Bring your summer vacation plans into focus by finding inspiration and guidance from travelers in our Travel Talk Forums. The trips they're planning this summer vary widely, from classic road trips, to epic European adventures, to getaways that take advantage of last minute deals or nerve. Which of the following suits your summer?
No Fly Zone: Take a Road Trip
Top Destinations: Mount Rushmore & the Black Hills, Santa Barbara and the Central Coast
Tips and Inspiration: Forgotten Classic Road Trips: Route 66, What to Pack on Your Next Road Trip, Renting an RV in Alaska, Scenic Drives in Colorado and Wyoming
From the Forums: Are you taking a road trip this summer?
"We are "Road Trippin" in August to Central Coast Calif.. a place we have over the years drove through but never really explored. Our thoughts were earlier this year that driving would be less than airline ticket..not so sure now..but by the time you add up airline tickets, rental car and hotels..we think we may still come out ahead..Fodorites have been so helpful in planning." -- 1JAR
Splurge on a Spontaneous Last-Minute Trip to Europe
Top Destinations: Paris, Prague, Amsterdam, Cote d'Azur
Tips and Inspiration: Two Foodies and a Vegetarian in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary, Any Fodorites in Paris right now?
From the Forums: Can I pull this itinerary off?
"I need to leave Sunday and come back July 4th. I have three days to plan this...sanity took over my wanderlust, So, now I'm thinking---3 days in Prague, 1 in Athens, 2 or 3 on an island..Then end with 3 days in Istanbul. That seems a little more reasonable. Remember, I'm young and I only live once." -- galaxygrrl200
Kick Back on Florida's Best Beach
Top Destinations: Fort Myers and Naples, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale
Tips and Inspiration: Florida West Coast Beaches, Family-Friendly Restaurants in Fort Lauderdale
From the Forums: What is your favorite Florida Beach?
"I've been in Florida at the beaches from Clearwater to Sanibel in February, June and September. Even when it's very hot and humid, there's that breeze coming off the water that keeps you way more comfortable than expected. I haven't been on a Gulf beach yet that I didn't like." -- elsiemoo
Let Frequent Flier Miles Lead the Way
Top Destinations: Vietnam, Costa Rica, Buenos Aires, Turkey
Tips and Inspiration: 5 Airline Fees You Should Know, Are Reward Programs Worth the Hassle?, Anyone Worried About the Fate of Their Miles?
From the Forums: Lots of Miles, Little Cash, and a Tropical Destination Wanted
"United teams up with Air New Zealand, and from LA (lots more choice than San Diego) you could fly direct to Fiji and Rarotonga (and maybe Tonga). While I've been to Rarotonga and Tonga, but not Fiji, I understand there's much more to do in Fiji, and while it has many very, very expensive resorts, it has lots of medium and low priced family and backpacker places, too." -- thit_cho
Summer in Ski Country
Top Destinations: Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Snowmass, Lake Tahoe, Whistler
Tips and Inspiration: Outdoor Adventures in Whistler, September Trip to Stratton Mountain, Boulder Vs. Colorado Springs
From the Forums: Itinerary Ideas for a Trip to Colorado with Kids
"You might want to consider Durango for the last 8 days. You could do a day-trip to Telluride/Ouray. Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge. Visit Mesa Verde. Do some river rafting. Or split the time between Durango and Ouray." -- martym
Thrill Your Family Close to Home
Top Destinations: Washington D.C., San Antonio, Boston, San Diego, Williamsburg
Tips and Inspiration: 9 Mother-Daughter Trip Ideas, 7 Mistakes Not to Make When Dining Out with Kids
From the Forums: Amazing Places to Take Your Kids in Your Region
"In Michigan - Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore are all amazing! Most of the Lake Michigan shoreline is worth visiting. I am not as familiar with east side, but we did enjoy an evening in Greektown of Detroit and ride on the people mover. The view from the Blue Water Bridge at Port Huron is amazing." -- Amycal
Cruise the Caribbean for Less
Top Destinations: Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Bahamas
Tips and Inspiration: Cruise Line Reviews, Ship Reviews, Planning a Cruise: Where to Begin
From the Forums: Which line would you recommend for a first-time cruise in July?
"Personally I have always gotten my best prices from Costco so if you are a member you can look into that. You can do better than Expedia or Travelocity. Try www.cruisecompete.com as another good alternative." -- jacketwatch
Take a Hike
Top Destinations: Blue Ridge Parkway, Zion National Park, Acadia National Park
Tips and Inspiration: National Parks Overview Guide, Utah 2008 Trip Report - Moab to Bryce Canyon , Tips for First Time Hikers
From the Forums: Fodorites' Most Spectacular U.S. Day Hikes: The List
"Wow, what a list!! I am impressed! I have to say, we did the Beehive trail, and I have to say it was one of the hardest trails for me. Hidden lake...gorgeous! I also agree with you about hiking being a life altering event...it is always a part of our US trips." -- Judyrem
Go on Tour with Your Favorite Band
Top Destinations: San Francisco, Newport, New Orleans, Austin, Nashville, Chicago
Tips and Inspiration: New York Music Clubs, Chicago Music Clubs
From the Forums: Music That Moves You: Are you traveling to see a concert this summer?
"I'm 23, love music...been to about 30 or 40 concerts, from Boston, Montreal, Hartford, Albany, and to places in Vermont. If I could, I'd go to the folk festival in Newport, RI. Jimmy Buffet is there right on the ocean at Fort Adams..." -- chgeeb
Head for the Border
Top Destinations: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico's Caribbean Coast, Los Cabos, Cancun and Isla Mujeres
Tips and Inspiration: Recommended Activities for Trip to Playa del Carmen, First Time in Puerto Vallarta
From the Forums: Suggestions for Mexico-Puerto Vallarta or Playa Del Carmen??
"When we started going to Playa del Carmen, there were still an array of fishing boats tied up along the beach. It has definitely changed, but it's still a fun town, with lots of hotel/bar/restaurant choices. I've never been to Puerto Vallarta, I would like to visit, the city sounds awesome. But, I don't think the beach can compare, and you certainly won't have that wonderful, blue Caribbean water." -- JeanH