We were gonna send you off in to the long, Labor Day weekend with a preview of Burning Man, which wraps up this Saturday. But after the Burning Man himself got prematurely torched more bad news struck Black Rock City: An attendee hung himself while at the festival. The burn is still on for Saturday, but we're glad our end-o'-summer plans haven't gone up in smoke.

We hope yours don't end with a shark attack, flight glitches or having to switch rooms in a beat-up boutique hotel.

See you on Tuesday. And have fun out there:
· But Be Ready For Airport Nightmares... [Perrin Post]
· Because Fewer People Are Driving [CNN]
· Summer Turns to Fall at 6 Columbus [HotelChatter]
· The Jersey Shore Says Goodbye to Summer [NYT]
· Speaking of, Wherever You Are This Weekend, Don't Be a BENNY [WNYC]

[Photo: Tatiana Sapateiro]]]> pbb 2007-08-31T15:35:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/30/17020/7125

Ever since Guns & Ammo replaced The New Republic as the chosen reading material aboard Air Force One, the private 747 has seen a lot more pleasure travel. The president spent the last three weeks on vacation at his Crawford, Texas ranch, clearing brush and listening to national security briefings in his living room.

Through Labor Day weekend, Bush will camp out at the 1,600-acre compound. Until now, Reagan held the presidential vacation-time record, at 436 days in his two terms. Bush is already at 418 days with 17 months to go in his presidency.

Also indulging in the lazy days of late summer: Vice President Dick Cheney, who vacations in Wyoming and Maryland. Congress is gone until September 4, and the Iraqi parliament was out all month.

Even though President Bush can't run again, we have to add him to our Candidates Travel Map just because he spends so much time on the road. (While the rest of us struggle to use up our two weeks of vacation a year.) Better get that next trip planned soon, Obama!

Related Stories:
· Bush On Vacation [Houston Chronicle]
· Barack in Miami [Jaunted]
· 2008 Candidates Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: Hot Potato Mash]]]> ced138 2007-08-31T10:30:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/29/22452/5521

Summer's winding down, but the long Labor Day weekend means there's still time for one last Summer Vacation with an Edge.

Those looking back and finding their summer deficient of both blues licks and whitewater rafting might want to head out for Wildman Whitewater Ranch's Labor Day Music Fest in Athelstane, Wisconsin. You'll run rapids by day and get juiced up to the sounds of the finest Chicago blues and jug bands every night. Admit it, its been awhile since you've sat down to be entertained by a jug band.

Wildman's stock in trade is serving up barbecue and adventure adapted to all tastes and all levels of death wish. River runs are anywhere between spicy (class IV rapids) and extra mild (lazy river tubing), with kayak touring thrown in to round out the watersports. Dry land offers horseback riding, rappelling and ATV trails with an ever expanding list of other seasonal activities and amusements.

The place is unabashedly family friendly, though maybe not so much this weekend: The food remains authentic hardwood smoked pit BBQ served up in a joint that's been standing since it served hooch on the sly in the Twenties.

Related Stories:
· Wildman Whitewater Ranch [Official Site]
· Wisconson Travel coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: whitneynmatt]]]> Judson 2007-08-30T12:30:02-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/27/182027/402

Summer's winding down, but the long Labor Day weekend means there's still time for one last Summer Vacation with an Edge.

What better way to honor the workers whose blood and sweat built America's prosperity than by indulging in the fruit of their labors? This Labor Day weekend, soar above the amber-waves-of-grain and purple-mountain-majesty in a hot air balloon. For about $500 a, uh, pop, couples can hire a balloon for a private romantic ride.

Northeast city dwellers have plenty of options on the outskirts of town. Bostoners can head to High 5 Ballooning in nearby Derry, N.H., while New York City residents have multiple options in nearby New Jersey and upstate New York, including Alexandria Balloon Flights.

For the frugal traveler, group flights cost between $150 and $200 per person, meaning ballooning isn't exclusively for the uber-rich. Take that, Branson.

Related Stories
· High 5 Ballooning [Official Site]
· Alexandria Balloon Flights [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations With An Edge [Jaunted]

[Photo: heartlover1717]]]> ced138 2007-08-29T10:30:01-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/27/81050/5883

Summer's winding down, but the long Labor Day weekend means there's still time for one last Summer Vacation with an Edge.

Arizona's White Stallion Ranch sprawls across 3,000 acres of wide-open range near the Tucson Mountains and Saguaro National Park, offering the perfect blend of rugged outdoors and relaxation to cap off your summer and ease into fall.

The ranch owns one of the largest herds of horses in the state, and since this is Arizona, that's saying a lot. Expert guides lead rides for everyone from the novice rider to the most experienced, on rocky mountain paths and fast, flat dessert sand. For want-to-be cowboys the ranch even offers team cow penning three times a week.

For those who prefer their feet on the ground instead of in the stirrups, White Stallion's staff leads day-long hikes into the Tucson Mountains. After a day on the range, or in the hills, guests gather for a real southwest BBQ and have dinner under the stars.

Related Stories:
· White Stallion Ranch [Official Site]
· Summer Vacations With An Edge [Jaunted]
· Summer Vacations With An Edge Map [Jaunted]

[Photo: White Stallion Ranch]]]> jnaw 2007-08-28T12:30:01-05:00 32.380884 -111.16244 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2007/8/26/165010/118

Too busy soaking up rays and eating hot dogs to make Labor Day travel plans? Fortunately, discount travel site Travelzoo has just released its list of the 20 cheapest flights, stays, shows and packages throughout these United States for the big, long holiday weekend.

While the neighbors spend the holiday commemorating America's working-class heritage with lawn chair parades and backyard BBQs, Travelzoo readers can jet to Vegas on a $135 round-trip ticket to stay at the Stratosphere in Vegas for $35 a night before cashing in their $61 tickets to see Tony n' Tina's wedding.

Of course, interactive musicals in the capital of kitsch aren't for everyone. Travelzoo also posts deals this weekend on B&B packages in Nantucket and beach front hotel stays in Kauai--for one last chance to rock those white linen pants. Now that's the way to welcome fall.

Related Stories
· Labor Day Discounts [Travelzoo]
· Travel Deals [Jaunted]
· HOWTO coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: bsmif]]]> ced138 2007-08-27T14:30:01-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/