Kids rule the world! Don’t believe it? Just ask any parent in the United States how many times their children have pressured them for a tour of the Disney World Park in Orlando, Florida. Many have succumbed. However, can you blame them? The resort is a fun place to take the kids and they will be talking about it for many years to come. Many adults would love the place too. In fact, a popular joke is that many parents use their kids as a front to visit the resort. Who would not love the idea of several distinct but linked theme parks waiting to make or rekindle pleasant memories?  It makes for a fun place for all.

Not that it ever was truly ‘Soviet’ in its appearance, but the city of Saint Petersburg, Russia has grown into full-blown, tourist attraction since the fall of the old Soviet Union back in the early 90s. The city was built at the request of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great back in 1703. With its wondrous State Hermitage Museum and the numerous imperial parks and palaces which dot the suburbs surrounding the city, St Petersburg is awash with culture and a vibrant nightlife.  It’s truly still the most “Western” of cities in modern-day Russia, and also its friendliest.

Anyone ever considered going to Hawaii on safari?  I do not mean the typical “fly-into-Honolulu-and-head-to-the-beach” vacation but a trip to the other less-talked-about islands. Oahu, which hosts Honolulu the state’s capital city, is of itself a great travel destination.  However, many proponents of a Hawaiian vacation could be selling the rest of the state short. Hanalei Bay, the North Shore or the South Shore (I like the south best) all present great opportunities to see wild Hawaii. Waimea Canyon, the deepest in the Pacific, is a spectacular site with a view that few would forget.  Check it out here http://www.hawaiiweb.com/Kauai/html/sites/waimea_canyon.html

Isn’t it interesting how many people are fixated with staying in Honolulu on Oahu Island when they visit Hawaii (the State)?  Few seem to know about the active volcano on Big Island (Hawaii the Island).  Kilauea is an active volcano that has been spewing lava for over twenty-five years and has not showed any signs of relenting. It is great site to see for the more adventurous traveler. Big Island has a diverse terrain.  Black lava near Kona, a tropical rainforest near Hilo and high mountain passes leading into Hawi up the Kona coast.  For more information on Big Island, you can visit the website http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/default.htm

Many people (including yours truly) would sometimes prefer to take a walk among the tall trees in pristine forests and enjoy the scenery of a clear freshwater lake instead of going to a beach.  I know that Lake Tahoe beats a lot of other Nevada destinations mainly because of the beauty of the surrounding countryside. And who wouldn’t be impressed by snow-capped mountains in the distance, while warm and comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt? To say the view around the lake is beautiful would be an understatement. If you are planning a visit, the website http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/ provides some useful information.

Geneva, sometimes referred to as “The World’s Smallest Metropolis,”, provides breathtaking sceneries and has become a favorite tourist stopover in Europe. Located at the foot of the Alps, Geneva can’t help but show off its beauty and culture at every turn. On a visit to the city, you will get an opportunity to take one of the numerous boat trips on offer which start out on the southwestern tip of Lake Geneva, where it flows back into the Rhone River. Alternatively, you could lose yourself in all the fine dining and culinary experiences available. Geneva is also one of the world’s most important financial centers, though who would think a town of only around 190,000 people would be so cosmopolitan and worldly-wise?  It’s a beautiful part of Switzerland that shouldn’t be missed on a visit.

When it comes to having a little of the tropical beach lifestyle right on the mainland of the United States, many people would rave about the resorts areas in the southern part of Florida.  In fact, some would argue that South Florida is as friendly and fun filled as any Caribbean or African beach destination.  Spots like Fort Meyers Beach and of course any of the Miami Beaches are truly world class travel destinations. They have a way of making you want sit back, relax, soak in the sun and enjoy that drink with a little umbrella in it if you know what I mean!

San Diego has carved out for itself over time the title of America’s finest city. It is easy to see why when you visit the city and do a little exploring.  Check out http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors. There is Seaport Village down by the waterside. Then there is the Gaslamp District, which is reputed for an active nightlife and kicking party atmosphere.  Mission Bay, which is right near Sea World, is a great place to hang out during the day.  One cannot forget the enthralling La Jolla Cove, which has some nice snorkeling spots.  The weather here is ideal; it is never too hot or too cold no matter the time of year.

The southern part of New England has some very beautiful areas. Many of these are easily accessible by car.  The seaport in Mystic, Connecticut is home to one of the few remaining “tall ships” left in the United States.  These huge sailing vessels once plied the oceans in search of whales and other sea life.  And who wants to miss out on Newport, Rhode Island and all those famous mansions along the ocean walk?  John Jacob Astor, among others, had veritable palaces made there.  In addition, the Tennis Hall of Fame calls Newport its home.  Check out the thrills and frills of Newport on http://www.gonewport.com/.

I have always been fascinated by the thought of how large and untouched the state of Alaska is.  Think about it: the state of Alasaka makes Texas look tiny by comparison.  In fact, people are such a rarity in most parts of the state, that there are fishing and game spots where people are only seen once every few years or so.  One of the important things the adventurous traveler may be glad to know is that there are ships that travel along the entire coast.  During my visit there, I found that one of the most popular activities here is kayaking.