Travel Guides

South Dakota is home to a wide variety of species that can be hard to find in the wild in our neighboring states.  This includes bison, antelope, prairie dogs, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk and more.

Wonderful places for the family to visit in Florida! Beaches,Island Plantations, cities and the coast that your family is sure to enjoy!

Beach Properties is one of Hilton Head's premier vacation rental companies offering over 260 oceanfront and ocean oriented properties from 1-7 bedrooms. Stay at the finest luxury oceanfront homes, villas, and condominiums in South Carolina.

For couples who are looking for a long weekend of fun, Mohegan Sun in Connecticut is a good bet. There’s a host of shopping options, an array of restaurants serving diverse cuisine, a spa with an extensive treatment menu, a hotel that seeks to pamper its guests, multiple gaming options to explore and entertainment ranging from comedy acts to musicians to sporting events.

New York’s Hudson Valley is a great place to visit year round. There are beautiful hiking and walking trails, quaint mom-and-pop shops and antique stores, and miles upon miles of beautiful countryside to explore.

St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino is a great family destination for those looking for a warm-weather getaway. The property boasts a beautiful beach, championship golf course, the largest Vegas-style casino in the Caribbean as well as a world-class spa, eight restaurants, and a wonderful Kids Club Program.

Texas: Something for Everyone

Texas offers something for every traveler. From unique festivals to great golf courses, amazing outdoor activities and culinary experiences, there’s plenty to keep your family busy in the Lone Star State.

Ranches and Rodeos

Looking for a real Texas vacation? Saddle up and head to one of the state's many working ranches complete with cattle, chuckwagons and cowpokes. Don’t forget to take in a rodeo while here; what was once a competition to test ranch skills is now one of the Lone Star State's most popular sporting contests. Rodeo is a year-round sport, and you can find the live, heart-stopping action of a rodeo somewhere in the state almost every single month.

Seeking an adrenaline-charged outdoor adventure? Knockout scenery? Or a family-pleasing, budget-friendly destination? Find it all right here in Texas, and experience the Lone Star State up close through an exciting camping trip. Grab the tent, pack the cooler and get back to nature at one of the state's plentiful state parks or campgrounds.

All along the 600 miles of Texas beaches, the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico meet the mild climate of the coast, making Texas beaches among the most calming and beautiful in the nation. There are countless sandcastles to build, unrelenting surf to tame and infinite shells to find. So pack your swimsuit, your snorkel, your bucket and shovel and come on in. The water's fine.

Jackson Hole is one of the West’s most popular resort towns and for good reason. There’s the incredible scenery, the endless list of activities and the miles upon miles of fresh air.
Spring Creek Ranch blends in beautifully with its surroundings. It sits on 1,000 acres of land with ample wildlife from neighboring wilderness areas. There are more than 100 species of birds and 40 species of mammals. Don’t be surprised to see elk, mule, eagles, coyote and deer wandering around.

Northwest Connecticut is a wonderful place for nature lovers. The four distinct seasons each offer their own appeal and extensive array of activities. Fall brings about the harvest and an opportunity to take part in one of the county’s numerous agricultural fairs. Of course fall foliage brings visitors around the world to see the brilliant colors splashed across the countryside.

Galena, Illinois is a great family destination. There are wonderful museums, historic sites, unique boutiques and wonderful mom-and-pop shops. For those families looking for a resort that pretty much has everything, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa is the way to go. The resort is located on 6,800 acres of beautiful rolling hills, including 63 holes of some of the best golf in the Midwest. There’s also a relaxing spa, several dining options, a newly renovated indoor pool and hiking, biking and boating right on premises.

For those looking for a beautiful island getaway, it’s hard to beat Martha’s Vineyard. There are miles of biking and hiking trails covering the island. Boating enthusiasts can take a sunset cruise or they can spend the day learning to sail. No matter what your interest, you can find an activity that suits your needs.

With one coastline of the Pacific Ocean and the other on the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica offers a multitude of distinct ocean-side experiences. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, outdoor adventure, culture, or a mix of them all, we’ll let you know where to find it.

Costa Rica boasts more than 250 volcanoes, offering mountain climbing, hiking and other outdoor activities. At any one you’ll find interesting plants and wildlife, including cloud forests and tropical birds. You might even consider a dip in the popular mud bath at Rincón de la Vieja!

Costa Rica is known as one of the most biologically diverse ecologies in the world, a claim you can witness first-hand in one of the nation’s many state parks. By focusing on conservation, the parks have preserved their natural beauty and ecology.

Children of all ages will love the adventure and unique experiences with nature that Costa Rica has to offer. Plus, the nation’s natural and cultural diversity provide a deep well of educational opportunities to draw from. With such a wide array of destinations and activities, families have virtually limitless adventures to choose from.

Fall experiences abound in North Carolina, from colorful mountains to pristine beaches to the vast Piedmont in between. Fall is the time to plan a trip to this state, when the skies are blue, the leaves golden and the air fresh and crisp. Here are some ‘can’t miss’ ideas for autumn enjoyment in North Carolina to stimulate your senses and adjust your attitude.

Cruising and Wildlife Exploration in Alaska

Many people travel to Alaska to cruise through the Inside Passage or explore this great state by land. Denali National park attracts visitors from around the world and for good reason. September is the perfect time to visit

Southern California is a great year-round destination because the weather is consistently beautiful—warm, sunny skies with nights bringing cool ocean-front breezes. The coastline boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, numerous secluded coves and activities that the whole family will love: swimming, surfing and snorkeling just to name a few.

Palm Beach: Golf, Spa and Plenty of Sunshine

Palm Beach Florida boasts 47 miles of beaches, temperatures averaging 78 degrees and plenty to do.  For couples looking for a romantic getaway, there are spas and golf courses, world-class shopping, eco-tourism adventure and great restaurants. There are 38 distinct cities in Palm Beach County, so there are plenty of ways to have fun in the sun.

Nevada - One Trip, Many Adventures

Escape to incredible Nevada. With big city world-class entertainment, celebrity-chef dining, luxurious spas, and couture shopping to quaint community theater productions, Basque dining, hot springs, and specialty Western stores, Nevada always sets the stage for an unforgettable vacation. Go to TravelNevada.com and get your FREE Nevada Visitors Guide.

Photo Tour: The Essence ofNew Orleans

Photo Tour: Top Northeast Summer Getaways

The Northeast is rich in history with many museums, historical sites and exhibits. You can experience nature, play golf, ride horseback, go antiquing, take a walking city tour, see live theater, enjoy an outdoor concert, catch a fish, visit an amusement park or take a hot air balloon ride.

Couples Getaway in Wisconsin

For couples looking for a true escape—from the kids, cell phones, traffic and hassles of daily life—few places compare to Canoe Bay resort in northern Wisconsin. Couples can expect the ultimate in luxury in some of the country’s most pristine and beautiful surroundings.

Think urban exploration by day and gourmet cuisine by night. Unscripted adventure when you least expect it. Asheville’s unlimited potential lets you shape your vacation on your terms. Discover new worlds of art and music, soak up bohemian culture or just relax in the sunbeams at a sidewalk café.

EnterTRAINment Junction in West Chester, Ohio will open this summer to a great deal of fanfare. It’s the only railroad-themed family entertainment center on the planet. The new, $10 million project features an incredible 80,000 square-feet of unmatched family fun, all under one roof.

Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains is a family-friendly resort called Smugglers’ Notch. The day camps for kids and programs for the family come all wrapped up in one simple yet complete FamilyFest Package.  Features include mountainside condo lodging with spectacular vistas.

Mystic is a great place for families because there’s so much to see and do. Attractions include the Mystic Seaport, Aquarium and Mashantucket Pequot Museum. Spend a long weekend getting to know this favorite destination on the easternmost shoreline of Connecticut.

The historic lands and cultural heritage of the Lakota people on the Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud Reservations include communities spread amid vistas with amazing beauty. Visitors can witness the buffalo, elk, horses, eagles, and other plant and animal life common to the area.

Visitors can now retrace the famed trail with the help of the South Dakota Tourism Office. There are 15 highlights along the trail and plenty to do, see and learn.

Treasured artifacts blend with modern American Indian art in museums and galleries across South Dakota. From brightly colored beadwork to finely crafted horse dance sticks, each piece contributes to the ongoing story of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota people.

The Sioux Nation plays a pivotal role in the state's history and heritage. Landmarks across South Dakota bear Lakota names such as "paha sapa" (Black Hills) and "mako sica" (Badlands). Pow Wows - traditional celebrations of singing and dancing - are held year-round.

It’s easy to find family vacation deals—just go against the crowds. Here are eight destinations buzzing with activity in their off-seasons, all boasting bargains you can’t afford to miss.

Imagine the ultimate family getaway where grandparents, parents and children all travel peacefully together. See our tips to plan this unforgettable extended family excursion, including a few top destinations every generation will love.

Spring ahead to summer weather with a family vacation to sun-soaked Florida. A longtime favorite destination for springtime getaways, we’ve compiled a few of the state’s most family-friendly itineraries.

These days, “roughing it” in many state parks is on-par with a relaxing, spa-like vacation. Finally, a state park vacation that is as much about comfort as it is communing with nature!

New England Romantic Getaways

New England is a perfect place for romance as it offers everything from fantastic ski resorts to little towns perfect for antiquing. Many hotels and resorts in this region boast in-room fireplaces, so couples can cozy up over a hot cup of cider before venturing out into the crisp air. New England is a mosaic of contrasts that all fit together for a great travel experience.

Chicago: Romance on a Budget  

Romance does not necessary mean spending a lot of money. Chicago is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and couples can take in all the magical sights—like the amazing views from the John Hancock building—all at discounted prices. Find out how in this month’s guide.  

Romance in Atlantic City

Atlantic City is the Las Vegas of the East Coast and couples come here for a number of reasons: to take part in head-line grabbing concerts, eat at amazing restaurants and stay in beautiful hotels. But that’s not all this region has to offer.

Romantic Weekends

Sometimes all it takes is a long weekend to recharge with your mate. We’ve put together a variety of trips from relaxing in a country spa to hiking up mountains, so you’re bound to find something that sparks your interest.

Butler County, Ohio: The New Destination for You

Butler County, Ohio has always been a great destination for families but with expansive plans underway for 2008, it’s never been a better getaway. There are four new major openings creating buzz in the region.

Sea of Cortez: Nature Lovers Wanted

For nature lovers who also like to cruise, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez is sure not to disappoint. January is a perfect time to visit as the sea is calm, the weather is perfect and this a wonderful time to see whales.

Antigua: Sun, Sand and Beach

Antigua has warm, steady winds, a complex coastline of safe harbors, and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef.  There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste.

St. Lucia: Island Adventure Awaits

St. Lucia is blessed with diverse natural attractions, including one of the world’s few drive-in volcanoes and sulfur springs, a tropical rainforest, many natural waterfalls and the dramatic Piton mountains, which soar 2,000 feet above the sea and have become a signature for the island.  Adventure beckons.

Holidays are a great time for families to get away and soak up the festive spirit. But finding a place to stay can sometimes be challenging. We’ve found the ideal spots in cities across the U.S. with a hotel that has great accomodations.

In Phoenix, you'll find everything from world-class hotels and fine dining to exhilarating adventure, top-notch golf courses, trendy shopping, modern nightlife and enriching culture. The best part? During the cold winter months, it’s sunny and warm here. It’s the perfect place for a cozy winter retreat.

Chattanooga, Tennessee, has something for everyone—a vibrant Tennessee riverfront full of great shops and restaurants; a variety of activities for the kids including the amazing aquarium experience; the South's most renowned and unique landmark, the Chattanooga Choo Choo; and breathtaking scenery. So grab the family and hit the road for this great winter getaway.  

As the weather starts to grow crisp and cold in most of the country, head to Albuquerque, New Mexico where blue skies and sun shine are the norm 310 days of the year—perfect for a winter vacation. Come immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Southwest, rooted in centuries of history. Breathe in the high desert air scented with sage and you’ll understand why this city is a destination like no other.

The Caribbean has always been a great destination for romance, but Aruba is even more so because it falls outside the hurricane belt. The island is a geological anomaly – blue, Caribbean water in the same picture frame as green, desert cactus. The country’s geographical location translates into sunny weather year-round with the average temperature 82ºF. 

For couples looking to get away from the kids and enjoy themselves on a leisure vacation, what could be better than golf for him and spa for her? We’ve put together a list of great golf/spa resorts so you’ll have a vacation you won’t soon forget.

Travel is a great way to relax and revive, but it’s also a chance to try something new. A lot of couples are looking for vacations where they can explore not only new destinations but new things about themselves. For many couples, the dream of one day running their own B&B seems like a far-off fantasy. However, now it can be a reality thanks to a new program that combines wonderful New England visits with learning the ins-and-outs of this unique profession.

Kauai, 20 minutes from Honolulu, oozes romance. So take a break from the kids and enjoy Hawaii’s famous water, surf and sun. We’ve put together a guide of where to stay, what to do, and what not to miss, so you’ll enjoy the quintessential Kauai trip.