Frequently, our About.com community of Travel Guides gathers together several themed articles and presents the information in collective blogs, known as Blog Carnivals. Whether to help with trip planning or simply to enjoy a little armchair adventure, our Blog Carnivals are informative and fun to read. This round up highlights many of our recent collaborations, including places to visit in the Southeast U.S. as well as destinations in other regions across the nation and around the world.
The Most Charming Places in the World
Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah - Photo: George Alexander
Welcoming and alluring, Southern charm and gracious hospitality are time honored traditions in the culture of the southeastern region of the United States. Expanding this theme beyond the borders of the American South, my fellow About.com Travel Guides and I have gathered together our suggestions for some of the most charming places to visit around the world. (Presented by About.com's Southeast US Travel Guide, Sheridan Alexander)
Unique, Weird and Wacky Accommodations
Sharecropper Shotgun Shack at the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi; Photo: The Shack Up Inn
Sometimes, finding an unusual place to rest your head can significantly enhance your travel experience and add an extra element of interest to your memories. This Travel Blog Carnival features a fascinating array of accommodations around the globe, including everything from pods that hang from trees, caves, ice hotels and more, to several unique choices closer to home in the Southeast U.S. (Presented by About.com's Canada Travel Guide, Jane McLean)
A World of Family Travel Adventures
Winter Whale Watching in Virginia Beach - Photo: Courtesy of the Virginia Aquarium
Featuring unique adventure trip ideas around the world, this blog carnival highlights Alaska glacier helicopter tours, Grand Canyon mule trips, the German Fairy Tale Road, African family safaris, Amazon riverboat trips, Virginia Beach winter whale watching and many other intriguing family-friendly destinations. (Presented by About.com's Family Travel Guide, Teresa Plowright)
Tracks - About.com's Great Railway Bazaar
The Amtrak Auto Train - Photo: Courtesy of Amtrak
This blog carnival highlights more than 40 train journeys around the world, including Amtrak's unique Auto Train, which travels between Virginia and Florida in the Southeast U.S. (Presented by About.com's Honeymoons / Romantic Travel Guide, Susan Breslow Sardone)
Weird and Wacky Travel Experiences
Rollin' in Grits at the World Grits Festival - Photo Credit: Steve Franks / World Grits Festival
From mildly quirky to downright bizarre, people do some of the strangest things for fun. This Blog Carnival highlights some of the world's weirdest and wackiest festivals, traditions and attractions, including some of our funny food festivals in the Southeast U.S. (Presented by About.com's UK Travel Guide, Ferne Arfin)
Animal Attractions Blog Carnival
Wild Horses at Assateague National Seashore - Photo: Courtesy of the National Park Service
More than 25 of the most interesting animal attractions in the world are featured in this virtual parade of animals with photos and travel information, including the Southeast's legendary coastal wild horses. (Presented by About.com's Honeymoons / Romantic Travel Guide, Susan Breslow Sardone)
Creepy Places to Make Your Skin Crawl
Main Entrance of the West Virginia Penitentiary - Photo courtesy of the Ohio County Public Library
This ghoulish Blog Carnival of creepy places around the globe features destinations with spooky pasts and other nightmarish places, including one of the creepiest places in the Southeast to visit for some scary travel fun. (Presented by About.com's Eastern Europe Travel Guide, Kerry Kubilius)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Monticello in Charlottesville VA - Photo Credit: www.Virginia.org, Virginia Tourism Corporation
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has designated a World Heritage List of cultural and natural sites, now including 890 World Heritage sites worldwide. There are 20 U.S. sites including four in the Southeast U.S. (Presented by About.com's Italy Travel Guide, Martha Bakerjian)
Pet Friendly Travel - Tips and Destinations
Potomac Riverboat Canine Cruises - Photo: Courtesy of Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association
Our pet loving group of About.com Travel Guides have gathered dozens of helpful tips, recommendations and destinations to help you plan a great pet-friendly vacation or getaway. If you are thinking about including your best furry friend in your upcoming or future travel plans, our latest Blog Carnival about Pet friendly travel offers a world of useful information. (Presented by About.com's Senior Travel Guide, Nancy Parode)
