There are few places in the United States that can boast as much natural beauty and Alaska, and when it comes to untamed natural beauty, this state wins hands down.  From magnificent snow capped mountains to serene lakes full of salmon, Alaska offers an outdoor vacation that’s hard to beat.

If you’re flying into Alaska, your main choices are Anchorage in the south of the state or Fairbanks in the north.  One way of getting the best from your time in Alaska is to fly into one of the airports and out of the other.  Then you have a choice of you’ll get from one to other, and part of your vacation will be traveling in the direction of your return airport – this can be by car or train.  For added adventure, you can take the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks (or vice versa) – this journey of just under 350 miles will give you not only breathtaking views of Mt. McKinley, crosses the 700ft Mears Memorial bridge and clings to the side of Nenana River Canyon, but it also takes you across Hurricane Gulch – 918ft wide!  This is a train journey you won’t ever forget!

Sports and leisure opportunities abound in Alaska, whether you prefer to go backpacking in Denali National Park, or dog mushing near Fairbanks, you’ll find something new to experience – note however that if you intend to spend the night camping in Denali National Park you will need to make a reservation to do so as the park has strict monitoring processes in place.  Fishing, canoeing on the lakes, photographing the natural wildlife, and panning for gold offer more sedate past-times.  You’ll even find you can have a round of golf or two if you’re missing your usual tee-time!  On the other side of the scale, extreme sports – such as rock climbing, heli-skiing, rafting etc are also available for those who enjoy the thrill and adventure involved.

Alaska has a lot more to offer than snow and ice. A vacation here will leave you wishing you had longer to spend in the state, and planning your return visit.

Anyone familiar with the American Civil War will be aware of the part that Gettysburg played, and the amount of lives that were lost during the historic 3 day battle that took place there in July 1863.  The area was the later that year to be the scene of Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.   Although the final outcome of the battle at Gettysburg was a Union victory, the amount of fallen soldiers who lie in the Union burial site at Gettysburg National Cemetary (actually located on Cemetery Hill) is evidence that victory came at a high human cost to both sides.  

Today the Gettysburg National Military Park is a silent witness to the military strategies, human heroism, and the loss of life sustained during its history.  You should start your visit with a walk around the visitors center, even if you are familiar with the events of the battle, as it will help you to orientate yourself “on the ground”.  You can take advantage of joining a guided tour around the park, or pick up a map for a self-guided auto tour.  A film in the Cycloarma Center will also help with your orientation to the area before you set off exploring.  The Cyclorarma Center also shows other educational films as well as displaying civil war exhibits so you may like to spend time back here once you’ve taken your drive around the park, if not before. 

If you are visiting Gettysburg to give your children a living history lesson about the Civil War, check out the programs of special interest to younger visitors – in particular, the summer months usually sees a program where 7-12 year olds enlist in the army for an hour, to learn what life as a solider was like during the period.  Another favorite is the Civil War storytelling which shows the roles children played during the time.

Whether your family was involved in the American Civil War or not, Gettysburg is an interesting place to visit.  Many of the names such as Cemetery Hill, and Devil’s Den are familiar from Hollywood’s adaptation of history, but here at Gettysburg you can separate the fiction from the fact, and see how life really was for the men who fought and died here. 

Divided between two states, with Colorado having the majority holding, Dinosaur National Monument is a “must see” park for anyone interested in Dinosaurs, and especially any family with a budding paleontologist in their midst. 

Before entering Dinosaur National Monument, remember that you are in a desert area and stock up accordingly!  Although you may be able to purchase refreshments within the park, this isn’t a theme park and so there may be quite a drive between the visitor centers.  Also ensure that everyone in your party has a hat and that you leave an itinerary of where you intend to be exploring in the park with someone who will raise an alert if you don’t return by nightfall.  Also observe all safety recommendations that are posted by the park personnel.   This is especially important if you intend to be hiking in the park.

Having observed the safety requirements, visit the visitor center and find out what activities are happening in the park that day, and pick up a map so that you know what there is to see and the best way to get there.  If you are just passing through the area, you could leave your proposed itinerary with the center staff so that they know where you are heading. 

One of the most interesting sections of the park for visitors is the Dinosaur Quarry.  This is actually located in Utah, close to the town of Jenson.  Here, in the Dinosaur Quarry building, you’ll see hundreds of dinosaur fossil bones exposed from the rock.  The quarry itself was proclaimed to be the largest single collection of dinosaur bones found.  Although it’s possible that visitors could be lucky enough to find a previously undiscovered fossil, it’s illegal to remove any such item from the park and if you are fortunate enough to be the first person to discover a fossil, you must have it in to the appropriate authorities in the park.  Other points of interest in the park are the petroglyphs along Park Drive, and cabins that are reported to have belonged to homesteaders.  For those looking for a more physical thrill amongst the ancient history, there are river trips of various lengths and skill levels on the Green and Yampa Rivers.

Dinosaur National Monument is a “in the field” museum which shows ancient history in the shape of the Dinosaur remains that have been uncovered there, the Indian art that was discovered and also the more modern history of settlers.  It’s a unique experience to record for your vacation photo album.

If you’re visiting Orlando, Florida, you probably have a trip to Universal Studios on your list, and therefore may decide to skip MGM Studios, however you may find that – especially if you have younger children – MGM is a better alternative as there are less attractions with height restrictions than Universal.  Although there are a few more thrill-seeking rides, most of the MGM Studio park is at a more gentle pace making it a good destination for families, or those who are a little mobility impaired.

Upon entering the park, you’ll be on Hollywood Boulevard.  This is a place to shop merchandise of both a traditional souvenir nature, and also more limited edition collectors pieces, as well as find restaurants and other kinds of retail outlets.  Walk to the bottom of the Boulevard however and you’ll find the Great Movie Ride.  Although the queue for this may be long, it does move quickly and the journey through well known movie scenes is well worth the wait. 

Around the rest of the park there are shows such as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular which shows how stunts are performed and re-enacts scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark, a car and motorcycle stunt show called Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, and Fastasmic! A night-time show in the Holywood Hills Amphitheatre. 

For the young, and young at heart, there’s such things as the Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D show, the Little Mermaid show, the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground, Beauty and the Beast show, and Playhouse Disney live on stage.  Thrill seekers aren’t forgotten completely however with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Aerosmith’s indoor Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. 

With the Journey in Narnia, and the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour, there’s a great day of entertainment to be had at Disney’s MGM Studios.  If you love Disney, it’s well worth a visit!

Bents Old Fort is a reconstruction of a 1840s trading post.   Now under the watchful eye of the National Parks Service, the original adobe fort was one of the few white settlements on the Sante Fe trail west of Missouri. 

Although the Fort may not be worth a detour to many people, if you are in the area, and have any interest in 19^th century US frontier history, Bents Old Fort not only shows the physical layout of how such an establishment was run, but also gives a good indication of the kind of natural elements the people who managed and traded at the fort lived with.  With summer temperatures that can go above 100 F, and winter ones that can drop to 0 F during the day, the very brief quarter of a mile walk down the path from the arrivals area, to the fort gates, is a good indicator of how tough people had to be to cope with weather extremes. 

At the fort today there’s a 20 minute video presentation that tells the fort’s story, and there are demonstrations and exhibits.  You can take either a self-guided tour, or alternatively join a guided tour which in the summer are lead by living history interpreters.  There are a number of special events that happen throughout the summer, some of which are specifically aimed at kids, and a visit to the national park website will identify when these take place. 

Whether you have an interest in military life of the time, the wagon trains, the explorers who opened up the west, or just want to give your kids some kind of “live” history experience to help their school studies – look around the store to see what kind of diet those who lived in, or travelled through the area lived on – a trip to Bents Old Fort will have something to interest you.

Situated about 75 miles west of Orlando is the home of the Busch Gardens.  Located in Tampa, Florida, this theme part is inspired by the sights and sounds of Africa, and provides an aesthetic contrast to the sugar/sweet images of Orland’s Disney parks.

The Busch Gardens are set around 10 different themed areas that include savannahs, jungle and even pyramid features, so there’s something for the whole family to enjoy here.   Although animals are a great focal point in the park, it is home to one of America’s top zoos, there are rollercoasters for those who want a little more excitement in their day, or areas for those who prefer a bit of calm to take a gentle stroll in the afternoon.  For those who aren’t quite up to the daring rollercoaster rides, there’s the Seregenti Express railroad that will take you through some areas of the park, and an 8 minute land rover experience that will leave you exhilarated but not shaking!  If you aren’t afraid of heights, the Sky Ride Cable Car will give you a wonderful overview of the park below you.

Younger members of the family will love the Animal Nursery located in the Nairobi sector of the Busch Gardens.  Here they’ll find baby birds, and other animals plus a petting zoo – there are primates in this area also with apes and chimps vying for visitor attention.  For anyone who wants a closer experience with the animals, check out the daily schedule for visitor participation feeding and training encounters.  Another must do for those who like to get off the main beaten track is a behind the scenes tour – these take approximately 4-5 hours and you’ll find information about times and locations in the park, or ring the park in advance for more details. 

As with all theme parks, entrance isn’t cheap, nor is refreshment once you get inside, but it’s a great day out with a very authentic feel and if you intend going to other parks such as SeaWorld and/or Universal in Orlando, then you could considering buying a pass that will allow you multi-park entry at a reduced cost then paying for all entrance fees separately.

If your travels take you anywhere near Grand Junction or Fruita, Colorado, then make sure you take the time to visit the Colorado National Monument.  Compared with the larger canyon type national parks, the Colorado National Monument is small, but this makes the experience less impersonal.  It also means that it’s less likely to be overflowing with other tourists – making it a great “get away from it all” retreat for anyone needing a little solitude.

What the semi-desert Colorado National monument lacks in overall size, it makes up for in content.  Packed within its boundaries are some of America’s most impressive hoodoos, whose vibrant colors are hard to match anywhere.  Alongside the geological wonders and juniper trees, is a spectrum of wildlife that includes golden eagles and desert bighorns.  The Monument Canyon is the monument’s largest feature as it covers the entire length of the park and holds incredible rock formations.  Return to various observation points throughout the day, particular sunset and sunrise, to see how the light reflects across the canyon’s natural structures.

For any couple with a passion for the great outdoors, or an interest in geology, or even just a desire to organize a wedding with a difference, the Colorado National Monument allows couples to be married at certain locations within its boundaries – remember to allow 14 days for the processing of your special use permit application.  Choose your location well to have wedding photos that will be second to none as regards the spectacular backdrop provided by nature. 

Close the world’s largest flat topped mountain, Grand Mesa, the Colorado National Monument allows activities such as horse riding, biking, and of course hiking.  It’s also possible to camp in the area at the Saddlehorn Campground if you wish to spend longer in the park.  

Converted from a military installation to a federal prison in 1934, Alcatraz is one of America’s foremost notorious prisons.  Despite the fact it was only used as a prison for 29 years, it’s probably the most famous.  There are two main reasons for its being so well known; firstly the notability of prisoner which were housed there, and secondly, its image recorded by Hollywood’s moviemakers.

By current standards, the prison wasn’t large, housing only 250 inmates, but because of its island location, there were never any escapes recorded from it – thus adding fuel for entertainment industry to create movies such as “Escape from Alcatraz” where real life escape attempts were transposed into movies for the big screen.  TV’s “Mythbusters” have since proved that escape was in fact a possibility, despite Alcatraz’s reputation to the contrary.

Today Alcatraz, known also as the Rock, is overseen by the National Parks Service who have representatives on the island.  Visitors will be able to ask NPS staff any questions they have, but there are no formal tours around the prison.  There are self-guided tours – including the cellhouse audio tour – however, which together with videos and exhibits make for an interesting trip around this famous building.  The evening ferry ride out to Alcatraz offers a greater insight into the island than the daytime ones as it circles the island, and has a narration about the island’s history – this should be balanced against the fact that there are some areas of the island that not open at night because of safety issues.  There’s no fee for actually visiting Alcatraz, but the ferry companies that transport visitors across the Bay do charge for their services. 

Whether you are interested in the Alcatraz myth, the celebrity inmates such as Al Capone, and Alvin Karpis, movie locations, or the historical past of San Francisco, you’ll find Alcatraz an interesting way to spend a few hours.

Disneyworld’s newest addition, Animal Kingdom is a wonderful place for kids of all ages to learn about animals and the environments in which they live, as well as taking a closer look at the world of dinosaurs – all in the traditional Disney package of feel good exhibits and varying thrill-level rides.  Upon arrival, check out the visitors center for news on any special events happening daily in the park.

In the Boneyard play in a maze filled with fun fossils.  Any would-be palaeontologist in your family will love this one!  Then there’s DINOSAUR which will be more entertaining for those who desire more thrills and spills from their visit.  Other areas of interest in this Dinoland section of the Animal Kingdom are the TriceraTop Spin, the Cretacaeous Trail and of course, a Disney musical exhibit based around the Finding Nemo movie.  Amidst these various attractions are wildlife such as storks and Asian brown tortoises.

In the Flights of Wonder section, you can learn how to (and how not to!) handle birds and see such beautiful bird as an American Bald Eagle, and magnificent macaws up close – but don’t get too close!

If you’re ready for some more excitement, take a trip down the Kali River Rapids – watch out for the rushing geysers however as you raft down the Chakrandadi River escaping a jungle fire by traveling down a waterfall!   If you’re up for another thrill, the Expedition Everest ride is a roller coaster ride which has your on a refurbished steam train en route to your Mount Everest base camp taking a yeti guarded short cut! 

The animals of the Animal Kingdom shouldn’t be forgotten, and a trip through the Maharajah Jungle will take you in the Anandapur Royal Forest of Southeast Asia where you can wander around the ruins of an ancient palace, home to many different animals.

The Animal Kingdom has its share of Disney rides, but with an overall theme of protecting wildlife, it’s a good place to teach kids about wildlife and how to preserve it.

If you’re a geologist, a naturalist, or just someone that’s interested in a place a bit off the beaten track, then The Badlands, South Dakota is the place for you.

A mixture of spires, valleys, buttes and sharply eroded sandstone, this mixed prairie grass preserve is a great place to go whether you’re a fossil hunter, or just interested in natural beauty.

Badlands National park is a gorgeous place – with unique and unusual sandstone rock that layers in ways that has to be seen to be believed.  The spires, and erosions formed over several thousand millenia make for a unique skyline.  Vegetation and fauna sprinkle crevices and valleys, making for interesting walks, and of course, the badlands are home to all kinds of wild animals, from Bison that graze by the side of the road as you’re driving through, to Prairie dogs, Elk, Coyotes, and wild Horses.

Many interesting fossils have been found there, since the interest in paleontology kicked up in 1840 or so.  Several species of fossils have since been discovered in the White River area of the Badlands – more than 3/4s of the total found by 1854 had come from that one area.

Theodore Roosevelt national park is the most interesting of the Badlands parks, made up of three packages of land that are separate from one another – and are all connected by The Maah Daah Hey   trail.  It is said that Theodore Roosevelt associated strongly with the ‘dying’ way of life of the Western cowboy, and rancher and had his own ranch there to recover from the loss of his mother and later, his wife.  His Ranch is set deep within the heart of one of the packets of land and though there’s nothing left of it now, he wrote about the peace he found there, before returning to politics later in his life.