As I hopped into the cab that would take me to the airport, I felt optimistic that my weekend getaway would be an exciting one. Within seconds, the driver began making small talk.

"Where you traveling to?" he asked with considerable enthusiasm despite the redeye hour.

"Baltimore," I said with an equal amount of pluck.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said the driver...

When I first stepped foot in Baltimore, I had a good feeling about my prospects of finding a few good watering holes. Historically known as a vital seaport, Baltimore has been influenced by German and Irish immigrants with deep roots in brewing and distilling fine beers and spirits. This influence - combined with the cultural influences of nearby Washington D.C. - left me feeling optimistic about finding quality restaurants and bars in Baltimore for enjoying a drink.

Long has Paris been the crown jewel of France, dazzling and delighting those who open up to the many complex subtleties of the city. With nearly 27 million tourists a year and a history dating back to at least 250 B.C., it's easy to see there's a love affair with all things related to this amazing city. Ask most anyone and they'll be able to tell you at least a few generic facts about Paris: it sports the iconic Eiffel Tower, excellent cuisine, and a long fashion history. But we've got some lesser known Paris facts that cause even some locals to give a look of surprise.

Canyonlands National Park is a bit of a curiosity in the wide portfolio of U.S. national parks. Try and compare it to other parks - you'll be left scratching your head. And while the neighboring Arches National Park has seen a major tourist boom over the last few years, Canyonlands continues to hold its own among outdoor enthusiasts.

Receiving over 470 million tourists in 2010, Europe continues to be one of the top travel destinations in the world. Yet despite its popularity, many people who don't live near the continent maintain that cheap travel to Europe is simply not possible. It's time to debunk this myth. For knowledgeable travelers interested in budget travel, Europe is a fantastic option.