It’s not just about endless drinks and ever-available buffets. All-inclusive resorts cater to a variety of needs. Anthony's Key, Honduras, the Inn at Robert's Grove, Belize, and the Hard Rock Hotel Dominican Republic offer different flavors of the classic all-inclusive vacation.

Although Monticello is the house most associated with Thomas Jefferson, a visit to Jefferson’s other home—Poplar Forest, Lynchburg, VA,-- reveals much about the famed statesman. For Jefferson, Poplar Foresttook shape as a personal retreat, a place for solitude and renewal.

Few people think of Washington, D.C. as a theater town even though the nation’s capital nurtures a vibrant theater community. Along with Broadway musicals, the curtain goes up on Shakespearean productions, innovative adaptations of classics, cutting edge shows and world-class children’s theater.

What was life like for the first English pioneers in the New World? Find out by exploring Virginia’s two Jamestowns. Historic Jamestowne marks the original 1607 site, the first permanent English community. Adjacent Jamestown Settlement, a living history museum, recreates the fledgling outpost.

These are the best adventure travel companies offering trips in the U.S. as well as internationally.

Taos, NM, offers a variety of good places to eat, shop and play. That’s because the town, nestled at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, has grown from a 70’s era haven for backpackers into a getaway destination for those interested in art and Native American history and heritage.

Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater rates as one of Africa’s highlights because of its concentration of diverse wildlife. Among the 25,000 animals that roam the crater floor are lions, zebras, wildebeest, buffalos and endangered black rhinos. Near the rim is another legend: & Beyond’s Crater Lodge.

Swimming with Ziggy, a retired polo pony, in Jamaica proved to be the highlight of our horseback trip with Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Sandy Bay, Jamaica.

Looking for an easily accessible, budget getaway with first-class scenery? Then, visit a state park. These gems, often eclipsed by the better-known U.S. National Parks, offer low-priced accommodations, but first-class scenery, literally as wonderful and varied as all-outdoors.

Glide Tarzan-style through thickets of bamboo on St. Lucia's zip line Treetop Canopy Adeventure. At night, dance with locals at Gros Islet's jump up, the island's legendary, outdoor street party.