ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, July 21, 1996 TAG: 9607190089
SECTION: TRAVEL PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
Travelers can now learn health information about their destination before leaving home.
A new World Wide Web site, Travel Health Online, contains specific facts about more than 220 countries as well as general travel health guidelines.
The site outlines many health concerns ranging from sun protection to avoiding contagious diseases such as AIDS.
Links to state department publications are also available.
The address for the site is http://www.tripprep.com.
- STAFF REPORT
Summer vacation facts
According to a survey by the American Automobile Association, the top five domestic destinations for motorists this year are: Orlando, Fla., the Grand Canyon national park in Arizona, Los Angeles and Anaheim, Calif., Williamsburg, and San Diego, Calif.
The average vacation being booked with travel agencies is a week to 10 days long.
The most popular vacation activity is visiting theme parks. Other favorites are beaches and historical areas.
- STAFF REPORT
Virginia events in July
Virginia Cantaloupe Festival - This event, to be held Wednesday from 3:30-8:30 p.m. at John Wade's Farm in Turbeville, features fresh Turbeville cantaloupes and music by the Men of Soul, the Embers and the Fantastic Shakers. Tickets are $20, which includes a meal, beverages, ice cream and cantaloupes.
For more information, call (804) 572-3085.
71st annual Pony Swim and Auction - Wild ponies at Assateague swim across a channel to Chincoteague and then are auctioned off. The ponies swim on Wednesday and are auctioned off Thursday.
For more information, call (757) 336-6161.
23rd annual Virginia Scottish Games - This two day event, held July 27 and 28 at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, will feature bagpipe bands, dancing, Gaelic speaking, fiddling and harp competitions, Scottish dogs, and more. Festivities last from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28.
Tickets for both days are $15 in advance and $17 at the gate. One day tickets are $9 in advance and $10 at the gate. Children 15 and younger are admitted free with a paying adult.
For more information, call (703) 838-5005 or 838-4200.
- STAFF REPORT
N.J. balloon festival
For a lot of hot air, check out the 14th annual New Jersey Festival of Ballooning in Readington, July 26-28. The festival heads up, up and away at Solberg Airport, with more than 125 colorful balloons - from Mr. Peanut to Tony the Tiger and a United Van Lines truck. See daily launches, concerts, a barnstorming air show and three Skydiving Elvises. Admission to the event is $15. Information: 1-800-468-2479 or (201) 882-5464.
- THE WASHINGTON POST
Crayola central
Showing its true colors - raw umber, maize and lemon yellow - is the new Crayola Factory at Two Rivers Landing, a family discovery center in Easton, Pa., opening Wednesday. See crayons manufactured; color on a 10-foot-high glass wall; and visit the Crayola Hall of Fame to see the 100-billionth Crayola crayon (made by Mister Rogers) and eight enshrined crayons (including the above colors) that were retired in 1990. Tuesday is the Crayola ColorJam, a free opening festival featuring a giant parade with 12 color-coded sections. Admission to the center is $6. Information: (610) 515-8000.
- THE WASHINGTON POST
LENGTH: Medium: 80 linesby CNB