A stream runs through it.

Ah, the water and the sunshine and the barefeet. It’s good stuff.

Finally, winter is going away (kicking and fighting, but still going away) and as such we can once again return to the great outdoors for all of our daytrip needs. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, boating, rafting, biking, or pretty much anything this side of snow activities, it’s a great time to dust off the old waistline and get back in the saddle (or whatever you sit on for your preferred activity).

Don’t forget, as we get closer to summer the State and National Parks (and other assorted campgrounds) will be filling up fast. Many of them take reservations for campsites and RV spaces (and have already started to do so). You may want to start planning your getaways now (or wait and complain about it being full like I usually do).

Goodbye, Winter. Don’t let the door hit you.

For more family-friendly travel photos visit DeliciousBaby’s Photo Fridays.
Photo by Muffet via Flickr.

Frenchman's Bay as seen from Acadia National Park in Maine.

My husband and I have discovered that we really, really enjoy visiting National Parks. We find ourselves going back again and again to our favorite places, and searching out the National Parks in the states that we visit on vacation. We enjoy taking advantage of the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) recreational opportunities. And every time we’ve entered the various parks, we’ve paid the full day-use fee per vehicle.

As you can expect, that can add up to quite a bit of dough.

Read More »

The Really Big Canyon doesn't have the same ring to it.

I grew up in Arizona, but I never bothered to visit the Grand Canyon until I was in my late 20s (which is longer ago than I care to admit). I figured I saw it on the Brady Bunch (For the record, beans in the flashlight? Brilliant, Bobby!) and National Lampoon’s Vacation, what could I possibly be missing?

See above.

This post is a Wordless Wednesday entry. The words below the photo are optional.

Photo by Joel Hernandez via Flickr

Hey, kids! Where do you want to go? Around the world(wide web)! You’re on. This is the time on the UpTake show where we link to a bunch of doings in the online travel biz and then you click on them and say nice things about us. Sometimes you send us flowers.

Buckle up, it’s go time:

Enter the Great Kiwi Adventure to win a trip for 4 to New Zealand!

The classic Italian coffee house (and its impressive guests).

Thinking about checking out the National Parks of France? Here’s a list of the top ten.

Taste Napa Valley at Rubicon Estate.

Mexico is looking for Arizona tourists… to have a good time.

TripAdvisor announces an iPhone app.

Enjoy Cancun in a boutique hotel.

Snorkel and explore off Maui’s coast.

The Top 5 places to eat ice cream at Walt Disney World (you know you want to know this).

KLM offers a new à la carte menu.

BP keeps Florida beaches off the best lists.

The untouched(ish) Society Island of Hauhine.

Cancun’s underwater museum rocks!

Check out the New England Aquarium package in Boston.

ABC presents Summer Travel Planning 101 (video opens automatically).

USA Today offers some tips on pet travel safety.

The Millennium Hotel in NYC is celebrating 20 years with a giveaway per day.

Hike Israel’s National Trail, it’s the destination and the journey.

The first Toy Story meet-up at Disneyland is FULL.

Looking to keep the romance alive while on the road? It can happen.

Are smartphones the new room key?

Win a trip to San Luis Obispo — sign up for the newsletter and you’re entered!

The 10 Best Amusement Parks (this list could use a good shuffle).

National Geographic on U.S. National Parks and travel.

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That just happened. Another rousing round of online travel tidbits for your consumption.

You’re welcome. Contact us via email or Twitter to get your link included next week!