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The United States of America is home to some of the most spectacular views in the world. From the snowy mountaintops of the Sierra Nevadas in eastern California to the subtropical swamplands of the everglades in southern Florida, we have access to just about every variation of ecosystem imaginable. With so many cheap hotels and cheap airline tickets within our reach, it's definitely something to take advantage of. Being just after spring, when the weather is nice and the vegetation is in full bloom, June is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway. There are many destinations that are exceptionally beautiful during the early summer month of June.

Flagstaff, Arizona sits in the mountains at an elevation of 6,910 ft. Known for its crisp, refreshing mountain air; Flagstaff is extraordinarily beautiful during the summer time, with average temperatures in the 70s to 80s. One of the best things about Flagstaff is its breathtaking view of the San Francisco Peaks, sitting about 7 miles north. If you decide to visit this adorable town, be sure to visit its historical downtown, not to mention the many surrounding sites and book early. Looking for advanced travel to Flagstaff can score you some cheap flights and killer hotel deals. Sedona is a short drive down the switchbacks, and home to some amazing red rock country. If you are a hiker, this is your place. Even better than Sedona, with 5 million visitors from all over the world just between the months of May and October, the nearby Grand Canyon is a must see. Flagstaff, being a mere 90 minutes to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, gives the perfect opportunity to visit astonishing canyon created by the powerful Colorado River.

With an unbelievable 1,960 miles of shoreline, Lake Powell is the aftermath of the Glen Canyon Damn on the Colorado River. Filled with awe-inspiring canyons and deep blue water, Lake Powell is best visited by boat, where you have access to all of the amazing sites it has to offer. Lake Powell is home to some jaw-dropping views that words cannot due justice. With its colorful canyon walls and oddly shaped rocks, it looks as if it's not from this world. If you enjoy water sports and exploring without limits, you would find yourself in paradise here. Lake Powell is truly a site like no other.

Only a state away, tucked away in the Sierra Nevadas where California and Nevada meet, sits Lake Tahoe at an elevation of 6,237 ft. While it may snow through the winter, Lake Tahoe's temperatures are optimal during the month of June, staying in the 70s. The beautiful green, forest covered land has many activities to offer including hiking, boating, swimming and, of course, fishing on the gorgeous lake that is home to many different varieties of Trout.

However, if you prefer the city, Los Angeles is one of the best. Placed on the Pacific Coastline, L.A. is a magnificent city to visit. It is surrounded by numerous surf-influenced beach towns, including Long Beach, Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. If you don't mind a two-hour drive, Big Bear Mountain is a great spot to enjoy many recreational activities. California has it all. Its one of the only states where you can visit the warm, sandy beaches and snow covered mountain tops in the same day.

Though there are many more beautiful places in the western region of our country, the east has a lot to offer as well. Florida's panhandle, known as the Emerald Coast for its emerald green waters, doesn't get the recognition it deserves. We all know South Florida is a great site to see, being home to the Florida Keys and Everglades, but not too many speak of the northwestern region of the state. This could be what is keeping it from becoming over populated like the south, if that's the case; maybe less recognition is a good thing. Navarre beach says it best, "Florida's best kept secret." The Florida panhandle is home to sandy, white beaches unlike any others in the states. The combination of the brilliant emerald green ocean and snow white, soft sand makes this spot a choice place for vacationing.

Our Country is big. These are only a few prime examples of places that are beautiful vacation destinations during early summer time. There's discount airfare available for every place imaginable. So decide which spot is for you and start searching for some cheap flights! They always say "live life to the fullest," and what better way than visiting all the breathtaking places this country has to offer.

The post-holiday, early-winter doldrums provide an ideal time to start daydreaming about summer vacation. Whether that means a camping trip in a national park, some serious beach time, or a European jaunt, timing is everything when it comes to finding the best deals and availability.

But is booking early always the right approach? Here's the rundown on when and why to book summer cruises, vacation rentals, and trips to Europe and national parks.


Cruises

Fans of cruising often talk about how easy travel is aboard a ship. You only have to unpack once, but you see many different places. Food and entertainment are never more than a short stroll away. It works whether you're going solo or traveling with a crowd. And with so many different itineraries, there's always more to...

Dreams of spending lazy days at the lake, or stretched out on the beach will fill the minds of many this summer. By taking a few precautions, you can help ensure that your time in the water will be safe and enjoyable.

Water Safety Statistics

Water safety is a significant issue in the United States. In 2005 alone, more than 3,000 people drowned unintentionally. Children are particularly at risk during the summer months, as they head to the pool and beach with greater frequency.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “More than one in four fatal drowning victims are children 14 and younger.” Four children require medical attention for injuries on the water for every one child who dies.

Some of the most serious factors resulting in injuries are a lack of...

Minnesota is known as the “land of 10,000 lakes,” so it’s no surprise that a favorite Minnesota travel destination is one of the many vacation lakes in the state. But because there are so many lakes and resorts to choose from, picking one isn’t always easy.

Even so, each Minnesota lake vacation spot has its own unique features that distinguish it from the others. Here are some of the most popular travel destinations to Minnesota lakes and their resorts. Whether a fishing, boating, or other outdoor enthusiast, any one of these vacation lakes is sure to deliver.

Minnesota’s Lake Superior – The North Shore

The North Shore of Minnesota’s Lake Superior, which runs from Duluth to Grand Portage, is a choice Minnesota vacation spot no matter what time of year. The largest...

With the kids out of school and the entire summer ahead of you, planning a summer getaway is always a wonderful way to spend the time. This summer, stay away from the crowded hotel resorts and rent a relaxing summer cottage by the lake. Most rental cottages are privately owned and are decorated according to the homeowner’s personal taste. Therefore it’s always important to bring along some personal items to make your new home away from home feel like your own personal space.

• Bed Linens: Rental cottages will provide bedding for guests to use. Although, it’s always nice to bring along your favorite pillow to rest your head against at night and perhaps a decorative throw or blanket to cuddle up in while lounging on the porch swing at night.

• Towels: Vacation rentals will...

Guidebook publisher Dorling Kindersley reveals the hip, hot and happening city breaks for the coming year







Istanbul

One of the greatest cities the world has ever known, nowhere does the cliché of East meets West, old meets new, apply more aptly.

The last few years have seen Istanbul thrive with boutique hotels, uber-trendy bars and gourmet restaurants adding to its already intoxicating mix of historic and cultural sites. Watch it ramp up another notch as the city becomes a European Capital of Culture in 2010.

Vancouver

Feted as the world’s most livable city, this West Coast gem has a lively cultural scene with superb restaurants and hotels. A beautiful city where glass towers and skyscrapers are set against a backdrop of coastal mountains, in 2010 it will...

Everyone knows cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago are among the best in the U.S., but there are many other fabulous — albeit smaller — American cities that just don't get their fair share of the limelight. Whether their proximity to a bigger city steals their thunder or a recent city makeover remains undiscovered by the masses, the cities on our list are oft-overlooked by even the savviest of travelers. If you're looking to broaden the scope of your trips to include some less-talked-about places with great art scenes, friendly locals, delectable cuisine, and rich history, add one of our ten most underrated cities to your "must-see" list.

1. Baltimore
Native blue crabs seasoned with Old Bay are reason enough to visit Baltimore, but there's much more to experience in...

What's the best place in Europe?" is the inevitable question asked a million times, a question as impossible to answer as "how long is a piece of string?" Imagine: if we all lusted after exactly the same place, the world would likely wobble out of its orbit from the weight imbalance. But there comes a time when the hapless travel writer must take a long gulp on his Bourbon and Branchwater and apply himself to the impossible task of telling people what their favorite places ought to be without knowing their likes, dislikes, or inseam measurements. Harumph...and so be it.

London England

Who Should Go:

* Tourists afraid to be in a country where they don't know the language (remember not to leave anything in the boot of your car while in London!)
* Pale penny-pinching...

Paris connoisseur and guidebook writer Marsha Moore shares five of the most weird and wonderful secrets of the French capital…

In a city as beautiful as Paris, it’s tempting to stick to the beaten paths leading straight to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysée. But Paris is so much more than a collection of clichés; if you lift the lid, it’s full of strange sights from human cadavers to art in the fridge.



Pisstake

Relieve your bladder and get up close and personal with a piece of Parisian history at the same time. Located on Boulevard Arago in front of the La Santé Prison, the city’s last remaining vespasienne – otherwise known as pissoir – is the sole survivor of the 1,200 public urinals that once dotted the streets. Nowadays, Parisians prefer...

Every urban travel experience is different, but the world's biggest cities share some common traits. Although it's true that big cities generally are more expensive to visit than less populous urban areas, you'll can find opportunities for savings if you know where to look. For example, big cities frequently offer you and your travel party safe, swift and inexpensive rides to the airport via mass transit options that aren't available in smaller towns. Take a look at a step by step approach to saving money on urban travel. These pictures and tips were captured in St. Louis, but they can be applied to any large city in the world.



Know the Dominant Budget Carrier in the Market

Urban travel frequently involves getting on an airplane. In St. Louis (where all of these examples were...

With countless museums, zoos, parks, and toy stores, the Big Apple can be a very rewarding experience for the young and young at heart. Keep these useful tips in mind once you have decided to visit the big city:

* Pack comfortable walking shoes and rain gear
* Prevent tantrums by not overloading each day with too many activities
* Append back up plans to each daily itinerary
* Use the subway system. Initially, it may be overwhelming to the unseasoned city dweller, but expertise happens quickly and relief will also come for weary little feet (and big feet too)
* Look into ordering New York CityPasses. It includes entrance into many popular attractions for a fraction of the cost of buying individual tickets
* Get to attractions early to avoid...

Rural life provides that certain satisfaction when you are in direct contact with natural things. The freedom of the outdoors with its acres of space provides an uncrowded, more healthy and relaxed lifestyle, living in a beautiful and tranquil environment, at peace with one's soul and his fellow man.

Surrounded by the atmosphere of its past, the glorious countryside is a never failing source of pleasure with the song of birds, the murmur of insects and the humming of bees, every town and hamlet, every hill and valley is like a picture postcard.

Country life and rural values, a special place where time seems to stand still and a way of life that has been handed down from generation to generation in all its variety and vitality. Country life, with its strong family systems-its people...

India is the seventh largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country in the World with over 1.12billion people. 70% of this population live in rural areas while the other 30% although in recent decades migration to larger cities has led to a dramatic increase in the country's urban population.

Traveling to rural India is an experience in a great number of ways. It best shows the way of life of the most common people and the roots of all Indians. The way of life is simple and at times difficult. So traveling these areas can be quite an experience and vastly different from other European or American Countries.

To ensure sweet memories, it is a good idea to eliminate some aspects of the overwhelming experience by remembering a number of small but important...

Visiting a winery on your next vacation? Wine educator Kathleen Lisson shares the secrets that will make you a savvy wine tasting pro, including: What to wear, what NOT to wear, how to plan your schedule, what to ask when purchasing wine at a winery

After a rigorous selection procedure, Dubai (UAE), Johannesburg (South Africa), Orlando (Florida, USA), Antalya (Turkey), New Delhi (India) and Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) have all emerged victorious.

Each will stage one of the six World Travel Awards regional ceremonies, with victors progressing to the Grand Final in London (UK) in November.

Celebrating its 17th anniversary, the World Travel Awards has grown into a global search for the very best travel and tourism brands, and is heralded by the Wall Street Journal as the "Oscars of the travel industry".

The growth of sport tourism - a sector now worth US$600 billion annually - is reflected strongly in the choice of this year's WTA host venues.

Johannesburg – playing host to 2010 FIFA World Cup – will hold the Africa Ceremony...