This month moviegoers will be flocking to see the 4th installment of the Indiana Jones series. Although we don’t know the folks who write the movies, for travel geeks like us, the spectacular locations where he fights bad guys are another reason to love the epic. And judging from the image of the plane tracing a line across a faded map, we bet he has a little travel geek in him too! We’re big fans, so we’ve put together our own ‘Adventure Trail’, a list of some of locations used in these great film classics.

Egypt flights | hotels | cars
Where else would you expect to find the Arc of the Covenant but in the sands outside Cairo? (And where would it end up but the bowels of a US Government warehouse, though we’re not suggesting a visit to suburban Washington.) Cairo is replete with tourist attractions. The Sphinx and the Pyramids at Giza are a day trip from the city, and the Egyptian Museum has a world famous collection of antiquities. To tap into the main character, take a trip down the Nile and do some architectural work of your own. Felucca trips (a small Egyptian sailboat) from Aswan to Cairo are a great way to see the ruins at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

Jordan flights | hotels |cars
Follow in the footsteps of our favorite archaeologist/adventurer and discover the ‘Canyon of the Crescent Moon,’ the purported resting place of the Holy Grail. Set in the rock city of Petra, in the Edom Mountains, you can see the stunning temples carved into the rocks by the Nabataean tribe of Arab nomads. After you grab the Grail and escape the crumbling temple, join the thousands of people running in the Annual Dead Sea Marathon or get lost in the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Azraq.

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Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day (as most people suspect). May 5th actually commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French in 1862’s Battle of Puebla. Vibrant cultural celebrations of this holiday abound all over the world. With the date rapidly approaching, we thought you might like to think about heading to one of these big-city celebrations we’ve highlighted below!

Puebla, Mexico flights | hotels | cars

You’d think the (Mexican) hills would be alive with the sound of (celebratory) music, but in reality the Cinco de Mayo holiday is primarily a regional one in Mexico - recognized in the state of Puebla and virtually ignored throughout other parts of the country. Fortunately, Puebla (located 65 miles from Mexico City…

Denver, CO flights | hotels | cars

Each year, folks in the know head to the Cinco de Mayo “Celebrate Culture” Festival in the city’s Civic Center Park. Also claiming to be one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the nation, visitors and natives alike spend this celebratory weekend immersed in Mexican culture, with authentic Mexican foods, handmade arts and crafts…

Portland, OR flights | hotels | cars

The title of largest Cinco de Mayo festival in North America is claimed by this Pacific Northwest city. This year marks their 24th Annual Cinco de Mayo celebration and highlights a variety of authentic culinary and entertainment options, including Guadalajara’s Ballet Folklorico. This year’s fiesta also features the new Guadalajara Pavilion…

Chicago, IL flights | hotels | cars

Ferris Bueller’s parade had nothing on the Cinco de Mayo festivities in Chi-town! More than 200,000 residents and visitors alike celebrate all weekend long with an array of Mexican food, music and carnival rides. While this is a party first and foremost, it is also one of the most family friendly celebrations we’ve seen…

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Now that the dreaded tax season is over, reap the fruits of your labor (and that fat refund) with a well-deserved vacation. Ensure you eek every luxurious, adventurous cent out of that IRS check with a vacation to remember.

Dubai → Flights | Hotels | Cars | watch fares

Nothing says luxury and adventure like Dubai. Once a destination relegated strictly to a classroom geography lesson, the past decade has seen a boom in growth unlike anything the world has ever seen. This town now boasts the world’s only all-suite seven-star resort, the Burj Al Arab (the hotel shaped like a sail gracing every photo of Dubai you’ve seen). In addition to world-class spas, shopping, and dining, resorts across this slice of the Persian Gulf coast…

Maui → Flights | Hotels | Cars | watch fares

This heavenly slice of the Hawaiian islands is a true paradise, exuding tropical flamboyance and unparalleled Pacific Rim luxury. Whether you choose the Grand Wailea Resort and its jaw-dropping spa for a four-handed Lomi Lomi massage or the prestigious Fairmont Resort for some low-key celebrity watching, any resort on “The Valley Isle” is sure to impress…

Punta Cana → Flights | Hotels | Cars | watch fares

Punta Cana is dotted with amazing resorts, particularly The Punta Cana Resort and Club and the Paradisus Punta Cana. For true luxury, The Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa is the resort of choice for families, couples and adventurers of means. The coral reef tinging the Atlantic shoreline along the hotel - perfect for snorkeling…

Myrtle Beach → Flights | Hotels | Cars | watch fares

Billed as “America’s Beach Playground,” this community boasts a ginormous range of activities for the adventurous, luxurious, familial, youthful, romantic, or any combination of such. You can spend your days shopping at boutiques dotting the Atlantic Coast and resting peacefully on the private beaches of one of the many luxury resorts in the area. If the links are more you’re thing…

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One sign marking the end of conflict is the resumption of tourism. This week, we feature four places that moved beyond conflict and that have significant cultural and historical draws for travelers.

Croatia flights | hotels | cars

In Croatia, the conflict of the 1990s has faded into history, and travelers are rediscovering its delights. must be one of the top European summer destinations. First fly into the city of Zagreb and spend a few days soaking up the ambiance and checking out the art scene at museums like Mimara Museum. The museum houses a collection comprising of more than 1500 exhibits, including works by Rembrandt, Delacroix, and Renoir…

Nicaragua flights | hotels | cars

In the 1980s, Nicaragua suffered from a civil war; today it offers an array of tropical excursions. Fly into the capital city of Managua and then burn rubber as you drive 20 kilometers to the Xiloa Lagoon for swimming, windsurfing, and scuba diving. Next, head to the colonial town of Granada and trade in your wheels for a boat. Cruise around the 365 islets of Lake Nicaragua as freshwater sharks race along side you…

Sierra Leone flights | hotels | cars

A trip to this West African country is like opening a treasure chest filled with wildlife, history and sapphire blue beaches. The city has prevailed as a cultural jewel with glimmering architecture like Fourah Bay College, established in 1827 and the oldest European-style university in Sub-Saharan Africa. Bronze yourself at Lumley Beach, then take in some history at Bunce Island, the largest British slave castle…

Vietnam flights | hotels

Vietnam is one of the fastest growing destinations, with travelers ranging from vets returning to make peace and family members paying homage to savvy travelers wanting to visit the country’s emerging luxury beach resort industry. Start your journey in Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon). History buffs will want to visit the War Remnants Museum, which depicts the history of the Vietnam War through the eyes of the ruling communist party…

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April showers might bring May flowers but Kayak.com is bringing you five amazing trips filled with gardens, fauna, flora and more. You don’t need to have a green thumb to dive into undersea forests, mingle with famous horticulturalists or cruise through the world’s largest garden. So grab your rubber boots, passport and imagination because Kayak.com is about to show how to enjoy gardening like it’s never been done before.

Cherry Blossom Festival flights | hotels | cars

If you’d like to add more color to your vacation, visit Washington D.C. from March 29th-April 13th for the national Cherry Blossom Festival. Thousands of cherry trees are in bloom throughout the city, covering the capital of politics in pink. Enjoy the blossoms as you float down the blue Potomac on a river cruise, or let a park ranger lead you on a bike or running tour through the groves…

Chelsea Flower Show flights | hotels | cars

Nothing says floral extravaganza like the Chelsea Flower Show, which takes place on the grounds of the Royal Hospital in London from May 20-24. Learn the latest gardening techniques as you stroll amongst the 22 show gardens, vibrant horticultural displays and inspirational floral arrangements. For a different garden vibe, travel down to Kew Botanic Gardens and take a tram ride around Kew’s 300 acres…

Hatley Castle flights | hotels | cars

Hatley Park in Victoria is considered one of the finest examples of an intact Edwardian Estate and offers nature trails and gardening workshops. There are a variety of tours, including one of the Hatley Castle, a 40-room mansion once used to train military officers. Stroll through the Japanese, Italian, and Rose Gardens of the estate. Take advantage of the spring weather and visit the Abkhazi Garden…

Amazon flights | hotels | cars

If manicured designer rose gardens are too small and thorny for you, then take a river cruise through the Amazon Rainforest, the world’s largest natural garden. Stretching 2.3 million square miles across South America, the Amazon is rich in fauna and flora and home to more than a third of all the world’s known species. There are several tour operators out of Manaus…
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Fine Art? Surrealist Traveler? Craving the classics? It’s time to pack your bags and go see the amazing art our world has produced…you know, the stuff you thought you learned about in your art history classes. These great cities are home to some of the most amazing pieces of art ever created. Bon Voyage!

San Francisco flights |hotels | cars

The city by the bay has that European art flavor trickling out of its innovative architecture and impossibly hilly streets. Artists sell their wares along Haight Ashbury where you can poke your head in thrift stores and creperies while you get an eyeful of art. There are a myriad of museums to choose from, starting with the Museum of Modern Art, Galleria Carla, Gallery One San Francisco, Hang, and Staart Soma. When your head is spinning with culture, hike up to Coit Tower or Twin Peaks for the most amazing views of the city…

Quebec City flights | hotels | cars

Feast on 400 years of history and romance.
Head to romantic Québec City this summer for the party of the century as North America’s only fortress city celebrates four centuries of French Canadian culture, cuisine and joie de vivre. Riding in a horse-drawn carriage through cobblestone streets of Québec’s charming capital, you just might fall in love. Romance is in the air as you pass colorful boutiques, hip cafés, tempting bistros and stately heritage…

Paris flights | hotels | cars

You can’t go through life as an art lover without a little French flavor to truly appreciate the fine arts. Paris is the capital for all the most amazing artists we love to admire. Hit all the typical spots you’ll want to brag about later: The Louvre, Rodin Museum, Musee d’Orsay, the sculpture exhibit in Luxembourgh Park, and endless galleries. Check out the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame - they are timeless pieces of art in their own right. Stroll down the Champs-Elysees and the Bastille area too and enjoy some popular shopping…

Chicago flights | hotels | cars

Let the art of the Windy City blow you away - your to-do list includes the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Arts District, Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, and Beacon Street Gallery. When going to Chicago for art, you cannot miss the Art Institute of Chicago. Springtime brings you Art Chicago, an explosive art festival that will tickle your fancy and turn you from art lover to art obsessed. Take in Second, a little comedy club guaranteed to have you laughing all night…

Florence flights | hotels | cars

You haven’t experienced art until you’ve visited the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. We’ve got a list for you, so put on your walking shoes and fanny packs and hit the streets. Hit up Uffizi Gallery, admire Michelangelo’s “David” at Galleria dell’Accademia, and don’t forget the Museo dell’Opera di Santa Croce. The Medici Chapels, the Bridge Ponte Vecchio, and Church of Santa Maria Novella exemplify the beauty in architecture. When you’re finished enjoying the classic art all over the city…

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There’s nothing quite like grabbing a few bags of chips and hitting the highway for a good old-fashioned road trip. Think “Thelma and Louise” without the final pothole. Think “Smokey and the Bandit” without Sheriff Buford T. Justice. If your passengers sing like they’d be booed off the Karaoke stages, you’ll be especially grateful for views that take their breath away.

Ozark National Forest flights | hotels | cars
Drive the Ozark Highlands Byway along the ridge tops where the rivers start. You can drive the Sylamore Scenic Byway, skirting the bluffs at the eastern edge of the Ozarks on the way to Blanchard Springs Caverns…

Oregon flights | hotels | cars
California sure has marketed its Coast Highway, but it’s not the only state with thrilling views. Oregon’s Pacific Coast Byway is over 300 miles of lighthouses, seals, huge trees and laid-back towns. Even though you could try to do it in a day, take your time and savor the rocky coast….

Daytona flights | hotels | cars
If you’re new to the Daytona Beach area and Florida’s unique, natural beauty, The Loop is a definite must-see. This leisurely ride features many surprises, including wild boar and deer, old sugar mill ruins, Ormond Park and the Fairchild Oak, one of Florida’s oldest living Oak trees….

Wisconsin flights | hotels | cars
Forget the cheese for a minute and think mighty Mississippi: The Great River Road runs all along central and southern Wisconsin’s western border, along the waterway that has carried Native American canoes, steamboats and anything else you can imagine!…

Iceland flights | hotels | cars
Don’t be fooled with the icy name — start your own Viking saga in Reykjavik, home of the Icelandic Phallological Museum, a comprehensive collection of mammal parts that could be described as members only…

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Kayak Trip Ideas: Bar & Grill Getaways

There’s no better way to celebrate the day of the Irish than indulging in some unique and delicious pub food washed down with a few pints of icy cold refreshment. This week, in homage to hungry bar-hopping St. Paddy’s Day travelers, we’ve picked some of our favorite destination cities to help you celebrate!

Dublin flights | hotels | cars
If ever a city were famous for its pubs, it’s Dublin…and rightly so. Many of the pubs here have been serving the thirsty masses for over a century. Start at the Brazen Head, opened way back in 1198, when people still thought the sun revolved around the earth. Today this cozy venue offers live music, a cobblestone courtyard, and signature concoctions like beef and Guinness stew. Speaking of which, the nearby Guinness Storehouse is a no-brainer destination for beer lovers….

Boston flights | hotels | cars
In 1773, this city made its mark by throwing an unforgettable party (you know, the one involving tea), and it hasn’t stopped since. First we suggest working up an appetite by walking the historic Freedom Trail. Stroll the two-and-a-half miles at your own pace while learning about landmarks like Faneuil Hall and the Bunker Hill Memorial…

Milwaukee flights | hotels | cars
Home to Miller Brewing Company, this Great Lakes city has a history of brewing some of the nation’s best known beer brands (Schlitz and Pabst were once headquartered here). And lucky for those of us who visit, the city’s longstanding love affair with the world’s oldest alcoholic beverage has resulted in some darn fine all-American eating…

Munich flights | hotels | cars
Any discussion of beer and food would be incomplete without mention of Munich, home to Oktoberfest each fall. But throughout the year travelers can find satisfying sustenance at one of the city’s many traditional beer halls. One of the oldest is the Hofbrauhaus, founded way back in 1589. With room for up to 1,300 guests inside and another 400 in the outdoor beer garden, this venue promises a festive atmosphere for downing steins of Hofbrau beer and house specialties like beer-roasted suckling pig and dumplings…

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If you’ve always wanted to live your life on the edge and are tempted to push the travel boundaries just enough to cause a little commotion, it’s never too late. Pack your bags and start alluding now about your double life; you’re going on a semi-illegal vacation.

New York, NY flights | hotels | cars
If you love the movie C.H.U.D. (Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dweller) and its bizarre carnage over New York, you’ll love exploring the Big Apple subways. With graffiti-laden tunnels and abandoned insane asylums, NYC subways are full of hidden “treasures.” Get an idea for what you can find at Undercity.org, which explores Red Hook Graving Docks, abandoned observation decks from the 1964 World’s Fair, and all kinds of underground maps and lost gems. You can also join Brooklyn Historic Railway Association’s scheduled tours and climb down an open manhole cover to see the legends of a lost locomotion engine, bootlegging pirates, John Wilkes Booth’s hidden diary, and a walled corpse still ‘living’ down in the forgotten railway tunnel.

Amsterdam flights | hotels | cars
Sure it’s a cliché, but a list of semi-illegal destinations has to include Amsterdam. A required stop on the post-collegiate backpacking tour, Amsterdam offers a cornucopia of illicit pleasures and substances. There’s even a Dutch word for this - gedoogzone (basically illegal area, but not outlawed.) Start off your visit to the gedoogzone at those famous ‘bars’ like Baba, De Dampkring, Leidsplein Bulldog, and Coffee Shop 36. The Red Light District offers another flavor of fun. The city’s Sex Museum has alternatives for those who are just looking. Finish off the night by clubbing at Escape or The Mansion to get dance till dawn.

Twin Falls flights | hotels | cars
Get your heart pumping with some good old-fashioned B.A.S.E. jumping. Grab your parachute and head for Twin Falls, Idaho, one of the few places you can jump off Perrine Memorial Bridge without a permit. Take a romantic moonlit jump over the Snake River Canyon with a loved one to share that special and sorta legal exhilaration. With your feet back on the ground head south to Jackpot, Nevada, and get your gamble on at Cactus Pete’s. Steal a roll of toilet paper from the bathroom — when you’re done running from the fuzz, check out Sawtooth National Forest in Twin Falls for some hiking and adventure until things blow over.

Did You Know?

You can create a Fare Alert (or 20) on Kayak for your upcoming spring and summer vacations?

Just a few features Fare Alerts can do:

• Fine fares for destinations, dates, even entire regions
• Track whether your fare increases or decreases, as well as a 90-day historical snapshot
• Find the best available fares to any region or destination you’re interested in!

Basically, Fare Alerts will make all your wildest travel dreams come true! Create your first Fare Alert now!

Keeping the consulate number on speed-dial,

Steve and Paul
Kayak.com co-founders

We at Kayak feel that bowls don’t get the recognition that they deserve. In fact, no one loves a good bowl more than our CEO. What else can hold tens of thousands of screaming football fans AND mom’s chicken soup. So, whether your favorite bowl is a big game, or covered in snow, or a treasured family heirloom displayed in your china cabinet, Kayak has some unbowl-ievable trip ideas.

Phoenix flights | hotels |cars
Even if you can’t get tickets to the big game held at the University of Phoenix Stadium February 3rd , you can still visit Phoenix and experience the rush of football. Go out for a PASS about five miles from downtown to The Heard Museum, which is not only world-renowned for its Native American art and culture exhibits, but on February 9th & 10th hosts the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. TACKLE a burrito the size of your forearm at one of the many 24-hour Mexican food spots like Filiberto’s and Raliberto’s. For a great halftime show, go to Rawhide Wild West Town (26 minutes south of downtown), where you can experience mechanical bull riding, desert train tours and gold panning. RUN long (About 25 minutes northeast of downtown Phoenix) to Scottsdale and on the first down line you’ll find over 60 resorts and spas, 120-plus art galleries, some 600 restaurants and nearly 200 golf courses. So visit Phoenix and you’ll not only feel like you’ve scored a TOUCHDOWN, but the mild weather and sunny days in February, will make you feel like you scored an extra point!

Murano flights | hotels |cars
The perfect trip to Venice would be shattered without an overnight excursion to the cozy island of Murano (15 minutes via water bus from Venice). Meander around this menagerie of five islets, which has been the center of Venetian glassmaking since 1291. Visit the glass workshops and buy a piece of authentic Murano glass, straight from the source. At the free Museo Vetrario, you can watch a glass craftsman in action and view lovely chandeliers, vases and bowls (of course). Take a peak through the looking glass at the Church of Saints Mary and Donato, which was originally dedicated to the Virgin Mother, and hosts a magnificent mosaic pavement that dates from the 12th century. For a breathtaking view that will make you think you’re wearing rose-colored glasses, go to the top of the Ponte Vivarini bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal of Murano. Finish your day by dining at Dalla Mura (Fondamenta Manin 75) where we recommend a glass of wine and a bowl of pasta.

St. Louis flights |hotels |cars

Bowl a strike with your next vacation by heading to the Gateway to the West! St. Louis will bowl you over as the home to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame (111 Stadium Plaza) which displays the sport’s 5,000 year history with artifacts like Mettlach steins and zany 50’s team shirts. You’ll throw a gutter ball if you don’t check out Pinup Bowl (6191 Delmar), the bowling alley/martini lounge, or the University City Loop area where you can shop, listen to live music and dine. Pick up a spare by visiting The Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest monument, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis (4431 Lindell Blvd), which contains beautiful mosaics. There won’t be a pin standing when you visit The City Museum (701 North 15th Street), an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects such as salvaged bridges and even two abandoned planes. Finish off your tenth frame by crossing the Mississippi into Illinois and visiting the Cahokia Mounds, (30 Ramey Street, Collinsville, IL), the site of the largest pre-Columbian city north of Mexico and an official UNESCO World Heritage site.

Vail flights |hotels |cars
Sure, you can go to Vail and ski in the mountain’s four terrain parks, seven wide bowl shaped slopes and 5,289 acres of free-ride terrain and have a pretty good vacation. But while you’re there, why not check out this Colorado village’s complete place setting and have an amazing vacation. Take the Nature Discovery Center’s guided snowshoe adventure on the glass-like top of Vail Mountain. Or jump on a ski bike (part bike, part skis) and cut through the snow like a knife on a nighttime downhill guided tour. And what’s cooler than dog sledding through the awe-inspiring curves and forks of backcountry scenery on the privately owned Diamond Star Ranch. Fill your plate with other activities like tubing, sledding and horseback riding. Enjoy a spoonful of the February events in this Rocky Mountain village, which include CarniVail (Mardi Gras celebration, Feb 3-5), the Honda Session (Snowboard competition, Feb 8-10) and the Bud Light Street Beat (free rock, blues and gospel concerts, Feb 20). Dip into Vail.snow.com for a taste of activities and events, and then scoop up a cup full of great deals on flights, hotels and more at Kayak.com!

Need Fare Alert Reminders?
You and us both. The Kayak Fare Alerts make it easy to track prices to different destinations. Create a new fare alert, and you’ll not only find the best fares on the exact dates you want to travel, but you’ll also see the fare history for your chosen routes and dates.

Don’t be stingy with the bowl,

Steve and Paul, Kayak Founders