May | 2017 | DISTANT LANDS TRAVEL SERVICES

In the world of theme parks, one of the most anticipated events of the year is the opening of “Pandora–The World of Avatar” in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World. Beginning on May 17, park guests can fly on the back of a mountain banshee during an exhilarating 3D ride; journey deep into a bioluminescent rainforest in search of the Na’vi Shaman of Songs; and hike amid floating mountains and glowing flora and fauna.

The 2009 movie epic, Avatar, was the highest-grossing film of all time, and revolutionized the 3D film experience. Bringing the fantastical world of Pandora to life has been several years in the making. Creative director Joe Rohde talks about the logic and process of adding the world of Avatar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom:

Experience Pandora for yourself this summer, and save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World resorts from May 28 – August 31, 2017. Discount valid most nights, but rooms must be booked by July 14.

For more information, contact Susan Hickman at Distant Lands Travel.

When it comes to driving destinations, Germany has to be one of the top places that comes to mind. The Autobahn is famous for its lack of speed limits, but as one of Europe’s largest countries, Germany also boasts kilometer after kilometer of scenic backcountry driving, as well. In March, Auto Europe, one of the leading global car rental agencies, divulged the 7 top destinations for traveling motorists in Germany:

#7 Nuremberg
The city is known for malty red-beer and a maze of sandstone cellars, Nuremberg’s now revived urban center is perfectly situated between Frankfurt & Munich making it an easily accessible driving destination.

# 6 Stuttgart
Stuttgart is a top-notch European city filled with amazing architecture, culture, dining, and art. It’s also home to the Cannstatter Volksfest an ideal spot to enjoy traditional German Oktoberfest celebrations with less tourist traffic.

# 5 Hamburg
This charming port town and Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg offers travelers much to do & see and its location makes it the perfect launching off point for a European road trip.

#4 Dusseldorf
Recognized as the center of German advertising and fashion, Dusseldorf has a lively energy that offers an exciting nightlife, fun carnivals, shopping, and trade fairs. From Dusseldorf, travelers can easily drive to explore Belgium and the Netherlands as well as other locations along the Rhine River.

#3 Berlin
A global city of politics, media, culture and science, Berlin is home to some of the world’s most fascinating historic attractions, culturally significant monuments, and modern amenities.

#2 Frankfurt
Located along Germany’s acclaimed Fairy Tale Road, Wine Route and one of the oldest touring roads in the world the Romantic Road, it’s no surprise North American travelers choose Frankfurt as a top self-drive destination!

#1 Munich
The gateway to some of the most stunning landscape in the world, the Bavarian capital of Munich is host to the world’s largest Oktoberfest. The self-drive adventures are virtually limitless from Munich on a journey through the awe- inspiring Bavarian Alps, or to the area’s storybook villages & castles are all within an easy day’s drive.

No matter how long or short your vacation, or which part of Germany you’re visiting, there are plenty of amazing opportunities to hit the road. There are just a couple of things to keep in mind, though. Automatic transmissions are relatively rare in Europe, so if you can’t drive a stick shift, you’ll have fewer choices and pay more to rent a car. And, Germany’s driving laws and customs sometimes differ greatly from the U.S. A good source for basic driving advice is the website of the U.S. embassy in Germany.