Just a short trip from BLVD l Loudoun Station in Herndon, Charcoal Kabob House is a Mediterranean restaurant that is famous among regulars for its signature kabobs. The tender lamb kabob seems to be the favorite kabob, but Charcoal Kabob offers other quality meat selections like chicken and beef. If you order a kabob, you also get vegetable curry, freshly baked naan bread, Basmati rice, and a salad. The prices may be a bit high, but you’re getting a large portion of authentic, quality food. Customers rave about the perfectly seasoned chickpea side and creamy, refreshing yogurt dip. A twenty-minute wait is common for Charcoal Kabob, but the cooks prepare dishes with a tandoor and use hickory charcoal (hence the name!) for an authentic, healthy taste. If you don’t have a lot of time, skip the kabob and instead choose the curry. It's all worth the wait!

Charcoal Kabob House
394 Elden Street
Herndon, VA 20170
(703) 435-2400

If you are a history lover, take a trip to Frankfort, Kentucky. The capitol city of Kentucky was settled in 1786. Since then the city has been through a lot, leaving it filled with tons of historic sites. Make sure you check out these great attractions during your trip! 

Buffalo Trace Distillery
Visitors say Buffalo Trace makes fantastic bourbon. You can tour Buffalo Trace for free or just head over to the gift shop where they offer free tastings of the bourbons like Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream and Eagle Rare. The tour guides are very friendly and knowledgeable. You'll learn about history as well as bourbon on these tours. 

Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
See beautifully preserved prairie land in Frankfort. This excellent center has several hiking trails, clean bathrooms, a pond, and a small nature center. Watch birds in the scenic bird blind room. For a scenic view and beautiful walking trail, the $4 admission is worth it. 

Rick's White Light Diner
Delicious Cajun cuisine is on the menu at Rick's. Stop in for a delicious lunch of New Orleans’s Muffaletta, Shrimp Po’ Boy, Crawfish Etouffee on a Bed of Grits, and Fried Catfish. Make sure you save room for a slice of fresh baked Bourbon Pie!  All the meals are made with high quality, locally sourced ingredients. Open Tuesday through Saturday. 

Traveling can be a great way to escape the stresses of everyday life, but it can also cause its own set of problems. Avoid being stressed on vacation by following these great tips. 

1. Don't leave things to chance. Unexpected problems are bound to arise, even if you're heading to paradise! Factor how much time you'll need for each task, like driving to the airport, and then give yourself some extra time. This way, you won't be scrambling at the last minute. 

2. Don't over/under pack.
Don't pack too much or too little. Plan for inclement weather by bringing a rain jacket and an extra pair, and throw in a scarf. Some locations in other countries require certain dress, like shawls covering a woman's shoulders. 

3. Don't leave tasks to the last minute.
It will really ruin your vacation if you pull out your passport the day before you're set to leave and realize it's expired. Make sure all the documents you need, like a passport and travel insurance, are all ready to go well before you leave. Also, be sure to notify your bank if you'll be using credit and debit cards outside of the U.S.

4. Don't become a victim of low blood sugar. 
Unexpected delays and impromptu museum visits can cause meal times to be pushed back. Don't let yourself get cranky because you haven't eaten. Always travel with some water and a small snack you can pull out when you feel hunger taking over.