Orlando and Las Vegas remain popular summer vacation spots this year, at least that’s what the ‘2010 Hot Spots for Summer’ survey recently released by the American Society of Travel Agents indicates. This is the eighth year in a row Orlando has earned top honors with 17.7 percent share of responses and Las Vegas in the second spot with 16.2 percent.

Just like 2009, the Sunshine State is at the top for state destinations for Summer 2010, accounting for 24.5 percent of responses. Nevada captured the second spot (16.3%) followed by California (15.6%), New York (12.9%) and Hawaii (8.9%) rounding out the top five states for summer travel.

When it comes to international travel, current economic conditions are probably a big factor in the top destination: Mexico. This country with silky beaches, azure waters, and zesty margaritas has knocked Italy out of the top spot with 15 percent of the share, probably because Mexico is an affordable vacation and easily accessible. The United Kingdom is in second with 10.5 percent. Rounding out the top five are France (9.7%), Italy (9.4%), and the Caribbean (8%).

So where are you heading on vacation this summer? Resort Rentals can help you find the best value especially if you’re planning on running away to Florida or Las Vegas for vacation or perhaps south of the border to Mexico.

Fly like a super hero and flip like an Olympic gymnast aboard the ultimate luxury travel experience: Zero Gravity Corporation’s (ZERO-G) G-FORCE ONE. April 3, fliers who pay the $4,950 (plus tax) fee will have the opportunity to defy the laws of gravity and float in weightlessness during ZERO-G’s weightless flight from Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Washington D.C.  These flights are the first and only FAA-approved provider of commercial weightless flights.

Ozzy Osbourne has done it and so has Professor Stephen Hawking along with Martha Stewart, Joey Fatone and cast members of “The Apprentice” and “The Biggest Loser” are some of the passengers who have flown ZERO-G. The flight is identical to the flight experience used by NASA to train astronauts and used to film Apollo-13.

So what does one get for the two hour-flight?

• 15 separate weightless experiences, each lasting about 30 seconds;
• Pre-flight training to maximize their ZERO-G Experience;
• Private transportation to/from LaGuardia Airport;
• ZERO-G flight suit and patch;
• Personal photography by a world-class photographer;
• Post-flight re-gravitation party;
• Weightless flight award certificate;
• Branded ZERO-G gifts;
• Bragging rights to experience the rare and exalted state of weightlessness.

Reservations can be made through the Zero Gravity website (www.gozerog.com). And if you can’t make the April 3 D.C. flight, a variety of flights will be offered through the Fall including destinations as Cape Canaveral, Fla., Las Vegas, and Miami.

Photo Source: ZERO GRAVITY CORPORATION

Hang on and buckle up, Travel Channel’s America’s Worst Drive‘ reality television series premiers Sunday, March 14 at 10 p.m. ET. It’s only befitting AAA collaborates with the new show as the official safety partner.

Here’s the skinny on the series, bad drivers from eight major American cities compete in various driving challenges to determine the worst local driver. Drivers compete in challenges concentrating on their ability to focus when dealing with distractions and stress. Off-duty police officers monitor the drivers and to protect everyone’s safety. They issue penalties for traffic violations. The worst driver from each city will have their car destroyed before advancing to the finale where one participant will be named, Americas Worst Driver.

So did participants voluntarily apply to be on the show? Well, they were nominated by friends and family. Nice.

AAA’s Rules of the Road will be broadcast throughout the series presented by AAA’s driving training expert Dr. William Van Tassel, aka: “Dr. Bill”. He’ll offer quick driving safety tips. Safety behind the wheel will be emphasized as the primary priority throughout the series and AAA will offer online driver improvement courses to the participating contestants.

“Reality-based television programming represents a fresh and potentially effective way to teach millions of American’s how to be better and safer drivers,” said Kathleen Marvaso, vice president of AAA Public Affairs.

“We are a nation of drivers - and there is no better way to see a city than by hitting the streets,” said Michael Klein, senior vice president, content for Travel Channel. “That said, we aren’t always a nation of good drivers. America’s Worst Driver takes an entertaining look at this serious issue, and partnering with AAA, whose commitment to promoting safe driving is unwavering, is the perfect complement to the series.”

Should be some entertaining television and we certainly hope when driving to your next vacation, you’ll arrive safely. Tune into America’s Worst Driver on lessons of what not to do behind the wheel.