Airline Credit Cards

Taking children on a plane could be the most hectic part of your entire vacation. Managing snack time, keeping them quiet, taking trips back and forth to the bathroom, and conquering the ear-popping phenomenon are just some of the struggles you’ll have to deal with. Keeping your kids entertained, though, will be a no-brainer with these fun games and activities that are also airplane appropriate.

Games and Electronics

From Mad Libs to DVDs, these games and electronics will keep your kids focused on fun during the plane trip.

1. Leapster Learning Game System: A variety of Leapster games are compatible with this system, which is designed to develop your child’s basic "school skills" while keeping them entertained. The device is handheld for easy packing.
2. 20 Questions Junior: This travel-sized 20 Q game is perfect for younger children, ages 8 and up.
3. Touch Chess and Checkers: Playing regular chess or checkers on an airplane is a terrible idea, but this electronic version allows the competition to continue even when you’re on the plane. Kids can play with each other or against the machine, and the Game Save feature will pause your game if you have to quickly shut it off during takeoff or landing.
4. Travel Candyland: Little kids love Candyland, and this travel-size version makes it possible to play even when you’re in the air.
5. Magnetic Travel Games: These magnetic travel kits like Magnet Dress Up, Tangrams and a collection of dinosaur scenes will keep game pieces from falling beneath the seats.
6. Electronic Mad Libs: This family favorite has a new twist: it now comes in an electronic version! Pressing different buttons results in kooky new word combinations that will keep your kids giggling during the trip.
7. DVDs: One of these portable DVD players could keep your kids quiet for the entire flight. Plug in headphones so that they can enjoy the movie or doze off without disturbing other passengers.
8. Card Games: Card games may sound too traditional for your technologically-savvy children, but they’ll love learning the new games from this site.
9. Disney Mix Max Player: This mp3 player is especially designed for kids, who will love listening to music, watching videos, or looking at pictures from their very own portable player.
10. Games and Activity Sheets: Child Parenting at About.com publishes lots of different games and activity sheets that you can print out for your kids to color on the plane.

Books and Magazines

These magazines and activity books come with fun games, coloring projects and other cool crafts that will occupy your kids during the trip.

11. Highlights Magazine: This traditional favorite continues to publish issues full of word puzzles, stories, crafts and comics.
12. Ultimate Sticker Book Series: Kids of all ages will love playing with stickers in the Star Wars, Disney Princesses, Dora the Explorer or Transformer sticker books.
13. National Geographic Kids: This magazine is packed full of colorful pictures and stories about animals, the environment and adventure-filled fun for children ages 8-14.
14. Nickelodeon Fun Puzzles and Games: Keep the little ones busy with the word searches, riddles, puzzles and other games found in this kids-only book.
15. Kids @ Random: This Random House site recommends the best books for children from preschool aged to teens.
16. Ramona and Henry Huggins books: This list of classic children’s books include the Ramona Quimby and Henry Huggins books, which will keep boys and girls engrossed for hours.
17. Make your own coloring books: Instead of buying another coloring book for your kids, let them pick out their own coloring pages from this website. Once you’ve printed them all out, staple them together to make a custom-designed booklet.
18. The Everything Crossword and Puzzle Book: This book of "brain-teasing fun" is full of puzzles and crosswords for "puzzlers at all levels."

Other Creative Activities

Here are some additional ideas and games to keep your children entertained while you’re in the sky.

19. Scavenger Hunt on the Plane: This clever game from FamilyFun.com challenges your kids to find items like sleeping passengers, a red dress, dessert, a mustache, and more.
20. Finger puppets: Have fun making finger puppets before your trip, and then pack them in your carry on for silly fun on the plane. Take turns putting on finger puppet plays with your new friends.
21. Create a Travel Journal: Encourage your kids to keep a journal of your trip. They can write about the flight, draw pictures of the places they visited, and tape mementos like museum tickets to the pages. If you didn’t have the time to maintain the journal in your hotel, the plane is the perfect place to catch up on your craft.
22. Create your own snacks: Chances are, your kids are going to be hungry way before that snack cart comes rolling down the aisle. Bring your own kid-friendly snacks that you can assemble from your seat. Ants on a log (minus the messy peanut butter) is just one idea.
23. Pack a surprise: Packing a surprise present for your child will create a delightful distraction from the boring airplane. A toy car, stuffed animal, or even a favorite toy from home wrapped up like a present will do the trick.
24. Take pictures: Use a disposable or digital camera to take pictures during the flight. Your kids will have fun posing for funny pictures to document their trip. Just make sure you use the flash as sparingly as possible; otherwise, you’ll disturb the other passengers.
25. Colorforms Silly Faces Stick-Ons Game: Kids can stick on and peel off colorforms to create silly faces over and over again.
26. Make a map of your flight path: Help your kids draw a map of the flight path you’re taking. You can trace a map of the region you’re traveling through ahead of time, and then try to guess which state or country you’re flying over at any given time.
27. Build a fort with blankets and pillows: Without hogging all of the pillows and blankets on the airplane, let your kids pitch a tent in their seats. With any luck, they’ll eventually get cozy enough to fall asleep!

In a perfect world, babies and children would fall asleep the minute they ease into their airplane seats. In the real world, parents have to struggle to keep their kids from crying, bouncing around in the aisles and spilling their drinks all over themselves. With these nifty games and activities, though, you can keep your children entertained and under control for (hopefully!) the entire flight.

While most most restaurants have at least a few vegetarian options, for a real meat-free night out, it can be a treat to hit up a veggienly restaurant where you know meat, or even eggs and dairy products, haven’t had a chance of touching your meal. Before you head on your next trip, check out this list of the best veggie dining establishments from all over the world, from big cities to small town America, to make finding great food on the road an easy and tasty experience. This is by no means a comprehensive list, nor is it in any particular order, but it’s useful for finding great vegetarian places to try out in your own city or abroad.

United States and Canada

Both the US and Canada are full of vegetarian and vegan restaurant goodness. Here are a few traveler and native favorites.

1. Bliss, Brooklyn, NY: This cafe is not only vegetarian, it’s also organic and most menu choices are vegan or near vegan. The homey atmosphere is a great place to enjoy Bliss’ vegetarian fare, including their signature Bliss Bowl– brown rice with beans, kale, carrots broccoli, cauliflower, tofu, seaweed and tahini. Prices are moderate to low so you can fill up without emptying your wallet. Plus, it’s BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite beer or wine to complete your meal.
2. Greens, San Francisco, CA: Built in an old warehouse, scenically located right on the waterfront, this restaurant is a legend among vegetarian restaurants due to chef Annie Sommerville’s skill at cooking up organic vegetarian fare. Menu items include everything from pizza to curries. If you don’t have time for a sit down meal, you can get food to go from the neighboring Greens to Go. If you want to splurge, try the $46 four course meal served only on Saturday.
3. Millennium, San Francisco, CA: One of the most well-known vegetarian restaurants in San Francisco, Millennium is stylishly decorated and considerably more upscale than your run-of-the-mill vegetarian cafe. Most menu items at Millennium are vegan as well, and choices range from plantain tortes to creatively styled salads. A great place to bring your vegetarian date!
4. Lake Side Cafe, Chicago, IL: Lake Side Cafe, located on the far north end of Chicago, has been voted Chicago’s best vegetarian restaurant for two years running, and it’s no wonder when you see their extensive menu. Enjoy a large variety of organic drinks, toasted sandwiches, salads, pizzas, soups and desserts, most of which can be made vegan if they aren’t already. The restaurant offers cooking classes, so you can learn to make great food when you decide to stay in as well.
5. The Red Avocado, Iowa City, IA: Nestled on a quiet street in downtown Iowa City, this restaurant is a far cry from the bustling vegetarian places found in the big cities. This tiny location specializes in having all-organic and locally grown ingredients and has a great selection of vegan and gluten free desserts. You can also pick up foods to go at the restaurant’s in-house organic food store.
6. Candle 79, New York, NY: Candle 79 is a must stop for any vegetarian gourmand. The restaurant was ranked as the best vegetarian in the 2007 Zagat guide, and it wasn’t just because the food looks pretty. This upscale restaurant offers both vegan and vegetarian options that are great for you but also good enough to satisfy even the most avid of meat lovers.
7. Dragonfly, Columbus, OH: Some of the most innovative and exciting vegan food to be had isn’t in New York or LA, but at Dragonfly in Columbus, Ohio. This haute cuisine restaurant caters to the adventurous and the cautious alike with dishes like tempura yams, raspberry gazpacho and alcoholic fruit smoothes. This one-of-a-kind place tends to run on the higher end of the price spectrum, but can be worth the cost for the experience.
8. Fressen, Toronto, ON: This restaurant, decorated in nature-inspired colors, has a varied and well thought out menu. You can choose from appetizers like grilled asparagus with blood oranges and entrees like veggie kebabs. Many of the choices are served tapas style, so you can sample several different choices. Prices tend to be on the high side, so save this for a date or a fancy night out.
9. Follow Your Heart Market and Cafe, Los Angeles, CA: This market and cafe has been around since the 70s and has perfected its easy and tasty vegetarian menu. Choose from a huge, ever-changing variety of soups, salads or daily specials. They also serve breakfast and even have a vegetarian friendly Thanksgiving menu if you happen to be in the area over the holidays.
10. Rebar, Victoria, BC: Rebar, located right near scenic Victoria Harbor, is a great choice if you’re not sure just what it is you have a hankering for. The restaurant offers international cuisines ranging from Thai to Middle Eastern with numerous vegan options making finding something to eat easy, or hard, depending on how you look at it. Visitors can also take advantage of the in-house juice bar and bakery to get a cup of healthy juice or a pie for the road.

Europe

While there are some places in Europe where finding a meat-free meal can be a bit of a challenge, most big cities have loads of vegetarian options to help sate your hunger.

11. The Gate, London, England: Located in an old church hall, The Gate is one of London’s most popular vegetarian eateries. It’s no wonder why when you see their menu, which includes items like chipotle-glazed artichoke and a spicy Thai salad. You might even spot a few celebrities there as it’s known to be a favorite haunt of Gwenyth Paltrow and Madonna.
12. Le Grenier de Notre Dame, Paris, France: This quaint restaurant is tucked away on a side street near Paris’ famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Order one of their vegan plates and get a taste of home-cooked, warm, meat free food like your grandma would make you if your grandma cooked vegan. It’s great place to head to in a city that doesn’t always have the most vegetarian options.
13. Artemesia, Madrid, Spain: Those looking for healthy vegetarian food will find Artemesia and its sister restaurant Artemesia II to be a great solution to vegetarian eating in ham-crazy Spain. Centrally located and reasonably priced, this restaurant offers traditional vegetarian fare like the house specialty of oven roasted vegetables. There is also a small portion of the menu that offers non-vegetarian dishes, if you happen to bring along a carnivorous friend.
14. Hans Wurst Vegan Cafe, Berlin, Germany: This completely vegan cafe in Berlin doesn’t quite live up to its name: there is no wurst to be found anywhere. The menu does, however, include pizza, daily specials, soups, risotto, or seitan. It’s also conveniently no smoking, and cozy chairs make it a nice place to hang out even after you’ve finished your meal.
15. Biosfeera, Warsaw, Poland: Treat yourself to this upscale vegetarian restaurant next time you’re in Warsaw. The menu is varied with tortillas, pastas and salads, and you can get a wide variety of fresh-squeezed juices on the side. No drinking or smoking is allowed, so you’ll have to start the party after your dinner.
16. Arancia Blu, Rome, Italy: Veggies and meat lovers alike will love this Roman eatery. Dishes are inspired by traditional rural European fare, and you’ll find everything from lasagna to couscous on the ever changing menu. Make sure to save room for dessert: you can have your own chocolate tasting with 14 different chocolate wafers from all over the world. Vegan dishes are not a problem–you just have to request them.
17. Oriente Chiado, Lisbon, Portugal: This macrobiotic and vegetarian restaurant is a real bargain, with an all you can eat buffet for around 12 euros. If buffets aren’t your thing, vegan and vegetarians alike will delight in sampling the restaurant’s tofu curries and cottage pies.
18. Eden, Athens, Greece: Go all natural with this vegetarian eatery. All foods are organically grown, prices are cheap, and you can even get freshly made carrot juice to go along with your meal.
19. Susie’s Wholefood Diner, Edinburgh, Scotland: Enjoy your meal in the well-worn Bohemian charm of Susie’s. The menu offers soups, salads, stews and stir frys with a wide variety of vegan choices all served in a homemade style. And don’t forget to save room for dessert; the gluten free chocolate cake is not to be missed.

Asia and the Middle East

If there was any place in the world that was friendly to vegetarian diets it’d be Asia and the Middle East. These are just a few of the many great restaurants you’ll find on your travels.

20. May Kaidee’s Vegetarian Restaurant, Bangkok, Thailand: This chain of restaurants provides high quality food at very reasonable prices. Most of the food comes from small, local growers, and the curries are known for being especially tasty. If you’re feeling adventurous, sign up for one of the restaurant’s cooking classes. You’ll learn to make 10 dishes and get to eat one after you make it yourself.
21. Sanchon, Seoul, South Korea: Ranked as one of the best veggie restaurants in Asia by PETA, this restaurant specializes in creating an array of perfectly prepared mountain grown greens, though porridges and tofu are also big on the menu. Visitors will enjoy their food to the sounds of traditional Korean music, and even dancers for some evening services.
22. Taim Hakaim, Tel Aviv, Israel: This casual deli is a great place to stop for lunch or a quick bite to eat and is famous for its barbecue twist and sandwich made from genuine fake meats. Visitors will find the market and vegan bakery to be a great value, and vegans will appreciate the vegan soft serve ice cream on a hot day.
23. Nataraj, Tokyo, Japan: This huge eatery spread out over three elaborately decorated floors is located conveniently on one of Tokyo’s main thoroughfares. Though it looks fancy, this Indian restaurant is modestly priced and serves some of Tokyo’s best curries and Indian breads. Everything is vegetarian and most things can be made vegan, even the naan, but you must order ahead.
24. The Farm, Manila, Philippines: For the raw food diet lovers out there, The Farm is a delicious and nutritious choice for a meal. Raw entrees are made from fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and seeds, and there is a selection of dairy-free pastas, soups, stir frys and salads as well, many of which are served buffet style.The restaurant is part of a larger resort, so after lunch you can hop over to the spa and enjoy a nice massage.
25. Bo Kong, Hong Kong: Want vegetarian food that even meat lovers won’t be able to tell doesn’t have meat in it? Try this restaurant located in the Times Square. Chinese favorites are prepared with meat alternatives so there’s no guilt but still all of the flavor.
26. Fortune Centre, Singapore: Fortune Centre isn’t one restaurant, it’s a bit more like a mall filled with vegetarian shop and restaurants, making it an ideal location if you’re not sure what you want to eat or just want to check out your options. Choose from restaurants like VegePals Eggless Cakes, Bodhi Vegetarian, and New Green Pasture to name just a few.
27. Little Italy, Mumbai, India: Take a break from the local cuisine and step into this Italian eatery in the heart of Mumbai. Cuisine is distinctly Italian, but everything on the menu is vegetarian. Service is said to be second to none, and if you get really attached, the chain has locations all over India.
28. Vegetarian Life Style, Shanghai, China: For the vegetarian visiting China, this is a must. Whether you prefer all-veggie meals or enjoy artificial meats, you’ll find something to love at this homey and friendly restaurant. The menu also features an impressive selection of herbal teas and fresh juices to accompany your meal.

Australia and New Zealand

While stereotypically, Australian Crocodile Dundee may have been ready to throw another shrimp on the barbie, you likely aren’t and you won’t have any trouble finding vegetarian friendly eateries while you’re down under.

29. Govinda’s, Brisbane City, Queensland: Vegetarians will find this Indian restaurant to both have great food and great deals. Try out the buffet on the weekends for a real value and enjoy checking out the Hare Krishna decor.
30. Lotus Vegetarian, North Perth: Picky vegetarians can order as they like at this strictly veggie place, offering over 80 a la carte choices including satays and curries. The restaurant also offers an all-you-can-eat buffet on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can fill up for less. You can also stop into the adjoining health foods store to pick up the ingredients to make your next meal at home.
31. Bodhi at Home, Sydney, NSW: Stop into this fully vegan restaurant, or its sister store Bodhi in the Park, to enjoy some veggie dim sum, various dumplings, and a wide variety of exotic and sometimes unusual asian fare.
32. The Vegie Bar, Melbourne: This hip location in Melbourne serves breakfast as well as lunch and dinner, making it a great stop at any time of the day. Food arrives in generous portions, and indecisive types will enjoy the wide variety of choices on the menu, taken from cuisines all over the world.
33. Bernadette’s Cafe, Canberra, ACT: Nestled in among a hip shopping district, this restaurant provides a lovely and modern setting for enjoying their informal but gourmet food. Visitors can choose from dishes like crepes stuffed with pesto and eggplant, tofu burgers, and a wide variety of of pizzas and curries.
34. The Blue Bird Cafe, Auckland, New Zealand: Enjoy vegetarian food prepared in the spirit of oneness at this cute and cheerful establishment. Visitors will get to sample vegetarian and vegan food with a homemade taste like their vegetarian sausage rolls, among other things. When you’re done with your meal, you can head upstairs to listen to the Sri Chimnoy music or just enjoy the lunch environment full of plants.
35. Mainstreet Cafe and Bar, Christchurch, CAN, New Zealand: This vegetarian place has been around for years, and it’s no mystery how they stay in business with their hearty but modern menu items. Enjoy a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options or just take in a quiet drink at the bar.
36. Goodness Gracious, Hobart, Tasmania: This small cafe offers a wide variety of macrobiotic and vegan options with its combination Asian and Indian menu. While you’re chowing down on your favorites, you can also check out the colorful murals that adorn the walls. The restaurant also has an adjoining health foods store that you can browse after your meal.

Africa

Africa can be one of the hardest places to find a truly vegetarian restaurant when you’re traveling. Here are some of your best bets for vegetarian fare.

37. L’Aubergine, Cairo, Egypt: Cairo provides many opportunities for vegetarians to find a great meal, but L’Aubergine is the only solely vegetarian restaurant in this bustling city. With primarily Mediterranean inspired decor and handwritten menus, this restaurant offers vegetarian food in a variety of styles with specialties including soups and crepes. Upstairs you’ll find a full service bar for continuing your night in Cairo.
38. Fields, Cape Town, South Africa: South Africans are known for their love of meat, but lucky for the traveling vegetarian, there are plenty of meat free options as well. Stop into this local favorite, a small deli located in a health foods store, and enjoy one of their sandwiches or other options, many of which are available for vegans. You can also add on some freshly squeezed juice to your order to round out your healthfulness if you so desire.
39. Lola’s, Cape Town, South Africa: This sidewalk cafe offers both scenery and the chance to eat some of the best veggie food Cape Town has to offer. Enjoy delicious curries, sandwiches, smoothies, pastas as well as fresh squeezed juice.
40. Chowpaty Pure Vegetarian Restaurant, Nairobi, Kenya: Just like the name suggests, there is nothing on this restaurant’s menu that isn’t safe for those wishing to stay meat-free. The cuisine is primarily south Indian in style, owing its authenticity to Kenya’s large Indian immigrant population. Try out the Masala Dhosa and sip on a side of fresh juice the next time you’re in Kenya.
41. Vegetarian Corner, Kampala, Uganda: You won’t find loads of vegetarian-only dining establishments in Kampala, but this place is an oasis for those seeking meatless menus. Offerings are primarily Indian in style and you’ll be able to enjoy freshly squeezed juice and homemade bongo as well.
42. Sable D’Or, Tangier, Morocco: It must be confessed that this isn’t an vegetarian only restaurant, though there are tons of choices on the menu for those less than thrilled at the thought of eating meat. The reality is that this is about as close as you’re going to get to pure vegetarian only fare in Morocco. Enjoy Indian favorites or snack on a few Chinese dishes at this bustling restaurant.

Central and South America

Whether you’re enjoying your food on the beaches of Brazil or in the high peaks of Chile, you’ll find plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. Here are a few favorites.

43. Vegan Vegan, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Enjoy hearty vegan fare at this Rio eatery. Located in the Botafogo neighborhood, this out of the way restaurant can whip you up some meatless entrees that will rival the meat-heavy ones Brazil is known for.
44. Bodhi, Buenos Aires, Argentina: Fill up on a hearty vegetarian buffet while visiting the "Paris of South America". You’ll find many deep-fried options to indulge your less healthy side, but also a huge salad bar to help balance things out.
45. Restaurant Vegetariano, Cochabamba, Bolivia: Those needing a soybean fix can check out this quick and easy vegetarian restaurant in Bolivia. Visitors will find a range of tofu platters, vegetarian meats, and stir-frys. Hours can by trying however, as oddly enough, the place isn’t open Saturday afternoon or Sunday.
46. El Huerto, Santiago, Chile: Well-known among native Chileans for its all-natural vegetarian food, El Huerto is a great place to stop in to grab lunch or a dinner out while visiting. The menu changes weekly, making it a new and exciting experience every time you visit this restaurant.
47. Imaymana, Bogata, Columbia: This vegan-friendly take out restaurant offers a wide variety of tofu, gluten-free, seitan and veggie dishes. You can also taste a bit of South American culture by sampling the homemade quinoa bread with your lunch.
48. El Paraiso Bio Leben, Lima, Peru: Make this your stop for lunch next time you’re in Lima: with the value priced lunch menu you can’t go wrong. Visitors will find a variety of both vegan and vegetarian fare.
49. El Gourmet Vegetariano, Caracas, Venezuela: Vegetarians will find plenty to keep their mouths occupied at this vegetarian buffet. There are many filling vegan options available as well, just ask the staff which buffet items are animal product free.
50. El Natural Saks, Mexico City, Mexico: This vegetarian eatery offers an extensive menu of both international and local Mexican cuisine in an attractive and modern setting. Visitors can also treat themselves to freshly squeezed juice or a full-service salad bar. Vegans will need to be aware, however, as many of the dishes contain cheese.

Oenophiles have an excellent excuse to travel the world: the perfect glass of wine. You’ve probably been curious about the rich history and lush landscapes behind your favorite beverage. Take a trip to see where the magic happens and connect with other wine lovers.

Locations

Get a good look at the birthplace of some of your favorite labels.

1. California Wine Country: Indulge yourself in the finest food and wine that California has to offer in California’s wine country. Explore Napa Valley, Sonoma, Lodi, and other gorgeous regions. In addition to its many wineries, this area is home to numerous spas, inns, and unique wine experiences.
2. Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes region in New York boasts gorgeous lakes, wineries, 25 state parks and numerous resorts and inns. While vacationing in Finger Lakes, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery, fishing, and of course, world-class wines.
3. Australia: Visit Australia’s wine regions and you’ll fall in love with its towns and fine wineries. Be sure to check out regions like Brossa Valley, which is home to unique architecture, around 50 wineries, and fine restaurants.
4. Tuscany: Drink up la dolce vita in Tuscany! Enjoy fine Italian wines, rich food, and an even richer heritage. Be sure to take in a cooking course to take a taste of your Italian vacation home.
5. South Africa: Hit South Africa’s Western Cape for tasting, tours, food, and accommodations like no other! These beautiful winelands feature exquisite wine and lush scenery. Check out an art gallery, blend olive oil, and feast on foods like hot-and-sour grilled squid, all while enjoying South Africa’s selection of fine wines.
6. South of France: The South of France is well known for its wines and winemaking regions. From the Rhone Valley, to Provence, Corsica, and the Loire Valley, this region is diverse not only in wine production, but also culture and history. Check out the wine museum at Pere Anselme and enjoy views of sun-soaked vineyards.

Food & Wine Festivals

Soak up the best of what various cities have to offer at these food and wine extravaganzas.

7. Aspen Food & Wine Classic: This sell-out event presented by Food & Wine Magazine allows attendees to experience wine tasting, food sampling, and cooking demonstrations in gorgeous Aspen, Colorado.
8. Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival: These "Five Days of Bliss" feature over 100 restaurants, 60 wineries, and 30 different events. Enjoy a sip and stroll in downtown Austin and partake in the best wines that Texas has to offer.
9. The Spinazzola Gala Festival of Food and Wine: This "mother of all food and wine celebrations in the country" brings over 90 of the world’s most elite wineries to Boston. Bid on rare and fine wines in the silent auction and feel good about the fact that funds raised at this Gala go towards hunger relief and education.
10. Alimentaria: Visit Barcelona for this showcase of Spanish wines. You’ll find producers Arvicaretey and numerous other bodegas from the region.
11. Wine Malborough Festival: This premier wine and food event in New Zealand offers visitors a chance to indulge in wines of the region as well as excellent food. You’ll also find wine tutorials and entertaining performers.
12. Brisbane Fine Wine Festival: At the Brisbane Fine Wine Festival, attendees are invited to taste from over 600 different wines from regions around Australia. Visit a masterclass, and you’ll be treated to a 60 minute taste and talk about wines, how to evaluate them, and exquisite food pairings.
13. Moldova Wine Festival: In the first week of October, Chisinau, Moldova opens up to winemakers, folkloric groups, and wine tasting for both professionals and the general public. While there, be sure to visit the Milestii Mici winery, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest wine collection in the world.
14. Christchurch Food & Wine Festival: The historic town of Christchurch holds this annual celebration of food and wine over 10 days. They close off streets and open over 100 booths that sell a wide variety of different foods and wine. Be sure to check out the town’s restaurants, which will have special meals and events during the festival.
15. Chianti Classico Wine Festival: In the heart of the Chianti Classico wine zone, this wine festival allows attendees to buy a glass that can be refilled endlessly by all of the booths at the event.
16. ZinFest: Visit gorgeous Lodi for ZinFest, a celebration of wine, food and fun at the lake. This festival features tasting from more than 40 local wineries, live music, arts, crafts and plenty of shopping.
17. Melbourne Food & Wine Festival: The Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is the largest of its kind in the world. Held over 14 days and attended by over 300,000 food and wine lovers, this is an event like no other.
18. Vendimia Harvest Festival: Visit Argentina to take part in this celebration of the harvest produced by farmers in the Mendoza province. Enjoy harvesting your own grapes and have them made into wine.
19. Vino al Vino Wine Festival: This attractive hill town between Florence and Siena holds a wine festival that’s full of the many Panzano wineries. Here you’ll find music, a great atmosphere, local food, and of course, excellent wine to sample.
20. VinItaly: Make "the trip around the wine world in five days" at the VinItaly exhibition, an event that attracts numerous exhibitors and boasts top level tasting sessions and meetings.

Experiences

Don’t just drink wine, immerse yourself in the experience of it.

21. Wine The Experience: In Hawaii, you can learn about the wine making process and create your own personalized bottle filled with your choice of 50 different red, white, and dessert wines.
22. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa: This winery is more than meets the eye. In addition to the vineyard, you’ll find villas, a restaurant, and a lush spa designed to delight the senses.
23. Silver Shadow: Aboard the Silver Shadow, you’ll cruise to exclusive vineyards while enjoying luxury amenities like a 15,000 bottle wine cellar, a spa, and special history lectures.
24. Adventures in Wine Patagonia: Discover the wonders of Patagonia, from white water rafting to Chile’s finest wines on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
25. Le Phenicien: Aboard Le Phenicien, enjoy visits to 6 wineries as well as introductions to wine tasting and wine making science.

Whether you want to rekindle romance or relax with your loved one, sometimes you just have to get away from it all. To create a perfect setting, rely on these gorgeous locales, festivals, and spa treatments that will both unwind and tempt your senses. From cozy bed and breakfasts to adventurous Mile High Club charters, these getaways are sure to create a spark.

Sexy Destinations

Some locations just ooze sensuality. Check out these cities and countries that are sure to promise a hot trip.

1. Amsterdam: Vacationers looking for a sexual history lesson should head to Amsterdam. It’s home to De Wallen, one of the world’s most famous red light districts, and two very sexy museums. The Erotic Museum has attractions including erotic sketches of John Lennon and a replica of a prostitute’s red light window. The Sex Museum has exhibits on sex through the centuries, an art gallery and more.
2. Paris, France The City of Light is generally regarded as one of the most romantic places in the world. With rich food, beautiful walkways for strolling, and luxurious hotels, you’re sure to fall in love with Paris.
3. Brazil: With gorgeous beaches and even more beautiful people, Brazil is certainly visually appealing. Combine that with a Carnival festival that puts Mardi Gras to shame, and you’ve got a very hot vacation spot.
4. Las Vegas: It’s no wonder that so many couples get married in Vegas; Sin City is a sensual hotspot. Take your honey out for a night on the town to enjoy fine dining, world-class spas, a romantic gondola ride, and a trip up the Eiffel Tower.
5. Caribbean: Take in the gorgeous Caribbean seascape in your very own secluded beach bungalow or go off the beaten path to find an idyllic deserted beach. You’re sure to enjoy the sensuous heat of these islands.
6. Venice: Venice is considered by some to be the Capital of Romance. It’s easy to see why: Venice boasts canals full of serenading gondoliers, beautiful architecture, winding alleyways and mysterious fog.

B&Bs and Spas

Sometimes, all the romance you need can be found in a cozy spot that offers a little pampering. Check out these great locations for love and beauty.

7. Eastlake Inn Bed & Breakfast: In St. Louis, the 20s era Eastlake Inn Bed and Breakfast offers the sensual Magnolia Room, a space with a fireplace, dream bath, double showers and cathedral ceiling. The inn is surrounded by hundred year old trees, lush gardens and one acre of land. Eastlake is also close to many fine restaurants and quaint shops.
8. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa: The Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa in Pennsylvania regularly hosts Couples Vacations, which are packed with sensual and bonding activities like couples yoga, a massage workshop, wine tasting, and sinful desserts. Active couples will be happy to know that the vacation also includes whitewater rafting, climbing, horseback riding and a shooting academy.
9. Villa Vera: Acapulco’s Villa Vera is known for its famous guests and luxurious villas. Stay in the Elizabeth Taylor Villa, where the star vacationed for almost twenty years, which comes with a private swimming pool, an outdoor bar and hydromassage tub. The hotel has its own fragrance, "Romance," made for luxuriating in the tub. The spa is popularly considered one of the finest in Acapulco, offering massages, wraps, facials and more.
10. Sugar Hill Inn: This New Hampshire getaway is full of rustic charm, lush greenery and beautiful landscapes. The owners of the Sugar Hill Inn specialize in massage therapy and romantic cuisine. Nearby are the Franconia Notch, a gorgeous mountain range, and the Robert Frost Place.
11. Zara Spa: For couples seeking an exotic spa vacation, the Zara Spa in Jordan is an excellent choice. Located inside the Movenpick Resort overlooking the shores of the Dead Sea, this spot is unlike any other. At the lowest point on earth, unwind in one of the spa’s thermariums or the Laconium. Some of their treatments include aromatherapy mud wraps and a foot massage pool.

Nude & Lifestyle Resorts

If you want to get away while letting it all hang out, these vacation spots were made for you.

12. Couples Ochos Rios: This resort is made for couples and couples alone; no singles or families are allowed. Couples Ochos Rios offers couples a chance to visit a gorgeous beach oasis with excellent food and lots of fun activities like horseback riding, windsurfing, and more. The island also boasts a clothing-optional island that has a pool and swim-up bar.
13. Desire Resort & Spa Los Cabos: Desire Los Cabos is a new all-inclusive, couples-only resort and spa. The resort was designed with sensuality in mind: it’s surrounded by lush natural landscape and sandy beaches. Décor includes a red and dark brown color scheme and hand-painted murals of scenes taken from the Book of Kama Sutra. The entire resort is clothing-optional, so it’s great for adventurous couples who love to travel light.
14. Sea Mountain Inn Resort & Spa:

AOL has named this Palm Springs utopia one of the top 5 places to get naked. A favorite for both celebrities and honeymooners alike, this clothing-optional resort strives to make everyone comfortable with a 99% female staff and a no-single-men rule. Couples will enjoy the tandem massage that is performed side by side in a spa suite as well as plush mattresses and linens.

Cruises

Hit the high seas with your honey on these romantic cruises.

15. Mid-Summer Bliss: Bare Necessities, a nude travel agency, has chartered the Royal Clipper for a cruise around the Mediterranean. Guests will enjoy delicious Mediterranean food, sun-bathing, and ports of call in Spain, Monaco, and the French Riviera, all in a clothing-optional environment.
16. Wind Star: The Wind Star is a sensual ship, outfitted in French decorations and intimately accommodating just 148 passengers. Couples can enjoy an in-room "Romance Dinner," full of aphrodisiac foods like sun-dried love apples and chantilly cream. Also offered is a couple’s massage, romantic music, and plenty of available wine and champagne.
17. Silver Whisper: The Silver Whisper visits romantic places such as Venice and Rio de Janeiro and offers the best in ultraluxury. The ship’s staterooms are large, full of flowers, luxurious bedding, Godiva chocolates and 24-hour room service, including a Balinese massage.
18. Crown Princess: This crown jewel of the Princess Cruise line is a popular engagement spot, offering an "Engagement Under the Stars" package. The cruise line helps would-be fiancés to create a multimedia proposal including a videocast on the ship’s movie screen. After the proposal, couples enjoy a romantic dinner and keepsake items on the ship.

Workshops

Make no mistake about it: these workshops have very little to do with work. Have fun and grow closer to your loved one at one of these couples’ retreats.

19. Omega Institute: The Omega Institute offers a weekend workshop on The Sexual Body & the Yoga of Light, a learning experience for couples that teaches you how to grow spiritually and sexually. The workshop includes training on breathing techniques, communication, and ecstatic dissolution.
20. Miraval: The Miraval Resort offers a Sexuality and Vitality program from Drs. Lana Holstein and David Taylor. The workshop helps couples better understand and energize their sexual connection, focusing on intimacy, passion and physical technique.
21. Esalem: Esalen’s Massage Weekend helps couples connect through the intimate touch that’s provided by massage. The sessions include demonstrations and instruction, with assignments to practice privately as a couple.

Experiences

If you want to connect with your partner by getting out and doing something fun, consider one of these sexy experiences.

22. Mile High Club Charter: Couples wishing to join the Mile High Club don’t have to risk getting caught in the lavatory; they can charter their own flight from companies that offer specialty Mile High flights. Amenities often include gourmet meals, flower arrangements, and champagne.
23. Boat in the Buff: On Captain Jim Fritz’s boat, the Flamboyance, couples are welcome to sail au-natural. Special activities include sports like water-skiing, snorkeling, and fishing. Crew chef Cindy Traywick is happy to customize her gourmet cuisine to your tastes.
24. Orient Express: Take a ride on the Orient Express, a legendary train that’s known for exceptional service, beautiful landscapes, and superior dining. You can choose to visit romantic destinations like Venice, Paris and Istanbul.
25. Kutemajärvi Sex Festival: Finland is host to the Kutemajarvi Sex Festival, a very hot summer event. At the festival, you’ll find exotic performances, professional lectures, erotic products and excellent food.

You may be content to hole up in your gaming lair at home most days, but even a game geek gets the urge to hit the road every now and then. There are plenty of drool-worthy vacation destinations for gamers, ranging from cheap electronic districts to conventions and tournaments. Check out this list for some of the best vacations spots a gamer can dream of.

Conventions

Who says your summer vacation has to include a trip to Mount Rushmore? These conventions will take you places that your mom’s van never could.

1. Tokyo Game Show: The Tokyo Game Show, held in Japan, is widely believed to be the largest video game expo in the world. It was at this convention that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata announced the Wii, and the event is considered one of the most important conventions for gaming professionals and enthusiasts alike. This year, TGS will be held from September 20th to the 23rd, reserving the first two days for businesses and opening to the public for the final two days.
2. Games Convention: Every August since 2002, thousands of gamers have converged upon Liepzig Germany‘s sprawling convention center to experience one of the biggest game trade shows in the world. The convention features a developers’ conference, typically held just before the main show opens, that features discussions on the craft and business of video games, all of which are open to professionals and students alike. The main show includes an expo as well as the Symphonic Game Music Concert, an event that features well known game music composers. The Leipzig Games Convention is growing so large that they’ve announced an Asian edition to be held in Singapore starting this September.
3. E3: E3, formerly known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo, and now known as the E3 Media and Business Summit, is an ultra-exclusive industry event for game professionals and other VIPs. Many video game developers exhibit new and upcoming products, while there’s also much attention devoted to press events and meetings. Historically, E3 has provided the forum for big industry announcements like the upcoming releases of PlayStation and Nintendo 64. E3 is known for appearances from celebrities like Tony Hawk and Vin Diesel, who have previously been on hand to promote their new games. With new exclusivity rules for 2007, it’s harder than ever to get into E3, but you might be able to swing an invitation if you join a large press group or network with industry leaders.
4. Entertainment for All Expo: With E3 tightening up its exclusivity, Entertainment for All was created to give regular gamers a chance to check out new developments in video games. At E for All, gamers have a chance to test new games and gadgets hands-on, purchase products before their general release, and participate in game tournaments as well as multiplayer game stages. This year’s inaugural event will feature a Video Games Live concert, an experience that combines video game sound tracks with a symphony orchestra. Also featured are a video game art exhibition, mobile games pavilion, and a showcase for new developments.
5. BlizzCon: World of Warcraft fans should make it a high priority to visit BlizzCon. This convention, held by Blizzard Entertainment, highlights games like Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo. At BlizzCon, fans will find new and previewed content and developer Q&A sessions as well as songwriting and costume contests. The convention includes an invitational tournament in which players from all over the world compete to win Warcraft games. On the last night of the con, attendees enjoy a concert as well as gifts like virtual costumes and beta testing code.
6. Penny Arcade Expo: The Penny Arcade Expo devotes equal attention to video gamers, computer gamers, and tabletop gamers unlike any other convention. The expo features panels, booths, tournaments, parties and areas in which attendees can play games. Exhibitors for this year’s con include Nintendo, Ubisoft and Microsoft. A tournament, the Omegathon, features hot-ticket prizes that have in the past included a brand new Scion and a video game collection worth more than $25,000.
7. Consumer Electronics Show: Although CES is not exclusively focused on gaming, it’s an important yearly event for serious gamers interested in the latest developments. Many companies decide to introduce new products at CES. In the past, these have included the Xbox, Commodore 64 and the original Nintendo NES.
8. QuakeCon: PC gamers will love QuakeCon, a bring-your-own-computer gaming event in Dallas. Billed as the "Woodstock of gaming," this con is a week of "peace, love, and rockets." It’s the largest LAN party in North America and usually runs for about 4 days. In addition to gaming, attendees enjoy showcases of new games and hardware from id Software and Activision as well as sale booths.
9. Comic-Con International: Although Comic-Con originally started out as a comic book convention, it has grown into a multigenre fan convention that includes video games. Highlights include review sessions with video game companies, awards ceremonies, and a costume contest. Comic-Con also features open gaming, tournaments, and battles with game designers.
10. Fan Expo Canada: Game-playing Canucks should make a trip to check out Fan Expo Canada. FANX is a multigenre convention that includes lots of gaming attractions. Inside FANX is the Canadian National Gaming Expo, Canada‘s largest gaming event. The biggest draw is cosplay, in which fans dress up as their favorite characters from comic books and games. This year, FANX features a stop from the World Series of Video Games, a tournament that will award more than $75,000 in cash prizes and includes Warcraft and Guitar Hero.

Tournaments

Do you regularly mop up the floor with your friends when it comes to gaming? See if you can run with the big dogs at these awesome tournaments.

11. Championship Gaming Series: Boasting a league payroll of more than $5,000,000, CGS offers the most amount of prize money in all of competitive gaming, and uses a franchise based format to broadcast competitive gaming matches on live television. Gamers from all around the world compete in local qualifiers from Los Angeles to Dubai to Kuala Lumpur (and more) for a once in a lifetime shot at becoming a professional gamer in titles including Counter-Strike: Source, FIFA 07, Project Gotham Racing 3, Dead or Alive 4 and World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade.
12. Wiimbledon: Wii Tennis fanatics can match up against other gamers in Brooklyn at Wiimbledon. This free event included beer, cucumber sandwiches, singles and doubles tournaments, and more beer, which might explain the guy in the bear suit. The winner took home a new Nintendo Wii. The inaugural Wiimbledon took place in June, but organizers have plans to organize another event soon.
13. Major League Gaming Events: Some people envy baseball players who can make a living playing a game they love. Gamers envy Major League Gaming players, cyber-athletes, some of who have million dollar contracts. Check out the gaming action on the 2007 Pro Circuit. Locations include Charlotte, Chicago, and Orlando, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to build a vacation around an MLG event.
14. World Cyber Games: Designed to be the Olympics of gaming, World Cyber Games has a different host city every year and pits delegates from all over the world against each other. This year, players will converge upon Seattle, playing games like Counter-Strike, Need for Speed, Gears of War and Dead or Alive. Largely considered the biggest annual gaming festival, WCG attracts one million visitors. In Seattle, there will be over 700 players from over 70 countries.
15. DigitalLife: The Digital Life $100,000 Pro/Am Video Game Tournament will take place in New York City this September during the DigitalLife expo. Pro players can compete online to qualify for a trip to the New York City Finals in front of more than 50,000 attendees. Amateur players can walk up to join on-site competitions.
16. Kode5: Kode5 holds regional events in 16 countries to qualify players before they face off in an "undisclosed location." Regionals are open to gamers of all skill levels, so you should think about going to an event. So far, only the Sweden regional has been announced for Labor Day weekend. Keep an eye on their website for more destinations.
17. Electronic Sports World Cup: The Electronic Sports World Cup has participants from all around the world and prizes in excess of one million dollars. ESWC players represent their country at the finals in France, which is lauded as an excellent spectator show. The finals feature games like Counter-Strike, Quake, Pro Evolution Soccer and WarCraft.
18. Iron Man of Gaming: This coming Labor Day weekend, Iron Man competitors will compete in games from all consoles, genres and eras to crown the best gamer in the world. The event takes place in Dallas and is hosted by ScrewAttack.com. The prize includes $1,000 and an Iron Man championship belt that will accessorize nicely at any black tie event.
19. Your Public Library: If you can’t afford to take lots of time off for travel, check out libraries in your area to see if they’re holding any tournaments in the near future. Many libraries are embracing the Wii and holding gaming events to get people in their doors.

Tours, Destinations & Experiences

Whether you want to stockpile cheap imports or get a real-life glimpse at your favorite war game, these vacation spots can’t be beat.

20. Akihabara, Tokyo: This neighborhood in Tokyo is packed with game stores full of goodies that you just can’t find stateside. In Akihabara Electric Town, you’ll find gems like Media Land, a store that is considered by some to be the best video game store on Earth. In addition to game stores, you’ll find costume cafes, monster game arcades, and lots of other game geek fun.
21. Air Combat Adventures: Take your piloting out of the console and into a real plane on an air combat adventure. Fly European military planes, learn tactics and enjoy gorgeous aerial views. More adventurous fliers can do a gut check with Hollywood-style air combat or thrilling old-fashioned dogfighting adventures.
22. Beach rental: If you’ve got a bunch of gamer buddies, pool your resources for a week-long marathon of games and debauchery. Get everyone to bring their favorite consoles, games, and junk food, then face off in your own mini tournaments. You’ll get to check out lots of new games, hang out with your friends, and get some sunshine when, or if, you decide to hit the beach.
23. Mountain View, California: High-tech game geeks and PC gamers will fall in love with the technology mecca that is Mountain View. Home to the Googleplex, Mozilla Foundation, and lots of other big names in innovation, Silicon Valley is sure to entertain. Gamers will also enjoy a visit to Mountain View’s Overtime, a gym that incorporates boxing, dancing, and bike racing video games into exercise routines.
24. Space Camp: If you love space games, you’ll have a blast at Space Camp. Take your kiddo to a parent/child camp to experience mission control, walk on the moon, or go through survival training together. Space Camp also has corporate programs, so you should get started on an email to your boss about your great idea for a team retreat.
25. Your Living Room: You don’t need to hop on a plane or in a car to have a great gamer vacation. In fact, you don’t even have to change out of your PJs. Take a week off of work and knock yourself out playing hours upon hours of your favorite games with no guilt and all of the comforts of home.

While the idea of driving hours with a car full of children may send shivers down the spine of even the most patient of parents, a family road trip doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor. There are tons of games you can play with your children that will keep the "are we there yets" at bay. Best of all, they won’t cost you a thing. Here is a list of some road trip games and activities you can play with your children.

1. The Grocery Game: Whether you want to challenge your memory or just whet your appetite for lunch, the grocery game is a great way to pass the time on your drive. One person starts with naming something that can be bought at the grocery store that starts with the letter ‘A’, such as "apples". The next player would have to repeat the first person’s answer as well as add on a food that begins with the letter ‘B’. If you mess up, you’re out, and the game continues until only one memory-gifted player remains. If you get bored with groceries, try using another topic.
2. The Geography Game: Help your kids refresh their geography lessons while on the road with the geography game. The game begins with a person naming any place in the world, London for example. The next person then has to come up with a place name that begins with the last letter of the first location. So in this case, the next place would have to start with an ‘N’, like Nepal for instance. The game continues on until someone gets stumped, and no place can be used more than once. The game can be played with any topic, so give celebrity names, movies, animals or anything else you can think of a try.
3. License Plate Bingo: To play this game you’ll need to bring along a few writing utensils and have paper to use for game cards. If you’d like, you can print out game cards ahead of time here. There are a few variations of this game, so you can either write down the names of states as your bingo squares or random letters and numbers. As players see the states or letters and numbers on passing license plates they cross them off. First player to get 5 in a row wins, and it might be a good idea to keep a few prizes on hand for the lucky winner.
4. Card Games: Never underestimate the power of card games to keep your kids entertained. Bring along a set of cards from home and challenge kids to play their old favorites like old maid, go fish, and rummy. If you want to find new games, check out a book on card games at your local library or print out instructions for kids games here.
5. Family Spelling Bee: See who is the best speller in the family by having an in-car spelling bee. Make sure words are appropriate for the age level of the kids in your car so no one gets discouraged. If spelling isn’t your thing, there are a number of other contests you can have as well. Try challenging your family to trivia or singing competitions as well.
6. 20 Questions: An old favorite, 20 questions is a great game for inquisitive little ones. The game begins with one person choosing pretty much anything they can think of. The first question for the guessers is usually "animal, vegetable, or mineral?" though it doesn’t have to be. Players then go through a litany of questions trying to determine the nature of the mystery object and answers must be yes or no. The winner is whomever guesses the object first or can stump the other players with their object.
7. I Spy: Similar to 20 Questions, I Spy is another classic travel game. One person in the car looks around and chooses an object. The guessers are given one clue: "I spy with my little eye something that is (insert first letter of objects name, objects color, or other clue of your choice)". Players can’t choose something that is whizzing by too fast; objects must be within the car or far enough in the distance to be within sight for a few minutes. Guessers attempt to figure out the nature of the object and the winner gets to create their own mystery object.
8. Team Storytelling: Inspire your family’s creative side by creating a group story. Someone begins by creating one line to a story (for example, "There once was a prince under a curse…") and each person must add one line to the story as you go. If simple storytelling is too dull for you, spice it up by making the lines have to rhyme, or by pointing at players out of order to come up with a line on the spot. You can extend the game by writing down the story and having your children create illustrations for it.
9. Word Play: Have your kids write down words they see as they’re traveling from billboards, bumper stickers, restaurants, etc. Once they get a certain amount, have them write a story, poem or song that includes all of the words they have found. When they’re done, have them read or sing their creation out loud for the rest of the family.
10. Counting Cows: Rural countrysides can make for pretty dull window viewing, so make it more interesting by turning it into a game. Create a set distance within which players have to find as many cows on their side of the road as possible. If you have the misfortune of passing a cemetery on your side of the road, then you have to start over. If you’re not in cow country, try counting something else, like phone booths, mailboxes, or houses of a certain color.
11. Rock, Paper, Scissors: This classic game makes it easy to keep kids occupied. Players put their hands behind their backs and pull one out to reveal either rock (closed fist), paper (flat hand) or scissors (first and middle fingers in a "v"). Scissors beats paper, paper beats rock and rock beats scissors. Kids can get creative and think up three other competing things (cowboy, ninja, and bear for instance).
12. License Plate Lingo: You can use the license plates of the cars around you to provide entertainment for your kids. The goal of this game is to come up with a phrase using the letters on passing license plates. For example, if you see a plate with the letters "EIC," your phrase could be "eat ice cream.". You can make this game as silly or as serious as you’d like.
13. Travel Scavenger Hunt: Keep children occupied with a travel scavenger hunt. Compile a list of objects for each child to find along the road. For example, you could have things like "brown cow" or "water tower". Anything that comes to mind that you might be passing will work, or you can use prepared lists like this. You can also turn this game into a form of bingo with a game card like this. The winner is the first one to find everything on his or her list.
14. The Banana Game: Single out yellow vehicles with the banana game. Players get points for each yellow car they point out passing. Double points are awarded for buses and larger yellow vehicles. Be prepared, this could get competitive!
15. String Figures: You wouldn’t think a simple piece of string could keep a kid entertained for hours, but in some cases it can. Pack a piece of string or yarn tied into a circle for your child and challenge them to learn to make string shapes like Jacob’s Ladder, Kitty Whiskers or to play Cat’s Cradle. If you don’t know much about string games, you can check out a book from the library or print out some instructions from a string game website.
16. Fortune Teller: Keep your kids giggling with a fortune teller. Fold up your own using these instructions or use a preprinted version. Once folded, you can write colors and numbers and various fortunes on the flaps or turn them into cute animal puppets.
17. Find the Vehicle: Challenge your kids to find a list of different types and models of cars. Children interested in cars will find this game particularly enjoyable. You can make it more challenging by specifying a color for more common models of cars or types of cargo for semis.
18. Slug Bug: While the name implies a certain amount of violence, it can also be played much more peacefully. Have your kids count on their fingers or gently tap their seatmate every time they spot a Volkswagen Bug. The specifics of the rules are up to you, but you can make old bugs worth more than new, or certain colors worth more than others.
19. Map Monitors: One easy way to keep children entertained on the road is to engage them in the process of travel. Give each child a map of your trip and allow them to keep track of your progress using stickers, coloring or something else your child enjoys.
20. Mad Libs: Mad Libs are a fun and silly way to keep your reading-age kids entertained on a long trip. You can make up your own or use free versions from the Web. Give your kids the worksheets, have them come up with nouns, verbs and adjectives to fill them in, and then have them read their new stories aloud to one another.
21. Road Trip Math: Have a budding math lover in your car? Entertain them by having them figure out math problems based on your travel. For instance if you pass a sign telling you the next rest stop is 20 miles away, have your child figure out how long it will take you to get there based on your current speed. It might not sound like the most fun, but it will keep your child engaged and learning. Rewards for work well done won’t hurt either.
22. Fortunately-Unfortunately: Help your children learn to think positively with the game Fortunately-Unfortunately. One player begins with an unfortunate statement like, "Unfortunately, there is a bat in the car." The next player has to counter with something more fortunate like, "Fortunately, I brought along bat repellant." Players continue to alternate between unfortunate and fortunate things until you’ve exhausted a particular topic.
23. Treasure Bottle: You’ll need a little preparation ahead of time, but a treasure bottle can be a great way to keep younger children entertained and engaged. Use a 2 liter bottle or large plastic container with a lid. Fill it 2/3s full with rice or birdseed, then add small "treasures" from around your house like paper clips, bolts, pennies, Legos and any other small things you might have lying around in your junk drawer. Keep count of how many items you put in and write the number on the outside of the bottle. Have kids roll around the bottle until they find everything hidden inside. Just make sure the lid is extra secure so there aren’t any mid-trip messes to clean up.
24. Who Am I?: Keep your kids guessing with this easy and fun game. Think of someone you and your children know: a family member, neighbor, or friend, and give clues to the person’s identity like their hair color, sex, or whether or not they wear glasses. Let each person guess and if no one gets it, continue giving clues until your kids figure it out.
25. Find 100: Occupy your kids with counting using Find 100. Choose a color or object and keep counting until you reach 100. Try counting flags, statues, churches, red cars or anything else you can think of. Mix it up by giving each player a different object to find 100 of and race to see who can finish first.
26. Official Count: Change up the usual counting games by taking an official count. Pick out objects to keep a tally of like motorcycles or vans. Keep a tally of what you see, including the color. At the start of the trip, have your kids make their own predictions about what they think will be the most popular colors or styles of these kinds of vehicles and compare the predictions to the results at the end of your trip.
27. That’s My Car!: Compete with your fellow passengers to see who can get the sweetest ride. Have each kid choose a car from the next 5 that you pass or that pass by you to be his or her "own" car. All players mutually decide who has the best car of those that are "owned" and that person is the winner.

With a little creativity and planning, you can keep your kids entertained mile after mile and keep your sanity intact. Try out a few of these suggestions on your next trip and you’ll create both on-the-road entertainment and memories to last a lifetime.