanes. In Pienza, we saw a group of little old ladies gathered at the end of a cobbled street, knitting.  In Montepulciano we sat outside drinking glasses of the famous Vino Nobile in a piazza and slept in a hotel, L'Agnolo, that felt more like a cathedral, with glorious frescoes painted on the ceiling of our room. And we happened to be in Montalcino on the day the town celebrates its patron saint, Maria SS del Soccorso, so we were treated to July 4th-worthy fireworks bursting over a fortress; afterward, a DJ blasted tunes in the square, and we found ourselves dancing in the streets to "Another One Bites the Dust." In truth, our appreciation for these towns was heightened because of the effort it took to get to them. Which is another way of saying that touring Tuscany by foot wasn't always a walk in il parco. Take, for example, our march to Montepulciano; the hike took longer than expected, and after five hours without food, we could hear one another's stomachs growling. We were so hot and tired that when we skirted an olive orchard and the Temple of San Biagio suddenly rose above us, we thought we were seeing a mirage, conjured up to give strength to hungry passersby. Glowing golden in the sunlight, drawing us in, its dome looked like something out of a Renaissance masterpiece. And yet, despite our grumbling bellies, it was impossible not to stop. Inside, the church's cool air and silent beauty seemed to cure our weariness. A diffuse light fell from the dome in a perfect circle, and we were surrounded by arches and rosettes and Greek columns, all carved out of the same linen-colored stone. As our eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw an automated tour guide called an ArtPhone. I dropped a 1 Euro coin into the slot and learned that in 1518, a fresco of the Virgin painted on this spot suddenly seemed to smile. Many people witnessed the miracle, and public funds were collected to build a commemorative temple. San Biagio, one of the world's finest examples of Renaissance architecture, has been providing refuge for religious pilgrims-and weary hikers-ever since. When we headed back outside, our empty stomachs were filled thanks to another miracle. Directly across from the church, far from the city center, where we least expected to find a restaurant, I spotted La Grotta, reportedly home to the best food in Montepulciano. We weren't exactly dressed for a fancy lunch. Yet when the maitre'd, impeccable in his tailored navy suit, heard that we'd walked all the way from Monticchiello-five miles, uphill all the way-his eyes widened and he ushered us (shorts, hiking boots, and all) to a prime table in the back garden. He brought an extra chair for our hiking gear, recommended a bottle of the house red, and let us order dessert long after the restaurant had closed. We were several paces down the road when he came running after us with a half-empty bottle of water we'd left behind. "You will need it for your walk!" he said, sending us on our way with a wave and a "Ciao!" Bustling Montepulciano was full of trattorias and wine shops, but our favorite town was the emptiest: Rocca d'Orcia. There we found a crumbling castle looming over stone streets barely wide enough for cars (not that we cared about that!). When we arrived, an elderly man, navigating rocky steps worn smooth by the footfalls of several centuries, greeted us with a "Buon giorno." Otherwise, all was silent.  We were staying at Cisterna nel Borgo, a three-room hotel above the town's only restaurant, where owner Marta Catani also gives cooking lessons, though she herself has no formal training. "Italians don't go to cooking school," she explained. "You just watch your grandmother." At dinner, we stuffed ourselves with tender, tangy wild boar cooked in yogurt and sauteed pork in a honey sauce that was salty and just a bit sweet.  Since we were the only guests, we each got our own room; mine had a wood-beamed ceiling and windows overlooking the town square, which was dominated by a massive well. Marta told us that until the late 1950s, the city gates were locked against intruders every night, and today just 26 souls live within the town's walls. For two glorious nights, we were happy to push the population to 29. On our last morning, we were feeling lazy and not up to the challenge of a nine-mile walk. When Giacomo's father, Paolo, came to collect our luggage in the morning, we asked if he would drop us off at the halfway point. "Si, si," he said.  That morning, instead of huffing up hills, we strolled through Monticchiello, a beautifully preserved walled town. We craned our necks to get a look at the top of the thick defensive tower at the town's entrance, then passed beneath a stone archway and into the winding medieval streets, flanked by the high walls of houses made of uniformly honey-colored stone.  We walked down lanes no wider than a horse, took photos of laundry hanging from shuttered windows, admired a vintage red Fiat parked by a church with a vaulted interior covered in flaking frescoes, and read the plaque on an obelisk-shaped World War I memorial. On the way out of town, we encountered a crew of maintenance men. They waved. We waved back. "Ciao bella!" they exclaimed. Yes, we thought. It was beautiful.  Related Stories 5 Ways to Travel the World Without Leaving the Country How Sweet it is: Destinations and Their Desserts Destinations That Pair Well With Wine and Beer

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FOXNews.com: Disney parks to stay open 24 hours this summer

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Disney parks to stay open 24 hours this summer Apr 26th 2013, 13:46 Published April 26, 2013 Associated Press ORLANDO, Fla. –  Disney will celebrate the start of the summer season by keeping three theme parks open for 24 hours straight on May 24. The announcement was made Thursday night in Orlando by Walt Disney World President George Kalogridis. The Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, along with Disneyland Park and Disney Adventure Park in California, will stay open from 6 a.m. on May 24 to 6 a.m. May 25. Disney did something similar in 2012 to celebrate leap year. Related Stories Disney's Magic cruise ship to get major overhaul

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FOXNews.com: Even with a bill to ease furloughs, flight delays may continue

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Even with a bill to ease furloughs, flight delays may continue Apr 26th 2013, 16:37 Travelers stand in line at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday, a tough start to the week for many air travelers because of flight delays.AP See, it appears that Congress can act fast.  The House cleared legislation Friday that allows the Federal Aviation Administration to shift $253 million from other accounts to end furloughs that began Sunday. The bill should avert furloughs of air traffic controllers, as well as closures of small airport towers. The Senate approved the bill Thursday night. "I couldn't see the FAA staffing cuts lasting much longer, since Congress flies commercial most of the time," said George Hobica, founder of the website Airfarewatchdog.com. "It's amazing how quickly they acted considering the disfunction in Washington." So, does this mean that travel woes are coming to an end?  Probably, but not immediately, say travel experts.  First, President Obama has to sign the bill.  Then airports will need time to clear the backlog. Mark Drusch, chief supplier relations officer at CheapOair, says expect delays in the short term, especially at the high-volume metropolitan-area airports, such as in New York City and Atlanta, which run nearly at capacity. Something else to think about: According to the FAA, about 40 percent of delays this week were a result of not enough controllers in towers. That leaves plenty of other reasons, such as weather, why a traveler could get stuck at the airport over the next several days. For the time being, allow yourself some extra time. "What I've been telling people is if you're traveling on business, don't book your meeting right after you land. Give yourself wiggle room," says Drusch. Hobica adds, "If you do fly, nonstop flights only, assume you'll be late and plan accordingly." The good news is that travelers shouldn't see a change in ticket prices --that is unless the airlines have to pull down capacity of flights.  It looks like the bill has avoided that possibility, but you never know. White House press secretary Jay Carney said Friday: "This is no more than a temporary Band-Aid that fails to address the overarching threat to our economy posed by the sequester's mindless, across-the-board cuts." Related Stories Virgin America allows passengers to send each other a drink How to cope with FAA furlough flight delays Delta Air Line reunites boy with beloved shirt from deceased father

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FOXNews.com: Ashley Bell gets close up with Cambodian elephants

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Ashley Bell gets close up with Cambodian elephants Apr 26th 2013, 14:00 On a recent trip to Cambodia, actress Ashley Bell got to do what tourists only dream of doing: hug an elephant.  The star of the "The Last Exorcism: Part II" traveled to Asia in her role in "Love and Bananas" --a new documentary about the plight of Asian elephants in captivity.  As graduate of NYU's Tish School of the Arts, Bell isn't afraid to embrace a variety of roles that let her strong acting chops shine. From thrillers to action adventure, and even romantic comedies, there isn't a role this budding actress won't take on. Now, she can add activist to her resume.  By helping to raise the profile of those who dedicate their lives to rescuing elephants – from zoos, circuses, logging facilities, and tourist attractions -- she's found a new appreciation of this part of the world. She says this project wasn't much of a reach, because she was always surrounded by rescue dogs and cats growing up. But her time in Cambodia has opened her eyes even more to the mistreatment of elephants.  Fox 411: What did you learn in your travels? Bell: It was absolutely remarkable. People could not have been nicer.  I, unfortunately, did learn that Cambodia is going through a very bad problem with deforestation. While we were filming the documentary, we went up in a helicopter and filmed a lot of the rain forest.  I believe 75 percent of the rain forest is being, has been, cut down.  So in working with the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary, they're looking to restore that rain forest, provide more jobs for local villagers so they won't need to cut down trees for money.  And, also to provide a home for rescued elephants. Fox 411: Tell us a little more about the documentary. Bell: "Love and Bananas" --it's in its very first stage. We got the initial filming done in Cambodia in January.  And it is about the plight of Asian elephants. These elephants have been rescued from logging facilities as working elephants, circus performing elephants, and also, tourist elephants.  A lot of tourists, when they visit, they offer elephant rides.  And, what's important to know is, elephant rides are abusive to elephants. It's not in an elephant's nature to be captive and chained and ridden, as much fun as it seems, it takes a toll on the elephants and they do suffer, and the elephants that are at the sanctuary have actually been freed of that and are now roaming the jungle where they're meant to be. Fox 411: Were you aware of this cause before working on this film? Bell: I was aware of what it took to break an elephant. You know a wild elephant, there are no wild elephants left in Cambodia. And I learned that when I arrived there. And to train a wild elephant, you have to break a wild elephant.  And that's a very abusive process. And  that process happens from Cambodia to the United States to zoos and circuses all around the world.  It's the same process of breaking an elephant.  And, a tool called the bull hook is used, which is used for abuse. And at the sanctuary, that's banned.  They believe that you can guide an elephant with love and bananas.  Hence the name of the documentary, "Love and Bananas"-- and you can check it out at LoveAndBananas.com. Fox 411: Did you do anything else besides working while in Cambodia? Bell: This was my first time in Southeast Asia, so being immersed in that culture was absolutely incredible. The smells, the food, it's just, it tastes so beautiful. The fruit is so fresh. There's no pesticides. The salads and the vegetables, I'm a vegetarian, so let me gush about vegetables. They're organic and they're fresh and they taste the way they're meant to.  I also went on a floating village. It's a whole village out on the water. There's a school. There's a church. They have markets. You can have dinner on the floating village. It's incredible. I've never seen anything like that before. Fox 411: Do you plan on returning? Bell: The second I left, I wanted to make it a point to go back. To go back and visit Cambodia and also Thailand, I've heard the people who are helping with the documentary, Save Elephant Foundation, have a sanctuary in Thailand that I'm just dying to go visit, but I hope to go back to Cambodia. We've filmed the first part, we're fund-raising to now film the second part and, it's a story as big as the elephants we're filming.  I think it's going to be a couple trips, so possibly later in the summer and then maybe after that just to see the journey these elephants take to recovery and the rescue of new elephants. Fox News Entertainment Producer Ashley Dvorkin covers celebrity news, red carpets, TV, music, and movies. Dvorkin, winner of the 2011 CMA Media Achievement Award, is also host of "Fox 411 Country," "Star Traveler" and "In 5." Ashley Dvorkin, Related Stories Angelina Jolie Sets Up Group to Administer Conservation Project in Cambodia Phnom Penh on the cheap

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FOXNews.com: Disney's Magic cruise ship to get major overhaul

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Disney's Magic cruise ship to get major overhaul Apr 26th 2013, 13:38 Picture yourself sailing aboard an ocean liner from the grand era of cruising, with opulent décor and a commanding structure.  This is the image that Disney is trying to create in its overhaul of the cruise line's first ship, the Magic, following scheduled upgrades this fall.  The Magic, set to be in dry dock in Cadiz, Spain from Sept. 10 through Oct. 7, will feature some major changes, including a lineup of new super hero characters, a water slide with a 37-foot drop, an enhanced day spa and refurbished dining spaces.  "Walt Disney was a master storyteller…Our job is to take what we learned from Walt and apply it to the experiences on board our ships," Joe Lanzisero, senior creative vice president for Walt Disney Imagineering, said to FoxNews.com. As a top Disney Imagineer overseeing the design team at the shipyard, Lanzisero holds the redesign project close to his heart.  (He actually lived aboard the 84,000 ton Magic when it was first launched in 1998.) He says the upgrades on the Magic will distinguish this ship from others in the Disney's fleet, and from other cruise lines in general.   For example, the first place guests see when they board the ship is the atrium--which has been redesigned in the image of opulent 20th century cruise liners in coral and aquamarine hues, with a bronze statue of "Helmsman Mickey" keeping watch. As passengers travel through the ship, they'll see that each space has its own story, as well as an ocean-themed color scheme. Some of the biggest changes will take place in the kids club, which is inspired by the namesake Disney attraction "It's a Small World." The Avengers will soon join Mickey, Tinker Bell and the Toy Story cast in Disney's Oceaneer Club, in which giant storybook facades flank four activity spaces. Here kids can check out Captain America's shield and become super hero recruits in the Avengers Academy; reconfigure a life-size Mr. Potato Head or slide down the Slinky Dog slide in Andy's Room; play dress up in Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell; or create crafts in the Mickey Mouse Club. And for the older kids, the Oceaneer Lab will function as a high-tech digital game zone. On the Magic, adults can relax in the Senses Spa and Salon, which will now feature a barbershop. Or they can grab a drink in one of the three new bars, or share a fine-dining experience. The most fun likely to be had, though, will be in the upper decks in the splash zone – and where, Lanzisero explains, families can really come together. The ship's pool deck – all duck-themed after Donald Duck and his three nephews Huey, Duey and Louie –  has been redesigned to include waterfalls, a wading area, two new water slides: Twist N' Spout and for thrill-seekers, the near-vertical AquaDunk.  But where the magic really takes place is in the dining areas. The dining halls have been remodeled to give the feel that you are in exotic locations sampling world cuisine. A favorite among both kids and parents is the Animator's Palate that features an animation dinner show, where guests create characters on interactive placemats, which then appear on screens alongside traditional Disney characters in shorts along the walls --allowing guests to become a Disney Imagineer. Lanzisero is most excited to dine in the newly renovated Cabanas, which is set in Australia, and draws décor inspiration from the Disney-Pixar movie "Finding Nemo." The beach-themed room allows for indoor and outdoor eating most popular during breakfast. And lastly, the staterooms will also receive an upgrade with fresh coats of paint and brand new furnishings for when the Magic sets sail from Miami in October. "Filmmaking is the history of our company and in the film the 'establishing shot' sets the scene," Lanzisero said, adding, "It's all about creating moments through our storytelling." You can find more information regarding fares and itineraries at the Disney Cruise Line website. Related Stories Royal Caribbean's ship Quantum of the Seas Sneak peek at Princess Cruises' newest ship

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