If you are looking for a vacation not easy to forget, plan on taking yours on the Hawaiian Island of Maui. From breathtaking ocean views to panoramic sunrises high atop Mount Haleakala, Maui is the undisputable playground of Hawaii.

Once in a while a paradise exists right under your nose, but it's so far off the beaten path that it is virtually unknown.

There is a terrific vacation spot in Mexico that falls into this category by the name of Puerto Penasco, or as people North of the border call it, Rocky Point.

Hawaii's Volcano National Park is a true marvel that is a must see when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii. Located in the park is Ka Lae, which is the southernmost area of the United States. Anyone fascinated with volcanoes will definitely enjoy the impressive sites that this 377 square mile park has to offer.

Volcano House Hotel and Restaurant

To many people, a vacation to Arizona means enjoying the sun and perhaps a game of golf in and around the state's two largest cities, Phoenix and Tucson.

But if you're into history and enjoy traveling just a bit off the beaten path, consider traveling to Cochise County in the southeastern corner of the state.

In many ways, Cochise County embodies what Arizona was all about back when it was a Territory - wide open spaces and a great independent spirit.

The best way to absorb Cochise County is to visit its historic towns: Benson, Tombstone, and Bisbee.

Located right off Interstate 10, just 45 miles east of Tucson, is the historic railroad town of Benson. Located in the heart of the San Pedro River Valley, Benson is the home of Kartchner Caverns State Park, a live, wet cave. Back in Territorial days, Benson was a scheduled stop on the Butterfield Overland Stage Coach Route and the Pony Express as well. That, along with the birth of the transcontinental railroad, made Benson a bustling railroad town.

If you are in search of an ideal family vacation spot, Acadia National Park is definitely worth considering.

This little gem of a park is located on the rugged east coast of Maine. The 47,000 acres that comprise it are diverse, ranging from rocky-topped mountain domes, to thick pine forests, to ocean shoreline, to creeks, lakes, and ponds. Acadia is mostly contained on Mt. Desert Island, but it does extend to the nearby Schoodic Peninsula and even Isle au Haut out in Frenchman's Bay.

More than 2 million people visit Acadia each year, but you'll find most of them visit during July, August, and September. Pick a different month for your vacation and the park may almost be deserted. At any rate, even during the busy months, it is easy to get away from the crowds if you try.

Thinking of a vacation to Mexico but want to go somewhere different off the beaten path? Here are some ideas for destinations in Mexico that will take you beyond Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Isla Mujeres, located only eight miles across the bay from Cancun, is a tiny island only five miles long and about a half mile wide. Translated, Isla Mujeres means the "Island of Women". No, it is not a hidden commune filled with females but it is a charming and tranquil fishing village. It has shops, restaurants and about a dozen or so small hotels where you can rest your head.

With a downtown area consisting of only four or five blocks, this makes Isla Mujeres everything that the big tourist areas in Mexico are not. Surrounded by white sand beaches on all sides, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water toys can be rented on the beach and fishing, sailing and even swimming with dolphins is available here. Isla Mujeres has something for every one of all ages and is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Mexico.

Set in the eastern section of the Yucatan Peninsula and bathed on two sides by the crystal clear turquoise water of the Caribbean lies the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. There situated south of Cancun and stretching down the peninsula coastline is Riviera Maya. Due to its lush jungle, landscape, shoreline and history, Riviera Maya has a variety of attractions to entice travelers. A vacationer in Riviera Maya has a rich selection of either relaxing or stimulating activities to embark on.

Water Activities

Water activities in Riviera Maya run the spectrum from the quiet tranquility of secluded white sandy beaches to thrilling scuba diving. Those who are into adventure and scuba diving will be amazed exploring the breathtaking Great Maya coral reef. Formed due to the warm transparent water, it is the second largest barrier reef system in the world. The reef is home for varieties of corals. It is teeming with numerous kinds or reef-dwelling fish. Not to mention the colorful marine life that can also be found there, such as, sponges, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, starfish, sea urchins, lobsters and crabs. Divers and those who like to snorkel will also be impressed investigating the subterranean freshwater rivers with exceptional cavern structures. The ardent fisherman will take great pleasure in the sport fishing that is available here.

Most people believe they know all there is to know about Las Vegas – Sin City, founded by gangsters, a purely gambling-based economy, flowing with booze, feeding addictions, anything goes. After all, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – right?

Oddly enough, the truth of Las Vegas is far stranger than what people believe.

Las Vegas celebrated its 100th birthday in 2005, making it one of the youngest cities in America. But people were coming to the Las Vegas Valley long before its official designation as an incorporated city.

It was, as many still see it, an oasis in the desert. Literally. An oasis with trees and a spring where wagon trains carrying supplies from Los Angeles to the Mormon capital in Salt Lake City could stop to rest and refill their water barrels in the mid- to late 19th Century. The first non-Indian settlement was a small fort built on the orders of Mormon leader Brigham Young in 1855; although abandoned two years later, it still stands today as a museum on Las Vegas Boulevard.

The rich cultural heritage of the Ottawa Valley is carefully sewn up in pockets. It is worthwhile to explore these pockets and examine from close-up what's really in there. Some of the cultural background is slowly getting more prominence.

If you are planning to spend some time in the Ottawa Valley in Ontario, Canada, consider a visit to the Bonnechere Caves and an evening at the Stone Fence Theatre. There are many timeshare locations throughout this area

This is an area that is still being discovered for its beauty and natural wonders. A mere fifty years ago the Bonnechere caves were just part of the landscape, flooded at that.

Southern California is the place to be for fun. There are amusements parks, aquariums, zoos, museums, water parks, nature parks, mountains, beaches, deserts and more.

A new attraction to Southern California is Disney's California Adventure. Inside this park you will find a boardwalk along a large lake with rides such as a marine life merry-go-round, a huge Ferris wheel, and a roller coaster that only the hardiest stomachs can handle. A favorite attraction is California Soarin', a ride that simulates a hang gliding tour over many scenic and popular California spots.

Be sure to visit the sourdough bread factory. There you will find that for a reasonable price you can make a meal of their delicious, fresh sourdough bread and butter.