Thursday, July 3, 2008

Everyone loves fireworks—and everyone can learn to snap photographs that better capture their beauty. read more

• Send your best fireworks photos to btphotos@budgettravel.com and we might include them in a special slide show of reader photographs
• Plus: We're sending photographer Adam Fernandez out to snap July 4th fireworks using his own tips—check back next week for the results

The car-rental company just introduced a self-service express check-in program at 50 major airport locations. Hertz is so confident in its streamlined process that it will fork over a $50 credit towards your rental if your wait runs longer than 10 minutes. Will the new guarantee actually ease the car-rental process? And what other improvements would you like to see? post a comment now

• Gear: Laptop Bags That Will Pass the TSA Test
• Too Cute! The Smurfs Celebrate Their 50th Birthday by Going on Tour
• Is Shipping Your Luggage the Solution?
• Deal Alert: Book Now for Cheap Fall Fares to Europe
• MORE: July 4 in Philly | NYC Waterfalls | A Backpack for Families

This summer's new theme-park attractions are throwing the average roller coaster for a loop by incorporating high-tech 4-D animation, rock and roll, and even America's real first family, the Simpsons. Cowabunga, dude! read more

• What's your favorite theme park ride? Join the conversation on our blog
• Top U.S. Water Parks
• Fun File: Kid-Approved Attractions

Wacky Festivals A month-by-month guide to events that bring out America's best and quirkiest—this weekend, the International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship returns to Michigan… You, Unplugged Declare your independence from electronic gadgets! Six vacation spots where PDAs and Internet connections are a thing of the past… Girlfriend Getaways: Beach Reads We've identified great summer books, from the can't-put-it-down novel to the uplifting memoir.

This JetBlue package combines airfare and three nights in Utah's capital—set between the mountains and Great Salt Lake—where you can embrace the outdoors, from $295. why it's a deal

• Pay-What-You-Like Restaurants in Salt Lake City and Beyond
• Road Trip: Southern Utah
• Coolest Small Towns: Silver City, N.M.
• 25 Reasons We Love Sedona

Ring in 2009 the British way thanks to this early-bird discount for airfare and a week based in Islington, a lively north London neighborhood, from $899. why it's a deal

• Face-lift: London's St. Pancras Station
• London's Top Spots for Afternoon Tea
• Affordable Europe: Coverage of Britain, France, Italy, and More
• World's Best New Year's Eve Parties

Explore historic towns along the 170-mile-long Bay of Fundy on Canada's Atlantic shore, where you can walk on the sea floor during low tide and visit the lovely 27-acre Kingsbrae Gardens. This package covers airfare, four nights, and a car rental, from $1,156.
why it's a deal

• Nova Scotia: Renting a House on the Cape
• A Long Weekend in Spirited Halifax

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