If you've been thinking about a trip to one of the coolest Aquariums ever built then visit the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee. NASCAR Driver Brendan Gaughan paid a visit in dramatic fashion as he helped promote the Aquarium as well as "The Last Great Colosseum" located north of Chattanooga in the form of Bristol Motor Speedway. He went swimming with the sharks... really, he actually went swimming with a bunch of sharks. Talk about gaining instant fans in the crowds of young race fans who stopped by for the event.

Read more: Brendan Gaughan Swims With the Sharks for Bristol Motor Speedway at Tennessee Aquarium

(BPT) - Heading on vacation? This year, instead of settling for just sitting on the beach, think about embarking on an experience-based adventure.

"Whether you're traveling with family, friends or by yourself, there are all kinds of activities to enhance your vacation experience," says Jeanenne Tornatore, senior editor for the travel booking website Orbitz.com.

Here are four ideas to get you started on planning your trip:

Expand your skillset

They say there is no time like the present. Your next vacation could be the perfect time to cross a lesson or two off your bucket list. The Hawaii Style Surf School offers training in surfing and paddle boarding in the calming currents off Maui's coast.

Read more: Beyond-the-beach excitement! Four must-try vacation ideas

(NewsUSA) - Whether you're looking to relax beachside or find adventure, summer offers the perfect opportunity for a family retreat. TripAdvisor's report of this year's top U.S. travel destinations provides a good starting point for planning a summer vacation. Take a look at some of this summer's best destinations for family fun!

Read more: Visit This Summer's Travel Hot Spots

(BPT) - Family vacations are always a great time for family bonding and exploring new places. With some careful planning, the trip can be packed full of fun from the minute you lock the front door to the minute you arrive back home, exhausted and ready to share stories of your adventures with friends and family.

Traveling with children does require careful planning, but taking a little extra time to plan ahead will make your time spent together that much more rewarding. Take these ideas into consideration as you organize your family trip.

Read more: Fun tips for fantastic family vacations