Aaaahhhh summertime. Sunshine, no school and summer vacation.

Time to hit the beach, see a national park or experience the latest and most thrilling roller coaster at an amusement park. Can anyone say “largest ball of yarn?”

The official summer vacation season kicked off over Memorial Day weekend, with AAA projecting 34.9 million Americans hitting the road by car. It also projected nearly 2.93 million leisure air travelers flew during the holiday weekend. Even with gas prices still on the upswing, summer travel is predicated to increase in 2011 over last year.

I’m not sure yet where I am headed this summer, but planning our trips is always one of the things I look forward to the most. However, it often times can also be one of the most stressful parts of my summer vacation.

If you’re like me, you’ve already started watching hours of travel shows dreaming of visiting the hottest locales, riding the fastest and most death-defying thrill rides, or witnessing the nation’s most awe-inspiring scenery. Bright House Networks offers tons of great travel programs, many On Demand. Catch Bert the Conqueror’s latest adventure in Alaska, or Anthony Bourdain’s exotic international quest on the Travel Channel whenever the mood strikes you.

Or, maybe I’ll plan a gourmet “staycation,” highlighted with great family nights around the barbeque complete with smores, grilled fish and a cold beverage. Turn on Grill It! or Mexican Made anytime on Food Network for the latest recipes and ideas to enjoy for your next evening meal in the great outdoors.

I’ve also always wanted to hit the open road in one of those luxury recreation vehicles, complete with television, Internet access and gourmet kitchen. My idea of roughing it! The great news is that now I don’t have to worry about missing my favorite shows while I’m away. I can access my Remote DVR Manager to record anything I think I might miss, or catch all kinds of nail biting sports action on my computer, anytime, and anywhere there is Internet access with ESPNNetworks, or Speed2 for the Sports Pass fans. Hiking by day and a cool drink while watching a baseball game by night. What could be better?

Summertime – in my honest opinion, is the best time of the year!

What are your travel plans this summer? What was your favorite summer vacation spot growing up?