The John C. Freeman Weather Museum, founded and operated by meteorologists, opened in 1987 as part of the Weather Research Center; in April of 2006 the museum was relocated into a renovated 1930's mansion, its current location, in the Houston Museum District. This is the first and only museum of its kind in the United States. In 2007 the museum adopted “Radar The Weather Dog” from KPRC.

The museum has as its mission and goals to educate people about the weather, weather safety and to make people weather-wise. With this goal in mind, the museum maintains many interactive exhibits such as a local TV set up, WRC-TV, which allow visitors to experience the role of a weather reporter. Visitors can also find out of if there is a risk to their homes and communities from storm surge flooding which occurs during Category 5 hurricanes. The museum also conducts other educational programs such as Weather Camp and Weather Labs. To find out more about these programs, contact the museum for more information.

General admission to the museum is priced at a reasonable $5.00 for Adults, and $3.00 for Children and Seniors. Kids under the age of 3 are free. There is also free admission on Thursday from Noon until 4PM. There are guided tours available for a fee.

“Chill On,” is Melbourne, Australia's first ice bar. The hot sizzling temperatures outside make the inside feel much more enjoyable. At $30AU per adult and $15AU per child (before 6pm kids are allowed in) the price includes gear to keep you warm while you're inside.

You're only allowed to enjoy your stay for 30 minutes and are given a buzzer when your time is up.

Your drinks are on ice, literally. The glasses you drink from are frozen ice, imagine that!

For more information check out their website.

Valid 10 Year Passport

American tourists visiting the UK will need to hold a valid American passport that will not expire during their trip. A passport with a 6 month validity still left is usually required when visiting the UK. The UK has an agreement with the United States that allows visitors to enter the UK on a visa waiver programme for a visit up to 3 months in duration. If you intend to stay for a longer period of time, you will need to obtain the correct visa prior to your arrival in the UK, not after you get there.

The Weather

The British weather is very temperamental and hard to predict. It is possible that a bright, sunny day will soon turn cloudy and then rainy. Or a rainy day may quickly brighten up. The best way to tackle the British weather is to dress in layers. When packing, do not just keep up to date with what the weather is like two weeks or even a week prior to travel. Pack appropriately for every eventuality so that you can be prepared for quick changes in weather. Do not assume that the summer will be sunny everyday. The summer of 2007 saw torrential floods and very little sunshine across parts of the UK.

British English

The British and Americans share a basic common language, but there will be times that you will encounter some awkward situations if you are not conversant in a few words and phrases in British English. Pick up a good British travel guide for extra advice on British English, watch BBC America or visit British English websites that are designed to help prepare Americans for their trip across The Pond.

Travel Insurance

Are you prepared for every eventuality? Have you planned on what to do if your luggage is lost or stolen or you are seriously injured in the UK? It is wise to consider taking out travel insurance prior to your trip to the UK. While hospitals will not turn anyone away who has been seriously injured, hospitals will not treat you for free as they would if you were a British resident.