Ah, safaris. Theyre the stuff of legendary trips to the far-off grasslands of Kenya or Tanzania. Where the Big 5 rule the roost and everyone wears too much khaki. But you dont have to spend thousands on a trip to Africa to go on safari. There are lots of options here in North America.

1. Safari West, Santa Rosa, California
Get a taste of Africa in the heart of California’s wine country at Safari West. Six-hundred animals, including giraffes, gazelles, and zebras inhabit the preserve. Go for the day, or spend thenight in a luxury tent to get the full effect. F

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African Elephants. Photo: Hillary Young.

Driving over the ridge into Chobe National Park on the first afternoon of our arrival in Botswana, there is a collective intake of breath on the initial glimpse of the spectacle that was to capture us for next three days. Hundreds, and then thousands of elephants can be seen moving slowly towards the river, coming for their afternoon drink at the only water source for miles around.

On closer examination, we can also see many more slowly crossing the rivers, their trunks held up as oversize snorkels, as they slowly swim their way from bank to bank.

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Travel disruption may occur in Thailand as a result of inclement climes.

Holidaymakers heading to Thailand would be wise to check their travel insurance policy, as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns there has been heavy rainfall across the country and this is causing flooding in certain areas.The north, north-east and central parts of the nation have been affected, with travel disruption resulting in certain regions.All airports – including Suvarnabhumi International Airport – are operating normally, but there has been disruption to road and rail transport services.This is a particular issue on routes north of Bangkok and the FCO warns Britons in the affected areas must exercise caution.It is a wise move to be follow local authority advice, with the Thai 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre also publishing regular reports on the affected areas.The FCO says it is being “kept under constant review” regarding the situation and this guidance is based on an objective assessment of the risk posed to British nationals in the country.Individuals planning a holiday to Thailand should check with their tour operator – as well as local media – for updates on the situation prior to travel.General FCO advice for those visiting the nation says people should take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance, as well as checking for any exclusions that might apply.Motorcycles or scooters available for hire in beach resorts tend to be unregistered and are illegal to use on public roads, so the body suggests checking the small print of insurance documents prior to taking part in such activities.By Anne Jones  

Are you trying to decide where to go on holiday this year? A perfect holiday equals lots of fun in the sun and parks for the kids. You can have the best of both in Florida. This state probably has more beaches than anywhere else in the US. You can enjoy the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico where the sand is the color of sugar. It is absolutely beautiful. There is nothing else like it in the world. The water is crystal clear nearly all of the time and it is shades of blue and green. It is a beautiful place to go.

Besides the beaches there are wonderful amusement parks to entertain you and the children. The best known of course is Disney World. Read full topic…

In our search for the hot new destinations of 2012, we reached out to our recent Top 25 Agents for their insights. (We also called on some of our top editors and correspondents for their assessments.) From new cruise ports to out-of-the-way hotels and restaurants, here is a sampling of the places where your clients, especially your veteran travelers, will want to go next year—and beyond.

Asia

Donna Evans of Andavo Travel thinks Burma/Myanmar will be a place to watch next year. “Th

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