A family safari in Africa can truly be the trip of a lifetime. For families with young children, South Africa is a wonderful destination; those with older kids can explore other countries, either on a wildlife safari another type of family adventure, or perhaps a "volunteer vacation".

About.com's Guide for Africa for Visitors has ten great suggestions for family safaris, plus many tips for those considering this wonderful kind of trip.

 | Family Safaris in Africa  |

Halloween has become such a big season that there's a new word for it: September isn't just the end of summer anymore, it's the start of the Fall-Halloween Season.

Fall is of course a great time for a getaway: see Fall Foliage and other fall vacation ideas.

But in recent years Fall's become a crescendo leading up to October 31: a season with Boos at Zoos, haunted houses, Halloween-themed weekends at country inns, theme park events from Sesame Place Spooktacular for little kids, to scary Halloween Horror Nights at Universal theme parks. Disney World, meanwhile, has "Mickey's Not-so-scary Halloween Party" on multiple nights.

• find many Halloween Events. (Hint: book early for Mickey's Party).

And wherever you go, dress the part! See Funny Halloween Costume Ideas.

^{* photo courtesy of Walt Disney World}

I was chatting with a friend about visiting NYC with teens, and we both burst out with praise for Top of the Rock. Not only is it a great place to visit, it's an easy place to visit.

30 Rockefeller Plaza is a landmark in midtown Manhattan, and its observation decks -- on the 67th, 69th, and 70th floors-- have terrific views and decades of history. Visiting is a breeze because of timed admission tickets (- i.e., no line-ups). And a GPS-activated audio guide is a cool extra.

Of course summiting at NYC's other art deco landmark building (The Empire State Building) is terrific too; reportedly the ESB has revamped its visitor experience, and hopefully long line-ups are a thing of the past. (By the way, you get wonderful view of the Empire State Building, from Top of the Rock.)

 | Visiting Top of the Rock  | Top Things to do in NYC With Teens.  | Amazing New York City Toy Stores  |

Family cruisers are king (and queen, prince and princess) on the latest-and-greatest ship from Carnival Cruise Line. Launching in Sept. 2009, the Carnival Dream will have new cabin categories designed for families (some with two bathrooms), and a huge Carnival WaterWorks aqua park, in addition to the usual family-friendly features on Carnival ships, such as extensive kids' programs.

Other niceties on the new ship include "the Piazza", an indoor/outdoor cafe and venue for live music, and "scenic whirlpools". The Carnival Dream will have its maiden voyage in the Mediterranean, then sail to Port Canaveral FL to start year-round Caribbean itineraries.

 | more about Family Cruises  | more about The Carnival Dream  |