Travel insights and tips on some of the top attractions and best cities in the world

I grew up in New England, and some of my best childhood memories are from summer vacations by the shore. While I’ll never get those precious sun-drenched childhood days back (don't we all wish we could!), I can help my own kids create seashore memories like these on a day trip or camping trip to the Boston Harbor Islands.

Edgy. Alternative. Hippy. Avant-garde. Grungy. Eclectic. Indie. Funky. If that sounds like your idea of a fun place, plan to spend a day in Atlanta’s Little Five Points. (And if your tastes are firmly rooted in the conventional, consider a visit to the Botanical Gardens instead.)

Guess just what type of “guests” are checking in—and not checking out—of one of Chicago’s most prestigious places, also known the most haunted hotel on Michigan Avenue, and maybe even the most haunted space in all of the Windy City? Ghosts, that's who.

While I’ve made many trips to New York City, and relish it each and every time, I admit that my comfort level still soars when I have a friend show me about. Not only do they steer me to the most interesting restaurants, taverns and galleries in ethnic neighborhoods, they know the subway system. It makes for a much richer and less-stressful experience.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit Long Island, New York? Take it from someone who knows, it’s a pretty great place. Radio host, author, blogger and television host Jennifer Koppelman Hutt is a Long Island native and longtime resident. She LOVES Long Island, New York. And why not?

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s delightful to find a way to get out of the house without spending much time out of doors. Enclosed shopping malls are one option, but can be limiting. Luckily, residents of — and visitors to — Toronto have a BIG additional option: Toronto PATH.