PERFORMING ARTS

DESERT ROCK: COACHELLA FESTIVAL

Spring is rock festival season. And if you're heading off-island, there are plenty to choose from. The reconvened Police, Red Hot Chili Peppers and White Stripes are just a few big names on Mainland lineups.

For Hawai'i and West Coast fans, this month's three-day Coachella festival in Indio, Calif., is reason enough to book passage to the high desert near Palm Springs. From its humble beginning in 1999, when 25,000 showed up, organizer Goldenvoice expects around 180,000 this year, including Hollywood celebs. You can camp in Coachella Valley by the San Jacinto Mountains or stay in nearby Indio. Days are hot (90-plus degrees), but dusk is breezy and desert nights are cool, especially with a lineup that includes Bjork, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine and Arctic Monkeys. April 27-29. The Empire Polo Club, Indio. Admission: $85 each day. Three-day pass is $249. www.coachella.com.

— Chris Oliver

LOCATIONS

NEWLYWEDS TAKE TO THE ROAD

Whet your travel appetite this month and tune in to the Travel Channel.

Inspired by Patricia Schultz’s best-selling travel book, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” chronicles the journey of a young couple who put their lives on hold to travel the world for 14 weeks.

Albin and Melanie Ulle, Colorado newlyweds, journey to 13 countries and close to 100 of the 1,000 places covered in the book, while experiencing the local charms and traditions along the way. The series’ Thursday debut had the couple exploring Alaska and Italy. This week, the Ulles discover Oçahu and the Big Island.

On O'ahu, a hike up Diamond Head turns them on to one of the most stunning views on the island. On the Big Island, they explore one of the world’s most active volcanoes, learn to surf and cliff dive. And then it’s off to Brazil, Australia and France. Follow their journey, see photos, watch videos and get the TV schedule at www.travelchannel.com/1000places.

— Chris Oliver

TOP 10

INTERNATIONAL HOT SPOTS

The most popular international cities for this summer, from an American Society of Travel Agents survey:

London: 12.3 percent

Rome: 9.9 percent

Cancun, Mexico: 8.1 percent

Paris: 7 percent

Jamaica: 2.5 percent

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: 2.3 percent

Florence, Italy: 1.2 percent

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: 1.2 percent

Venice: 1.1 percent

Frankfurt, Germany: 0.8 percent

— Chicago Tribune