© Greeley Stampede

As the home of the first organized rodeo in the world, Colorado has a full calendar of summer rodeo events that is just plain horse sense.

Both the Pro Rodeo Cowboys' Association and the Colorado State Legislature agree that the first-ever rodeo took place in Deer Trail, 54 miles east of Denver, on July 4, 1869. Cowboys from two neighboring ranches held the event to settle a long-running feud about which ranch's hands were more skilled. The small town (population 598) proudly continues its historic annual rodeo, this year on August 19–20.

Colorado is also home to the nation's largest Fourth of July rodeo. The Greeley Independence Stampede, running from June 23–July 4, has grown from 2,500 visitors in 1922 (when it was promoted, somewhat less impressively, as the Greeley Spud Rodeo) to around 450,000. Traditional rodeo events, parades and displays are joined by a carnival midway, Western art show, demolition derby, fireworks, vendors and a huge lineup of entertainers throughout the Stampede's 12-day run. 800-982-BULL or www.greeleystampede.org.

If Greeley whets your appetite for rodeos on a grand scale, the largest rodeo anywhere takes place just a few weeks later and a few miles to the north—Cheyenne Frontier Days, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, from July 21–30. 800-227-6336 or www.cfdrodeo.com.

Closer to home, you can find a smaller local rodeo in almost every Colorado town. Beaver Creek's runs from 5–8 p.m. every Thursday through July and August (with the exception of Aug. 3) and features fun events for everybody, like burro races and a petting zoo, in addition to the more exciting bulls and broncos. Buy tickets at the gate; you can sign up to test your family's burro handling skills or enter other events by calling 970-949-3212 between 7 and 9 p.m.

Whether you're looking for a day on the plains (try Cowboy Up in Kiowa, July 29–30; 303-621-2364) or in the mountains (maybe Steamboat Springs, every Friday and Saturday through August 19, www.steamboatprorodeo.com) it's hard to find a Coloradan who hasn't visited at least one summer rodeo. If you haven't, make this the year.

Cruisers getting younger

According to the Cruise Line International Association, the average age of cruise passengers is now 49—the lowest ever. The average reflects the diverse range of itineraries available today, with many cruises appealing to young families and active travelers in their 30s and 40s, alongside more traditional cruise options.

Plains put it on for free

This summer, Cheyenne , Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties have joined forces to create “Our Journey,” a free travel kit to destinations on Colorado's central plains. It includes free admission to 10 museums, self-drive tour instructions, a guide to attractions and local historical information.

The Central Plains area has a surprising range of attractions. Museums include Limon Heritage Museum & Railroad Park ; the Flagler Hospital Museum with its antique hospital equipment and memorabilia; Cheyenne County Museum , housed in Cheyenne Wells' historic jail; Burlington Old Town with 21 historic buildings; and many more.

Kit Carson County Carousel, also in Burlington, is one of the finest surviving examples of an antique wooden carousel, and the only one in America that still has its original paint.

More quirky stops are Grampa Jerry's Clown Museum in Arriba (more than 3,000 clown-related items, including a clown sculpted from a cow hairball) and the Wonder View Tower in Genoa (a 22-room accumulation of almost anything, this roadside attraction must be seen to be believed).

Visit www.ourjourney.info or call 800-825-0208 for more information. Visitors who collect a stamp from at least six locations receive a free gift, and those who visit at least seven locations will be entered in a draw for two nights' accommodation and dinner for two at a Colorado Plains B&B.

Croatia: a surprise travel hit

What are the best places to go in Europe?

A recent survey of Europe's leading tour operators revealed Croatia as a surprise winner. With fascinating historic cities like Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, a Mediterranean climate and 1,185 islands scattered along a magnificent coastline, this nation on the Adriatic coast won the popular vote in both the excitement and value-for-money categories. It was also named 2006's “most desirable world destination” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.

Describing itself as “the way the Mediterranean used to be,” Croatia has become widely known in Europe as a very popular, safe and attractive destination during the 10 years since its independence.

Tom Jenkins, executive director of the European Tour Operators Association, said Croatia comes out on top because it is perceived as European in a geographical and cultural sense, but does not have the higher costs associated with European Union nations. “Because it is not subject to EU tax laws, Croatia enjoys a 19% price break compared with its close competitors, the more established Italy and Greece,” said Jenkins. The country is negotiating to join the EU within the next couple of years.

The survey was conducted at an annual event attended by most of the leading inbound European tour operators. Paris was named the best destination for romance, and France also rated top for outdoor activities and food. London and Barcelona were voted best for partying, and Venice and Rome best for art.

Red Rocks is state's newest welcome center

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) has designated Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Morrison as the state's ninth official welcome center, and the first in a location other than a major land entry point. The site will allow the CTO to reach instate travelers and those arriving at Denver International Airport.

Red Rocks attracts more than 750,000 tourists and 350,000 concertgoers a year to the famous natural amphitheatre with its 300-foot sandstone monoliths. The new Welcome Center is housed in the Trading Post building.

Other Colorado Welcome Centers are located in Burlington, Cortez, Dinosaur, Fort Collins, Fruita, Julesburg, Lamar and Trinidad.

High-speed travel by train

Many modes of transportation seem to be bogging down. Between highway congestion and long check-in times at airports, it feels like it takes more time than ever to get from point A to point B.

Overseas, however, train travel is speeding up. For more than 20 years, Europe and Japan have been building a network of high-speed rail connections that Americans can only envy.

How fast is high-speed? The top speed under ordinary working conditions for these trains is around 186 mph, though their average speed on most routes is around 160 mph. France is working on a new train with the goal of breaking 200 mph.

Experi-mental magnetic levitation trains have reached over 350 mph, but at this time there is only one commercial maglev route in the world, the Shanghai Transrapid in China . It runs between the airport and the city center, covering an hour-long drive in seven minutes.

For business or vacation travelers to Europe , high-speed trains make it possible to get around more of the continent in a short time.

France's Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) rail network is the most extensive in Europe. From Paris you can reach the magnificent Loire Valley in one hour and 10 minutes on a TGV, or London via the Channel Tunnel in two and a half hours. The Thalys TGV zips between Paris and Brussels in just one hour and 20 minutes. Thalys has been so popular that most of the airlines that previously flew between the two cities have discontinued flights.

Germany, Spain, Italy and Sweden also have high-speed rail between major cities.

• Germany's ICE (InterCity Express) serves Berlin, Hanover, Hamburg, Nuremberg , Munich and Stuttgart . It also has routes into Switzerland, Austria, Belgium and Holland.

• Spain's AVE (Alta Velocidad Española) runs between Madrid and Seville, and soon will run between Madrid and Barcelona.

• Italy's Eurostar Italia links Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and other cities in Italy.

• Sweden's X2000 runs between Stockholm, Goteborg and on to Norway.

• The Cisalpino and Artesia high-speed trains link France, Switzerland, and Italy.

All high-speed trains in Europe require advance reservations. For more information, visit your AAA Travel professional.

Going wild at National Wildlife Refuges

Most people are familiar with National and State Parks, but there's another park system that is less well known. The National Wildlife Refuge System operates 545 wildlife zones across the country, managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service and dedicated to protecting native plant and animal species. There is a refuge within an hour's drive of most major cities.

One of the nation's largest urban refuges is Rocky Mountain Arsenal, eight miles east of Denver. The refuge is open on summer weekends and offers opportunities to see a variety of birds and wildlife.

For more information visit http://rockymountainarsenal.fws.gov or call 303-289-0930.

Make vacation planning a family affair

Most family travel is planned by one person in the family. While this is certainly the quickest way, parents striving to educate and build togetherness can use a more deliberate approach that makes travel planning into part of the adventure.

Gather ideas. Use a map to pinpoint locations suggested by the whole family. Brainstorm appealing places, perhaps from favorite books and movies, locations that represent your origins, or places friends have enjoyed visiting. Then discuss the positives and negatives associated with each choice. Eliminate ideas beyond your available time and budget, and those that don't appeal to the majority of family members. Finally, take all of the acceptable ideas and choose by vote or random draw.

Plan your route. Compare all available ways to reach your destination—plane, train, family car, rental car, RV, bus—explaining the differences in time, cost, convenience, comfort and the need for en route meals and accommodation. When you've picked a method, you can start planning interesting activities along the way.

Delegate. Assign everyone a responsibility. Young children are usually delighted to be “in charge” of something, even if it's as minor as getting to choose the snacks for a particular day.

Reminisce. Close each day of your trip by sharing, in turn, your best and worst moments of the day. Think of topics based on the day's activities: favorite food, best shopping find, funniest experience, most amazing sight. Jot down everyone's comments.

Make a scrapbook. As you travel, keep a large envelope on hand. Let family members collect brochures, maps, admission tickets, programs, coins and other small items. After the trip, plan a family night to recapture your adventure in a scrapbook. Younger children can draw pictures that illustrate their favorite memories. Put it all together with your photos in whatever format you choose.

Dare to dream. For destinations far beyond your budget, start a “family dream trip” binder. Emphasize to your children that even though it isn't possible now, it is something to strive for later in their lives. Create “mock vacations” together by researching customs, recipes, crafts and activities. Visit relevant museum exhibits, cultural festivals and restaurants; learn a few words and phrases of the language; borrow music and folk tales from your local library. Your dream trip binder can educate, encourage long-term goals, spur family discussions about world events, or spark ideas for school projects.

Cruising during the holidays

Cruise ship guests can feel at home for the holidays on a December cruise—but with warm weather and a host of exciting ports of call.

Ships are decorated in festive style for both Christmas and Hanukkah, with twinkling trees, menorahs and traditional holiday foods. You can watch classic holiday movies and college bowl games. Santa makes an appearance on many ships, along with champagne and fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Holiday cruising is especially popular, so it's necessary to book far in advance. Book online at www.aaa.com or talk to a AAA Travel professional.