Destinations: Rome, New York City, Paris, Toronto, Beijing, Washington, London
Themes: College Visits, Cruises, Ecotourism, Historical Vacations, Luxury Travel, Romantic Getaways, Urban Endeavors
What vacation doesn't include sightseeing? Taking in a new destination, depending on your preference for various types of experiences, can occur anywhere, anytime: from making a list and checking off all the traditional "must-see" tourist spots to purposely getting lost among the side streets of a vibrant urban neighborhood. Some people prefer organized tours. Others wander and roam and let serendipity guide them. Whatever your modus operandi, just be sure to keep your eyes wide open.
With more than 100,000 of these ice masses, many in retreat, Alaska’s glacial wonders are hard to miss—for now.
Take a day trip from Washington, D.C., to Alexandria, which offers charming historical landmarks and popular boutique shopping.
Feed blue crabs, sleep in Victorian bed and breakfasts, and take a Segway nature tour on your Amelia Island vacation.
Buenos Aires has beautiful architecture, great dining and wines, friendly people, big parks … what are you waiting for?
There is no shortage of paid attractions for children in Buenos Aires, but some of the best things won’t even cost a peso.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see on any trip to Argentina, including for families with young children.
This Dutch island offers laid-back luxury lodging, clean beaches and rustic, dining gems sure to enchant vacationing couples.
Take the kids to this sprawling city in the South packed with amusement parks, historic sites and the world’s largest aquarium.
Teach your kids, and yourself, about Atlanta’s role in American history, as well as in the classic film “Gone With the Wind.”
Find popular kids activities for your next Atlanta family vacation, from the best parks to visit, treetop ropes courses and tasting 70 different kinds of Coke from around the world.
This creative Texas capital lets the good times roll with its dazzling arts community, famous live music scene, Tex-Mex cuisine and celebrity bat residents.
From famous bats and junk art to museums and performing arts, this popular city offers an eclectic mix of sightseeing adventures.
Dust the sand off your swimsuit and explore the rest the Bahamas with these free and affordable attractions.
The Bahamas’ People-to-People program pairs visitors with volunteer hosts for authentic, insider island experiences.
Bali is back, with plenty of new and upgraded luxe resorts to satisfy your every indulgence.
Read how one family turned a stopover prior to a Mediterranean cruise into an adventure that featured a mime and a reluctant 6-year-old Charlie Chaplin.
Our local expert in Barcelona shares her favorites for Gaudí architecture, Catalan cuisine, chic fashion, hot hotels and cool modern art.
Tempt your travel-wary teen with Barcelona’s youthful vibe and culture, funky architecture, vegetarian restaurants and sailing tours.
Beijing sights offer cultural insights from old to new, from historical sites to futuristic Olympics venues.
Discover the best of China’s capital while staying off the tourist-trodden path.
Landed in Beijing and not sure how to get around? Follow these tips to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
There are plenty of additional historic and cultural attractions worth your while, but if visiting Beijing for the first time, here are 10 must-see sights to get you on your way.
Experience rural Belize and explore ancient Mayan ruins when you stay at these top jungle lodges.
Explore Mayan civilization on your Belize vacation with tours to ancient ruins like Caracol, Lamanai and Altun Ha.
From volcanoes to underwater wonders, coffee to ranches, beach resorts to hula dancing, Hawaii has packed a whole lot into one island.
Choose from a wealth of outdoor family activities on Hawaii’s Big Island, from hiking to horseback riding to helicopter rides.
Reach for the stars, planets and supernovas at the Big Island’s world-renowned astronomy center.
Get local expert tips on how to make the most of your tour to these 16 historic sites that trace America’s colonial roots.
Our local expert shares her tips to help you plan your vacation to Beantown and discover its many wonderful historic neighborhoods.
Spend time without spending a lot of money to get to know Boston with these free (or nearly free) things to do and see.
This popular spot in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains has added glitz and glam over the years yet remains a great place for old-fashioned fun.
Find the best resorts, attractions and restaurants on the third largest of the British Virgin Islands.
One family’s visit to Langa, a black township in Cape Town, offered an education in cultural exchange.
Discover the natural beauty of the underwater coral chutes and the abundant caves on Cayman Brac.
Get close to nature at Grand Cayman’s environmental attractions, and learn more about how the island values its native plants and animals.
Marvel at the coral-wall diving, learn about booby birds and relax with locals during your beach vacation on quiet Little Cayman.
Pre-Revolutionary War homes and sprawling antebellum plantations highlight this popular historical destination in South Carolina.
The Second City serves up first-class sights, entertainment, shopping and, of course, hearty food.
Visit historical locations and personal favorites of the 44th president in his hometown of Chicago.
If you think that travel in China isn’t family-friendly, think again. Just remember that you need a little bit of cultural understanding.
Walk along the world’s longest wall on a day trip from Beijing.
Navigating China can be tricky, not only with children but even for a travel pro. Learn how to handle the bumps along the way.
If you plan to take a Yangtze River cruise, plan ahead and make sure the accommodations match your expectations.
Explore the neighborhoods and opportunities for family fun while visiting colleges in Baltimore.
It’s been said that New Orleans is a drinking town with a college problem, but there’s a lot more educational learning to be had in the city than its reputation implies.
Learn how to get the most out of your New York City campus visit with a suggested itinerary to cover the major schools in the city, along with recommended attractions and restaurants.
Enjoy Philly’s myriad college campuses while taking in some historican sights, terrific art and a requisite cheesesteak.
A College Visit to a small-town, rural campus should focus on different factors than visiting a bustling city campus. Here’s what to know for both.
Tips for families to maximize a college visit to the Bay Area—exploring San Francisco, Berkeley and Palo Alto.
Maximize your college visit to the Bay Area with info on campuses near San Jose and Santa Cruz.
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of D.C. during your college visit.
From scarlet macaws to leatherback turtles, Costa Rica’s unique biodiversity is a world all its own.
Not every cruise itinerary fits every type of traveler. Read our cruise expert’s recommendations for how to find your ideal cruise and season to travel.
Grandparents, toddlers and everyone in between are sure to find onboard activities and entertainment to suit their interests.
Mexican cruises offer families warm temperatures, native art and culture, and plenty of adventure.
Can four family members from different age groups survive in one stateroom?
Discover Egypt’s historic waterway in all its grandeur with a cruise along the world-famous Nile River.
Want to know what to do in port? Take our expert’s advice and don’t miss these key attractions for cruise ports around the world.
Check out these museums, The Queen City of the plains has plenty to offers great day adventures for both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts.
Historical landmarks, world-class museums, incomparable pubs and abundant shopping are just a few of the draws in this capital city.
The city teems with eco-friendly hotels, restaurants, spas and shops. Find out where right here.
Both the birthplace and the showplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a priceless art and architecture sanctuary that appeals to tourists of all ages.
Florence’s hidden windows, secret towers and streets that follow ancient Roman walls will keep the kids interested as they tour the Italian Renaissance city.
Close encounters with these sociable mammals are educational and fun.
From the Colonial East to the Wild West, step back in time at some famous—and not-so-famous—destinations.
Do as Agent 007 would and drive an Aston Martin, skydive sans parachute and sip Vesper martinis at London’s Dukes Hotel.
Learn where to spot whales, birds and other wildlife during your Cape Cod vacation in autumn.
Tour the tiny, coastal villages of Chesapeake Bay for a glimpse of the past and a refreshing respite from the modern metropolis.
See the best of European football without having to wait for the next World Cup.
Give back to local communities by participating in voluntouring projects on your next family vacation.
Fan trips are a growing type of package travel that for certain film fanatics can be the trip of a lifetime.
Tour Westchester’s grand old estates, including the former homes of Nelson D. Rockefeller and Washington Irving.
Keep your kids active, engaged and begging to go back to Italy with these 10 ways for the entire family to experience the country.
Explore deep space and meet astronauts at this popular science center near Orlando, Florida.
While you play, send your kids away on a confidence-building and interactive learning vacation they’ll love.
Visit Buddha’s birthplace to observe—or partake in—holy rituals and one raucous celebration in honor of third-century religious figure, Gautama.
Take a family vacation road trip to these New England destinations that are kid-friendly and affordable.
Satisfy your love for classic fantasy novels with a look into the magical world of Oxford, where parts of Harry Potter movies were filmed and The Lord of the Rings was inspired.
Insider advice from a former White House staffer for planning your trip to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration of the 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama.
Fall in love with the beautiful coastline, attractions and charming small towns in this Bay Area destination that boasts luxury and farm tours, side-by-side.
Check out these St. Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations around the world to show your love for the Irish.
Our writer has three teens and a tween. Here are her tips for taking your too-cool teenagers on a family vacation that everyone can enjoy.
Start the holiday season with these fun top family activities including concerts for the kids, a train ride with Santa and chocolate-making demonstrations.
Communities pull out all the stops to celebrate the November holiday with family-oriented parades.
Let these spectacular aquariums around the globe serve as ambassadors to the underwater world on your next family vacation.
Be sure to visit the country’s coolest aquariums, where you can play with dolphins and wade barefoot through live marshes.
Visit these famous U.S. war memorials this Veterans Day to honor American soldiers and learn about the history of this important holiday.
Take a fall foliage driving tour, then see the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at harvest festivals in Westchester County.
The town made famous by a popular Eagles song transformed Winslow, Ariz., from merely lyrics to a major tourist destination.
Tour the famous battlefield and stand in the spot where President Lincoln gave the “Gettysburg Address.”
Read our expert’s tips on the best trails for day hikes in the Grand Canyon.
Read our tips for taking in the best vistas and historic sites of this national treasure, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.
Whether you have 30 minutes for a helicopter ride or two weeks for a rafting trip, there’s a canyon tour bound to suit you.
Havana has so much more than old cars, listening to wizened musicians play live music and drinking rum.
Hike the Emerald Isle with experienced tour guides who lead you on a scenic journey through the Irish countryside.
Learn about this African-influenced culture and the people who have helped preserve it in the Carolina Sea Islands.
Let your taste buds lead the way. Experience Honolulu’s eclectic Chinese-inspired culinary scene and open-air markets that define this culturally diverse neighborhood.
Vegas isn’t just for poker fans and shoppers. A family Las Vegas vacation features everything from wave pools to roller coasters, with exotic animals thrown in for good measure.
This desert oasis has more to offer than ever before. Read our expert guide to start planning your ideal Vegas vacation now.
Not the gambling type? Check out these myriad Vegas attractions to keep you buzzing from the Strip to Fremont Street, morning til night.
Shoot the moon on your Las Vegas getaway with free attractions that won’t make you run out of luck—or money.
Keep London cool for your teens or pre-teens on your family vacation.
A practical travel guide by our local expert to a historic city with modern verve.
With limited time and budget, a bus tour of London is one way for the family to get a fulfilling Cliffs Notes experience of the city.
From pirate ship sailings to glass blowing to volunteer opportunities, there are plenty of off-beach family activities for Cabo vacationers.
Read our insider’s recommendations for how to best plan your next Cabo vacation.
Time-starved travelers look to professional planners to find off the beaten path and authentic experiences.
Book a luxury car adventure vacation package and forget the saddle and explore the American West with style and speed in the finest autos around.
Explore Madrid’s art world on your family vacation, from Spanish masterpieces by Goya and Dalí, to contemporary art and photography festivals.
From New England history to maritime culture to classic Atlantic beaches—what not to miss during your vacation to this idyllic, historic island.
Enjoy some surf and sun at the many beaches that stretch for miles along this gorgeous island’s shoreline.
Get recommended bike trails and rentals for two-wheeled touring of the island.
Avoid the crowds and visit this idyllic Cape Cod island in the fall or winter, instead.
Witness an otherworldly sunrise atop Haleakala volcano, where you’ll see orange-red craters and purple valleys—but remember to bring your jacket.
Hawaii’s second-largest island is, as the locals say ‘the best.’ It offers striking beauty, a range of activities for all ages, cultural history and a peaceful vibe.
Leave your worries behind and take the slow road on Maui’s Hana Highway.
Australia’s second-largest city boasts arts festivals, eclectic ethnic cuisine, exotic wildlife and easy, walkable streets to explore it all.
Whales, wine, redwoods, art—all come together blissfully in this picturesque Northern California community.
Mexico City is quite possibly the most overlooked tourist destination in the world. But it shouldn’t be. Find out why.
From Pompeii to Herculaneum, step back in time at the several archaeological sites near the city.
Naples is a diamond-in-the-rough, offering stunning landscapes, historical monuments and a burgeoning art scene.
Known as the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park’s scenery rivals the European Alps for beauty and variety.
Read our picks for five essential national parks to see before you die, and five worthy ones that are under-the-radar.
Southern Utah’s bedazzling red-rock park offers countless hiking trails and special events this year to mark Zion’s centennial.
Get a taste of some of the famous dishes of the Crescent City on a walking culinary tour.
Let the good times roll in the Crescent City, where joy is found in luscious cuisine, brass bands and year-round celebration.
Check out these lesser-known New York sightseeing gems, from Manhattan’s last natural salt marsh and 18th century farmhouses to a remote Buddhist museum.
New York City is its own world of things to see and do, for individuals and family travelers alike. Read here for our expert’s recommendations.
From traditional sightseeing boat tours to kayaking the Hudson River and visiting working docks in New York Harbor, see the city from a new vantage point.
Our NYC expert shares her favorite places in the city for some parent-child bonding while on vacation in the Big Apple.
From musical performances to historic memorials, there are plenty of things to do on Oahu without spending a dime.
Learn about Hawaii and explore Oahu’s natural wonders on these affordable kid-friendly excursions.
Follow our experts’ guide to the best sites and activities for planning your vacation to this popular Hawaiian island.
Need a break from bustling Buenos Aires? Consider a jaunt across the Rio de la Plata to historic Colonia del Sacramento.
Take a Lake Pátzcuaro candlelit boat procession to an island cemetery celebration of the dead.
With its lakeside parks, karst limestone mountains and caves, this area of China takes on a fairy-tale air.
Discover this tiny Mediterranean island nation, which offers legendary history, luxurious hotels and beautiful beaches.
Fresh air abounds at this historic mountain village near Mumbai where all mechanized transport is banned.
Take a detour from the hotspots and visit some offbeat San Francisco attractions, including a museum bar, a pirate store and a trapeze school.
This exotic Club Med is tucked away in a corner of a rainforest, and it’s a hit with kids and parents, especially single parents.
Visit Uganda, one of the most beautiful, safe and biologically diverse countries in Africa.
Surf’s up at O.C. beaches and seaside resorts at Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.
Tips on how to enjoy a visit to the world’s theme park capital and explore local favorites outside the parks.
A one-time escape for film’s finest, this town still offers a connecton to the big screen—and its stars. Take a break from fun in the sun and enjoy the latest in cinema or a trip back to Hollywood’s heyday.
Explore modernist architecture and mid-century glamour in Southern California’s desert oasis.
Check out these top Palm Springs attractions in this wonderfully warm destination, from golf to architecture to Hollywood history.
Explore the natural and scientific attractions of this laid-back Panamanian archipelago oasis.
Pack your picnic basket, and enjoy a warm summer day or evening in Parisian style.
The French capital lives up to its hype, with world-class museums, restaurants, shopping and historical sites. Check out our local expert’s recommended favorites.
Become enchanted, not overwhelmed, by Paris’ enlivening art scene with this guide to essential Parisian museums.
Keep everyone from tots to teens entertained in the City of Brotherly Love.
The City of Roses has something for everyone: microbreweries, biking trails, and plenty of green spaces and places.
Here’s how to see it all during a long weekend in the seaside Mexican resort town.
From its historical sites and enclosing wall to its French-influenced culture and cuisine, Québec City offers enticing options for all ages.
Pristine beaches, ancient ruins and eco theme parks—there is something for everyone at this jewel on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
After visiting this Mayan site rich in history, check out the nearby theme park Xel-Há.
From the toppled columns of the Forum to Vatican City to the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, Rome has something to appeal to everyone.
Explore this Southwestern city beyond the famous Alamo. Don’t miss the San Antonio River Walk, its Tex-Mex culture, the Fiesta festival and more.
San Diego isn’t just about surfing and Legoland. There are plenty of other outdoor adventures sure to excite the entire family—and they’re all less than an hour from the city.
This Southern California destination remains a family favorite, but cool new hotels and restaurants make it an appealing playground for adults too.
Escape the urban jungle and find plenty of places to relax and get back to nature in the City by the Bay.
Our local expert shares her city secrets for individuals and families alike, to help you plan your ideal San Francisco vacation.
Visit historical attractions and museums, shop like mad and go hiking in the United States’ oldest capital city.
This Florida beach community offers both affordable and luxury accommodations, beautiful beaches, family attractions and quality cultural venues.
Georgia’s historic coastal islands offer everything from haute to honky-tonk and a pristine national seashore.
Savannah’s remarkably well-preserved historical buildings and celebrated contemporary arts scene offer an elegant feast for the eyes.
Take in some Southern charm and explore the history and architectural treasures on a specialized Savannah sightseeing walking tour.
Learn about this fine U.S. colonial city’s beautiful historical sites as well as its cutting-edge contemporary attractions.
Dig for clams, rent a sailboat or hit the hiking trails in the hills for some memorable outdoor adventures on your next Seattle family vacation.
Seattle’s many parks guarantee a childhood’s worth of diversions in the Emerald City.
Seattle’s back roads feature Boeing, ice cream and an albino alligator.
Being global, acting local while on a family vacation in Washington State’s Emerald City.
Smell the sweet scent of hookah pipes as you peruse the busy shopping districts and Middle Eastern restaurants in Singapore’s Arab Quarter.
To escape the city, locals and tourists alike head to this manmade resort area for beach fun, dining and Singapore family attractions.
Singapore is an ideal entry point to Asia, with its mix of cultures and cuisines, historic sites and modern attractions.
Visit key sites in Nelson Mandela life, from his youth to his freedom from jail.
Tips for how to navigate the Windy City when traveling with a disabled child.
Use this guide to plan your Washington, D.C., family trip with your special needs child.
Explore the great outdoors with your special needs child at several accessible national parks.
Parents share planning tips for family vacations that include a special needs child.
A patchwork of colonial history, this Eastern Caribbean island offers a variety of activities, attractions and cuisines stemming from French, British and African influence.
From climbing Harbour Bridge to riding the waves at Bondi Beach, don’t miss these top family attractions if exploring Sydney with kids.
Neighboring cities Tampa and St. Petersburg provide excellent beaches and family attractions as well as art and culture for those traveling without little ones.
Explore Tampa on a nature tour, including crabbing on the bay, canoeing near alligators and visiting the Big Cat Rescue sanctuary.
Immerse yourself in everything chocolate in Hershey, Pa, from a chocolate fondue wrap to chocolate martinis to a chocolate museum. There are new rides at Hersheypark too.
Tag along for this teen’s perspective on her hiking adventure along the scenic and slippery slopes of this beautiful northern trail.
Get a free night stay at Disneyland’s Good Neighbor Hotels, free birthday pass to Disneyland, a kids’ rate package and Hilton Anaheim dining credits.
Shop with the Four Seasons San Francisco, get a Tango package at the Hilton Buenos Aires, ring in the New Year in St. Lucia and explore the Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh.
Take advantage of an affordable weekend in London, resort credits in Scottsdale and Cancun, and free golfing with the kids.
Costa Rica cruise discount and new yoga retreat, Cayman Islands and Mackinac Island both welcome families with savings packages and discounts, and the Omni Hotels in Texas teach the kids to cater to parents.
From last minute summer escapes to upcoming winter specials, there are plenty of discounts and packages to help you explore the great outdoors.
This week’s discounts are at San Francisco hotels, a free night’s stay in Santorini, a museum package in New York and passes to North Carolina attractions.
This week’s discounts are for Los Cabos and Honolulu hotels, an Innsbruck ski season package and a way to contribute during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It’s been four centuries since this Dutch explorer discovered the Hudson River. Check out the events slated for the year-long celebrations throughout New York State.
Walk for charity, pamper your American Girl, visit Vancouver and bring the whole crew for cheap to Ireland or Mexico.
From the ‘Anne of Green Gables’ centennial celebration to shellfish festivals, Canada’s smallest province offers a wealth of activities for vacationing families.
Listen up! Audio tours offer a convenient, do-it-yourself alternative to crowded tour groups.
Suggestions and ideas for long-term family vacations that traverse the globe.
Review these 10 essential tips on what to pack and what to know before you go on your vacation to Italy.
On Providenciales, stroll along elegant Grace Bay Beach, snorkel around coral reefs and celebrate the mighty conch.
Immerse yourself in the diverse cultural mix of Caribbean and Danish influences on a vacation to the most populated island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Read our expert’s tips on all that this USVI hot spot has to offer, from top beaches and hotels to the best places to pitch your tent.
Chill on gorgeous beaches, ply Caribbean waters, tour historic attractions and shop duty-free on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John—while leaving your passport at home.
Check out these top accommodations and activities for families planning a vacation to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
From diverse North American cuisine to busy mushroom markets to charming historical districts, Vancouver offers a diverse experience for all family members.
Bridges, canals and gondolas are icons in Venice, the city on the water, where travelers lose themselves in art, history and romantic streets and squares.
Insider info from our local expert on where to go and what to see on your next trip to D.C.
Don’t know which Washington museums are best for kids from tykes to teens? Read here for age-appropriate recommendations.
With the upcoming inauguration, learn about the history and lives of our previous commanders in chief by checking out these top presidential attractions in Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital offers a year-round slew of special events, guaranteed to give you and the kids a fun lesson in history and culture.
Enjoy a fondue snowmobiling dinner package or mingle with celebrities at the Whistler Film Festival.
Retrace U.S. colonial history on your next vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia.
When visiting nearby Colonial Williamsburg, take a break from the crowds and plan a day trip to this historic settlement.
Circus World and Ringlingville keep the circus tradition alive and well in Baraboo, Wis.
From wild amusement park rides to mellow nature hikes, the Wisconsin Dells has it all.
Geysers and buffalo and bears! Arrive early and stay late to see the natural world at its best.
Make the most of your wolf-watching adventures in Yellowstone National Park with our tour and viewing tips information. The experience may just help you discover your inner wildness.
Hitting the road without a set agenda? Here are some tips for making your unstructured travels fun and adventurous for the whole family.
Turn your overnight visit to St. Louis into a family getaway. This Midwest city is a gem for kids and parents alike.
Two Barcelona guidebooks as chic as the city itself. Learn about Catalan cuisine, history, art and architecture for your Barcelona travels.
Unlock the mystery of the Florida Keys with two guidebooks that also provide history and local insiders’ tips.
Discover “Top 5” lists of things to do in Vegas or read up on haunted historic sites to catch a glimpse of ghosts, including Elvis, lurking around Sin City.
This city’s Little Black Book travel guide compacts all the info you need to know to act like an in-the-know local on your next Boston vacation.
Two comprehensive guidebooks cover everything London—from essentials to dining spots to biographies.
Get the inside scoop on the enjoyable ‘Hungry? Thirsty?’ guide to New Orleans’ and the newly updated Frommer’s book, ideal for first-time visitors.
Two great books for two distinct audiences: family travelers and those looking for off-the-beaten-path exploration.
The ‘Today’ show travel editor reveals industry secrets and handy tips for finding the best deals when traveling on a budget during economic down times.
Bring these guidebooks—and some comfortable walking shoes—when you explore the diverse and hilly neighborhoods of San Francisco.
Two Washington guidebooks highlight capital attractions in an interactive format for kids.
Learn about Yellowstone with a family-oriented guidebook and a children’s story about this famous National Park.
Our TravelMuse editor recalls her favorite activities from her visits to La Jolla, from kayaking to flying over the city in a 1920s biplane.
Frommer’s new Hawaii Day by Day guide is all you will need to see the best of the islands on your next Hawaiian vacation.
This CD guide gets you around Tahoe with places to see, history and legend, and great entertainment.
