First time travelers to Paris are likely to be overwhelmed.  The city of lights may seem as though it is too much to handle but in fact the city itself is quite small.  Visitors can actually walk from one major tourist attraction to another instead of having to invest in some form of transportation.  Walking is actually the recommended form of transportation for exploring Paris.  Although Paris is not a very large city, it is a very culturally diverse city which makes it seem as though you are actually visiting several different cities in one.  Each individual neighborhood has its own feel with some being sophisticated and others artsy but each one takes on a unique personality making a trip through a few city blocks seem like a journey through ages.  In addition to the lively and diverse neighborhoods there are also dining options ranging from fine dining to street side cafes.  Beyond all that Paris has a few tourist attractions that travelers should definitely plan on visiting whether it is their first trip to Paris or they have visited several times already.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the famed Louvre.  In addition to being the home to the world famous Mona Lisa, the Louvre is also one of the largest and arguably one of the finest collections of art in the world.  There are sculptures, paintings, drawings, objets d’art, and any other form of art that you can imagine from ancient Asia, Greece, Rome and Egypt.  The abundance of art is almost so overwhelming that it is recommended that you make several trips to the Louvre to truly appreciate all that it has to offer to travelers. 

Notre-Dame is another attraction that should be visited by all travelers who visit Paris.  Construction of this religious icon lasted from 1163-1345.  Although Notre-Dame is not the oldest or largest of the Parisian cathedrals there is something about this particular cathedral that makes it the most endearing and the most architecturally glorious.  As if the cathedral is not beautiful enough, visitors are also treated to an onsite archeological museum that contains remnants of the previous buildings that have stood on the grounds of Notre-Dame, scale models of the surrounding area and ancient artifact. 

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most well known symbols of Paris.  This well known monument was constructed and unveiled at the World Exhibition of 1889 as a symbol of the technical era.  Although natives of Paris were not originally fond of this monument, it was saved from destruction because it was believed that it would someday be useful as a radio antenna.  They had no way of knowing that this hulking structure would come to be one of the most recognizable symbols of Paris as it is now.

Traveling to Paris is just a trip of a lifetime.  This relatively small city manages to contain a great deal of art and culture into its square footage.  There is so much to see and do in Paris and the beauty of this city is that much of it can be done by foot, requiring absolutely no transportation.  

Located approximately sixty miles South of Cancun the Riviera Maya is quickly becoming one of the most sought after destination for sophisticated travelers.  Far removed from the revelry of some of the more well known destinations in Mexico, Riviera Maya is a location for travelers who are looking for a quiet atmosphere in a breathtakingly beautiful and relaxing part of the country.  Here visitors learn to appreciate the beauty of the land and vacation in relative isolation.  Although not as isolated as some destinations such as Bora Bora, the Riviera Maya is still visited infrequently enough to give you the opportunity to vacation at a resort that is not overcrowded.  While nightclubs, bars and restaurant may be the main attraction in some other cities in Mexico, travelers who journey to the Riviera Maya experience a vacation where nature is the main attraction.  This part of Mexico is filled with Eco-parks and other natural settings that provide the backdrop for your adventures.

The Xel-Ha Lagoon is one attraction in the Riviera Maya that gives travelers a chance to enjoy nature.  This eco-park consists of water that combines the salt water of the ocean with the fresh water of the areas river system.  This location is home to exotic birds, fish, reptiles and other wildlife and is the perfect location for viewing some of these animals in a naturalistic setting.  The park also boasts a variety of plant life that strives in this environment.  Snorkeling, tubing and bicycling are just a few of the activities that you can enjoy that will put you in touch with the wildlife and foliage of the park.  Plan on spending an entire day at this popular destination as there is enough to see and do to keep you occupied for at least that long. 

Similar to Xel-Ha, Xcaret is an ecological park that provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a variety of wildlife up close and personal.  Although many of the available activities and attractions for these two eco parks are similar, Xcaret does offer a few unique attractions.  Their popular swim with the dolphins program gives visitors the opportunity to plunge into the water with real dolphins and enjoy a leisurely swim with these creatures.  There is enough to see and at Xcaret to make this a full day adventure.  Once you spend an entire day at the park, you will be ready to relax and enjoy the spectacular night show that Xcaret has to offer.  This show gives you a glimpse into the rich history of Mexico and walks you through some of their traditions.

The cenotes of the Riviera Maya are one of the unique features that this area has to offer.  These underwater caves are fed by fresh water and offer an opportunity to enjoy a unique view of the natural rock formations present in the cenotes.  Many tour companies organize snorkeling tours through cenotes providing visitors with a truly unique experience.  Here the sunlight reflecting off of the limestone is the main attraction as opposed to the color fish that dominate an oceanic snorkeling tour.

The Riviera Maya is an excellent destination for travelers looking to enjoy a relaxing and tropical vacation in a naturalistic setting.  It is also an excellent destination for those who are looking to escape the crowds of some of the more popular Mexican destination.

A vacation in Belize is guaranteed to be a truly unique vacation.  This tiny country is no longer than 174 miles long and is a mere 68 miles wide at its widest point but it packs a great deal of variety into that tiny envelope.  Belize has a wide variety of landscapes including rainforests and savannas.  Additionally, the varied landscapes are filled with a wide variety of wildlife and plant specimens making Belize an ideal destination for those who want to explore a great deal of landscapes, animals and plant life.  Although there has been some industrial advancement in Belize that has brought about an increase in tourism, it is still a relatively unknown travel destination.  The government of Belize has held industrialization back intentionally to avoid overpopulation and pollution.  The result of their eco awareness has made Belize a travel destination that is perfect for travels that are looking for a little isolation.

Belize is one travel destination that is well known for its great variety of activities that are available to travelers.  Whether you hike the through the rainforests in search of jaguars that exist in their highest density in Belize or you spend your days frolicking on the beach, you are sure to find a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.  Belize also has an extensive river system that is perfect for traveling by canoe or kayak to admire some of the native plant life that lines the rivers.  Guided tours through the rainforests in Belize can offer a close encounter of elusive wildlife as well as the opportunity to observe the dense foliage that thrives in this environment.  Although Belize is filled with adventure and intrigue, no trip to Belize would be complete without at least a few days spent on the warm, white sand beaches.  The crystal blue Caribbean waters are refreshing and inviting.  They offer a welcomed relief from the heat of the tropical sun. 

If you are looking for a little history of Belize a visit to Caracol should satisfy this desire.  This is perhaps one of the most astounding Mayan villages to have been unearthed.  Evidence shows that Caracol may have been home to as many as 200,000 Mayan citizens.  Thirty two large structures have already been excavated and it is clear that this is one of the largest ancient villages to have been found.  A visit to this ruin is sure to impress you.  The magnitude of the buildings alone is impressive as is the expanse of the village which spans nearly one square mile.  It is absolutely amazing to view this city that was built without the use of our modern technology.

One of the most appealing aspects of Belize is its relative obscurity.  There has been some industrialization of this country and its enough to draw some tourists but the government has purposefully limited the industrialization of Belize to limit the pollution of the country.  Those who do travel to Belize, however, will be delighted with their choice.  The water and beaches are beyond compare and there is so much more to do in this tiny country. 

The windy city has so many attractions and sites for travelers who wish to spend their vacation in Chicago.  Sporting events, trips to the top of the Sears Tower, and a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago are just a few of the activities and attractions to keep you occupied during your vacation in Chicago.  Besides these key attractions you can also enjoy authentic ethnic foods.  Chicago is known for having several different ethnic neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Greektown where you can travel into the neighborhood for authentic foods and a feel for the native country of the inhabitants. 

Chicago has a storied sports history that includes the baseball, basketball, football and hockey.  With so many sports teams calling Chicago home, any time of year is a good time for seeing Chicago’s sports at their best.  Even if you travel during the off season of your favorite team, you still may be able to take a tour of the stadium or arena.  Historic Wrigley Field is home to the Chicago Cubs while the Chicago White Sox call Comisky Park home.  The United Center is home to the city’s football and basketball teams.  Although the two teams share the facility, you can visit at any time to get a real feel for either club. 

Who could resist the opportunity to visit the Sears Tower and travel to the top to observe the city of Chicago?  The elevator whisks you to the Skydeck atop the tower that stands 1,353 feet above the ground in only a matter of a few seconds.  Here you have the opportunity to look out over your surroundings.  On a clear day you can see for almost 50 feet in all directions.  The view directly below you is very worthwhile as well.  Looking down on the bustling city, the people and cars hurrying look like ants preparing for the winter.  This awe inspiring view makes it clear that the city below, for all its grandness, is still only a tiny piece of the entire world.

Chicago is rich with museums and boasts over 20 museums residing within the city.  Each of them offers you a unique perspective but none is more outstanding than the Art Institute of Chicago.  This museum is home to over 300,000 pieces of art and some displays change periodically throughout the year.  At the Art Institute of Chicago, you can spend hours viewing the artwork and analyzing the symbolism behind each piece or you can view the art casually not looking deeper than whether or not you like the piece on the surface.  Either way you are sure to have an enjoyable day at the museum.

Visitors to Chicago will not be disappointed by the many activities that there are to enjoy in this city.  Visiting some of the historic sports fields is just one of the many ways to enjoy your trip to Chicago.  Taking a trip to the top of Sears Tower is another attraction that can’t be missed when you visit Chicago.  Finally, the Art Institute of Chicago is another attraction for those who want to enjoy some cultural enrichment during their travels. 

The city of Miami has a lot to offer to travelers who arrive in this city.  From nightlife to family fun and incredible beaches Miami really does have it all.  This bustling city is home to the young, the wealthy and the flashy.  It is definitely not city for the meek or the faint of heart but it does have something to offer for everyone.  In addition to being a major tourist attraction, Miami also attracts celebrities who flock to the dazzling lights of the club scene in Miami. 

The nightlife in Miami is almost unbeatable.  Travelers to this city that enjoy late nights will not be disappointed in Miami.  Club Space has a dark and cave like atmosphere and tends to attract club goers who are really into the nightlife scene as well as tourists who are looking for some excitement.  This club features more than 30,000 square feet of space that is perfect for dancing making it an attractive nightclub for those who enjoy being seen on the dance floor.  There is also Crobar which attracts club goers of all sizes, shapes and lifestyles.  Crobar is one of the more popular nightclubs in the area and it attracts large crowds of travelers each night.  It is also a popular place for sighting celebrities who frequent the VIP section of the club.

Although Miami is known for its nightlife, it does have a variety of family friendly activities for the daytime.  Parrot Jungle Island is one attraction the whole family can enjoy.  This exotic park opened in 1936 and is home to over a thousand birds as well as many spectacular reptilian attractions such as a 17 foot long Asian crocodile and an albino alligator.  In addition to the birds Parrot Jungle Island also features many different species of flora and fauna.  The city also has many picturesque parks that can be a great outing location for families.  Children can spend the day playing Frisbee or soccer while the parents barbeque or assemble a picnic lunch for the entire family.

The nightlife and family friendly activities are important but most people come to Miami for the beaches.  With miles and miles of white sand beaches to choose from, you are sure to find a beach that suits your personal style.  Haulover Beach Park is one beach that truly offers something for everyone.  There are tennis courts, volleyball courts, walking and bicycle trails and kayak rentals for those who are interested in sports.  Kite rentals and calm waters along with barbeque pits and concessions stands make this beach an excellent choice for families.  The northern end of the beach, however, is popular with adults who want to explore clothing optional alternatives to their beach vacation.  With so much variety on one beach it really does have something for everyone. 

Although Miami is notorious for its outrageous nightlife that is not all this city has to offer.  The city has a wealth of family friendly activities as well as incredible beaches that offer so much more than just sand and water. 

Traveling with the family can lead to some of the most memorable vacations of your lifetime.  The key to planning a spectacular family vacation is to choose a destination that will have an appeal to all of the members of the family.  Consider the ages and likes and dislikes of everyone in the family when choosing your family vacation and try to choose a destination that will be enjoyable for all.  If you are uncertain, try offering a few suggestions to the rest of the family and have everyone vote.  This way everyone gets a chance to voice their opinion and cast their vote about where the family will spend their vacation.  There are a few popular family vacation destinations but with a little creativity you may be able to find the perfect travel destination for you and your family.

Camping trips are one example of a great family vacation.  Whether you opt to camp at a nearby location or travel cross country to a national park of your choice you may find that choosing just one of the many beautiful locations available to be your most difficult decision.  With so many gorgeous national parks as well as breathtaking smaller wooded areas to choose from, finding the right place for your camping trip can be difficult.  Many popular destinations limit the number of campers per season and it can be very competitive to obtain one of these permits.  In some places, permits sell out within hours of when they go on sale.  Many potential campers are aware of the date that permits begin being sold and anxiously await this time to snatch up prime camping spots in their preferred location. 

Tours of famous museums are also excellent ideas for family vacations.  Even young children can appreciate distinguished works of are on their own level.  They may not be capable of understanding the intended meaning of the art or of interpreting the symbolism behind the piece but they can certainly form their own opinions about what they like and what they don’t like.  If you visit an art museum during your vacation take the opportunity to ask young children what they think about certain pieces of artwork.  This will encourage them to think for themselves and learn to formulate their own opinions. 

Beach vacations are also family friendly ideas.  Building sand castles, participating in beach games, snorkeling, boogie boarding and swimming are just a few of the activities that families can enjoy together on their beach vacation.  The ocean can be a dangerous place for young children if parents are not careful about supervising them.  Although the beach is a fun destination it is important to remember that you should remain vigilant to ensure that young children do not enter the water alone where they could be at risk of drowning.  Exercising proper precautions can help to make your beach vacation enjoyable. 

Memories that last a lifetime are often created on family vacations.  There are so many options available for families who wish to travel.  Camping trips, museums and beaches are just a small sample of the popular family vacation locations available. 

You can travel from coast to coast throughout the United States and you will find great skiing along the way.  From California to Vermont you will find ski resorts and conditions that appeal to just about every type of skier.  Squaw Valley in California, Vail Ski Resort in Colorado Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont are just a few of the excellent coast to coast locations for skiing the United States.

With a vertical drop of 2,850 feet and over 4,000 acres of ski able terrain it is easy to see just why Squaw Valley was chosen to host the 1960 Olympics.  This is an excellent mountain for skiers of all levels.  There is a pretty equal amount of trails available for beginner skiers, intermediate skiers and advanced skiers.  With so many options available this is a mountain that can be enjoyed by all.  The terrain of Squaw Valley is also varied offering moguls, half-pipes, steep slopes and gentle slopes and even a few cross country trails.  Squaw Valley has so much to offer to travelers to this resort but it also does have a few drawbacks.  The popularity of this resort can result in grueling traffic in and out of the park during the peak season and long lift lines.

Although Colorado makes many contributions to the world of skiing none stands out more than the spectacular Vail Ski Resort.  This mountain offers a vertical drop of 3,450 feet and an impressive 5,200 acres of skiable terrain.  Vail is divided up into three regions known as the Front Side, the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin with each section offering a variety of difficulty levels and terrains.  Although each section offers something for skiers of all skill levels the Back Bowls are notoriously challenging.  Although there is a substantial amount of beginner and intermediate terrain, Vail also offers approximately 40% of the mountain for expert skiers. 

On the East coast, Stowe Mountain Resort stands out as one of the best places to ski.  Although Stowe is not towering like some of the mountains of the West it does offer challenges to skiers who travel to this destination.  Stowe boasts a 2,360 vertical drop which rivals some Western mountains but falls short in acreage of skiable terrain with a mere 485 acres.  Don’t be fooled by the relatively small number as Stowe manages to pack quite a bit into that acreage.  Although there is some beginner and advanced terrain available, the majority of the mountain is geared for the intermediate skier.  Stowe does, however, feature a four mile long beginner trail that traverses the mountain from the top to the bottom giving beginners the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views that advanced skiers often take for granted.

A ski vacation is an excellent way to spend your winter holiday.  You can travel from coast to coast in the United States and you are likely to find great skiing wherever you go.  California, Colorado and Vermont are just a few of the states that offer world class skiing. 

Traveling to a famous theme park can be a great way to spend a family vacation.  Theme parks are a fun way to spend a vacation and they also offer a variety of options for several different age groups.  Whether your family consists of adults and toddler, adults and teenagers or a combination of adults, toddlers and teenagers, you will find that there is something for everyone when you take a theme park vacation.  While there are rides and attractions for all age groups, there are also safety precautions that everyone should take during this type of vacation to minimize the risk of problems during the trip.

Teenagers love visiting theme parks while they are on vacation.  The thrill rides, games and opportunity to meet other teenagers make this an excellent way for them to spend their vacation.  Many teenagers are starting to become independent and this type of a vacation allows parents to give their young adult children a little bit of freedom in a location that is relatively safe.  Before parents allow their teenagers to enjoy some freedom at a theme park, they should set a few ground rules.  Perhaps the most important rule is that the teenagers should not be able to leave the theme park.  Theme parks are relatively safe with a staff of security guards and plenty of other people around but a teenager who leaves a theme park with a stranger could be putting themselves in danger.  Another important rule to set if you have more than one teenager or if your child has a friend traveling with you is to require the children to stay together when they are not with you. 

Younger children also enjoy vacations at theme parks.  They may not meet the height requirements for some of the more spectacular thrill rides but younger children usually receive quite a thrill from riding some of the more tame rides.  Young children also usually enjoy the shows and parades that a theme park has to offer.  The lights, colors and music associated with these shows can be very appealing to younger children and may be somewhat captivating for them.  Although theme parks are relatively safe locations, younger children should still stay with adults during their theme park adventures.  They can, however, go on rides without you if you are standing close by and the park regulations allow them to board the ride without parental supervision.  In this case you should wait with your child by the entrance to the ride and as they board the ride, you should proceed to the exit so that you can wait there for them.  This will cut down on the risk of you and your children becoming accidentally separated.

Theme parks are also a great travel destination for adults.  While there are some adults who still enjoy thrill rides, this is not necessary for a parent to have an enjoyable theme park vacation.  Many parents simply enjoy watching their children have fun.  They also tend to enjoy the shows and parades that the theme park has to offer and may even enjoy participating in some of the games.

There are some safety tips that all travelers to a theme park should follow.  Most theme parks are open during the warmer summer months and it is advisable that all visitors where adequate sunscreen and that they reapply the sunscreen as needed to prevent sunburn.  Also, care should be taken to avoid dehydration.  It is easy to get caught up in the adventure and to forget to drink water but you should remind yourself to stay adequately hydrated during your theme park vacation.  It is also recommended that teenagers stay in a group instead of exploring the park alone and that younger children remain with their parents or another adult supervisor. 

Theme parks really do have something for everyone.  Adults and children of all ages usually enjoy a trip to a theme park.  Whether you like thrill rides, tame rides, shows, parades or just carnival food, a theme park can be a great way to spend your vacation.

A mountain vacation can be a great location any time of year.  The mountains are known for their skiing in the winter but they can offer so much more to travelers the other three seasons.  The mountains are obviously a great vacation destination for those who enjoy winter sports but even those who do not enjoy winter sports may still find that the mountains are a great place to spend your vacation.  The mountains are a beautiful place to spend your vacation for any occasion and during any season.  In fact you may find that traveling to the mountains during the spring, summer or fall can be much more affordable and just as enjoyable as traveling to the mountains in the winter.

The appeal of mountain destinations in the winter is obvious.  Snow sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing attract tourists in large quantities.  Hotels have very little trouble keeping their occupancy rates high and airlines routinely fly full airplanes to these destinations.  The abundance of travelers flocking to these destinations gives the hotels and airlines the luxury of raising their prices during this season.  These price hikes can make traveling to the mountains in the winter season a very expensive vacation.

Most popular vacation destinations have their peak seasons and their off seasons.  Prices for lodging and even airfares to these locations during the peak season can skyrocket.  However, traveling to these locations during the off seasons can result in a tremendous price reduction.  This is because hotel owners and airlines recognize that these particular locations are not as popular during the off season and they are willing to reduce the prices rather than have empty rooms in their hotel and empty seats on their flights.  If you are willing to take advantage of these specials you may find that you are able to afford a mountain vacation.

Snow sports aren’t the only reason to travel to the mountains.  The other three seasons of the year offer excellent opportunities to enjoy the mountains.  As the melts in the fall, it is the perfect time to take advantage of the short white water rafting season. The summer and fall are perfect for hiking, camping and mountain biking in the mountains and the fall offers the opportunity to enjoy the leaves changing colors.  With all of these other fabulous mountain activities available you may find that you enjoy traveling to the mountains more in the other seasons than you do in the winter.  In fact you may decide that the winter somewhat limits your activities in the mountains.

If you enjoy the mountains in the winter and have always traveled there to enjoy winter sports you may be missing out on a variety of other exciting mountain activities.  White water rafting, hiking, camping and mountain biking are just a few of the many activities that you can participate in during your mountain vacation.  You may also find that a vacation in the mountains during the spring, summer or fall seasons is much more affordable than a winter, mountain vacation. 

Purchasing souvenirs for your friends and family can be one of the most exciting aspects of your vacation.  Wherever your travels take you, you may find yourself eager to find the perfect souvenir for a friend or family member.  When you are excited about purchasing these souvenirs it can be a very fun experience.  However, if you feel obligated to purchase souvenirs for a large group you may feel a tremendous amount of pressure to find just the right souvenir for each person on your list and you may also feel pressure to buy a unique gift for each person.  When this happens, it turns the fun occasion of purchasing souvenirs for loved ones into a stressful situation that is filled with anxiety.  There are some tips, however, that can make purchasing souvenirs a really fun experience.

One excellent tip for buying souvenirs for your loved ones when you are traveling is to keep their specific tastes in mind.  You may see items that you thing are very cute but you have to consider the feelings of the recipient of the souvenir.  Chances are that you know everyone on your souvenir list pretty well or you wouldn’t be going to the trouble of purchasing gifts for them while you travel so you should have a pretty good understanding of what they will like.  With each potential souvenir purchase, look at the item carefully and ask yourself what the recipient will think of this item.  This will help you to decide whether or not to purchase the item.

Another tip for buying souvenirs is to not get caught up with thinking that you need to purchase a unique gift for each person.  While it is nice to make sure that the gifts that you purchase for each person on your list there is no reason why the same gift may not be appropriate for more than one person on your list.  For example if several people on your list collect souvenir spoons and you find a great one during your vacation that you think they would all like, go ahead and buy one for each of them.  As long as it is a gift that they will appreciate, they won’t care if you gave the same item to another person.

Searching for souvenirs throughout your trip instead of shopping desperately for them at the conclusion of your trip can help to ease the stress of purchasing souvenirs.  Chances are you will be doing quite a bit of shopping on your vacation anyway so as you visit different shops; keep the people that you would like to buy souvenirs for in mind and purchase souvenirs as you find them instead of waiting until the last minute. 

Finally remember that you are under no obligations to purchase souvenirs for anyone.  It is easy to get caught up in finding the perfect souvenir for a long list of friends and family members but if you just can’t find something that seems right for a particular person, try sending them a postcard from your destination instead of buying something for them just for the sake of buying something.

Purchasing souvenirs for friends and family members while you are on vacation can be fun as long as you don’t get overwhelmed by the pressure to buy a perfect and unique gift for everyone.  If you do choose buy gifts for a few people, you should try to choose items that will appeal to them instead of gifts that you like.