Move over Paris – Sanibel is tops in world

January 18, 2012
The dean of U.S. travel writers ranks Sanibel Island first among his 10 favorite places to visit — in the world. [Read More]

100 Places to Take Your Kids in the U.S.

January 16, 2012
Summer vacation planning starts now: Explore the ultimate bucket list of 100 must-see spots for families.
Here are 100 must-see places around the United States, from Niagara Falls to the La Brea Tar Pits. We cover everything from the action and adventure you'll find ballooning over the Arizona desert and dog-sledding in Alaska to historic spots like Puerto Rico's coastal fortress and California's Gold Rush Country. [Read More]

10 great places to savor oysters on the half shell

January 4, 2012
If Champagne is the drink of choice on New Year's Eve, oysters are the meal. "They're celebratory and light," says Erin Byers Murray , author of Shucked: Life on a New England Oyster Farm (St. Martin's, $25.99). "There's no better way to bring in the new year." Murray says the bivalve is in the midst of a comeback, with new producers and restaurants featuring them both raw and cooked. She shares some favorite places to sample the shellfish with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY. [Read More]

The five best small towns in America

January 1, 2012
The assignment: Start in New York City and wind up in Los Angeles, exploring the best of small-town America along the way. Three weeks and 25,000 miles later, five teams competing in the Best of the Road contest — sponsored by Rand McNally in collaboration with USA TODAY — [Read More]