Which is your favorite state to visit?

Each state is very unique and comes with its own set of special sites to see, restaurants to dine at, and hotels to relax in. Perhaps you enjoy the sandy beaches of California, the skiing of scenic Utah, the eateries in the Big Apple that is New York, or the rodeos in Texas.

Everyone has their own favorite states when it comes to vacationing. So the question remains, what is your favorite state to visit? We want to hear it!

To explore some of the fun things to do in each state, check out this site.

As the summer months are rolling around, you have probably been putting some thought into where to take your summer getaway vacation…

Instead of going to the same old spot year after year, why not branch out and try something new and exotic? The experts have provided us with a list of 2011′s “must visit” destinations around the world. So put away that camping gear, and your map to the Grand Canyon–check out the most exciting getaways of the year!

1. Doha, Qatar come in at number one, boasting some of the most pristine beaches and delicious restaurants that you can imagine. This world class getaway is also going to be the site of the 2022 Fifa World Cup!

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is number two, and is sure to add some spice and excitement into your vacation.

3. Stockholm, Sweden. Castles. Swedish meatballs. Enough said.

4. Atlanta, Georgia is number four, and one of the top cities in the country for culture, museums, and history.

5. Kent Coast, England.

6. Hokkaido, Japan.

7. Cesme Peninsula, Turkey.

8. Nahanni National Park, Canada.

9. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.

10. Ponza and the Pontine Islands, Italy.

To read up on these incredible sites, and maybe even do a little planning, check out this site for more details.

Where are you going on your summer vacation this year? We want to hear from our awesome readers about the trips that they have planned, or even just a great vacation idea they may have.

Whether you are going hiking in the mountains, or surfing in the sun, let us know what you have planned!

If you are planning a summer getaway for the family, going on a cruise can be the perfect option for the whole family. There is plenty of opportunity for the adults to relax and indulge, and the kids can keep as active as they want to be with countless activity options. When it comes time to choosing exactly what kind of cruise best fits your needs, it is good to have a few tips to help you narrow down your selection.

When it comes to cruising, consider these different specifications:

While you may see one price on the internet, make sure that you research any additional costs that may arise. Some cruises will have very high hidden fees, making their final price the same as a more prestigious cruise line that you may have ruled out.

Think about how much stops the given cruise provides. If you do not want to constantly be waiting in line, and shuffling on and off the ship, you may want to consider a line that provides fewer stops.

If you are prone to seasickness, be sure to research the weather conditions for the areas that you are visiting. No matter how large your ship may be, if there are rough seas you are going to feel it. Make sure that you are cruising during the most calm times of year, with little to no weather conditions in the forecast.

If you are going on a longer cruise, consider upgrading your room to a larger one. Most economy cabins are very small, and may seem to cramped on longer trips. Upgrading to a larger space will be well worth the money if your cruise line provides the option.

Consider what kind of activities you may want to participate in. While some cruises cater to relaxation, spa treatments, and luxury, others are geared toward fitness, sports, and more active lifestyles. Research what options are going to be available, and choose the best fit for your family.

If you thoroughly research all of your options and consider the kind of vacation that you want, you will be sure to find the perfect cruising opportunity for your summer vacation.

While taking Fluffy along on the family vacation may seem like a great idea in theory, when it comes down the actual logistics, it can be a little tough. This decision requires lots of planning and extra care, to ensure the safety of your pet. Flying an animal can be very dangerous, particularly if the storage area in the plane is not temperature and pressure controlled. Traveling with a animal on a road trip is safer in that regard, but requires a lot of planning and extra time. Here are some tips to help your road trip go a little more smoothly, if Fluffy is along for the ride.

If the weather is warm, be sure to use your air conditioning. Always make sure that air is being circulated frequently. Restrain your pet, using a pet seat belt or secured carrier. For safety reasons, do not allow your pet to stick its head out the window. Try to take breaks at least every three hours to allow your pet to exercise and relieve itself.

When you stop at a rest stop, never allow your pet to run loose. A pet can become lost, run into traffic, or get involved in a fight with another animal. Avoid leaving them unattended in the car for any amount of time, especially during warm or cold weather. A car parked in the sun can quickly become overheated – and shade moves quickly.

Remember the “nothing in nothing out theory”. If you do not feed or water your animal right before you leave, they are less likely to need frequent stops. They are more comfortable, not needing to make frequent bathroom breaks.

With these tips, your trip will go much more smoothly, and your pet will be much safer and happier.