RSSTravel: Americas
Five-Star Luxury at Family Prices in Sedona
For as long as it's been open, Enchantment Resort, in Arizona's Red Rock Country, has earned dozens of stars and diamonds, climbed onto most "top ten best" lists and generated thousands of adjectives
Sedona: Arizona's Red Rock Country
L'Auberge de Sedona is a luxury lodge with secluded guest cabins on the banks of Oak Creek
Taking it Easy in Winslow, Arizona
Say Winslow, Arizona to Eagles fans, and many of us can, recite the verse from the group's song 'Take It Easy': 'Standin' on a corner in Winslow, Arizona/ Such a fine sight to see/ it's a girl, my lord in a flatbed Ford/ slowin' down to take a look at me.' Since the song hit the charts in 1972, fans have made a detour while driving along Interstate 40 to see what Winslow, Arizona is all about.
Old-Fashioned Train Ride to the Grand Canyon
It's that rare vacation moment when everyone is happy at the same time. And all it took was an old-fashioned train in a remote Arizona town and a singing cowboy leading the kids. We're on our way to the Grand Canyon the way tourists came more than a century ago, before the Grand Canyon was designated a national park in 1919, via the Grand Canyon Railway
Jumping Off Point to the Last Frontier
Anchorage is the perfect jumping off point for some of the best adventures in Alaska. As your base, you can head north to Denali National Park on the scenic Alaskan Railroad, then south to the Kenai Peninsula and the charming town of Seward.
Tutka Bay Lodge Luxury Alaskan Style
Tutka Bay Lodge, at the foot of the glacier-capped Kenai Mountains, is surrounded by the wilderness of Kachemak Bay State Park. The combination offers no better and certainly no more stellar introduction to Alaska.
Exploring the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest forms a land of endless diversity and unparalleled beauty, from looming volcanoes to wave-battered coastline, from rainforests to glacial peaks. And on the edge of it all, an expanse of glimmering skyscrapers in the city of Seattle.
Life in Alaska's Arctic Villages
The Alaskan wilderness is home to hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers, mountains and forests, but few people. Our travels took us to Anaktuvuk Pass, the last remaining Nunamiut settlement, and Bettles in search of the Northern Lights and the wilderness experience of Alaska's far north
The 62-passenger Sea Bird glided through a narrow passage on the eastern fringe of the Inside Passage and anchored in an isolated inlet, far from the main channel, in a corner of Alaska's northern wilderness
We are on the world-famous Kenai River in Alaska with one of the river's best guides, Steve Fickes, who jokes that he's been guiding 'ever since I got my accounting degree' -- more than two decades ago.
An Un-cruise Alaskan Sea Adventure
Unlike the big cruise ships, we can take our time in Glacier Bay, which offers 3.3 million acres of glaciers that calve right in front of us, wildlife -- humpback whales that jump right in front of our boat, dozens of harbor seals sprawled on rocks -- and an amazing marine ecosystem
Gettysburg is the real thing. When visiting, you can't help but be moved by the significance of events that took place here in 1863. And yet there's more to Gettysburg than 1863 history, soldiers and war
Wine aficionados planning a vineyard tour in New York will generally turn to the Hudson River Valley, Long Island or the Finger Lakes regions, where most of the state's grapes are grown -- excluding, of course, the huge Concord ...
If you're yearning for a big-city vacation and have a weekend to spare, why not come to San Francisco, the city on the bay.
San Francisco's California Academy of Sciences
We're at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, which in the year since it has re-opened has emerged as the city's top cultural tourist attraction, drawing more visitors than Alcatraz
Whether your kids are science geeks, future engineers or artists, or you just want them to have a unique experience, San Francisco's two-dozen museums deliver
Sonoma California with Wine Glass and Hiking Boots
I am in northern California on a Sonoma County Vineyards tour with Zephyr Adventures for the past dozen years, been leading expeditions for people who want to stay active rather than sedentary while they travel. Zephyr offers a range of activities such as hiking and biking
Hacienda Living at The Four Seasons Biltmore
This is the historic Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel, evoking the nostalgia of yesteryear, a reminder of the Golden State's power to turn myth into reality. The hotel, built in 1927, when the revival of early California's colonial architecture was in its heyday, was a landmark from the day it opened.
When your thoughts turn to exotic seaside destinations, you don't instantly think of California -- and definitely not of Long Beach. Well, the times they are a changin'. Nestled across the water from downtown Long Beach, adjacent to the historic Queen Mary, lies a boutique hotel worthy of any sun god. Hotel Maya is Long Beach's first waterfront hotel
When golf vacationers say, 'We're playing Palm Springs,' what they really mean is they're teeing up in the Coachella Valley, which encompasses Palm Springs and other golf-crazy communities such as Palm Desert, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells and Indio.
Amador County: Gold From Mines & Vines
Precious metal is not the only valuable commodity in Amador County, a bucolic region nestling in the foothills of California's Sierra Madre Mountains 45 miles (72 kms) southeast of Sacramento, the state's capital. Today's treasure, which thrives in sunlight and fresh air and yields what might be considered liquid gold, is wine.
So near and yet so far is how I'd describe the Resort at Squaw Creek, a four-season luxury lodge and hotel near Lake Tahoe, in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Dedicated equally to golfing, downhill skiing, hiking, romantic getaways and spa pampering, this award-winning mountain inn is one of my favorite retreats
It was my turn to organize an extended family vacation. The destination -- Lake Tahoe, Calif., -- already agreed upon by everyone. Now, we just had to find a great place. How hard could it be to find a house that met our needs
A surprise up until now, there were few (if any) luxury seaside resorts along the City of Angels' 75 miles of glimmering coastline. Grab a half-caf/decaf soy latte, turn off your cell phones (yes, both of them), remove your Dolce Gabbana shades, slide off your Prada kicks and discover why the Terranea Resort has become the newest jewel in Los Angeles' crown
Putting on the Ritz in Orlando
Families who visit Orlando, Florida can now easily escape in the evening to upscale hotels that welcome kids and won't bust the budget
Charleston: Proof That South Has Risen Again
Friendly in that Southern way, Charleston, S.C., the city by the sea, keeps the welcome mat out for travelers. Charleston is filled with hundreds of historic homes. And among the attractions of the countryside are grand old plantations full of sweeping movie-scene vistas.
Houseboating on the Mississippi River
Mark Twain said that 'Mississippi steamboats were floating palaces. They were finer than anything on shore. They tallied with the citizen's dream of what magnificence was, and satisfied it.' Watching this spectacle, we'd have to agree.
The Idyllic Islands of Georgia
The Atlantic seaboard's long inward curve between North Carolina and south Florida -- makes coastal Georgia a watery paradise. This is a stunningly pristine region; most of the islands aren't even inhabited. Those that are offer a range of vacation styles, all within a day-trip from Savannah.
Any time of year is a good time to stay at the Mountain Lodge in Telluride, which is located in southwest Colorado's San Juan Range. The 14,000-thousand foot giants looming over Telluride, rocky hunks tracing a ragged barrier above the village, are surely Colorado's most spectacular.
Winter Park Ski Resort: It's Almost Famous
From the top of Winter Park Ski Resort's Parsenn Bowl, 12,060 feet, you can see forever. On an icy February morning, with the thermometer hovering at 10 degrees above zero, Colorado's mighty Front Range glimmered across the valley, a ghostly image mantled with snow.
Mackinac Island sits in the Straits of Mackinac, which divides Lake Huron from Lake Michigan. Modern-day visitors arrive either by small plane or by ferry. Bicycles, horses, and your feet are the only modes of transportation around the tiny island. Many of the island's most popular sites are located within walking distance
Yosemite National Park in Winter
As winter steals over Yosemite National Park, in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, a hush fills the valley. Walking along the snowy banks of the Merced River as it winds its way below towering cliffs, it's obvious to a group of visitors why Yosemite Valley is such an inspired place for a winter vacation
We opted to let Austin-Lehman lead the way. The company has been guiding families in Yellowstone for 25 years -- several hundred a summer -- and though they offer trips around the world, including many specifically for families
Cycling Maine's Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park provides an amazing cornucopia of recreation with more than 100 miles of hiking trails, many of which were laid out by Native Americans, and 57 miles of the most unique system of stone carriage roads on the planet.
5 National Park Treasures to Visit Before You Die
National parks exert a primeval pull on visitors from around the world, who come by the millions to drink in their natural wonders. There are 391 national parks in the United States. 5 National Parks to See Before You Die.
On the official tourist map, Hawaii's Hanalei River looks like a big river, a thick blue line that snakes down the slopes of 5,148-foot Mount Wai'ale'ale and turns north for 14 miles. It looks perfect for paddling. In reality, the upper nine or 10 miles of the river are too shallow for navigation.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park
Kalaupapa, almost an island, sits like an afterthought on a two square mile peninsula. Long after the main island of Molokai was formed, a small shield volcano erupted and spread out this perfect triangle of land, perfect for sending exiles. Besides the formidable sea cliff, the peninsula is surrounded on all sides by a tumultuous sea.
In Search of the Aloha Smile on Oahu
As a frequent visitor to Hawaii, it's the islands' physical beauty that captures my attention: the impossibly steep green peaks, brilliant sunsets and roving trade winds. Intoxicating, yes, they are. But my lasting memories are of people, of the strangers who greet you with a smile and friendly families who offer hospitality.
The island of Kauai has morphed from the garden island to the adventure island. Spectacular beaches abound here on Kauai, including Lumahai beach where Mitzi Gaynor 'washed that man right out of her hair' for the filming of 'South Pacific.' There's also the town of Hanalei of 'Puff the Magic Dragon' fame
Finding a Beach Bargain in the Caribbean
This summer, if you are willing to fly, you may find a better deal in the Caribbean than in traditional beach resort towns. In fact, Travelocity spokesman Genevieve Brown says rates can be as much 50 percent less than last winter
You can imagine, of course, that the beaches are fabulous on Barbados. You even get to choose between the pounding surf of the Atlantic on one side of the island and the gentle waters of the Caribbean on the other. The prosperous 14-by-20-mile island of Barbados hosts plenty of sunbathers, but that's not all.
Just 66,000 inhabit pristine Bermuda, which is a territory made up of about 138 small coral islands. Yes, we see businessmen on their way to work wearing Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and shirts and ties. Hedges are manicured and lawns are mowed. Houses are painted rainbow colors -- bright orange, green and blue, pastel pinks and yellows. It makes you happy just to look at them.
Rare Caribbean Resort That Works for the Littlest Vacationers Parents and Grandparents
Welcome to Beaches Resort in Turks and Caicos -- the family resort of the Sandals brand -- where kids, tweens and teens rule. Plus it's a great resort for parents and grandparents as well.
Tortola, the capital of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), is all about enjoying the Caribbean Sea. The island is hugely popular as a base for chartering sailboats, is renowned for pristine scuba-diving reefs and draws surfers from all over the world to visit its north shore's perfect waves
Caribbean Private Island Paradises
There are Caribbean resorts and then there are 'private island resorts,' where you can have a slice of some of the most secluded and exclusive pieces of paradise almost entirely to yourself. These havens can ironically be more authentic than your typical island getaway.
Learning New Tricks at Caribbean Resorts
Whether you want to learn to dive with your tween or snorkel with your kindergartner, teach your grade-schooler to sail or fly on a trapeze, you'll find plenty of opportunities at Caribbean resorts -- at prices that are surprisingly affordable.
Taking the Kids To the Caribbean in Summer
Finally, Caribbean beaches that are everything a Caribbean beach should be -- quaint, with hammocks strung from palm trees, crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling, white sand, a first-rate beach bar and enough water toys to keep the kids happy
Taking the Kids to Saint Lucia
Boiling mud pots, rain forests, and a drive-in Volcano. All that and spectacular beaches, too, on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, which promises a lot more than your typical resort getaway. Saint Lucia lies midway between Martinique and St. Vincent
Puerto Vallarta Family Fun Down Mexico Way
It's an artist's haven, and an international playground. But beyond Puerto Vallarta's cruise port and its two-mile-long row of multi-story hotels, the spirit of Mexico lives on
We're just an hour or so from Cancun, a few miles from Playa del Carmen, five miles off the highway along a bumpy road in Rio Secreto, a unique cave just opened to the public last year, after the owner of the land, Don Cleo, inadvertently discovered it while chasing one of his animals
Costa Rica Surf Trip in Playa Guiones
Costa Rica is home to some of the best and most consistent surf in the world, and lessons are available at a fraction of the cost compared to a stay in Hawaii or the hassle of getting to Indonesia, two other renowned surfing destinations. There are plenty of surfing beaches along the Pacific Coast in this Central American country, but we decided on Playa Guiones
Volcanic Mud Baths of El Totumo
When I travel, I'm up for just about anything. So when I found out about an opportunity to jump into a volcano and get covered in mud during a vacation to Cartagena, Colombia I immediately signed on
Right on the Pacific Ocean, Puerto Vallarta has it all: coastal waters, lush jungle, deluxe resorts, relaxing spas -- and it's the base for a variety of adventures. Even if you can't spend an entire week in this Mexican seaside destination, here's how to enjoy your vacation in a town where it's almost impossible to have a bad day.
Copan Ruinas: Easy Indiana Jones Adventure
I'd seen the Mayan ruins of Copan, Honduras, in pictures, but they didn't prepare me for the Indiana Jones-esque mystique. As the cool mist tickled my skin, I felt like the first person to encounter the monuments, even though thousands had preceded me.
Green Trip to Mexico's Riviera Maya
Welcome to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve -- the name in the Mayan language translates to the Entrance to the Sky -- just south of Tulum, Mexico and a little less than two hours from Cancun. With 1.3 million acres, it's the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Programme
I can't think of a better spot for an adventure with teens or grown children. Chile, after all, is a stable, safe country that is attracting many American students studying abroad and the weather here is pleasant all year. Plus, The atmosphere is conducive to making new friends, whatever your age.
Bound For Buenos Aires Argentina
Tourism is up in Buenos Aires, Argentina. And why not? It's more affordable than most exotic destinations, it's big city fun, and it's home to the tango and all that this dance brings to visitors who come to this city known as the Paris of the South.
Chile's famous Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia is the most beautiful in South America and it is heart-stoppingly gorgeous -- turquoise-blue lakes, soaring snow-covered peaks, glaciers, fields dotted with red grasses and green-and-yellow shrubs.