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Cambridge, England

One person's idea of a picturesque city is another person's idea of the most picturesque forest -- each one has its own unique elements that make it pleasing to the eye. Cambridge, England is one such city many travel experts believe has beautiful architecture, lovely parks and amazing courtyards. Situated north of London, Cambridge features the River Cam and historic buildings such as King's College Chapel and Cambridge University Modern Centre for Mathematical Sciences. The city is also famously known as the of city of crocuses and daffodils, so you might want to time a visit with the spring blossoms. It also has numerous gardens located throughout so you can stroll around and enjoy them. A trip to Cambridge is best organized as a package and tour to ensure you see everything you intend to see while on your visit. 

Best Place for a Picnic in San Francisco - Baker Beach

San Francisco isn't known for its beaches, but it does have a few in the area. Mile-long Baker Beach is among the most famous and makes a great place to enjoy a family picnic and fly a kite or two. When the sun comes out, the climate is tepid and cool. You can go down, bring some food, and some great beach toys and spend an enjoyable afternoon playing on the beach. In the summer months when it's not foggy, you can enjoy some sunbathing, too. The public picnic area has tables, grills and restroom facilities. Located near the foot of the rugged western shoreline of the Presidio, the view from the beach gives you a spectacular outlook on the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands. Many quintessential movies and TV shows have filmed the Golden Gate Bridge from this viewpoint. 

Napa in the Springtime

The dry and sunny Northern California weather begs for a beautiful drive through Napa. The mustard flowers are blooming, daffodils have come up early, and the grass is greening. Many of the trees are blossoming into a light floral pink of pedals that blow off the limbs and can look like a gentle snow. A favorite, scenic drive is to take Highway 12 from the city of Napa and head lengthwise down the valley and through the small towns of Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga among others. Make it a family day to picnic at one of the family-friendly wineries. Stop at a delicatessen as there are several along the route, pick up sandwiches and other assorted goodies such as cheese and fruit and make it your goal to stop perhaps at the Beringer campus where they have outdoor picnic tables. Continue your peaceful and beautiful drive on down to Calistoga and opt to stay in one of the many bed and breakfasts or resorts. Enjoy the drive. You'll see plenty of natural beauty, and when you arrive at your destination consider renting a bike and taking a ride through the winding backcountry roads in and around town or maybe just shop and stroll the streets of Calistoga, enjoy lunch and head back home.

The Hiwantha Bike Trail in Montana and Idaho

Springtime is just around the corner, and nothing is more refreshing than a family bike ride. If you are a family of serious bikers and you're looking for an incredible, scenic bike trail then check out the Hiawantha Trail that takes bikers through the rugged Bitterroot Mountains over the Idaho and Montana Border. Bikers will get the thrill of going through 10 tunnels and seven high trestles. Now be careful in spring as the snow melts, because bears are known to hibernate in some of those tunnels. Otherwise the 46-mile route is famous for the long St. Paul Pass or Taft Tunnel that burrows for 1.66 miles under the Bitterroot Mountains at the state line. This trail, however, is one of the most scenic trails that passes through spectacular views and forest into Montana and Idaho. Consider making it a pack trip and camp at the various designated sites along the route. 

Waikamoi -- Best Hawaiian Rainforest

Want to visit a rainforest without leaving the U.S. The Waikamoi rainforest located on Maui is considered one of the best rainforests in the country. If you've ever wanted to hike and tour an authentic rainforest without having to travel to South America, do consider booking a hiking tour through Waikiamoi where you can even camp at the Hosmer Campground in the Haleakala National Park. The campground is located near the Natura Conservancy where you can hike the 1.25-mile loop trail and explore the natural setting of a natural Hawaiian rainforest. The air is cool and clean and some parts of Wakamoi are at 6,000 feet above sea level. Waikamoi is home to eight endangered birds, including the Crested Honey Creeper. Animal and bird watchers alike will enjoy getting a glimpse at nature's natural wonders up close and personal. If you do not want to camp, you can always stay in one of the resorts, hotels or condos in and around Maui. 

Entertainment for Road Trip Tips

If you travel long distances in the car, you will need certain creature comforts to make your trip more enjoyable. Here on some tips to keep you and your family comfortable when driving for long distances over two hours.

Audio Books for You and the Kids -- depending the age of your children, you might want to invest in some age-appropriate audio books. Think of books you can both enjoy. Perhaps some Harry Potter or Narnia books that are appealing to everyone. DVD players are nice, but you cannot listen and drive, too. So audio books will keep everyone listening. Smaller children can listen to children's books, but you may not be entertained, but at least you will enjoy peace as they listen.

Lots of Fun Music -- teenagers will enjoy listening to music and you may like their tunes. If they don't like what you're listening to then give them iPods to stuff in their ears. They can listen to what they like and you can listen to what you like on the main stereo system. 

Board Games for Cars -- Lots of kids board games can be played and you can assign a kid to represent you on the board so you can interact. If the kids don't get car sick, handheld digital games will keep them entertained, but not you. Interactive board games keep the entire car involved. Or you can always go back to old-time favorites like the ABC game (spot the letters of the alphabet on signs) or "I spy with my little eye." 

Malibu, California

Most people (outside of California) associate "California Dreaming" with Malibu. All sorts of mythology has been built around the classic California beaches around Malibu. The beach movies of the '60s did nothing but continue the international love affair with the idea of "Malibu," and Hollywood continues to play up that mystique all of the time. The reality is that Malibu is part of 27 miles of scenic beauty in Southern California. It is, in fact, home to dozens of famous celebrities and does offer famous surfing fun at Zuma Beach. Here are some fun facts about the area and some will debunk some of the mythology. No, you cannot have a bonfire on any beach in Malibu, so any idea of wild beach parties with a raging fire to dance around, you will be cited. You can BBQ is some of the fire-designated spots on some of the state beaches. Alcohol is prohibited on all beaches in Malibu, and the city clearly lets its guest know there is zero tolerance, so don't plan that kind of party. Although the city will issue certain permits for parties with alcohol. Finally, nude sunbathing is not allowed -- and there is no permit for that one. Do plan to enjoy the quintessential California beach experience in Malibu outside of those restrictions.