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The slogging economic recovery may not make 2011 the year of the splurge for most of us, but the new year is bringing more choice, more research ability, more deals to be had, and, hopefully, more fun. Here's our top ten trends in travel list for 2011. Let the planning begin.

The derailment of a chairlift at Sugarloaf Mountain ski resort in Maine left as many as eight people injured and about 220 skiers temporarily stranded 30 to 40 feet above the ground.

Last year, 285 million people visited America's National Parks, with the headliners like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and Sequoia grabbing much of the attention. But for folks on the East Coast, visiting these natural wonders of the American West may be more of a road trip than time and energy allow -- picture a Griswold-style ordeal in the Family Truckster.

But with 58 National Parks (among a total of 392 protected areas) to explore, there is a family adventure waiting to happen wherever you live. Invaluable for any foray into the parks is the National Parks Service website, where you can plan activities, make necessary reservations and learn about the area's history and attractions.

Dread the hottest months of the year? We track down the happening hotspots in the States where you won't break a sweat.

As the summer season starts, finding the perfect beach for sunbathing and splashing in the surf becomes a national pastime, even obsession. But what happens off the sand is just as important. While we all hope that the sun will shine every day of our vacation, it's good to know there are options if the skies open up. These ten towns are classic Americana and are packed with museums, shops, and other rainy-day diversions, plus lots of fun festivals and outdoor activities if you want to do something more active then turning the pages of the latest chick-lit release (did someone say mini-golf?).