When we were asked where was our next trip would be and we replied Ostend, most people weren’t interested in finding out any more. Someone even laughed. Not known for its glamour – although it was once a fashionable resort – Ostend is mostly associated with its long sandy beach, its collection of seafood restaurants and its windy weather.

What you may or may not realise is that Marvin Gaye spent two years living Ostend, recovering from a difficult period of his life and a career in the doldrums. There must have been something in the salty sea air because during his time in the city Marvin recovered enough to write what would be his final album, Midnight Love. The album featured the hit Sexual Healing; just what was it about this place that inspired someone to write one of the most recognisable songs in history?

On first impressions, easily the city’s main highlight is its long sandy beach which extends along almost all of the coast. Ostend marks the midway point of the Belgian coast and has all the typical trappings of a popular sea-side resort – ice cream stands, waffle shops and (on our visit) an international kite festival. Although the scenery behind the seafront is a little less cheery, there is precious little left of the historic side of the city and now the majority of Ostend is covered with a wave of greyish apartment blocks and long, flat stretches of residential roads.

The gloss and the glitz of Ostend’s heyday may have faded but a slightly alternative vibe has taken its place – gigantic modern art sculptures are clustered at one end of the beach and our hotel had enough decorative details to probably give it a boutique status. It’s almost like Ostend is toying with the idea of being a bohemian city but it just doesn’t feel quite brave enough.

It’s also a place where the simple pleasures have been stripped down to the basics – the natural beauty of the coastline, the sea air and a strong sense of community. A place where if you were left to live for a while, away from the dazzle and distractions of a big city, soul searching could probably come quite easily. It did just that to Marvin Gaye, as we found during our “walkumentary”  – an iPod audio-visual walking tour created by Visit Ostend.

Not just for serious fans, the video is a slickly made production detailing Marvin’s two years in Ostend after Belgian tour promotor Freddy Cousaert invited Marvin to live with him and his family. It’s emotional stuff, probably helped by the original footage and snippets of Marvin’s dulcet tones lifted from interviews taking place from around that time.

Smaller details aren’t glossed over and the tour is all the better for it; we learned where he liked to play basketball, jog along the beach, and even his favourite breakfast cafe (the promenade’s Cafe de Floride in case you were interested). Arguably more exciting is Residence Jane, the apartment where he wrote Sexual Healing and Langestraat, the street that first inspired the song.

Back in the 1980′s Langestraat was a vibrant but notorious place, lined with bars and sex clubs. Today most of the seedier joints have long gone but perhaps coincidentally it’s where Marvin’s presence is most felt.

In stark contrast to the family-friendly attractions along the seafront, the long street is home to a collection of heaving bars with dark and moody interiors. The bar which stands out the most is Lafayette. It regularly hosts a DJ playing an eclectic mix of music and today the place still has the kind of relaxed atmosphere and soulful vibe Marvin himself would probably approve of.

As the video ends you can’t but help but see Ostend in a new light. That wasn’t just a faded building, it’s where Marvin penned one of the world’s most famous songs, the city isn’t just a seaside resort that has seen better days, this is where Marvin Gaye eventually found some much needed peace.

Ostend does have a certain charm, and on warmer days when the wind isn’t quite so bracing you could easily tag a weekend here onto a Belgium trip and not be disappointed, especially if you’re a music fan. You never know you might even find yourself doing a little soul searching yourself…

Written by Becky and photos taken by Gray. Thank you Visit Ostend for putting us up on the #SoulTrip!

You might also enjoy these...

Posted by Becky Padmore

Co-owner, content gatherer, writer and occasional photographer from the UK. Favourite travel destinations: Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, California, Iceland, Italy, Amsterdam and Denmark. Follow Becky on Twitter and Google+.

Launched in 1970, Art Basel is called the "Olympics of the Art World," and the caliber of participants— 305 premier galleries from over three-dozen countries representing acknowledged masters and emerging talents who work in every imaginable medium—is a primary reason. The competitiveness of attendees as they vie to buy during the two-day, invitation-only preview is another. Last year, sales included a Gerhard Richter listed at more than $ 20 million (by comparison Andy Warhol's "Joseph Beuys," asking price $ 10 mil, seemed like a bargain). Don't have a fortune to blow? You can still get an eyeful during Art Week.

Here's how...

The Fairest of Them All

Running June 10 to 16 at the Messe Basel exhibition site, Art Basel is basically a sale aimed at museum directors, newly-minted billionaires, canvas-collecting aristocrats, and celebs anxious for cultural cred. Yet it doubles as a pop-up museum where you can peruse rather than purchase. If your VIP card (the First Choice version is most coveted) got lost in the mail, go to ArtBasel.com and buy a one-, two-, or four-day pass—costing $ 41.75, $ 73.05, and $ 99.15 respectively—for the June 13-16 public showing. You can also plot your course through the fair's eight sectors by creating a personalized catalogue. To maximize the experience, come on the weekend when crowds are thinner and hotel options broader.

Tip: If you don't know a Jeff Koons from a Jasper Johns or a Keith Haring from a Damien Hirst, panel discussions and themed films will help you get up to speed. Guided English-language tours ($ 20.85 for 60 minutes, $ 31.35 for 90) are also available.

Intriguing Alternatives

After seeing the stars, check out the satellites—offshoot fairs that run concurrently. Leading the list, appropriately, is LISTE: The Young Art Fair ($ 20.85). Established in 1996, it focuses on artists under 40 and is recognized as an incubator for up-and-comers. Another option is SCOPE Basel ($ 23), which has, well, a wider scope and features established galleries along with "Breeder Program" ones. VOLTA Basel ($ 17.75) prides itself on having the most cutting-edge offerings; while The Solo Project ($ 20.85) separates itself from the satellite pack by letting participating galleries spotlight individual artists.

Tip: Complimentary shuttles connect the venues; however, Basel's public tram system provides great back-up service. It's extensive and efficient (remember, this is Switzerland!). Better yet, guests at Basel hotels receive a free Mobility Ticket for unlimited rides.

Must-See Museums

In addition to fairs, Basel boasts a disproportionate number of fine museums. Exhibit A: the Kunstmuseum. Home to Europe's oldest public art collection, it has the expected Old Masters (Rubens and Rembrandt among them). But they share wall space with Modernist icons like Picasso, 26 of whose works hang here. If your tastes are contemporary, try Museum für Gegenwartskunst, the first ever museum devoted to art from the '60s on. When local color is required, ogle the kinetic sculptures of Jean Tinguely (who was born nearby) at Museum Tinguely. Trust me: they're moving in more ways than one.

Tip: This city already has lots of outdoor art (Tinguely's funky Fasnacht Fountain is a notable example). Art Basel's Parcours sector adds extras by bringing installations, video projections, and performance pieces to the streets of the Klingental quarter, June 12-16.

Before returning home, pay your respects to Ernst Beyeler—a guiding force behind the original Art Basel fair—at the museum that bears his name. Opened in 1997 in Riehen, a 20-minute tram ride away, Fondation Beyeler showcases 200-odd pieces that the late dealer extraordinaire privately acquired...often from friends who'd soon become famous. The names read like a Modern Art's all-star team (there's Monet, Mondrian, Matisse, and Miró under "M'" alone). Moreover, the glassy, light-flooded pavilion that starchitect Renzo Piano designed to complement their works is itself a masterpiece.

Tip: If your appetite extends beyond art, the Kunstmuseum, Museum Tinguely, and Fondation Beyeler all have restaurants. The Fondation Beyeler's eatery is especially tempting right now as you can dine on a terrace overlooking sculptures by Alexander Calder and Ellsworth Kelly.

Frequent Fodor's contributor Susan MacCallum-Whitcomb (who paints badly herself) admires genuine artists and is besotted with Basel—a beautiful Rhine-bisected city that's too often overlooked. When not on the road, she lives with her family in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Photo Credits: Perusing Paintings at Art Basel: Basel Tourismus; Relaxing at Liste: Daniel Spehr; Tinguely's Mechanical Fountain: Basel Tourismus; The Monet Room at Fondation Beyeler: Todd Eberle

Cuba really does live up to cliches (in the best possible way), it’s full to bursting with life, music and passion and it’s without a doubt one of the most unique destinations I’ve ever had the pleasure to visit. I spent four days in Havana but getting out of the capital helped me really understand what made this intriguing country tick…

My first stop was tobacco country, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Vinales Valley. From the small town of Vinales, a popular way to get around the plantations and the caves that dot the area is by horseback, and it’s not long before you convince yourself you’re an authentic guajiro (cigar and sombrero almost obligatory, bushy moustache optional). After sampling hand-rolled cigars we went swimming in a cave, and the scenery all around you is beautiful – among the best in the country, with towering karst formations providing an epic backdrop.

After a day in the saddle, I recommend taking a short walk up to the La Ermita hotel, and have a drink while watching the sunset over the valley. From Vinales, there are several day-trips available – I went to Maria La Gorda (which sounds much nicer than its literal translation of “Maria the Fatso”!) for a bit of beach time and snorkelling.

From Vinales, I ventured to Cienfuegos, with it’s neoclassical architecture and lovely bayside location. While not as vibrant or vital as Havana (admittedly, few places are) it’s still a worthwhile stop over, and the nearby Laguna Guanaroca is worth a trip to see hundreds of gorgeous pink flamingos. While the architecture of central Cienfuegos can be a little underwhelming, a wander along the malecon at sunset down to Punta Gorda will bring you to the magnificent Palacio de Valle, a building that rivals the best of Havana.

Barely 90 minutes further east, is Trinidad – a town arguably caught in a time warp even more than Havana. But then the capital doesn’t have a nightclub in a genuine cave (Disco Alaya), which provides one of Trinidad’s most memorable experiences. The main square, Plaza Mayor, is even more beautiful if you manage to get there around sunset, as the golden light hits the Iglesia Parroquial de la Santisima Trinidad.

If you charter a taxi or go on a tour, you can also visit the Topes de Collantes national park and hike to the attractive Salto del Caburni waterfall.

Deciding to limit my travels to the western and central part of Cuba, my final stop was Santa Clara – the resting place of Ernesto “Che” Guevara. It also has a noticeably younger vibe – perhaps due to the large student population – and a visit to the esoteric El Mejunje club. Adorned with graffiti outside, and adorned inside with all the local eccentrics that seem to be off the radar in the rest of the country.

After my Cuba ended I felt like I was asked if I wanted a taxi roughly 2000 times – which coincidentally is probably also the amount of times I had eggs, fruit and bread for breakfast, or a cheese and ham pizza for lunch. Best to get used to it ASAP. On the bright side, the portions are huge so you won’t go hungry – though I found it definitely easier to buy rum than it was to buy water (perhaps due to the recent cholera outbreak when I visited). You may also find it harder to meet other travellers than in other countries – my advice would be to either travel to Cuba with someone else or be able to speak Spanish. Otherwise it might end up a somewhat lonely trip!

Visiting from a country, like many in the West, where individual businesses are gradually being eroded and consumed by the onward march of chain brands and global corporations, it’s so refreshing to visit a country with no commercial advertising (although with lots of propaganda in its place), and little regard to bowing down to the demands of rampant consumerism. Cubans are incredibly resourceful, they make do with what they’ve got, and consequently there is very little wastage –  an ethos we could certainly learn from. I look forward to my return. 

All words and photos are by regular contributor Lee Hubbard.

You might also enjoy these...

Posted by Lee Hubbard

Regular Contributor from the UK. My fave places in the world are Egypt, New Zealand, Tanzania, Denmark, Borneo and in the arms of a loved one (cheesy but true!) Follow Lee on Google+

Related Video Post

Safaris are at the top (or close) to most travel wishlists, whether it's the classic trip to Kenya or the Botswana and Rwanda trips currently gaining ground. Well, fellow safari-dreamers, this Instagram account is for you. Brad Tully posts absolutely incredible photos of animals on safari. He's got zebras in Tanzania, lions on their way to a watering hole, families of giraffes in Botswana, and an elephant post-mud bath in South Africa. And that's just from this month! Happy following, friends.

Want to be our next weekly dose of travel inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and be sure to tag your posts #FodorsTravel so we know you want us to take a peek. Be sure to check back next week to see another featured Fodor's follower!

Thinking of taking your dream wedding overseas? Heard your daughter mention getting married abroad and have started planning your mother of the bride outfits already? Well, whatever the case, there are some simply stunning destinations to choose from when it comes to weddings outside of the UK. Endless white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and breathtaking landscapes; what could provide a better backdrop to your special day than that? To help you discover your perfect wedding spot, here are our top three destinations abroad.

Italy

Loved for its enchanting sense of romance, Italy is always a top choice when it comes to getting married abroad; in particular, Venice. The cuisine of this city alone is enough to encourage visitors. From ‘Mołeche’ to ‘Rixi e bixi’, Venice is loved for its traditional dishes.

What’s more, this city is also famous for its captivating history. Home to a stunning selection of architectural masterpieces, there is an abundance of places for you explore. From the exquisite sites of St Mark’s Square, to experiencing a gondola trip down its gorgeous canals, Venice has it all. And of course what would a wedding in Venice be without watching the sunset over the city? Get together, stay warm and cover up; the perfect end to the perfect day.

Fiji

For those who want to get married in paradise, Fiji is the best place for you. Filled with idyllic beaches and clear blue skies, these islands are the dream location for any couple. From the sparkling waters of Cove Beach to the tropical coral gardens of Liku, you’re spoilt for choice!

However, that’s not to say you have to spend your entire trip making the most of the island’s beaches; relaxing, reading, enjoying the sun. For those with a taste of adventure, Fiji’s seas are also ideal for an array of sporting activities. Be it snorkelling or surf boarding, this destination’s guaranteed to keep guests entertained.

South Africa

Speaking of adventure, if you want a wedding with a difference, then South Africa is a stunning spot to tie the knot. Adored for its natural beauty and incredible wildlife, getting married in South Africa is far from conventional. Whether you decide to go on safari or just soak up the scenery, there’ll be plenty of Kodak moments. One favourite for many is magical world of Ulusaba. A luxury national park owned by Richard Branson; experiencing Ulusaba would, without doubt, make your wedding day one to remember.

You might also enjoy these...

Posted by Scott Balaam

Regular contributor from UK. Lived in several countries including Italy, Qatar, Australia and Ireland. Favourite travel destinations include Rome, South Africa, Barcelona and Melbourne. Follow Scott on Google+ and Twitter

Related Video Post

It’s the city that never sleeps and the capital that has something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, a cocktail connoisseur or a vintage-store hunter. Although to really get a feel of New York, head straight out of the tourist zones and explore the local neighbourhoods instead. Brunch away the day and then drink away the night in some of the coolest spots in town…

Chelsea

Chelsea is the bustling vibrant section of the city nestled between Hudson River and Sixth Avenue. Once heavily associated with the writing and artist communities that lived here, this neighbourhood still retains that artistic slant. The Western Edge has a rich gallery scene and has a number of top quality restaurants worth shouting about. The popular Chelsea Market is a hit with foodies. Throw in the trendy clubs, the thriving Sports Complex and the Harbour Cruises and you have one action packed neighbourhood.

East Village

The general vibe to this area is bohemian and avant-garde. The small side streets are brimming with vintage clothes shops, art boutiques, small independent book and record stores and Veniero’s a fabulous traditional Italian sweet shop. Architecturally you can expect a plethora of antiquated buildings, noteworthy examples being the abundance of churches and synagogues. If you enjoyed The Godfather 2, you may fancy taking a stroll between Avenues A and B of Sixth Street where aspects of the film were shot. There is also a thriving alternative arts scene, and a healthy supply of cool restaurants and bars.

Greenwich Village

Greenwich Village’s associations lie in it being the epicentre of New York gay culture, its bohemian vibe and its popularity with students and young professionals. It has a definite town-within-a-city feel to it, with its winding street and intimate restaurants. The newly vamped Bleecker Street is bursting with haute couture boutiques which add a different aspect to the street performers and cultural mix at Washington Square Park. The infamous Blue Note jazz bar is a popular night time haunt, whereas the gourmet markets and walking food tours attract a lot of food fanatics.

West Village

The Western portion of Greenwich Village is known simply as West Village. Although it still has many of the colourful characteristics of Greenwich Village, it still has its own distinct flavour. There is a strong bohemian vibe, with the White Horse Tavern where Dylan Thomas supposedly drank himself to death, The Northern Dispensary that treated Edgar Allen Poe and Patchin Place which once homed a variety of creative types including Thelonious Monk and Miles Davis. Also check out the Whitney Museum of Art and Cherry Lane Theater which boasts the accolade of being the oldest continually running theatre away from Broadway.

The Meatpacking District

Officially named Gansevoort Market, the Meatpacking District is so called because of its once exclusive use by wholesale meat companies. The area has moved on along way since these times, but the name stays and offers an ironic twist on this place that is densely populated with models and bright young things. There is an achingly chic air to the neighbourhood with its decadent club scene, uber- hip restaurants and bars and high class fashion boutiques. The reclaimed railway track of Highline Park offers superb views over this area of the city and has a peaceful vibe to it.

NoHo

The area North of Houston Street is known by New Yorkers as NoHo. Due to a massive increase in real estate prices in Soho a lot of small independent stores relocated to NoHo. This makes it the perfect place to find one-off buys and peruse reasonably priced produce. This can be a welcome change in a city like New York that is full of top end boutiques and high fashion stores with exorbitant prices. 

SoHo

Soho (South of Houston) was once famed for its thriving gallery scene and abundance of artists. In the 1970s every warehouse, loft and factory had been transformed into a gallery or studio. Things have evolved a lot since then. The majority of the galleries have relocated to west Chelsea and been replaced by upmarket retail chains. A scattering of the former artistic residents still remain, but this area is more associated with shopping nowadays.

DUMBO

Another acronym, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass has the feel of how Soho used to be with its quaint cobble streets, galleries and small stores. The Manhattan skyline is a marked feature, and there are plenty of riverside cafes and restaurants to visit which display this view. There is an ice-cream factory, New York Water Taxis and a number of high-end condos, but it’s the water that is the main feature here. If you’re visiting and want to save on the watery forms of transport then try the New York Water Taxi here.

Williamsburg

A thriving hipster scene has fled Manhattan and set up camp in North Williamsburg and these trendy youngsters portray a lot of the flavour of the neighbourhood. A shopping and foodie paradise, there is a diverse array of different restaurants and stores to choose from and the odd striking street-art mural or two. There is a park located alongside the river which is known locally for its gorgeous views. In the South you can find the world famous Peter Lugars Steakhouse and the striking Hasidic Jewish neighbourhood which is definitely worth a visit.

Greenpoint

There is a strong community feel to Greenpoint with its clusters of shops and quaint townhouses. The area has been populated by a dense Polish community for some time, and in recent years a number of young American creative upstarts have moved in. The relaxed fusion of cultures and the suburban vibe, make it a very enjoyable place to visit. The stores are eclectic and unconventional with a strong artistic streak.  There is a definite sense of creativity in Greenpoint as well as pleasant views of Manhattan and a great selection of restaurants and eateries.

By travel writer and huge New York fan Holly J, she visits every year and writes about her time exploring the city.

You might also enjoy these...

Posted by Becky Padmore

Co-owner, content gatherer, writer and occasional photographer from the UK. Favourite travel destinations: Thailand, Laos, Indonesia, California, Iceland, Italy, Amsterdam and Denmark. Follow Becky on Twitter and Google+.

So we put together four summertime itineraries for your Southern touring pleasure. It's a big swath of land, so don't expect to cover it all in one trip (or even one summer). But these are the best places to start.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts: The Blue Ridge Parkway

The 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Appalachian Mountains provide a route of outdoor activities for nature lovers. Start at Mile 0 near Waynesboro, Virginia for half and full day fly fishing trips with the South River Fly Shop along the South and Shenandoah Rivers. Continue along the winding parkway, passing overlooks of gorgeous scenery to Mile 120 at Roanoke Mountain. Fuel up with a fresh juice and locally-sourced meal at Firefly Fare in downtown Roanoke before hiking the 8.3 mile McAfee Knob trail. McAfee Knob summit is the most photographed spot along the Appalachian Trail, and features a panoramic view of the Catawba Valley.

Head into North Carolina, passing Cumberland Knob and Grandfather Mountain on your way to Mile 384 and the hip town of Asheville. Grab a healthy breakfast at Green Sage Cafe, one of Asheville's first green dining destinations, before trying some adventure in the sky at the Asheville Treetop Adventure Park. Fly Tarzan style through 50 unique climbing, zip line, and rappelling challenges anchored to over 30 trees. Next, take it to the water for a challenging Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class with Mind Body Paddle on Lake Julian.

Where to Stay: The Iris Inn, located in Waynesboro, Virginia is the perfect mountain retreat for a journey through Appalachia. Stay in one of their brand new cabins (think adult tree houses) with floor-to-ceiling back windows that provide unobstructed views of the Shenandoah Valley. In Roanoke, Virginia, book a room at The Inn on Campbell, an elegant four-room inn located steps from the shops and restaurants of downtown. Finally, celebrate the end of "America's Favorite Drive" at the old-world Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville.

For Couples: Charleston, South Carolina

Historic buildings, Spanish moss-covered Palmetto trees, Magnolia-scented air...it's hard not to fall in love in, and with Charleston, South Carolina. Beyond its fantastic food and hotel options, Charleston has unique activities for couples looking for a charming getaway. Go for a private tour with Palmetto Carriage Works as a guide regales with stories about antebellum mansions, historic landmarks, and beautiful parks at the leisurely pace of a horse drawn carriage. Request a table on the porch overlooking Queen Street for lunch at Husk, a truly iconic Charleston dining institution. Order the South Carolina shrimp and Geechie Boy grits.

Walk off lunch with a bit of shopping on King Street. Then spring for a touch of relaxation at The Spa at Charleston Place, in the gorgeous Charleston Place Hotel. Indulge in the Therapist's Choice couples massage which incorporates elements of Swedish, Reflexology, and Deep Tissue. For an extra $ 25, body treatments at the spa include all-day access to the terrace sunbathing area, pool, and hot tub.

Where to Stay: Book a room at the grand Charleston Place Hotel, where you'll ogle the enormous lobby chandelier and enjoy the modern amenities (flat screen TVs, free WiFi) amidst period furnishings. Stop for cocktails in the equestrian-themed Thoroughbred Club.

For Foodies: North Carolina

North Carolina is a food-lovers paradise. A diverse geography of mountains, coast, farmland, and city make for a unique mixture of homegrown foods, beer, and liquor. Start in Asheville on a walking tour of downtown with Eating Asheville food tours. Stops range from Indian street-food to fine chocolate shops. Make a dinner reservation at the Red Stag Grill, where Chef Adam Hayes serves modern European comfort food complemented by local ingredients.

Drive east to Chapel Hill to discover a food world beyond college eats. Taste Carolina offers walking tours of Chapel Hill and neighboring Carrboro that highlight everything from coffee shops like Open Eye Cafe to the new TOPO Distillery. For dinner, Lantern's from James Beard award-winning chef Andrea Reusing is a can't miss. Save one night for dinner in Raleigh at Beasley's Chicken + Honey from hometown girl Ashley Christensen for some of the best fried chicken you'll ever eat.

Then head south to Charlotte. For a taste of Uptown (Charlotte's downtown area) try the Soul of the South tour from Feast Food Tours which focuses on southern restaurants. Head to the historic South End district for dinner at Bonterra Dining & Wine Room. The restaurant is housed in a renovated 110-year old church, and offers more than 200 wines by the glass, and another 300 from the private cellar. Discover which wine goes best with their signature fried lobster tail.

Spend your last day in Charlotte in the NoDa arts district. Grab coffee and a croissant at Amelie's French Bakery, an authentic-as-they-come French bakery. Finally, head to Heist Brewery for award-winning handcrafted beers, and whimsical bar bites. Try the chicken and waffles sushi with a flight of seasonal brews.

Where to Stay: Just 15-minutes outside of Raleigh in the town of Cary is the art and nature-inspired Umstead Hotel & Spa. The pièce de résistance is Herons, the property's restaurant that uses fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their nearby farm. Opened in 1929, The Dunhill Hotel in Uptown Charlotte has long been a favorite of literary figures and entertainers. Just next door is the Harvest Moon Grille, a farm-to-table restaurant where ingredients are sourced from within 100 miles and the menu changes daily.

For the Family: New Orleans, Louisiana

The Big Easy is known as an adult playground, but most are unaware that it's also a great place for families, full of educational activities, parks, and delicious food. Start the day with crispy waffles at the French Quarter location of Camellia Grill, a local favorite. Snag a ride on the famed St. Charles Streetcar on your way to one of the Audubon Zoo, the Audubon Butterfly Garden, or Insectarium. After all that activity in the New Orleans heat, take a ginger-cayenne sno-ball break at Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street. End the day on a relaxing note with a family dinner cruise along the mighty Mississippi River on the Steamboat Natchez.

Give the kids (maybe just the older ones) a bit of a spook at the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum, where they'll spy everything from voodoo dolls to gris-gris potions. Keep the adrenaline rush going with a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters. You'll hop on a flat-bottomed boat and tour the area's swamps with the chance of seeing animals like alligators, owls, wild boars, turtles, snakes, and more. Reward the kids (and yourself) with a stop at Aunt Sally's Pralines, for a taste of local classic, praline candy.

Where to Stay: Historic Hotel Monteleone is located in the heart of the French Quarter and features a heated rooftop pool that is open year-round. Try the All About Kids package which includes admission to the Louisiana Children's Museum, and your choice of tickets to the Audubon Aquariam of the Americas or the Entergy IMAX Theater.

Photo credits: Roanoke Valley courtesy of Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau; Charleston courtesy of Charleston Place Hotel; North Carolina courtesy of Heist Brewery; New Orleans courtesy of New Orleans CVB; Blue Ridge Parkway courtesy of Jumping Rocks

Trying to keep both the adults and the kids happy while travelling might seem like an impossible task, but it doesn’t always have to be. From cool city breaks to more exotic locations here are some of the best child-friendly breaks to suit all budgets and tastes…

Copenhagen

For lovers of city-breaks there are plenty of European hotspots that appeal to children as well as adults. Copenhagen is one capital that holds endless fascination for both fans of Hans Christian Andersen’s storytelling and of course, Lego. As the original home of those famous toy bricks, Copenhagen has arguably the best Legoland of them all, as well as the fairground at Tivoli Gardens and a colourful town backdrop to explore.

Lapland

If you like to plan a few seasons ahead then consider every child’s favourite travel destination, Lapland. Here you can meet reindeer and even drive your very own team of huskies. Plus, if you’re timing your winter break with the Christmas holidays,a stop at Santa’s village in Finnish Lapland will be well worth the grins on their faces.

Mediterranean Islands

Great short-haul destinations for the family include the Balearic Islands, with Menorca and Majorca often praised for their safe resorts, facilities for children and family-friendly atmosphere. For only a slightly longer flight-time, consider the Greek Islands like Crete or Zante this year, which offer beautiful beaches and scenery often at bargain prices.

Asia

2013 is also a good time to take the family further afield, with new flights operating from the UK to exotic locations like Male’ in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Though transport may cost more, once here you can eat fairly cheaply and there are plenty of outings for the kids to get excited about, including visiting wildlife sanctuaries, the Yala National Park and the stunning hillside tea plantations.

Written by family travel expert Shona Adams.

You might also enjoy these...

Posted by Graham Padmore

Co-owner, designer, developer, photographer and sometime writer from the UK. Favourite cities: Tokyo, Los Angeles, Hong Kong. Follow Graham on Twitter and Google+.

Women

Mountains and Valleys by Day

Corsica boasts wonderful hiking trails across the island, and many with splendid sea views and cultural draws (see: The Balagne Craft Trail dotted with picturesque villages). Bring along these hiking shoes in turquoise and gray ($ 84), to slip on with gear inspired by the Mediterranean: a bright blue hiking tank ($ 88), aqua hoodie ($ 70 by North Face), and charcoal-colored hiking pant ($ 99.99). To cool off post-hike, pack a black and white bikini ($ 60 for top; $ 50 for bottom), an easy stone-washed chambray tunic dress as cover-up ($ 370), and these linen derby shoes with espadrille soles in minty green ($ 45). Protect your peepers during the day with these versatile Stella McCartney sunglasses in go-with-everything gray ($ 225).

Cocktails with Views by Night

Chalk it up to the mountainous terrain, but there's something of a rustic-chic feel here. Dress accordingly in these charming Vanessa Bruno mini-stripe gray and white cotton pants ($ 135). With hilly backdrops, go for a sturdy stacked heel like these in brown and silver, aptly named "Corsica," by Free People ($ 138). Layer in a few handy wardrobe pieces, like this white and gray tee that's slightly cropped and has a lovely texture and pattern ($ 78 at Madewell), a print floral tank ($ 158) with dabs of coral and tangerine, or an orange tank with zip detail ($ 78). We also like the rustic feel of this orange and straw ikat print clutch ($ 260) and this sweet and breezy bird print dress ($ 69.90).

Men

Beaches by Day

Looking to leave the city behind? Head to the Tavignano Valley, which has no roads, just a foot path. Dress in a Patagonia blue zip jacket ($ 149), athletic pant ($ 70), and Columbia trail shoe ($ 47.98). And for beachy days, add these robin's egg blue striped swim trunks ($ 148 by Marc by Marc Jacobs), a couple of tees like this fun one by Kitsune with a cute burger print ($ 79.28), and green Havaianas ($ 18) or sea-worthyblue rubber boat shoes ($ 150). For cooler days, it'd be wise to pack a lightweight chino in this fresh mossy green hue ($ 56).

La Balagne by Night

Dress in Corsica stays fairly casual, even in high season. Bring along a raglan tee in gray and cream cotton jersey ($ 130 by APC), which will go well with a sea blue chino short ($ 64.50), and a cotton hoodie in a sunset orange ($ 109) for informal affairs. For finer restaurants, a short-sleeved button, here in a fun multi-direction stripe, has a playful nautical vibe ($ 130 at Reiss). Then, add a few more design-y touches like this sleek watch in orange ($ 98), lightweight denim jeans in cream ($ 49.90), ore this weave leather belt with O-ring closure ($ 79.50).

Where to Stay

Porto Vecchio with its fresh seafood and fine beaches is often a good starting point for a summer holiday. The lovely Hotel Le Goeland takes full advantage of the setting right on the water. There are also excellent B&B options like Residence Les Jardins de Sainte Lucie and Les Jardins de Mathieu that are more intimate.

Over in Calvi, home to Corsica's most famous stretch of coastline, La Villa is a stylish luxury property with several different package options (including Jeep rental for the adventurous). But for those traveling with family or in larger groups, Villas Mandarine is a smart choice, and offers bang for your buck (er, Euro). Staying awhile? Perhaps go for the Residences Les Lauriers Roses, with 2- to 10-person villa style accommodations featuring full kitchens, located just 5 km from town.

For more fashion and travel ideas, follow @BeeShyuanChang.

Photo credits: Women Day: top left, Courtesy of The North Face; center left, Courtesy of www.sweatybetty.com; bottom left, Courtesy of ZAPPOS.COM or its affiliates; top center, Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue; bottom center left, Courtesy of Athleta; bottom center right, Courtesy of http://usonline.apc.fr/; top right, Courtesy of REISS; center right, Courtesy of REISS; bottom right, Courtesy of Soludos LLC. Woman Night: left, Courtesy of Bloomingdale's By Mail Ltd.; top center left, Courtesy of FreePeople.com; center left, Courtesy of Edition01; bottom center left, Courtesy of ZARA; top center right, Courtesy of Madewell Inc.; bottom center right, Courtesy of theOutnet.com; right, Courtesy of EMINENT, INC. Men Day: left, Courtesy of MAGENTO; top center left, Courtesy of www.farfetch.com; bottom center left, Courtesy of Club Monaco US, LLC; top center right, Courtesy of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates; center right, Courtesy of Bloomingdale's By Mail Ltd; bottom center right, Courtesy of Mr Porter; top right, Courtesy of Patagonia, Inc; bottom right, Courtesy of www.ronrobinson.com. Men Night: top left, Courtesy of http://usonline.apc.fr/; center left, Courtesy of J.CREW; bottom left, Courtesy of Club Monaco US, LLC; center, Courtesy of Nordstrom, Inc; top right, Courtesy of www.ronrobinson.com; center right, Courtesy REISS; bottom right, Courtesy of UNIQLO CO., LTD