I just got back from Kansas City, Missouri (with a short bi-state hop over to Kansas City, Kansas) and was pleasantly surprised by the variety of activities available in such a small city. Kansas City, Missouri is the larger of the two cities with the same name and has a nice metropolitan feel. Some of the distinctive neighborhoods are just perfect for family getaways or girlfriend weekends because they are compact, walk-able, and offer easy and convenient accommodations, food, entertainment, and relaxation options. I always appreciate a good travel destination where I know I can spend many happy days and not have to worry about finding enough activities to keep everyone occupied or worrying about having enough dining choices to satisfy everyone. Kansas City had several neighborhoods that met these “worry-free” criteria for me: Power and Light District, Westport, and the Country Club Plaza area. I am sure that a family staying near the Power and Light District would really enjoy the downtown activities such as The College Basketball Experience, theaters, and bowling. The girls looking for a get-together would enjoy the Plaza area with its great restaurants, coffee shops, movie theater, and shopping. And for those who are looking for some weekend nightlife, the Westport area delivers with multiple pubs, bars, restaurants, and lounges, including trolley transportation to/from Westport and 7 other entertainment areas around the city aboard the Kansas City Strip trolley. If you are like me and want a hassle-free trip when traveling with a group, be sure to look for destinations with: 

1) A variety of activities (both energetic and low-key, as well as, indoors and outdoors),
2) A variety of dining choices (upscale, low-cost, new, familiar, and highly-recommended), and, 
3) Convenient access to both activities and dining (within walking distance, by public transportation, or a short cab/car ride).   

Over many years of traveling with family and friends, I have found this combination always makes for an ideal group trip.

As a travel writer, arts and entertainment editor, syndicated writer, psychologist, teacher, and college dean, I have a true love for both travel and education. I have traveled to more than 30 countries and hundreds of cities around the world. I have learned so much from traveling and I am pleased to share that knowledge with you on The Ideal Trip.

I started traveling widely as a student in college. All of the trips then were low-budget (or no budget at all) and involved scraping a few dollars together to go somewhere.  I learned then how to travel affordably and still maximize the travel experience. And I want to share that knowledge with you. Later, I was fortunate enough to travel in luxury on travel writer junkets around the world.  Today, when I travel, I combine my travel knowledge to create exceptional trips.  I always seek out the best experiences wherever I go, but I also keep the budget in check with a few savvy traveler tricks. I am looking forward to sharing these same tips and tricks with The IdealTrip readers.

To travel is to be educated about yourself, the world, and those who surround you.  Travelling the famous roads and oceans of the world has made me understand how I fit in to this world.  In the words of Robert Frost, as in my life, I have taken the road less traveled and it has made all the difference. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with you and hope you will share your thoughts, too. 

Please check back for periodic updates here as I will be sharing great destinations, travel tips, and the best of the world for travelers. 

Happy Travels to All!