The Hutchinson salt mine is also home to Underground Vaults and Storage, a secure facility housing corporate and medical records, film reels from Hollywood and other valuables. While the 26-acre, secure storage area is off-limits to the public, a replica in the museum depicts the look and setup of a film vault and rotates displays from movie studios, including costumes from "Batman and Robin," "Giant" and "The Matrix."
FYI: Hutchinson is about 50 miles northwest of Wichita. The Underground Salt Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m., closed on Mondays. The last tour begins at 4 p.m. Admission is $13.50, children 4-12 $8.50. Reservations are recommended, call 866-755-3450. Web site www.undergroundmuseum.org.
WARM WINTER FUN
Half Moon resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, will launch its "Winter Escape" package, designed for large families, on Jan. 5. Groups of eight to 14 people staying a minimum of five nights in villa accommodations will receive credits of $1,000 for a five-bedroom villa and $1,400 for a seven-bedroom villa. The package includes daily breakfast and round-trip airport transfers. Guests have a choice of water, waterfront or garden views.
An exciting choice for exploring Jamaica by boat is the Chukka ocean safari, designed specially for two by Chukka Adventures. Guests are escorted to their own private beach, where a Chukka guide will give partners an orientation and test their skills before they take to the open sea. Couples will head up the picturesque coastline of Jamaica's garden parish St. Ann to a private sanctuary, home to the indigenous snow-white egret. Chukka guides provide a history of Jamaica and its landmark sites during the tour. A visit to a select private spot offers great snorkeling before the return journey to the beach for relaxation and a tropical drink.
FYI: For more information on Half Moon's Winter Escape package, visit www.halfmoon.com or call 866-648-6951. Rates for the Chukka ocean safari are $65 per person. Tour lasts three hours. Visit www.chukkacaribbean.com/MontegoBay/oceansafari.php, or call 877-424-8552.
Experience a South African tour and safari adventure available at an unprecedented price from African Safari Specialists Premier Tours. Choose between two packages - both include airfare and an exhilarating safari through majestic Kruger National Park game reserve and feature local wine tasting and tours of the scenic Cape Town region with additional inclusions.
Package one: Highlights of South Africa includes 10 days from $2,995 per person. Four nights will be spent in Cape Town, with a full-day Cape Peninsula tour, a full-day wine lands tour, three nights at a private safari lodge in Kruger National Park, open-vehicle game drives, breakfast daily, three lunches and three dinners, and airport transfers.
Package Two: Overland Explorer includes 22 days from $2,995 per person and requires some flexibility and an adventurous spirit, as some nights will be spent in log cabins (sleeping bag required). All transportation is included, as are most meals. Open-vehicle game drives will take visitors through reserves and national parks, as well as the Drakensberg Mountains and the Kingdom of Swaziland. Included are a visit to a wine farm and tasting, a Karoo Desert farm stay, an otter trail walk, Knysna boat trip and a Table Mountain hike.
FYI: Airfare from JFK or Dulles and intra-Africa flights are included. Valid for travel Jan. 7-March 31. Single-traveler supplement is available. For more information, visit www.premiertours.com or call 800-545-1910.
