THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509080068
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: STEPHEN HARRIMAN
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
YOU'RE ALL INVITED to a birthday party - well, an anniversary celebration - Sept. 22 in Maryland. They're planning a ``Grand Illumination'' to commemorate both Annapolis' 300th anniversary as Maryland's capital and the 150th anniversary of the United States Naval Academy.
The evening will include the illumination of many buildings and historic sites, and a procession led by the Chesapeake Caledonian Pipe Band and character interpreters in historic costume.
You can meet the governor, Parris N. Glendening, from 7 to 9 p.m. at his home.
At 7:30 at Annapolis City Dock, the brigade of midshipmen will hold a pep rally to mark the kickoff of the football season, which begins the following evening with Navy's home game against Wake Forest.
After the pep rally there will be a procession up Main Street, around historic State Circle, down Maryland Avenue and ending at the Academy.
Info: (410) 268-3333. FREEBIES
What's the difference between a nonstop flight and a direct flight? A passport and a visa? An American Plan and a Modified American Plan? A local host and a local guide? A double-occupancy rate and a double-room rate? Travel insurance and trip cancellation assurance? You'll find the answers and then some in ``The Smart Traveler's Planning Kit,'' a brochure from the United States Tour Operators Association. Write to USTOA, 211 East 51st St., Suite 12B, New York, N.Y. 10022.
A free guide to B&Bs, inns, hotels and other lodging in New England is being offered by the New England Innkeepers Association. The 30-page directory has more than 300 listings. Write NEIA, Box 1089, North Hampton, N.H. 03862, or call (603) 964-6689. SPUR OF THE MOMENT
How quickly can you make a decision?
Ordinarily you get the better airline ticket deals by reserving 14 or 21 days in advance. In a break from the ordinary, American Airlines is offering discounted weekend fares to passengers who purchase ONE DAY in advance of their flights. The flights cost $79 to $299, roundtrip, and the fares are available through Dec. 12, except around the Thanksgiving holiday.
Cross-country flights must originate on a Friday with return by Monday or Tuesday; other flights must originate on a Saturday with return by Monday or Tuesday. The fares aren't available for all seats or flights, but they're worth checking out. Info: a local travel agent or American (800) 433-7300. BARGAINS AND BENEFITS
Hostelling International-American Youth Hostels has opened its first resort-style hostel in the Orlando, Fla., area, featuring a swimming pool, barbecue area, paddle boats and volleyball court on two acres in Kissimmee. Accommodations are in air-conditioned dorm-style rooms, family rooms and private double rooms. Rates from $13 for members; $16 non-members. Memberships range from $10 for youth to $35 for a family. Info: (800) 444-6111.
Government and military travelers can get free upgrade, 50 percent discount on refueling and 15 percent off airport parking (in U.S. only) from Thrifty Car Rental. Info: (800) FOR-CARS.
Also, one free in-room movie (minimum stay, two nights), free continental breakfast and free local calls (up to $5) at Holiday Inns, through Dec. 31. Info: (800) HOLIDAY. SHORTS DEAL
You could call it flying by the seat of your pants. Buy five pairs of specially marked Joe Boxer men's underwear, and Virgin Atlantic Airways will give you a free companion ticket when you buy a 14-day advance-purchase economy class ticket to London from any of the airline's U.S. gateways.
The offer runs from now until Dec. 31 and is good on travel from Dec. 1 to March 31, 1996, with Christmas blackout periods. Details of the offer are on the tags, which feature San Francisco septuagenarian twins Marion and Vivian Brown, who helped advertise the airline's new San Francisco-to-London flights last May. The underwear sells in department stores for $10 to $25 a pair. 3,000 CANDLES?
Israel has launch a 15-month celebration marking the 3,000th anniversary of Jerusalem's establishment by King David as the kingdom's capital. Hundreds of events are scheduled, including musical performances, exhibitions, fairs and special events. Schedules are available from the Israeli Ministry of Tourism (800) 596-1199, and tickets from Edwards & Edwards (800) 223-6108. WHAT, NO JAVA?
The top 10 coffee-drinking countries, with per capita consumption in pounds, according to Escape magazine (U.S. consumption totals a mere 9.43 pounds per capita):
1. Finland: 29.36
2. Sweden: 24.46
3. Austria: 22.11
4. Denmark: 21.18
4. Norway: 21.18
6. Netherlands: 20.59
7. Germany: 17.43
8. Switzerland: 16.55
9. Cyprus: 13.78
10. France: 12.63 MEMO: Travel-wise is compiled from wire-service reports, news releases, trade
journals, books, magazines and the deepest recesses of the writer's
mind. Send comments and questions to Travel-wise, The
Virginian-Pilot/The Ledger-Star, Norfolk, Va. 23501-0449; phone (804)
446-2904. by CNB