| 10 expert tips for an affordable and memorable destination wedding |
| A flurry of congratulatory phone calls, social media announcements and sparkling ring pictures all mean one thing: engagement season has arrived. With approximately 39 percent of marriage proposals taking place between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, engaged couples are taking note of one of the fastest-growing nuptial trends - destination weddings. Here are 10 expert tips for affordable and memorable destination weddings. |
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| Healthy happy family travel |
| Looking to take a road trip but dread hearing the infamous "Are we there yet?" or "Can we please, please stop for fast food?" questions. |
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| Five holiday tips to make your trip home a little smoother |
| There's no place like home for the holidays, but getting there can be a less-than-joyous experience. While busy airports aren't known to inspire a holly, jolly spirit, a few tips and tricks can help you breathe a little easier as you make your way home. |
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| Stretching your ski vacation dollar |
| With the Olympics right around the corner, skiing is on a lot of people's minds. While ski trips can get pricey quickly, there are ways to give your budget a lift. |
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| All the New Year's fun on half the budget |
| The high price of New Year's Eve hotel accommodations doesn't have to keep you from celebrating in big-city style. Even the most sought-after New Year's Eve hotspots have nearby alternatives that give travelers access to big-city countdowns without the big-city price tags. |
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| Travel tips to reduce your stress this holiday season |
| Traveling over the holidays to visit family can be a bit stressful. As you travel during this time of year, consider the following tips to help you reduce your stress and better enjoy the time spent with family while away from home. |
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| Tips to prepare your vehicle for winter travel |
| Now that frigid temperatures and stormy days have come back in earnest, it's time for car owners to think seriously about the road conditions ahead and take the simple but important steps to ensure safe winter travel this year. |
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| Winning ideas for beating winter blues |
| Nearly 150 days separate the last day of the winter holidays from the first unofficial day of summer - Memorial Day. After holiday decorations get packed away, and winter sets in, it's not uncommon to experience a touch - or more - of winter boredom. Fortunately, a number of tactics can help perk up your spirits. |
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| For gardeners and lovers of flowers, London in May is the place to be |
| Ralph Waldo Emerson once said "the Earth laughs in flowers," and there's a good chance this thought came to him while he was touring England, a country filled with spectacular gardens. London itself has many beautiful gardens, from royal parks surrounding the palaces to small green spaces maintained by volunteer groups. These gardens help to bring out the beauty of the city's landscaping. |
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| Warm up to budget-friendly winter travel in Europe |
| Traveling Europe may seem like a distant dream; tourists inundate cities during peak season, driving prices up. But your European dreams are attainable - if you travel during winter months. Europe can be much more affordable in winter and the quiet cities offer a more intimate and authentic experience. |
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| Vacationing: The best way to explore American history |
| Understanding the past can help us better appreciate the present and look toward the future. If you want a more meaningful vacation, an excursion to one of America's most significant sites can be a step straight into history. |
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| A tale of two great European cities to visit: London and Florence |
| No traveler can truly say they know Europe if they haven't thoroughly explored two of its classic cities London and Florence. Between exploring everything royal and Renaissance, eating delectable foods at little cafes tucked on every corner, and touring the museums, these two world cities have so many sights to see, you'll want to immerse yourself fully in the culture, history and "off-the-beaten-path" delights of each. |
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| Tips for merry holiday season travel |
| Traveling during the holiday season can be fun, but it also offers its fair share of anxious moments, stress and expense. This year, between Thanksgiving weekend and New Year's Day, an estimated 100 million Americans will travel by car, train or air to visit family or go on vacation, based on forecasts issued in previous years by the American Automobile Association (AAA). The key to avoiding stress and potential legal issues during the busy travel season is planning. |
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| The evolution of family travel: Easier, more exciting and something for everyone |
| When it comes to traveling with family members, you really want to get it right. When done properly, family travel can bring different generations together and leave everyone with memories they'll treasure for the rest of their lives. Given that potential, and considering the fact that family travel can involve substantial expense, it's a smart idea to rely on experts in the field to make your family travel plans a reality. |
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| One isn't a lonely number when solo travelers vacation with a group tour |
| While time alone can be refreshing and liberating, more often, people crave company. That's especially true when it comes to traveling. In addition to providing the comfort and assurance of numbers, traveling with others can be deeply enriching, as we share experiences and view new sights through others' perspectives. |
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| Experience WWI centennial history with a European river cruise |
| Today, Flanders Fields draws visitors who, although they don't remember the war, wish to remember those who served in it, and the lessons World War I taught the world. As people around the world prepare to commemorate the centennial of WWI, many will plan a trip to this historic spot. |
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| The ultimate road trip |
| This season, Americans are embarking on all types of journeys, from romantic weekends to outdoor activity focused getaways. What defines the ultimate road trip? Hear what drivers have to say. |
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| Travel like a local for a truly authentic vacation experience |
| Americans are on the move: logging two billion business and leisure trips of 50 miles or more from home for at least one night last year alone, according to the U.S. Travel Association. Today, more people are looking for authentic travel activities - ones that are outside the traditional museum or monument visit. To get more out of your next vacation, consider expert advice on how to break out of the tourist rut and have a truly authentic local experience. |
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| Travel the world with friends in a small group setting |
| Whether you're traveling with a spouse or significant other, alone, or among a group of friends, small group travel with 20 to 24 like-minded travelers takes a trip to a new level of delight. The world is full of myriad locations perfect for small group travel. |
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| Give back while moving from one community to another |
| Moving from one home, one city and even one state to another is a great opportunity to clean house and start fresh. Instead of packing all belongings - even those that haven't been used in years - moving gives families a chance to reduce their material goods so that what ends up being unpacked in the new house is immediately used. |
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| Turn a new leaf with a fall family road trip |
| With the cooler temperatures of autumn flowing in, many Americans will be hitting the road to discover the natural beauty that the season brings. Whether they crave adventure, want to see the fall foliage or are just getting ready for the Thanksgiving holiday, families need to be prepared to ensure they are getting the most out of this travel season. |
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| 'Come meet your planet' and discover the secrets of the natural world |
| Have you ever watched an amazing nature documentary and wondered how filmmakers captured such incredible scenes and compelling stories? Have you ever wished you could visit some of those same places yourself, to truly experience the wonders of the natural world with all five senses? |
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| How to plan a memorable multigenerational vacation |
| Whether over the river or through the woods, families across the U.S. are planning to travel during the holidays. In a world of well-traveled toddlers, worldly teens and active seniors, multigenerational travel is growing and for good reason: everyone enjoys a vacation together while creating unforgettable memories.Follow these tips to a memorable multigenerational vacation. |
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| 50 state parks that will make you forget all about the shutdown |
| The government shutdown is having far-reaching consequences, but travelers are really feeling the pinch as their plans get ... well, shut down ... due to national park and monument closures. But America's principal attractions aren't all shuttered. From sea to shining sea, state parks have an astounding array of natural wonders and historic hotspots well worth a look. So don't cancel your travel plans. Instead, head out to these 50 amazing state parks, chosen by travel inspiration site DreamPlanGo, that will leave you saying, "Shutdown? What shutdown?" |
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| After 100 years, Panama Canal passage still inspires wonder |
| The enduring ability to inspire wonder and awe, and to weather the rigors of time, Mother Nature and human politics - these are the qualities that elevate an engineering feat to landmark status. These attributes have drawn millions to the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower over the centuries. In 2014, admiring eyes will surely turn to Central America, as the year marks the 100th anniversary of the Panama Canal. |
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| Not home for the holidays: the beauty of holiday traveling |
| Vocalists from Perry Como and the Carpenters to Michael Buble have warbled about how wonderful it is to be home for the holidays. But who says you have to buy into that belief? Not being home for the holidays offers many advantages, including the opportunity to travel, visit far-off loved ones or just immerse yourself in total relaxation during one of the most hectic times of the year. |
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| Making sense of online traveler reviews |
| The Internet has revolutionized the way we plan vacations, and nowhere is that impact more apparent than in the explosion of online, first-person traveler reviews of hotels, restaurants, guided tours, cruises and attractions. With some common sense and these tips, you can use online reviews as an effective tool to plan your next vacation. |
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| The new generation of guided tours: it's time to think outside the bus |
| Many people hear the words "escorted travel" and immediately think "tour bus" or "motorcoach." While there's nothing wrong with either form of travel, they're certainly not the only options available when you take an escorted or guided tour. A host of other options deliver all the benefits of escorted travel without relying on traditional motorcoach transportation. |
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| Hidden national park history comes to life in a Yosemite Tour |
| America's national park system is one of the greatest points of pride for the country, and has even served as inspiration for other nations eager to preserve their own national treasures. One of the most iconic of those parks is California's Yosemite National Park. |
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| The best of the best: Italy tours capture the country's classic style |
| Travel can be an adventure - that's for certain. However, it should ultimately be an opportunity to relax, enjoy and live life to the fullest. One of the absolute best places to do all of those things is, without question, Italy. With a culture that values the beautiful, the delicious and the traditional, Italy is the perfect escape for travelers seeking a slower pace of life and indulgence in everyday pleasures. However, capturing everything Italy has to offer can pose a challenge to independent travelers; well-planned Italy tours can put everything within reach and let you focus on the experience. |
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| Must-see sights for New England fall foliage watchers |
| While humans have explained in detail the science behind the biological process that causes leaves to change from green to yellow, red, orange or purple, the wonder of fall colors endures. Nowhere in the country is fall's beauty more gloriously displayed than in New England. A fall excursion through New England offers the opportunity to savor breath-taking scenery, but also the chance to experience some our nation's oldest historical and cultural sites. |
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| River cruising: An easy way to explore and experience Europe |
| Europe is a popular destination for international travelers looking to visit the world's great capitals such as Paris, Amsterdam and Prague; to experience European culture; and to explore charming small towns. But planning a European trip can be daunting because it involves a lot of research to decide where to go, how to get there, and what to see. River cruising offers an excellent solution to this travel challenge. |
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