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Travel

Side briefs

By Times Staff and Wire Reports
Published May 7, 2006

TRAVEL VIDEOS

There's nothing like a good travelogue to get you juiced up about an upcoming trip. But what are the chances that when you want to see something on Vienna that's where Rick Steves will be this week? (Isn't he always in Gimmelwald anyway?) Well, check this out. Don Wyatt stocks about 6,000 videos at his Tampa online operation, Travelvideostore.com. Besides the popular PBS shows, you'll find videos on traveling with kids, visiting national parks and planning theme trips that include diving or music, among other topics. The site also offers about 1,000 brief online clips. Wyatt says the site is popular with business and pleasure travelers as well as teachers. Just think, Globe Trekker anytime - going anywhere - you want. Videos range from about $10 to $25.

FUN IN THE SUN

A trip to the Space Coast over Memorial Day weekend requires a stop at Beach Fest in Cocoa Beach, a three-day frolic that salutes men and women in the military. There's also a little sun worshiping on the expansive beach, with live music, lots of food and drink, plus the Military Beach Sports Championship, in which hundreds of firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel plus lifeguards compete in feats of strength (tug of war) and speed (relay races). You won't want to miss the human pyramid stack contest. The event takes place on and around the Cocoa Beach Pier, May 26-29. For more information, call (321) 783-7549 or go to www.cocoabeachpier.com.

A GOOD IDEA?

We thought we took vacation to get away from this kind of thing, but if politics is your bag, consider this cruise with husband and wife, Democrat and Republican political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin. On a 12-day Crystal Cruise voyage from Rome to London, the couple will discuss new projects and experiences that represents opposite sides of the political battlefield. In his role as executive producer, Carville will also talk about All The King's Men, a new film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that debuts at the Venice Film Festival immediately following the cruise.

The cruise departs Aug. 19. Fares start at $3,990 per person, double occupancy. For more information, call toll-free 1-888-799-4625 or go to www.crystalcruises.com.

KEY WEST, 2 FOR 1

Maybe this will take the sting out of rising gas prices: Two-for-one admission to several sights in Key West through Oct. 15. For example, 90-minute sightseeing tours on the Conch Tour Train or the Old Town Trolley are $25 for two (usual price is $25 each). Other attractions offering the deal include the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum (now $11 for two) and the Key West Aquarium ($10 for two). Download coupons at www.keywestfun.org or pick them up at Florida visitors centers.

IN SOUTH AFRICA

A record 7.3-million foreign visitors flocked to South Africa last year, up from 6.7-million in 2004. The country has become an increasingly popular destination since the dismantling of apartheid because of its spectacular scenery and wildlife, combined with cultural heritage and history.

Most foreign visitors spend time in Cape Town and also head to Kruger Park, home to the famed "Big Five" animals every wildlife-watcher hopes to see on an African safari - elephants, lions, buffaloes, rhinos and the elusive leopard. But growing numbers of tourists are also venturing to South Africa's Indian Ocean beaches around Durban.

MORE CHEAP DIGS

Check out www.eurocheapo.com for no-nonsense reviews of budget accommodations in dozens of cities. A favorite descriptive category: "the fussy aunt division" for hotels that look like a persnickety auntie decorated them. Last month, Dublin, Copenhagen, Munich, Stockholm and Berlin were added to the site, bringing the lodging count up to about 600 cheapo places in Europe.

- Compiled by JANET K. KEELER from staff reports and the Washington Post, New York Times and Associated Press.

[Last modified May 7, 2006, 10:36:02]