Candyce H. Stapen @familyitrips

The report, The High Price of Silence: Analyzing the Business Implications of an Under-Vacationed Workforce, laments the fact that “while 97% of companies offer paid time off – few companies are tapping into its full potential.”

Struggle, striving, and strength are essential parts of many American experiences. To these, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, which opened September 24, adds the backdrop of slavery and segregation.

It wasn’t only the pioneers heading west who came through northwestern Nebraska. Fossils reveal that bear dogs, miniature camels, and even rhinos roamed on, what came to be, northwestern Nebraska’s lands.

Enjoy a frightful change from the same old ghouls and goblins this Halloween. Your kids and teens aren’t the only ones that will enjoy the clever – and safe – “haunting” grounds at regional theme parks.

“Fall is one of the most underrated travel seasons of the year. The weather is still great, the crowds are lighter, and there are amazing deals to be scored,” according to Hotwire.

The 12 inaugural exhibits in the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, in Washington, DC, present three broad and interconnected themes: history, community, and culture.

The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened to the public September 24, does many things well. One of them is serve good food.

Along with falling leaves, autumn brings falling prices in many destinations where September through November is shoulder season. Take advantage of the deals to vacation in the mountains, on beaches, in the desert and along the river.

There’s a wonderful symmetry to the fact that Barack Obama, the nation’s first African American president, will attend the opening ceremony for the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History & Culture. The $540 million facility, which opens to the public Saturday September 24, explores the history, sense of community, and the culture of African Americans.

Castles have always fascinated travelers, and Europe claims some of the world's most intriguing. In these centuries-old palaces, see where battles, banquets, and even a few beheadings have taken place, as well as admire priceless jewels and pristine gardens. In fall, spring and summer, the grounds are especially beautiful. Some of the castles may close or offer limited hours in winter. Always check ahead.

A truly family-friendly ski and snowboard resort solves two issues that have nothing to do with mountain runs. The first is, what can you do with tots too young to take lessons? And the second is, what can you do with the kids in the evening?

Hermine has reached Category I hurricane status and, at posting time, is headed to Florida’s panhandle and up the East Coast. Should you buy travel insurance to salvage any prepaid fees for your soggy Labor Day getaway? Nope. It’s too late.

Sometimes you just want to pamper yourself at an upscale hotel when you’re on a Caribbean vacation. In the US Virgin Islands, The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas is situated on 30 acres on the island’s eastern tip.

Sometimes a hotel room isn’t enough. You want a villa so you can stretch out in the living area – not just to sip wine and watch the sea – but to save money by preparing breakfasts and picnic lunches in a kitchen.

TripAdvisor’s recently released Attractions Trend Index reveals what your fellow Americans have been thinking about doing this summer – some of which they may have already done.

There’s something soothing about being in a fall landscape where the breeze makes the hillsides billow with waves of red, yellow, and rust. Ride a chairlift for panoramic views, hike the hillsides, take a scenic train ride, or pedal through wine country in the US or Europe.

August 26 is National Dog Day, and like all family trips, traveling with a dog takes planning. Here are some tips on how to keep your dog, and cat, safe when flying.

Enjoy the upcoming crisp weather and the vibrant fall colors (as well as fewer crowds) in France’s Provence and Spain’s Andalucia, as well as South Dakota’s Black Hills and Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Enjoy autumn’s crisp air and vibrant foliage even more by treating yourself to a special adventure. These two western adventures offer new perspectives, one on the landscape and the other on the inner life of horses.

Some 15.6 million passengers – an increase of 4% over last year – will fly on US airlines between August 31 and September 6, according to predictions by Airlines for America.

SoFi, or South of Fifth, provides a quiet oasis in otherwise bustling SoBe, or South Beach, an area of Miami Beach known for trendy clubs, Art Deco architecture, and throngs of tourists and locals.

Travelers crave thoughtful behavior from their fellow guests. A 2016 Expedia Hotel Etiquette study finds that inattentive parents and noisy people in the hall are the most disliked hotel guests.

“Zika is avoidable. Especially for a vacation, why put yourself and your family at risk?”

Crystal Cruises is not just a sea-going luxury line anymore. The award-winning cruise line extends its brand of service to river voyages and to air travel.

More and more hotels aim to differentiate themselves by offering guests special experience. Hilton Hotels lures families this summer with book and movie-themed suites. Other brands built bunk bed – fun for kids – and cost-saving for families and groups.

For whatever reason, you’ve waited to book a vacation – but now you can take advantage of all of the great deals through the winter.

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation or quieter times in the safari, Zambia, Africa is the place to be.