Jill Black

No matter how much gas prices climb, or how high airlines raise their prices, people will always need to travel. And though many Americans are eliminating long-distance vacations and other unnecessary trips from their schedules and their budgets, personal obligations like weddings, funerals, college visits and business trips continue to keep Americans on the go nationwide.

If you've ever been to San Antonio, then you have probably been to the famous and beautiful river walk in down town San Antonio. The San Antonio River runs right through down town and it's a great place to visit and relax.

On November 28th, 2008, the Christmas season officially begins on the river walk. At 7:00 pm. all 122,000 lights will go on! There will be a parade on the river with colorful and beautiful boats.

Located just down the road in San Antonio is a little hidden wonder called Natural Bridge Caverns. If caverns and caves are your thing, then this is the one you want. Natural Bridge Caverns is located just 30 miles north of San Antonio, just a few miles west of IH-35. Take exit #175 to Natural Bridge Caverns Road/ FM 3009.

The cavern was discovered back in 1960 when a few college students were exploring the surrounding area.

Located on Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio is New Braunfels. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, and the word "Braunfels" actually means "Brown rock" in German and this community is actually named after the city Braunfels in Germany. The current population of New Braunfels is about 52,000. This little town is full of old world heritage and charm.

As winter weather strikes, the risks of traveling increase as well. But not all winter weather situations have to be dreadful. With the addition of a few items to your car, you'll be able to handle almost anything that drifts your way. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security advises drivers to prepare a winter emergency safety kit for every vehicle that contains a few items critical to your safety.

Summer will be here before we know it, and families will be planning their vacations. To some, this can be a frightening experience; the hassle of booking trips, reservations, renting a car or making flight plans. Don't let all of the things you have seen in the movies scare you and your family out of your dream vacation.

There are a few things you can do to make that trip on the road or in the air a little more bearable.

Summer is quickly approaching and many families will be planning out their summer vacations. Kemah is a small city of just under 3,000 that lies between Houston and Galveston. Less than 200 miles from the Austin area, it makes a great vacation destination.

The most popular destination in Kemah is the Boardwalk; it is located on Galveston Bay.

Inks Lake is located in central Texas. It is a part of the Highland lakes and is the next lake down from the Colorado River from Lake Buchanan. With just a length of only 4.2 miles and a width of 3,000 feet, Inks Lake is the smallest of the Highland Lakes, but is by far the most beautiful.

There are three towns that surround the lake. Burnet is located only 14 miles east of the lake.

Located on Interstate 35 between Dallas and Austin, is Waco. This city is full of Texas history and hospitality.

Waco has 18 museums and attractions that offer visitors a chance to learn and relax in a big city with a small town feel.

One attraction is the Bear Habitat. This habitat is located on the Baylor University campus. The habitat has a waterfall, pool, digging holes and trees, all for the bears who live at the habitat.

Brenham is located on highway 290; about 75 miles northwest of Houston and 90 miles from Austin. Brenham was established around 1843 and was named after a Republic Of Texas hero by the name of Dr. Richard Fox Brenham, who had practiced medicine in the area.

Brenham is located in Washington County and is the County seat, with a population nearing 15,000 and is the home and headquarters for Blue Bell Creameries.