John and Rebecca

Yellowstone National Park gives the impression of a stew left on a low boil—full of geysers, hot springs and other thermal features—geological forces are constantly bubbling to the surface. Located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, with small areas in Utah and Montana, Yellowstone boasts thousands of years of history and lots of heat. Packed with over three hundred geysers and plenty of wildlife, the park is the ultimate destination for backpackers, bikers and families.

The expansive park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and was the world’s first National Park when it was set aside in 1872. Dodge bears, elk, wolves and other beasts—just don’t stumble onto a geyser! Gawk in awe at Old Faithful, the park’s most famous geyser, which erupts about every 91 minutes. Camp out with the family or take a break at one of a dozen dining rooms, restaurants and snack bars.

Hoards of visitors descend on the park every year to see the park’s iconic wildlife. So many grizzly bears, elk and bison roam Yellowstone, even travelers who never leave their cars are likely to snap a photo of bison or bear, and for those willing to hike into the park’s interior, a glimpse of a wolf is a possibility. Despite the occasional crowds, the rugged beauty of the landscape and the richness of the area’s ecology mean few leave disappointed.  

The small town of Breckenridge sits in the Colorado Rockies, and is a destination for both skiing as well as summer family travel and hiking getaways. Once a small gold-mining town, Breckenridge hosts a world-renowned ski resort, where visitors utilize the same mountain trails miners once carved.

The city also shines in summer. Stroll Main Street’s sidewalks, lined with shops, restaurants and flowers. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or flying in a hot air balloon. Chill out the scene theater during the Breckenridge Festival of Film in early June. 

Boulder, Colorado is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. These days, the city wears several hats: as a university town, home of the University of Colorado at Boulder and others; as a hi-tech town that is rapidly spawning bedroom communities in outlying farm towns; and as a center of alternate culture, with various new age institutions, meditation centers, Buddhist centers, and the like. What perhaps distinguishes it most from other cities of similar size in the United States, however, is its status as a mecca for serious athletes, many of whom have made their home here for the conditioning advantages of high altitude, combined with businesses, facilities and a community that provide opportunities for serious training and competition.

Downtown covers a large area, with the Pearl Street Mall, which is surrounded by historic buildings, at its core. Along Pearl Street you will find many boutiques and independent shops featuring everything from clothing to trinkets and art. Boulder Creek Path cuts right through the middle of town. Along this path you will find beautiful walking, biking and other forms of recreation.

Vail is a resort town set in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and is known for its world-class skiing.

Can’t make it in winter? Vail has plenty to offer year-round. In the summer season, mountain bike rentals and lift tickets are available for a reasonable cost. Ride the lift up to the top and bike your way down, taking in thrills, scenery and encounters with wildlife. Trails are rated by difficulty and are well maintained. A gorgeous view awaits you if you brave the 12-mile dirt road up to Piney Lake. You can also grab some grub or rent a boat at the Piney River Ranch.

Vail is a great location to plan some rafting adventures. The Eagle River runs through the Vail Valley—it offers outstanding rafting during its short season (typically May and June, sometimes into July). The Colorado River is just down valley and offers ample opportunity, especially during summer months, because it has such a reliable water source. The Vail Valley also boasts 17 championship golf courses within a 38-mile radius.

Austin, the state capital of Texas, is marketed as the “Live Music Capital of the World” due to its large number of live-music venues. It is home to South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, one of the biggest music festivals in the United States, with more than 1,400 performers playing dozens of venues around Austin for four days in March. Austin is also a great city for theater, especially if you like new works.

The Texas State Capitol is a must-see for visitors to Austin. A source of pride for the city and the state, the State Capitol is a beautiful building wrapped in Texas pink granite. There are numerous parks all over the city and in the surrounding suburbs that are very popular with the residents of Austin including Barton Springs Pool, which is more than three times longer than a football field. Nestled in the heart of the city at Zilker Park, it is one of Austin’s most appealing (and at a 68 degrees year-round, refreshing) attractions.

Santa Fe, founded in 1607, is the capital of the state of New Mexico. With an elevation of 7000 feet, it is not only the United States' oldest state capital but also its highest. Santa Fe is consistently rated one of the world's top travel destinations for its confluence of scenic beauty, long history (by American standards), cultural diversity and an extraordinary concentration of arts, music and fine dining.   

Much of the city's attractiveness, from both scenic and cultural perspectives, arises from its setting in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. This location produces a mild continental climate with four distinct seasons.

Like many towns initiated by the Spanish, Santa Fe has a central square that is a gathering place for all types. For hours of entertainment, pull up a bench and people watch; you'll rapidly gain an appreciation for how well the "City Different" nickname applies. Also check out one of the photogenic mission churches or interesting museums in town, or stop by for one of its many community festivals.