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Palm Springs: a Family vacation
The minute you get off the plane at the Palm Springs airport, you know you are on vacation (even if you are not) - palm trees and blue skies are just a few feet away. The mountain vistas, pleasant climate in the winter (it stays nice October thru April), and relaxing atmosphere with plenty of golf make it a popular destination for snowbirds. There is plenty to do for golfers (golf carts get their own lane on the streets of this town) with dozens of courses for every taste.
And if you are looking for some R&R - the spas in this town are top notch. You are near two national parks and just a few hours from LA. And don't forget the swimming! 
Of course, if you are traveling with kids, your focus will be slightly different, so we picked our top things to do in Palm Springs for families. The following attractions are perfect for families of kids up to 5 years old, but there are other things to do in town older kids would enjoy, such as the Air Museum or the Aerial Tramway ride up the top of the mountains.
No matter which attraction you visit in Palm Springs, you will enjoy your California vacation.
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A Walk in Paris
Paris... How many books written about it, how many movies taken, how many dreams tied to it, how many hearts lost and found there... If you have to see one city in the world, make it Paris. It didn't charm me right away, as I was there during a rainy season, but it slowly surrounded me with its intoxicating vibe and I was in love.
Paris, like many other cities in Europe, combines both the very old and the very new, yet in Paris the contrast seems striking. Start at the Arc de Triumph and walk down Champs Elysees (the commercial part of it) and you will see new offices, shops and bigger streets. Just don't try the traffic circle by the Arc... it requires quite a skill. Take the walk further east and you will end up in the park that will eventually turn into the older part of town. It's amazing how the old and the new coexist in one city, but that's what Paris is about - a mix of widely different districts (called arrondisements) and there are 20 of them. The royal history is everywhere, in monuments and city corners. And the 1st district is the center of the city - all the other arrondisements loop around it like a pinwheel. The river Seine divides Paris into the Left Bank and the Right Bank (Rive Gauche and Rive Droite). Finding your way around is easy - there are plenty of Metro stations around and people are extremely friendly, especially if you try a little French [see box for a few useful phrases]. There are certain areas you should definitely see in Paris and there are also some quirky ones ordinary tourists may skip. Here are my suggestions.
Place de Vosges and Ile St. Louis
This is probably my favorite place in Paris. It is slightly off the beaten track but it is the epitome of French life to me and it is close to a few other interesting spots. Bring your walking shoes and plan to be here for the day. Take Metro to the Bastille station, cross Place de la Bastille and head northwest down Rue St. Antoine and then right on Rue de la Birague. You will find yourself at Place de Vosges - my favorite square in Paris. Inside, you will find a lovely park with kids playing on the green and adults sitting around in dozens of little cafes. Stop around one and take in the view.
