We've featured many learning vacations in Cookie, but we've always suspected that really any trip (even the one where you spend 85 percent of your time by the pool) is educational in its own way. The U.S. Department of Education confirms this. According to its new study of kids from kindergarten through the fifth grade, children who traveled over the summer (even if that just meant a short getaway) did better in subjects like math and reading. There may be other factors at play, but nonetheless, the researchers say the link between travel and academic achievement is clear. One more reason to book a family vacation!

Hyatt has a cool contest going on right now: Go online to submit a one- to two-minute video of your child describing why he or she is qualified to report on the Camp Hyatt kids' clubs. The winner gets a five-night stay for four at any Hyatt in the Caribbean or the U.S. and will report on the experience on Hyatt's website. But get the camcorder out now—the contest ends September 4.

NPR is doing a very comprehensive, very smart (c'mon, it's NPR) series on cheap travel across the U.S. Though it's got the ubiquitous "in this economy..." news hook, the spirit is celebratory, with stories on the joys of amusement parks, drive-in movies, minor-league baseball games, and inner-tubing. Readers can also suggest the best under-$100 trips in their area, which get plugged into an interactive map.

Everyone should raise a glass and say, "A votre santé!" to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. He recently announced plans to make all of the country's museums free to everyone 25 and under. That should shave a few euros off our next Parisian adventure. Thanks President Sarkozy for the arts-friendly initiative!

US Airways to charge $7 for pillows and blankets: The airline on Feb. 16 will begin charing for its "Power-Nap Sack" on domestic flights. Airlines are adding fees in response to a downturn in travel caused by the recession.

Tourists getting big discounts: Tourist destinations like Walt Disney World in Florida, Pennsylvania's Hersheypark, and the Georgia Aquarium, are offering reduced prices and specials in order to attract customers during the economic downturn.

Disneyland to open renovated "It's a Small World" ride: The most popular ride at the park reopens on Friday after a yearlong renovation. Some Disney fans have criticized the changes, but Disney executives say the changes were subtle.

Hotel guests are winners in travel downturn: In the worst travel downturn since 9/11, travelers are getting perks like free upgrades, reduced rates, and last-minute availability at popular destinations.

Recession Leads to Travel Deals: Travel companies are slashing prices on flights, cruises, and hotel rooms to get you to loosen your purse strings.

Online travel tools make it easier to visit New York City: The Big Apple has partnered with Google, Travelocity and others for a new NYC trip planning Web site that allows visitors to create and print personal travel plans and maps.

Airline frequent fliers may lose perks: Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways are looking to shorten the expiration time of frequent flier miles and take away some the flexibility of points.

Discounted rates and luxury perks at newer hotels: Booking a stay at the newest hotels in a city could mean that you're in for major money-saving perks.

 

Bush Takes Steps to Ease Holiday Travel Crunch
In an attempt to ease the frustration of flight delays this holiday season, President Bush plans to temporarily open airspace that's typically only available to the military.  Though the Pentagon made two East Coast corridors available to commercial airliners last year, Bush will expand that to accommodate those flying to celebrate the holidays with family and friends in the Midwest, Southwest, and along the West Coast.

Thanksgiving Travel to Wane
No surprise here: many families will opt to spend Thanksgiving at home this year thanks to the economic downturn.  According to AAA, 41 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles to gobble Turkey with their loved ones later this month -- a decline of 600,000 travelers from last year.  It will be the first decline in Thanksgiving travel since 2002.

New Mindset for Fliers: Pay As You Go
Like many restaurants, some airlines are now offering "ala carte" pricing to holiday travelers.  So while base fares for flights might drop, if you want that pillow or peanuts once you're onboard, you'll have to pay.  New fees for checked bags infuriated airline passengers this year, now travelers might have to whip out that credit card for everything from a window seat to speaking to a live person when you book your flight.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention today named Burlington, Vermont the healthiest city in America. Home to the University of Vermont and the birthplace of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, 92 percent of the city's residents are said to be in good or great health.

Burlington also ranks among the best in exercise and among the lowest in obesity, diabetes and other measures of ill health.

We're excited to see some attention being drawn to this beautiful city. Less than a six-hour drive from Manhattan, Burlington is a great option for East Coaster's looking for a quick winter getaway.

Nestled along the scenic shoreline of Lake Champlain with grand views of the Adirondack Mountains, the city offers beautiful new hotels, a host of delicious restaurants and locally produced microbrews, and great shopping. Kid's can expel all that extra energy at one of the local parks. Or  head to one of the many bike or  sailboat rental shops for an outdoor adventure.

Start your day with hearty, delicious breakfast at Penny Cluse Cafe. We love the buttermilk pancakes (topped with Vermont maple syrup, of course) and the Tofu Scram. Ice Cream lovers can take a 26-mile drive to Waterbury to take a tour of Ben & Jerry's factory, or go 10 miles further to Stowe for some of the Eastern seaboard's best skiing. Add a bit of comfort to a family vacation and stay a night at Stowe's Topnotch Restort and Spa. Trust us, it'll be just the thing you need to help you recover from the holiday hulabaloo.

Check out more ideas of what to see and do in Burlington here! And see who was named the unhealthiest city in America here.