Ride off into the Sunset

I ran into a friend on the street about a week ago, and we got to talking about our recent vacations (naturally). I really enjoy talking travel with this guy because we seem to be on the same wavelength when it comes to the types of trips we enjoy, and the delight we take in discovering unusual destinations. But when he sheepishly told me one of his favorite resources for travel ideas, I had to admit it was a "secret" resource of mine, too: Sunset Magazine! Yes, THAT Sunset Magazine, the old standby publication that focuses on gardening, craft and home projects for families in the West. It's kind of like admitting you subscribe to Reader's Digest for its great literary content, or get Playboy for the articles. But Sunset actually has a fantastic travel section that's filled with terrific weekend getaway ideas, cool day trips, and oddball sights in California, the Northwest, the Southwest, the Rockies and Hawaii. Even if you don't live in the West (which makes it sound like we all wear cowboy hats, spurs, and carry six-shooters), Sunset will provide you with lots of vacation ideas for years to come. With a year's subscription for just $9, it's a real travel bargain.