Whenever my family takes a trip together, it is usually outside of the United States. When I was younger, my parents took my brother and me all around the world to visit historic sites and museums. I grew up with constant jealously of my friends who got to go on “fun” trips, including Disney World and the Grand Canyon, with their families. I couldn’t understand why my parents dragged my brother and me on long plane rides to boring venues.

As I grew up, I started to understand and appreciate our family trips more and more. I recognized how much I learned after coming home from each trip. Over time, I became accustomed to long plane rides, historic sites and museums and even grew to love them.

As you can tell, my family travels a lot. My parents take about six trips overseas each year, and my brother lives overseas. After graduating from college, my vacation time dwindled. I have traveled domestically, taken a long weekend in London and another in Italy, but missed out on many family gatherings all over the world.

I am excited to say for the first time in two and a half years I am taking an extended trip over Christmas and New Year’s. My family is looking into spending the holidays in Vietnam — a place my dad has wanted to go for years. Vietnam is a popular destination, and I know the obvious sites to visit when I am there; but my question to our loyal readers is, Have you visited Vietnam? If so, are there any off-the-beaten-path attractions you suggest we visit during our trip? What about interesting hotels and restaurants?

Any and all suggestions would be great!