This time next week I’ll be in San Diego. I actually arrive on the 20th and I can’t wait. I already feel like I’m going to need a vacation from this vacation though. I can’t wait to start packing and checking things off my list. Today I’m going to swing by Target to pick up a few things and then this weekend I’ll start filling up the suitcases and double checking everything. Does anyone else out there find themselves always adding something to their bags? I do. Normally up until the time that I leave for the airport I’m shoving last minute or “just in case” items into my bags.

I’m really looking forward to “cooler” weather. It’s been in the 90s-100s the past few weeks and according to Weather.com it’s going to be in the uppper 60s and 70s out in San Diego. I can’t wait! Even if it hits 80 I can deal with that.

Even though I’m going out there for Comic Con I hope I can find time to see some other stuff as well. I think on Wednesday we’re going to try and hit Downtown and maybe one of the beaches before we head off to Preview Night for the convention.

New passport fees for the U.S. Passport Book, the U.S. Passport Card, and other passport services will be in effect on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. The cost of a passport for an adult will go from $100 to $135, including a $25 administrative fee. You’ll find yourself paying for additonal pages as well to the tune of $82. I’m not sure how many pages that you gets you but $82? Really?

You can find all the information you need here.

A few weekends ago I enjoyed a nice little “Staycation” by visiting Downtown Baltimore. The main agenda on this visit was to check out The National Aquarium. This is going to sound awful but the last time I was there I was still in middle school. I’ve always wanted to go back but I never seemed to have the time or the money. Since I was going to a ballgame later that night I figured it was a great chance to swing by and check out the sea critters.

The Aquarium is home to approximately 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals. Amazing, right? They house everything from birds to mammals and of course, fish. They even have an Australian Exhibit where you can find a Death Adder, Pig-nosed Turtle, Zebra Finch and more. The most popular exhibit of course it the dolphin show which happens a few times throughout the day. The dolphins at the Aquarium aren’t just for show. They are used in research as well such as the analysis of dolphin whistles and the effect noise pollution has on the beautiful creatures.

If you find yourself there anytime soon be sure to check out the Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance. Most of us think of Jellyfish as annoying little things that sting us at the beach but it really was amazing to see all the different types of Jellies. Did you know there are some Jellies out there that actually live upside down? How weird and interesting is that? I had no idea! It was really weird to see a bunch of Jellies all hanging out upside down.

The Aquarium offers three different ticket packages. They have a $24.95, $27.95 and a $29.95 option. The price depends on if you want to include the 4D theatre or the dolphin show. You can find the details here and you can purchase tickets online as well.

You can find the rest of the pictures from my visit at my SmugMug account.

I am now only 1 Rapid Reward credit away from a free flight. I totally forgot about a promo they did where if you were able to get someone to sign up for Rapid Rewards you could earn credits. I had one person sign up and I earned a half credit. I was surprised when I logged into my account and noticed the 1.5 went down to 1.

After my trip to San Diego I’ll actually have enough for my next free flight. I rented a car using Rapid Rewards and will be earning a few credits. Of course now I just need to think about where I want to go. I know a Disney trip is planned next year for a friends birthday. I could always use it for that or hold into it for another California trip or even Vegas.

Where would you go with a free Southwest flight?

Via the Southwest Facebook account:

Southwest Airlines For 72-hours only! We’re celebrating 39 years with $39 one-way fares! (taxes, fees, and exclusions apply). Read all the details and book your tickets here:

You can get all the details and book here.

Here are a few more details:

For 72 Hours Only, We’re Gonna Party Like It’s Our Birthday!
No need to bring a present to this birthday bash; we’re giving you one instead! For the next three days, you can score some of our most amazingly awesome deals of the year for travel September 8 – November 17, 2010. Our gift to you!

Don’t miss out on this limited-time-only party favor. Book by June 24, and let the celebration live on through your next vacation!

In a month I’ll be heading out to San Diego! I can’t believe it. I still feel like I have a ton of stuff to take care of before I leave. I still need to buy an extra battery for my camera, some comfy shoes, figure out what bags to bring and how I’m going to pack everything and a ton of other stuff. Comic Con isn’t even here yet and I already feel overwhelmed! As a first timer I’m sure this is pretty normal. I mean, I have all the important stuff taken care of and that’s what matters really. I’ve had the passes and hotel room booked for months, and I do mean months. I booked the rental car last week and prepaid for parking which helped save some money.

The panic will really set in once I know all the information for my shows that I want to see. I know who’s going to be there but no idea on what days, time or rooms yet. It seems like information is coming out slowly though. I know “Big Bang Theory” is on Friday but that’s about it for the stuff I care about. I have a feeling most of my shows will be on Thursday. Hopefully all in the same room and one after another. I don’t want to have to choose between shows. That would make me sad, very sad.

I’m so excited. I really can’t wait!

There are only 42 days left until I head out to San Diego for Comic Con. I’m getting really excited! I’m a little nervous too as this will be my longest flight to date. I’ll be fine on the way to San Diego since I have a Chicago layover and a friend will be joining me at that point but on the way back it’s non-stop and just little ole me! I’ll have to bring a good book or two to help kill some inflight time.

One reason that I’m getting even more excited is the fact that panel information is starting to be released. It turns out a crapload of shows I love will be there including Dexter, Big Bang Theory, Burn Notice, Psych & Bones plus a ton of others. You can see a list here. Just remember that panels/times/rooms can change at anytime, even during the event itself. I just hope my shows are either on different days or all in the same room. I really don’t want to have to choose between my TV loves!

I’m surprised at how fast time has seemed to fly by surrounding Comic Con. I seriously feel like it was just yesterday when I was talking about it with my friends and buying the tickets. The reality is it’s been months! I think it helps that I’ve actually been busy for once and haven’t had the time to sit down and mark days off the calendar if you will. I’ve had a wedding, a weekend trip to Chicago, baseball games and other “summer” activites.

Even though San Diego will be a long trip just because of all the events, I’m still looking really forward to a vacation!

I can’t believe San Diego Comic Con is just around the corner. In just 50 days I’ll be heading out to the West Coast. I’m not only excited about Comic Con but I’m excited to be visiting San Diego. It’s on my list of places I’d like to visit. I’m a little nervous too as this will be my 1st cross country flight. The way to San Diego shouldn’t be too bad as I’m meeting my friend in Chicago and she’ll be on my flight but on the way back it’ll be just me. I’ll have to remember to bring a good book or two for the return flight!

I’ve already started checking out what else I want to do while out there. I know I want to check out The San Diego Zoo and The Whaley House. As far as food I have no idea what’s the “must see” place to visit. If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

I really can’t wait. I know as more information is released for Comic Con, like what movies/shows will be there, I’ll get even more excited!

While in Chicago I stayed at The Palmer House Hilton. I was able to snag one hell of a deal at just $89 a night for a double room.

The hotel and our room were amazing! The lobby was beautiful. It had a really classy and elegant feel to it. The room was awesome too. I loved the color scheme and how large the room felt. A friend had a single room and ours was bigger by far.

The green has actually inspired me too add that as a pop of color when I redecorate my own room. Along with the room I fell in love with the carpet they had in the hallway.

I’ve been on a peacock kick as of late and this had my attention every time I left the room. Along with the peacocks in the room there were the Peacock Doors, originally designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany.

Amazing, aren’t they? You should see them in person. I believe they are worth over $1 million dollars.

All in all I feel I really got my money’s worth. The room was very roomy and comfy. The staff was helpful and friendly and the atmosphere was very relaxed and calm. The location was perfect as well. We could walk to Millennium Park, The Chicago Theatre and other must see landmarks plus the hotel is close to the subway (metro? whatever they call it in Chicago).

If you find yourself in Chicago and can snag a deal for The Palmer House Hilton I recommend doing so! While I’m not 100% sold that I would’ve paid full price for the room, I’d stay again if I could find another deal in a heartbeat.

While in Chicago I was able to earn 6 new Foursquare badges! It actually made the trip even more fun by trying to earn various badges by wandering around the city. Here’s a little break down of the badges that I earned while on vacation.

On Location: This is a special Chicago only badge that you can earn by visiting places in Chicago that were featured in different movies. You have to follow Explore Chicago to be able to earn the badge. I earned this badge on my last day in Chicago at the Lincoln Park Zoo!

Photogenic: You earn this badge by checking into 3 places that feature photobooths. This was a surprise as I didn’t expect to unlock this badge while checking out Wrigley Field.

Historian: This is another special badge that’s offered by The History Channel. You need to just visit 2 locations that they’ve tagged. I earned this badge by visiting The Field Museum & Soldiers Field. Wrigley Field was on the list as well but I had already earned the badge by then. I do think they should up it to 5 checkins.

Overshare: I wasn’t surprised to earn this badge as I was checking in all over the place! You earn this badge by doing 10+ checkins in 12 hours. I received this badge when I went out to dinner Saturday night at Ada’s Famous Deli.

Superstar: A simple badge to earn by checking into 50 different venues. I received this badge when I checked in at Henry’s Hot Dogs.

I’m on a boat!: I think you can figure this one out. I checked in at Shoreline Sightseeing and earned this badge while doing a boat tour of Chicago.

I think Foursquare has added a new layer to vacations. They were fun to begin with of course but with the added “scavenger hunt” feel that is Foursquare it’s added a different element and way to have fun when visiting a new city or special event.

I’m holding out hope that SDCC will offer special Foursquare badges like SXSW did this past year.