travel

My needs are quite specific when it comes to a suitcase. It must be expandable, have a front zippered section large enough for my laptop, be lightweight and in any color other than black. Oh, and it has to have four wheels.

While you may think of camping sites, lodges and cabins for park accommodations, some offer lodging a bit more out-of-the box. We recently stayed in a 1970s barrel cabin in Unicoi State Park in North Georgia, so named because it’s shaped like a giant barrel.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority’s (OTA) construction of the Gilcrease Expressway continues to move forward at a record pace. The project connects L.L. Tisdale to I-44 and completes the western loop around the Tulsa metro area. The project was first envisioned nearly 60 years ago.

Preparing for a trip can be daunting. Here are a few things that should be at the top of your packing list, no matter where you’re heading this summer:

With warmer weather and summer break, more people will be going on road trips and vacations. Many of these travelers will take a turnpike to get to their destinations faster.

Springtime and sunshine call for a windows-down cruise along historic Route 66 (with “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts playing, of course).

For many Oklahoma football fans, OU-Texas weekend in October is comparable to a holiday.

I went to check in for a flight recently and located my confirmation number on my calendar. Then I hit a snag: I didn’t remember which airline I was on. But my days of searching for flight confirmations are over.

Traveling with a baby has turned parents into sherpas, transporting mountains of gear for their little ones. Lighten that load when you stay with a Destination Hotels property. This collection of independently owned hotels and resorts in the US and Caribbean has partnered with Babierge to offer parents the option of renting baby gear instead.

Cloverleaf is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience in Oklahoma. Visitors can’t miss the bright pink castle decorated with rainbow-colored bicycles, old Dairy Queen signs, teal dragons and a bright pink RV.

In 2004, the International Air Transport Association began pushing airlines to issue electronic tickets. Prior to that, most passengers received their tickets through the mail from a travel agent or from an airline ticket office.

Take the road less traveled in Oklahoma, and you’re bound to stumble upon some quirky roadside attractions. Weird statues and kitschy museums dot the state, but here are some must-sees:

Years ago, travel agents were the ideal way to book vacations. Today, with online resources coupled with our ever-growing desire for personalized service, we need a new kind of partner to help with our holiday plans; we need a travel advisor.

Oklahoma is full of adventure! Here are three commonly unknown destinations for your summer itinerary:

A popular place for families to catch parades is on St. Charles Avenue near Napoleon. Viewing ladders are lined up like wooden soldiers, providing the perfect vantage for catching coveted spears, plush and beads. From princesses to cowboys, kids in costumes capture the spirit of Mardi Gras — as well as the throws.

The Washington Times’ Eric Althoff recently visited Oklahoma City and was surprised by what he found.

Traveling can be stressful, but these great gadgets make life on the go a breeze.

• Ostrich Pillow: Our personal favorite, the Ostrich Pillow provides a micro sleeping environment featuring polystyrene filling and soft interior allowing you to power nap anywhere.

• Steripod: This toothbrush protector kills germs of any kind. Each clip-on pod lasts three months.

• World’s Smallest Travel Steam Iron: It may be mini, but this 420-watt travel steamer packs a mighty punch to your wrinkled clothing; a must-have for Business travelers.

• Loop Worldwide Travel Adapter: Stay charged worldwide. Loop’s charging ports work throughout 150 different countries.

Going somewhere this Labor Day? Keep these five Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) safety tips in mind on your way to Grand Lake or wherever your holiday weekend plans might take you:

1. Always buckle up.
2. Avoid cell phone use while operating your vehicle. Remember, it’s against the law to text while driving.
3. Be attentive in work zones and keep both hands on the wheel.
4. Plan ahead to allow ample time to reach destinations.
5. Keep water on hand when traveling in the heat.

Central location within walking distance of many attractions. Check. Gorgeous, historic, recently renovated common areas. Check. Spacious accommodations and friendly service — the Palace Hotel has it all for a stay in San Francisco.

Just a two-hour flight from Atlanta, Cancun has beautiful white-sand beaches and access to adventures like exploring ancient ruins, cave-rappelling, snorkeling and zip-lining.

I counted more than seven museums I could easily walk to from The ART hotel in downtown Denver, which opened summer 2015.

Any trip to Africa isn’t complete without a safari, and in the 23 days I visited the country of South Africa, I experienced three. South Africa is a surprising land, and when I traveled with the Drifters Adventure Tours, I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

Attend a tea party hosted by the Governor General’s wife in Nassau, feast on a home-cooked meal, listen to their famous rack and scrape music, or enjoy a fish fry with locals. These are just a few of the things available when you get off the typical tourist path with the Bahamas People-to-People Experience.

Whether sipping a cocktail as shimmering waves gently caress your boat, enjoying an elegant evening on a city rooftop amidst a symphony of traffic or capturing the silhouettes of wildlife wrapped in shadows of dusky light, Oklahoma’s sunsets are a breathtaking canvas of color. Hauntingly beautiful views can be seen throughout the state, but here is a sampling of our most enchanting sunset spots:

1. Quartz Mountain Nature Park – Lone Wolf
2. Lake Eufaula – Eufaula
3. Mayo Penthouse Bar – Tulsa
4. Oklahoma River Cruises – OKC
5. Lake Murray – Ardmore
6. Veterans Lake – Sulphur
7. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve – Pawhuska
8. Arkansas River – Tulsa

When I used to have a job that required me to drive throughout northeastern Oklahoma, I always enjoyed driving historic Route 66. It was less stressful, and I was able to enjoy the beauty of our state.

Even if you don’t have a daughter getting married, like I do, if you like dresses you’ll love the new exhibition at Biltmore, “Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film.” View gowns from 19 films including Pride and Prejudice, Out of Africa, Emma and Sense and Sensibility on exhibition throughout the home in Asheville, North Carolina.

Love music? Pop, jazz, blues, country, funk, opera, Western swing, gospel, folk, musical theater and rock – our state has a rich and varied musical heritage worth exploring.

Celebrating its 300th anniversary, Natchez, Mississippi, is the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River. Tour some of its gorgeous antebellum homes during the annual Spring Pilgrimage March 5- April 5, when 24 homes are open.

The new year brings with it new opportunities to explore Oklahoma. Start with a trip to Grand Lake or Fort Gibson Lake in March or April to snag a paddlefish, a species dating back 70 million years.

A cucumber margarita, Spanish tapas, green chilaquiles rojos, 24-hour deli and Japanese Teppanyaki grill experience are a few of the…