Looking for great vacation suggestions?

Beyond Boston . . . other places to visit

Looking for other vacation suggestions?   We share our favorite tourism websites on this page for you to check out for family vacation and travel ideas.

Whenever my family starts planning a trip, we search for vacation suggestions on the web for travel tips and ideas for the location we're considering. 

In the course of our trip planning, we've come across excellent travel websites with travel suggestions, useful advice, and vacation ideas to share with you about places other than Boston. 

All of these tourism websites are written and published by individuals rather than a tourist board or corporation - so you'll find the insider knowledge of someone who actually lives in the area, knows it inside and out, and offers fresh travel ideas and family vacation suggestions based on their own experiences. 

Happy planning!

Vacation suggestions for Africa

Written by a German mom/teacher/world traveler now living in Cape Town, Expat Cape Town contains loads of useful and interesting travel planning information about all aspects of this beautiful South African city by the sea:

"The Cape Town beaches are without any doubt among the top beaches of the world. The rare combination of the stunning mountain scenery and a turquoise blue ocean in a mediterranean climate is something very special."

As you read about the beaches, the city, the wildlife, local attractions, and children's activities, you'll be entranced by the warmth and beauty of this hospitable South African city and will find many great ideals for family vacations here.

Vacation Suggestions for Europe

I'd never heard of Lake Garda, Italy until I happened to see Lake Garda Italy - and immediately fell in love with the stunning scenery and exciting vacation suggestions.  The site publisher grew up here and he shares his insider tips about planning a visit to Lake Garda:

"Lake Garda, Italy's greatest lake is one of the most beautiful places and offers splendid natural scenery with breathtaking views.  You can enjoy your visit to this real corner of Paradise."

This wonderful website is written in both English and Italian, and provides lots of travel information so that you can plan your holiday in Paradise . . . that is, Lake Garda.

Madrid Spain gives you an in-depth view of this exciting European city through the eyes of a Madrid native.  He tells us:

"Madrid attractions are as varied and numerous as the city's history would suggest. From the world famous art galleries to the equally important architecture and museums it is all here waiting to be discovered."

Although I've been to Spain several times, the many interesting attractions, places to go, and things to do detailed on this website make me realize that Madrid belongs near the top of my family's "Next Vacation Suggestions" list.

MaremmaGuide provides a fascinating glimpse into Maremma, a little-known part of Tuscany.  As Donna, the website publisher, explains:  

"It is not difficult to understand why people fall in love with this part of Tuscany and Lazio. For some, it is the natural beauty of the undiscovered wildernesses and national parks. This is the wildest part of Tuscany."

As you explore Maremma on this wonderful website, you'll want to explore it in person as well - the landscapes, the food, the culture, the castles, and so many more intriguing attractions.

Suggestions for Middle East (Eurasia)

Your-Guide-to-Aqaba-Jordan provides practical first hand information about the fascinating ancient yet ultra-modern city of Aqaba and nearby areas, written from the perspective of a recent but enthusiastic resident: 

"New hotels, roads, parks and fountains have appeared since I first visited this oasis town in 2001. I have lived here for 4 years now and I can assure you that Aqaba keeps on growing and changing."

Her descriptions of Aqaba's beautiful beaches, archeological treasures, friendly people, interesting places to visit, and fun vacation suggestions give you detailed information for planning a great trip to Aqaba.

Travel ideas for islands

For superb vacation suggestions for Caribbean cruises, check out Carib Cruises.  The stunningly beautiful photos of Caribbean islands and fabulous Caribbean cruise ships testify to the passion of the website's publisher, a former travel agent who has enjoyed 20+ Caribbean cruises and shares her expertise about all the best Caribbean sites to visit:

"Carib is the name of the people after whom the Caribbean Sea was named. . . . The Caribbean Sea is the fifth largest body of water with a total area of 970,000 square miles. More ships cruise the Caribbean islands than any other region in the world."

After you see the stunning photos of the beautiful Caribbean islands, beaches, and sea, you'll have enough vacation suggestions for your next dozen trips.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, and in Greek mythology is the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite and Adonis.  It is also a very popular tourist spot, and the publisher of Cyprus Travel Secrets provides friendly insider travel guide advice about what to see, where to go, and where to stay in this Mediterranean paradise:

"Cyprus is best known for its sunshine packed coastal beaches, but the island is also blessed with some stunning mountain ranges, the Troodos massif in the south west and the limestone range of Kyrenia in the north."

You'll find lots of helpful travel tips and vacation suggestions for having a fabulous adventure on Cyprus, this beautiful island in the sun. 

Travel information for South America

About Peru History, published by a former resident, provides well-researched information about Peru's early civilizations. The publisher tells us:

"Peru History is one of the world's greatest when it comes to ancient civilizations. Their cultural, archeological and unique heritage impress visitors from all over the world."

Starting with the oldest civilization in the Americas and covering the Incas, the Spanish Conquistadores, and modern culture, this site also gives you a lot of fascinating information about current life in this breath-taking part of the world.  You'll find lots of interesting travel ideas and will want to plan a trip after learning about Peru history.

Discover Peru, the official website of the Peru Cultural Society, offers wide-ranging information about the country's rich history, geography, ancient Inca Civilization, and Machu Picchu ruins, along with travel information about major cities. As the site states:

"Peru is the third largest country in South America after Brazil and Argentina. . . Peru was home to the largest Pre-Colombian civilization in the Americas, the Incas."

Whether you want to plan a trip to Peru or learn more about the country, its languages, and its major attractions, this website is a terrific resource.

Family vacation ideas for South Pacific

Written by a life-long resident, the Melbourne Australia Travel Guide provides an insider's view and vacation suggestion for one of Australia's most interesting cities:

"Not only is it a great place to live, but it has so much to offer travellers - stunning beaches and forests, captivating animals, modern and traditional art, amazing architecture, rich history, world-class sport, ancient cultures, endless shopping, delicious food, gracious gardens - and we Australians love making visitors feel welcome." 

After you read about all of the interesting things to do and tourism and travel ideas for Melbourne, you'll want to book a flight to this lively city.

Vacation ideas for multiple places around the world

You know that you want to plan a romantic vacation . . . or perhaps a family vacation get-away . . . but where to go?   Excellent Vacation Ideas specializes in providing top ideas for both situations - plus cruises - in Europe, the United States, Australia, and more:

"Excellent Vacation Ideas showcases favorite vacation spots and other great ideas, tips and destinations to satisfy everyone! We will share where we have travelled - both the good and the bad - and where we are planning to travel and where we would like to travel."

You're sure to find plenty of wonderful ideas here for excellent vacations all across the world - with or without your kids.