High Plains Drifting - From the unblinking stone faces of Mount Rushmore to the wilds and wonders of Yellowstone, take a road trip across the High Plains and into and around Wyoming, stopping long enough to fly fish the Firehole. Jim Bridger ran the first marathon here with the Shoshones.

San Diego's Blooming Balboa Park - Up above the city of San Diego, close to the Charles A. Lindberg Airfield, is Balboa Park, one of the most unique large southern California city parks. There is more to do here for the kids and adults than many other attractions in the Southern California area.

You Should Be In Waikiki - The stunning azure blues and emerald greens of Oahu welcome visitors to the island and proclaim the natural beauty of this lush, luxuriant land. First-time visitors can expect to be impressed by the rolling mountain ranges that meet the crashing sea in a display of long-present tenacity, as well as the island locals who greet each visitor with a special brand of island hospitality called the "Aloha Way."

Big Island, Big Beach, Big Kahakai - Long ago Polynesians traveled the ocean searching for land. Suddenly, in the distant horizon the sky glowed red. Heading towards the light, these seafarers discovered the volcanic firework display of Hawaii's Big Island. Generations have passed but sparkling blue waters continue to lap over primal lava rocks, bubble across white, black and green sand beaches and splash up sheer cliffs for modern day seafaring visitors to enjoy.

CIRCUS - CIRQUE du SOLEIL

The Greatest Show On Earth - At The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (www.ringling.org) in Sarasota, Florida , you’ll see the genius behind “the greatest show on earth.”

Quidam, NOT Just Another Act - I was stunned to silence. While 2,600 other spectators around me erupted into whistles and thunderous applause, I found myself searching my lap for my jaw. There is no way that the spectacle I had just seen was possible. There was no way that the wiry duo onstage (Jerome Le Baut and Asa Kubiak, to be precise) could have accomplished the feats of strength and balance I had just witnesses without defying gravity.

EASTERN USA, CARIBBEAN, EUROPE

The Pleasures of Providence - “Providence,” the TV series, is no longer on the air but that’s even more reason you should plan a visit to see the real thing — a city that has enough attractions to keep any urbanite happy, but with a small-town feel that makes you instantly feel right at home.

Titans of Tall - I meet the Chicago Line cruise boat on the North Pier Docks at River East Plaza, the oldest building on the river, and at only three stories, certainly not the giant that we will be photographing on the 90 minute summer time cruise. Cruises run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; be sure to distinguish if you are taking an architectural river cruise or a historical lake cruise by checking www.chicagoline.com

Pure Pier Pleasure - Chicago's Navy Pier - The most popular spot in Chicago during the summer — and really, anytime — is Navy Pier #2, drawing over 8 million people annually.

The Happiest Place On The Planet - Disney - Growing up in  California   I remember my family trips to  Disneyland at a time when tickets corresponded to the first five letters of the alphabet. The most treasured tickets among these were the E-Tickets, which we used to ride  Space   Mountain  and the Haunted   Mansion   . To mark Southern California's  Disneyland 's 50th anniversary, Walt Disney World kicked off "The Happiest Celebration on Earth" in grand style at Disney theme parks around the world.

Mohican Country - Adventures In Ohio - Fall leaves skitter across the road while we drive through the beautiful forests and over a scenic river below a covered bridge. On our way to Loudonville we find the historic Pine Run Grist Mill where festivals are held annually.

D.C. Eden - Washington, D.C. offers numerous free museums for the family on the National Mall. Often overlooked is the amazing National Botanical Gardens, with species collected from around the world. Visit the Orchid Gardens, walk above the jungle, take in a learning seminar, or assist with staff members. It is your garden, afterall.

Bahamas' Cable Beach Family Adventure - There are some great beaches in the world that are within or close to amazing cities. Waikiki, Ipanema, Bondi, and Malibu, and one you probably have not paid too much attention to, but it is actually one of the finest beaches in the world, with great things to do - Cable Beach, in the The Bahamas, surrounded by the capital - Nassau - and the former British outpost archipelago.

IRELAND

Ireland's County Clare Coastal Towns - The shores of western Ireland’s County Clare claim some of the best surfing in Europe, and some of the best Atlantic Ocean beachcombing. Great for families.