Yes, I'm in the aloha spirit. Why? Well, it's summertime and the livin' is easy. Or so we dream. Summer, with its longer days bursting with life, just conjures up vacation thoughts and travel plans. Weather is inviting, kids are out of school and families are on the go. Even though it's been a while since I was restricted to vacationing in the summer, I still get the bug to explore come June.

There are countless destinations right here in the US to satisfy all your cravings.

What a year this would be to travel to the capitol, and fire up that patriotic passion for the future of our country and the candidate we support in this election year! "Frommer's Washington, D.C."

Adventure your calling? Experience the wilds of Alaska or the great national parks like Yellowstone. Hiking, boating, fishing, camping... I can almost smell the campfire, now. "The National Parks of America "

Family fun on the list? What compares to Disney World? They even have their own Cruise Line where there's something for every member of the family to enjoy. "The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World 2008"

Discover a new city. The shows in New York, the City by the Bay, the food and shopping of the Windy City! "The Best Things to Do in New York City: 1001 Ideas"

Then there are those laid-back, stroll along the beach vacations, which brings me back to that aloha spirit I'm talkin' about! "No Worries Hawaii: A Vacation Planning Guide for Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island"

Whatever you do, wherever you go, be prepared and read about your destination ahead of time so you know what to do and see and even where to stay. And if you spend your summer on your own back porch you can travel the world from there through the magic of reading! "The Gift of Travel: The Best of Travelers' Tales "

Happy Reading!
Frances