Real Simple's Top Travel Destinations

In their special travel issue, Real Simple magazine has a getaway guide that can help you chose where to go on your next vacation. Editor Kris Connell came to The Early Show to share some of the ideas.

User-Friendly Destinations

Boston

Connell said that Boston is a great walking city with a lot to do.

"We were saying that Boston Common — which is a big park, centrally located — that's a great home base to start because it's near Fenway Park. It's near Faneuil Hall that has all the shops and restaurants. It's close to Beacon Hill, the historic district. That's a good starting point," Connell told The Early Show co-anchor Hannah Storm.

Sydney, Australia

Connell said Sydney is user-friendly because you simply can't get lost there.

"The Sydney Opera House will point you in the right direction. It's a great landmark," she said. "It's easy to get around. Next to the opera house is Circular Quay, which is the transportation hub for ferries, trains, buses, that will take you anywhere in the city. Plus they speak English in Australia, of course. So if you're intimidated about international travel, it's a terrific place to go."

U.S. Island Destinations:

Catalina Island

Connell said that the island is less than 20 miles from Los Angeles. People can fly from the city or take a ferry from various places in California.

"You can do snorkeling, hiking, horse back riding. It's a fun place," Connell said.

Florida Keys

Connell said there are 1,700 islands in the Florida Keys and Marathon is halfway. Connell said it is a quieter alternative to Key West.

"It's a fishing village. There's snorkeling there. It's a little bit more relaxed. The dolphin center is also there. So that's an interesting destination, too," Connell said.

Festival Destinations:

New Orleans

Connell said the Jazz Festival in New Orleans will take place the last weekend in April and the first weekend in may and it features hundreds of performers. In July, the city will host the Essence Music Festival.

Charleston, S.C.

Connell said Charleston hosts the Spoleto Festival from May 25 to June 10, 2007. It celebrates opera, dance and theater.

"What's wonderful about this is a lot of the performances take place in historic churches and buildings so it's an interesting way to see the town that you might not otherwise," she said.

Family-Friendly Destinations

San Diego

"It's one of our favorites. The weather is perfect all year round," she said. "The San Diego Zoo is maybe the best in the country. The wild animal park is there now, too. You can do the zoo. You can go to the beaches. It's really a terrific thing, with something for everybody there."

Cruises

Connell said that cruises feature programs for children and some even have baby sitters. Cruises are also all inclusive.

For more information visit the Real Simple Web site.

[extremophil]

Yawn......