20 most visited countries

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Though the dollar has lost some value, Americans seem to be addicted to the joys of travel: In 2006, about 63.7 million U.S. residents traveled outside the country’s borders, enjoying international and overseas destinations, and you may be surprised at the 20 most popular international vacation destinations for Americans:

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Waterparks in the winter

Mt Olympus resort

If you’re looking for a break from the snow and cold this winter, give Wisconsin a try. It sounds like reverse logic, but the Wisconsin Dells are actually a secret oasis of whitewater fun, no matter what time of year it is.

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Pier: The best restaurant in Sydney

If you’re planning on eating out for a special occasion in Sydney then the Pier Restaurant in Rose Bay is the place to go. The Pier just picked up the award as the Restaurant of the Year in the Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Awards, which are usually a good indication of a great place for a meal.

In Australia, especially along the coast, eating seafood is a must, and the seafood at the Pier is always fresh and superbly cooked. They even have specially trained fishermen providing them with the fish they need, caught and killed in the prescribed way so that they’ll taste freshest and best!

For travelers continuing around Australia, the top rated restaurant in Melbourne in this year’s awards is the Vue de Monde; in Brisbane, it’s E’cco and in Australia’s capital, Canberra, it’s Artespresso. While many people ask what typical Australian cuisine really is, the country is such a melting pot of cultures and foods that there’s no easy answer, other than to try these top restaurants for yourself and see what’s on the menu. But one tip: fresh seafood eaten anywhere along the Australian coast while looking over one of their magnificent beaches surely tastes better than most seafood in the rest of the world.

Keep children entertained on car trips

“Are we there yet?” comes the tired refrain from the backseat which makes you think that you’re stuck in a bad family movie. Family vacations can be a terrific way to see new things and get some great bonding time in but they can also cause a number of headaches and hassles. Long car trips are a source of many of those headaches as kids get restless and parents get impatient. Here are some tips for keeping the kids entertained during long car trips so that everyone can enjoy the opportunity that you’re getting to spend some quality time together:

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Churchill Hotel offers discounted rates

Dupont Circle

The Churchill Hotel is celebrating the completion of its $10 million renovation by offering the extremely discounted rate of $79 per night during the months of November and December.

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Planning a Quebec Ski vacation

Skiing in Quebec

Quebec, Canada is unique in several ways: It is the only Canadian province to have been declared a nation within the country, it is the largest province by area, and it is the only province whose official language is French. It is also a prime region for winter sports–especially skiing.

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Journaling and scrapbooking with your kids

Scrapbook

Taking a family vacation is the perfect time to work together with your children on a special vacation-related project. Depending on the age of your children, and the technology available on the journey, you could write a journal together, make a scrapbook, or even make a web page or blog.

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Luggage by Rick Steves

I’ve always known Rick Steves had a million guide books to his name but I discovered recently that he also has a line of luggage. The line has recently expanded from backpacks to include rolling suitcases that the company claims are every bit as practical as the backpack.

The 21-inch Roll-Aboard bag is a big departure away from packs that can be carried on your back. This is a really light bag with a lot of space. The compartments can be expanded, although it is only suitable for carrying as hand luggage when it’s in the unexpanded state.

If you’re traveling independently and will need to get around on public transportation or do quite a bit of walking, I still think a backpack is the only way to go. But perhaps if you’ve got transfers to hotels arranged and aren’t moving around too much between destinations, something like this Rick Steves bag might also do the trick.

Washington’s Yakima Valley Wine District

Yakima Valley wine country

The Yakima Valley, in Washington State, is home to over 60 percent of the wine grapes grown in that state. The region, located in the southern end of the Columbia River basin, is also a major producer of hops (used to make beer) and a whole range of fruits. Visitors to the area will find plenty to explore–wineries, orchards, museums, the scenic Yakima Canyon, and even a Native American-run casino.

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Budget conscious? Try Couch Surfing

Couch surfing is a new trend for penny pinchers who still want to explore the world around them without paying a high price.

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Packing Without Wrinkles

Well Packed SuitcaseWhether you are traveling on vacation or business, it can be annoying to find all your clothes wrinkled when you arrive at your destination. Though you can’t avoid wrinkles completely, here are some tips to help you reduce wrinkles.

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Ski Vail

Vail village

If you’re a ski enthusiast, you undoubtedly have a favorite place to go, but if you’re looking for a change of venue, consider Vail. The Colorado resort offers some of the best skiing in the United States.

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Ski at Lake Placid

Ski jumps at Lake Placid

When scouting out destinations for your next ski vacation, consider Lake Placid, home to Whiteface, the only Olympic slope east of the Rockies.

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How to have a hassle-free vacation

Most of the thoughts and preparation for a vacation center on planning an itinerary and booking flights and rooms. Unfortunately, things can go wrong on trips. Prepare yourself for the disasters that you hope won’t happen by doing a little advance planning.

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