Although it only takes a single look to be awed by the Grand Canyon, there are nearly 600 miles of rim ledge from which to gaze, each mile offering a new vantage point and unique perspective of the mighty crack. The Canyon itself is constantly changing with the seasons, one month offering the contrast of baked rock against muddy waters and another mixing white snow with green underbrush. It is no small thing to look at the Grand Canyon, and it would be impossible to see all of its wonders in one trip. As an American, I reassure myself that I can return to the Grand Canyon. But what if your trip was a once-in-a-lifetime event? What if you didn’t know you could return – and really, none of us is ever guaranteed another trip anywhere – and you wanted to make the most of your moment? Rather than pick one lookout point on one rim on one day, many international travelers choose to soar above and below the Grand Canyon, taking in the view with the gluttony of a Las Vegas buf...[more »]

Every time we begin plotting vacation ideas here in the US I am always amazed by the vast size of our country. How incredible it would be if we could just move into an RV and drive, coast to coast, north to south, exploring every state at our leisure. This year we will visit a few places new to our family as well as places my husband and I visited before we had kids, which we can’t wait to explore with the girls. Also included is a small wish list of destinations we would like to make it to, if time and money allow. The Desert Southwest Apache Junction February will find my eldest daughter and I enjoying a long weekend in Chandler/Tempe/Mesa/Apache Junction, Arizona. I have visited in the past, but this will be Brenna’s first time seeing large cactus, mountains, and a real desert. We won’t get to the Grand Canyon, but have it on our when the girls a re a bit older list. The Gaylord Opryland View of Conservatory from Balcony If you ever find yourself in...[more »]

One of my big passions is Ireland. Since my first visit I have felt at home there, welcomed by her people and the land itself. Maybe it’s that mystical feeling that keeps me coming back. Or maybe it’s the rugged beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people or thefabulousfish & chips. Whatever it is that brings us, my family and I will be returning to Ireland’s shores in 2012. My plans call for two trips, one in late spring and one in winter, and though my plans aren’t complete, there are a few “musts” on my Ireland bucket list for 2012. Places to Visit in Ireland Giant’s Causeway Did Finn McCool pave the way to Scotland with these stones? While science tells us thehexagonalstones were created from volcanic eruptions it’s much more fun to believe the tale of Fionn Mac Cumhai (Finn McCool) battling a giant in Scotland. Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge 20 meters across and 30 meters down Though much more stable than...[more »]