Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots

Top 10 Treasure-Hunting Hot Spots : Great American Vacations

Thunder Eggs/Geodes
Deming, New Mexico
Scanning New Mexico’s soil is a profitable pastime. Rockhound State Park is a prime spot for hunting thunder eggs aka geodes. Thunder eggs look like muddy rocks and can be popped open to reveal valuable crystals such as amethyst, rose quartz and hematite. To distinguish a geode from a regular rock, look for a spherical external shape, often cauliflower-like in texture. You may need a hammer or chisel to break open the rock. Visitors are allowed to leave the park with 15 lbs. of rock to add to their personal collection.

Opals
Denio, Nevada and Lakeview, Oregon
Plan your hunt for fire opals at the Bonanza Opal Mine in Denio, NV. This mine has been in operation since the early 1900s. The mining season runs from May to September, and the weather can get warm and very arid. Water bottles, sun block, a hat and gloves are suggested items to bring with you. Rock hounds should also bring a small rake and buckets for collecting their finds. Many opal mines are located in remote areas, so be prepared to camp and bring all necessary food. Visitors can camp near the mine and hotels are less than 30 miles from Virgin Valley. Also be sure to check out Juniper Ridge Opal Mine in Lakeview, OR, if you’re looking hunting for opals in the Pacific Northwest.

Meteorites
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham Township, Kansas
Glorietta Mountain in New Mexico and Brenham, KS, are prime spots if you’re hunting for treasure falling from the sky. Deserts and dry lake beds are key places to hunt for meteorites. A metal detector or similar tool will help you discern a meteorite’s location because it is partially composed of iron-nickel. Use a rock hammer or shovel to unearth your finds. A magnet duct-taped to the bottom of a walking stick will attract the hidden space rocks so you don’t have to bend over to during your search. For more information on meteorite-hunting expeditions, visit Meteorite Adventures.

Jade
Big Sur, California
Enjoy the beauty of Big Sur while hunting for jade. Dive in the ocean or comb the beach at Jade Cove to seek one of the most precious gems in the world. Underwater, jade is fairly easy to distinguish from other rocks by its almost luminescent color. The best time to find jade is while diving in the ocean during the calm period after a winter storm. A rough undercurrent usually exposes many hidden gems. You don’t have to be a diver to be a jade hunter. You can find many small jade pebbles at low tide between the boulders and in piles of gravel along the shore. Search under large rocks and overhangs. Typical tools for serious jade hunters include scuba gear, a flashlight and a sack to hold your finds.

Emeralds
Hiddenite, North Carolina
Try your luck at Emerald Hollow Mine, located less than an hour from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Hiddenite, NC. This is the only emerald mine in the US open to the public for prospecting. Amateur rock hounds can take educational field trips to learn more about emeralds and other gems found on-site, including sapphires, garnet and tourmaline. Prepaid permits are available for creeking, sluicing and digging. Emerald Hollow is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Hotels, restaurants and other accommodations are available in nearby towns of Statesville and Taylorsville.

Dinosaur Fossils
Devil Hills, South Dakota
Relic hunters frequently head to the Badlands region in South Dakota to hunt for dinosaur fossils. The Devil Hills area has been a prime spot where rock enthusiasts have uncovered huge pieces of bone dating back to the Jurassic period, 145 million years ago. Common tools to take include a digging knife, X-acto knife, brush and a small pick. After finding a fossil, you must carefully free it without damaging it, using trowels, hammers, whisks and dental tools. A quick-setting glue can be applied to it before removing a crumbling or fragile fossil. Then the fossil can be removed from the surrounding rock. Visit the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, Inc. for more information about dino fossils.

Diamonds
Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds. What you find is yours to keep. It’s the perfect place for a family vacation and features an on-site water park and camping facilities. A gravel walkway through secluded woodland allows visitors to view and photograph deer, turkey, squirrels, birds and other wildlife. Tools aren’t necessary for diamond hunting. It’s possible to walk around and look for diamonds lying on top of the soil. Items for rent on site include a wooden box screen, shovel, bucket and knee pads. The professional treasure hunters at the park’s visitors’ center offer a free service to help determine if your find is a diamond or a dud.

Gold
Pine Grove, California
Roaring Camp is an old gold-mining camp on the Mokulmne River. It was a camp for gold prospectors (49ers) during the California Gold Rush from 1848-1855. Visitors can visit the operating gold mine and mine their own gold by panning, sluicing, dredging and dry-washing. Roaring Camp provides fun family activities, including rafting, camping, swimming, fishing and hiking on trails used by the original 49ers. A Saturday cookout, museum tour and lessons on how to pan for gold are also offered. Gold pans, gravel bags, rocker boxes and more are available if you need tools to search for you golden nuggets.

Aquamarine
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Travel to the gemstone-rich Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to dig for aquamarine. Spruce Pine is a prime spot for aquamarine mines and gemologists. Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine provides a covered flume line for treasure hunters to sift through sediment and find all kinds of precious stones. This mine is a one-stop shop for not just aquamarine, but garnet, moonstones, rubies and more. Stones are inspected free of charge. Experienced gem-cutters are also on-site and available to transform your stones into jewelry. Jerry Call, a Spruce Pine gemologist, can help you out if you’re looking for a more exotic location to go gem hunting; Jerry owns a home in Brazil and organizes trips to Rio Doce Mine.

Turquoise
Tonopah, Nevada
Go hunting for the blue-green gem at the Royston Mine in Tonopah, NV. The Otteson family, who owns the mine, is one of the few remaining mining families in Nevada. In addition to the mine, they also own a jewelry store that will transform your turquoise into jewelry. Treasure hunters will need to bring sunscreen, gloves, a good pair of shoes, water, food and digging tools. Visitors are not allowed to go down into the mines, but they are allowed to observe. Rock hounds can also pay to go through tailing piles, which have close to 1,000 lbs. of material. Digging is limited to 3 hours and only one bucketful is allowed per person to ensure there is enough turquoise to go around.

Top 10 Free US Museums

Top 10 Free US Museums :

Whether you're looking for ancient artifacts or colorful paintings, the best things in life certainly are free at the country's best no-fee museums.

Smithsonian Museums
Washington, DC
The Smithsonian has the distinction of being the world's largest museum complex with 13 free museums in Washington, DC, alone. Many of the museums are located around the National Mall including the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum and the Natural History Museum. The National Museum of the American Indian has a companion museum in New York City that is also free of charge. The collections in each of the Smithsonian's museums are so vast that it's impossible to narrow down the greatest hits or appreciate the full array of artistic wonders in just 1 trip. But with no charge, you can head back as many times as you would like without putting a dent in your bank account.

Getty Center 
Los Angeles, California
The Getty Center may be one of LA's best, and cheapest, date spots because just about everything is free. In addition to free admission, visitors can check out special exhibits, gallery talks and even curator-led tours for no additional fee. The museum stays open until 9 on Saturday nights and parking is free after 5 p.m. The cool modern architecture, expansive city views and labyrinthine gardens are just as impressive as the inside exhibits of Western art including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photos, illuminated manuscripts and decorative arts by European and American artists.

Walters Art Museum
Baltimore, Maryland
Uncover a treasure trove of art from around the globe including ancient Greek sculptures and Roman sarcophagi, paintings by the Old Masters and fabulous Art Deco jewelry. Located in historic Mt. Vernon in Baltimore, the Walters is just the right size for a day trip. Bring the kids along, too, as this family-friendly museum has free loaner strollers to explore the museum in comfort as well as a family activity center where young guests can read some art books, stage a medieval puppet show or create a masterpiece at weekend drop-in art sessions.

National Museum of Mexican Art
Chicago, Illinois
The National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago is the country's largest Latino cultural organization with a range of exhibits depicting rich Mexican culture, both in the States and south of the border. Visitors can enjoy over 6,000 pieces in the permanent exhibits depicting life on both sides of the border with folk art including Day of the Dead masks, woven and embroidered indigenous clothing, photographs, prints, drawings and paintings. Traveling exhibits on subjects including Mexican muralists, female artists and silkscreen monoprints often make a first stop here before hitting the road to spread an understanding of Mexican culture across more borders.

Museum of Contemporary Photography
Chicago, Illinois
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is a free museum located on the campus of Columbia College Chicago. Since 1984, this museum has been the leading photography museum in the Midwest with a strong focus on offering students, educators and researchers a space to explore contemporary photography. Thought-provoking exhibits expose visitors to cutting-edge photos and explore how technology is changing the field.

Alamo
San Antonio, Texas
You may only remember the Alamo from elementary school social studies lessons, but it's easy to refresh your memory on a free visit to this San Antonio icon. Join the 2.5 million other visitors who head to this complex each year to celebrate this slice of history. There are 3 buildings on the premises with a Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum that feature exhibits on the history of Texas and this spot's role in the Texas Revolution.

Frye Art Museum
Seattle, Washington
The Frye Art Museum has been carrying on the legacy of its founders and bringing free art to the larger Seattle community since 1952. In addition to the free exhibits at the museum, visitors can participate in Art Talks with curators and educators, 1-hour interactive Guided Tours and the Magic Lantern series with screenings and talks on the art of film. For a real splurge, pay $5 for Tuesday's Tea and Tour event which includes a guided stroll through the galleries followed by some discussion over tea and snacks.

Cleveland Museum of Art
Cleveland, Ohio
The founders of the Cleveland Museum of Art set the standard high when they established the mission in 1913 to make the museum 'for the benefit of all people forever.' You'll find rooms devoted to contemporary art, American and European painters, African art, ancient works and medieval treasures. Free daily tours help focus your attention on specific galleries and offer in-depth insight into the museum's artistic riches. The annual Parade the Circle event held each June is another of the museum's free community art ventures. It's a kaleidoscope of color and energy including spectacular costumes, skilled stilt walkers, giant puppets and artistic floats that promenade around University Circle.

Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology
New York, New York
Fashionistas can study the culture of fashion and maybe even pick up some tips from our fashionable predecessors at the free museum at FIT, Manhattan's Fashion Institute of Technology. There are 3 exhibition galleries, which feature visiting exhibitions and a rotating selection of the museum's permanent collection. The Fashion and Textile History Gallery changes every 6 months to offer a retrospective on the history of fashion. In addition to the exhibits, there are often free lectures, panel discussions and tours focusing on fashion and style.

Baltimore Museum of Art
Baltimore, Maryland
The Baltimore Museum of Art has come a long way since it was founded in 1914 with just 1 painting. Today there are more than 90,000 works of art in the collection, and the museum invites visitors to check them out for free. Art fanatics are thrilled by the museum's collection of Matisse works, the largest in the world, as well as masterpieces from beloved artists including Picasso, Cézanne, van Gogh and Warhol. After exploring the galleries, take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden tucked into a park in the city's Charles Village neighborhood adjacent to Johns Hopkins University.

Top 10 Most Haunted Places

Top 10 Most Haunted Places : Haunted Travels -

Whether you're a believer or not, America's towns are filled with true ghost stories passed down through time. From haunted fortresses and historic military spots to grisly tales of suffering and death, we've collected the country's most chilling real ghost stories.

Moundsville Penitentiary
Moundsville, West Virginia
During its more than 100 years in operation, the Moundsville Penitentiary in West Virginia was one of America's most violent correctional facilities and the final stop for almost 1,000 criminals. The prisoners lived in cramped quarters, which led to riots. Many men were hung or killed in the electric chair, while others were murdered by other prisoners. The prison closed in 1995, but according to some, the tortured spirits are still behind bars and in the bowels of the prison and may be seen or heard on a tour.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Weston, West Virginia
Once known as the Weston State Hospital, this asylum was home to thousands of people with mental illness, starting in 1864. Hundreds of people died here before the facility closed in 1994. Spirits are said to haunt the building and grounds today, dating back to the Civil War era when the asylum's grounds served as a military post. Paranormal tours of the facility feature 2-hour visits to the asylum's 4 main hot spots. The more intense Ghost Hunt is an 8-hour overnight paranormal adventure with experienced ghost-hunting guides.

Villisca Axe Murder House
Villisca, Iowa
On June 10, 1912, the old white frame house at 508 E. 2nd Street became a grisly crime scene. The heinous murder of Josiah B. Moore, his wife, their 4 children and 2 young girls who were overnight guests rocked the small town of Villisca, IA, and the murderer was never identified. Over the years, residents of the home reported visions of a man with an ax, children crying and unexplained paranormal activity. In 1994, the home was restored to its original condition with no indoor plumbing or electricity. These touches add to the chilling ambience during a lamplight tour from April through November or an overnight experience available by reservation for groups.

Sammie Dean
Jerome, Arizona
Jerome, AZ, is a former copper-mining town with a paranormal reputation that dates back to the Wild West. The town is now home to just 400 residents (down from 15,000 in its heyday), but legend has it there are plenty more ghostly residents from the days of mining accidents and shoot-out gunfights. One well-known spirit is the working girl Sammie Dean, a prostitute who was strangled by a customer in the old Crib District. Her beautiful spirit roams the alleys looking for her killer who was never found.

Cuban Club
Tampa, Florida
Cuban Club, also known as Circulo Cubano de Tampa, can be found in Tampa's Ybor City neighborhood. In 1917 this spot was a popular hangout for Cuban immigrants who enjoyed the ballroom, outdoor band shell and cantina with a stage and dance floor. Today the compound, protected by the National Historic Register, hosts concerts and special events and is the setting for many ghost stories about spirits playing the Click Here!">piano and riding the elevators.

Fort Mifflin
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Built in 1771, Fort Mifflin is the country's only Revolutionary War battlefield that is still intact. There are 14 restored buildings on the grounds on the Delaware River and reportedly plenty of spirits from the past. Amongst the ghosts said to haunt the fort are a screaming woman whose cries are so loud that the Philadelphia police have been called to investigate, only to find no one there. Other characters in the local ghost stories include a faceless man wandering around the fort, a tour guide dressed in revolutionary garb and numerous children and dogs.

Manhattan Bistro
New York, New York
SoHo is one of Manhattan's hipster havens with trendy shops and gourmet restaurants. But you may get more than you planned for at dinner at the Manhattan Bistro (129 Spring Street), a French restaurant with a notable ghost. Juliana Elmore Sands was killed in this building in 1799 when she was thrown into a well in the basement. According to some ghost stories, her spirit, often called the Ghost of Spring Street, manifests itself as vapor rising from the kitchen floor and causes front-of-house mischief with flying ashtrays and shattered dishes.

Moon River Brewery
Savannah, Georgia
The Moon River Brewery brought its beloved beers to Savannah in 1999, but the building is one of the oldest in town, dating back to 1821. In its original incarnation, it was the City Hotel, a high-end hotel with a history of violence during the Civil War. Men were killed in the hotel during heated skirmishes, including a Yankee who was beaten to death by locals in 1860. Some bar patrons today say they've seen bottles mysteriously fly through the air and have witnessed guests being pushed, touched and even slapped by unseen forces. One resident apparition, Toby, is said to skulk around the billiard room looking for the next great bar brawl.

The Sultan's Palace
New Orleans, Louisiana
The house at 716 Dauphine Street is a classic French Quarter beauty with classic wrought-iron balconies and a large courtyard. But in the 1800s, this residence was a house of horrors for the Sultan, a wealthy man with a depraved lifestyle, multiple wives and children and a harem of women and young boys held against their will. Neighbors complained about the mysterious habits of this man who had a predilection for partying, opium and torture. But the greatest mystery in the house was the Sultan's demise when he was buried alive in the courtyard after his family and harem were hacked to pieces in a bloodbath by an unknown perpetrator. Today, his angry spirit is thought to be responsible for the unusual noises, loud music and strong incense smells that waft from the home, as well as unwelcomed advances on past female residents who swear the Sultan is still up to his old tricks of groping female visitors.

Calcasieu Courthouse
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Toni Jo Henry has been the talk of the small town of Lake Charles since the 1940s when she killed a man in cold blood. Just as notorious were her stunning good looks. The former prostitute charmed a gentleman in a pickup truck to give her a ride while she was walking the highway with a friend en route to spring her true love from a Texas prison. It took 3 trials for a jury to convict the wily Toni Jo, who had charmed the courtroom and jail staff and divided the town over her presumed guilt. In 1942, this murderous beauty known as Tiger Girl was the first female to die in the electric chair in the state. Her spirit lingers in the courthouse today, and workers there swear they feel her presence, hear her screams and even smell her burning hair. Many believe that she tinkers with office equipment, locks doors and meddles with everyday office life at the courthouse.

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots

Top 10 Family Vacation Spots : Theme Parks, Resorts and Beyond

It used to be difficult to find a vacation destination that would please the entire family. These days, family-friendly resorts provide a multitude of options, so that folks can entertain their tots, relax with their spouses, and enjoy the fabulous North American outdoors -- all from the creative comforts of man-made African safaris, lost continents and even a Wild West dude ranch. Competing for your attention, modern family resorts have upped the ante in entertainment: swimming with dolphins, circus clown training and even sleeping in trees are real-life resort activities.

We've left no stone unturned as we unearthed these amazing resorts filled with off-the-chart family fun. Let the games begin!

Atlantis Resort and Casino
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Discover a lost civilization this vacation, and let your family act as the explorers! The $850-million Atlantis Resort recreates the infamous lost continent, filled with adventure and intrigue. This mecca of family fun features over 20,000 guest rooms, 38 restaurants and countless activities, including 11 exhibit lagoons and over 50,000 animals such as sharks, lionfish and stingrays.

Water enthusiasts can visit miles of beaches, take a dip in one of 11 pool areas, or play on 7 different water slides. Leave your fears at home, though & the Mayan Temple's Leap of Faith slide features a 60-foot drop into an acrylic tunnel submerged in a shark-infested lagoon.

Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Snowbird, Utah
If the sight of snow gets your family excited, grab a pair of skis and head to Snowbird for a wonderful, wintry vacation. The resort rests in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which offers 3,240 feet and 5,000 acres of mountain to explore, and whose proximity to the Great Salt Lake ensures over 500 inches of snow falls annually.

Thirty years after being founded, the resort now features 10 lifts, 85 runs and an uphill capacity of 16,000 people. Beginner skiers, from ages 3 to adult, can learn skiing and snowboarding at the Snowbird Mountain School. Love the outdoors but not a fan of the slopes? The resort offers ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoe tours and luge sleds. Parents can unwind with a stone massage or herbal wrap at the luxurious Cliff Spa, or hit Snowbird's shops, selling everything from ski clothes and boots to Chinese silk rugs.

Tanque Verde Ranch
Tuscon, Arizona
City slickers and country folk alike will enjoy their stay at the Tanque Verde Ranch, a family resort aiming to lasso the cowboy outta everyone. Literally meaning "Green Pool," the 640-acre Tanque Verde Ranch is a serene oasis nestled into the Sonoran Desert and adjacent to Saguaro National Park. With over 120 horses, it's no surprise that this dude ranch offers ample riding opportunities. Specialty rides such as the Breakfast Ride (to a meal at the Old Homestead), 6-hour-long Day Rides and Picnic Rides with lunch in Cottonwood Grove are all available. Newcomers can take riding lessons at a variety of levels.

Naturalist guides offer hikes through the desert wilds, exploring canyons, cacti and even secret waterfalls. The popular Kids Program offers little cowpokes (ages 4 - 11) the chance to "ride 'em cowboy!" Children are divided into 2 age groups -- the Buckaroos and Wrangler Kids -- and treated to riding lessons, tennis, swimming and arts and crafts.

Hilton Waikoloa Village
Waikoloa, Hawaii
If your family is looking for an island excursion to get away from it all, the Hilton Waikoloa Village promises endless activity and unprecedented luxury. Parents hoping to find a child-friendly haven can sign their tykes up for Camp Menehune. This day and night camp allows kids to feed koi and swans, hunt for treasure, and explore tidepools Tropical gardens, saltwater lagoons and 2 golf courses are tempting, but the resort's most popular retreat is Dolphin Quest, providing guests with a variety of interactive dolphin programs.

The many activities include Dolphin Training Adventures, a Dolphin Family Program and a Dolphin Twilight Camp for kids. At Waikoloa's 4-acre lagoon, water lovers can schedule kayak trips, snorkel sails and seasonal whale-watch sails. After dark, attend the Legends of the Pacific Luau to experience traditional island dancing and music, as well as a buffet dinner.

Kingsmill Resort
Williamsburg, Virginia
Stretching over 3,000 acres of Virginia wilderness, Kingsmill Resort boasts its own long list of recreational activities as well as close proximity to the fun found in nearby Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Gardens. Active families can enjoy the resort's 3 18-hole golf courses, 15 tennis courts and Sports Club featuring indoor and outdoor pools, exercise classes, personal trainers and a billiards and game room.

Stop by the concierge desk for special Junior Guest Registration: children receive a Kids Fun Pack introducing them to the resort. Kids Camp is the perfect opportunity for 5-12 year olds to play tennis and golf, swim, fish, have theme days and make arts and crafts. Don't forget to sign little ones up for Kids Night Out, a pizza and game party that allows for a parents' romantic date night at 1 of the resort's 6 signature restaurants.

Circus Circus
Las Vegas, Nevada
The biggest permanent big top in the world can be found rising in all its colorful glory here in Las Vegas. At Circus Circus, over 3.5 million people per year stop by to experience the live entertainment and whimsy the Circus has to offer. The resort lies on 70 acres of land, and with 3,800 rooms, it's the fifth largest resort-casino in Vegas.

"Ooh's" and "ahh's" fill the air every half hour at Circus Circus, as performers engage in airborne stunts on the resort's center stage. Surrounding the stage is Midway, an enormous carnival filled with over 200 arcade games, carnival games and wandering clowns. Possibly the world's biggest funhouse, the excitement continues at the indoor theme park Adventuredome, home to over 20 rides, miniature golf and laser tag.

Out 'n' About Treesort
Takilma, Oregon
Something extraordinary is afoot in the woods of Oregon. Strung high above the earth, nestled into treetops and branches, is 1 of the world's most unique resorts: Treesort. This high-in-the-sky treehouse-resort proves that trees aren't just for the birds. Fourteen treehouses comprise Treesort, and sleep 2 - 8 people.
Getting to your room is half the adventure -- guests climb stairs, ladders, even a 90-foot-long suspension bridge. Once there, the wonder begins. At the Swiss Family Complex, a swinging bridge separates child and adult units, and a fire pole and rope swings provide kids with ground access. Luxury lovers will enjoy the Tree Room Schoolhouse Suite, which sleeps 4 and has a bathroom, kitchenette, master bedroom, sitting area and loft.

Guests allow fantasy to become reality at the Treehouse Institute, which teaches techniques in treehouse building. A self-described summer camp for families, Treesort also features horseback riding, rafting, ropes courses, pools and arts and crafts classes. Tree climbers face the challenge of scaling Treesort's 51-foot rope-climbing tree and discovering a treetop pool made of river rocks.

Club Med Ixtapa
Ixtapa, Mexico
Take your family South of the Border for some Club Med-style family fun. The charming Club Med Ixtapa Village quickly woos kids and parents with its seemingly endless roster of activities for all ages. Situated on 37 acres along Mexico's western coast, Ixtapa plays host to over 20,000 visitors a year, 60% of whom are under age 11!

A variety of clubs are designed to entertain children throughout the day. Divided by age groups, Baby Club, Petit Club and Mini Club keep kids ages 4 months - 13 years busy with outdoor activities, shows and crafts. Even mealtime is a child's fantasy - Ixtapa features a kids-only dining area. While the kids are away, the parents will play! Ixtapa offers adult activities including tennis, scuba, archery, kayaking, water polo, volleyball and picnics. Families venturing off the resort property can visit Ixtapa Island or take sunset cruises, fishing trips and even excursions into the Mexican fishing village of Zihuatenejo.

La Costa Resort and Spa
Carlsbad, California
Most commonly associated with its 2 PGA Championship golf courses and a world-class spa, La Costa Resort now earns itself a new reputation: Family Resort.

Tucked among the resort's rolling greens, Jim McLean Golf School, and 21 tennis courts is a world of activities designed for little ones on retreat. At Camp La Costa, children experience the resort's magnificent facilities in a kid-friendly environment while parents pursue their own activities without worry. Kids ages 5 - 12 spend the day at the camp, where they engage in tennis, croquet, hiking, swimming, nature walks, crafts and ping-pong. While the kids are making friends and having fun, parents indulge in the body- and soul-soothing luxury that defines La Costa. Whether taking yoga at health guru Deepak Chopra's Chopra Center or soaking away worries in Spa La Costa's Roman pools, adults relish the relaxing treatments. As darkness falls, parents can opt to spend a romantic evening together while sending their children off to Night Camp, which includes dinner, story hour and a scavenger hunt.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
Orlando, Florida
At Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, families experience the thrills of an African safari without ever leaving their lodging. If a trip to the Serengeti is out of your price range, a visit to this wild lodge will more than suffice.

Guests initially greet the 33-acre property through the lobby's awe-inspiring 65-foot window. Strolling throughout the property's savannahs are over 200 animals representing more than 100 different species, including antelopes and gazelles. Many suites and rooms overlook the resort's savannahs, and balconies afford families an opportunity to come face to face with a giraffe. Rooms are decorated with a traditional African ambience: earth-tone walls, handcrafted furniture, tapestries and mosquito nets abound, but true historical value can be found in the 4,000 native handcrafts placed throughout the lodge. Featured within the lodge are 380 museum-quality works of art including authentic Kinta cloths, woodcarvings and a 16-foot, 240-lb. Nigerian ceremonial mask. When it's time to dine, experience the tastes of Africa at one of the resort's 2 inspired restaurants, Jiko or Boma, which feature wood-burning ovens and thatched roofs.

Top 10 Places of Mystery

Top 10 Places of Mystery : Haunted Travels -

Open your mind to new travel experiences by trading your usual fun-in-the sun vacation for 1 of these strange phenomena, unexplainable events or mysterious murder locations.

Crystal Skulls
Southern Mexico and Central America
Search ancient Mayan ruins throughout the jungles of southern Mexico and Central America for magical skulls. The legend claims that 13 crystal skulls, thought to be containers of great wisdom and mankind's destiny, were left behind by Mayan elders to be discovered by future generations. Five of the skulls have already been found -- 1 in Belize's Lost City of Lubaantun.

Nazca Lines
Nazca, Peru
Fly over enormous land figures -- including a dog, a monkey and a 900-foot bird -- along the southern coast of Peru. Although the lines are believed to have been created by the Nazca Indians some 2,000 years ago, no one is certain why or how they managed to produce such massive, complex forms. Some believe aliens created them as landing strips for their spacecraft.

Bermuda Triangle
Atlantic Ocean
Visit the 3 apexes -- Miami, San Juan and Bermuda -- of the infamous Bermuda Triangle. The triangle earned its deadly reputation due to the unexplained disappearances of 80 aircraft and 60 boats since 1975. Intense electrical forces and a tunnel-like cloud have been reported, but other theories include rapidly changing weather patterns and alien abduction.

Ark of the Covenant
Ethiopia
Join the greatest religious quest of our time. The search for the Ark of the Covenant, the golden container thought to hold the Ten Commandments, dates back to 586 B.C., when it vanished from King Solomon's temple. Some scholars have speculated that the ark was brought to Ethiopia, while others believe the ark could be located in the Judean desert.

Oregon Vortex
Gold Hill, Oregon
Experience an unexplainable force field just off Interstate 5 in southern Oregon. Native Americans called it the The Forbidden Ground, and in the early 1900s, scientists speculated that the land contained crossed magnetic lines that produced a strange force field. It's been reported that the vortex can make things spin, create the illusion of a dramatic change in height, and other optical illusions.

The Boston Strangler
Boston, Massachusetts
Investigate and catch the real Boston Strangler. Between 1962 and 1964, 11 women were found strangled to death in their Boston homes. Albert DeSalvo confessed to the killings, but discrepancies in his story and advances in DNA testing led authorities to re-open the case in 2001.

The Loch Ness Monster
Inverness, Scotland
Spot Nessie in the Highlands of Scotland. After thousands of reported sightings and investigations, the Loch Ness Monster has been described as 15 - 40 feet long with 1 or several humps. Scientists speculate that it (if it truly exists) could be a prehistoric marine reptile with a long neck and flippers, while others believe it could be part of the eel family.

Crop Circles
Avebury, England
Decipher gigantic, intricate patterns found in the wheat fields of a small farming community. Crop circles have appeared around the world, but over 100 have been reported in Avebury within the last 12 years. Explanations for these frequent formations include hoaxes, the wind, the military, lasers and the ever popular extraterrestrial messages.

Easter Island Statues
Easter Island
Witness Polynesian giants 2,300 miles west of Chile and 2,500 miles southeast of Tahiti. When discovered in 1722, this 15-mile island was completely isolated and uninhabited except for 800 enormous statues. Their huge size and weight -- some standing 30 feet tall and weighing over 75 tons -- would have made them almost impossible to build and move.

Jack the Ripper
London, England
Retrace the steps of the world's most notorious serial killer. More than a century after the butchering of 5 prostitutes, the identity of Jack the Ripper remains a mystery. Visitors to London's East End can still experience that autumn of terror on the original Jack the Ripper Walk.

Top 10 National Park Activities

Top 10 National Park Activities : American National Parks

Our national park system invites visitors to choose their own adventures in the most beautiful spots in the US. Here's our selection for the most exciting and unusual national park activities including sandboarding, spelunking and more.

Rock-Climbing
Yosemite, California
Yosemite is a climber's paradise with craggy outposts, sustained crack climbs and multiday dome excursions. Since 1969, the Yosemite Mountaineering School and Guide Service has been training newbies and accompanying seasoned climbers on trips in the park's many climbing areas. Full-day classes are available from April through October in Curry Village or Tuolumne Meadows, while specialized programs like Girls on Granite cater to women looking to scramble and scale up the rocks.

Snorkeling
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, USVI
You'll want flippers, a mask and snorkel to explore the best trail in St. John because it's actually underwater. The snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay is a 225-yard swim lined with signs describing the fish, coral and plants that live in the warm turquoise waters. After exploring the sea, relax on the crescent-shaped beach and appreciate the scenery at one of the country's most idyllic national parks.

Orienteering
Prince William Forest Park, Virginia
Set off on a modern-day treasure hunt at Prince William Forest Park. Leave the GPS system at home for an orienteering adventure using just a map and compass to follow clues around one of the park's 30 courses. You can choose to set your own pace, whether it's a slowpoke family stroll while the kids master the compass or a competitive jaunt to race to the final clue.

Hiking
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
Hikers can set off on a great adventure on foot any time of year in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With more than 800 miles of trails, there are plenty of options including scenic strolls through fields of wildflowers and strenuous climbs to the top of the park's glorious waterfalls. A popular day-hike is a strenuous 8-mile trip to Charles Bunion along the Appalachian Trail. The 3-mile trip to Baskins Creek Falls follows an accessible trail with footbridge crossings to a 25-foot waterfall while the 8-mile roundtrip to Ramsay Cascades is a moderately strenuous trek through old-growth forest.

Horseback-Riding
Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
Experience the wild badlands on a horseback ride through Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The former president galloped through these vast prairies himself in the late 19th century. The park's trail system is open to horses, and some visitors choose to ride in on their own steed. For the rest of us, Peaceful Valley Ranch organizes day-trips all summer long for riders over 7 years old.

Rafting
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
While more than 5 million visitors head to the Grand Canyon every year, many make the mistake of simply peering out over the Rim before climbing back in the car. To truly experience the grandeur of the Grand Canyon, set off on a white-water-rafting adventure on the Colorado River. Float down smooth water on half- or full-day trips, or check out a longer excursion and spend 3 to 18 days riding the rapids in the shadows of the canyon's towering red walls.

Spelunking
Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest known cave system with spacious chambers and twisted labyrinths beneath Kentucky's Green River Valley. Serious spelunkers can descend 300 feet down 670 stairs and narrow passageways and tunnels to explore the underground rooms and hills on the Grand Avenue Tour. It takes over 4 hours to traverse this 4-mile-long stretch of the cave system. Lantern tours of the caves' passageways at Violet City give guests an idea of what it was like for the early cave explorers in the 1800s. And children over 10 can join in the fun on the Introduction to Caving experience, which teaches participants how to crawl, shimmy and slither through narrow passageways.

Paddling
Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska
Many visitors take in Glacier Bay's snow-capped mountains and towering glaciers from the deck of a cruise ship. For a more intimate tour of the park, glide through the waters in a low-lying kayak. Kayak trips set off from Bartlett Cove with Glacier Bay Sea Kayaks, the park's tour outfitter. Experienced paddlers may rent a kayak and set out to sea for solo trip while the company's 1-day adventures are perfect for beginners. Paddle alongside seals, porpoises or sea otters, and look toward the shore to search for black bear and moose.

Sandboarding
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado
Who says you can't ski in the summer? Rocket down rolling sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado. You'll need good equipment, such as downhill skis, a snowboard or a flat-bottomed plastic sled, to set off on a wild ride through the sand. The conditions aren't good after rain or when the weather is too dry as the sand may be too soft to pick up some speed. Sandboarding is permitted on any of the unvegetated dunes and is particularly good at the 300-foot slope near the Castle Creek Picnic Area.

Wildlife Viewing
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
Enjoy a wild safari a bit closer to home at Yellowstone National Park, home to more than 60 types of mammals and 318 species of birds. Black bears and grizzlies make their home in forests while coyotes, gray wolves and bobcats frolic in the meadows. Bison, elk and moose roam the grasslands while bighorn sheep meander along the mountainside. Bald eagles soar overhead and trumpeter swans make their nests alongside the park's rivers. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera, and join a ranger tour to learn more about these fascinating residents.

Top 10 Vancouver Attractions

Top 10 Vancouver Attractions : Vancouver 2011 -

It’s no coincidence that many of Vancouver’s most popular attractions are outside. This chic coastal city is the perfect mix of urban sophistication and breathtaking outdoor scenery. It’s easy to take in the city’s wonders on foot or take advantage of the public transportation including the SeaBus and SkyTrain. Navigate the sprawling city parks, head to the mountains and explore the quirky neighborhoods to celebrate the city’s unforgettable energy.

Stanley Park
With 1,000 acres of outdoor fun, Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. The park appeals to visitors of all ages. There are flowering gardens and wooded areas with cedar, hemlock and fir trees that are home to varied wildlife. Kids love the water park, miniature train, farmyard and aquarium. But the most popular spot in the park is the Seawall, a scenic 5.5-mile path that visitors can explore on foot, bikes or roller blades.

Granville Island Public Market
Bakers, fishmongers, gardeners, butchers, importers and chefs of all kind peddle their goods at Vancouver’s largest public market on Granville Island. This foodie epicenter welcomes over 12 million hungry visitors each year looking for rare mushrooms, artisanal cheeses, homemade charcuterie from Oyama Sausage Company and ultra-fresh fish. Make reservations in advance for a 2-hour guided tour with Edible BC to learn about the market’s best-kept secrets with local chefs.

Grouse Mountain
Winter on Grouse Mountain means there’s skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice-skating and sleigh rides just 15 minutes from downtown. But the fun doesn’t end come summer. In the warm weather, locals head to the mountain for hiking and paragliding. Ziplines also zoom through the air and traverse the canyon year-round. If outdoor adventure isn’t your speed, climb aboard the largest aerial tramway for a 1-mile ride to the top of the peaks and the swanky Observatory restaurant.

Capilano Suspension Bridge
A treetop adventure awaits visitors at the Capilano Suspension Bridge and park. The first footbridge was built in 1889 using hemp rope and cedar planks to stretch across 450 feet. While today’s bridge is made of reinforced steel, much of the 27-acre park’s historic charm remains. Totem Park displays colorful story poles telling the stories of local First Nations ancestors. The park’s newest addition is Treetops Adventure, a series of 7 suspension bridges that sway 100 feet above the sweeping evergreen forest.

Whistler Blackcomb
Less than 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb beckons snow bunnies and outdoor enthusiasts with over 8,000 acres of fun. These 2 mountains have distinct personalities that adventurers can discover only through experience. Ride the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola to explore them both. The mountains are hopping in the winter with skiing and snowboarding and equally fun in warm weather with great mountain-biking trails and outdoor adventures like ziptrekking. And when you’re ready to head inside, Whistler village has 134 restaurants and bars and over 200 shops for indoor fun.

Chinatown
Millennium Gate’s bright colors welcome visitors to Chinatown. No visit is complete without eating. Grab one of the 1,000 seats and try some authentic Cantonese Dim Sum at Floata Seafood Restaurant. Then walk off those pork buns and chicken feet on a stroll through the tranquil rock-lined paths at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Gastown
Gastown is lovingly referred to as the place where Vancouver began when local hero “Gassy Jack” Deighton enlisted the local millworkers to help build his saloon in a single day. The neighborhood has maintained its distinctive charm, earning it a spot on the National Historic Site of Canada. Today the cobblestone streets are still lined with watering holes that draw locals and tourists in for a snack and a pint.

Sea Safari
Seals, whales, bald eagles and blue herons all make their homes in the waters off the coast of Vancouver. You can experience this wildlife on a tranquil kayak trip or don some special waterproof gear and set off on a sea safari. Sewell’s Marina in West Vancouver offers 2-hour trips from Howe Sound in high-speed Zodiac-style boats.

Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology was recently renovated to add more space for the world-recognized exhibits. The museum celebrates those artifacts and objects that express human creativity from a variety of world cultures. It recognizes the rich history of the First Nations people in Vancouver with striking sculptures and artwork.

Yaletown
Yaletown has been on the rise since the 1990s when the old redbrick warehouses were converted into condos and high-end retail and dining. Sometimes referred to as “little SoHo,” this downtown neighborhood is young and hip with swanky hotels, cool boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. It’s also a good spot for star-gazing of the Hollywood kind as celebrities can often be found mingling in trendy spots like the Opus Bar and restaurants like the Bluewater Café.

Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations

Top 10 Family Spring Break Vacations : Spring Break Getaways - Travel Channel Catch It The Travel Channel Home

Atlantis Resort
Paradise Island, Bahamas
The legendary underwater world bearing the same name has nothing on this Bahamian resort that beckons children and their parents with luxurious resort surroundings and outrageous kids' activities. Kids can choose their own adventures at the stellar AKA (Atlantis Kids Adventure) program. Aspiring chefs can twist pretzels or make pizza in culinary classes and budding architects can don their hard hats and get building in the Lego Construction room. Wizards? Check. There's a cozy tree with perfect nooks for reading the latest magical tale. Extravagant tea party? Atlantis has this one covered, too, in the life-sized Victorian dollhouse equipped with the highest quality in pretend kitchens. There's gaming systems galore, a performance gallery complete with costumes and equipment to make movies, and arts and crafts to rival the best art institute. If the kids ever choose to leave the club, parents might squeeze in a fast family meal before the wee ones are off to the water slides, river rides, rock climbing or marine habitat.

Smugglers Notch 
Smugglers Notch, Vermont
Sure, school is out, but the kids won't mind being students enrolled in the ski programs at Smugglers Notch. Aspiring snowboarders can learn the ropes on Burton snowboards equipped with a softer flex and beveled bottom that help with the learning curve. Cross-country skiers can hone their skills on the bumps and play area at the mini terrain park. The staff is so confident in their students at Snow Sport University that there's a refund if participants don't learn or improve. When class is out, kids can tackle a new hill -- the 22-foot giant double lane slide and the rest of the inflatable fun at FunZone. Indoor pools, dog-sledding, ice-skating and art classes are available to keep the entire family busy.

Rancho de los Caballeros 
Wickenburg, Arizona
Saddle up for a unique spring break at an old-school dude ranch in Arizona. It's like sleep-away camp for the entire family, but with better food and cozier accommodations. Rancho de los Caballeros has been giving families an insider's look at cowboy life since 1947, so it's no surprise they've mastered the art of the family vacation. The children's club starts at 8:00 a.m. with breakfast before a ride on the trails or around the corral for the mini cowboys and girls. The kids are busy with swimming, crafts, hiking, sports and scavenger hunts while parents can spend some time relaxing or playing golf. After lunch, the family is reunited for some together time and more horseback riding or just horsing around in the pool. Then come dinner time, the kids are back to the club and a campfire while mom and dad enjoy dinner in the dining room. It's the best of both worlds and, best of all, most activities in the children's program are free of charge.

Sandy Lane 
St. James, Barbados
Sandy Lane Resort is a spring break destination to aspire toward with chauffeured luxury cars, palatial suites and chilled, scented towels on arrival. This exclusive resort is pricy, but a worthy investment if you're looking for a refined resort atmosphere with plenty of engaging activities to keep the little ones happy. Parents can enjoy a few rounds of golf on impeccably manicured fairways or slip into the spa for a massage or the moisturizing Rose Hydrating Cocoon. Kids will dig the Treehouse Club with themed events and activities like nature walks, sports, crafts and carnival days, complete with stilt-walking. Teens chill in the Den with pool, air hockey, video games and organized pool parties and water sports. The whole family will love swimming with the rare Hawksbill turtles in the reefs located just off the shore.

Steamboat Springs 
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Springs is a dreamboat for families with great children's ski instructions and a bundle of après-ski activities. The Kid's Vacation Center is the starting point for families with a streamlined check-in process and a spacious facility to prepare your young ones for the cold. Lessons are available for kids starting at 2.5-years-old, and there are 5 kids-only slopes where little ones can master the art of the wedge before moving on to the kiddies terrain park. The Rough Rider Basin is a nod to the Old West with teepees, a log-cabin playhouse and snack areas. The whole family will enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Great Rockies followed with a soak in the area's natural hot springs. Kids Fly Free domestic packages coupled with Kids Rent Free and Kids Ski Free all reduce the price of one cool family vacation.

Loews Coronado Bay 
San Diego, California
San Diego is an ideal pick for families looking for spring break fun with loads of diversity. There's the beach, of course, but there are also great parks, cool museums and 2 fantastic zoos. The San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is a sprawling and hilly enclave made up of 9 unique zones spread out over 100 acres. Plan on spending a few hours checking out the polar bears, elephants and gorillas, and hop on the guided bus to learn about the animals and give your legs a rest. The Wild Animal Park, 35 miles outside of the city, provides a safari experience as you traverse the 1,800-acre park in an open bus perfect for viewing the herds of wild animals like rhinos and giraffes in a more natural setting. The Loews Coronado Bay resort makes kids and teens feel right at home with club activities, water sports, surfing classes and gondola rides through the Coronado Cays canals.

Kauai Surf School 
Poipu Beach, Hawaii
If you can swim, then you can surf. At least that's what the folks at Kauai Surf School believe. Families can arrange for group sessions so the whole crew can wipe out and encourage each other to hop back up again. Group lessons maintain a ratio of 4 students for every instructor, ensuring that everyone has ample time to catch some waves. Parents must accompany children under 12 in group lessons. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort is a family-favorite with an outrageous pool complex including saltwater lagoons and freshwater pools with waterfalls, grottos and a 150-foot slide. Parents don't need to feel guilty about dropping off the keiki, or kids, at Camp Hyatt where kids ages 3-12 can learn the hula, meet the resident parrots or make cool cultural crafts.

Kalahari Resort Wisconsin Dells 
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Wisconsin is king of water parks, and these monstrous slides aren't limited to the great outdoors. Families can save on the sunscreen and splurge on the fun at this indoor water wonderland made up of 125,000 square feet of slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and whirlpools. The Master Blaster uphill water rollercoaster and family raft river rapids are not to be missed. If you can get the kids out of the pool, there's an indoor theme park with a Ferris wheel, indoor go-carts, bowling and arcade games. Admission to the water park is included in the price for on-site accommodations, which include standard hotel rooms and roomier family suites.

South Seas Island Resort 
Captiva Island, Florida
In the midst of hectic resorts and crowded beaches, Captiva Island feels like a secret spot where families can turn it down and enjoy a retreat from the everyday. Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, the area has unspoiled beaches and unique wildlife that can be encountered while kayaking through the quiet estuaries or touring the freshwater ponds. It's also a great spot for collecting seashells, so bring along a bucket. But don't confuse a bit of peace and quiet with boring -- there's plenty to do at South Seas Island Resort from sailing in the harbor to playing in the lagoon pool complex or sliding down the waterslides at H2Whoa!

Club Med Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The beauty of an all-inclusive vacation is that you can put your wallet away and relax once you reach your destination. The Club Med Punta Cana caters to families with oceanfront family suites and even simplifies your packing by making baby essentials, like bathtubs, strollers and even baby food, available for your use. There are activities galore for parents and kids to enjoy together including infant classes at the Baby Gym and catamaran adventures. Supervised camps are included in your package price for kids over 4 and are available at an extra cost for babies through preschoolers up to 4.

Top 10 Survival Tips for Holiday Travel

Top 10 Survival Tips for Holiday Travel : Travel Tips

Wherever you're heading, if you're traveling during the holiday season, you need to realize that everyone else in the world is, too. But don't let invasive security scanners, terrible drivers and long lines get you down. We're giving you tips to survive the holiday travel season without a Frosty the Snowman-size meltdown.

Top Picks Do your research.

Plan alternative trips if traffic makes your way home too overwhelming. Is there a scenic drive that might be longer but have less traffic? Break up a long drive by finding a few places to stop that will get the kids more excited than a truck rest stop. When flying, make sure you check the airline’s restrictions ahead of time on carry-on luggage and fees for checked bags.

Stay connected.

Stock up on the latest travel apps before you leave home. Flight Status gives you real-time updates on delays, baggage numbers and more, and TSAwait gives you approximate times you’ll spend in security. Heading out on the road? Find the cheapest gas and cleanest bathrooms on the road with Cheap Gas! and SitOrSquat.

Pack light.

Avoid checking bags altogether if you can. You won’t have to wait for your luggage on the conveyor belt, and you won’t have to worry about your mom’s Christmas present getting lost in Logan Airport. If you do check luggage, make sure you have all your medications and important documents and a change of clothes in your carry-on in case your luggage gets lost.

Pack earplugs.

Short of doing yoga in the airport, the best way to mentally escape your stressful surroundings is to turn the volume down. And the easiest way to do that is with earplugs. Crying baby next seat over on the plane? Earplugs. Sister’s music in the car driving you mad? Earplugs. And if you really want to check out for a bit? Bring an eye mask (as long as you aren’t driving).

Don’t go hungry.

When your tummy growls, your mind can’t think straight, and you could unknowingly get in the wrong line, take the wrong turn, or worse, upset an innocent flight attendant. Pack snacks and drinks, so you and your family will be fueled up for a road trip. If you’re flying, definitely get some grub before you board the plane, so you won’t have to rely on airline food if you’re sitting on the tarmac for hours.

Top 10 Caribbean Beaches

The British Virgin Islands are made up of a collection of smaller islands, each with its own unique topography and island vibe. Virgin Gorda, 1 of the largest islands, is a popular tourist spot with posh resorts, pristine beaches and great sailing. Virgin Gorda is probably most famous for the Baths, a unique national park on the island's southwest coast with white sandy beaches framed by gigantic granite boulders, some of these with diameters reaching 40 feet. Bring along your water shoes, a snorkel and a waterproof camera and explore the series of caves and grottos created by these irregular boulders.

View the original article here

Top 10 Caribbean Resorts

Hyatt Regency, Aruba Resort & Casino
Aruba, Netherland Antilles
Set just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is the westernmost island of the Netherland Antilles. Here Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean culture blend as comfortably as your beachside cocktail. The Hyatt Regency Aruba is one of the region's premier resorts, because it has a lot of casual elegance and the staff combine that attribute with an incredible array of really fun activities.

Caneel Bay
St. John, US Virgin Islands
The island of St. John is a treasure trove of tropical jungle and enticing enclaves. It was once the playpen of gazillionaire Lawrence Rockefeller, who fell in love with this lush land in the 1920s. Facilities here include 166 elegantly understated rooms, 3 restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a state-of-the-art tennis facility.

Parrot Cay Resort & Spa
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands
Located 575 miles southeast of Miami, the 8 major islands and more than 40 keys of Turks & Caicos cover only a combined 196 square miles of sun-drenched shoreline. Stars like Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and David Copperfield have all said ahoy to this place. And unlike super-accessible mega-resorts, the exclusive 5-star Parrot Cay Resort and Spa can be reached only by small boat.

Little Dix Bay
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Set 90 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda is 8 1/2 square miles of lush greenery and stunning crescent bays; it truly is a tropical wilderness. The huge sprawling property includes an amazing number of hiking trails and amazing snorkeling.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
A visit to these beautiful islands will often cost you a pretty penny, but not if you stay at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort.

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, just east of Puerto Rico. Blessed with breathtaking views, it's no wonder this island attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Combining Old World Colonial charm with a tropical setting, the 152-room Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas sits on 15 acres of impeccably manicured grounds and its stately elegance attracts guests from all around the world.

Four Seasons Resort
Nevis, West Indies
The tropical island of Nevis sits a balmy 19 degrees north of the equator. While it's only separated from other islands in the West Indies by 2 miles of warm water, go there and you'll feel a world apart. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Four Seasons, Nevis, is that it has attained a 5-diamond rating. Getting a five-diamond rating from AAA is hard enough in the United States, but to get this rating on a relatively remote Caribbean island is a testament to the resort's commitment to service.

Atlantis
Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas
Rising up majestically from the Caribbean is Atlantis, a resort based on the mythical city that sank without a trace 11,000 years ago. Along the 3 miles Cabbage Beach's sugary sand, guests can snorkel, parasail, jet-ski or just lounge to their hearts' desire. Then there is the Leap of Faith: a 60-foot drop down a Mayan temple water slide that takes you to 1 of the resort's spectacular family attractions -- the aquarium.

Sandy Lane
St. James, Barbados
Fresh off a $200-million renovation, the stunning Sandy Lane is just what any Caribbean connoisseur is looking for. This 800-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, a 7,000-square-foot pool, state-of-the-art tennis facilities and museum-quality art. In fact, Sandy Lane has become not only the premier luxury resort in Barbados, but also 1 of the premier resorts in the world.

Hotel Maroma
Maroma, Mexico
Thirty miles south of the crowded Mexican resort of Cancun, in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, you'll find the pristine, quiet area of Maroma. The Hotel Maroma has a mere 36 suites decked in handmade mahogany and bamboo furniture. A stay here is worth every penny.

Top 10 Outdoor Adventures in Thailand

Top 10 Outdoor Adventures in Thailand : Adventure Travel

Thailand is sometimes known as The Golden Land due to the warmth of its beaches, year-round perfect weather and the hospitality of its people. It's also a land brimming with opportunities for exploration, excitement and exploits. Here are 10 Thailand adventures guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping.

10. Caving
Get to the heart of Thailand by exploring ancient caves and tremendous caverns like those in the Pang Mapha District of the Mae Hong Son Province. Here you can venture underground and discover wildlife, history and geology. Expert guides, like those at Cave Lodge, will escort you through geologic labyrinths, vertical caves and collapsed caves. Combine your journey with forest hikes or rafting to see even more of the Thai landscape.

9. Jungle Trekking
Get intimate with the wilds of Thailand by hitting the unmarked trails. We recommend at least a 3-day trek to see mountain ridges, rainforests and experience camping in the beautiful Thai wilderness. The folks at Active Thailand will provide an informed English-speaking guide who will pick you up at your Chiang Mai City hotel and arrange all your food and camping needs. You just need to bring dry socks, SPF and a sense of adventure.

8. Elephant Riding
Taking an elephant ride through local Thai villages and surrounding forests is an experience no visitor to Thailand should miss. The type and length of the ride can be catered specifically to you: a half-hour ride through a local village or a 5-day trek through the jungles of Northern Thailand. Those with the endurance and the daring can even incorporate mountain biking and rafting into the trek. Read about several elephant rides with unique destinations.

7. Waterfall Abseiling
Number 7 is perfect for those who find regular rock climbing or repelling to be a bit mundane. Throw in the force of a waterfall, and now you're talking adventure. Many hotels and travel guides have programs that allow you to abseil, or repel, down Thailand's beautiful and powerful waterfalls. You'll feel your heart in your chest as you lean over the edge of a 35-foot waterfall and the ground slowly slips beneath your feet. Learn more about waterfall abseiling at Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai.

6. Whitewater Rafting
Relatively new to the Thai tourist market, whitewater rafting is quickly being added to many adventure trek itineraries. Rush the rapids in Southern Thailand's Phang Na province, and you're guaranteed an exhilarating ride. Book with Phuket Tours, and you'll score a visit to the Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary and an elephant ride through the jungle.

5. Mountain Biking
Give the elephants a break and hit the Thai wilderness on 2 wheels. Mountain biking is supremely popular in this country and there are many different tours from which to choose. M.T. Hill Tours offers rides lasting from a few hours to a full day, but one of their more interesting tours takes place at night. Explore the bustling Bangkok City on a 3-hour bike tour; the ride ends relatively early, so you can hit the town once you've turned in your bike. Just promise us you'll change out of your bike shorts.

4. Snorkeling
Dive into the marine life just off the coast of Thailand. Similan Diving Safaris offers a full range of diving programs that will teach you how to explore reefs or get lost in the blue during an open-water dive. Located in Phang-Nga, you'll peacefully roam the underwater beauty of Similan and Surin Marine National Islands.

3. Sea Kayaking
Since you're having so much fun enjoying Thailand's scenery and wildlife, why not do a little to preserve it? And, of course, still have fun. Sea Canoe is an eco-friendly company that has operated in Southern Thailand for over 18 years. With offices in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samuir, Sea Canoe can offer adventures in Khao Sok, Trang and Tarutao. Their staff is knowledgeable, and they offer a multitude of locations for kayaking adventures, ranging from a few hours to over 6 days.

2. Zip Lining
From the sea to the sky, our next adventure takes you through the canopies of the Chiang Mai rainforests. You'll ride in your single-person swing and cruise a cable suspended through the 1500-year old Thai rainforest. Upgrade from a single swing to the complete adventure package offered by Flight of the Gibbon, and you can rock climb, mountain bike and stay in authentic Thai village home stays.

1. Skydiving
We don't need to tell you what an amazingly scary experience skydiving is; if you're looking to inject your vacation with pure adrenaline, this is the extreme. The weather is Thailand is good 365 days a year, so that means there is jumping every single day. Strap yourself to a jumpmaster, and experience the thrill of a lifetime.

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations : Romance and Honeymoons -

Once the wedding is over and the last guest has left, most couples look forward to their honeymoon -- five days, a week, maybe more, of unwinding, relaxing and spending quality time together in an exotic spot somewhere around the world. Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes -- a beach vacation, a safari, a ski trip -- and are based more on the couple's joint-personality than on tradition. This list is just a snapshot of 10 of the world's hottest honeymoon destinations -- from sunny beaches to snowcapped mountains and even fairy tale theme parks.

Camino Real Acapulco Diamante
Acapulco, Mexico
Once the honeymoon destination for John and Jackie Kennedy, Acapulco is still a popular place for newlyweds celebrating their new life together. Temperatures hover in the 80s throughout the year, and the warm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. As if that's not enough to tempt you, the prices in Acapulco are affordable and can allow for an unforgettable honeymoon even on a tight budget. The Camino Real offers well-designed rooms overlooking the private Pichilingue Beach, as well as fine dining and a variety of activities. The hotel's convenient location allows guests to appreciate the night life of Acapulco by night and the natural beauty of the beaches by day.
What's Cool: Two adults-only pools for a quiet escape

The Bellagio Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
So maybe you didn't escape to Las Vegas to elope, but who says you can't celebrate your nuptials at this hot destination? Sin City is an ideal place for newlyweds looking for an action-packed and exciting honeymoon, while having the option of being pampered, all for a reasonable price. The Bellagio offers fine accommodations and a fun night life, but also gourmet dining, stunning gardens, an elaborate pool complex, a first-class spa and even fine art on display. Las Vegas' romantic side is undeniable, and the whirlwind of available activities is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation.
What's Cool: Stunning gardens make an ideal setting for a romantic stroll

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Alberta, Canada
Prefer to spend this precious time with your honey making snow angels rather than slathering on sunscreen? Situated on the edge of the glacier-fed Lake Louise, the Fairmont Chateau offers an abundance of winter sports creating a heavenly honeymoon haven for snow bunnies. The wide variety of winter activities includes downhill and cross-country skiing, as well as snowshoeing, ice skating and even dog sledding. Guests can pamper themselves in the hotel's spa and then set off for a romantic sleigh ride into the wilderness. The idyllic lake setting makes Chateau Lake Louise a popular honeymoon spot even in the warmer months, when guests can take advantage of the resort's outdoor activities, which include horseback riding, whitewater rafting and hiking.
What's Cool: Warm up with your sweetie by the fire after a romantic sleigh ride

Walt Disney World
Orlando, Florida
There's no better place for a fairy tale honeymoon for the bride and her Prince Charming than at Walt Disney World Resorts. Newlyweds can choose from packages such as the honeymoon escape, the deluxe escape and the romantic escape, which combines time at a Disney resort with a cruise to the Bahamas. Packages include accommodations and park passes, as well as a choice of amenities including honeymoon pictures at Disney sites or a couple's spa treatment. True Disney fans can bring the whole wedding to Disney World with a customized-theme wedding at the park.
What's Cool: Plan a private fireworks cruise

Amankila
Mangiss, Bali, Indonesia
Even savvy world travelers can find fresh and enchanting destinations to celebrate a new life together -- it just may require some more time onboard. One such spot is tucked away on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Amankila translates to "peaceful hill," and this popular resort meets the expectations of its name. Overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali, the Amankila offers stunning views of the sea and a lovely three-tiered pool. A day away from the resort promises an experience of rich culture steeped in religious tradition at one of the island's 10,000 temples.
What's Cool: Book the Deluxe Pool Suite with your own private pool

Grand Hotel Florence
Florence, Italy
If it's romance you're looking for, a trip to Florence guarantees starry eyes, hearty meals, amazing art and much more. Like a room with a view? Housed in a former 18th-century palace overlooking the Arno river, the rooms at the Grand Hotel are oozing with Florentine culture. Rooms are still fit for royalty, decorated with frescoes and marble. The hotel is ideally situated near the picture-worthy Duomo cathedral, the splendid Uffizi Gallery and the shops at Ponte Vecchio. This need not be the only stop on a Mediterranean adventure, and many honeymooners may choose to travel on to other Italian hot spots, such as Rome, Venice and the Amalfi coast.
What's Cool: The stained-glass ceiling in the hotel bar sets an Old World romantic mood

Caneel Bay
St. John, US Virgin Islands
Located on the 5,000-acre Virgin Islands National Park, the Caneel Bay resort is surrounded by seven beaches and offers a wide range of pampering and activities -- a visit to Honeymoon Beach is a must for all lovebirds. Some rooms have ocean views and a patio that opens right onto the beach, while the resort's most extravagant lodging option is a private cottage. Daytime activities include relaxing on the beach or participating in the resort's many activities, which include scuba diving, kayaking and yoga-for-two classes. The food is top-notch and the Beach Terrace offers the highly praised grand buffet on Monday nights overlooking Caneel Beach.
What's Cool: Inquire about their complete wedding planning service and get married at the hotel!

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Nestled on an island in the lagoon of Bora Bora, this resort invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in a bungalow perched above the lagoon on high stilts. The Canoe Breakfast brings the morning nosh to new levels as breakfast and fresh flowers are loaded into a canoe and delivered to your room. While the resort offers many evening entertainment options and group activities, honeymooners can escape the crowds with a private barbecue for two on a secluded island. Guests snorkel and relax while their personal chef prepares an island feast served on fine china and linens in the great outdoors.
What's Cool: Guests can either relax on the beach or participate in some exciting activities, including safari tours and shark feedings on the water.

Hyatt Regency Aruba Beach Resort & Casino
Palm Beach, Aruba
Some honeymooners are looking for an action-packed vacation while others just want to soak in the rays and relax. For those who fall in the latter group, Aruba is an ideal destination with its near-perfect weather and beautiful beaches. Only 20 miles long and 6 miles wide, this small space is packed with enough beaches, restaurants, nightclubs and casinos to delight even the most finicky members of the just-married set. The focus is on serenity by day, when couples can enjoy the island's fine beaches, pool complexes and spas, and on action at night, when the island's clubs and casinos come alive. Meet Lady Luck, but be careful not to lose your shirt at the Copacabana Casino, which re-creates the feeling of Rio at Carnival time.
What's Cool: A variety of culinary experiences to please every palate -- from sushi to tapas to the popular "Fajitas and Ritas" special featuring Mexican food and margaritas

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
The Big Island, Hawaii
Say "aloha" to romance at this Four Seasons resort, where you can spend your days lounging by the adults-only Palm Grove Pool or exploring the natural King's Pond pool before heading off to the luxurious spa for a relaxing couple's massage. The Ultimate Honeymoon Package offers a rental car for your stay, a romantic private dinner on the beach (one night only) and breakfast daily. Guests can indulge their senses during the day and unwind at sunset with a mai tai at the Beach Tree Bar before heading to the second-floor Makai Terrace for an intimate first-class dinner overlooking the ocean.
What's Cool: First-floor rooms have a private outdoor shower

Top 10 Wonders of the West

Top 10 Wonders of the West : Great American Vacations : American National Parks

When someone mentions the West and a great American vacation, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and even California's Gold Coast might come to mind. Whether you're going on a summer vacation or a fall weekend getaway, your time in the West is sure to be memorable. From the hottest, lowest, driest and certainly the most beautiful places in the West, the Travel Channel counts down the Top 10 Wonders of the West.

Death Valley, California
Death Valley is a land of harsh extremes, but this ultimate desert landscape was once the bottom of a sea on the earth's equator. Today, the only moisture you'll find in this desert is your perspiration.

Death Valley hits an average high temperature of 120 degrees in the summer, and it is the lowest and driest spot in the world. According to park rangers, approximately 3 people die here every year from exposure. But try not to let these statistics discourage you from visiting Death Valley. Millions come year-round to soak in the sun, have an organized hike and take in the beauty of this vast, open landscape.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
East of Portland, OR, flows the Columbia River Gorge. In 1916, the first highway ever built in the United States was constructed along the cliffs of the Columbia River, no doubt so that travelers could take in the beautiful views. The Columbia River region has 1 of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in the United States. It's home to the second-highest year-round flowing waterfall in the United States, Multnomah Falls, which stands an eye-popping 620 feet high. It's no wonder that nearly 2 million visitors come each year.

Arches National Park, Utah
Take a first glance at Arches National Park and you would think several sculptors got together and created something absolutely breathtaking. In fact, centuries of wind and water have sculpted the Utah sandstone into over 2,000 natural arches. You won't find more natural arches in 1 place anywhere else in the world.

Aside from the obvious reason 1.5 million visitors come to the Arches National Park each year, the park also brings in the adventurous traveler. Extreme mountain biking was born at Arches. Slick Rock Trail is 9 miles of heart-pounding adventure, a trail etched out of slippery sandstone that can be deadly for the inexperienced cyclist.

Arches National Park lies right in the middle of a desolate, treacherous and demanding landscape. Temperatures can easily each into the hundreds, making an afternoon walk or ride feel like a trip into a preheated oven.

Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Roughly 750 feet below New Mexico's Guadalupe Mountains exists a maze of tunnels that is the state's number 1 tourist destination. Visitors venture into the damp and dark just for a glimpse of another world and its inhabitants.

Of the 300 known caves in the Guadalupe Mountains, 120 of them are in Carlsbad National Park. Created by 500,000 years of dripping water, the caverns consist of 30 miles of vaulted halls and maze-like passages adorned with dazzling formations and colors of iridescent pinks, beiges and tans. The largest cavern, named the Big Room, is a colossal chamber that could fit 6 Click Here!">football fields and reaches as high as a 30-story skyscraper.

Aside from the grandeur of the cave, visitors also come to see the residents of the caverns -- bats. For 5,000 years, the Mexican freetailed bats have come soaring out of the cave each evening in search of night flying insects.

If all the walking and hiking of the 75 stories of cavernous cave makes you hungry, an elevator will carry you from the cavern floor to the outside world in 58 seconds flat. However, if you desire to stay below ground a bit longer, the Carlsbad Caverns lunchroom is sure to satisfy your appetite.

Channel Islands National Park, California
Only accessible by boat, the Channel Islands are located 90 miles off the coast of Los Angeles. Consisting of 177 miles of coastline, these 5 islands; often referred to as America's Galapagos, are decorated with rocky cliffs, arches, and beaches populated by 2,000 plants and animals, including sea lions and pelicans. One hundred and fifty of the animals found on the islands are found in no other place in the world.

Channel Islands National Park is considered one of the top destinations for scuba divers. Its waters are home to 17 different species of sharks, including the great white. But that threat doesn't stop the divers, who flock there from all over the world.

Mount Hood, Oregon
Since its last eruption 250 years ago, this beautiful, dormant volcano has been a paradise for hikers and skiers. A great combination of beauty and danger, Mount Hood is the second-most climbed peak in the world. During climbing season, you can expect roughly 200 people a day. These include skiers and snowboarders, who can take advantage of many of the mountain's slopes until the Fourth of July. With so many people climbing, skiing and playing in the park's 189,000 acres each year, it's important for everyone to be careful. The unique landscape of Mount Hood is especially treacherous.

After a long hike or a day of skiing, make sure to visit the historic Timberline Lodge to rest and warm up. Constructed in 15 months and built in the height of the Great Depression, this lodge displays the handiwork of over 300 craftsmen.

Redwoods National Park, California
The redwoods of Northern California the oldest living things on Earth and the main attraction at this national park. What's most unique about this attraction is that you can experience 2 natural wonders in one place -- the forest and the ocean.

Roughly 300,000 visitors come to Redwoods National Park each year to experience the grandeur of these giant trees. Coastal fog and cool, moist air keeps the trees damp, a perfect condition for their growth. The trees measure from 8 to 20 feet around and can grow as tall as a 35-story building. They live an average of 600 years, but some of the trees have been known to reach the ripe old age of 2,200 years old!

Yosemite National Park, California
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park greets nearly 4 million visitors each year. A glacier-carved canyon, Yosemite was the first territory in the United States set aside for public use. Filled with meadows, cliffs, waterfalls and forests, the park is also home to the fifth tallest waterfall in the world.

The best way to see Yosemite is on foot, as the park has over 800 miles of trails. However, this hike is not for the faint of heart. Yosemite ranges from 2,000 feet to 13,000 feet! The park's most famous attraction is Half Dome; carved from granite by glaciers and millions of years of erosion, it stands 4,000 feet above the valley. Visitors can see Half Dome from Glacier Point, or they can hike to its peak in one day. Yosemite's second lookout, El Capitan, fondly known as El Cap, is officially the largest monolith of granite in the world.

Yellowstone National Park
The first national park of the United States, Yellowstone covers over 2.2 million acres of the American West, filling it with spectacular mountain scenery, animals and endless natural beauty. But did you know that this park also lies on top of 1 of the most dangerous volcanoes in the United States? In researching the geological history of the park, scientists have recorded 3 major eruptions more powerful than any in the world's recorded history, and they all happened at Yellowstone. The eruptions toppled a mountain range and left a crater the size of the Los Angeles basin. Moreover, the volcano that sits underneath this beauty is still alive. But that little detail doesn't stop nearly 2 million visitors from coming to the park each year.

The main attraction at Yellowstone is Old Faithful. A result of a volcanic eruption, Old Faithful has expelled gallons of boiling water over 180 feet in the air.

Herds of buffalo and elk roam freely in Yellowstone. Visitors also spot the occasional grizzly bear. Just as in any national park, there are safety rules to follow: hike with a group, never go near a bear and her cubs, and most importantly stay away from bear dens.

The Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Colorado River started its work on the Grand Canyon over 20 million years ago. So far the result is a 1-mile-deep, 10-mile-wide and over 1 million-acres-long canyon. A magnificent example of erosion, the Grand Canyon was formed by water cutting through layers of rock for millions of years.

One of the best spots to hike is along the rim. For more adventurous travelers, the Colorado River offers some rip-roaring whitewater rapids. In any event, visitors should be aware of the apparent dangers when exploring as there are no railings and protective barriers along the entire canyon.

Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts

Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts : Best Beach Vacations -
For anyone with a dream of sun-drenched fun, Mexico's beaches are no longer just for the well-to-do. Today, resorts on the country's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer something for every taste, and budget. What's more, most Americans can make the trip to Mexico in little more than a two-hour flight. So, before making plans for an adventure south of the border, read on for Travel Channel's list of the Top 10 Mexican Beach Resorts.
Melia Cabo Real Beach & Golf Resort
Located in the "corridor" between the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo, this resort is the largest beach retreat in Los Cabos, with more than 300 rooms and one of the largest hotel pools in Mexico. However, many travelers are attracted to the Melia's greens, not its deep blue. Nearby, the "El Dorado" and the "Cabo Real," designed by Jack Nicklaus and Robert Trent Jones, respectively, offer professional-grade links, as well as phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean.Curves are what seem to define the Westin Regina - from the enormous, shapely, terracotta building to the undulating shapes of its seven pools. When building this resort, designers tried to follow the natural contours of the coastline, creating a getaway that is in tune with land and the ocean. Guest rooms also received a local touch, and are decorated in traditional bright colors and accented with Mexican handicrafts. Not surprisingly, activities at the Westin Regina reflect a "back to nature" ethos, with swimming, snorkeling and horseback riding the most popular distractions.
Camino Real Las Hadas
Mexico's southwest coast is home to the Camino Real Las Hadas, a resort whose beach was made famous by Bo Derek in the film 10. Luckily, Hollywood didn't spoil this magical stretch of shore, enabling Las Hadas to retain its romantic, tropical charm. Moorish-style white stucco architecture and palm-fringed walkways make Las Hadas a tropical paradise, while its private beach and marina add an understated elegance. All the guest rooms have terraces, and each of the five suites has a private plunge pool. Most spectacular is the Minaret Suite, which has unmatched views of the Mexican Riviera.
Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach
Awarded the coveted AAA five-diamond rating seven years in a row, the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach is tops in terms of service and accommodations. Even though it's just a stroll from the non-stop entertainment along Cancun's strip, the Fiesta Americana offers its own exhaustive roster of activities, including swimming, snorkeling and jet skiing. Guests who prefer to take it easy can enjoy ocean views from any of the resort's 602 rooms, or enjoy a gourmet meal at La Joya, the first restaurant in Cancun to score a five-diamond rating from AAA.
Fairmont Acapulco Princess
Acapulco is known for its cliff divers, its swank high rises and the Acapulco Princess. This 1,019-room mega-resort, designed to resemble an Aztec temple, lays claim to seven restaurants, seven bars, seven tennis courts, five pools, an 18-hole golf course, a shopping arcade and a recently inaugurated fitness center. Despite the grand surroundings, however, guest rooms are intimate. Tropical foliage, cane furniture, tasteful decor in muted tones of green and beige and private terraces with views of the Sierra Madre mountains or the Pacific Ocean create a peaceful atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of the resort.
Westin Regina Puerto Vallarta
Carved out of a coconut plantation, the Westin Regina Puerto Vallarta is a lush paradise. From the guest rooms, which are decorated in vivid mosaics, to the 600 coconut palms clustered on the resort's 21 acres, the Westin Regina oozes Mexico. The resort is one of the newest in Puerto Vallarta, but it maintains a classic charm. Golfing, boating, deep-sea fishing and scuba diving are just a few of the activities available.
Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa
With only 31 suites and 25 guest rooms, the Casa Del Mar Golf Resort & Spa proves that less is definitely more. Travelers wishing to escape the crowds, but still enjoy a tropical-resort atmosphere, will revel in the relative calm found in the Casa del Mar's six pools, verdant gardens and first-class beauty salon and spa. And, unlike larger resorts, Casa del Mar boasts two staff members per guest, ensuring that each patron receives superb service. Other luxuries include the Robert Trent Jones golf course, on-site tennis courts and private beach access.
La Jolla de Mismaloya
Surrounded by the jungle, the mountains and the sea, La Jolla makes the most of its natural environment. Adventurous travelers can take part in the resort's many organized excursions, including mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and deep-sea fishing. On the premises, guests can take a dip in one of La Jolla's three pools, play tennis, shop or relax with a spa treatment. Families are also catered to at La Jolla de Mismaloya, as evidenced by a myriad of activities suitable for kids and adults.
Le Meridien Cancun Resort & Spa
Travelers can expect exquisite cuisine, elegant decor and a Mediterranean-style flair at the French-run Le Meridien Resort & Spa. Like its Cancun neighbors, Le Meridien offers guests the opportunity to swim in cascading pools, play a round of golf at area courses or laze around on sugary beaches. But it's Le Meridien's Spa del Mar that keeps guests coming back. Just about every treatment and facility is available at the resort's 15,000-square foot spa, including hydrotherapy, massage, facials, Swiss showers, cold plunge pools and steam rooms.
Isla Navidad Golf Course, Marina & Resort
Situated on its own island between the Laguna Navidad and the Pacific Ocean, the Isla Navidad offers the best of both worlds. On the one hand, the resort is completely secluded and self-contained, making for an utterly romantic atmosphere. On the other, Isla Navidad boasts luxurious facilities, including a country club with a 27-hole, championship-par golf course, a yacht marina, three pools, tennis courts and two restaurants. To top it all off, the resort has at least 200 brands of tequila and an in-house master cigar maker, in case travelers feel the need to celebrate such a choice, tropical location.
Royal Hideaway Playacar
Love is in the air at the Royal Hideaway Playacar in the ever-popular Mayan Riviera. The resort is one of the few in the world to be honored with the AAA 5 Diamond Award, a testament to its phenomenal service (2.2 employees for every guest) and refined setting. During the day, guests feast on fresh guacamole and frozen cocktails alongside the cascading infinity pool. This snack is just a prelude to a gourmet meal at 1 of the 6 restaurants serving European, Asian, Italian and, of course, Mexican food.

Top 10 Mobile Apps for Travel

Top 10 Mobile Apps for Travel : Travel Tips -

Turn your phone into the equivalent of an electronic Swiss Army knife with 10 of our favorite road-tested travel apps. All you have to do is download them and go.

TripIt
Free. TripIt Pro--which tracks airline miles and sends alerts when there are flight delays--is $69
Forward confirmation emails from airlines, hotels, bus companies and more to TripIt, and the app will instantly organize it all into a single trip itinerary that you can view on your phone (or on your computer). The service also makes it easy to share itineraries with friends, family members and co-workers.

GateGuru
Free
Hungry, but don't have a lot of time between flights? Finished your book and need a new one for the next leg of your trip? Maybe you just want to find the nearest ATM. Skip the giant wall map of the airport terminal. Before you deplane from your first flight, get the lay of the airport land with GateGuru. The app offers gate-by-gate lists of restaurants, shops and services in, most (for now) US and Canadian airports.

Skype
Free
If you're traveling outside the US but don't want to return home to a crazy big cell-phone bill, rely on Skype's mobile phone app, which allows you to make low-cost calls over the internet instead of using your cell-phone provider's costly per-minute international plan. Pair Skype with free Wi-Fi in the hotel lobby or café of your choice, and you can phone landlines or other cell phones for just pennies and other Skype customers for free.

HopStop
Free
Don't get lost on that new-to-you public transportation system. Plug your start and end points into HopStop to find out the best train or bus route in the city you're visiting. The app is currently available for 16 cities, states and regions in the US and Europe, including New York City, Long Island, San Francisco, Paris and New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey.

Tweetdeck
Free
Want recommendations from your Twitter friends and followers for a great hike, restaurant, boutique hotel or museum while traveling? Hop on Tweetdeck, an easy-to-use and customizable Twitter client for mobile phones, and ask the Twitter masses. You'll end up (happily) loaded down with "you've gotta try" and "don't miss" replies. Don't have a Twitter account? Consider signing up for one. Travel-info swapping is one of the best reasons to join in the fun.

Yelp
Free
Standing on a hot street corner dreaming of Italian ices, gelato or, say, a wine bar? Use Yelp to search for restaurants and shops by category or by search term. Yelp can use your phone's GPS to serve up nearby shops or you can search by ZIP code or city. Yes, you'll have to take some of the reviews with a grain of salt -- they're written by the people for the people and, clearly, some of the people have questionable taste -- but it's a good place to start looking for quality stops in a new-to-you city.

Hipstamatic
$1.99
Your phone snapshots are good but … they could be better. Or, at least, cooler. Hipstamatic will help with that. The app's filters do digitally what plastic cameras, like the Diana and the Holga, do to your snaps: make then look arty. Light leaks and wacky exposures are all part of the fun. But, beware, it's highly addictive and, yes, at least one friend will whine that you're posting too many Hipstamaticized photos on Facebook.

AutoStitch
$2.99
That landscape in front of you screams out for a panoramic photo, don't you think? Take 2 to 5 snaps of any scene and AutoStitch will digitally sew them together to create a panorama. Right there. In your phone. Nifty.

iTalk Lite
Free
Photos are nice but how about a soundtrack to go with those vacation memories? With iTalk, you can capture on your phone the sounds of your trip: bird calls, street sounds and late-night sangria-fueled banter with newfound travel friends (but, please, get the friends' permission first). Use the free iTalk Sync program to download audio to your computer via Bluetooth.

Guide Apps
Not for Tourists apps: $1.99. Sutro Media apps: Prices vary.
As much as we enjoy some good crowd-sourced information via Twitter or Yelp, we still love a good guidebook. Or, these days, a good guide app. Companies including Not For Tourists and Sutro Media publish quality guides written by travel experts.

Venetian Hotel and Casino

Opened in May 1999 at a cost of $1.5 billion, the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is a little bit of Venice -- gondolas and all -- in the middle of the desert. Whether ogling over a faux St. Marks Square, walking along the half-million-gallon reproduction of Venice's Grand Canal or catching a ride across the Rialto Bridge people mover, you'll get a feel for Venice that only Vegas can pull off.
But there's more. A $250 million expansion of a hotel tower and expanded convention space provides The Venetian with 1,013 additional hotel suites, making the Venice-themed luxury resort the 3rd largest hotel in the world with 4,049 suites. The additional 150,000 square feet of meeting space brings the grand total to nearly 1.9 million square feet of meeting, convention and exhibition space at The Venetian and Sands Expo Center.
Up for some self-indulgence? Try the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, 65,000 square feet of pure pampering, plus plenty of opportunity to whip your body back into shape. And lest your mind feel left out, there's 2 museums, the Guggenheim Las Vegas and the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum. Who ever said Vegas doesn't have culture?
Main Attractions: Reproductions of Venice's most famous landmarks, including Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square and the Grand Canal
Ideal for: Anyone who has dreamed of Venice but hasn't yet made it
Dining Options: 16 restaurants, from Italian to French to Asian
Accommodations: Luxury suites feature Italian-marble bathrooms and sunken living rooms with full-size sofa sleepers. The hotel's standard suites have been awarded "largest standard hotel rooms" by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Fascinating Fact: The Venetian is the largest all-suite hotel in the world.
Claim to Fame: The Venetian stands on the site of the famous Sands hotel, which was imploded in November 1996.
Entertainment Options: The Venus Lounge celebrates all that Las Vegas is: bright lights and wild nights; and Madame Tussaud's has been entertaining and educating millions of people with its uncannily realistic wax figures of world leaders, movie stars and sports heroes for more than 200 years.
Activities: Take a gondola ride, relax in the Canyon Ranch Spa or shop your heart out in the Grand Canal Shoppes.
Casino Stats: The 120,000-square-foot casino features reproductions of famous frescoes gracing the 65-foot domed ceiling.