Kadia Sarvey

Prepare to be whisked away to a bygone era of horse-drawn carriages and Victorian style. The Island of Mackinac sits between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, and its straits of Mackinac have been an economic hub for centuries. The island is famous for its locally made fudge, antique style, and being car-free. Many of the houses and shops on the island exhibit both colonial and Victorian-era styles. Mackinac is covered in sugar maple and red oak and contains a variety of plants and animals. During our vacation there in June, we found the island's weather beautiful and clear.

Your family adventure can take you biking around the island. Visit the fort and watch historical reenactments and canon firing. Take their ghost tour or horse carriage ride. Check out the two one-of-a-kind golf courses. Based on my trip, these would be my recommendations.

Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian Chain. Due to its paradisiacal lushness, it has been nicknamed the Garden Island. You may recognize it's landscape from the movie Jurassic Park. When I visited in October of 2023, I was amazed at how tall the mountains were and how small the landscape made me feel.

There is a lot to do on Kauai, as it boasts its fair share of water and land activities. The island is home to nine golf courses in seven locations. There are lots of opportunities to support local businesses and boutique shops. Based on my trip, these are my recommendations.

Walk the sugar-white sand while surrounded by the sound of the gulf's gentle lapping. This gulf-side-tide town is known for its beach life and southern hospitality. Whether to beach bum or find the best crawfish boil, there is plenty to do in Gulf Shores. You have your pick of amusement parks, big-name concerts and beach fun. It was never too hot when we went in July.

Anchorage is Alaska’s largest city and a rich Native Heritage Site. Known for wildlife and glaciers, Alaska is the last frontier. We went in August, and it was surprisingly warm. I love watching the mist curl over the tops of the mountains on the ride from the airport. Anchorage makes a fantastic home base for vacations to Alaska. With the city in the middle of Alaska's coast, you'll find passage into the wilderness, culture and adventure in every direction. Based on my trip, these are my recommendations: