Beyond Trains, Planes and Automobiles

Often upon returning from a trip, friends ask me, "What was the best thing you saw in ...?" I can talk unabashedly about my adventures, but sometimes it's tough to choose a proper noun. After years of being caught off guard by the question, it hit me: I like sightseeing, but I LOVE travel.

It's the excitement of spotting the first piece of Spanish moss dangling from a tree when driving to the beach in South Carolina, or catching the first glimpse of snow-capped mountains on a train ride into Switzerland. That's the best part.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a sucker for all the conventional gigs – strolling from monument to monument in DC, following Boston's Freedom Trail, sunning on Florida's beaches, etc. But before I know it, all my travels seem to fall into an (albeit comfy) pattern of museum visits, audio tours, long lines and pedestrian shopping.

At that point I realize it's not just a trip I'm craving, but an adventure. I'm not about to pass up the Grand Canyon or turn my nose up at Key West. In fact, I'm intent on visiting as many natural wonders and famous sites as possible ... but while I'm at it, I'll DO as well as SEE.

If you're looking to break the mold of your usual vacation this summer, you're in luck ... exciting excursions and activities for travelers are popping up across the country. The tough part's just narrowing it down. Here are some of my favorites:

Cruise Around the Big Apple. Escape the crowded streets and trains of NYC, and see the high points of the city from a different vantage point – the river! Manhattan's compact layout and proximity to the water make it ideal for a cruise. Circle Line Downtown's harbor cruises on the Hudson and East Rivers offer alluring views of the city skyline and landmarks including the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Whether you're a first-timer looking for an overview of the city, or a NYC fanatic out for a good time, this cruise will prove worthwhile. Choose between the romantic vintage liner Miss New York or the sleek Zephyr yacht.

Chicago Architecture Tours. How about peeking behind closed doors in Chicago? Whoever said "you see one city landmark, you've seen them all" has never been on a tour with the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Each tour focuses on buildings of a particular style or era, from creations of Frank Lloyd Wright to historic skyscrapers. In the Architecture of Culture and Commerce Walking Tour, visitors see notable structures such as the Reliance Building, Carson Pirie Scott & Co and the Chicago Cultural Center and are allowed inside of some of the city's finest interiors. The primary target audience are students (college-age and up) with a keen interest in the city's structure and design. Walking tours last approximately 2 hours, and if you've got your own two wheels, there's also a bicycle tour.

Charleston Carriage Tours. In these humid summer months, an alternative to dragging your feet from block to block in Charleston's historic district is welcome, especially for senior citizens and families with kids. So go ahead and indulge those romantic notions of this old port city with a horse-n-buggy ride. Most tours last one hour and cover about 30 blocks filled with historic homes, gardens, churches and parks. Knowledgeable guides entertain guests with lively anecdotes about the city's history. Contact Old South Carriage Company or Palmetto Carriage Works for times and location.

Road Trip from Miami to Key West. Key West is a favorite tropical destination for many travelers. But don't be tempted to overlook the scenic drive on Highway 1, which employs over 40 bridges to connect Key West to the mainland. Be sure to stop and explore the various island towns along the way, where you'll want to eat at the local fish shops, stroll the boardwalks and browse the one-of-kind stores. Islamorada features some fascinating craft stands and art galleries, and a tour of the restored early twentieth century cottages makes for an interesting stop at Pidgeon Key. The highlight of the trip is the breathtaking journey across the famous Seven Mile Bridge from the town of Marathon to the Lower Keyes. Traffic along the highway is slow-moving, so be prepared to take your time.

Mule Ride Along the Grand Canyon. If you've never seen the Grand Canyon, why wait? Most folks settle for driving to one of the overlooks – beautiful, no doubt. But if you want the real deal, you've got to get closer. For the hardcore outdoorsmen and women, hiking's always an option. But if you're looking for a more creative option or would just prefer to save your knees, consider touring the Canyon on the back of a mule. The seven hour ride along the South Rim goes down to Plateau Point, where you'll encounter a breathtaking view of the Canyon and the Colorado River. NB If the day-long trip is too much for you, but you'd still like a taste of adventure, hour-long horse and wagon rides along the South Rim are available at Apache Stables.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto Mountain. Traveling from Valley Station in Chino Canyon to Mountain Station 8,516 feet high, this tramway leaves little to be desired! The route promises absolutely breathtaking views and access to the rugged San Jacinto Mountains, and passengers enjoy seeing the landscape from all angles in a rotating cable car. At the route's highest elevation, you'll notice the change in temperature by catching a glimpse of some snowy peaks. Once you reach the top, explore the ¾ mile nature trail on your own, or take the free, guided 40-minute tour to learn more about the area's wildlife. Two restaurants, with large windows overlooking the panorama, and a gift store are also located at the Mountain Station.

Bus Tour through Denali. Take a ride on the wild side! Denali National Park encompasses six million acres of mountains, glaciers and tundra and is home to many different species including moose, sheep, wolves, caribou and grizzly bears. Activities are available for people of all ages and skill levels. The only vehicles allowed are the park's buses, so to access most of the park, you need to catch one of these. From the road, visitors may reach the park's hiking trails, lakes, vistas, wildlife observation points, camping areas and cross-country ski trails. Be sure to stop by the kennels to see the beautiful black and white sled dogs. Folks interested in a more structured excursion should try an interpretive bus tour, led by a certified naturalist.

Sea Planes to the Dry Tortugas. Ahoy, mate! What could be more exciting than exploring remote islands that harbor buried treasure? People of all ages will dig this flight from Key West, 70 miles over the ocean to island atoll known for its famous ship wrecks, large sea turtle population and hordes of emeralds, enmeshed in the hazardous "Quick Sands." Circling over the islands, the aerial tour allows you to spot the turtles, sting rays, porpoises and sharks that inhabit the area and to view Fort Jefferson, an unfinished military fort dating from 1846. The ruins of several large shipwrecks are also visible, in particular the 70-foot Arbutus sticking out of the water. If you select a half- to full-day excursion, you'll also have the opportunity to go snorkeling amidst the beautiful corals and exotic fish and watch for the hundreds of bird species that visit the islands each year.

Riding the Oregon Dunes in a Dune Buggy. The coast of Oregon has much to recommend it, but its most prodigious natural wonders are the enormous sand dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, reaching 500 feet at their highest point. The most thrilling way to tackle them is on an all-terrain vehicle, or dune buggy, available for rent from Winchester Dune Buggy Adventures, so gear up for a rough'n'ready ride! Cruising over the heights, you'll enjoy a terrific view of the surrounding ocean, lakes, forest and wildlife.

Train Ride Through the San Juan Mountains. Hop aboard this train and it's like a journey back to the wild, wild West! You may recognize the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, which has appeared in Butch Cassidyand the Sundance Kid, Around the World in Eighty Days, How the West Was Won and numerous other films. It was built in the 1880s to transport materials such as silver and gold ore, but today the railroad delights passengers with its vintage steam engines, open air gondolas and gorgeous views of the San Juan Mountains. Guests have 2 hours to explore Silverton, an old-fashioned mountain town built around the mining industry, before the return trip. The train ride lasts 3 ½ hours each way.