Within the heart of every man lies a yearning for adventure, a desire to experience new things, to conquer new challenges, to boldly go where no man has gone before. Or, at least, to go where no woman would be willing to go. Let’s face it, when it comes to vacation times, men and women have very different priorities. Women tend to be concerned with practical crap like travel insurance. For most of us men, there’s nothing more boring than a typical hotel room. Here are some places we’d rather stay, if it weren’t for our wives:

1. Tree house. Admit it, you’ve always wanted to stay in a tree house. Even if you’re a needle nosed pencil pusher who spends all day every day behind a desk, the boy in you would love to stay in a tree house, preferably somewhere exotic like the jungle or in the tree behind the Playboy Mansion.

1. An igloo. We don’t know about you, but there’s nothing that gets our adrenaline flowing like the thought of spending days on end dog sledding and trekking across the frozen tundra. And if you say you don’t want to spend the night in an igloo (which is, after all, just a snow fort on steroids), we’ll call you a liar to your face.

1. A mud hut in deepest darkest Africa. Every man wants to get in touch with his primal side, but most of us are cooped up in offices and factories all day and overly domesticated, female decorated homes all night. A mud hut is a man’s home, only barely removed from the world’s coolest snakes, bugs, lizards, and lions: all the things you’ve loved since you were a little boy.

1. A tent. This is obviously a bit more mundane that the others, but so what? What man doesn’t like sleeping in a tent? And what the hell do women have against it anyway? Have you ever noticed that when a man says he wants to go camping, it means he wants to get out where some real nature is and pitch a tent, but when a woman says she wants to go camping it means she wants to take an RV with more accoutrements than some Hollywood mansions and plop that baby in a glorified trailer park?

1. Your parents’ house. We think visiting mom and dad is a great vacation idea. Our wives, not so much. Oddly, they don’t have the same reticence about visiting your inlaws.

Wherever you lie your head on vacation, make sure you take out travel insurance, especially if you are planning your trip in advance or planning on going overseas. And if you’re planning on staying in one of the five accommodations mentioned here, let it be a surprise.

Image by subarcticmike

Taking a cruise can be very romantic and cost efficient. You can take a trip to some of the most exotic places and everything is included in the price. Many people have taken cruises for honeymoons or just to get away from the hustle of life. There are so many different places you can go. Depending on your purpose for the trip the possibilities are endless. Take a look at some of these great locations and sites for your next romantic cruise. Whether you are looking to rekindle an old flame or are just starting your journey together, these are great places to have a romantic getaway.

1. Romantic Cruises for Couples: Take a cruise to the Caribbean. Find out where is the most romantic getaways.
2. Caribbean Trip: This is one of the most romantic places to go. Learn about the different cruise options you have regarding this area.
3. Honeymoon in Hong Kong: Why not take a cruise to Hong Kong? You will find romantic beaches to disappear to for time for just the two of you.
4. Malt Shop Memories: Try this cruise for a blast from the past. Go back to the days of the sock hop with this wonderful five day cruise in May.
5. Endless Love Alaskan Tour: Learn about this great trip you could win. Take a cruise to Alaska and see the beautiful landscape there.
6. Ideas to Help You Plan Your Romantic Cruise: Whether it is for your honeymoon or just a romantic getaway, try these tips to help your plan your next cruise.
7. A Good Choice for a Vacation: Take a look here at how a romantic cruise is a great choice for vacation.
8. Romantic Honeymoons: Stop by this site for helpful hints on planning your romantic honeymoon cruise. Get tips on where to go and what cruise line to use.
9. Choosing a Destination: Look here to find some of the most popular destinations for romantic cruises.
10. Honeymoon Reviews: Take a look at this review of the most popular honeymoon cruises. Find out which ones may work for you or which you may want to steer clear of.
11. Cruise Destinations for Romantic Getaways: See where some of the most romantic spots are for you to take your next cruise.
12. Romantic Ships: See which cruise line and destination is your dream romance spot. If you are looking to get married on a cruise ship, get those tips here too.
13. Hawaii: Take a look at this exotic location to take your next romantic cruise to.
14. Romantic Destinations: If you are looking for somewhere romantic to go stop here to find some romance hot spots. Use this information to help you plan your romantic getaway.
15. Alaska: Check out some of the great adventure activities you can do while going to Alaska for your honeymoon.
16. Most Romantic Ships: When planning your getaway try looking at these different ships. Find one that is just right for your trip here.
17. Honeymoon Destinations: Take a look at all these great locations to go on your honeymoon cruise. These are just some of the popular romantic getaway spots.
18. Top 10 Romantic Spots: Look at this review of the top ten spots to go on a romantic cruise to. Are these on your list yet?
19. Most Romantic Ships: Find out what this site rates as the most romantic ships. If you are taking a cruise soon, check out these reviews.
20. Princess Cruises: Find out why this company has been voted in the top of the class. See if this is the cruise line that you have been searching for.
21. Best Honeymoon Package: Take a look at what one blogger says is your best bet for a romantic honeymoon.
22. Romantic Cruise on The Crown Princess: Take a look at this magnificent ship and the getaway you can have for you and your significant other. Enjoy your romance together on this great line.
23. Romantic Destinations: Have you ever thought of going to New Zealand or Mexico? Look here to see some of the romantic destinations you can plan your next trip to.
24. FAQ for Your Cruise: Look here for some answers to those questions that may be floating around in your mind. These are the most FAQ when it comes to taking a cruise.
25. Luxurious Cruises: The destination on your cruise may not be a “destination” at all. It may be just the time you need to yourselves to rekindle that romance.
26. Romantic Destinations in the Caribbean: Learn what the hotspots for romance are here in the Caribbean. You can find great ideas for taking your next trip.
27. Top Honeymoon Spots: When you are getting married, the honeymoon is so exciting to plan. These are some of the top romantic spots to help make your honeymoon one you won’t soon forget.
28. Six Places to Stir Up Romance: When you are looking rekindle an old spark, try one of these great places to go that are sure to have you in a romantic mood.
29. Honeymoon Planning Tips: If you are planning your honeymoon then stop by here first. They have all sorts of tips to help you plan the perfect honeymoon getaway.
30. Best Destinations to Take Your Wife: When you are planning a trip for your wife, stop here first to see some great trip ideas.
31. Trip to Italy: How about a romantic trip to Italy? Learn all you need to know about a romantic trip to Italy with your significant other.
32. Romantic Cruise Weddings: If you are looking for a unique wedding location, try having your wedding on a cruise ship. See what your options are here.
33. Romantic Getaways: Where are the top spots to getaway? Read here to find them and find a little romance.
34. Romantic Destination Travel: If you are looking for some new romance or just to rekindle old romance, this is the site for you. Find all the information on destinations, as well as, tips to plan your trip.
35. Best Romantic Getaway Ever: If you are looking to plan a long trip or a short weekend getaway, look here for tips on how to plan it.
36. Top 10 Romantic Destinations: Take a look at these breathtaking photos of the most romantic destinations. Get tips on planning your trip here.
37. Honeymoon and Travel: Find helpful tips here on planning your honeymoon and where you should go.
38. Croatia- Your Next Getaway Spot: Take a look at this great spot for your romantic cruise. Get tips on what to do while you are there.
39. Top 5 Most Romantic Cruises: Discover here what are rated as the top five most romantic cruise destinations.
40. Cruise Ship Weddings: Get information on having your wedding on a cruise ship. Many couples are choosing this instead of traditional church weddings.
41. Romantic Getaways Perfect for 2: Discover where the most romantic spots are for getting away with that special someone. Plan your trip to one of these great locations with these helpful tips.
42. Greece Cruises: Learn about all the great places in Greece to go for a romantic cruise or getaway.
43. Top 10 Most Romantic Destinations: When looking to relight your spark, try one of these great destinations for a romantic getaway.
44. Maldives Islands: Discover these great islands for your romantic getaway. Get tips on traveling there and what to do once you arrive.
45. Intimate Honeymoons: Get help planning your romantic honeymoon here. Find out great destinations and tips to insure you have the best honeymoon ever.
46. Honeymoon Cruises: Take a look at these awesome cruise destinations to take your honeymoon cruise.
47. Romantic Getaways: Look at the top destinations for a romantic getaway. Try one of these spots for your next trip.
48. Top Summer Spots for Couples: Find out where the hot spots are for most couples to visit during their summer vacations.
49. 7 Most Romantic Spots for Your Honeymoon: One blogger shares what the top 7 romantic spots are for your honeymoon with the one you love.
50. Destination Wedding: Find out what this is and why a lot of couples are choosing this versus a traditional wedding.

Image Credits: Maxpax

• The Mississippi River. It takes almost 2 months to canoe from its point of origin in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll be swamped with mosquitoes. And further South, you’re treated to plenty of snakes and alligators. So, if you get the chance to canoe North America’s largest river, take plenty of Skin So Soft or mosquito repellent and watch for hungry eyes on the surface.

• The Amazon River. The world’s longest river, the Amazon stretches through some of the most beautiful, primitive country left in the world. The plant and animal life is beyond compare, and it would make a perfect vacation for an adventure traveler. The bad news is the anacondas there can grow to 30 feet long. The good news is that there’s no proof they eat people. Of course, we find ourselves wondering what exactly would be left for “proof” once they got done.

• The Yangtze River. The longest river in Asia, the Yangtze wends its way through much of China. While this might not be the most wilderness oriented canoe trip in the world, you’d get to see a lot of China. The river is known colloquially as “China’s Main Street” and flows all the way to Shanghai. Take out travel insurance if you’re going, though. Chinese politics can get suddenly volatile, and the last thing you want is a cancelled trip and no way to recoup your investment.

• The Nile River. The world’s second longest river, the Nile runs through much of Central and Northern Africa. OF course, most of us associate the Nile with Africa, and that nation’s existence has depended on the great river since ancient times. Most of the interesting things in Egypt are along the Nile River. And, if you go back to the river’s source, you’ll be able to see plenty of the eastern part of Africa as well, as the river’s tributaries originate in Tanzania and Ethiopia. Tell me, where else can you find a river that supports major civilizations AND has such abundant wildlife that the 20 foot long man eating crocodiles aren’t the most dangerous thing in the water? Wonder what is the most dangerous? Oddly enough, the vegetarian hippos.

Photo via pellaea

• They put the BANG in Bangkok shortly after polling ended for the world’s best travel destination. A bomb was set of in a crowded shopping center, wounding ten and killing one. The authorities aren’t saying if there was politics involved.

• Student rioting has become more common in recent months in Bangkok. Whether this is tied to the grenade, no one knows (or at least no one has said.

• Many people have had to cancel or change travel plans as a result of the surge in political violence. In a nutshell, make sure you have travel insurance.

With all that being said, if you still want to see what all the fuss Travel and Leisure Magazine is making over Bangkok, here are some of the best attractions there:

• The Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak. Picture Venice. Now put it in Southeeast Asia. Throw in a busy marketplace, cut the canals in half, and put it on speed. Now you have the floating market. You can travel by rowboat, where you will see farmers and other vendors trading their goods brought in by boat as they have for many years. Buy a meal while you’re still sitting in your boat (we swear, the drive through window was these people’s idea originally).

• Wat Pho. What for? Because Wat Pho is the Old City, where you can see the giant reclining Buddha (rub his tummy for good luck). The Old City was once a center of learning, and still retains that flavor. This part of Thailand was one of the first places in the world to offer public education. Additionally, herbalists will enjoy the College of Traditional Medicine.

• Chinatown. I know, you thought that was in San Francisco. Well, Bangkok has one, too, and if you like the one in Cali, you’re going to love the one in Thailand. The Chinese have been here since the 1700s and retain their unique customs. The best time to come is during the Chinese New Year.

• The Grand Palace. The home of the Thai king for over 150 years, this opulent palace makes the whole trip. If you’ve even seen The King and I, you have the general idea, but there’s nothing like seeing the real thing.

Photo via RussBowling

Of course, most of the time we either ignore what’s being said or listen with passing interest. But imagine if one of these guys was at the microphone (and this at the controls of the aircraft):

• Han Solo. Granted, he’s the best pilot in the galaxy, but who wants to spin and do negative Gs in an airplane? Besides, he has a bad habit of dumping his cargo when he realizes the Empire is on his tail. In this case, that cargo would be you. And if that happens, even travel insurance won’t help you.

• Holwin’ Mad Murdock. If you’re old enough to remember the A-Team television series, you know that he was the best pilot in the Army. You also know he’s a bit daft and you could be in for a ride. And if you’ve seen the more recent A-Team movie, you know that version of Murdock took crazy to a whole new level. Nothing like a little PTSD flying the plane. In either case, the US Army would be chasing you, which is never fun.

• Launchpad McQuack. Anyone whose most memorable lines were, “If it flies I can crash it,” and “Any crash you can walk away from is a good crash,” is not the pilot you want on your vacation. Fortunately, he’s an animated duck, so your chances of getting him, or any close facsimile of him are fairly slim.

• Any Student pilot. At the point where he says, “This is my first time flying a real plane with real people,” you’re probably ready to get off the plane. Unfortunately, it’s already in the air. You’re in luck, though, because if it is the pilot’s first time commanding the jet, they’re not going to tell you.

• Chuck Yeager. One of America’s foremost test pilots, he probably could handle a large aircraft, and he holds a number of records amongst pilots. But, for crying out loud, he’s almost 90. He flew way back in World War II. Do we really want him to get in the cockpit and “see what this baby will do?”

Photo via Richard Jones

With the rise of the H1N1 virus and other potential pandemics, many countries aren’t taking any chances when it comes to letting viruses in or out of the country. These days, arriving in many countries (China, in particular) with a runny nose can get you separated for a considerable amount of time while they poke you, prod you, and otherwise rule out the possibility that you’re carrying something more significant than a case of the sniffles.

The crazy part of a quarantine is that there really isn’t much the US government can or will do, especially if a genuine pandemic appears to be in the making. OF course, if a pandemic really is going on out there, quarantine might just be the safest spot for you.

Still, no one wants to spend their entire vacation time in an exotic locale’s hospital. You’d rather be out seeing the Great Wall or the Forbidden City and getting the real versions of all of your favorite dishes from the Grand Dragon Buffet.

Travel insurance serves two purposes for vacationers. First, it serves as a sort of insurance policy against the possibility that you won’t be able to travel. Most of us save long and hard for an overseas vacation. Many of us even pay for it in installments. Having travel insurance guarantees us if we end up not being able to travel when we had planned to (maybe because of that pesky runny nose that we don’t want to get quarantined over) that we can recoup our money invested.

It also provides us with a sort of medical coverage while we are overseas, ensuring that we will be able to get whatever medical treatments we need without an ungodly foreign medical bill. Trust us, the last thing you want to do on vacation is get sick without any means of paying the hospitals. Some countries are better than others in this respect, but wherever you go, it’s better if you have travel insurance.

If you’re sick, don’t travel overseas, especially to Asia. It’s better to stay home and save your money for a trip another day than to spend your time in a foreign hospital waiting for them to clear you of swine flu, bird flu, or any other of the various and sundry animal themed illnesses.

Photo via sarihuella

There are many stories of families and their vacations, and they can go and do just about anything.  Some are fun to read, some are inspirational and many are downright funny.  Others make you look at them and nod in sympathy since you have been in their shoes.  These are sluices out of everyday life that shows no matter where the destinations are; life is the same for every one of all walks of life.

There are many stories of families and their vacations, and they can go and do just about anything.  Some are fun to read, some are inspirational and many are downright funny.  Others make you look at them and nod in sympathy since you have been in their shoes.  These are slices out of everyday life that shows no matter where the destinations are; life is the same for every one of all walks of life.

1. Sleepless In New Orleans:  Personal blog highlighting a trip to Del Rio with family and friends that is told with plenty of pictures and a lot of humor.
2. 3 R’s Blog:  A family trip to NYC that details many fun things to do with small children.  There are many great photos showing landmarks and activities.
3. House Wren Studio:  A summer vacation at a beach house shown largely through pictures that reminds the reader there are many things to enjoy in life.
4. This Stop Willoughby:  She details vacations she has taken in the past and interjects a lot of humor in her posts.  Many of them are endearing and focus on the love of family.
5. Dr. Grumpy In The House:  A perspective from a grumpy old man about his vacation with his extended family, including his in-laws.
6. Giant Kid:  He takes a look at why ski resorts make good family vacations, with idea beyond hitting the slopes.
7. Chicken Blog: One Family’s trip to Hollywood showing many photos and giving inspiration to take trips closer to home.
8. Gotham Gal:  A virtual sightseeing tour of her trip to the beaches of Normandy with a little history to make the pictures more meaningful.
9. Dim Sum, Bagels and Crawfish: A family’s site showcasing their trip to England in a VW van and their experience at Dratmoor National Park.
10. Beth’s Blog:  Beth and her family visit the Smithsonian, and shows how technology affects history.
11. Mom’s Who Need Wine:  Her annual recount of the beach holiday she takes with her family with a humorous slant.
12. Camping and RVing:  Interesting post showing what you can do on a camping vacation and compares the trips to other types.  It is a good resource for those that want to go to the great outdoors for their own family.
13. Momma D and Da Boyz: A family who spent their summer vacation helping high school aged kids at a camp,  There are many pictures and inspirations here on how family is more then just your own.
14. Rosyid Ridhlo:  This family camped in France, and they show the many things that you can do and tips to make someone else have as great of a time as they did.
15. Things We Make:  Gives a list of things that you should not miss out on when traveling to Montana/Idaho, with pictures of their own vacation.
16. Morristown Green:  A high school student’s account of her trip through Europe, with a unique focus on Vikings.
17. Wired To Hunt:  A unique look at the Smokey Mountains, Nashville and all things Tennessee in his vacation.
18. Rosey Rebecca:  Her trip to the Rhode Island seaside, with many pictures to make it come alive.
19. Out In Left Field:  She shows why a road trip with your family can be a good time, and ways to make it more enjoyable.
20. I Should Log Off:  A look at what vacations mean to those that travel all the time for a living.
21. Manhattan Speak:  She lists all the reasons she should never leave home without her husband while on vacation.
22. Punk Rock HR:  Video about her horrible vacation and several commenter left funny stories of their own.
23. Jenny Matlock:  A look at what family vacations meant to her as a little girl in    the 1950s for her mother and how they are still the same for her today.
24. Goodness And Mercy Shall Follow: Shares an experience with a preschooler and compares it to the game show “Survivor”.
25. Dooley’s Doodles: A family’s road trip through scenic Tennessee, twice, and in Illinois with breathtaking photos of the area.
26. Cara McDuna:  She details her trip to the Emerald Isle, off the coast of North Carolina.
27. Gainfully Deployed:  She shows how her vacation involved remodeling without children.
28. Do Not Be Anxious: She shows how faith can crate your vacation and the force that causes it.
29. On The Garden Path:  An older woman that looks at vacation staying with her grown children.
30. Clemsongirl and the Coach:  Funny look at an adult only road trip with a funny look at married life.
31. Bermuda Onion:  A look at a short trip all around Virginia visiting friends and having fun.
32. Two Wheel Blogs:  A look at a bicycle enthusiast’s view on vacation, from the back of a bike.
33. Life On The Wild Side: She details her family’s trip in England and Scotland with interesting pictures and commentary.
34. Knot-y Girl’s Stitchery:  She shows how you can enjoy vacation with the small things in life, and never have to leave your home.
35. Questions and Answers:  Fictional account of Gertrude Stein and her companion, and what a typical summer for them would have been like.
36. Kevin William’s WOBM Hometown View:  He descried his beach vacation with his wife, brother and his young children.
37. The Happy Hour Tour:  A hometown visit with reviews of his favorite bars just outside of Chicago.
38. Gussy:  A blog showing how family visiting and road trips can be combined into a fun outing.
39. Antique Mommy:  She takes a look at the summers with a rapidly growing child and the activities that she enjoys with him.
40. Unraveling: She shows her Northern California camping trip with her parents and pictures to celebrate the time.
41. Fun Time Internet:  A funny video showing what it is like to be an intern in the summer.
42. The Second Half Of My Life: A woman that changed her life and vowed to live life after 49 as a new experience every day, shows her vacation with hr husband to Seattle and Vancouver.
43. The Yammering Muse:  A modern vintage girl’s look at a traditional 4th of July mini vacation with friends, family and food.
44. 15 Minute Lunch:  A self-proclaimed tech geek shows what his vacation was like looking for a job.

Image Credits: Carolyn Coles