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Side trip

Briefs and news of note for the traveler.

By JANET K. KEELER
Published February 25, 2007

Shuttle Launch Experience

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex plans to offer a simulated NASA shuttle launch ride starting Memorial Day weekend.

Former NASA astronauts helped design the Shuttle Launch Experience, which will re-create the sensation of blasting into Earth's orbit.

The ride will have a motion platform, multiple video screens, special audio effects and special effect seats that together simulate the effects of three times the force of gravity.

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex says that because the gravity effects are simulated on its ride, no air sickness bags will be needed as they are on Mission: Space at Epcot.

Destination wedding guide

Thinking about getting married on a distant beach? A new guide answers your questions about planning. The Knot Guide to Destination Weddings details more than 200 locations for weddings, from Maui to Mexico, with tips from experts and lessons from couples who have been through it. Carley Roney and destination wedding expert JoAnn Gregoli break down the process of planning from afar, from etiquette to local laws. Price is $19.95 at www.theknot.com.

Garden shows ready to bloom

Garden shows are an annual harbinger of spring, just as reliable as bulbs coming up and trees blooming. Here are some of the shows scheduled for various regions of the country.

- In New England, the Central Massachusetts Flower Show is at the DCU Center in Worcester next weekend, www.centralmaflowershow. com. The Vermont Flower Show is at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, March 9-11, www.vermontflowershow.com. In Maine you'll find the Portland Flower Show, March 7-11 at the Portland Co. marine complex near the waterfront, www.portlandcompany.com/flower. The New England Spring Flower Show is March 17-25 at the Bayside Expo Center in Boston, www.masshort.org.

- In the Midwest, the Chicagoland Flower & Garden Show, at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, is March 10-18, www.chicagoflower.com. The Cincinnati Flower Show, at Coney Island, takes place April 21-29, www.cincyflowershow.com.

Staying healthy while flying

Deep-vein thrombosis, a blood clot that forms in the lower leg, can develop during long-distance flights when passengers sit in the same position for a long time without movement.

Travel Smart Newsletter - www.travelsmart newsletter.com - offers tips for preventing the condition whether you're on a plane, train, bus, or just sitting at your computer researching your next trip.

Most of the tips involve ways to increase circulation, such as avoiding clothing that's tight around the thighs; wearing compression hosiery; walking up the aisle once an hour, and doing deep-knee bends each time you get up. The newsletter also suggests doing simple exercises from your seat at least once an hour, such as ankle circles (using your feet to draw circles, clockwise and counterclockwise).

Customize the minibar

If you thought pillow menus in hotels were over the top, how about customized minibars?

The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club in Miami's South Beach is offering themed minibar packages for $50 each and up. The hotel is calling this deal "Pimp Your Fridge."

The Get It On minibar package includes edible body paint, Champagne, whipped cream, strawberries, scented candles and oil and a Barry White CD. The Munchie Mania minibar runs sweet to salty, with Cheetos and cheesecake, while the Schizo minibar is good and bad - something fruity, something fattening, Tylenol and Red Bull.

Details at www.catalinahotel.com or call (305) 674-1160.

Compiled from the Associated Press and Dallas Morning News.

[Last modified February 22, 2007, 12:32:31]