Most Americans probably think they know a good deal about Australia thanks to movies like Crocodile Dundee, television shows like Crocodile Hunter or songs like Crocodile Rock. (Oh wait…scratch that last one…I momentarily found myself in a crocodile frenzy.) What I meant to say was, songs like Men At Work’s “Land Down Under”, which, of course, told us that Australia is a place where “women glow and men thunder”, although I’m not certain that the rather cryptic image of men thundering is an attractive one. So we all know more about Australia than we realize. Consequently, the following question should be easy to answer:

Which of the following is false?
1) Most Australians live in the Outback.
2) Kangaroos roam the streets of most major cities in Australia.
3) Australians can all trace their roots back to convicts who were sent to the island as punishment.
4) Australia is as large as Texas and Oklahoma combined.
5) Kangaroo steaks are a delicious and delightful treat that can be found on most menus in Australia.
6) The koala is a small bear that lives exclusively in Australia.
7) Water swirls down the drain in the wrong direction.


In fact, all seven of those statements are false. The truth is, about 98% of Australians live in urban areas and of those, many will live their entire lives without seeing a kangaroo outside of a zoo. While Australia was at one time used as a penal colony, today the population is as diverse and eclectic as our own. As for size, Australia is just slightly smaller than the forty-eight contiguous United States, although the population is just under twenty-three million. (Population growth has a current annual rate of 1.4% as compared with a mere 0.9% here in America, with most of that coming from immigration. Obviously, Australia is an increasingly popular place to live.) No one eats kangaroos and the koala is, like the kangaroo, a marsupial, not a bear. Finally, you may be disappointed to learn that water swirls down toilets and drains in exactly the same direction as it does here.

Here are some real and true facts about Australia. The major cities, like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide, are as sophisticated as New York or Chicago and have excellent symphony orchestras, opera (you are probably familiar with the Sydney Opera House), art galleries, fine dining and theater. Australia has just about every geographical landscape that the U.S. does.

Those who have been there rank Australians as some of the friendliest people on the planet. And, if you like being near the water, you’ll find 23,000 miles of coastline including some of the world’s best surfing. In fact, most of Australia’s population resides on the eastern coast of the continent, which includes the states and territories of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and the island of Tasmania and cities like Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Most of the Australian landmass is desert; however, it seldom gets cold even in the winter, which is, of course, when it’s summer here. (What better place to go for a winter getaway than a place where it’s summer while most of America is experiencing frigid winter temperatures?) Other than desert, the climate of Australia is mostly equatorial, tropical or grassland. That’s because Australia is separated from the south polar region by ocean. The water moderates the temperature so it never gets quite as cold there as it does in North America where winter air sweeps from the poles down to us over land.

Don’t, however, rule out skiing as winter does bring snow to the mountains and ski resorts of Victoria, just a few hours drive from both Melbourne and Sydney, where winter temperatures are extremely mild.

Many people concern themselves with the long flight time from Los Angeles to Sydney. You can count on about fourteen hours in the air; however, book early to get a seat that will make the trip easier, like on the aisle or in an exit row where you can stretch your legs a bit. Trusts me, the long flight is worth it.

Of course, none of what I’ve said has even mentioned New Zealand, which is also a place like none other. (If you doubt that, check out some of the landscapes in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy.) My advice is, since you’ve already spent a considerable amount of time in the air getting to Sydney, the comparatively short three-hour flight from Sydney to New Zealand is worth inserting into your travel plans. There is seriously no place like it on Earth.

Since travel-planners advise starting your Australian vacation about six months in advance, it’s not too early to start thinking about your turning part of your North American winter into an Australian summer. It’s worth the trip just to finally prove to yourself that when you pull the plug on your bath, the water goes down the drain exactly as it does at home, despite what you’ve heard all your life. It’s always good to check these things out for yourself.

As little nippers, we were often read stories that included things that never really existed like dragons, fairy godmothers and frogs that turn into princes. (Many of you women out there probably know what a fairy tale that one was.) Some things in fairy tales, like knights in armor on faithful steeds, are factual but are no more. However, one thing in fairy tales that not only once existed but are still very much real are castles.

Castles in one form or another have been around since the Roman empire and were originally made of wood. Needless to say, those didn’t last too long. As both weapon and architectural technologies increased, larger, taller and more complex stone castles were built.

Just as their architecture changed, so did their function. After William the Conquer established his rule of the UK, the Normans built a huge number of castles which, while still providing their original defensive purpose, also became a rather obvious and intimidating way to remind the locals of who was in charge. Castles became home, not only to armies, but to noblemen and their friends and families.

While every country in Europe has castles, the country with the most and best preserved castles is Ireland, many dating back to the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. For perspective, many of these still-standing castles were already over four-hundred years old when Jamestown was founded in 1607.

Irish castles were generally built on what now would be regarded as incredibly scenic spots, although ambiance wasn’t what the Normans had in mind. They’re usually build on the sea or, more commonly, on inland waterways and are generally built on the highest point around. The reason for their elevation isn’t just militarily strategic; these behemoth structures were meant to be seen at a distance to intimidate potential enemies, but they also overlooked the nearby towns and villages. As I said, being outnumbered by the locals, the Normans were a bit paranoid and didn’t want anyone to forget where the power lay. Consequently, a castle’s location often offers an incredible view of unbelievable scenic vistas.

Today in Ireland, many castles are being used as luxury hotels and if you want to truly experience the flavor and history of the Emerald Isle, there’s no better way than by including a stay in a castle as perhaps the most memorable part of your trip.

If you want to go all-out, think about staying at Ashford Castle, just north of Galway. Built in the early 13th century, Ashford was once home to the Guinness family in the mid-1800′s and has hosted celebrities and presidents. Voted as Ireland’s best hotel for seven years in a row, you’ll be able to stay in one of 83 guest rooms, all stunningly decorated to combine modern luxury with period furnishings.

Located on the Lough Corrib and the River Cong, which connects the lake to the sea, you can cruise on the water, take a walking or bicycle tour, go horseback riding or play golf. Of course, you can always just sit and admire the surroundings, including the landscaped gardens. Additionally, you can experience luxurious dining and entertainment in one of the castle’s restaurants or bars.

If you’re heading to the southeast of the island, Waterford Castle is where you’ll want to stay. Smaller than Ashford with only nineteen guestrooms, all of which offer breathtaking views and feature Elizabethan-era fireplaces, rich tapestries, original high plaster ceilings and oak walls.

Image from Tripadvisor, Glin Castle
In Ireland’s northwest, in Limerick County on the River Shannon, you’ll find the 500 acre estate of Glin Castle where one can stay between March and November. The grounds of Glin Castle were home to the Fitzgerald family for over 800 years and includes such architectural oddities as a secret passageway in the library. With only fourteen rooms, you’ll want to book way in advance.

For something a bit more contemporary in County Limerick you can stay at Adare Manor, which was completed relatively recently…in 1862. This beautiful castle is a Victorian architectural masterpiece. And, in a show of true Victorian quirkiness, the castle has fifty-two chimneys…one for each week of the year…and three-hundred and sixty-five leaded windows…one for each day of the year. With sixty-three incredible rooms, this castle is one of Ireland’s finest hotels.

Ireland is such a beautiful country and has such a rich and colorful history, it’s a place you should definitely put on your list of travel destinations. And while there, I highly recommend you live out your childhood fairytale dreams in one of Éire’s wonderful castle hotels.

Yes, the Travel Channel does rank in the top fifteen cable stations, and I guess the only surprising thing about that…again, at least for me…is that it didn’t come-in at number one. But, unless one traveling on business, one doesn’t just travel for the sake of getting somewhere and returning home. Usually, one combines travel with another interest or passion, and maybe the cable channels can tell us something there, too.

For example, the History Channel ranks number five in viewership, and many people do travel to places of historical significance around the world to actually see places they’ve read about. Whether you’re a Civil War buff or an amateur Egyptologist, there are always places to visit that cater to the history buff in all of us.

But here’s something that may surprise you: The Food Network is even more popular than either travel or history, ranking as the fourth most popular cable channel in America, tying for that esteemed position with CNN. Now, the question you may ask is, how many people actually consider planning their travel based on their culinary passion, and the answer is, “Lots”. If you’re not one of them, it’s something you should certainly consider.

(At this point, I feel it necessary to issue the following caveat: Unless you want to spend the next decade touring every major league ballpark in America, do NOT mention this travel-planning strategy to any sports fans since ESPN is ranked as the number two cable network. Worse yet, perhaps, your travel partner will spend the rest of his life looking at maps and trying to figure out how to book a trip to TV Land, which came in at number twenty-five. Alternately, you may find yourself arguing that a trip to Buffalo, New York to experience the culinary wonders of Buffalo wings is not quite what you had in mind, so be careful how you present this idea.)

In my last blog, I covered all-inclusive travel and touched upon cruises. What’s the one thing people always mention when returning from a cruise? They always talk about the food and, while they may mention the quantity, it’s usually the astonishingly high quality and enormous selection that they find most impressive. (And the wonderful fact that they’ve paid for it all in advance.)

It should therefore come as no surprise that there are cruises that make food and wine the centerpiece of a trip, which makes perfect sense. If one is traveling to France or Italy, isn’t it logical to want to include the culinary specialties of these countries as one of the reasons for going? What could be better than taking a river cruise through France, stopping for wine tastings at local vineyards, having a master chef on-board to serve local cuisine and learning to pair regional wines with area’s cuisine.

Of course, if you really want to make your next vacation a pleasure for your palate, you’re not limited to cruises. Your travel professional can arrange vacations…some even sponsored and planned by the Food Network, and I’ll have more about that later…that will satisfy your appetite for food, wine and travel all at the same time. These land tours range from domestic packages of California’s wine country to international destinations. All you need do is tell your travel planner where you’d like to go and they can arrange culinary excursions through Turkey, Morocco, Israel, South America, Africa, China or New Zealand; name just about any destination and there’s probably a culinary tour that includes that location. You can attend wine tastings, cooking classes or even shop with a master chef in local markets; you’ll have the vacation of a lifetime while you learn about a culture from its individual, unique and delicious cuisine. (And there’s always an interesting historical background to a country’s culinary heritage as well.)

Since you probably enjoy excellent food and wine, and I’m fairly certain you enjoy travel, you should consider combining all those interests into one. Of course, all the river cruises and land tours have itineraries that include time during which you can still satisfy any other passion you may have for history or architecture and you’re always able to take in the local sights; however, why not indulge as many of your senses as you can?

Finally, and I don’t mean to be prejudicial, but of all the travel sites on the web, you’re fortunate to have landed on this one because…those custom culinary Food Network packages I mentioned?…well you’re in exactly the right place to get all the info on these unique, one-of-a-kind tours. As a member of the signature travel network, holiday cruises and tours has access exclusive and custom Food Network packages.

For your next vacation, let your palate be your guide. Contact your travel planner and discuss with them what all your interests are …gastronomic and otherwise… and they’ll set-up a culinary package that’ll whet your appetite for making every vacation an epicurean extravaganza. It’s food for thought so, using what little French I actually feel confident using, bon voyage and bon appetit!

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My parents’ idea of travel consisted of getting in the car with a bunch of traveler’s checks and heading out with the hope that the checks would last longer than the vacation. Consequently, we ate as cheaply as possible, drove around each evening looking for the most inexpensive lodging and bypassed a lot of sights because the vagaries of what various things would cost…and the horrifying idea that we’d run out of money and have to live out the rest of our lives in our summer clothes somewhere in Canada’s frigid Northwest Territory…had my parents pinching pennies when they should have been enjoying our trip.

These days I often think about how much more wonderful some of our vacations would have been had my parents known ahead of time what the total cost of our trip was going to be and that anything they did spend was completely discretionary and wasn’t going to affect our plans.

If you’ve never taken an all-inclusive trip, think about that for a moment; pay for everything up-front and spend your entire vacation financially unburdened. In today’s economy when sticking to family budgets can be so important, what could be more comforting that taking a vacation and knowing exactly what the total cost will be?

I’m sure everyone has either taken a cruise or knows someone who has, and it’s exactly the same concept. Did you ever hear anyone complain about a cruise? Certainly not from me. The only negative comment I’ve ever heard is that the cruise is too short. For me, though, the idea that I never have to take my wallet out of my pants, except for discretionary spending like extra cocktails or souvenirs, is unbelievably attractive.

Now, you may think that cruises are the only type of all-inclusive travel available, but nearly every aspect of one’s trip can be completely pre-paid. Many casual travelers don’t realize that there are all-inclusive resorts; places where your room, food, drink, entertainment, golfing or skiing…whatever is available to guests…can be paid up-front under one flat, and usually low, fee. And these resorts are located in some of the world’s top travel destinations.

If that’s still a little too financially uncertain for you, you should explore the fabulous deals on entire travel packages that are all-inclusive. And by all all-inclusive I mean airfare, lodging, meals and drinks, activities…even tips…are taken care of in one price. You literally know exactly what your vacation will cost ahead of time, and you never have to spend one unexpected dime. (That is, of course, unless you find a colorful pair of lederhosen or a turquoise and gold sombrero you feel are must-have additions to your travel wardrobe. I’m afraid no travel professional, no matter how experienced, can help you with a decision like that.)

I should also point out that, while all-inclusive travel is a great idea for singles or couples, if you’re planning on taking the family somewhere, all-inclusive is an even better idea. You’ll be surprised at the almost endless number of all-inclusive options available for families with kids of any age. You can pick packages that include activities that cater to each of your children’s individual interests so they’ll never spend one moment telling you how bored they are.

Now that winter is on the horizon for those of us who live in the northern hemisphere, it’s time to think about a getaway to warmer climes and you’ll be happy to know that there are all-inclusive vacations available to just about every location you’d ever consider visiting. Check your travel budget and then check with a professional travel consultant and I guarantee there’s a stress-free, fun, exciting and financially smart all-inclusive vacation in your future. And if you do end up buying that lederhosen or sombrero, send me a photo.

Quite a few years ago, during a previous economic downturn, I decided to take what was, for me, a rare vacation. I booked a trip to Paris and did everything myself; flights, hotels, itinerary. Let it suffice to say that it was one of the most grueling and unpleasant experiences of my life and I vowed that vacations from that point on would be spent in the relative comfort and safety of my home.

Some months later, a co-worker returned from a vacation that was coincidentally also to Paris and had the most wonderful stories of elegant hotel suites, fine dining and seeing all the sites in and around the city. Why were our experiences so different? Because my friend had contacted travel professionals and left all the details to them. I was stunned! Although I consider myself somewhat intelligent, that had never occurred to me, but it made perfect sense. If I were needing my appendix removed, I probably would not want to undertake its removal myself; I’d most likely want a professional to do the job. So why should something as important as a vacation be any different?

The following year, I tried another European vacation, this time contacting a travel professional, and what a difference that made! Just about everything was paid up-front so I wasn’t constantly getting blindsided with fees and charges I didn’t realize I owed; I told my travel people what I wanted to see and do and they arranged a package that included everything on my list; plus, I stayed in one of the finest hotels on the planet and was treated better than I’ve ever been in my life.

And that’s the one thing that makes this relevant to today’s economy and bears repeating: Luxury travel costs less…much less…than trying to book a vacation on your own or even by trying to go with what seems to be a more inexpensive travel option. Take an all-inclusive vacation and it takes the stress out of wondering how much your trip is going to cost you after all is said and done. One pays up front and, after that, one’s wallet never has to leave one’s pants again. And that predictability is a wonderful thing. You should be having a memorable time and not spend your vacation stressing about whether you’re spending more than you’ve budgeted for.

For many years now, I’ve traveled all over the world…from Africa to Bali to Asia to New Zealand to South and Central America, I’ve taken river cruises and ocean cruises, taken driving tours and rail tours and bike tours…and every trip has been worry-free and I have stayed in some of the world’s best hotels and have been treated like Warren Buffet at every turn. (Sometimes, at my discretion, I’ve been treated like Jimmy Buffet as well!)

Besides being a more inexpensive way to go, you have to remember than when you use travel professionals, you have a lot more clout than you do when traveling on your own and you always have someone in your corner who will go to bat for you if there are any problems in faraway lands, which can be VERY comforting.

As I said at the beginning, you’re probably working harder and longer than you ever have before, and you’re probably cutting-back on many of life’s non-essentials, and that’s probably the right thing to do. Go ahead and buy store-brands instead of name brands, buy the cheapest gas you can find, shop at discount stores instead of specialty shops; cut back wherever you feel it necessary. I would, however, urge you to not deprive yourself or your family of the experience of luxury travel. You truly owe it to yourself.

In five years this recession will be but blur; however, the memories you create on a stress-free luxury vacation will last a lifetime.

We should all be grateful that Flóki didn’t similarly name any American cities like Chicago, which could now be called You’ll-Freeze-Your-Skin-In-Thirty-Seconds-Land or Phoenix which might now be known as It’s-So-Hot-You’ll-Burst-Into-Flames-Land. Yes, Iceland does have ice in the winter, but the name is pretty misleading.

The fact is that Iceland is much greener than Greenland, which is much icier than Iceland. The daily high temperature in the middle of winter in Iceland is usually above freezing and, although it doesn’t get particularly warm in the summer, winters aren’t nearly as cold as they are in many American cities.

There are, on this planet, very few places that are unique in all the world; places like the Grand Canyon, the Rain Forest, the Great Barrier Reef…and Iceland. Luckily, Iceland is America’s closest European neighbor and is easy to get to. Perhaps not as easy as the Grand Canyon, but closer and easier to travel to than the Earth’s other spectacular sites.

If you’ve visited and enjoyed the sites of Yellowstone here in the U.S., Iceland is like Yellowstone on steroids. And, like Yellowstone, many people primarily visit for the natural sites; the plethora of hot, thermal springs and pools, the geysers, the boiling mud pools, the glaciers, the volcanos, the fjords and the waterfalls. Iceland sits right on the spot where the North American tectonic plate and the European plate meet. There are so many unique natural phenomenon that are impossible to find all in one place anywhere else on the planet, that you’ll find more than enough to see to fill any vacation.

Don’t, however, think that because of all its natural beauty that there’s a lack of sophistication in Iceland. On the contrary, music is a big part of the Icelandic culture and everything from the symphony and the opera to small music clubs are available in major cities. Theater is also popular and, unlike many European cities, almost everyone is Iceland speaks English and most of the theatrical productions are presented in English.

As for dining, international cuisine can be found in almost every restaurant and, because of the large number of tourists from around the world, Icelandic restaurants employ some of the best chefs in Europe.

Your flight to Iceland will take you to Reykjavik, the northern most capital in the world and, while it’s as cosmopolitan as any other European capital, a short fifteen minute ride will take you to such exotic places as the Blue Lagoon. There are thermal pools and springs located throughout the city of Reykjavik, but the Blue Lagoon is a favorite for tourists. The Blue Lagoon is a warm, thermal pool that is like a natural hot tub. The air around the pool is laden with mist, giving a dream-like appearance to the surroundings. In addition, dim and strategically-placed lighting makes things appear even more unreal. To show that you’re never far from civilization, you can stop for a gourmet meal at the lagoon’s Lava Restaurant and Café before your short drive back to city life.

Hotels in Reykjavik range from the Hilton Reykjavik Nordica, a rather traditional international hotel with all the amenities, to myriad places like the Hotel Centrum, a smaller lodge with all the local charm you hope for when visiting foreign lands. And with the exchange rate, you’ll get plenty of value for your U.S. currency.

Go in the summer, and you’ll experience 24-hours of sunlight so that your day is as long as you want it to be. In the winter it’s always dark, which is exactly what you’re looking for if you want to see the northern lights. Iceland has the best conditions on the planet to see this incredible geo-magnetic phenomenon, and you have all day and all night to witness them. And just to reiterate, with the end of summer approaching, Icelandic winters are actually milder than winter in New York so being outside is not uncomfortable.

I think that, with so few one-of-a-kind places on this planet, it’s a great goal to try and see all of them; especially if you can introduce younger people to such remarkable places. Iceland is the perfect place to begin.

As with several of the other places I’ve told you about, Iceland is constantly growing in popularity, so the sooner you go the fewer fellow-tourists you’ll encounter; however, with Lonely Planet ranking Iceland in its Top 10 Value Destinations, and USA Today naming it as a Top Travel Destination for 2011, its popularity is growing so make visiting a priority. I plan on going back soon, so look for me when you’re there. I’ll be the one trotting back and forth between the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon and the fine dining of the Lava Café.

Croatia’s relative anonymity is part of what makes it such a special destination; that, however, is quickly changing so if you want a getaway spot that’s on the cutting edge of vacation fashionability, visiting now would be a good idea.

The British Times recently placed Croatia in its top-ten list of the best places to get away from your everyday life for the next decade. It ranked right up there with London, Paris, New York, Switzerland and Morocco. CNN also just listed Croatia as the new travel spot for celebrities like Steven Spielberg, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, and Sharon Stone, and cited its beautiful Adriatic seaside cities and beaches, its unmatched sailing and its superb cuisine as the reasons why, along with the Sunday Times listing Croatia as having one of the top ten music festivals in the world. Additionally, in 2008, the New York Times voted the Central Dalmatian island of Hvar as being the 11th most interesting destination in the world. Obviously, Croatia is starting to attract global attention as the place to go.

Tourism, however, is nothing new for many parts of Croatia, including Dubrovnik, one of the world’s most beautiful Mediterranean cities; it has been a travel destination for European tourists for nearly a hundred years. Today, Dubrovnik is not only known for its world-class hotels and restaurants, but also for its rich cultural history. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization has placed it on its World Heritage list. You can tour the historical parts of the city and take in its museums, monuments, architecture, monasteries and cathedrals. and then, of course, you can return to the 21st century and partake of scuba diving, wind surfing, fishing or sailing the Mediterranean.

If being away from cosmopolitan hustle and bustle is more your cup of tea, Croatia has over 1,100 islands off its coast. Hvar, for example, is home to the oldest theater in Europe and has a great summer festival. It’s also the location that has the most hours of sunshine anywhere on the Adriatic. Looking for an island that a bit more urban, southern California feel? The island of Brac has hundreds of miles of beaches and excellent surfing along with highly acclaimed restaurants, night clubs and discos. The island of Vis has untouched nature and many Roman ruins. Or visit the birthplace of Marco Polo on Korcula.

Go ahead and let others visit the Italian seaside villages, just across the Adriatic from Croatia, or let them spend their life savings on the French Riviera. You can take a vacation with all the amenities those places have, and you’ll come home with some money left in your bank account. And, unlike some places that take tourism for granted, the Croats are probably the friendliest and most accommodating people you’ll find. They’ll make your trip a memorable one.

My advice is, whether you’re looking for world-class hotels and restaurants, or a trip filled with history, or you want the adventure of an island stay, Croatia has it all. But book your vacation soon before Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie get your room.

Superlatives can be used to describe just about every aspect of Alaska. As the largest state in the union (sorry, Texas…we know it hurts, but facts are facts), it’s also one of the least populated with only about one person per square mile. Alaska boasts the highest mountain in North America and it has more inland lakes and rivers than any other state, equaling an area more than the entire size of Massachusetts and Vermont combined. And, it’s the only state that lies, in part, above the arctic circle.

While all those fact may be interesting, they may not be enough to make you want to spend your next vacation in Alaska. So how about this: Alaska is the only place in America where you can see glaciers, fjords, mountains, the ocean, lush forests, whales, moose, grizzlies, eagles and the Northern Lights, all from the same spot.

Whether you travel by car or rail inland, take a cruise to see the spectacular coastline, or take a tour that provides a combination tour of both land and sea, you’ll be back for a return trip to explore all the things you missed on your first visit.

If you choose to see Alaska via a cruise, there are a number of options available with a variety of itineraries, including visits to the Gulf of Alaska, Glacier Bay National Park and Prince William Sound, which the stunning College Fjord. Shore excursions are always available on every cruise and many travelers prefer a cruise for their initial Alaskan adventure since it offers the scenic beauty of this great state along with the great food, entertainment and accommodations one expects from luxury travel.

If you choose to see Alaska by land, you can rent a car and explore on your own or take one of the many rail services. For example, if you’re want to see the best of inland Alaska, then you won’t want to miss Denali Park, which is about 240 miles north of Anchorage and is accessible by either road or rail. For me, rail was the way to go since it allowed me to spend the trip looking at some of the most amazing landscapes on earth rather than at the road.

Once at Denali Park, there are quite a few options on where to stay; whether you choose the Denali Princess Lodge, which has panoramic views overlooking the Nenana River, the Kantishna Roadhouse located in the remote wilderness at the end of the Denali Park Road or a variety of cabins and lodges in between, there’s something for every interest and every budget.

No matter where you stay in Denali Park, you’ll want to visit the park’s main attraction, Mount McKinley, which towers 20,300 feet above the six-million acre park; higher than any other peak on the continent.

Most people prefer to travel Alaska in the summer months, from May to September. However, if you want to see the Northern Lights, that’s one thing you won’t be able to do in summer…not in the land of the midnight sun; you’ll have to go in the winter for that. If you do, The Denali Princess Lodge, along with several other hotels and lodges, offer a Northern Lights wake-up call service that alerts you at any time day or night when the Aurora Borealis is visible so you won’t miss a minute of this spectacular display. (The state’s Geophysical Institute has a web site that gives a Northern Lights forecast to help you plan your trip.)

I suggest that, if spending your travel dollar right here in the U.S. is important to you, you should put this last Great American Frontier at the top of your list.

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One country that has put ecotourism on the map, so to speak, is Costa Rica. If you want to see unspoiled forests and coastlines, or if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or honeymoon spot, Costa Rica should be one of your top travel destinations. With twenty natural parks, eight biological reserves, and many protected areas, you can explore nature in quiet solitude or, for the more adventurous, experience some of the world’s best surfing, rafting, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

My visit to Costa Rica was fun, relaxing, educational and I left with the feeling that I had spent my tourist dollars wisely; I had provided myself with a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience while at the same time I contributed to the cause of judiciously protecting nature.

Bordered by Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south, Costa Rica is straddled by the Atlantic’s Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific to the west, and I was able to travel from one ocean to the other in less than two hours, and the clean and beautiful beaches on both sides of the country are warm year-round. Costa Rica’s unique topography, which includes not only over eight-hundred miles of coastline, but everything from volcanoes to rain-forests, provides cooler temperatures in the highlands even during the Costa Rican “summer”, or dry season, which occurs from December through April, with San José and the Central Valley having a nearly perfect climate any time of year.

If you’d like to explore local wildlife, there’s plenty of it to see from leatherback turtles to hundreds of species of both local and migrating birds, including the stunning and indigenous quetzal.

My suggestion is to use the country’s capital as your home base so that you can see both the urban and rural side of this eclectic country. San José is located in the Central Valley and offers many high-quality options when it comes to dining, accommodations, nightlife, markets and local culture. And, like most of Latin America, Costa Rica is famous for its locally-grown coffee, so be sure to stock-up while you’re there and avoid those costly trips to Starbucks after you arrive home.

Costa Rica’s is a stable and peaceful democracy…which isn’t always the case when it comes to Central American countries…and the native inhabitants, known as Ticos, are warm, friendly and helpful in their dealings with tourists. In short, I found Costa Rica to be a model country that has discovered that promoting environmental concerns and sharing them with the world is good for the planet and good for the local economy. It seems only right to support this noble and worthy idea.

Start planning your Costa Rican vacation well ahead of time by deciding what sites and activities you’d like to explore, as there’s so much to do and you wouldn’t want to miss anything. Of course, if you run out of time you can always make a return trip; something I plan on doing and I guarantee it’s something you’ll want to do too.

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Image courtesy of Viking Cruises

After spending several days in North Vietnam’s surprisingly modern capital, Hanoi, and an excursion on Ha Long Bay, I boarded a flight to Siem Reap (Angkor Wat), Cambodia where I stayed for a couple days of sightseeing before beginning my journey down the Mekong River to South Vietnam, stopping along the way to see ancient monasteries, temples and palaces. I also had the opportunity to mingle with the locals and was able to shop at a variety of markets in cities like Cai Be, Sa Dec and Phnom Penh, before reaching my final destination, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon.

As I did at the start of my trip in Hanoi, I was able to spend a few days exploring the wonders of Ho Chi Minh City before heading home.

Because there are such a variety of itineraries available when river cruising, if I have any advice for future travelers it’s that, as always, you’ll want to think about what you’re hoping to get out of your trip. Are you interested in architecture, history, local culture, all of the above? Are you traveling alone or with a companion? Are you bringing the kids? Whatever your answers, you’ll find a list of stops in cities that will satisfy everyone’s needs and desires.

I’m not sure where I’ll be heading next, but whenever I find something I feel is worth sharing you’ll find it here, so check back often for what I hope are useful travel tips you can use in your own adventures.

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