1 . In a recent email to an old friend, I mentioned that our family planned on taking our four­week road trip in our motor home. My friend emailed back and said he thought I was very “brave” to set out on such an adventure with two young children (aged two and five). I laughed when I read his email and wondered if he knew how much he was missing out on by giving up the idea of such a fun RV trip (房车旅) with one’s family.

My husband and I have been “RVing” for over ten years. When we first started traveling, we certainly had some troubles that were not so funny at the time but seem to be funny now. We forgot our pillows and failed to cook dinner on an outdoor grill (烤架) for lack of a flashlight. Then we decided to make our dinner in the motor home but could not get the oven lit! So we went to bed a little hungrier than we had planned!

However, that's nothing compared with the amazing geological and natural wonders we experienced during our RV trips. In addition, we have discovered a new world of family fun and family bonding. We saw the Grand Canyon when our son was only six months old. We play games inside and out, walk together, talk together, read, solve puzzles, and enjoy music and movies. We have got used to doing things with one another. Our kids love to pick out good, old­fashioned postcards to send off via “snail mail” to different family members on every trip.

As our world gets more and more overloaded with cell phones, texting, emails and video games, our family sticks more and more tightly to the wonderfully simple idea of unplugging for a while and jumping into the seat to take a trip in our motor home. Then we come home with fun pictures of our wanderings, and we're able to build special memories for our kids. Now we want to spread the word and tell families of all kinds what enjoyment can be had from packing the family up for a trip in the RV.

4 . Cumbria, England

While London is amazing and definitely a must-go on any traveler’s list, Cumbria is a great destination if you want to see English autumn. Cumbria is often called the English Lake District. So apart from copper hills, green and red woodlands and pine trees, you’re also guaranteed beautiful mirror reflections of autumnal scenery in the multiple lakes around here.

Bruges, Belgium

Those pretty buildings wrapped in vines that go all shades of crimson in the autumn — it’s a feast for your eyes. And the canals, you have to take a boat ride through the canals when you’re there — it’s incredible. Plus, they have the most charming open air markets that work all the way until the end of November, and it’s also a great opportunity to taste the best chocolate you’ll ever have in your life.

Bavaria, Germany

What makes Bavaria a great fall travel destination? All the amazing wine and beer festivals that take place here in the autumn months. Speaking of views, did you know that Bavaria is home to not 1, not 2, but 25 historic Castles? It’s a fairy-tale land, so enjoy it.

Perthshire, Scotland

Scotland is known for the beauty of its nature. But Perthshire in particular is just incredible. It’s often called the Big Trees County. The views of grassy hills, beautiful yellow and red trees, and the golden reflections in the lakes are simply breathtaking. If you want to see autumn in full glory — this is the place to go.

5 . Whatever your interest is — Titanic, history, food, music or even Game of Thrones’ filming sites — one of the different tours on offer here in Belfast can satisfy you.

.GAME OF THRONES TOUR

A guided coach tour takes you to explore some of the exciting filming sites in the hit show. You can step into “Winterfell” and experience archery in a recreated film set in “Stark Family” costumes, or even meet some “Stark Family” members!

.TITANIC TOUR

Take the world’s only guided Titanic Boat tour to see the ever changing story of Belfast’s rich sea heritage and how the area has developed into a major tourist attraction. Exploring the Titanic story, the boat tour allows you to view the Titanic Quarter from the water. You also have a chance of seeing many seals living in Belfast.

.MUSIC TOUR

Take a bus journey through the heart of this rock and roll city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy music by way of amazing guitar players, from folk songs to rock and Hollywood soundtracks. Finish up at the wonderful Belfast Music show at the Oh Yeah Music Centre in the Cathedral Quarter.

.CITY TOUR

If you’re short on time but still want to get a general overview of the city, book a private guided taxi tour or a guided open top bus tour. It’s the best and quickest way to find out all about the city’s history and other places of interest.

6 . Traveling by train can be a romantic way to see the world. Here are some fantastic train trips to add to your travel bucket list.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Where it goes: Xining to Lhasa

How long it takes: 20 hours and 55 minutes

Why not start with the world’s highest train ride? The gorgeous 1,215-mile journey only makes seven stops as it passes through four different biological community. Booking between April and November bodes for better weather, though the stunning views of grasslands, wetlands, mountains and deserts are always breathtaking.

Eurostar

Where it goes: London to/ from Paris

How long it takes: Two hours and 15 minutes

Eurostar is a popular way for folks to get from London to Paris, but it has another draw that makes it a great bucket-list train trip. For 20 minutes, you’ll actually be riding 150 feet underwater through the famed English Channel. Trains leave from St. Pancras/King’s Cross in London and arrive in Gare du Nord [ in Paris].

Orient Express

Where it goes: Paris to Istanbul ( original route)

The Orient Express is one of the most famous train journeys in history, with movies and murder- mystery novels undoubtedly adding to its mystery and fascination. You can still ride its original route — all of which is included in a Eurail Global Pass.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Where it goes: Moscow to Vladivostok

How long it takes: Seven days

The Trans-Siberian Railway is another historically famous railroad that should be on your bucket list. It’s also the world’s longest continuous railway, clocking in at 5,772 miles from Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia. Along the way, you’ll pass through eight times zones and have plenty of time to see the beautiful Russian countryside.

7 . Holidays can be very exciting but they require a bit of preparation in advance to make sure everything goes smoothly. One requirement is to pack for the trip — and an organizational expert has exposed an important luggage (行李) mistake.

Holidays see many travelers grabbing (抓住;攫取) the majority of their clothing while packing in a panic, but they won't have enough options when they get to their destination. This often ends up in overpacking, and numerous items never being worn. It's important to think carefully about what you put in your luggage. Cutting down the items to take is key.

An organizational expert, Vicky Silverthorn, provides some tips around how packing can be made much easier. The result is a less stressful (紧张的) experience, meaning people get more out of their holidays.

One of Vicky’s top holiday tips is to make sure you pack clothes together. “Everyone’s made the mistake of not thinking through clothes while packing — throwing random items into a suitcase before realizing that nothing goes,” Vicky told Express.co.uk. “To avoid this, pack complete clothes together so that every item has a purpose. When you come to unpack they’ll be ready to wear, and it always works to separate them out by ‘pool’, ‘beach’, ‘evening’ and so on.”

Vicky claims, “The night before you travel is also important — and, if you’re travelling early, you can make life easier for yourself in advance. One top tip is to leave your suitcase by the front door along with a list of things to do before you leave the house. If you do this the night before you’ll limit the chances of forgetting any key details, this can be particularly vital if you’re flying with family.”