Sea turtle nesting season is May 1 through October 31. This is a time period when the marine reptiles lay eggs on popular coastal beaches such as those in Florida, South Carolina and Mexico. Visitors vacationing on beaches where sea turtles lay eggs need to take care especially by turning off lights, using window blinds and not disturbing turtle nests which should be marked by a local turtle patrol.

Earlier this month, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment announced the upcoming release of “Turtle: The Incredible Journey,” a family documentary directed by National Geographic Explorer’s Nick Stringer. The award-winning film follows the life of a loggerhead turtle on its 9,000-mile, two year journey from hatching to maturity to its return to its original Florida nesting grounds.

A threatened species, the loggerhead turtle has one of the most difficult and longest migratory patterns of any marine animal. For example, sea turtles hatched on Florida’s east coast make their way from sand into the ocean and begin a journey that can span the entire Atlantic Ocean and eventually return decades later to that same beach.

“This is a remarkable story crafted by one of the world’s most gifted documentary filmmakers,” said Scott Helmstedter, Chief Creative Officer for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “Turtle: The Incredible Journey does what our parks have been doing for more than five decades: inspire, enrich and entertain. Helping bring this film and its powerful message of the fragility and beauty of our oceans to the public is what SeaWorld is and what we have always been about.”

“Turtle: The Incredible Journey” opens the same week as SeaWorld San Diego’s Turtle Reef, a new attraction showcasing this extraordinary species in a 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery.  The attraction also features thousands of tropical fish, a touch-screen interactive tracking map where guests can learn about sea turtles and SeaWorld’s rescue efforts.  Turtle Reef also includes a new ride that takes guests on a thrilling rescue mission of their own.

Initial theatrical markets set for June 24 include New York, Los Angeles and theaters near three primary SeaWorld locations: San Diego, San Antonio and Orlando.  The film’s official premiere is scheduled for Tuesday, June 21 at the large-format 3D theater at SeaWorld in San Diego.

Expansion plans call for the release of the film to additional theaters and cities throughout July and August, with a target of more than 200 locations. The film will be distributed in partnership with Hannover House by SeaWorld’s newly formed SeaWorld Pictures division.  Hannover House is the entertainment unit of Target Development Group.

This seems like a great film to watch with the family before heading out on a beach vacation so be sure to find time to see it before packing your bags.

Image Source: PRNewsFoto/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Jason Collier

Americans living in big cities and small towns are encouraged to nominate their favorite towns and attractions to be named points of interests (POI) for the inaugural Best of the Road contest. This road race is hosted by Rand McNally and USA TODAY and will enlist five teams who will drive from New York to Los Angeles in search of the best small town in America.

Now through May 23, Americans can nominate their favorite POI and the top ones will land a permanent spot on Rand McNally’s new travel Web site and a place in the 2013 Rand McNally Road Atlas, as well as on USA TODAY’s Travel Web page. It could be the Best Beach, Best Ball of Twine, Best Fishing Hole, or another must-see attraction.

To celebrate the Best of the Road, Rand McNally and USA TODAY are promoting the summer’s best road rally. Beginning June 23, five teams of at least two travelers will depart New York bound for Los Angeles seeking out America’s best whatever before the July 15 finish. Their mission is to leave no landmark unturned and discover every local secret by traveling back roads and scenic highways. Rand McNally and USA Today will pick the teams.

Teams will visit towns in their assigned category and fans can come along on the journey through video, photos and updates posted on www.bestoftheroad.com, Facebook and Twitter. USA Today and travel.usatoday.com will also cover the rally beginning June 23.

Interested in applying for the Best of the Road? Teams of at least two members (minimum age of 25) are asked to upload a video one-minute in length or less showcasing their skills as a cross-country traveler to www.bestoftheroad.com between May 2 and May 23, 2011. Best of the Road Rally contestants will be announced on May 31, 2011.

Visit www.bestoftheroad.com for the legal information and to nominate your town and/or attraction.

Meet Henry. He loves slow walks on the beach, Hilton Head Island and taking it easy. He’s also a few inches tall and lives in a shell. Henry is the Hilton Head Island turtle, a loggerhead who enjoys the good life.

The new spokesman will be featured in Hilton Head Island’s new “Escape the Usual” campaign which encourages Hilton Head vacationers to visit his website, www.escapetheusual.com. The site provides potential visitors with general information including destination information and ecotourism activities along with an introductory video.  The site also connects users to Hilton Head Island’s Facebook and Twitter channels. If you Tweet, follow the Twitter hashtag [#hhiturtle] to find Henry.

Hilton Head Island is the quintessential great American vacation getaway for families, couples and anyone else seeking the same. The island offers 12 miles of beaches, five-star dining, shopping, entertainment and a thriving cultural scene. And can’t forget the golf and tennis! The destination has been rated one of the Best Beaches and Best Family Destinations in Southern Living magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards and ranked as a Best Beach and Top 10 vacation rental destination in the 2011 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards.

Henry says start planning your Hilton Head Island vacation now. When the turtle speaks, you better listen.