Buenos Aires is the most populous city and capital of Argentina. Its moniker as the “Paris of South America” is a bow to the European influence on its culture. Buenos Aires is a world class city with a significant tourism industry. The city is divided into 48 districts, referred to as “barrios”. Microcentrois the downtown area, home to most of the historical sites and pedestrian shopping areas.La Bocais picturesque with its buildings bursting with vivid colors.Palermois a hip, residential neighborhood with trendy bars, restaurants and boutiques.Boedois the main location for Tango, cultural centers, libraries and theaters. Each of the 48 barrios maintains its own unique identity. The second largest performing arts theater in the Southern Hemisphere (after the Sydney Opera House), Teatro Colon, is a massive building of traditional architecture and bears a visit whether to catch a show or tour the facility. The Obelisco, the famous monument of Buenos Aires is located on the same street, 9 de Julio, said to be the widest street in the world. Recoleta Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Buenos Aires’ most famous and wealthy (including Eva Peron) where the remains of entire families are held in ornate mausoleums with intricate carvings. A quiet stroll through the cemetery affords an escape from the hustle and bustle just outside the walls. Shopping on the famed avenues Calle Florida and Avenida Alvear offers incredible selections of international fashions in boutiques mingled with stately mansions. The Plaza de Mayo is the most important area of the city for historical significance. The Plaza faces Casa Rosada, the presidential palace housing a museum of memorabilia related to Argentine leadership over the ages. The balcony where Eva Peron made many of her famous appearances overlooks the Plaza. The Plaza has been the scene of numerous important gatherings and political protests throughout Argentine history. The Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires displays an extensive collection of Latin American art in all its forms. Puerto Madero provides moorage for the Fragata Escuela Presidente Sarmiento, the first ship designed specifically for training purposes that first set sail from Buenos Aires in 1899. The grand old lady now functions as the Museum of Sea Navigation. Tango is the national dance of Argentina. The annual Festival Buenos Aires Tango and the Congreso Internacional de Tango Argentino attract dancers and their fans from around the world for weeks long competitions, exhibitions and instruction. Tango halls are spread throughout the city but Tango dancers can be found dancing in the streets almost any time of the year. Buenos Aires hosts music festivals, including the annual Buenos Aires Jazz Festival, stages world championship sporting events, is the home of the “Cathedral of Polo”, presents every type of restaurant with many offering excellent selections of local wines, maintains one of the largest Jewish communities in the world and is a popular destination for gay travelers. Do yourself a favor and add a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina to your list. Your dream of visiting a world class city with every type of entertainment option combined with a rich history and culture can come true when you follow through on your plans.

Venice, Italy is perhaps one of the most unique and lovely cities in the world. Built on a lagoon, Venice has remained virtually unchanged for the past 600 years. The main part of the city is spread over 120, or so, islands and is where the most frequently visited sites in the city are located. There are no automobiles in the city and the canals separating the land masses are Venice’s streets and byways. Movement between the islands is achieved by the use of many types of boats, possibly the most Venetian of which is the gondola, a human powered, flat bottomed boat moved about by a single person (the gondolier) standing on the bow of the long, thin boat while propelling it with a single, lengthy oar. Most Venetians now travel by water taxi or vaporetti (water buses) with the gondolas mostly used for romantic, leisurely rides geared toward tourists. Venice has the reputation of being the world’s most walkable city due to the absence of cars. Visitors to Venice find the architecture and artwork competing with the beautiful setting for their attention. Venice has an ancient history stretching back nearly 1,200 years with the city at various times being part of the Roman Empire, Austria, Hungary and Italy. Today, this Italian storehouse of famous artwork is heavily geared toward tourism with a large portion of its economy dependent upon visitors. Among the most favorite places of tourists are St. Mark’s Basilica with its world famous Byzantine architecture, the Piazza San Marco (or St. Mark’s Square) a meeting place for Venetians, both common folks and those of the ruling class, for 11 centuries, The Lido di Venezia, the home of the Venice Film Festival which takes place every September and the Doge Palace which presents fascinating artwork, weapons and maps worthy of anyone’s attention. Among the favorite galleries and museums found in Venice is Gallerie dell’Accademia, ensconced behind the walls of a former convent housing trophies from Napoleon’s conquests; Museo dela Musica presents a collection of rare musical instruments from the 17thto the 19thcenturies as part of tribute to the famous composer, Antonio Vivaldi; La Pieta, an iconic church where Vivaldi acted as concertmaster; Giudecca 795 with its presentation of contemporary art; the Peggy Guggenheim Museum with its nod toward expressionists and surrealism. Foodies are drawn to Venice to experience the abundant local seafood, pizzas, pasta dishes and pastries that contribute to Venice’s elevated reputation among epicureans. Shopping in Venice provides opportunities to view and perhaps purchase unique glassworks from artisans that are part of the local culture. Hotels with modern conveniences, bed and breakfast establishments, charming pubs and cafes all contribute to the quintessential Venetian experience Venice is served by the Marco Polo International Airportso named in honor of its famous citizen. The airport is on the mainland and is connected by land and bridge to Venice's main island. Some visitors reach Venice by way of Treviso Airport in Treviso, 30 km from Venice. A trip to Venice needs to be added to your list if you have dreamed of being rowed through the canals of this romantic city while, perhaps, being serenaded by your gondolier. You can spend time admiring the famous art and architecture and enjoying the local cuisine and culture. Start planning your trip to Venice, Italy now.

“The Eternal City” as it is lovingly nicknamed, Rome is one of the great cities of the world. Besides its elevated status as the capital of Italy, while also its largest city, Rome has been a center of culture and prestige for most of its more than 2,500 years of existence. The city is replete with splendid palaces, churches and basilicas of great historical importance, revered statues, fountains, public squares and monuments along with magnificent public buildings. The historical center of Rome encompasses 2 of the 9 primary districts of the city and is the location of many of the sites of historical interest. The Old Rome district where beautiful plazas, ancient cathedrals, iconic squares and countless revered pieces of art are found is part of the city’s historical center. The Pantheon, built nearly 2,000 years ago as a monument to all the gods of ancient Rome with its iconic portico of Corinthian columns, is located in Old Rome along with the Piazza Navona where ancient athletic contests were staged and the Campo de’ Fiori, a site that has seen various uses during its long history including public executions. The Colosseo district, also part of Rome’s historical center, is where such significant structures as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, the Arch of Constantine along with many museums and galleries. The Colosseo also contains Trajan’s Markets, a well preserved 20 centuries old location for public trading, thought to be the world’s oldest shopping mall and a wonderful example of ancient Roman architecture. Adjacent to Rome’s historical center is the Modern Center district, the location for many hotels, dining and shopping venues and also home to Trevi Fountain, the Piazza Barberini, the ancient barracks of the Praetorian Guard of Imperial Rome known as Castra Praetoria and the Quirinal Repubblica area on the largest and tallest of the seven hills upon which Rome was built ripe with shopping areas, examples of Roman nightlife, cafes and cobblestone streets. Perhaps the most significant of the other Roman districts is the Vatican, especially to those of Christian faith. The Vatican contains an endless collection of treasures and relics relating to Catholicism, Christianity and the Popes, who became the de facto rulers of Rome after the fall of the Roman Empire. The Vatican is packed with enough artwork and history that would allow it to compete with nearly any other city in the world. Among the favorite places for visitors to the Vatican are St. Peter’s Basilica with its Michelangelo designed dome, the Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Piazza where the sitting Pope regularly provides a general audience to the assembled crowd, the Vatican Museum with its Sistine Chapel and famous frescos and a building many describe as the most fascinating in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo, originally the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, then a residence and castle for medieval Popes before becoming a prison in the 19thcentury and now a museum. Many visitors to the Vatican enjoy observing the Swiss Guard, the world’s smallest standing army, performing in their duties providing security for the Pope festooned in their traditional uniforms with a nod toward the Medici family which spawned 4 Popes. Rome is served by 2 modern International Airports with access to the entire globe as well as other European hubs. Access to the city by public transportation is part of the convenient and well-connected system. The public transportation system of buses and trains is the method of choice for moving around the city with multi-day passes the norm that includes stops at virtually all the popular sites frequented by tourists and some prepaid admission to museums and archeological sites. Walking tours from piazza to piazza all the while taking in the sculptures, fountains and churches in between is also a favored way of touring the compact city. Many epicureans find Rome to be at the center of their universe and the pursuit of the world’s best gelato or the perfect pasta dish competes with Rome’s art, history and architecture for many travelers with an eye toward a Roman holiday. Should you dream of visiting the city that nurtured the art of Michelangelo, was the center for the rise of the Roman Empire, houses the iconic Vatican and today is a bustling center of commerce and modern life then a trip to Rome, Italy needs to be added to your list. There is so much to see and do that good planning is essential to get the most out of your trip. Start working on how to best complete this trip of a lifetime today.

Paris, France, “The City of Light” is the capital and largest city in France. With its location straddling the banks of the Seine River, two islands at its center, Ile St. Louis and Ile de la Cite contain the oldest parts of the city. Prior to the 19thcentury, Paris was the most populous city in the Western World. Today, over 2 million inhabitants call the city home with more than 12 million residents in the metropolitan area making Paris the most populated metropolitan area in Europe. Paris is one of the world’s most foremost financial and cultural centers. The city is home to a number of major international organizations and exudes significant influence over Europe’s politics, science, art, entertainment, fashion and education. The city is comprised of 20 “Arrondisements” or districts that can be found in a spiral fashion moving outward and clockwise from the city center, located in the 1stArrondisement. Within the 1stArrondisement is found the Louvre (and the associated Tuileres Gardens) with its world famous and most impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. Also found in this 1stArrondisement are the houses of St-Laurent and Dior and other haute couture designers as well as the largest shopping complex in Paris and some of the finest jewelers in France. The 2ndthrough 7thArrondisements harbor their own impressive and important sites in these oldest parts of Paris and include such attractions as the Parisian Theater district, the Marais District which houses trendy bars, shops and restaurants among its well preserved and architecturally significant buildings; Notre Dame Cathedral and the surrounding neighborhoods are found in what is perhaps the most picturesque district, the 4thArrondisement. Continuing the pattern through the next few districts visitors will find the Latin Quarter, some of the most prestigious schools and universities in France surrounding the Pantheon, The Jardin des Plantes (zoo and botanical gardens) and the Musee National Moyen-Age. The Eiffel Tower is just one of many spectacular, unforgettable and famous sites found in the 7thArrondisement. Considered by many to be the most beautiful avenue in the world, the Champs-Elysees is found in the 8thArrondisement emanating from the Arc de Triomphe, as are beautiful parks, museums, galleries and Palaces. The 9ththrough the 11thhouses the Opera House, the waxworks at Musee Grevin, quaint neighborhoods, working docks, furniture manufacturers and the haunts of the hip and trendy Parisians. The 12thArrondisement boasts Paris Beach, the most visited pleasure beach in the city, the Place de Bastille and the Palais Omnisport de Paris (home of a spectrum of sports and musical events). Continuing on the path outward, Chinatown emerges along with the French National Library (Bibliotheque nationale de France), the clothing shops of Rue d’Alesia, the Bronze Lion of Belfort, Rodin’s Balzac (in Place Denfort-Rochereau) and then to the most fashionable 16thdistrict with its panoramic views back into the city. The spiral course continues on to the city limits but not before encountering the breathtaking monument, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), the Science and Industry Museum and the Cimitiere du Pere-Lachaise with its oft visited and permanently flower-carpeted tomb of Jim Morrison. Your dream of visiting one of the world’s most romantic and important cities is as close as adding a trip to Paris, France to your list. The “City of Light” is calling you to visit its historical sites, famous museums and galleries, iconic buildings and to experience the world class cuisine. In order to insure your ability to check this trip off your list you need to start planning the details of that vacation of a lifetime today.

The most populous city of the Czech Republic, Prague is also the country’s capital. Throughout its 1,100 year history Prague has been a cultural, politic and economic center of central Europehaving at one time been the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Prague was a key city in the Habsburg Monarchy, the Protestant Reformation and the Thirty Years War. When Czechoslovakia was created after World War I Prague was named its capital. Parts of the city were destroyed by bombing in World War II including many historical landmarks but the city escaped the mass destruction that was inflicted upon other European municipalities. During the Cold War years, Prague was under the control of the Soviet Union until the Czech Republic reestablished its independence after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Prague is one of Europe’s favorite tourist destinations. The Vltava River that intersects the city with its swan-filled waters magically reflecting the bridges, cathedrals, gold-tipped towers and church domes greets visitors to Prague. In spite of the damage inflicted on the city in World War II much of the historic architecture of the city has been preserved. Visitors to Prague find wonderful examples of a broad spectrum of architectural styles including Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, Cubist, Gothic, Neo-Classical and Ultra-Modern. Among the favorite places to visit in Prague are Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, the storehouse of the Czech Crown Jewels; Old Town and the Old Town Square harboring the Medieval Prague Astronomical Clock; New Town and historic Wenceslas Square historically a site for political demonstrations and now a popular area for nightlife; The Museum of Decorative Arts; The John Lennon Wall; Vysehrad Castle, the resting place for many famous Czechs including Antonin Dvorak; the preserved Baroque gate to the city, Pisek Gate; The New Jewish Cemetery where Franz Kafka is laid to rest; The Mucha Museum with its prolific Art Nouveau collection; The Prague Zoo, presenting over 4,000 animals of more than 650 species and considered one of the top 10 zoological parks in the world. Prague is known for its beer and is home to a number of breweries that provide tours to visitors. The Czech Beer Festival is held in Prague every May showcasing over 70 Czech beers. A classical music festival, Prague Spring, draws music lovers to the city every year. Professional sporting events including football (soccer), rugby and ice-hockey draw spectators during the respective seasons for the home teams. A broad cross-section of hotels, inns and hostels are available to meet any traveler’s budget and a unique experience enjoyed by visitors to Prague is to arrange accommodations in a “Botel”, a hotel within a boat that provides gorgeous city views from the water. The Prague Metro is an intricate and reliable method of moving about the city and along with buses and a ferry system accommodates most transportation needs of tourists within the city. Prague is considered to be a very walkable city and self-guided walking tours are one of the favored ways to move about the fascinating city. One of the busiest airports in central Europe services Prague, Prague Ruzyne Airport. Fulfill your dream of visiting one of the great cities of central Europe by including a trip to Prague, Czech Republic on your list. Beautiful architecture and wonderful attractions await your visit. Start planning the details for this fantastic holiday now.

Nassau is the capital, largest city, and commercial centre of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The city is located on the island of New Providence. Downtown is the hub for all activities in Nassau. Thousands of people visit daily, to shop, dine, sightsee and to enjoy the tropical climate of the city. While the busiest part of Downtown is the Bay Street thoroughfare and the Woodes Rogers Walk, located across the street from the port and parallel to Bay, the area actually extends for several blocks in each direction. It starts at West Bay, around the Junkanoo Beach area. A few hotels and restaurants are located on West Bay, most notably Compass Point, Holiday Inn, Quality Inn, and Chez Willie. The next landmark is the British Colonial Hotel, which marks the beginning of Bay Street proper. Pirates of Nassau Museum is just across from the British Colonial Hilton. The next few blocks of Bay Street are wall-to-wall boutiques, with a few restaurants and clubs interspersed throughout the retailers. Famous historical landmarks are also in the vicinity, including Vendue House and the Christ Church Cathedral. Although the tourist part of Downtown peters out after about seven blocks, smaller, more local stores are found all the way down Bay Street. At this point, Bay Street becomes East Bay. Cable Beach is recognised as the hotel district of Nassau. Five enormous hotels—two of which are all-inclusive—are located on this strip. The area is also known for its dining options, the Crystal Palace Casino, and the golden sands of Cable Beach itself. Most of the area's restaurants are located either in the hotels or across the street. BBQ Beach, Androsia and Capriccio are three of the best dining options in the Cable Beach area, each offering unique décor, a serene atmosphere, and distinctive cuisine. There is little to no nightlife. There is a bit of shopping, most of it located in the Wyndham. The city's chief festival is Junkanoo, an energetic, colorful street parade of brightly costumed people dancing to the rhythmic accompaniment of cowbells, drums and whistles. The celebration occurs on December 26 and January 1, beginning in the early hours of the morning (1:00 a.m.) and ending around 10 a.m.

Walking through the narrow streets of the picturesque Greek Island of Santorini you will likely smell a heavenly mixture of olive oil, mint, and wine in the air. The islands whitewashed houses framed by bougainvillea spill down the rim of this ancient volcanic crater. You’d never really know that a volcano last erupted on this island in 1956. Though some of the most interesting things to do and see are as a result of that volcano. In Akrotiri you can see the remains of the ancient Thira (Santorini) that had been covered in lava over a 1,000 years ago. If you want to see what a volcano looks like under water you can take a submarine ride. There are also many other ways to enjoy Santorini and you’ll probably want to rent a motorbike to get around the island with ease. Consider visiting one of the island’s many beaches. If you want a destination that offers beach sports, restaurants, and bars, visit Perissa. Looking for something more remote, then visit Red Beach. It’s a little hidden, but quite a gem. Go see a Sunset at Oia Village for one of the best views in the world.

The City of Aspen is in Pitkin County, Colorado, United States. Founded as a mining camp in the Colorado Silver Boom and named because of the abundance of aspen trees in the area, the city is now a ski resort and an upscale tourist center. Aspen is home to three renowned institutions that have international importance: the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Aspen Institute, and the Aspen Center for Physics. The Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, the Hunter-Frying Pan Wilderness, and the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness are nearby. In the late 20th century, the city developed as a popular destination for celebrities, attracting people like Charlie Sheen, Hunter S. Thompson, and John Denver, the latter having written several songs about the town, including "Aspenglow" and "Starwood in Aspen". Aspen boasts the most expensive real estate prices in the United States. The historic character of the city has been challenged in recent decades by skyrocketing property values and the proliferation of second homes, increasingly shutting low- and middle-income workers out of the city and creating a large pool of commuters from nearby bedroom communities such as Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. At the same time, in stark contrast to its historic character, the city has emerged into international fame as a glitzy playground of the wealthy and famous. Aspen has become a second and third home to many international jet setters. The downtown has been largely transformed into an upscale shopping district that includes high-end restaurants, salons, and boutiques. Aspen boasts Ralph Lauren, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Fendi, Bvlgari, Burberry, Brioni, theory and Ermenegildo Zegnaboutiques.

Located in Central Italy, Tuscany is considered the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance producing famous talents such as Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante, and Puccini who all contributed immensely to the arts and sciences. Many of the works of these greats can be seen at the various museums (Uffizi, Pitti Palace, Accademia Galleria, and others) throughout the area. Visiting Tuscany is a magical escapade with its beautiful, rolling landscapes, wineries, museums, fields of sunflowers, and culinary delights. Be sure to experience the hustle of city life in Florence and relax on a wine tour through the countryside. The wineries are best known for Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, and Brunello di Montalcino.

Bali is a province of Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands and the easternmost of the Sunda Shelf. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan to the southeast. The provincial capital, Denpasar, is the most populous city in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the second-largest, after Makassar, in Eastern Indonesia. The upland town of Ubud in Greater Denpasar is considered Bali's cultural centre. The province is Indonesia's main tourist destination, with a significant rise in tourism since the 1980s. Tourism-related business makes up 80% of its economy. Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, with 86.9% of the population adhering to Balinese Hinduism. It is renowned for its highly developed arts, including traditional and modern dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking, and music. The Indonesian International Film Festival is held every year in Bali. Other international events that have been held in Bali include Miss World 2013, the 2018 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group and the 2022 G20 summit. In March 2017, TripAdvisor named Bali as the world's top destination in its Traveller's Choice award, which it also earned in January 2021. Bali is part of the Coral Triangle, the area with the highest biodiversity of marine species, especially fish and turtles. In this area alone, over 500 reef-building coral species can be found. For comparison, this is about seven times as many as in the entire Caribbean. Bali is the home of the Subak irrigation system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to a unified confederation of kingdoms composed of 10 traditional royal Balinese houses, each house ruling a specific geographic area. The confederation is the successor of the Bali Kingdom. The royal houses are not recognised by the government of Indonesia; however, they originated before Dutch colonisation. The tourism industry is primarily focused in the south, while also significant in the other parts of the island. The prominent tourist locations are the town of Kuta (with its beach), and its outer suburbs of Legian and Seminyak (which were once independent townships), the east coast town of Sanur (once the only tourist hub), Ubud towards the centre of the island, to the south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Jimbaran and the newer developments of Nusa Dua and Pecatu.

Kauai is the fourth largest island in the Hawaiian chain and is sometimes called the “Garden Isle,” as a nod to the verdant valleys that cascade between jagged mountain cliffs and soaring peaks. Kauai is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian Islands, magically shaped by time and the elements. Tropical rainforests, scenic rivers and tumbling waterfalls are some of the hallmarks of the distinctive landscape. Like other islands in the chain, Kauai is a land of contrasts. One of the wettest places on earth can be found on the east side of Mount Waialeale only a few miles from the desert landscape of the Poipu resort area. Much of Kauai is unspoiled and the unforgettable beauty of some of the remote areas can only be seen by boat or from aircraft. From the soaring cliffs of the Napali Coast to the eye-popping expanse of Waimea Canyon the island of Kauai boasts a broad variety of outdoor activities. Counted among the favorite pursuits of visitors are kayaking on the Wailua River, snorkeling and SCUBA diving at any number of unforgettable locations, hiking the trails of Kokee State Park, ziplining above Kauai’s lush valleys, sailing or rafting on the Napali coast, golfing world class courses, horseback riding or just lazing in the sun on un-crowded white sand beaches. For many visitors, the island’s allure is the laid-back atmosphere and rich culture found in its small towns and single-lane bridges that make a visit to Kauai truly timeless. The island is divided into 5 distinct regions, each with its own identity. The West Side of the island is home to some of the historic highlights and scenic wonders in addition to charming small towns. The “Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, Waimea Canyon is located on the west side with its panoramic views of crested buttes, rugged crags and deep valley gorges. Waimea Town displays a statue of Captain James Cook as a monument to his discovery of the island in 1778. The art capital of Kauai, Hanapepe Town has been the location for a number of Hollywood films. Kokee State Park boasts 45 miles of hiking trails. The South Shore of Kauai is where the Poipu resort area is found. Poipu Beach has been named America’s Best Beach by the Travel Channel. Some of Kauai’s best shopping areas, restaurants and golf courses are located close to Poipu on the south shore. Humpback Whales, Green Sea Turtles and the occasional Hawaiian Monk Seal are regular visitors to the waters off Poipu. Lihue is the commercial center of the island and the location of the main airport along with Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai’s shipping center and cruise ship port. Lihue’s Kalapaki Beach is enjoyed by surfers, bodyboarders and windsurfers. The first class Kauai Lagoons golf facility is located in Lihue and the picturesque Wailua Falls is found just outside town. The East Side of Kauai is known as the “Coconut Coast”. In addition to a number of resorts that can be found on the east side surrounded by groves of coconut trees, the region boasts historic places, unforgettable beaches and nearby attractions. The Wailua River State Park is located here with Opeakaa Falls and the Fern Grotto among the primary attractions. A number of outfitters offer kayaking along the river. A succession of pristine beaches attracts surfers, sunbathers and snorkelers. The North Shore presents a rugged setting with beautiful beaches and spectacular ocean-side cliffs. The town of Hanalei is the gateway to the incredibly dramatic and beautiful Napali coast. This 17-mile stretch of coastline is lined with soaring cliffs divided by lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and sea caves. While not able to be toured by automobile visitors can hike or take a helicopter or boat tour to view this breathtaking natural wonder. The North Shore is also home to the upscale Princeville resort area and the site of 2 world class golf courses. The Prince Golf Course at Princeville is often found on lists of the world’s best courses. Accommodations on Kauai range from quaint bed and breakfast retreats to rental homes and condos as well as world class resorts. Kauai is served by inter-island flights from Oahu, Maui and the Big Island as well as from mainland US airports.

Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country. The historic city centre is a prominent World Heritage Site of UNESCO. It is oval-shaped and about 430 hectares in size. Along with a few other canal-based northern cities, such as Amsterdam, it is sometimes referred to as "The Venice of the North". Bruges has most of its medieval architecture intact. Many of its medieval buildings are notable, including the Church of Our Lady, whose brick spire reaches 122.3 m (401.25 ft), making it one of the world's highest brick towers/buildings. The sculpture , which can be seen in the transept, is believed to be Michelangelo's only sculpture to have left Italy within his lifetime. Bruges' most famous landmark is its 13th-century belfry, housing a municipal carillon comprising 48 bells. The city still employs a full-time carillonneur, who gives free concerts on a regular basis. Other famous buildings in Bruges include: The Beguinage The Basilica of the Holy Blood (Dutch: Heilig-Bloedbasiliek). The relic of the Holy Blood, which was brought to the city after the Second Crusade by Thierry of Alsace, is paraded every year through the streets of the city. More than 1,600 inhabitants take part in this mile-long religious procession, many dressed as medieval knights or crusaders. The modern Concertgebouw ("Concert Building") The Old St-John's Hospital The Saint Salvator's Cathedral The Groeningemuseum The City Hall on the Burg square The Provincial Court (Provinciaal Hof) The preserved old city gateways: the Kruispoort, the Gentpoort, the Smedenpoort and the Ezelpoort. The Dampoort, the Katelijnepoort and the Boeveriepoort are gone.

Skye or the Isle of Skye is the largest and most northerly island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland. The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife including the Golden Eagle, Red Deer and Atlantic Salmon. The island's peninsulas radiate out from a mountainous centre dominated by the Cuillin hills. Although it has been suggested that the first of these Gaelic names describes a "winged" shape there is no definitive agreement as to the name's origins. The island has been occupied since the mesolithic period and has a colourful history including a time of Norse rule and a long period of domination by Clan MacLeod and Clan Donald. The events of the 19th century had a devastating impact on the human population, which declined from over 20,000 to around 9,200 in the early 21st century. Nonetheless, in contrast to many other Scottish islands, this represents a 4 per cent increase from the census of 1991. The main industries are tourism, agriculture, fishing and whisky-distilling. The largest settlement is Portree, known for its picturesque harbour. Portree in the north at the base of Trotternish is the largest settlement, and main service centre on the island, with a population of 1,960. Broadford is on the east side of the island and Dunvegan in the north-west. Kyleakin is linked to Kyle of Lochalshon the mainland by the Skye Bridge that spans the narrows of Loch Alsh. Uig is on the west of the Trotternish peninsula and Edinbane is located between Dunvegan and Portree.

Saint Martin is an island split between French Guadeloupe and the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten (formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, but now a constituent state of the Kingdom of the Netherlands). It is one of the smallest land masses divided between two countries. The northern, French side of the island is known as Saint-Martin, and is 21 square miles. The southern, "Dutch side" of the island is known as Sint Maarten, and is 16 square miles. The Dutch side has recently formed its own government and legal system, with its relations with the "French side" to remain unchanged. To avoid confusion between the three variations on the name, the two regions are commonly referred to as "the French side" and "the Dutch side". The island has the following main cities: Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side. This is where most cruise ships dock. Marigot is the capital of the French side. Grand Case is on the French side and has excellent restaurants. Beaches are a main attraction on the island of Saint Martin. It has 37 beaches total, with hotels holding property on most of them. Beach Bars and Cafes are very popular attractions on the island. Many offer unusually good dishes with European and Caribbean inspiration. All beaches of Saint Martin are fine for swimming and sun bathing, though the west half of the good beach at Philipsburg has better water. One particularly famous beach is Maho Bay beach on the "Dutch side". The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, so landing large aircraft fly just feet over the beach. Some people (attempt to) hold on to the fence on airport premises as aircraft depart...not recommended due to flying gravel and debris. People have been injured, a very few killed doing this. However, the spectacular view of airplanes landing so close is one that you might find stunning. The greatest number of large aircraft arrivals and departures takes place in the early-mid-morning and mid-late afternoon. Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, with food and drink vendors and beach lounger rentals but few facilties. Virtually all beaches are described in web sites for the island. A full complement of tours and excursions are also available as well as watersports and parasailing. Casinos are also a popular attraction on the island...only on the Dutch side. Some of them are in the Cupecoy, Maho, Cole Bay areas, while in Phillipsburg you'll find five.

Koh Phi Phi Lehor Ko Phi Phi Ley is an island of the Phi Phi archipelago, in the Andaman Sea. Maya Bay is popular for diving, and has become even more popular after the 2000 movie The Beach was filmed there. According to the Lonely Planet's Thailand guidebook, the 2004 tsunami dramatically improved the look of Maya Bay. This was due to the fact that the high waves had cleaned up the beach and removed all the landscaping the Fox production team had added. The main dive sites are at Loh Samah, Maya Bay entrance and Palong Bay, and are often combined with diving at Ko Bida Noi, a rocky outcrop some 500 meters south of Loh Samah. Apart from its natural attractions, Krabi is also a popular place for scuba diving and snorkelling, kayaking, rock climbing, and jungle treks by foot, mountain bike or elephant. Famous spots for kayaking include Ko Hong, Ko Karot, Ko Phak Bia, Ko Ku Du, and Tha Len, while Tham Phra Nang and Hat Rai Le are a mecca for climbers from all over the world. Abseiling has currently become another popular sport in Krabi. Located 35 kilometres from the provincial town, Ban Tha Len, abounds with mangrove forests and ghost crabs. Tham Khangkhao or the bat cave has impressive stalactites and stalagmites. There is a panoramic view of Krabi’s sea, offshore islands, and mangrove forests are visible.

Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Though lying within the Arctic Circle, the archipelago experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude. Lofoten offers many rock climbing and mountaineering opportunities. It has 24 hours of daylight in the summer and has Alpine-style ridges, summits and glaciers, but at a height of less than 1,200 metres. The main centre for rock climbing is Henningsvær on Austvågøya. The main areas for mountaineering and climbing are on Austvågøya and Moskenesøya. Moskenesøya is the most complete area for climbing. There is a well marked cycling route that goes from Å in the south and continues past Fiskebøl in the north. The route is part public road, part cycle-path with the option to bypass all of the tunnels by either cycle-path (tunnels through mountains) or boat. Traffic is generally light, although in July there may be a lot of campervans. Some of the more remote sections are on gravel roads. There is a dedicated cycling ferry which sails between Ballstad and Nusfjord, allowing cyclists to avoid the long, steep Nappstraum tunnel. The route hugs the coastline for most of its length where it is generally flat. As it turns inland through the mountain passes there are a couple of 3-400 meter climbs. The Lofoten Insomnia Cycling Race takes place every year around midsummer, possible in the midnight sun, but surely in 24-hr daylight, along the whole Lofoten archipelago. The islands have for more than 1,000 years been the centre of great cod fisheries, especially in winter, when the cod migrates south from the Barents Sea and gathers in Lofoten to spawn. Bergen in southwestern Norway was for a long time the hub for further export south to large parts of Europe, particularly so when trade was controlled by theHanseatic League. In the lowland areas, particularly Vestvågøy, agriculture plays a significant role, as it has done since the Bronze Age. The sea is rich with life, and the world's largest deep water coral reefis located west of Røst. Lofoten has a very high density of sea eagles and cormorants, and millions of other sea birds, among them the colourful puffin. Otters are common, and there are moose on the largest islands. There are some woodlands with Downy birch and Rowan. There are no native conifer forests in Lofoten, but some small areas with private spruce plantations. Sorbus hybrida ("Rowan whitebeam") and Malus sylvestris occur in Lofoten, but not further north. Winter temperatures in Lofoten are very mild considering their location north of the Arctic Circle – Lofoten has the largest positive temperature anomaly in the world relative to latitude. This is a result of the Gulf Stream and its extensions: the North Atlantic Current and the Norwegian Current. Røst and Værøy are the most northerly locations in the world where average temperatures are above freezing all year. May and June are the driest months, while October has three times as much precipitation.

Hayman, Australia’s most awarded private island, presents astonishing natural beauty, restorative peace, action-packed activity and indulgent culinary experiences. Hayman offers a front-row seat to the Great Barrier Reef and a world of leisure and adventure. Hayman Island is the most northerly of the Whitsunday Islands, part of the Cumberland Islands, which are located off the coast of Central Queensland, Australia. Hayman is a private island open to the public, most famous for its luxury resort which was built in the 1950s by millionaire Reg Ansett, who also founded Ansett Australia. The island is a significant drawing point for tourism in Queensland. Hayman has earned the reputation as Australia’s foremost leisure and honeymoon destination and attracted widespread international recognition. Arrival on Hayman was by Catalina and Sandringham flying boat. These days, guests to the island arrive by Hayman's private fleet of luxury motor yachts, and private charter helicopter or Air Whitsunday seaplane.

Yangshuo County is a county in Guilin, Guangxi Province, China. Its seat is located in Yangshuo Town. Surrounded by karst peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River it is easily accessible by bus or by boat from nearby Guilin. In the 1980s, the town became popular with foreign backpackers, and by the late 1990s packaged tourists began arriving in greater numbers. At that time, domestic tourism represented only a small fraction of the tourists but by 2005 domestic tourists outnumbered foreign tourists by a great margin. Today, the town has become a resort destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. Rock climbing Rock climbing in Yangshuo was first put on the map by American climber Todd Skinner who visited in 1992, establishing a number of classic lines such as "Moonwalker" which traverses the famous Moon Hill arch. Much of recent climbing history was influenced by the 2001 establishment of the now defunct Australian owned company China climb (re-established in 2011 as Insight Adventures ). Other companies that have contributed include Karst climber, Spiderman Climbing, Terratribes, and X-Climber. Approximately 200 routes are documented in the current edition of the Paul Collis Yangshuo climbing guidebook, and new routes are being established almost daily. The majority of these have been established by visiting foreign climbers or expatriates. While most routes are single-pitch bolted sport climbing routes, a growing number of multi-pitch sport routes are appearing as climbers venture above the first anchor. There is also great potential for traditional climbing. The Yangshuo region has numerous locations for climbing, most easily accessible by bicycle, public bus or taxi-van. The most famous of these crags is Moon Hillwith several 5.13 graded lines, first climbed by American Todd Skinner in 1992. Other crags of note include Low Mountain, Twin Gates, Baby Frog, The Egg, Bamboo Grove and Wine Bottle Cliff.

Off the coast of East Africa near Madagascar in the Indian Ocean lies a tropical island country of more than 100 separate land masses known as Seychelles. The archipelago of Seychelles is replete with clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches, fish-filled coral reefs and unspoiled landscapes. Nearly half of Seychelles geography is dedicated as protected nature reserves and national parks. The island nation boasts an outstanding array of endemic species ranging from tiny frogs to the largest flightless bird found in the Indian Ocean. The inner islands, of which there are 43, are primarily granite in makeup and rise up from the ocean with tree covered peaks. The outer islands, cays and atolls have developed from coral and tend to be flatter and smaller with abundant reefs Seychelles is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The islet of Aldabra is the world’s largest raised coral atoll while Prasalin’s Vallee de Mai, which is long rumored as the original Garden of Eden, occupies the other prestigious place on UNESCO’s list. Vallee de Mai is the place where Coco-de-Mer, the world’s largest seed, grows atop ancient palms in an ancient, unspoiled valley. Anse Source D'Argent on the Island of La Digue is a world-famous ocean-front strip that has topped numerous lists of the planet’s greatest beaches. Visitors to Seychelles enjoy sailing or motor-yachting among the mostly uninhabited, pristine islands while visiting secluded beaches and little known coves. Most adventures begin and end from the capital city of Victoria on the primary island of Mahe’ where the international airport is located. Among the activities enjoyed by visitors diving, snorkeling, fishing, birding, horse-back riding, hiking and golf are most popular while the Mahe’ nightlife is legendary with discos and a casino among its offerings. Accommodations range from full service hotels located on the larger islands to live aboard yacht charters with resorts, self-service apartments and luxury villas just a few of the wide range of choices. The weather in Seychelles is typically warm with little variation making the island nation a target for sun-worshippers. The period from mid-December to mid-February finds the greatest amount of rain with drier and cooler conditions typically hallmarking May through September. The country is a cornucopia of races and cultures with the traditions and customs of Africa, Europe and Asia evident throughout the nation. Local cuisine is primarily Creole in its presentation with fish and octopus at the center of most menus along with local fruits and vegetables but restaurants offering Italian, Continental, Indian and Asian cuisine are also popular. Your dream of visiting an island country that is bathed in warm sunshine and works hard to protect its environment can be realized by adding a trip to Visit Seychelles to your list.

Saint Lucia is a British Commonwealth country that is an island in the Caribbean, off the coast of Central America. It lies between the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, north of Trinidad and Tobago. The twin Pitons (Gros Piton and Petit Piton) are striking cone-shaped peaks south of Soufriere that are one of the scenic natural highlights of the Caribbean. Tourism is vital to Saint Lucia's economy. Its economic importance is expected to continue to increase as the market for bananas becomes more competitive. Tourism tends to be more substantial during the dry season (January to April). Saint Lucia tends to be popular due to its tropical weather and scenery and its numerous beaches and resorts. Other tourist attractions include a drive-in volcano, Sulphur Springs (at Soufrière), the Botanical Gardens, the Majestic twin Peaks "The Pitons", A world heritage site, the rain forests, and Pigeon Island National Park, which is home to Fort Rodney, an old British military base.

The Maldives Islands look like a picture perfect postcard with its bright turquoise lagoons and white sand beaches. Visiting these islands can be a tropical paradise. It should be a destination for anyone passionate about diving. Located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives Islands are comprised of a cluster of coral reef islands (also called Atolls). The coral reefs are home to an extensive marine life with over 300 types of fish, turtles, crustaceans, and more. In fact, the Baa Atoll has been named a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2011. Located on the southern edge of the North Malé Atoll, the capital of Maldives’ and its largest city is Malé. Incidentally, it happens to be one island that does not have a natural beach. It does, however, have an artificial beach. That said, there are plenty of beaches on other islands. Out of the 200 inhabited islands there are 44 islands that are strictly resorts with plenty of outdoor activities available such as fishing, diving, snorkeling, and more. The people of the Maldives are extremely creative. Be sure to check out some of the crafts on the islands – especially the woven mats. The following events and festivals occur on the islands: Maldives Independence Day – July 26 Eid Ul Adha -10th day of Thul Hijjah Kuda Eid - 1st day in the month of Shawaal Maldives National Day - 1st of Rabee ul Awwal Prophet Mohammad's Birthday - 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal Ramadan - ninth month of Muslim calendar

Fiji is a Melanesian country in the South Pacific Ocean. It lies about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand and consists of an archipelago that includes 332 islands, a handful of which make up most of the land area, and approximately 110 of which are inhabited. Fiji straddles the 180 degree longitude line (which crosses land on a remote tip of Vanua Levu and again near the centre of Taveuni), so the international date line jogs east, placing Fiji all in one time zone and "ahead" of most of the rest of the world. In most of the interior of the main islands there are some roads and always trails, and an amazing number of remote villages. Buses and open or canvas topped "carriers" traverse the mountains of Vanua Levu several times a day and the interior mountains of Viti Levu many times weekly (The Tacirua Transport "hydromaster" bus which leaves from Nausori in the morning and runs past the hydroelectric resevoir and mount Tomanivi to arrive the same day in Vatoukola and Tavua is the best and the scenery is truly spectacular in good weather!)

This fairly small country located between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America offers a lush paradise and an abundance of wildlife. In fact, you’d be hard pressed not to encounter any monkeys on your trip. There are many that live in trees on the side of the road. Costa Rica is filled with rain forests and waterfalls. There’s nothing quite like getting an aerial view of a rainforest by zipline and then spending the rest of the afternoon swimming in a water hole with its own waterfall. Costa Rica is also bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Each side of the country offers a different experience. Since you can swim in the Pacific Ocean and this particular stretch of coast offers some spectacular surfing, that side of the country offers a more laid back experience with plenty of waterfalls and sleepy towns filled with locals. While the Caribbean side is great for diving and is home to Tortuguero National Park where the green turtles nest. Regardless of where you go in Costa Rica you can have a vacation as relaxing or as active you want. The following events occur: Palmares Fiesta – first two weeks of January Alajuelita Fiestas – week of Jan 15 Santa Cruz Fiestas – week of Jan 15 xpo-Feria Pérez Zeledón – feb CENAC Summer Festival – feb Puntarenas Carnival – feb Monteverde Music Festival – feb/march Annual International Food Fair – march Carribean music festival – march/april Holy week – march/april International Arts Festival – april Limón Carnival – October Fiesta del Maíz – October Lights Festival – December Fiesta de los Negritos – December Festejos Populares – December

St. Thomas is in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Even though it's only 31 square miles, St. Thomas does have a couple of official cities. Charlotte Amalie - The capitol city, referred to as "downtown", is the destination for many cruise ships due to its deep water harbor. Nearly every day, tourists visit some of the 300 or so jewelry and other stores in the city (see "Buy" below). But it's a great place to "people watch" as well. If you happen to be downtown at night, Frenchtown is where the classier places are, for food and drinks. Downtown there are a couple of bars that sport the younger crowd and have loud music etc. Red Hook - Also referred to as the East End. There is a little more nightlife and activities, restaurants in Red Hook, you can catch the dollar taxi ($2/person each way to Red Hook from downtown), it takes about 30 minutes to get there. Don't get stuck there though, unless you have a lot of people in your group, a taxi will not likely take you downtown after about 9PM. Red Hook has ferry service to the island of Saint John. Some of the islands main destinations are: Magen's Bay - The most famous feature, besides the shopping, on the island. Directly across on the northern side from Charlotte Amalie, a crescent shaped bay with a mile of white sand and several bars and small stores. Taxis from downtown cost about 15 dollars, and if there are any cruise ships on the day you go, you can bet it will have at least a few beached white tourist fish. The trip to Magen's Bay (and back) can pass Mountain Top, with a mass of souvenir offerings and a great view of Magen's Bay and beyond; enjoy a banana daiquiri (invented there), but don't let it ruin your day! Continuing return to Charlotte Amalie offers excellent mountainside views of the harbor. Hull Bay - The next bay to the west of Magen's, on the Atlantic ocean, and in the winter there is the island's only surfing. There is a shop where you can rent boards, but in typical island style, you would be lucky to catch the owner there to rent you one. Better to call ahead a few days and leave a message. Brewer's Bay - Beautiful small beach near the University, especially nice at sunset. The landing strip for the airport is right on the other side, and the sun sets somewhere out in the middle. Sapphire Beach - Beach resort, open to the public but you can stay there too if that is where you want to be. Nice beach, rent a snorkel and check out the nice clear water and coral. There are a couple of bars and a swimming pool, sometimes a live band at night, if you haven't had a BBC (Bailey's, banana, coconut) they are pretty tasty. Coki Beach - The best snorkeling beach on St. Thomas. Normal underwater visibility of 100+ feet! Great beach for kids to learn to snorkel. It's very calm and you can feed the fish in about 3-4 feet of water if you want to. They sell dog treats to feed to the fish and it's really cool to see them swarm you for one. Beware of the locals though, you will be asked if you want to buy something 20 times before you make it to the beach, once there you are pretty much left alone though. If you take a tourist taxi to Coki Beach (they have awnings) you must be sure to take the same driver on return trip. If you try to take a different driver, nasty arguments can happen. Get the name of the driver who took you and make a time for pickup and return. There are no food facilities at Coki Beach, so be sure to plan for this. There is food available on the beach. People walk around with small menues asking if you want anything to eat. There is also a smoothie stand that only makes all natural smoothies for $7. Secret Harbour - This is a private resort, but they allow visitors to use the beach. Not so for the chairs, which must be rented from a very diligent attendant. There are a number of rather large iguanas that wander around the property. They are not pet material, and usually run off if approached. Howver, some people have received bad bites from them. There is a very nice restaurant on the beach called the Blue Moon; not only was the food reasonably-priced and delicious, it's one of the few places that will give you free soda refills, and you can't beat the view. Their Bloody Mary is a must try as it's rimmed with a spicy Caribbean seasoning. The snorkeling was decent close to the beach and is great for beginner snorkelers (you'll even catch a glimpse of a pair of small squid!). There's a dive shop on site where you can rent chairs and snorkel gear, buy underwater cameras and chum. Taxis know this resort well, and unlike many islands where you have to prearrange a pickup when dropped off, when you are ready to leave Secret Harbour several taxis are lined up and waiting in front of the resort.