Kauai. The most beautiful place I've ever been. Mainly seeing the Napali Coast, rain forest, and waterfalls. The Hyatt also has plenty of man made river pools, and beautiful gardens. Second, the Cayman Islands. It has the clearest beach I've ever seen. Third. I pick Maui. I've only traveled in the US and Carribean.

Naples,Florida in the winter and Waynesville,NC in the summer and any meal in Rome and safari in Africa!

Isn't that interesting that only one other person besides Kim thought that the best places in the world are outside the U.S.? Actually, I first only thought of foreign places too, like Turkey, Italy, etc., but then I remembered how wonderful and beautiful Savannah, Charleston, Carmel and the Tetons are. It's a big world and thank goodness we can enjoy it all!<BR>Enjoyed the informative responses.

Jen<BR><BR> DaNang, Vietnam.<BR><BR> Mike<BR><BR>

Hi Jen, I read the suggestions and all are great. I assume you are considering latin america since that is where I find your request, however you might consider a family safari vacation in Kenya. We took a big family trip in 1998, ages 7 - 70, for photo safari and it was fantastic. We traveled with A & K on this one and did everything, from Hot Air Balloon Ride near Tanzania to Golf in Nairobi, and each game reserve is unique along the way. Good luck on decision! M

Have you considered a cruise? As a frequent traveler, I often like to cruise to a region first, since that gives me a small taste of various locations the ship stops. Then, I can determine if this is a place I want to return (Grand Caymen and Costa Rics are a couple personal favorites). There are sufficient activities on board to keep everyone busy (or not!) and the ports usually offer a nice variety of excursions to consider in case of differing tastes. There are some great prices available now, since the cruise industry keeps adding ships. My suggestion is to pick a region based on the collective family interests -Mediterranean is very different than a Panama Canal crossing - and do some research on which cruise line will best meet your needs. Good luck - keep an open mind and have a wonderful time!

Jen, I would have to say my best place(s) in the world are: 1)Bermuda - my wife and I spent our honeymoon there 3 years ago and the island is gorgeous. The only drawback is that it is very expensive, especially with a couple of kids; 2)Brazil - I visited in July 2001 and I LOVED IT! Rio was OK, but I fell in love with the City of Salvador in the state of Bahia. Iguassu Falls was also wonderful; 3)Ghana, West Africa - first visit to africa was here when I finished graduate school 7 years ago and definitely will go back; 4)Charleston, SC - beautiful old southern city with a lot of charm; 5)Toronto,Ontario,Canada - another great cosmopolitan city just north of the states. Those are my favorites! Hope you and the family find a wonderful place to go on vacation!<BR>

Bali, Bali, Bali<BR><BR>I have been everywhere..I repeat..Bali :)

Jen,<BR>Your question has certainly stirred many people's fond memories. I've travelled around the world, sans kids I admit, and have been to many of the places suggested. I think you need to consider that you're travelling with teenagers. Many of the suggestions are for beautiful, tropical vacations - the kind you take for romance.<BR><BR>If your kids are into water sports, and can handle the "there's nothing to do" syndrome, then by all means, the south Pacific (Bali, Tahitian Islands, New Zealand, etc.) are beautiful, nature-based getaways. Even Costa Rica & the Hawaiian Islands fit here.<BR><BR>If, on the other hand, your teens like history and exotic places, Europe has so much to offer. Turkey is a great choice (depending on what happens with Iran & Iraq in the coming months - check a world map!). All the major cities; Rome, Paris, London, etc. offer cultural experiences that link us to our European heritage. The beauty of the Swiss Alps rivals that of any island paradise.<BR><BR>Although I can't select a single place, I'll throw Spain (and Portugal) onto the list for these reasons: diversity from north to south, travel bargains - the dollar is strong there, incredible food (and spectacular wines), history and art (who founded America again?), and a warm, friendly people. Barcelona is one of the finest "big cities" in Europe. Sevilla is all that one dreams of when thinking of Spain.<BR><BR>If Europe is your calling, I'd suggest checking into RickSteeves.com - he's the master.<BR><BR>Good luck, and if you find the perfect place, let us know.

I would say Tahiti- it is romantic and secluded. Just look at a brouchre and you will see why.

It may not be the "best" place in the world, but it is undoubtedly the BEST kept secret on earth! I'm talking about Panama (in general) and Panama City (it's capital) in particular. On a clear day, as the aircraft makes it's final approach to landing, passengers on their first trip to Panama City, stare in stunned disbelief at the sight of gleaming skyscrapers unfolding below. A breath-taking skyline they hadn't expected sprawls to a curling point of land that meets the blue Pacific. Panama City is truly unlike anything one would normally imagine in Central America. A bustling cosmopolitan center of finance and commerce, the city is host to over one hundred foreign banks and boasts one of the most robust economies and sophisticated urban settings in all of Latin America! Major Attractions nationwide: Panama Canal, Casco Viejo, Amador Causeway, Ancon Hill, Metropolitan National Park, Gamboa Rainforrest Resort, Bidge of the Americas, Bocas del Toro, Taboga, Contadora, San Blas, Colon Free Zone, Colon 2000, Ruins of Old Panama and much more. Best time to go: Mid-December to mid-April.

For a family vacation I strongly recomend Costa Rica, we had visited 3 times with e kids,they had a lot of fund, specially the pacific area of Manuel Antonio.There is so much to do, the country side is beautiful and all arounf very safe.<BR>Cancun was also a good choice with the kids.<BR><BR>

I smiled when I saw on one of the first replies "Isla Mujeres". I was there in 1998 and it's a dream island - something like my vision of where Robinson Crusoe landed!!!<BR>Bali was wonderful too but very different.<BR>Cancun has plenty of activities to offer your children and they wouldn't have a second to spare trying to get to do everything!!! Which means they're kept happy - you're happy too, right?<BR>We're planning Peru this year but it appears like more hard work than a holiday but I'm hoping the sites and scenery will be worth it??<BR>Good luck with choosing from all these wonderful places......

Here are a few selections:<BR><BR>For some rugged adventure and plenty of pygmey-style wildlife I would recommend heading into the jungle outside of Bangui in the Central African Republic. Not to many people make it out there - and boy it is an adventure.<BR><BR>For some of the best street-food around spend a few days in Yangon, Myanmar and get the chance to marvel at the worlds warmest people and view plenty of Buddhist wonders.<BR><BR>For untouched, pristine and extremely quiet beaches (white sand and all) try staying at the Galaway Beach Hotel in The Comores - (fly in to Moroni from Dar Es Salaam). Again, this is a remote and beautiful place.<BR><BR>For awesome, rugged hiking and unparalled mountainous beauty head down to Papua New Guinea - avoiding if possible, Port Moresby. Mount Hagen is lovely, as are some of the smaller islands.<BR><BR>For spicey Szechuan food, mountains and Panda bears try Chungdu China - Capital of the Szechuan province.<BR><BR>For one of the longest beaches in the world and an extremely low-cost vacation try Chittagong in lush and lovely Bangaldesh.<BR><BR>And finally, my favorite place in the entire world: the comfort of my own home.<BR><BR>For

Bradford in England is one of the most fantastic places in the world. No-one really thinks of it as a holiday destination but where can you find so many fantastic restaurants in one place. And the weather is awesome too - it's so diverse. If you like sport there is nowhere better and you are just 10 miles from the tourist mecca of Leeds as well. For shopping, well take your pick - Meadowhall in nearby Sheffield, steeped in history, the Trafford centre close to the salubrious Moss Side estate, or of course the Albert Doch in Liverpool, home of that famous pop group, The Beatles.<BR>Yes, it's Bradford for me.

Jen,<BR>I didn't read all the replies but I would have to suggest Hawaii. I love it there and yes you can escape the Waikiki scene! You feel like you are in a different country but with the advantage of using US currency and no language problems. I did enjoy trying to correctly pronouce the Hawaiian words and found that fascinating. Hawaii offers mountains out one window and ocean views out the other. I have done alot of traveling and find our own Hawaii wonderful. It all depends on what you are looking for. Switzerland and Italy are also wonderful.... I do feel that to truly enjoy cities like Florence, Rome etc. Art history helps otherwise one could tire of another "old church" etc. Europe offers alot. I do agree with another listener....I would love to see Egypt...but I would cruise the Nile. I daydream quite a bit. I think that traveling for kids is sooooooo important. I believe that I am the well rounded person I am today, since I have been traveling since 7. I have always wanted to see the world. I'm still avidly working on it!!!!!!!!!<BR><BR>Great question..<BR><BR>Happy traveling!!!!!!<BR><BR>Joan

Peru!<BR>Just got back from there and I will be planning a trip to take my 3 kids there. The culture, beauty and history is incredible. It would be educational for the kids but they would not even realize it. <BR>Enjoy your vacation!

My favorite places:<BR>1) Rome, Italy<BR>2) Istanbul, Turkey <BR>3) Seville and Granada, Spain<BR>4) Lake District of England (stay at Miller Howe Hotel in Windermere)<BR>5) San Diego, California (and surrounding area)

Has anyone been to Saba??? I haven't but want to. It seems like it could be one of the best places in the world!!

The Outer Banks of North Carolina are astonishingly beautiful.

Hello! I am just writing to say I have enjoyed reading different responses and so Hope to hear about where you end up going!! What you end up doing etc.! I have traveled fairly expensively both domestically and abroad but still haven't found a place I find to be the Best in the World although I have gotten some great ideas here! Love Ireland,The island of Capri in Italy was fabulous as is all of the Hawaiin Islands and I had a great time exploring Iceland, going to Puerta Valarta with my husband and two small children next week etc. etc. Anyway, Please let us know what you do!

Jen,<BR>Here's my two-cents worth...<BR>A Windjammer Cruise off the coast of Maine! The kids will love it, there's lots to do on the boat, from raising the sails to watching for whales. <BR>If you love the ocean, great home cooked food (and lots of it) plenty of time to read that fat novel you've been saving, exploring off shore islands and quaint coastal communities, eating succulent Maine lobster, being rocked to sleep by the gentle ocean swells, meeting other people (maybe two dozen or so) from around the world, taking photos you'll be able to take home and frame and seeing the coast of Maine from a whole new perspective, you can't go wrong. Check out the Yankee Magazine article (June '02). You'll never be the same! See you there!

Seychelles is like a dream come true...<BR>

For us- Venice(Italy).It has histories,beauty,arts,great restaurants, shops...the whole place is incredibly beautiful and unique,and it's also THE ultimate romantic city of the world ,it's a good thing that you're married,otherwise the place will make you fall in love with anybody, or... anything..a cat ? a tree??? No other place like Venice but Venice.Si !Si! Si!

Hola amigos,<BR><BR>You got a lot of messages, I'll sugest to do something diferent, come to Ecuador where you gonig to feel the warm from the people.<BR>See my pages,<BR>geocities.com/losyutzos<BR><BR>the best for you<BR><BR>Guido Guevara<BR>[email protected]

The key here is the kids. You don't want them to get bored or underfoot. I'd go to London. Lots to see and do; they speak a form of English, its foreign yet familiar.

Hi Jen,<BR><BR>I live in NYC, which is a fabulous place to visit. Central park, historical places, world class museums, incredible shopping, such a diverse cuisine, the architecture, fast paced romance and a great nightlife that ranges from s+m to ballroom events.<BR><BR>I also lived in Florenec Italy. It is so historical, exciting and beautiful. Every corner is hiding a visual surprise. One of the top places in all of Europe.<BR><BR>I noticed most people that replied to your message said the best place in the world is an island. I can appreciate that, I love nature too, but these islands tend to be overrun with trinket shops for the tourist and they lack in cultural refinement. I know that sounds snotty, but its the truth. <BR><BR>If you want to see the most intelligent people, most sophisticated architecture, the greatest human civilizations and places to wine + dine your loved one like never before, you must come to NYC, or Florence.

For me the most amazing place is Kauai - Hawaii / It is soo beautiful and relaxing...it is nature to its best

Glacier National Park, Montana in the mountains, million stars in the sky, camp fire, cigar, river rolling by, tent pitched, belly full of grub.

Hmmm, let me think......<BR>Having a mother born in Milan, Italy, a father born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, myself being born in Campinas (Sao Paolo, Brazil), having lived in Mexico City for 10 years, and now residing in San Francisco, CA, I would definitley say, that each place has it's own charm to it. The good part is that all we have to do is get there and discover the beauty of it. My top faves are: Paris, Toledo in Spain (the architecture is just breathtaking), Buenos Aires in Argentina (a marvelous city full of life and with a strong European influence), Bora Bora, Cancun, Vicenza (Italy), French Riviera, Greek Islands. Wow, I could go on forever.

Peyto Lake near Banff in Canada. When we were there, it was snowing (in June!)and perfectly quiet and just magnificent. We were the only ones there and had the whole magnificent lake to ourselves! Such quiet and stillness is magical when you are used to the noise and crowds in Manhattan.

A facinating post measured by responses. I have a similar problem. So I studies the posts so far and made a list, excluding those posts that gave more than 2 suggestions. Here's those that scored more than 1.<BR><BR>Turkey - 7<BR>Costa Rica - 5<BR>New Zealand - 4<BR>Panama - 3<BR>Banff etc. - 2<BR>Bali - 2<BR>Kauai - 2<BR><BR>Since I live in Holland, guess what has just risen to the top of my list - also I need a rug and a sheepskin coat.<BR><BR>My own favourite?:<BR>The Okavango Swamps in Botswana, Southern Africa<BR>

The best place to travel, that I know (I have travel to several places)is Spain. There you are going to have the best time. The food: you can get the real spanish food, not the crap that we get at the called "spanish restaurants" in USA. On the other hand if you crave for american restaurants or fast food restaurants you have a wide variety of them in every mayor city. The night entertainment is awesome. The hotels are the best. If you want a vacation at the beach I would recommend The Canary Islands(Tenerife or Gran Canaria) If you don't care about sand and ocean go to Madrid or Seville. At the Canary Islands you will get a warm weather all year round in Madrid it is better if you go during the summer months, in the winter is very cold. There are a lot of very nice swimming pools. You can also visit museums,monuments,theme parks, water parks or take excursions to El Escorial,Segovia...(adjacent cities)The subway and the train comprehend almost every corner or Madrid and surroundings. simply to walk in the streets of Madrid is a different experience! The shopping is also great. I love Spain. It is my country and I know that I am partial when I speak about it. But my husband is not spaniard and he agrees 100% that it is the best place in the world not just to go on a vacation, to live. If you have any question you can e-mail me [email protected]

Centennial Valley in Montana

Anyplace as long as you are with your family

I am from Illinois but now live in NYC. When I was a kid we never took many vacations. Once we did go to Galveston TX. It was the most memorable trip ever. As a kid I thought it was the best place in the world. I went there 30 years later (April 2002) and thought it was horrible (sorry Texans. As a kid the trip was memorable because my Dad and mom took me, we all went as a family. It took months and many family meetings to plan. Since then, I have travelled often and far. All places are beatiful in their own way. The one we took to Galveston was truly the best not because of the week in Galveston but the months of planning with my parents...It is wonderful you are planning a trip together as a family. The best part is the anticipation together. Truthfully, anywhere you go as a family will be wonderful!<BR>

Margos' Bakery in Minot, North Dakota.<BR>They have the BEST donuts.

Jasper Alberta in the Summer, Oaxaca Mexico in the winter. Can't get any better!

Little Dix Bay Virgin Gorda<BR><BR>A beautiful, calm beach. A tropical paradise!

My inputs:<BR>1) Santorini, Greece<BR>2) Istanbul, Turkey<BR>3) Bora-Bora, Society Islands