The Atrium

You may be feeling a bit snowed under here in Grand Rapids but it's still not too early to plan a great summer vacation. In fact, if you want to get away between the months of June and August, when most families take vacations, it may already be too late to vie for the best accommodation choices. If you haven't made plans, or you'd like to add a long weekend here and there, here are some ideas to get you started.

First, check out this unusual travel site. You'll discover something old -- like the Grand Canyon -- with a new twist -- a 4,000 feet skywalk over the Colorado River.

Second, take a look at National Geographic Traveler's classic travel books list. These books are less about planning a trip and more about how to enjoy it, as told through the eyes of travelers who've written about the places they've been to. Some of the titles are fun and simply beg to be read, like Cold Beer and Crocodiles (a 10,000 mile bicycle journey across Australia).

Six New Things will provide you with refreshing new get-away ideas and National Geographic Traveler will help you experience the sights, sounds, and smells of other cultures -- even those in the U.S. And if you need more information about where you're going, browse our extensive collection of travel books. You'll be able to find out more about your destination, or find a book to read for the pleasure of feeling like you're already there.