On March 11, 2011, Japan was struck by a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake, triggering an extremely destructive and deadly tsunami. These catastrophic events have caused extensive damage throughout coastal Japan, leaving almost 10,000 people confirmed dead and another 15,000 listed as missing. Millions more are affected by lack of electricity, water and transportation, while the Japanese nuclear power plant Fukushima has been crippled, making a dangerous situation even worse.

The Japanese people need our help.

Please take a minute to donate to these reputable charities that are providing care to fund their emergency efforts:

International Medical Corps
https://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org/SSLPage.aspx?pid=1967

Mercy Corps
https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan

The Red Cross
http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main&s_src=RSG000000000&s_subsrc=RCO_BigRedButton

And a super-easy way to donate with your mobile phone:
Donate $10 to the Red Cross to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "REDCROSS" to "90999." Your $10 gift to the American Red Cross will support their disaster relief efforts to help those in the earthquake in Japan and tsunami throughout the Pacific.

UNICEF
https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=9640&9640.donation=form1

Thank you for your time and help.

Busch Gardens Williamsburg has a full line-up of events planned for the 2011 season. From entertaining concerts to thrilling exhibitions, there are plenty of reasons to head to this Williamsburg theme park. Buy your Busch Gardens tickets today to get in on all of the fun.

The seasonal events start with Hip Hop Harry, who takes Busch Garden’s KIDsiderate program to a whole new level with a weekend of performances April 2-3, designed to entertain, educate and inform the park’s young guests. DJ Lance Rock from Yo Yo Gabba! will entertain guests April 16-17 as he performs songs from the hit pre-school show, as seen on Nickelodeon.

This spring Busch Gardens hosts Ramp Jam, an event from the ASA Action Sports World Tour. Guests will get to see the best in professional skateboarding, BMX and in-line skating April 30-May 1, 7-8, 14-15.

Glory at the Gardens returns this summer every Saturday and Sunday from June 11-26 with a fantastic line-up featuring the best acts in Christian music. Mercy Me, Mary Mary, Casting Crowns, BeBe & CeCe Winans and TobyMac are all slated to perform. All concerts are included with Busch Gardens tickets.

Busch Gardens continues it concert series with Busch Gardens Live, which will feature Colbie Caillat on June 4-5, Miranda Cosgrave July 30-31, Pat Benatar August 27-28 and Neil Sedaka September 3-4. All concerts are free with park admission.

IllumiNights lights up the park June 27-August 21 with live performances, music, special effects and nightly fireworks. Each country within Busch Gardens celebrates IllumiNights in its own unique way with multiple performances throughout the evening.

Wild Days roars into the park September 10-11, giving guests the opportunity to interact with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment animal ambassadors. You’ll be able to get up close with dozens of animals and learn how to help protect these animals and their environments.

Howl-O-Scream will rise to new terrifying levels when it haunts the park on weekends September 23-October 30.

Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens Williamsburg VA into a winter wonderland on select dates November 25-December 31.

Purchase your Busch Gardens Vacation Package today to experience Williamsburg Virginia!

Williamsburg Virginia has topped TripAdvisor’s Top 10 list for Great U.S. Destinations to Discover. Family travel is an increasingly important segment of the travel industry, with many families seeking new and fun ways to vacation. The 2011 Travelers’ Choice Family Awards were chosen based on the greatest number of recommendations from reviewers who traveled with family.

The Top 10 Great U.S. Destination to Discover include:

1. Williamsburg VA
2. Virginia Beach VA
3. Lake George NY
4. Pigeon Forge TN
5. Branson MO
6. Gatlinburg TN
7. Corpus Christi TX
8. Port Aransas TX
9. Daytona Beach FL
10. Destin FL

Now is a great time to travel to Williamsburg as Colonial Williamsburg is offering a variety of family-friendly activities. Plus, Busch Gardens opens March 26th, providing action-packed fun for everyone.

Colonial Williamsburg is an interactive historic area encompassing over 300 acres. 18th century America comes alive with historic re-enactors, cultural museums, educational yet interesting programs plus authentic dining establishments and shops are also available to Colonial Williamsburg visitors.

This spring marks new and exciting programming at Colonial Williamsburg, making it a great time for families to visit the historic locale. In fact, Colonial Williamsburg was named one of Travel + Leisure Magazine’s Top Family Spring Destinations. Some of the new activities for families to engage in include learning rural trades at Great Hopes Plantation, playing and games and trying chores as the Benjamin Powell House that kids would’ve done in the 18th century. Families can also stomp clay at the 18th century brickyard as part of making authentic-style bricks used in the reconstruction of local historic sites.

Colonial Williamsburg – which is part of America’s Historic Triangle – also presents a variety of evening programs from storytelling to ghost tours to witch trials to music and dancing. The “Live after Five” programs present a little something for everyone.

This spring, take you family on a Williamsburg vacation – where the past comes alive!