Take your kids to a national park

Experience once of the U.S.'s 388 national parks. America's national parks run the gamut in terms of cultural, geographic, and geological attractions—so chances are several will appeal to your family. Many of the parks' websites feature "For Kids" pages that will help you involve your kids in the planning process. Check out the National Parks System's Webrangers site with your child for inspiration: there are games and quizzes, as well as reports and photos uploaded by other kids.

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How to Childproof a Hotel Room

Staying in a hotel is part of the family vacation fun. However, just like at home, it's important to prepare your surroundings for the safety of the little vacation-goers. Here are a few tips for childproofing your next hotel room.

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Congratulations to Our Ireland Photo Contest Winners!

It's true—many of the photo entries we received for our Show Us Your Ireland photo contest left us green with envy. We want to head for the hills of Gleninchaquin Park with packs on our backs, conquer a fear of heights and rope bridges on the Antrim Coast, and cruise the Dingle Coast—among other great experiences. You have shown us that it can all be done!

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South Carolina Fall Getaway

With the temperature beginning to dip in the North, your thoughts may turn to that summer vacation you never quite got around to. Fear not: there's still time to nab a last bit of warm weather. Head to South Carolina where temperatures linger in the 70s through November, the crowds thin out, and hotel prices drop. I recently took a trip to Myrtle Beach and Charleston to scout out two types of trips: a long weekend with the kids, and a romantic getaway to reconnect with your partner before the holiday season.

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11 European Museums You Should See In Your Lifetime

If you've never been to these museums, you're missing out. From ancient books in Ireland to modern architecture in Spain, here are Europe's essential museums.

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Rate Your Experience Sweepstakes

In the November issue of Travel & Leisure, Fodors.com was highlighted as a valuable web resource for travelers looking for both "member comments along with editorial reviews of restaurants and hotels". We've encouraged members to send us their feedback and recommendations since the site's start back in 1996. One way to share your experience is to post a review of an establishment found in one of our 569 online destination guides. Your feedback helps us as we evaluate what should stay and what should go in each new edition. Fellow travelers benefit from your sharing of your experience as well; it's always nice to have a second, third, or fourth opinion from a like-minded traveler.

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Why Package Tours are Your Best Bet for Family Vacations

Think about your last family vacation. Did you argue over driving directions? Quibble over where to eat? Spend too much time figuring out your day's itinerary and not enough time actually taking in the sights?

If you answered yes to any of these questions—and your family isn't comprised of die-hard do-it-yourselfers—you might consider a packaged tour for your next trip. Here's why.

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America's Strangest Hotels: 10 Weird and Wacky Places to Stay

Have you ever wanted to spend the night inside a giant wooden beagle or a lofty treehouse? Well here's your chance.

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Antarctic Explorer Robert Swan on Walking to the South Pole

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Robert Swan, the first person to have walked to both the North and South Poles, about his travels to Antarctica and and his organization, 2041, which seeks to preserve the most desolate place on earth. From his first inspirational experiences on the ice to his don't-leave-home-without yellow backpack, here are are the things that keep this professional traveler going.

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5 Frightful Halloween Experiences for the Whole Family

One of the real joys of Halloween is The Scare. You know, the all-in-good-fun creepy sounds and what's-behind-that-door spooky stuff that frightens your kids (and, admit it, chills your bones a bit too) as you explore a chilly October night. Add a little fright to your family's Halloween with a visit to one of these scary places!

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