June is the month...

June is the month to hit the road, mountain or trail. If you like biking on your island vacations, but hate those clunky rentals, consider a travel bike from www.bikefriday.com The "Pocket Rocket" folds-up in less than a minute and is made to stow in a travel bag & check onto your next flight.

"How do you Dew"


There are plenty of Midsummer Night festivals celebrated every year. But the celebration on Iceland is particularly interesting. On that night, June 24th, it is believed that the evening's dew has special properties, able to cure many health maladies, should you expose yourself to it.

And expose themselves they do...Many by rolling naked in it! Perfectly natural and perfectly visible, with help from the midnight sun. If that's not enough of an encounter for you, remember that cows are supposedly able to speak that night & your wishes will come true.

Lonelyplanet.com has everything you need to know about Iceland in its latest guide...in case you want to "do the dew" with the locals (or speak to the cows, for that matter).

"Movie Landmark Gone "

It's gone! 27 years after Chief Brody & his family lived there in the famous movie "Jaws," the classic Martha's Vineyard cottage recently & most unexpectedly met its fate.



With the best (though over zealous) intentions, new owners have been renovating the Jaws house. But structurally, the stress became too much for the early 20th c. landmark. And sadly it had to be taken down. Today, what remains of the original place is only the foundation. With a brand new house taking shape on top.

Watch the movie to see what it looked like in the 70's, when the good sheriff wrestled with keeping the fictitious "Amity Island" safe from the great white predator. The house will be missed. Certainly more than the shark!

"Summering with the Fashionable"


Who doesn't want to know how famous fashion designers spend their summers? Check in to see if June's "Vogue" magazine has one of your favorites in its 40 designers' Vacation Secrets.

From the Mediterranean to the Far East, each featured designer answers questions like: favorite hotel, dream destination & top 3 items in her suitcase.

Included is jewelry designer Jade Jagger on the island of Ibiza, Spain. After recently returning from the island ourselves, we can understand why she loves it. The northern countryside, where she has a villa, is incredibly beautiful. A far cry from the action in Ibiza Town, but just a 1/2 hour drive away. When the quiet becomes too much for rock-star Mick's daughter!

"Small but Able "


Small foldable bags are making big fashion news. Expect them to stay in vogue because of their versatility and good looks. From inexpensive to high end, here are few of the best to take on your next island sojourn:

Inexpensive, sturdy and really compact is the large "Xtra Bag" nylon tote. It comes in its own tiny pouch to always have on hand when shopping. www.flaxart.com

"NoBags" are sleek & modern envelope-style. We like the foldable totes, with leather cut-out handles. In 3 sizes & different colors from "Lancel." Order catalogue 1-866-452-6235.

"Longchamp" Liages Bags include a great backpack. In sporty canvas with leather trim, this French bag is ultra stylish & easily folded.