Tips to help maintain a work-life balance during business travel

Companies have been pumping the brakes on business travel, but as the economy improves, employees are hitting the road again, realizing that investing in in-person meetings is worth the cost. As business travelers become acclimated again to a steady life back on the road, their next challenge is maintaining that illusive work-life balance. Read More

Small group travel offers unique experiences and lifelong connections

One of the best spontaneous side effects of travel is finding camaraderie with other people. Whether you're planning to take a trip with friends or are eager to meet new people, organized small group travel can be an ideal way to find a connection with like-minded travelers. When you're on the proverbial road, making connections with fellow travelers can give you a richer experience and even result in life-long friendships. Read More

Road trips: A mature guy's guide to the open road

The classic American road trip is no longer just for cashless college kids; men of all ages are taking to the road for a unique vacation where driving is just as much a part of the trip as the destination itself. If you work hard every day, maybe it's time to exchange that button-up for a casual T-shirt and gather your crew to experience the freedom and adventure of the open road. If you're wondering if a road trip is right for you and your more mature friends, a few practical measures can help ensure it is fun for everyone. Read More

A Venice tour can show you hidden sides of a world-famous city

There's more than a bit of magic to be discovered in Venice. Look out onto the lagoon on a fog-shrouded morning, stir up a flock of pigeons on a stroll through the Piazza San Marco, nestle into a tiny restaurant and you'll realize just how easy it is to become enchanted by the city nicknamed "La Serenissima" ("The Serene"). But to really connect with this legendary city, consider taking a Venice tour that goes beyond the usual and gives you a glimpse of its true heartbeat. Read More

Families swinging into summer with golf vacations

Finding an activity or game the whole family can enjoy can be a challenge; varying age groups, skill levels and interests may have everyone going in different directions. The same challenge can be true of family vacations. A growing number of families are solving both challenges by choosing golf vacations. Read More

Explore a world of exotic natural beauty on a Costa Rica vacation

Laying on the beach and relaxing away your vacation days definitely has its appeal. But those who want to pack a little more into their getaway might just find that a Costa Rica vacation is the perfect solution. Read More

The Grand Canyon: How to get an in-depth view of America's natural wonder

(ARA) - The world is full of amazing things to see, but there are a select few sites that people agree are truly wonders of the world. The tradition started a long time ago, in ancient Greece, when Antipater of Sidon listed the unrivaled buildings of the day. More recently, new lists of world wonders have been proposed including both man-made and natural sites, providing the perfect blueprint for a traveler's "bucket list". Luckily, Americans can start checking things off right in their own spectacular backyard by taking a Grand Canyon tour. Read More

Yellowstone tours bring you to the best of the American West

Go anywhere in the world, and you'll meet people under the spell of the great American West. The grandeur of the views, the unspoiled stretches of wilderness and the rugged friendliness of the people you'll meet seem to cast a spell that it seems no one is immune to - and there is no better place to be immersed in the West than Yellowstone National Park. Read More

Five Asia travel destinations that aren't to be missed

A wall that stretches across the biggest country in the world, some of the world's largest and most well-known ancient palaces and even elephant rides - Asia offers some of the most unique travel experiences imaginable. For Americans, Asia travel means seeing a world completely different than their own and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Read More

See the jewels of the Mediterranean on an Italy cruise

From the countryside to the capital, Italy draws travelers in with its beauty, history and zest for living. But what about the Italian seaside? That's where you'll find spectacular scenery, unique lifestyles and cultural richness, all with a dash of fresh sea air and the opportunity to indulge in delicious seafood dishes that have been perfected over the centuries. Those looking to take in Italy's coastal treasures can find the perfect mode of exploration on an Italy cruise (http://www.tauck.com/tours/europe-tours/italy-tours/italy-cruise-sin-2013.aspx) that hugs travels along the dramatic Amalfi Coast. Read More

Five money-saving tips for family travel

The slow economy hasn't hindered travel plans for most families. Family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips each year, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Savvy families are able to travel and build lasting memories by making trips more affordable with the help of simple money-saving solutions. Read More

Where can you find the best barbecue this Memorial Day?

Memorial Day marks the first long weekend of summer, and it is the perfect opportunity to kick off the season with a trip. Weekend getaways and barbecue are practically synonymous with summer, so why not combine the two? Here are some of the best areas around the country to discover whether you like your barbecue pulled, sliced, shredded, wet or dry. Read More

The secret to a successful family vacation? Teamwork

When it comes to planning your family's vacation, you can find a lot of value in that old saying "teamwork divides the task and doubles the success." Divvying up planning responsibilities helps ensure that one member of the family is not overwhelmed with tasks, and that everyone is excited about and invested in the trip. Read More

New Yosemite tour keeps history of 'Buffalo Soldiers' alive

The charms of Northern California are legendary, from cosmopolitan San Francisco and the wine country of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, to the scenic coastlines of Carmel and Big Sur. Equally popular are the region's incredible national parks, and each year countless visitors enjoy the towering trees of Sequoia National Park, a fun and memorable Yosemite tour, or the rugged beauty of Kings Canyon. Read More

How to make sure your vacation home is safe and secure

Nothing is more rewarding than arriving at a point in your life when you can afford a vacation home. Europe, Mexico, or a log cabin in Canada; the possibilities are endless. The location of your dream vacation home may be an easy decision, but deciding how to secure your vacation home may feel overwhelming. Read More

Budget-friendly honeymoon destinations

After stressing out over the wedding location, the food, the guest list, the dress, the hair, the colors, the music and making five seating charts, your reward is to be whisked away for the best vacation of your life with your new better half. Though an amazing honeymoon can be expensive, here are some prime locations that are easy on the newlywed budget. Read More

Charm to spare: Holland cruises show you another side of a favorite destination

Vacations are meant to be relaxing, but sometimes a high-speed, multi-country tour can leave travelers feeling harried. Luckily, there's an easy fix for the moving-too-fast syndrome: sitting back and gliding along the rivers through some of Europe's most charming destinations on Holland cruises. Also known as the Netherlands, this must-see country offers equally rich sightseeing in its cities and its rural landscapes. With the leisurely pace of a river cruise, you'll be able to experience it all. Read More

Four survival tips for your family vacation

You know the old saying that the journey is just as important as reaching your destination? It can also be applied to your family vacation. Some even believe that the journey is half the fun of getting there. While you may already have a getaway destination in mind, traveling as a family presents its share of challenges for the journey ahead. Preparing for vacation travel is all about using your resources, staying organized and snacking smartly. Read More

Five trends to consider when buying your next digital camera

Travel Italy: A dream tour for those who appreciate the dolce vita

Whether you're an architecture buff, a fan of the fine arts, an aficionado of urban design or find yourself fascinated by natural wonders, a tour of Italy's classic sites will capture your senses. With so many must-see places to explore in Italy, reserving a spot on a guided tour is the perfect way to travel Italy - and even get you a behind-the-scenes look at some of the country's most fabled destinations. Read More

Five travel photography tips for your next vacation

Nine out of 10 people are planning to take two or more leisure trips this year, according to TripAdvisor's 2012 Travel Trends Forecast survey. Of these travelers, 42 percent are planning cultural trips that combine precious downtime with enriching experiences. But no matter where or why people take trips this year, travelers can make their getaways more memorable and share their experiences with great photos. Read More

Tips for finding a great river cruise vacation

The travel industry's hottest new trend, river cruising, is finding a niche as an alternative to mainstream cruises and megaships. With hundreds of options to sail the amazing waterways of Europe (the Danube, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and Moselle Rivers) and exotic destinations, via the Yangtze, Mekong and Nile, small-ship cruising is becoming one of the most popular ways for Americans to both experience and explore the world. Read More

Say 'opa' to a better you with a Mediterranean-flavored lifestyle

For many, adopting a healthier lifestyle can be a huge challenge, especially with everyone's unique body shape, personalities and likes and dislikes. A program that works for one person, may not work for you. The good news is many healthy activities found in a Mediterranean lifestyle can help you say "opa" - a Greek exclamation of joy -- to a better you. Read More

Save money on your spring travel plans

The long winter months have everyone itching to get out and do something new. For many Americans, this means planning a much-needed vacation - away from winter, work and school. Read More

Explore the Civil War's 150th anniversary with a unique vacation

As filmmaker Ken Burns noted in his award-winning documentary, The Civil War, the conflict "was fought in 10,000 places, from Valverde, N. M., and Tullahoma, Tenn., to St. Albans, Vt., and Fernandina on the Florida coast." But for all the war's far-flung geography, according to Burns, the physical, emotional and political hub of the war was Washington, D.C. It's no surprise, then, that Burns has chosen Washington, D.C. as the location for a very special travel experience coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Read More

National park vacations on the rise

Considered "America's best idea," national parks provide travelers undisturbed views of natural wonder as far as the eye can see and provide a unique backyard oasis where postcard views meet real, life-altering experiences. All this unrivaled beauty, when combined with opportunities for exploration and easy accessibility, makes the national park system a popular vacation choice for today's travelers. Read More

The secret to a great, low-cost summer vacation: Get outside

Fresh air, sunshine, activities for the whole family, and new sights to see: outdoor vacations offer many advantages, including the opportunity to do more for less money. Read More

Let your hobby guide you to your perfect travel destination

With so many choices in travel destinations, sometimes it's best to plan a vacation around your passion. Read More

A Vietnam tour puts a fascinating country within every traveler's reach

More than anything, travel changes perspectives. In years past, travel to a country like Vietnam might have been perceived as impossible. However, with the passage of time and the building of relationships, travelers have discovered that the country is a jewel in the Southeast Asian crown. Today, a Vietnam tour makes it easy for anyone to experience the magic and dynamic change taking place in the country, and discover why it's becoming a must-see in the region. Read More

Explore the ends of the earth on an Antarctica cruise

Traveling cross-continentally may take an adventurous personality, but travel to Antarctica truly requires the spirit of an explorer. In the past, the icy continent was a destination visited almost exclusively by professional researchers, scientists and explorers. But today, travelers of all kinds are able to visit the last frontier of intrepid travel through an Antarctica cruise. Read More

Explore America's wild frontier on an Alaska tour

North America is rich with natural beauty and a diversity of landscapes nearly unmatched around the world. Out of all the scenic places to visit within the United States, Alaska holds a special allure as one of the last truly wild places left to explore - a land of soaring bald eagles, calving glaciers and grizzly bears wading through cold streams to catch salmon. Read More

Vacations are back: Tips for making a trip affordable and simple to plan

Ask anyone within five feet of you whether they'd like to take a vacation, and you can bet every answer would be "yes." But wanting to and doing are two very different things. People's hectic schedules built on jobs, home and family life, and other social obligations, are often the cause of the desire to travel, but also the roadblock. Or, at least, the perceived roadblock. Read More

Tips for planning a safe and healthy honeymoon

Your wedding day is one of the happiest days of your life. So why not accompany it with the best vacation of your life? Your honeymoon is not only a great chance to take the trip of a lifetime; it's also the perfect opportunity to connect to your new spouse through a shared and unforgettable experience. Read More

Immerse yourself in nature's greatest wonders on a Galapagos tour

If the prospect of travel makes you dream of adventure more than lounging with a tropical drink, you might not be satisfied with a typical vacation. And if you're interested in exploring an intriguing destination, a land untouched by time, where you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you should consider a Galapagos tour. Read More

In a changing travel climate, travel agents reclaim the spotlight

Recent years have been revolutionary for the travel industry. The democratization of booking tickets and vacations turned the traditional model on its head - instead of going to an agent, consumers could suddenly book everything with a few clicks. But that was then - today's travel landscape is evolving in new ways, some of which have travelers reassessing the value of DIY planning versus enlisting a travel agent. Read More

Tips for planning an 'attainable' destination wedding

Planning a wedding in a more "attainable" destination is becoming popular among couples who want to enjoy a warm or unconventional location while also offering their guests an affordable and fun getaway. These days, it's not overly difficult for a couple to plan a destination wedding, even when both members of the bridal couple live a long distance from the chosen city. If you've recently become engaged, and are thinking you might be interested in planning a destination wedding, check out these tips to help you easily organize everything, even from afar. Read More

Truckin' toward economic recovery

Everyone, has an opinion or two on the economy and whether it will improve. Some cite stock market trends. Others point to consumer confidence numbers. Many crank out complex charts and colorful graphs to validate their claims. Rick Phillips studies the trends on the commercial trucks rolling down the road for his answer. Read More

Japan offers a wintry world of fun for adventurous travelers

Top 10 happiest U.S. winter travel destinations revealed

Even among the most optimistic, cold and sunless days can lead to spells of melancholy. Sometimes it's best to just get away. According to Dr. Aymee Coget, happiness expert and CEO of the American Happiness Association, traveling during the winter months can provide more than just a suntan; it can increase personal happiness during the most depressing time of the year. Read More