Sure, travel with pint-sized travelers is a far cry from the carefree days of hitchhiking across the country after college.

It brings with it its own challenges and rewards—and the chance to see the beauty of the world through fresh eyes.

Virtuous Traveler Leslie Garrett shares her travel tips from a mom’s perspective…

I admit it. Kids have cramped my style.

You may have heard of hotels going green, but some hoteliers are taking it to the extreme by building overnight accommodations entirely out of recycled materials.

These days, with airlines canceling flights, shifting schedules, and losing more bags than ever, travel can be something of a gamble.

But as Peter Greenberg tells Natalie Morales, there are now some travel gambles you might actually want to take.

As the economy heads south, America’s major gambling destinations Las Vegas and Atlantic City are offering big savings on accommodations, meals and more.

Can you imagine how conservationist John Muir felt when he famously came to the edge of a cliff and looked down upon the lush Yosemite Valley for the fist time? Well, you can put yourself in his shoes when you visit the “grandest of all special temples of Nature,” as named by Muir himself.

When you think “Yosemite,” you might picture yourself dangling off the side of Half Dome, clinging on for dear life, or being pummeled by thousands of pounds of water at Yosemite Falls.

But the Yosemite Valley actually offers a little something for everyone – whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to climb the face of El Capitan, or a more laid-back type looking to sit back and relax on one of Yosemite’s wooded beaches. And if you’d like to visit Yosemite, but prefer to keep nature at arm’s length, exploring the Visitors Center and staying a couple of nights at the Ahwahnee lodge should do the trick.

We’ll take you on a personalized tour of Yosemite National Park, with insider tips on the famous spots, and ideas for places you might not think to go.

Peter’s broadcasting from The Marina Inn at Grande Dunes at Myrtle Beach!

Ann Malys Wilson, interpretive ranger at the Myrtle Beach State Park talks about the beautiful backdrop of Myrtle Beach, and shares hints on how to live and play in this scenic destination. www.southcarolinaparks.com

Jack Thompson, local historian/photographer tells the story of how he hitchhiked to Myrtle Beach when he was 13 with $2.67 in his pocket … and never left. His first job was to photograph the pretty girls on the beach that were promptly used as the first marketing campaign to get people to the area – it worked!

Bo Taylor, tournament director for the U.S. Pro Mini Golf Association and GM of Hawaiian Rumble mini-golf course, recommends the best of the 52 courses in Myrtle Beach. And, tune in to hear about the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship coming up October 16-19. www.prominigolf.com

Sandi Kendrick, executive director of the Horry County Arts & Cultural Enhancement program will join in to talk about the arts culture, festivals, music and more of Myrtle Beach, including the now famous Beach BBQ and Boogie going on this Labor Day weekend! www.horryace.org

 

 Ann Malys Wilson: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Jack Thompson: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Bo Taylor: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Sandi Kendrick: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

If rising fuel prices are putting a damper on your summer travels, why not stay at a hotel that helps ease the pain at the pump by paying for your gas?

Do you hate flying with noisy kids on board? Here’s how you can have some peace and quiet next time you fly.

Every year, on the first week of August, my husband, daughter and I attend a family reunion in the central California beach town of Cayucos.

All 12 families book into the same motel. We eat every meal together. We help the kids fly kites, build kelp-adorned sand castles and boogie board in the bone-chilling waters of the Pacific.

But here’s the thing: We are not related … at least not by blood.