You can’t just show up somewhere and expect the stellar food options to present themselves. Crowded cities and tourist attractions are designed to funnel visitors into the same overpriced, inauthentic restaurants. It’s much easier to eat at the place with the English language menu than it is to step outside your comfort zone and take a risk on something new.

(Photo: d0ndy)

But it’s so worth it. Here are some tips for tracking down really great food no matter where you are in the world.

Research Before You Go
Knowing what to look for makes all the difference. If you really want to eat well in a new city, then start planning before you even leave home. Read up on the local cuisine and research local restaurants that are worth the effort. You can use guidebooks, websites and word of mouth to gather suggestions on where and what you must seek out. This is particularly important in big cities like New York or London where you can easily be overwhelmed and end up eating something less than awesome.

(Photo: Much Ramblings)

Ask Around
Once you arrive in a new place, one of the easiest ways to get a great restaurant recommendation is to ask someone local; after all, the people who live there are going to have the best sense of where to eat. Chat up friends, people you meet in bars, even hotel workers and ask them where local people like to eat.

If you’re staying in a country where you don’t know the language or that has a different alphabet, see if you can have someone local write down some classic dishes in their own language. Then you can just present the paper at the restaurant. I used this trick often in China where communication was very difficult.

(Photo: Ambernectar 13)

Wander Off the Beaten Path
If you’re looking for authentic Florentine food next to the Duomo, you’re going to be  disappointed. Tourist attractions are a magnet for the kind of overpriced restaurants that sacrifice quality and taste for efficiency. If you want to eat well and not break the bank, wander as far away as you can from anywhere with a menu in more than one language.

Sometimes the best food is where you least suspect it: nondescript restaurants tucked into alleyways, crowded and loud bakeries, and of course street food. If you want a real local meal, look for the places without a trace of English writing, the places full of local patrons, the places where you might have to use some sign language to order — the food will make it worth it.

(Photo: silviawithaninoty)

Be Adventurous
Finally, to really dig in and find local gems, you may have to venture outside your comfort zone. This could mean trying something very unfamiliar or ordering blind off the menu (or maybe throwing out the menu completely and having whatever the chef suggests).

In many parts of Asia, the most delicious and local food you can find is street food. In my experience there’s almost no correlation between the amount you pay for a dish and how delicious it ultimately is, and street vendors sometimes sell the most delicious and budget friendly food of all.

(Photo: Toby Hollis)

If all goes well, you’ll be rewarded with the kind of mouth-watering food you remember months later, the kind that really gives you a feel for the spirit of a foreign place and the kind that makes travel so satisfying.

(Photo: papalars)

Visit Pike Place Market. It may be famous with tourists, but even locals love to head downtown to see this market in action. Sure there’s the famous “flying” fish that’s lobbed about for the express benefit of visitors, but kids will also love watching cheese being made at Beechers and checking out the musicians, jugglers and other street performers. Many of the vendors offer free samples, so it’s a great place to grab a snack; you can also get all the fixings for a family picnic. And did I mention that you can purchase fresh hot donuts prepared especially for you?

(Photo: jeffwilcox)

Take a stroll. There are lots of great places to go for a walk in Seattle, many of them offer stunning views if you can catch them on a sunny summer day. The Olympic Sculpture Park along the waterfront downtown has that kid-friendly trifecta of interesting outdoor sculptures, a gravel beach to poke around and the routine appearance of freight trains on nearby tracks. Or take a walk in the quiet, elegant Queen Anne neighborhood north and west of downtown for a photo op that includes both the Space Needle and (on clear days) Mount Rainier in the distance. If your children like fish, check out the Japanese Garden at the Seattle Arboretum, where they can feed the koi.

(Photo: _bclay)

Have some literary fun. If you catch the city on one of its rainier days, swing by the Seattle Central Library, located right in downtown. Sure, libraries don’t make it onto many top five must-see lists for other cities, but this library is different. Not only is the building architecturally significant, it offers neon escalators, glass elevator shafts, brilliant red hallways and four-story circular book stacks connected by ramps making it a fun and engaging place to explore. Add the fact that it also offers free Wi-Fi, an enormous children’s section and a coffee shop in the building — what’s not to love?

(Photo: Mara Gorman)

See the city by boat. Water-loving kids have plenty of options in Seattle, including water taxis to West Seattle, ferries to Bainbridge Island and cruises that explore the harbor. If your kids are older and prefer to ride in boats they can steer, Seattle offers canoe and kayak rentals that can be used both in the Puget Sound or in the city’s freshwater Lakes Union or Washington.

Ride a monorail from downtown to Seattle Center. It’s hard to say what kids will love more – actually riding on the monorail or all of the things to do at Seattle Center once you hop off. The former site of the 1962 World’s Fair is now home to the Space Needle, an amusement park, the Seattle Children’s Museum and Theatre, as well as a large fountain to play in and the Pacific Science Center.

 (Photo: Get Hitched Give Hope)

Where should you stay in Seattle with kids? For upscale family-friendly accommodations right in downtown, you can’t beat the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle, with a pool overlooking the sound as well as numerous kid-friendly touches from childproofing rooms to a varied children’s menu. A lower-priced option is the Residence Inn Seattle Downtown-Lake Union, which offers space to spread out and easy access to downtown attractions.

This notoriously rainy city offers a tremendous amount of activities to do for the family; so regardless of whether or not the sun is shining, you’ll find a fun activity to do in the beautiful city of Seattle.

(Photo: ~Twon~)

Friday — step into historic and local luxuries
Located in the heart of the city is the luxurious Providence Biltmore, which opened back in 1922 and is listed as one of the “Historic Hotels of America” on the National Preservation Register. Upon checking in you can relish in the beauty of the building’s heritage. Along with its historic charm, elegant renovations over the years offer guests superb accommodations. Oversized rooms with top-of-the-line plush bedding and decor wrap you up in comfort. The location is ideal as well, as it’s within walking distance of all the city highlights.

(Photo: kaitlin.marie)

Local 121 ($$$) celebrates all things local; even one of their bartenders boasts that they try to bring in all of their ingredients from within 121 miles of the establishment. This helps to ensure that only the finest seasonal cuisine is served. Besides the food, even the wine and beer come from regional wineries and breweries for diners to experience the best of the region. Try some of the freshest and mouth-watering dishes like the Roasted Sweet Potato Pierogies or the Steamed Matunuck Littleneck Clams with Grilled Baguette. Dining at Local 121 isn’t just a great meal, it’s also a sustainable one that supports the community.

Saturday — hit up Providence favorites
CAV ($$$) is an award-winning restaurant and brunch favorite, where the food and atmosphere are unrivaled. The entire space is filled with antique nuances that’ll enchant your surroundings while the cuisine will pique your taste buds. Get ready to nosh on American cuisine classics at this “don’t miss” Providence restaurant.

After brunching, take a walk down Benefit Street for stroll back in time. This mile-long cobblestone street through Providence dates back to the 1700s, and is lined with beautiful historical buildings. This is a sightseeing wonder into historic early American architecture.

(Photo: colorob)

WaterFire Providence is a summer highlight. From May through October, the rivers running through downtown Providence become the backdrop for this fiery spectacle. Over 80 bonfires are lit along the river at sunset while various performances, artists and music carry Waterplace Park visitors through the rest of the evening. It’s a sensory experience that you’ll be raving about.

Historic Federal Hill is the “Little Italy” of Providence. A plethora of Italian restaurants, markets and cafes line the main drag, Atwells Avenue. You can’t go wrong here, there’s literally one great Italian restaurant after another, so stop into any one of them for delicious, rustic Italian classics. A few highly rated favorites include Siena ($$$) and Andino’s ($$).

(Photo: Elfpvke)

Looking for some nightlife? Then hit up The Avery ($$), where artfully crafted cocktails, a dimly lit, Edison bulb relaxed ambiance, and unpretentious service come standard. It’s a little inconspicuous without an outdoor sigg — thank God for Google Maps — but once you stumble upon it, you’ll enter a swanky lounge where every drink is exceptionally made. Be sure to have a Moscow Mule out of a copper mug; it’ll take you back in time and make you feel quite fancy. And really, who doesn’t love drinking from a copper mug? It’s just cool!

Sunday — the finishing touches
Julian’s ($$) is a quintessential brunch hot spot: always packed and always serving the best of the best. It’s one of those places that’s worth the 45-minute wait because the food is so darn good. Whether you want that down and dirty hangover greasy spoon or a culinary explosion of dynamic flavors, Julian’s has you covered. The menu includes staple breakfast classics, but always has daily specials that incorporate the freshest seasonal ingredients. So even if you’re a regular, there’s always something new for you to dive into. Definitely check out the daily eggs Benedict, which changes often and offers a refreshing twist on the classic dish. They even have a variety of hashes that are downright sinful. You can’t go wrong at all … unless you decide to not come at all.

(Photo: Alicia Case)

Your Providence getaway isn’t complete without a visit to the Rhode Island School of Art and Design Museum of Art. Best known as RISD, this acclaimed collegiate institution is well known for its highly competitive arts program, so it’s befitting that they’d have a great art collection to match. And admission is FREE on Sundays so it’s a great way to spend the afternoon.

Providence is a quaint New England city that makes for a lovely weekend getaway. With much of the city all within walking distance, you can cover it easily and hit many great spots efficiently in one weekend. Now go and enjoy some New England charm this summer.

What to Do and See
Take a walk in Millennium Park and admire the cityscape reflected in the “Bean” — that’s the nickname for “Cloud Gate,” the 110-ton stainless steel sculpture that attracts tourtists from all walks of life.

(Photo: Jim & Barbara Twardowski)

Measuring 66-feet long by 33-feet high, the elliptical piece of art was inspired by liquid mercury and created by British artist Anish Kapoor. If you’re willing to explore the 24.5 acre park, rent a bike from McDonald’s Cycle Center; or catch a music or dance performance at the Harris Theater from September through May.

One block from Lake Michigan, the one million square foot Art Institute Chicago is both a museum and an art school; each year, the museum features 30 changing exhibits. One of the most recent exhibits, Picasso and Chicago, displayed more than 250 pieces of the artist’s works including paintings, prints, sculpture, drawings and ceramics. Some of the must-see pieces include: Grant Wood’s “American Gothic,” George Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” and Edward Hopper’s “Nighthawks.” 

(Photo: Jim & Barbara Twardowski)

The Chicago theaters are in a class of their own. Celebrating more than 50 years of improv, Second City has launched an impressive list of celebs including Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Stephen Colbert. The Steppenwolf Theatre Company productions have even garnered national and international awards for four decades. While we were in town, we snagged two tickets to the pre-Broadway World Premiere of “Big Fish.” The show’s lead is Tony-award winner Nobert Leo Butz. It’s exciting to see a show in development and this one looks like it’ll be a huge hit.

(Photo: dlagorio)

A fantastic way to admire Chicago’s world-renowned architecture is on a Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise. A trained volunteer docent provides a fascinating 90-minute talk aboard Chicago’s First Lady Cruise vessel, which glides along the Chicago River. While on the tour, passengers have an unparalleled view of more than 50 of the city’s most architecturally significant structures such as: the Wrigley Building, the Aqua, the Tribune Tower, the Willis (formerly Sears) and the Trump Tower.

(Photo: Jim & Barbara Twardowski)

Where to Eat
Chicago’s dining scene is as comforting as deep dish pizza or as elegant as a Michelin star-awarded restaurant. Directly behind the Radisson Blu is Mariano’s — a grocery store/deli with hot entrees, indoor seating and wines from around the world. Get all the ingredients for a fabulous picnic and spend an afternoon soaking up sunshine in an urban park.

Try Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza at Gino’s East or Giordano’s. Enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine at Mezcalina; a small, upscale establishment is a delight for the pallet and the eyes, as more than 20 paintings and sculptures give the space a vibrant energy.

(Photo: Jim & Barbara Twardowski)

For an extravagant evening out, make reservations at Sixteen, the restaurant on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel and Tower. This is the place to be on Wednesday and Saturday nights when fireworks from the Navy Pier fill the sky. The Terrace is open seasonally. The 30-foot-tall restaurant windows face the Wrigley Building’s clock and the Tribune Tower’s gothic crown.

Where to Stay
Chicago hotels are unparalled and one of the newest ones is the Radisson Blu Aqua, an upscale brand found around the globe. This Chicago hotel is their first in the United States and the lobby’s 50-foot-long fireplace is positioned on a wall covered in imported brass Egyptian medallions. The modern design continues with the hotel’s bar and restaurant, Filini, which offers contemporary, Italian food that’s prepared in the exhibition kitchen around the corner from an art gallery displaying the works of Chicago artists.

(Photo: Jim & Barbara Twardowski)

Our king room had a park view with dark chocolate walls and turquoise carpeting, and a wooden door with frosted glass separated the bedroom from the bathroom. The hotel provides his and her bathrobes, Anne Semonin bath products, an in-room coffee/tea machine and complimentary Wi-Fi as some amenities. If you’re looking to work up a sweat, the hotel boasts a fitness center with an indoor basketball court and heated lap pool (a rooftop outdoor pool is open seasonally). Guests who like to jog don’t even have to leave the hotel as a 1/5 mile track circles the exterior of the building.

Situated just steps from Millennium Park and a short walk to the Art Institute Chicago, the Radisson Blu Aqua is a chic hotel with a convenient location.

Forty-eight hours in unpretentious Chicago is all it takes to refuel the soul.

Capitola, California — an intimate retreat just south of San Jose and San Francisco 
This Monterey Bay beach town in the popular Santa Cruz area channels its essence from Mediterranean beach villages. Capitola Village is situated along the expansive Capitola City Beach that offers gorgeous views of Monterey Bay. A superb retreat, minutes from the beach is the Inn at Depot Hill. This Capitola hotel’s 12 luxurious rooms are all distinctly different by embodying a specific cultural lifestyle. Why not book the Paris room, designed to resemble a romantic Parisian apartment; the dynamic seating area leading to the garden patio will enchant you. Whichever room you choose, enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast from the comforts of your room or in the beautiful gardens.

(Photo: Inn at Depot Hill)

What’s not to miss?
Voted Santa Cruz County’s Best Bakery, grab a bite at Gayle’s Bakery and Rosticceria; every scrumptious bite is baked fresh daily. Check out the Capitola Mercantile for bazaar-style shopping as an array of vendors mixed with cafes and wine bars make this an afternoon oasis.

Blue Hill, Maine — a serene water retreat located on Blue Hill Bay
Just an hour south of Bangor, sits the lovely town of Blue Hill. This small coastal town is filled with art galleries, antique shops and historic properties. It’s the perfect place to get lost in the whimsical nature of it all. Aside from artistic delights, the coastal location has its own inherent beauty, a virtually untouched New England wonderland with breathtaking coastline and bay views. An ideal accommodation that wraps you up in New England charm is the The Blue Hill Inn; bed and breakfast accommodations make it a cozy retreat. You can’t leave Maine without your fill of lobster, so head to the Fish Net for one of the best lobster rolls.

(Photo: Dougtone)

What’s not to miss?
Drive down to Blue Hill Falls for a water adventure. This rare reversing falls waterway, created by the tide funneling back into the narrow channel produces fun, standing 3-foot waves to be enjoyed by canoe, kayak, raft or inner tube.

Tybee Island, Georgia — a beautiful Atlantic Ocean retreat
Commonly known as Savannah’s Beach, Tybee Island, a barrier island about 20 minutes from Savannah, is a beach destination at its finest. For quintessential southern hospitality and service, be sure to stay at the Tybee Island Inn. This highly reviewed bed and breakfast is located only steps from the beach. It even offers pet-friendly accommodations, so there’s no need to leave Fido behind. This city makes toggling between lazy relaxation and active adventures as easy as ever. Visit art galleries or the Tybee Island Museum for hundreds of years of island history. With historical downtown Savannah so accessible, take a day trip to this famous Georgia city. Or do some bird watching, which is located along the Colonial Coastal Birding Trail; Tybee Island is home to over 211 species of birds. I’d suggest visiting the north beach near the Tybee Lighthouse for the best viewing. While you’re at it, check out the Tybee Island Lighthouse Museum for some great photo ops and island history.

 (Photo: Tybee Island Inn)

What’s not to miss?
Sundae Café leaves Tybee Island diners salivating; with rave reviews, this is a must during your visit (especially during the summer months). Don’t leave the island without trying their Seafood Cheesecake, Blue Cheese Filet or the Shrimp & Grits that celebrates the shrimp the coastal south is famous for.

Ocean City, Maryland — an East Coast vacation favorite
Ocean City, a hot spot attracting visitors from all over the Mid-Atlantic. One highlight, and visitor favorite, is the lively and extensive Ocean City Boardwalk, even named one of the “Top 10 Best Boardwalks” by National Geographic. Walk, bike or even ride the tram along its 2.5 miles of restaurants, vendors and arcades. From famous Maryland crab cakes to sweet, fresh saltwater taffy, indulge on the best local treats. Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the iconic Trimper’s Carousel, currently the country’s longest operating carousel. Stay at the Commander Hotel and you’ll have direct boardwalk and beach access. The hotel offers rooms for both short and long-term stays; the cabanas and apartments are great for families who want to spread out or just have full kitchen amenities. Its supreme accommodations are right in the heart of the action.

(Photo: Ocean City Shown By Photos)

What’s not to miss?
Maryland crab, and On the Bay Seafood is where it’s at! There’s nothing like diving into fresh seafood. From shrimp to fresh blue crabs, and even special house sauces, get out your bib because you’ll be diving into seafood deliciousness.

San Juan Island, Washington — a ferry ride away from Northwest Washington State
In Seattle’s backyard, or so, is San Juan Island, part of an archipelago off the coast of Washington. Its backdrop is made for adventure! Take a zip lining tour with Zip San Juan and fly through the air and natural landscape; or if water is more your style, go on a sailing trip with Schooners North. A great place to wind down from whatever you do is at the Snug Harbor Resort. Located on a private harbor makes it an ideal location for coming and going all over the islands. And who doesn’t like staying right on the water? There’s nothing quite like waking up to water views. This is definitely a place where relaxation comes standard.

(Photo: rowland_rick)

What’s not to miss?
From April to September it’s whale-watching season. Take a trip out on the waters to see these gorgeous creatures; it’s an amazing and exhilarating experience. Go with Maya’s Westside Charters for a tour with unprecedented reviews.

However you choose to spend your long weekend, you can’t go wrong with any of these places, and if you can’t make it for Memorial Day, you still have July 4th and Labor Day to squeeze in your beach trip. Now get planning!

The goal isn’t to let work completely take over your vacation. Here’s how:

(Photo: Giorgio Montersino)

Set Boundaries
If your boss demands you to be available for calls or to check email, you might have to acquiesce some of your time to stay in good graces. However, no boss should be allowed to monopolize all your time during vacation days you’ve earned. To help eliminate any awkward discussions or bitter feelings, bring up the topic of working on vacation to your boss first if you think it’s going to be expected. Set a meeting and provide him or her with a document outlining when and how you’ll be available. If you’re traveling internationally, you might not want to promise much, in which case, explain what type of reimbursement you’ll need to stay connected. (If you’re using your earned, paid vacation days, most states won’t allow a company to demand an employee use their own money to fund working while traveling.) Showing your boss your dedication to the company, even while on vacation, will ease their mind and explaining what it’ll cost the company to have you work on vacation may have your boss dismiss the idea all together.

(Photo: US Department of Education)

Only Work During Certain Times
Preferably, check your work email and projects in the evening before heading to dinner, and give yourself an hour or two. This time is beneficial because it lets you enjoy your day without having to start it late because, for example, you got sucked into work drama and emails at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., cutting your sightseeing day in half. It also allows you to not have to worry about staying out late or having one drink too many at dinner.

(Photo: mao-lini)

Understand That People Are Understanding
Yes, your boss may act like he or she can’t survive without you, but they can. Really. That being said, you may need to do some handholding while preparing for your upcoming trip. However, the majority of managers realize their employees are going to be better workers if they take a break. Most coworkers will tell you to not check work and that they don’t mind covering some of your work while you’re gone and (gasp) mean it. Take them for their word and don’t feel guilty if you’re not connected 24/7.

(Photo: abardwell)

Manage Expectations of Travel Partners
Don’t surprise your travel partners with the fact that you have to work when it’s 4 p.m. and you’re heading back from the beach or from a day of sightseeing. Instead, make it clear in the beginning the reasons why you have to check work and discuss it even before booking the vacation. Then remind your family or friends before you leave so they truly understand you’ll be checking into work while traveling. If it’s something that comes up last minute, explain the precarious nature of the work situation, how you’ll limit the work time and that you’re lucky you’re still even able to take the vacation under the circumstances. If you gave your travel partners parameters before leaving about when and how often you’ll work, stick to them unless it’s a real emergency (a truly real work emergency).

(Photo: iferneinez)

Workaholic and Don’t Want to Be? 
Let’s say your boss is awesome about vacations and you know your work will be covered just fine while you’re gone and you’re in no danger of someone usurping your job; you’re just working because you love it so much. That might be true, but everyone’s brain needs time to de-stress and rejuvenate. If you’re worried you need this unconnected vacation time, but don’t think your workaholic ways will allow you to, choose your destination locale strategically. Choose somewhere remote that has bad cell reception and no Wi-Fi, with the nearest Wi-Fi cafe many miles away. You might have some anxiety while booking it, and that worry and constant need to check work may last the first couple days of your vacation, but eventually you’ll find yourself becoming immersed in a new location and culture, and may even forget all about work.

(Photo: kudumomo)

Maybe.

Even if you don’t, giving your brain that break will be worth it in the end and with a little planning, disconnecting for a large part of your vacation should be a breeze.

If you’re anything like me, you spend that time excitedly thumbing through guidebooks and blogs, and researching where to go, what to do and where to eat. You might have booked some tours or made reservations. You might have planned your trip down to the day and hour, just because you’re so psyched.

(Photo: Andy Hay)

So when you’re busy planning your trip, remember to leave some time on your schedule for the following:

Time to Get Lost
A heavily packed schedule will only leave you enough time to get from point A to point B, with no room for mistakes. This is a great way to miss out on the little joys and smaller sights of a new destination. The saying “stop and smell the roses” rings true in this case.

(Photo: wentuq)

Some cities, especially those in Europe, were made for leisurely wandering. Around corners you’ll find hidden cafes, tiny churches and interesting shops. You’ll find picturesque and unique photo opportunities — after all, everyone who visits Rome has shots of the Colosseum, but how many have photos of the local market or deserted neighborhood streets?

Time to Relax
Day after day of jam packed sightseeing is the surest way possible to end up burnt out. After awhile, every church starts to look the same and you just lose the joy of discovery that you started out with.

(Photo: Britt Selvitelle)

There’s a cure for this and that’s slowing down; sleep in one day, chat over a cappuccino or go read in a park. It’s hard to swallow when there’s so much to see and do and only a limited amount of time — but after a rest you’ll actually appreciate the sights you do see with greater energy.

Time to Change Plans
Flexibility can be a really great quality; it allows you to pivot and make new plans if things just aren’t working out. Maybe the weather is against you or all of a sudden you hear about a music festival in the next town over or maybe you really don’t feel like touring Prague at all. The less plans you make, the easier it is to make room for new opportunities or to adjust when things are not going well at all.

Time to Discover
You can read all the guidebooks and take everyone’s advice, but there’s always going to be something you don’t or can’t know about until you get there. Sometimes hard-set plans can keep you from being open to serendipity: an amazing restaurant a local tells you about or an abandoned ruin that isn’t in the guidebooks. Being open-minded, and open-ended can allow you to discover truly amazing sights you never knew existed.

(Photo: CarbonNYC)

This is something experienced travelers realize — sometimes not having a plan is the quickest way towards a memorable trip. Of course you want to see the major attractions — that’s why you came — but there’s something to be said for actually enjoying your trip, instead of just checking things off a list.

So make your plans and enjoy your preparation; just know that once you arrive, it’s okay, and sometimes well worth it, to throw those careful plans out the window and to just go out and discover a new place!

 (Photo: Sarah_Ackerman)

Friday — Check Into Paradise
With a prime oceanfront location (a massive 22 acres of it), views of Diamond Head volcano, the most pools in all of Waikiki and 18 restaurants and lounges, Hilton Hawaiian Village is your go-to accommodation. This resort is great for everyone, from families and couples, to girlfriend getaways, and with such an extensive property, there’s something to meet everyone’s unique tastes. One hotel highlight is the large Duke Kahanamoku lagoon; its calm waters and white sand beach offer a tranquil and relaxing area for letting time melt away. After some sun soaking, head over to the on-site Tropics Bar & Grill for happy hour (3 – 5 p.m.) and enjoy great drinks and food specials.

(Photo: Hilton Hawaiian Village)

For dinner, make sure you start your trip out at Taormina ($$$). This is one of Honolulu’s best restaurants that offers superb Sicilian cuisine tantalizes the taste buds. Service is top notch, the ambience is inviting and contemporary, and the chef’s tasting menus allow you to go on a delicious culinary journey. Some menu items that shouldn’t be missed include Fresh Pasta Nero “Frutti du Mare,” Tuna and Bottarga “Pepperoncino” and Pan Roasted Duck Breast. This is an Italian restaurant that rivals any of the top-notch spots in L.A. or New York.

Saturday — Your Hawaiian Compass: The Best East, North and West of Honolulu
You’ll really experience the best of Hawaii by being outside and taking advantage of the water, beach and lush natural beauty. Take the car and start heading to the east side of the island and visit Lanikai Beach, chosen as a Traveler’s Choice 2013 Winner by TripAdvisor and, in my opinion, one of the best beaches on the planet. This beach is what you think of when you think of Hawaii: turquoise waters clear to the sandy floor, milky white sand and a breeze that warms the soul. Don’t miss out.

(Photo: Alicia Case)

If you’re more of an active beach seeker, then head north to Waimea Bay. This is the beach where the waves just keep rolling in. It’s great for surfing, bodyboarding or just watching the white caps in action.

Visiting Hawaii isn’t complete without attending a luau, so head west to the Paradise Cove Luau (tickets $68+). This luau is perfect for all ages, solo travelers, families or couples. It even offers round-trip transportation from downtown Honolulu and Waikiki hotels. Once you arrive at Paradise Cove, you’ll receive gorgeous leis, sip on mai tais and participate in many traditional Hawaiian activities, like headdress making and hula lessons. A delicious pig roast and a Hawaiian buffet delight guests, as they watch dancers and singers take the stage and really throw a party. High energy dancing, fire-infused acrobatics and a vibrant soundtrack turn up the heat and keep the fun going.

Sunday — More Outdoor Adventures
Get up early to take advantage of cooler morning weather and head to Diamond Head State Park ($5/car; $1/pedestrian) for a morning hike. This famous Hawaiian landmark offers patrons an energizing and breathtaking hiking opportunity. Hike your way to the top of this extinct volcano and bring along the camera for great photo opportunities of the ocean, beaches and downtown Waikiki.

(Photo: Alicia Case)

After you’ve gotten a little morning exercise, head to the Hula Grill ($$) located at the oceanfront Outrigger Waikiki for brunch. The Hula Grill is situated right on Waikiki Beach, so as you enjoy one of their delicious brunch dishes you can soak up beautiful waterfront views. Move over mimosas; be sure to have one of their authentic and delicious fresh-squeezed mai tais. They even tout on their menu, “If you only have one mai tai while in Hawaii make it a fresh one.” This shouldn’t be missed as it embodies the essence of Hawaii in a glass.

(Photo: Sarah_Ackerman)

With so many ways to enjoy the water, a must-see way is a parasailing ride with H20 Watersports. You might have parasailed along a beach before, but parasailing in Hawaii is like no other. Sailing through the sky above the pristine, clear waters is unmatched. H20 Watersports also features other awesome watersport excursions including the super unique Jet Pack water adventure. Suit up into your jet pack and blast off in the Pacific Blue.

Now brush up on saying “aloha” and “mahalo,” and you’re ready for an amazing trip!

Here are some apps that can help make your next family trip more fun and less of a hassle.

(Photo: GONZALO BAEZA)

Before you go
Forget manually creating an itinerary for your trip, TripIt takes all of your confirmation emails and automatically puts them into a handy list that you can access from your mobile device or computer. Your itinerary will have all of your confirmation numbers, which is super handy when you’re juggling everyone’s gear at the airport.

TripDoc is another great way to plan your trip – you can enter your hotel, all the sites you’d like to see and restaurants you want to visit. You can even put notes about each location so you have all your information in one place. Once you’re there, a map will show you where everything is; use the tracking mode to keep your location current. You can also get directions and recommendations from friends right in the app. Like Tripit, this app syncs automatically across all your devices.

(Photo: Room 77, Inc.)

Looking for deals on a place to stay? Room 77 has their very own mobile app that’ll let you shop for a hotel and book a reservation no matter where you are.

On the road
If you’re stuck at the airport, the GateGuru app will quickly tell you what restaurants and stores are nearby so you can stay fed and entertained while you wait.

Trying to find something fun to do on the fly? Goby offers customized recommendations for activities based on criteria you enter.

I’m not a huge fan of using Yelp or Urbanspoon to find places to eat, although both offer mobile apps. Sometimes I find it hard to figure out how accurate the reviews of other customers are. I prefer to use LocalEats, which showcases only locally owned restaurants, no chains. You’ll find information about prices, location and even a phone number to make a reservation right in the app. And when I get into a real jam and can’t find a place to eat, I use my phone the old-fashioned way and call the concierge.

(Photo: LocalEats)

When you’re traveling in the city with kids, you don’t necessarily want to get stuck trying to hail a cab, especially when the weather isn’t great. Use the Uber app to summon a private car and before you know it, one will appear. There’s no haggling about payment either – your credit card is on file and will be charged according to how quickly you got where you were headed.

For fun
I’m sure your phone or tablet has a camera and kids find hours of fun taking portraits of each other and making them look funny via the iFace Fat app. This seems to be an especially funny thing to do to statues or paintings as well.

And forget buying postcards – the Postagram app lets you send those funny photos you take on your trip as postcards, personalized message and all.

Looking for games to keep your kids occupied? Look no further than Best Kids Apps, which has reviews broken down by age, bestsellers, free apps and (for those of you who might feel a little guilty about screen time on the road) which apps are most educational.

(Photo: aperturismo)

One last general tip about the use of apps for family travel: there are many airline- or destination-specific apps out there that can make your trip to a given place so much easier and more fun. For example, look for apps that have maps of local public transportation or walking tours of the city you’re visiting; I also love museum apps. Searching your favorite app store by destination name is a great way to find new and helpful tools.

(Photo: @andrewghayes)

When most travelers let me know they’re coming in for a visit, their first question is usually about beer. (Second is doughnuts. Who knew?) Given that nearly everyone in the Portland metro lives within walking distance of a microbrewery or distillery, this is a difficult question. Let’s tackle this in two parts: some nice beer bars where you can sample a variety of Pacific Northwest libations, then some resources to help you plan your visit.

Beer Bars and Breweries
We’d be here a long time if I told you all of my favorite beer bars, because in Portland, there are choices aplenty. Let’s focus on some real favorites; for planning purposes, I’ve divided them into beers on the west side of the river and beers on the east side of the river.

(Photo: Sean Davis)

Eastside

• Green Dragon (Southeast): Gorgeous outdoor space when the weather permits and a wide variety of Portland and Oregon beers on draft.
• Cascade Barrel House (Southeast): A must-visit if you like sour beers or traditional Belgian-style beverages; good pub fare as well.
• Hair of the Dog Brewery (Industrial District): Quirky location – if you’re staying in downtown, it’s easiest just to walk across the Morrison Bridge. Great beers, though limited & expensive food menu.
• Hawthorne Hophouse (Hawthorne): A great lineup of beers and a modern gastropub menu makes for a winning combo. A busy spot, even though it’s a few blocks off the main strip of Hawthorne shops.

Honorable Mention: It’s more like a store for taking something back to the hotel room (read: minimal ambience), but the BeerMongers on 11th and Division has an amazing beer selection and a small bar area for having a few samples before you decide.

(Photo: EvanLovely)

Westside

• Bridgeport Brewing (The Pearl): Great food and great beer, as well as a spacious interior to relax; good for groups.
• Deschutes Brewery (The Pearl): I love their beers and their brewery has some decent food too, but this is the most popular brewery with tourists so it’s always very loud and there’s always a wait for a table. I still recommend it, but it’s not always the most convenient choice.
• PINTS Tap Room (Old Town): Wonderful “old world” ambience and a great rotation of beers, including their own small-batch brews.
• Zeus Café (Downtown): This falls firmly in the “cheap and cheerful” category. It’s owned by McMenamins, a local chain of quirky hotels and restaurants that has their own lineup of beer, and this is their restaurant/bar at the Crystal Hotel. They have, by far, the best food out of any McMenamins property.

Honorable Mention: Henry’s 12th Street Tavern isn’t a beer bar (it’s just a busy, busy bar), but they have a decent tap list that pairs nicely with their signature gorgonzola fries.  Good hangover preventative, I say.

Beer Tours

(Photo: JoeDuck)

Portland is not hard to get around, but sometimes it’s nice to let someone else handle the navigation. If you want a handcrafting your own craft brew tour, then pick up a copy of Hop in the Saddle, a beautiful guidebook recently funded on Kickstarter. You can also use this beer crawl map from PortlandBeer.org to help you plan out your own tour.

As for guided tours, Brewvana has several set tours every weekend, as well as a rotation of seasonal tours.

About the Author: Andy Hayes is a creative web producer based in sunny Portland, Oregon.  He’s the founder of Plum Deluxe, a website that shares all the little ways to celebrate today.