Discover the U.K.'s Ancient Past

Sophie Gackowski writes for HomeAway UK We may not share the sunshine that usually defines a trip to the beach, but here in the United Kingdom, we have some pretty spectacular shores. From quaint, cottage-lined quays to rugged and dramatic cliffs, and from traditional fishing villages to isolated, pristine sands, there's something for every seaside lover; and then some. So next time you're visiting our fair, sea-surrounded isle, why not make the most of our incredible coastline? Stretching for some 11,073 miles—and that's just around the main island—you're sure to fall in love with one of these quintessentially British seaside breaks. Brighton, England. Brighton is synonymous with the British seaside: tourists have been flocking here since the early 19th century. From its wonderful promenade overlooking the ocean, to its myriad shops selling buckets and spades—essential tools for the budding sandcastle builder‚this town was seemingly made to create happy childhood memories. Grab an ice cream and enjoy a donkey ride along the sand, or explore its history and heritage, admiring the extravagant architecture of the Royal Pavilion. Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Often described as Caribbean-style coastlines, the beaches of the Outer Hebrides are beautiful. White, powdery sands are lapped by bright, turquoise waves; indeed, the only thing that separates these Scottish shores is their distinct lack of palm trees (and, sadly, warm sunshine). A particular favorite is Bosta Beach, on the Isle of Lewis; a cove where heather-laden mountains loom over its lapping sea, as ancient Iron-age dwellings can be seen in the distance, it's a paradisaical place to spend the day. Cornwall, England. Cornwall, particularly its North Coast, has long been known as a surfing paradise: it has some of the best rollers in the United Kingdom. Situated in the far southwest of the country, however, it's also home to our most southerly point, Land's End, as well as some of the prettiest beaches in Europe. When you're here, don't miss out on quintessentially Cornish products: cream teas, ice cream and pasties are a must, but no evening is complete without sampling the delectable, local seafood. Lobster, anyone? Pembrokeshire, Wales. Head for the Pembrokeshire National Park, and you won't be disappointed: although Wales is often overlooked as a seaside destination, it's home to some of the United Kingdom's most stunning shores. Saundersfoot—a picturesque fishing village—comes highly recommended, strewn as it is with traditional fish and chip shops and pubs selling local ales. It also sits at the bottom of a deep, wooded valley, so you can combine coastal walks with countryside strolls, making the most of both worlds. Blackpool, England. Come rain or shine, Blackpool's a brilliant spot if you want to immerse yourself in the seaside atmosphere of Britain's past. Yet another destination where the Victorians chose to holiday, it's kept much of its old-world charm, particularly in its tower—essentially the Eiffel, in miniature! Famed for its Pleasure Beach, littered with roller-coasters, carousels and coconut stalls, Blackpool's also known for its striped sticks of rock (but watch your teeth on these sweet treats!), and the iconic, if somewhat politically incorrect puppet show, Punch and Judy. Stonehaven, Scotland. If the likes of Brighton and Blackpool all sound a bit too much, then head for the rugged, secluded shores of Stonehaven. With the coastal trail here running for some 150 miles, there's certainly no chance you'll run out of places to explore. A typically Scottish landscape of wind-battered rocks, ancient castles and swaying grasses, it's an ideal destination for the keen walkers among you; and, when you tire of trekking, you can book a tour of a whisky distillery to warm yourself up with a wee dram. Follow Sophie Gackowski on Google+

Labor Day weekend may be just around the corner, but it's not too late to plan the perfect three-day getaway. From coast to coast and around the world, there are plenty of free and budget-friendly activities to choose from. Whether you're in the mood for a Jazz Festival in Chicago, a quirky traditional event held every year in Park City, or an American music extravaganza in Virginia Beach, we've rounded up 11 exciting events and festivals around the country you won't want to miss. SEE THE DESTINATIONS! Daytona Beach: For family-friendly fun on a famous Florida beach While the words Daytona Beach may conjure up scenes from MTV's Spring Break, the area has come a long way since then, and is now much more of a family destination offering a wide variety of kid-friendly events, festivals, and beachfront entertainment fit for all ages. This Labor Day Weekend, catch a free concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell on Saturday night starting at 7:15 p.m. featuring a performance by Rocket Man, an Elton John tribute band—stick around for a fireworks show starting at 9:45 p.m. Baseball lovers can watch the Daytona Tortugas play ball on Sept. 4th, 5th, and 6th at the Jackie Robinson Ballpark, where dogs are welcome and the kids will have a chance to run the bases—don't miss their fireworks show Saturday night. Also while you're in town, stop by the Daytona International Speedway for a behind-the-scenes look at all things NASCAR. Hotels in this part of Florida are super affordable over Labor Day Weekend, too, with rates at the Courtyard Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport starting at $109 a night and rates at the Residence Inn Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport starting at $159 a night. Lake Tahoe: For carnivals, boat races, and great discounts on ski gear On Saturday, Sept. 5th, you'll have the opportunity to board one of South Shore's two Mississippi paddlewheeler boats, California's Tahoe Queen or Nevada's M.S. Dixie II, for the 23rd annual Great Lake Tahoe Sternwheeler Race, a unique only-in-Tahoe experience that can be yours for from $25 per adult ($10 per child) including brunch and drink specials. If you'd rather be a spectator, cheer runners on from the sidelines as they compete in the fourth annual Heavenly Mountain Run, racing from the California Base Lodge at 6,565-feet all the way up to the Tamarack Lodge at 9,150-feet. You can also enjoy live music with an impressive fireworks display over the lake Sunday night starting at 8:30 p.m. Another notable weekend event is the 6th annual Sample the Sierra Festival on Sept. 6th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bijou Community Park, where you can sample fresh farm-to-table food and wine creations by local chefs and farmers. Don't miss the chance to stock up on ski gear for next season at the annual Heavenly Sports Labor Day Tent Sale, where you can save up to 70 percent on ski and snowboard equipment at Heavenly's California Main Lodge on Sept. 5th from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 6th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sept 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Puerto Rico: For a no-passport-required Caribbean beach break Airfares to this sizzling U.S. island (no passport required!) are around $445 for Labor Day travel. Sound good? Picture yourself lounging on the beach listening to the waves crash in the distance, fruity drink in hand. Spend some time exploring Puerto Rico at your own pace with this travel package to San Juan that includes ocean view accommodations at La Concha Resort, a Renaissance Resort located in San Juan's trendy Condado neighborhood. You'll also get daily breakfast for two at the resort's Ocean Café Restaurant among other perks, from $186 a night. (Note: While Labor Day falls during the Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season, the NOAA has predicted a quieter season than average for 2015, with only 1 to 4 hurricanes, and possibly only 1 ranked as a Category 3, serious, hurricane.) RELATED: 25 Incredible Road Trips BT Readers Love The Jersey Shore: For beachside water parks on the pier The beaches along the Jersey Shore have definitely bounced back from last year's storm damage with style—some of them even made our list of America's Most Awesome Boardwalks, and Ocean City, N.J. was featured as one of BT's favorite beach towns. This Labor Day weekend, pay a visit to one of New Jersey's many beachside waterparks, like Raging Waters and the Ocean Oasis Waterpark & Beach Club at Morey's Piers in Wildwood, now celebrating its 46th season, for a fun way to cool off in the hot summer sun, whether you prefer to relax in the lazy river or take on adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Cliff Dive slide and WipeOut. Waterpark passes start at $44 for adults and $36 for children under 48". Seniors over age 65 get in for $20 with a valid photo ID. Paris: The perfect place for a romantic three-day weekend getaway A three-day weekend in Paris? Yes, you can! In fact, Budget Travel Senior Editor Jamie Beckman just did it. Find a neighborhood that you like, book a comfortable hotel, and relax—don’t overschedule and you’ll enjoy exploring on foot, visiting green spaces, and soaking up the romance. Hotel 29 Lepic’s stellar location, near the Sacré-Coeur basilica and Moulin Rouge in Montmartre, is tough to beat for the price (from about $70 per night, 29lepic.fr). And though average airfares from the U.S. to Paris are around $1,063 right now, WOW airlines has round-trip flights to Paris out of Boston and Washington, D.C., starting at about $384 after taxes. Washington D.C.: For free concerts and kayaking on the Potomac Each year on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, the National Symphony Orchestra performs a free concert for the public on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol at 8 p.m. While no tickets are required, it is recommended that you get there early to get a good spot—gates open as early as 3 p.m. and you can watch them rehearse at 3:30 p.m. The 27th annual DC Blues Festival is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5th at the Carter Barron Amphitheater from noon to 7:30 p.m., with performances by Sharrie Williams, James Armstrong, and The Mojo Priests among others. You'll also have the opportunity to attend vocal, guitar, and harmonica workshops led by talented Blues artists at the John Cephas Workshop Stage. The DC Blues Festival is free and open to the public. Want to enjoy the great outdoors during your long weekend? Consider renting a kayak or canoe from the Thompson Boat Center for a totally different view of the city from the Potomac. Canoe rentals cost $16.50 per hour or $33 for the day and can hold up to three adults or two adults and two small children. Rent a single kayak for $16.50 per hour or $44 per day, or a double kayak for $22 an hour or $55 per day. RELATED: 20 Best-Kept Secrets of Washington D.C. Chicago: For free art fairs and a jazz festival The 37th annual Chicago Jazz Festival takes place this year from Sept. 3rd to Sept. 6th at the Chicago Cultural Center in Millennium Park. Admission is free and you'll have the chance to view performances by Muhal Richard Abrams, Jose James, and Dee Dee Bridgewater among others. From Friday to Monday, Washington Park is home to the 26th Annual African Festival of the Arts, an event featuring exhibitions by Chicago's best artists. General admission tickets cost $20 for adults at the gate, $15 in advance; family and weekend passes are available for $40. Click here for more fun things to do in Chicago year-round. Virginia Beach: For three days of bands on the beach—and a half-marathon Music lovers, rejoice! For three days over Labor Day weekend (Fri-Sun), more than 20 bands will take the stage for the 32nd annual American Music Festival playing all kinds of music—rock and roll, jazz, blues, country, and R&B—by local, regional, and national bands on a giant beachfront stage on 5th Street as well as several outdoor stages at the 17th Street Park, the 24th Street Park, and the 31st Street Park. Highlights include big-name artists like the Steve Miller Band on Friday night, Rebelution, The Wailers, and G. Love & Special Sauce on Saturday night, and a performance by Sheryl Crow on Sunday night. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. This year, you can purchase a Passport Pin for access to all three shows, from $40 when purchased in advance. Those seeking a more active vacation can sign up for the Rock 'n' Roll Virginia Beach Half-Marathon, a race through the streets of the city on Sunday, Sept. 6th, that raises money for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Registration prices may vary; check the website for more details. Miami: For parties, brunches, and bike rides on the beach Party people won't want to miss Reload, a pool party event from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6th, at the Shore Club featuring international DJs and the best house music in South Beach. Refuel at the Shore Club's Sunday brunch, where ladies pay $44 per person including unlimited mimosas and bellinis (men must pay $44 for the brunch plus an additional $20 for unlimited drinks)—access to the Bloody Mary bar is an extra $20. Tickets to the Reload pool party start at $40 per person for all day access or from $30 per person for pool party access between noon and 3 p.m. Early bird tickets start at $10 per person when ordered ahead of time online. Take a spin on Miami's public bike sharing program,Citi Bike Miami (operated by Deco Bike Miami), for a spin, and rent a bike anywhere from 30-minutes to a full day. 30-minute passes are available for $4; one-hour passes for $6; two-hour passes for $10, four-hour passes for $18; and one-day passes are available for $24. Looking for a calmer beach experience? Stake out the perfect spot on any of Miami Beach's seven miles of sand. The best part: it's free. DON'T MISS: 20 Most Awesome Boardwalks in America Park City: For historic parades and the Running of the Balls Labor Day is more commonly referred to as Park City Miner's Day in this part of Utah—a tradition dating all the way back to 1898. Each year there's a celebration in honor of the area's rich mining heritage, complete with a community pancake breakfast, live music, races and games for the kids, the Funky 5K Fun Run, and the annual Miner's Day Parade down Historic Main Street. Perhaps the most intriguing part of the celebration is the annual Running of the Balls, a charity fundraising event held on Monday at 10:45 a.m. where participants "adopt" a ball for $5 (or 5 balls for $20), and watch in awe as thousands of them are released down Main Street, racing to the bottom of the hill. The first ten to reach the bottom of the street are tracked, earning their owners a grand prize of airline tickets, season ski passes, or any number of other donated surprises. LEGOLAND: Kiddie paradise in Florida & Southern California If you’ve got little ones, LEGOLAND is like Paris for kids—always a good idea. With fun rides, hands-on activities, and a hotel that feels like it’s built out of those iconic colorful blocks, the theme park’s So. Cal and Florida locations are a fun way to say bye-bye to summer. Even better, if you purchase LEGOLAND dollars (now available on the TravelEx currency exchange) through Labor Day you’ll get free parking, free admission to the park’s water park, and a free order of the theme park’s famous Granny’s Apple Fries.

Yup, the airlines just keep on changing names. More than a decade of bankruptcies and mergers has left us with a smaller field of competitors—we had 10 major carriers in the United States in 2000, now we have five—and the familiar brand names are disappearing or getting hyphen-happy. Northwest? It's now part of Delta. Continental? That's United-Continental to you. So, when American Airlines and U.S. Airways announced a proposed $11 billion merger in February, many industry folks expected it to be the last, somewhat inevitable, merger, creating the world's largest commercial airline and allowing American to emerge from bankruptcy with renewed clout. Not so fast, the Department of Justice declared on August 13. Or, rather, "The American people deserve better," as Attorney General Eric Holder put it when he announced the department's antitrust action against the merger. The DOJ maintains that combining American and U.S. Airways would reduce competition, leading to higher airfares, higher fees, and fewer choices for consumers. Its announcement was such a surprise, lawyers for American and U.S. Airways took the unusual step of meeting with reporters to publicly refute the DOJ's major contentions. In fact, the lawyers leading the merger declared emphatically that merging the fourth and fifth largest commercial air carriers in the U.S. would actually enhance competition and lead to lower fares because it would create a new, powerful competitor to rivals Delta and United-Continental. Hmmm. What gives? While we don't have a crystal ball to predict whether this merger would change the way you fly, Budget Travel has always preferred solid research to intuition. So we took a look at some evidence from the most recent airline mega-mergers and asked the obvious question: Did those mergers enhance competition and help bring down airfares? Nice try. In 2008, Delta merged with Northwest. In 2012, the American Antitrust Institute analyzed airfares on routes and hubs affected by that merger and found above-average fare increases on 70 percent of routes, with fare increases up to 20 percent. In 2010, United merged with Continental. Similarly, the AAI found above-average fare increases on 90 percent of affected routes, with fare increases up to 30 percent. Both mergers limited competition on affected routes and at affected hubs and drove some local airlines and lower-cost airlines out of those hubs. The AAI's findings would tend to support the DOJ's position. As just one example, the DOJ contends that, if this merger goes through, 69 percent of the takeoff and landing slots at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., would be controlled by the new American/U.S. Airways entity, and that the low fares offered by JetBlue out of National could be threatened because JetBlue's slots at the airport are the result of an earlier agreement with American Airlines. Further, U.S. Airways currently offers lower fares to passengers who fly through some of its smaller, non-hub airports. The new mega-airline created by the merger—in control of more flights and more hub slots across the U.S.—might very well have less incentive to offer those discounted fares. Will American and U.S. Airways merge? Will fares rise? We don't know. We must acknowledge that airfares alone may not be the most important factor in whether the merger ultimately goes through. Let's remember how thin the airlines' profit margins are: The Wall Street Journal's Scott McCartney recently reported that on a plane with 100 passengers, less than one airfare goes to the airline as profit; the rest pays for fuel, equipment, and staff. The consolidation of the past decade may have been, as Senator Jay Rockefeller of West Virginia has said, a "necessary evil" to bolster an industry facing multiple bankruptcies. Of course we're rooting for the consumers—you—in this case. But time will tell whether American Airlines and U.S. Airways can best serve consumers by remaining separate entities or becoming one big one. TALK TO US! Did the Delta-Northwest or United-Continental mergers change the way you fly?

Darley Newman is the five-time Daytime Emmy Award nominated host, writer, and producer of the lifestyle travel TV series Equitrekking, which broadcasts on PBS and international networks in over 82 countries. Interested in taking an all-American dude ranch vacation? As someone who's taken a lot of them, including girlfriend getaways, family escapes, and wilderness adventures while filming my PBS TV show Equitrekking, I can tell you that there are a variety of diverse choices. While many ranches promote a casual, relaxed atmosphere, others offer luxury with top amenities. While some modern ranches cater to foodies and offer gourmet fare, others deliver cookouts and cowboy singers. Ranch vacations can make for a stress-free, wallet-friendly and family-friendly vacation. Here are five travel tips to help you plan your ranch escape and pick the right ranch vacation for you. Pick your ranch styleIn thinking about your dream ranch vacation, decide what best suits your goals and tastes. Are you seeking an authentic Western experience on a dude ranch vacation, a working cattle ranch where you can play cowboy, or a luxury ranch resort complete with a fitness center and spa? Do you want an intimate, boutique setting or larger numbers of guests to perhaps serve as a buffer for the rest of your group? Decide up front on ranch activities and amenitiesMany guest ranches offer a surprising array of special activities either onsite or nearby such as whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, mountain biking, cooking classes, spa treatments, square dancing, horse pack trips, local sightseeing, and often have children's programs—a built-in, stellar babysitting tool. If there's a particular activity or amenity you're seeking, this can be a good way to narrow your search. Having so many pre-planned activities can often take some stress out of the trip because you don't have the pressure of planning everything for your group. Addicted to the Web or need cell reception? Keep in mind that some ranches are off the grid, meaning you'll be staying in a technology-free environment. This can be a great way to unplug from our interconnected world and enhance your family or group bonding. Run the numbersMany dude ranches are all-inclusive, so if you are getting initial sticker shock from the week's pricing, do the math. Consider that all meals, activities, lodging and even some alcohol can be included, meaning you know almost all of your expenses up front. You'll need to add in flights and transportation to and from the ranch, as while some ranches offer free airport shuttle service, you'll need to rent a car for others. Consider that you will need to tip at many ranches, which could add 10 to 20 percent more to your tab. Search the ranch website, email, or call the destinations you are considering to find out what's included, so you can create a budget and stick to it for your ranch vacation. Check out ranch planning resources There are a lot of great ranch escapes, so enjoy exploring and getting ready to saddle up and ride the range! Here are some trusted ranch vacation resources to help you narrow your search: • Equitrekking.com. The companion website to the Emmy-winning PBS TV show offers Ranch Travel Deals, the Equitrekking Vacation Guide to great ranches and horseback riding vacations, and Dude Ranch Blogs. • Dude Ranchers Associations. The Dude Ranchers' Association has been helping travelers choose Western vacations since 1926 and offers great ranch planning resources. If you've narrowed it down to a state, check out the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association, Arizona Dude Ranch Association or Wyoming Dude Ranch Association. • Top20Ranches.com. This website features 20 of the best North American dude and guest ranches. Enjoy the ranch search As someone who likes simply looking at travel destinations, I ask that you, too, enjoy the search and that you search in a variety of ways. There are great resources online, but don't judge a ranch by its website. Search multiple places, read online guides and reviews and if you can, ask around. A personal referral from a trusted source is always a good idea.