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Great White Water Rafting -- Middle Fork River, Idaho

If you have older kids, a great excursion is to try some white water rafting in some of the best river to do so. One of the best is located in Idaho. The Middle Fork River, a tributary of the Salmon River, which is also the main tributary of the Snake River, which in turn is the main tributary to the Columbia River, offers one of the most exciting white-water raft experiences in the U.S. You must plan well in advance for the trip, as a permit is required to travel down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Caveat: getting a permit is not very easy, and you should work with your travel agent to figure out how to jump through the hoops. But once approved, this trip promises one of the most exciting white-water adventures you could ever experience. It has 300 rated rapid, and among them are Dagger Falls, Sulphur Slide, Velvet Falls, the Chuts, Power House, Pistol Creek, Tappan Falls, Red side, Weber, Cliffside and dozens of others.

Bermuda -- A Colorful Island Escape

Most people associate Bermuda with the infamous Bermuda Triangle. Bermuda is so much more. It is a gorgeous island surrounded by an incredible coral reef that produces fantastic white sand beaches and the Caribbean aquamarine colors you would expect from the area. This coral reef also makes a great haven for scores of fish attracted to the numerous shipwrecks entombed in the waters below. Families and tourists are encouraged to visit the crystal-clear waters of Southhampton Parish where they can swim, snorkel, kayak, yacht or sunbathe. Don't forget to take a moment to stop over at the Town of St. George, Britain's oldest surviving town in the New World, where it invites leisurely strolls through its crooked streets and plenty of sightseeing. 

Sierra at Tahoe -- Best Family Ski Resort

Considered among the best ski resorts for families, Sierra at Tahoe offers a vast diversity of ski and snowboarding trails to chose from. Families with older children, who snowboard, while parents who ski will like this resort. Additionally, it has a nice selection of medium difficulty trails to take the smaller skiers on. Many of the medium difficulty or green circle trails are lengthy and take often about 20 minutes to get down so parents can enjoy a nice run even if they have children ages 10 and under by their sides. The resort also has a nice barbecue area and patio for families to enjoy the nice spring skiing weather. 

North Coast Springtime Escape

The unexpected early spring has invited the flowers to bloom and the sun to shine along California's North Coast. You can drive up or down Highway 1 and enjoy the colorful rainbow of wild flowers blooming in all of their glory. Notice the poppies, daffodils and even tulips decorating the landscape in their colorful array of clusters sprinkled throughout the green grass of the coastal range. The sun is shining bright and warm. You can start your trip on Highway 101 and cut through on Highway 29 or 120 and drive through the tall redwoods where it's green, wet and lush with spring runoff. Make your way as far north as Fort Bragg and invest in a weekend package that includes excursions through the redwoods on the famous Skunk Train or a stroll through the Botanical Gardens where you can whale watch off the cliffs and see for miles off into the clear horizon. Choose from one of the numerous lodges right on the ocean such as the Northside Sea Cliff Inn, open your slider and hear the crash of the waves, and fill the jacuzzi tub that sits next to the door and just listen. The Northside serves a continental breakfast with muffins and fruit as part of your stay. Get up the next day, stroll old Fort Bragg, and stop for lunch at one of the numerous cafes that line the main street. If you don't have children along, maybe make an appointment at the Bamboo Spa and enjoy a relaxing massage. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Kirk Creek Campground

The central California coast in winter is tepid, mild and lacks fog, which is quintessential to California's coast in the summer. In winter, expect some rainy days, but if you plan your trip right, you can visit on a mild weekend when the sun shines. Sunset magazine released the top 10 California campgrounds and rounding out no. #6 is Kirk Creek Campground in the Los Padres National Forest in Big Sur. This pristine campground is located near Big Sur, which is also a little artist's community. You can drive up Highway 1 and find numerous galleries and some fantastic restaurants including the Post Ranch Inn's Sierra Mar, which offers four-star cuisine. Please beware it's expensive. If you want to camp, make sure you get your reservations well in advance of your trip. Most state and federal campgrounds fill up fast, especially in the high season.

Winter with the Dolphins in Clearwater Beach

Ready to escape somewhere warm and beautiful, but do not want to leave the states? Try a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida, which is famous for being the winter marine sanctuary for dolphins. Make sure you plan an visit to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium that offers 3D full-length motion pictures as well as the numerous sea and marine life exhibits. Clearwater is sunny, warm and tropical nearly year round and the climate is considered mild and temperate. The beach has been named Best City Beach by America's Top Family Beaches and is one of the most popular in the state of Florida. You can enjoy water activities, including fishing, boating, swimming and playing in the sand. It's a wonderful winter retreat and offers numerous places to lodge including private and franchise hotels and resorts. So plan to shop, play and enjoy the weather.

Mojave National Preserve

In keeping with ideas and places to stay dry and warm, another great place to visit especially in the spring when the wild flowers blossom is the Mojave National Preserve located in Southern California. This 1.6 million acre park is comprised of sand dunes, volcanic cinder cones, Joshua tree forests, and carpets of wildflowers in springtime. The preserve is located between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and many visitors come to experience the serenity and solitude. It has been suggested that when the wind blows across the sand dunes, you can hear "singing" made from the sweeping, haunting sounds. Wild fluctuations between day and night temperatures suggest you wear layers to be easily peeled on or off during your visit. The Mojave National Preserve is just another reason California as a state has so much diversity in geography and opportunities to experience nature at her finest.