RVing Remains A Popular Choice For Summer Travel

Above, Graceland RV Park and Campground on Elvis Presley Blvd. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Memorial Day weekend is a little over a week away and the summer vacation season is a month away. The RV industry says that RVing remains a popular means of travel.

It is easy to understand why. People can sleep in their own beds (with their own DNA) and travel where they want at their own pace. They also can save money by cooking their own meals.

PR Newswire posted:

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RV Industry Association, the leading trade voice of the RV industry and the companies it represents, released its latest Summer Travel Intentions survey data revealing 44 million Americans plan to travel by RV this summer. This data signifies that RVing remains a steady travel option for vacationers, remote workers, and families engaging in schooling enrichment during the summer months.

To read more, go here. 

JFK Assassination Testimony Rifle Comes to Auction

Above, a rifle like this one at the 6th Floor Museum in Dallas is up for auction. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Here's something interesting that is coming up at auction for gun collectors.

It is an exact recreation of Lee Harvey Oswald's Mannlicher-Carcano rifle used to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. It was used during the House Select Committee on Assassinations back in 1978. It was also used in a movie on the assassination.

PR Newswire reported: 

BEDFORD, Texas, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An exact recreation of the JFK assassination rifle, owned and utilized by ballistics expert Monty Lutz during his testimony for the House Select Committee on Assassinations, will come to auction this May. The rifle also starred in the 1986 movie "On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald," where Lutz played himself. Lutz's Carcano rifle will be offered during the first day of Rock Island Auction Company's May 2-4 Premier Auction.

The rifle is an identical configuration to the "Mannlicher-Carcano" rifle long recognized as the weapon used by Lee Harvey Oswald to assassinate President John F. Kennedy. Lutz's rifle was even ordered from the same retailer Oswald used and mounted with an identical scope. Such duplication was critical when this rifle was utilized during the 1978 investigation by the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA), where Lutz cited testing the rifle at various distances. The exact replication of the assassination weapon was a quintessential component in the investigation as the nation continued to search for answers in the tragedy's aftermath.

Lee Harvey Oswald's rifle is currently housed at the National Archives in College Park, Maryland.

To read more, go here. 

The Mirage Hotel Now History

Above, The Mirage's sign on Las Vegas Blvd. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas is now history.

It had been acquired by and will be transformed into the Hard Rock Las Vegas, which will be a two-year project.

Above, The Mirage in January 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

According to PR Newswire:

LAS VEGAS, May 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International (HRI) today announced its plans to cease operations of The Mirage Hotel & Casino as of July 17, 2024, to begin the transformation of the property into the highly anticipated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Guitar Hotel Las Vegas (HRHCLV).  

Hard Rock will develop a new integrated resort featuring a nearly 700 ft. guitar-shaped hotel towering prominently in the center of the famous Las Vegas Strip. 

Above, yours truly in front of The Mirage in April 2015. Photo by Amber Vaquer.

I stayed at The Mirage once, which was over New Years in 2015-16 and saw "The Beatles Love" show. I had been there once before when my daughter applied to work in the hotel's dolphin show. We stayed in the motorhome at Circus Circus RV Park on that trip, which was the first for the RV after I bought it. 

To read more, go here.

A Travel Expert's Guide To Visiting Japan In Autumn

Above, Nakamise Street in Asakusa with autumn colors. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

My favorite times for visiting Japan are in the spring or autumn. The weather is generally comfortable without the stifling heat of summer. I was last in Japan during the autumn of 2015.

Right now, the borders of Japan are closed to foreign visitors, but sooner or later (hopefully sooner), it will reopen again. So this time can be used to plan out a trip for when tourists are allowed back in.

PR Newswire has an article from Australia on a travel expert's guide to visiting Japan in the autumn.

They begin it with:

MELBOURNE, Australia, Jan. 28, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Japan is a wildly popular travel destination – tourists typically tend to flock there by the thousands each winter for the snow season and every spring to see the famous cherry blossom trees in full bloom. However, many travel experts are increasingly recommending autumn as the prime time to visit Japan. Inspiring Vacations – expert in all things travel, from the best tours Egypt to Asia and everywhere in between – weighs in on why autumn in Japan isn't to be missed.

To read more, go here. 

Pilot Flying J Launches New Travel App

Above, the Pilot Flying J travel center in Jamestown, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To make road travel easier for truckers, auto and RV travelers, Pilot Flying J has launched a new app.

According to PR Newswire:

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., April 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Pilot Flying J, the largest travel center network in North America, announced today the launch of its new mobile app. With features specifically geared toward the professional driver as well as the auto traveler and RV customer, the app is designed to make travel easier for everyone on the road. Developed with drivers in mind, the new Pilot Flying J app saves users time and money with a more personalized experience tailored to drivers' type of travel, location, preferences and needs.

To read more, go here. 

Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto In Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards

Above, Osaka Castle. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Condé Nast Traveler has posted their Readers' Choice awards and three Japanese cities made the top 20 in their "The Best Cities in the World: Best Big Cities" list.

PR Newswire reported:

NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Condé Nast Traveler magazine today announced the results of its 31st annual Readers' Choice Awards, including "The Best Cities in the World: Best Big Cities" list, featuring the Japanese cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka ranked at #1, #2 and #12, respectively. 

"This wonderful recognition of three of Japan's best cities demonstrates the continued interest in Japan as a top destination among US travelers," stated Naohito Ise, Executive Director of the New York Office of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO). "JNTO will continue to work to inspire travelers to visit all of our cities, as well as lesser-known regions." 

One of the most popular cities in the world, Japan's capital city of Tokyo is a thriving center of culture and innovation, which in June 2018 saw the opening of the world's first digital museum, the MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM. Kyoto, the former capital of Japan, offers rich history throughout the city, alongside world-class restaurants and hotels, including the forthcoming openings of the Ace Hotel and the Park Hyatt Kyoto in 2019. The second largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka is home to Osaka Castle, a rich local food scene and abundant nightlife offerings.

To read more, go here. 

Hotel Gracery Asakusa Opening

Above, Godzilla "threatens" the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Most Godzilla fans are familiar with the Hotel Gracery in the Shinjuku Ward of Tokyo.

Now Fujita Kanko (the parent company) has announced the opening of the Hotel Gracery Asakusa.

According to the press release from PR Newswire:

TOKYO, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fujita Kanko Inc., a leading Japanese hospitality company headquartered in Tokyo, has announced the opening of Hotel Gracery Asakusa, the fourth Gracery property in Tokyo, scheduled for October 4th. The most recent Tokyo opening was Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, the company's celebrated Godzilla-themed hotel. 

Asakusa, with its nostalgic downtown atmosphere reminiscent of old Tokyo, and known for its venerable temples and shrines, traditional eateries, and artisan shops, is a popular sightseeing area especially with international visitors. Notable Asakusa sites include Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple built in the 7th century, and Nakamise Dori, a long shopping street leading to Sensoji packed with traditional crafts and street food. The nearby Sumida River is a perennial favorite recreational spot for Tokyoites. Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in Japan with an observation deck, stands across the river. 

The 125-room hotel stands minutes from Asakusa stations on the Ginza and Asakusa subway lines. With easy access to/from Narita and Haneda airports and other key shopping/entertainment districts of Tokyo, (16 minutes by subway to/from Ginza, 4 minutes by Tsukuba Express train to/from Akihabara), it provides a perfect base to explore Tokyo.

To read more, go here.

Survey Debunks RV Myths

Above, The Beast at the Meteor Crater RV parking lot in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are myths associated with most everything in life, and that includes RV travel.

Outdoorsy conducted a survey and its findings debunks a number of RV travel myths.

PR Newswire posted:

AUSTIN, Texas, June 28, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today Outdoorsy announced survey findings that debunk recreational vehicle (RV) myths, while uncovering surprising insights into American and millennial travel trends ahead of an anticipated record-breaking number of road trips this July 4th. In a historical shift, Americans say the freedom to do what they want and experience new things are vital to their happiness ahead of material possessions, and for nearly half of those surveyed, RV travel represents freedom and adventure.

To read more, go here. 

Duke: 39 Years Ago

Above, John Wayne in Monument Valley.

39 years ago, June 11, 1979, I remember like it was yesterday.

It was the day when I first became an insurance claims adjuster when I started working at United Pacific/Reliance Insurance Companies in Los Angeles. I had graduated from California State University, Long Beach the previous month. I spent most of the day in a small conference room studying homeowners policies and training books.

After work, I arrived home in Hawthorne, California and my mom told me that John Wayne had died.

What began as an happy and exciting day of starting a new career, ended on a sad note.

The New York Times published at the time:

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 

Los Angeles, June 11 -- John Wayne, the veteran Hollywood actor, died today at 5:23 P.M., Pacific daylight time, at U.C.L.A. Medical Center, a hospital spokesman said. The cause of death was given as complications from cancer. 

Mr. Wayne, 72 years old, had been hospitalized for treatment of cancer of the lower abdomen since May 2, when he was admitted for his second cancer operation of the year. His lower intestine was partly removed in the operation. 

Mr. Wayne's second bout with cancer began earlier this year with what was officially described as a routine gall bladder operation. He had entered the Medical Center Jan. 10 and two days later his stomach was removed in a 9*- hour operation when a low-grade cancerous tumor was discovered. 

'Duke,' an American Hero 

by Richard Shephard 

In more than 200 films made over 50 years, John Wayne saddled up to become the greatest figure of one of America's greatest native art forms, the western. 

The movies he starred in rode the range from out-of-the-money sagebrush quickies to such classics as "Stagecoach" and "Red River." He won an Oscar as best actor for another western, "True Grit," in 1969. Yet some of the best films he made told stories far from the wilds of the West, such as "The Quiet Man" and "The Long Voyage Home." 

In the last decades of his career, Mr. Wayne became something of an American folk figure, hero to some, villain to others, for his outspoken views. He was politically conservative and, although he scorned politics as a way of life for himself, he enthusiastically supported Richard M. Nixon, Barry Goldwater, Spiro T. Agnew, Ronald Reagan and others who, he felt, fought for his concept of Americanism and anti-Communism. 

But it was for millions of moviegoers who saw him only on the big screen that John Wayne really existed. He had not created the western with its clear-cut conflict between good and bad, right and wrong, but it was impossible to mention the word "western" without thinking of "the Duke," as he was called.

Naturally, the local and national network news extensively covered Wayne's passing. There was even a television retrospective on the life and films of John Wayne later that night. Not too many movie stars are accorded such coverage these days. In fact, I can't think of any that did receive such coverage since Wayne.

Next year, it will be 40 years since Wayne's passing, yet he still remains popular. Two years ago, PR Newswire posted:

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The most popular film actor of the 20th century, John Wayne, is once again in the top five on The Harris Poll's annual list of "America's Favorite Movie Stars," this year landing the fourth spot. More than 38 years after his death, Wayne is the only late actor in the top 10 and has never fallen out in over two decades.

To read more, go here.

RVing Getting A Bad Rap From Hollywood?

Above, The Beast at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Is Hollywood giving RVing a "bad rap"?

Well, considering how screwed up Hollywood is lately, one should just consider the source.

If one should have any fears about trying out the RV lifestyle, they should read an article posted by PR Newswire. They also include a link to the "top ten tips for first-time RVers".

They start it with:

SAN FRANCISCO, May 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- If you haven't been RVing before, it might be because Hollywood has given it a bad rap. It's all in good fun, but with sketchy RV experiences immortalized in movies, you may have gotten the idea that it's an accident waiting to happen. 

Not true, said Dave Simmons, one of the world's leading experts in RV rentals and the CEO of the newly launched Mighway, an innovative peer-to-peer RV rental platform. "RV ownership and rentals are at record highs because those who've done it know it's not only much cheaper than a regular vacation, but if done correctly it's an amazing adventure that can bring you closer to loved ones," Simmons said. "But if you've seen nightmare road trip movies, from 'RV' and 'We're the Millers' to 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' and TV shows like 'Breaking Bad, it might have put you off the idea. National Camping Month in June, especially National RV day on June 7, is the perfect time to get out on the road and see what you're missing."

To read more, go here. 

New One-stop Guide Service "LIVE JAPAN PERFECT GUIDE TOKYO" Launched for Foreign Visitors

Above, a Shinjuku,Tokyo shopping and restaurant street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

TOKYO, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gurunavi, Inc., Tokyu Corporation and Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. have launched "LIVE JAPAN PERFECT GUIDE TOKYO" (LIVE JAPAN, http://livejapan.com/ ), a one-stop travel guide service for overseas visitors to Japan created in collaboration with 18 other participating companies and a public-sector administrative body.

There are many multilingual travel information services for foreign visitors to Japan, but it is becoming increasingly difficult for tourists to select the right websites. In response, the 21 private and public entities supporting LIVE JAPAN (http://livejapan.com/en/about/ ) have taken advantage of their expertise to provide information that meets the needs of foreign visitors. The website provides information in eight languages -- Japanese, English, simplified & traditional Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai (some content is subject to limited availability in some languages).

(Documentation 1:
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M101922/201605060399/_prw_OI1fl_JipjoO9d.JPG )


The details of the service are as follows:

-- Facilities Guide Service: find out what's going on in Tokyo right now in four categories: "Visiting," "Eating," "Shopping" and "Lodging." In addition to providing brief descriptions of each establishment with contact and location information, you can click on a link to share the information at social networking sites. The biggest distinctive feature is the "LIVE INFORMATION" function, providing real-time information that enables users to enjoy what's happening in Tokyo right now.

For details, see (Documentation 2:
http://prw.kyodonews.jp/prwfile/release/M101922/201605060399/_prw_OI2fl_gR9FCwX0.JPG )


-- Useful Services addressing visitors' problems and needs: Divided into three categories, these services were developed to meet the most essential needs of foreign visitors: 1) a Useful Travel Map that visitors can use to search for 19 types of highly essential locations, such as ATMs, Wi-Fi hot spots, etc., 2) route search, airport bus and other transportation guide content, and 3) an Emergency Page featuring the 110 police and 119 fire/medical emergency numbers, embassy contact information, etc. The banner linking to "Safety Tips," an app for disaster information provided by the Japan Tourism Agency, is also on the page. (For details, see http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/pc/index.html )

-- Information Content comprises 1) features on how to enjoy staying in Tokyo and seasonal trends, 2) an introduction of Japanese culture, such as how to offer prayers at Shinto shrines, and 3) how-to instructions for using trains, paying at restaurants, etc.

SOURCE: Gurunavi, Inc.

Related Links:

http://livejapan.com

Tokyo's Imperial Hotel Celebrating 125th Anniversary

Above, the main lobby of the Imperial Hotel. PR Newswire photo.

It may not be the same Imperial Hotel that reporter Steve Martin (Raymond Burr) stayed at in 1956's Godzilla, King of the Monsters, but the grand hotel is celebrating its 125th anniversary.

According to PR Newswire:

TOKYO, Sept. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Imperial Hotel, Ltd. announced on September 25 that the Japanese capital's legendary Imperial Hotel is celebrating its 125th year of uninterrupted business this November 3 with an extensive renovation of all 361 rooms in its 31-story Imperial Tower as well as with a number of special events and activities underway now through March 31, 2016.

The Imperial Hotel is just a short walking distance away from the Godzilla statue in Hibiya.

 To read more, go here.