It has been called England’s answer to Malibu. But that’s a bit like calling Hugh Grant, England’s answer to Brad Pitt. A nonsense. Nevertheless, it’s not hard to see why the analogy sprang up.

Sandwiched between the seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole on England’s South coast the Sandbanks peninsula juts like a pointed finger about a mile out to sea. It is so narrow at one section that you can see the waves lapping along the edge of both of its sides from the road.

I’ve taken my girls all around the world. And my mother never blinked an eye until Morocco. She had a really tough time with Morocco. She couldn’t really tell me why. She was just worried. I think it was that whole dark, sultry Africa thing … better known as the unknown.

Morocco. more specifically Tangier, is the only traveling many people will ever do in Africa. It was never on the top of my list. We were headed to Spain, and when my husband realized it was only about an hour’s trip by ferry, the deal was done. Africa!

On a recent trip to Vermont, we were able to spend time at Shelburne Farms. Somehow, I was not expecting much from this stop and planned it as a quick break on our way to Burlington. I was pleasantly surprised!

I knew there would be cute farm animals, but what I didn’t anticipate was the stunning grounds, impressive barn structure and eager staff ready to educate the kids on everything farm related.

Matt Heron Fly Fishing is a full service fly fishing education program (or fly fishing school), geared for everyone … kids, adults, beginners and experts. He offers nine different classes on property at the Resort at Squaw Creek ranging from a simple hour and a half casting, or fly tying class, to the “Sundowner”, a half day fly fishing class that covers everything from A-Z.

You might not think of Venice as top European destination for kids, but it is. We spent five wonderful days relaxing and exploring the city. We stayed in a small apartment off Campo San Angelo, a short walk from the famous Piazza San Marco.

In planning our trip, I had to consider how to make Venice enjoyable for my very active, very boisterous boys, while still getting to show them this famous city with all her artistic charms.

“We’re going to see an elephant.” That’s all I told my girls. They were confused and that was the way I wanted it.

We were on family vacation in Atlantic City on the Jersey Shore. They wanted to go to the beach, and so the questions began. But I refused to provide any details. I wanted Lucy to be a surprise.

Are you feeling like summer is coming to a fast close and you need more holiday time? I do! Fortunately, fall is a wonderful season to plan short getaways while the weather is still nice and in many cases, prices are lower than peak travel periods.

Here are 10 great fall travel ideas. I’ve included venues that are great for parents-only getaways as well as family breaks. Given all there is to do to prepare for back-to-school, we’re all exhausted and need some downtime.

My favorite trips are the ones that require a passport. When going somewhere I’ve never been, there’s the promise of the new and unknown. There’s excitement and a sense of adventure that starts when you make the first reservation and lasts until the plane touches down at home. But trips are not always vacations.

There’s a big difference, especially when kids are involved. My favorite vacations involve sandy beaches and warm water, and one of my favorite sandy stretches is the New Jersey Shore.

We’ve spent this week in Zermatt, Switzerland. We were last here 10 years ago and can’t believe how much the town and valley have grown. The crowds in town are extreme in August, but fortunately, it’s easy to escape people through miles and miles of spectacular hiking trails.

The massive Matterhorn is ever-present and dominates the landscape. That said, almost one-third of all the 4,000 meter peaks in the Alps are grouped around Zermatt, i.e. there many breathtaking mountains and views to appreciate here.

Susan Van Allen writes about Italian travel and interviewed me for her book, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go. I finally had time to sit down with her book on vacation this summer. Wow, what an inspirational resource for all of us who have a love affair with all that is Italian!

Susan writes about Italy’s feminine spirit and describes the places and experiences that transform travelers. Her description of Italy as a place that “brings peace and comfort, a place that stirs that soul” is applicable to both sexes and all ages.