Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks offer the hiker and mountaineer one of the finest arrays of alpine challenges in the Rocky Mountains. You can be in the heart of Colorado's fourteener country in a few hours from its metropolitan areas, and the peak's proximity to population centers makes them even more precious. There is a lifetime of adventures waiting for you in Colorado's mountains. Climbing fourteeners has become increasingly popular in recent years, and the challenge of climbing all the fourteeners captures many people.

Besides the often-climbed standard routes up Pikes Peak and Mount Evans, there are many alternative routes and several technical routes. Most of the routes on Colorado's fourteeners are walk-ups (Class 1, Class 2, Easy Snow), but there are many wonderful scrambles (Class 3, Moderate Snow) and technical climbs (Class 4, Class 5, Steep Snow) on these peaks. Many of these beautiful routes have never been adequately described before. Most climbers on Colorado's fourteeners climb the standard routes and they are becoming crowded. However, you can still spend days climbing fourteeners and never see another person.

Cancun is Mexico's most visited tourist destination and boasts over twenty-five thousand hotel rooms. There's golf, tennis lots of shopping facilities and a remarkable biodiversity. There are four hundred seventy-five bird species, over a hundred different mammals and twelve hundred plant species.

Cancun has lots of beach and the hotels are magnificent. Some people actually never even leave the hotel grounds their entire vacation. This speaks volumes for some of these resorts situated on the edge of ocean beaches.

The beautiful ocean are home to over two thousand five hundred marine species with five hundred different tropical fish.

Cancun is located in the State of Quintana Roo at the most southern tip of the peninsula. It is divided into two sections: the Hotel Zone [Zona Hotelera] which is a 22 km sandy strip of land between a lagoon and seaside hotels located on Cancun Island and Cancun City/Downtown [El Centro] which is home to the many Mexicans who live in the district. Downtown is located on the mainland. If you want to see this wonderful location, please click here and let's the experts show you all the best Cancun has to offer.

Trail to Machu Picchu

For 400 years Machu Picchu remained a mystery, closed off from the world. It wasn't until 1911 when the Inca Trail was once again rediscovered by a Yale archeologist. Below snow covered peaks lies the Inca Empire The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu offers dramatic scenery along with mystery of the beautifully preserved Inca ruins. We will view the incredible stone masterpieces and paved roads brilliantly built to the contours of the land. We will see these amazing ruins up close, each one different a more spectacular than the last. We will also have magnificent views from afar after climbing from the valley below. As we go through "The Gateway to the Sun" we will see the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Horses will carry our gear, so we can trek the history laden trail with nothing but our cameras.

In many ways, Yellowstone is the epicenter of everything that's still wild and untamed in the United States, and everything that's right and wrong about modern-day tourism.

Yellowstone is the oldest park in the U.S. park system and is its flagship. Each year, it draws 3 million visitors; by some estimates, one-third of the U.S. population will visit this place during their lifetime. They come to experience the park's restless geology; to see grizzlies, gray wolves, and herds of buffalo; to fish legendary trout streams like the Madison and the Yellowstone River. Most of all, they come to reconnect in some way with a sense of primordial America, the larger-than-life landscape that existed before railroads, highways, telephones, and a host of other technologies began to cut everything down to size.

Riding a rare "hot spot" in the earth's surface, Yellowstone's turbulent landscape—which remains among the most geologically active lands on the planet, with steam-spewing geysers, gurgling fumaroles, and frequent earthquakes—was protected as the world's first national park in 1872. Yellowstone and the huge tracts of national-forest land that ring it comprise one of the world's last intact temperate ecosystems—all its major species of plants and animals are still present. Yet Yellowstone is also deeply scarred by what Edward Abbey called "industrial tourism"; its most famous sights—Old Faithful geyser, the terraced wonders of Mammoth Hot Springs, the overwhelming size and hues of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone—can be a mob scene.

Mexico

Mexico, especially the Cancun area, and Mayan Riviera, an hour’s drive south of Cancun, is a popular place for family beach vacations. The Mayan Riviera is one of the regions of Mexico - and the world- which offers the richest variety of landscapes and archaeological treasures including Mayan ruins, coral reef, snorkelling lagoons, and eco-theme parks such as Xcaret. Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and attractions throughout Mexico welcome families with open arms.

Jamaica

Jamaica is considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the Caribbean Islands and is one of the top family-vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Many of Jamaica’s resorts offer supervised children's activities, babysitters, family discounts, and kid's meals. Jamaica has an abundance of top all-inclusive chains including: Sandals Beaches, SuperClubs Breezes resorts and Club Med. There are also many other family vacation options such as the Franklyn D. Resort in Runaway Bay, Jamaica, where families have their own vacation nanny during their stay.

Turks and Caicos

On a 12-mile stretch of satiny white-sand, Beaches Turks & Caicos is one of the premier family resorts on the island.With separate programs for infants, toddlers and teens, each is designed to give each age the activities they love. So when you're off doing your thing, they're off doing theirs. There are many other resorts to stay at this idyllic family beach destination

Bahamas

Home to the Atlantis Bahamas resort and many other excellent family resorts, there will not be a dull moment on your Bahamas family vacation. Blessed with the perfect location-less than 100 miles off the coast of Florida, the perfect climate- averaging a little over 75 degrees, and the perfect surroundings-crystal clear turquoise blue waters and pearly white beaches, the Islands of the Bahamas is the perfect destination for your next family beach vacation.

Hawaii

A Family Hawaii Vacation has it all. Beautiful beaches, world-class golf, surfing, shopping, swimming, top notch hotels, condominiums, eco tours, national parks, warm weather, and cool ocean breezes. The four islands that are popular for a family Hawaii Vacation are Oahu, Maui, the Big Island and Kauai.

Florida

Florida is a popular family beach destination because the climate is warm year round, it is easy to get to, it offers good value for your money, there are endless options for sightseeing and attractions for you family depending on what area you are in, and the beaches in Florida are numerous. In addition to beach destinations and of course Walt Disney World, there are tons of other family outings including Universal Studios, Sea World, Bush Gardens and many more.

Don’t Forget Family Cruises

This is a very popular family vacation option and my personal favorite. Cruises with kids offer great value, choice and freedom! There are a lot of misconceptions about cruising such as it is only for older people and not suited for families, it is too rigid, there is nothing to do, you’ll feel trapped, you’ll get seasick, it’s too expensive! All is these statements are false and could not be further from the truth. Bring your kids along on almost any cruise and they'll have the time of their lives.

Mountain Biking in Namibia

Namibia is renowned for its game parks and resorts, an abundance of wildlife, a stark but unique landscape and adapted flora. On this holiday we will hike on the luxuriant Waterberg Plateau, search for the "big five" in the Etosha National Park, see many Bushman engravings at Twyfelfontein, experience the German colonial atmosphere in Swakopmund and spend some time in the wild and beautiful Namib Desert where one of the highest sand dunes in the world are found at Sossusvlei. This 15-day mountain bike tour offers a unique opportunity to personally experience the incomparable scenic highlights of Namibia on the routes specially selected by us. We will always have our bicycles with us and are therefore very flexible with the route and as well where the distances to be covered are concerned. In order to make the nature experience complete, we will also be going on a number of walks.

Learn the Art of Traveling and Discover Thailand

The mere mention of Thailand conjures images of the Far East, of markets on rivers, of trading posts that predate Marco Polo, and of modern day manufacturing, skyscrapers, and commerce. It brings out visions of smiling children playing in fields, elderly grandparents in cultural wardrobe, and immense golden statues of Buddha in ornate compounds of architecture that could only be Thai. It brings forth smells; lemongrass, lime, coconut milk, and diesel smoke. If you are one who is fortunate to have fallen in love with Thailand, the name brings on a smile.

Some people have certain ideas about Hawaii; it’s touristy, it’s expensive, it’s just plain tired…While it’s true that many people visit the Aloha State, you have to see for yourself whether or not the stunning beaches, tantalizing trade winds, and unforgettable sunsets have been used up by all the people who have visited, or whether they are on such a level as to rise above the labels usually attributed to high-traffic destinations. Here’s a hint: if you do things right, you won’t be disappointed by your visit to Hawaii.

One thing that would start you off on the right track would be to visit Maui. Yes, this island is a tourist hotspot, but there are plenty of hidden treasures and untrammeled portions of beach that will make you think twice before calling this place boring or predictable. With over 30 miles of sandy shoreline fit for swimming, surfing, and snorkeling, there’s bound to be a bit of beach for you to call your own. Join the crowds for a scuba dive or head off on your own for a snooze, either way you probably won’t find much reason to complain.

Specifically, make note of Kaanapali Beach, which has been named one of the world’s tops, and D.T. Fleming Beach Park, another expert’s favorite. Plenty more big names exist, but don’t be shy about trekking off in search of someplace different, someplace that is literally off the beaten path. Rumor has it that these hidden gems do exist, but their supreme beauty will want you to follow the lead of so many others and keep their delights to yourself. See them, experience them, and then conveniently forget where they were. Until your next visit, that is.

Maui beaches are also good for whale watching during the months of December through May, so get out the binoculars or, even better, charter a yacht to take you out towards the action. These massive mammals have a certain elegance that cannot be easily described, so here’s wishing you the best of luck in catching a glimpse of these exciting inhabitants of Maui’s waters.

If you arrive on the shores of this magical island feeling more than a little world-weary, make some time to properly pamper yourself at one of the high-class spas. After a facial or a massage you’ll be seeing things in a whole new way, a way that will include no memory of cubicles, computer crashes, or traffic jams. And, though it is definitely a popular thing to do, the golfing in Maui is so good that you’ll forgive yourself for being a cliché when you tee off on the most gorgeous course you’ve ever seen.

Another attention worthy feature of the island is its 55 mile Hana Highway. Characterized by its crazy corkscrew twists and turns, this stretch of road is challenging yet rewarding. Park a careful driver behind the wheel, crack open the window for some fresh air, and gaze out the window as you navigate your way through one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever experience. Make a few stops to fully appreciate the culture and the scenery, and congratulate yourself with a Mai Tai once you make it to the end.

The list of unique, hardly-monotonous activities goes on and on, so hopefully you haven’t yet written Maui off as the same old stuff. Sea kayaking, eco-tours, Polynesian shows, art galleries, and a goat dairy should all keep you busy for a few days without ever feeling that you’re being herded around in a bland tour-like atmosphere. Maui invites you to explore the world at your own pace and with your own goals in mind, so pack a lunch and set out for a rainforest hike or lie back in a hammock, either way you’re doing the right thing.

To really do the right thing, avoid the standard step of booking a hotel. That doesn’t mean you should set up a tent on the beach (although that would definitely be a way to do things differently), rather, consider reserving a vacation rental. A funky, one-of-a-kind property will suit your taste to rebel against the norm, and the privacy that goes along with your beach side villa will satisfy your need for escape.

Bike and Boat Holiday

What could be more enjoyable than sailing over the Wadden Sea and cycling on the West Frisian islands? Come and find out yourself on board one of our boats that will bring you to three of the most beautiful West Frisian islands as well as the island of Wieringemeer. Breathe in the fresh air on the windswept beaches, cycle through forest and dunes, and enjoy the exceptional beauty of this part of The Netherlands. You do one or two round trips on each island. Short and long bike trip are always possible, but of course you can also decide to visit the beach or go for a walk.

Explore Tahiti

People come to French Polynesia to live it up in stylish resorts, scuba dive in lagoons teeming with tropical fish, gorge on the unique mix of French and Polynesian cuisine and, basically, experience a little French chic mixed with South Pacific charm. For more than 200 years, Tahiti has represented the tropical-paradise myth for Europeans. It's French Polynesia's biggest, most famous and historically interesting island, but the glossy pictures that you see in travel agents' windows are quite likely to be some other French Polynesian island.

Wildflower Heaven

The Southern Chilcotins have been identified as the most important unprotected area of wilderness in southern British Columbia. It has been carved by glaciers, shaped by time and decorated by nature. A magnificent mixture of valleys, flowered meadows, alpine terrain, and abundant wildlife, coupled with a low level of visitors, make this appealing to those looking for solitude and remoteness.

Who would have thought that a state known for its saguaro cactus and scorching summers is home to the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest and high desert lake in the United States? When the mercury rises, there is no better way to beat the heat than under the shade of millions of acres of forest or splash in hundreds of miles of crystal clear blue lake.

With a combined area of over 2.5 million acres, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests cover an area larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined. The forest lands extend from the south and the west of the town of Williams, then north covering both rims of the Grand Canyon. From the Grand Canyon the forest flows south and east to the mighty San Francisco Peaks, that tower over the community of Flagstaff, and seem to stretch endlessly to the Mogollon Rim.

Mature Ponderosa Pine trees tower more than 100 feet above the forest floor and measure up to 30 inches in diameter. The strong vanilla aroma of the Ponderosa’s bark is a pleasant surprise for most visitors. The forests of northern Arizona are peppered with many types of trees, including Douglas-fir, juniper, Engelmann and Blue spruce, oak, piñon and aspen. Great stands of aspen can be found in the 7,500 ft. – 10,000 ft. elevation between Flagstaff and Williams. The forest is dotted with camp sites, picnic areas and several lakes, including Mormon Lake just east of Flagstaff, the largest natural lake in the state.

The forest lands are very accessible to visitors with well maintained roads and trails for vehicles, hikers and bikers. The U.S. Forest Service offers complete visitor information about recreational activities, events and seasonal programs that are open to the public. (See sidebar for contact information).

Lake Powell, located in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, just two hours north of Flagstaff, is the largest high desert lake (over 3,600 feet above sea level) in North America. Lake Powell is an enormous body of water over 500 feet deep and 186 miles long with 1,960 miles of shoreline. If you drew a line along the shore of this lake and then pulled both ends of that line and snapped it straight it would be longer than the distance from Canada to Mexico! The spectacular shoreline is made up of 96 major canyons and countless smaller ones that stretch off the water, just waiting to be explored by passing boaters or adventurous kayakers. The surrounding red rock desert and side canyons are favorites for hikers, mountain bikers and campers.

Thailand can be a place of endless adventure thrills or big-city bustle, and you should mix and match according to your whim. As for traveling alone, fret not. Even if you want to travel alone, there are so many like-minded travelers around that companionship is never far from hand, if only for a boat ride to the islands or an info-gathering beer. The real issue? How do you temper the impulsive urge to head immediately to the Thailand of vacation lore—Krabi's pristine white-sand beaches and crag-perfect limestone cliffs, for starters—before even sloughing off the jet lag? In a word: Bangkok. From temples and markets to haute spas that don't charge a bhat and a leg for a traditional Thai massage to bustling Khao San Road—the happening place for backpackers—it's definitely worth your while spending just a few days getting your bearings in this cauldron of seven million souls. And besides, Bangkok's frenetic yin will only help propel you headlong into the yang of the country's other more laidback locales.  Known as the "Land of Smiles," Thailand is one of the easier countries to navigate for lone adventurers. But as with any country, travelers should keep alert. Women don't need to take any special precautions in Thailand, but as always, be careful while wandering around at night. Stick to populated areas and make sure someone at home knows your basic itinerary before you leave for your trip, plus communicate any sudden changes in your itinerary if circumstances lead you down a heretofore unknown road (email access is readily available). There are the usual tourist scams—the selling of fake gems, for instance—but they are not always easy to spot, nor do they specifically target women. Also make sure when hailing a tuk-tuk, Thailand's ubiquitous three-wheeler taxicab, that you set a price and a specific destination with the driver before climbing aboard. Don't worry—he'll likely ignore whatever you said, and take you to a friend's shop anyway or tell you the temple's closed. If that happens, ask to head to your original destination immediately, and if that doesn't work, there's always another tuk-tuk. No traveler is immune from the tricks of pocket pickers, so keep your cash tucked safely away in a money belt hidden under your clothes. Leave it dangling around your neck or in a backpack and you're likely to have it snatched by a passing motorcyclist or other thief. The simple rule of thumb: If something seems fishy or too good to be true, it probably is. Better to be rude and walk away than be polite and get robbed.

Now for the fun stuff. After you fly into Bangkok you'll definitely want to take some time to explore this ancient city. Crowded streets will gobble up weary travelers, so set your sights instead on the Grand Palace (www.palaces.thai.net). Built in 1877, this historic compound is candy to the architectural buff's eye with its golden facades and mosaic-covered walls. Used by the royal family for ceremonial purposes, it is also open to the general public. Make sure you've got on your comfy khakis because shorts, sleeveless shirts, and flip-flops are forbidden within its walls. Located just ten minutes from the Grand Palace is Khao San Road, Bangkok's backpacker's Broadway, a place that's poised for adventure both day and night. Take the opportunity to try some Thai cuisine such as banana pancakes and spicy Tom Yum Gung soup at one of the stalls located along the street. The trick: look for places with lots of people. (The faster the cook's working, the less time ingredients have to spoil.) There are plenty of guesthouses, but the Sawasdee (+66.2.256.0890) near the National Library on Sriayatthaya Road is one of the nicer in the area. Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50. Generally, you get what you pay for.

After just a few days, you'll probably be ready to wash off the oppressive city heat. Time to head south. After an hour-and-a-half flight from Bangkok to Krabi, you can find yourself within driving distance of Khao Sok National Park. There, you'll find mountain trails, emerald lakes and, uh, barking deer. Booking an adventure package with a local guide will help you see the most in the least amount of time. Limestone Lake Tours (+66.72.688.017; limestonelaketours.com) offers a "Jungle Magic" package with nights in both a treehouse and floating rafthouse, and your choice of elephant jungle treks, guided canoe trips around Chieow Laan Lake, and jungle walks. And the Thai meals are cooked from scratch. The best time to visit is during the low season (June to October) to catch all the foliage, such as the giant Rafflesia flower that blooms just once a year.

Jungle adventures aren't for everyone, and if you're determined to get in some serious R&R before your trip comes to an end, visit Railay Beach for some of the world's most velvety white sands, as well as world-class rock climbing. Some of the nicer resorts, such as Railay Bay Resort (+66.1.9152.700; railaybayresort.com), will only set you back about $32 per night and include a long list of luxe amenities—private bathroom, television, and pool with an ocean view, to name a few. And if you're craving a few more endorphin highs, try some sea and mangrove kayaking or cave spelunking.

In the end, as with any trip, Thailand is best experienced by following your fancy. Maybe you'll want to head up to Chiang Mai and take an elephant trek, or head down to Phuket for diving. There's nothing wrong with having an itinerary, but in a place like Thailand, leaving your schedule open to whim will be your best asset. That way, when you meet up with that rowdy group of expats who're heading out to start their own island colony with a Leonardo DiCaprio look-alike, you won't be tied into staying three nights at some hotel. Keep your head on your shoulders, but remember you're really there for only one reason—to relax.

Surf capitals come and go, but for nearly half a century, one thing hasn't changed: The road to surfing stardom still rolls right through Haleiwa, gateway to Oahu's North Shore and some of the sport's most fabled waves: Pipeline, Sunset, Waimea. In a sense, Haleiwa, which marks one end of the "seven-mile miracle" stretch of beaches and some 40 surf breaks, is two different towns. One materializes every winter, when thousands of fans and photographers follow the planet's best surfers—including North Shore residents Jamie O'Brien, Pancho Sullivan, and Fred Patacchia—as they converge for high-profile My Town: Haleiwa

"There's a lot of surf towns, but Haleiwa's one of the best in the world," says Fred Patacchia, the 2005 Association of Surfing Professionals' men's rookie of the year. "There are so many varieties of waves in that stretch—it accommodates everyone. It's just a nice little town, you know?"

contests like the World Cup and the Pipe Masters, braving sometimes-lethal shallow reefs, monster tubes, and wave faces that can top 30 feet. Once the mobs and the hype (and the swells) die down, the other Haleiwa reappears: a sleepy old sugar-mill town where Jack Johnson learned to strum a guitar at backyard barbecues. It's a laid-back anti-Waikiki, where feral chickens shriek from the branches of mango trees, locals gear up at any of a dozen or so surf shops and refuel on ahi tacos at Cholo's, and grandparents cheer on longboarding preteens in the annual Menehune Surf Championships. On the job front, survival often entails doubling up on tourist-related gigs, driving an hour or so to Honolulu, or sponging off your friends. On the surfing front, respect is earned, not granted: Wise newcomers start out at the less hyped, less crowded breaks, such as Kammies or the more challenging Pupukea, until they find their place in the pecking order.

For your Hawaiian Vacation we recommend this wonderful site.

If you plan on going there to marry or for honeymoon, you may want to check this site. 

REALITY CHECK:

The good news about real estate on the North Shore: Prices are leveling off. The bad news: The median home price is around $900,000, and even that won't get you oceanfront. Plan B? Pony up $1,500 to rent a modest one-bedroom until the rep from Quiksilver calls.

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Ventura, California. Close to Rincon, one of California's best point breaks, along with stellar surfing at Emma Wood and Silver Strand—and just far enough from Los Angeles. Ventura hosted the first prize-money surfing contest (in 1965), and it was here that three-time world champ Tom Curren and the surfing/filmmaking Malloy brothers perfected their moves. Ventura's cool old downtown—wedged up against the foothills a few blocks from the Pacific—is packed with eateries, thrift shops, and bookstores.

We may be getting ahead of ourselves by naming Dubai – considering that most of its wonders have yet to be built by man – but this United Arab Emirate is already causing an international stir with its epic list of in-the-works architectural projects. Must-see attractions that are nearing completion include the Palm Islands, a collection of manmade isles shaped like palm trees which will accommodate apartments, spas, diving sites, and more; Hydropolis, an underwater luxury hotel that’s 66 feet below the Persian Gulf’s surface (due to open in 2007); Burj Dubai, the world's newest tallest skyscraper (due in 2009); and Dubailand, another series of islands – these ones divided into six themed "worlds" – that will host a sort of Disney World in the Middle East (some are set to open in 2008). Once all is said and built, don't be surprised if this desert city reaches superstar tourism status.

There are a large number of Jamaica vacation packages available. If you are visiting this Caribbean island for the first time, it is always advisable to go for a vacation package, as this would save troubles involving hotel and air reservations, hotel bookings, making arrangements for meals and transportation from the airport.

A large number of tour and travel companies as well as hotels and resorts offer such packages. You can search for them on the Internet and even choose one by making online payments. Some web sites allow you to bid for such packages, and the bids could start for as low as $1.

There are special vacation packages for honeymoon couples, families, older persons and children. The prices of these vacation packages vary widely depending on the length of stay, range and quality of facilities offered during your stay, types of meals you like and the number of places you would like to visit.

Some companies offer vacation packages for only groups, as this helps to cut down the costs drastically. However, there is no dearth of customized vacation packages to suit individual requirements.

These vacation packages give visitors the freedom and choice to explore this beautiful island in their own way. They can stay at the hotels or resorts they like. Most of the vacation packages have arrangements for pick-up on arrival, and the itinerary is quite flexible. Some vacation packages allow tourists to spend their time in different parts of the island; each time you might be put up in a new hotel.

Any Jamaica vacation package which does not offer a glimpse of its roaring and fun-filled nightlife is not worth it. If you want to shop during vacations, you may try out a vacation package inclusive of shopping.

Truly Travel Spain: Essential Destinations By Frank Johnson

Barcelona

There is no superior starting place for your travel to Spainthan the grand and enchanting streets of Barcelona. There isnever a dull moment in this city that literally never sleeps,especially in the summer months. Barcelona is studded with theunmistakable modernism of Antoni Gaudi, who single-handedlylanded the city on the architectural map. A stroll down thegrand avenue Passeig de Gracia will take you directly in frontof both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, which are incredible featsof art and design and fully accessible to the public. Makereservations to have cocktails and watch the sun set on theAlice In Wonderland-like rooftop of Casa Mila (only availablefor the summer season). Wind your way through the narrowpassages of the Gothic Quarter, the oldest part of town, untilyou find the overwhelming and unmistakable Gothic Cathedral(just remember to watch your pockets!).

Just an hour north of Barcelona in the town of Figueres isNorthern Spain's most interesting and unique museum. The Dalimuseum is so extraordinary because it was designed andconstructed by the artist himself and the collection of hisworks is unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. The coastlinenorth of Barcelona, extending to the French border, is known asthe Costa Brava and is one of the Mediterranean's most exclusiveand beautiful vacation destinations. Additionally, Catalonia'scountryside is spotted with superb Spanish wine vineyards andolive groves. Once you fall in love with Barcelona, it will beextremely difficult to leave; however, there are a few othergems in the north to explore in order to have really traveledSpain.

San Sebastian (Donostia)

A blend of cosmopolitan chic and sophisticated resort town, SanSebastian offers all the luxuries of a big city while providingthe Atlantic coastline with its most popular beach getaway. SanSebastian, the heart and soul of the Basque region, is widelyknown for its world-class restaurants and irresistible tapasbars; its location just south of the French border has added aunique flare to the culture and cuisine found nowhere else inSpain. Just a short bus ride inland takes you to Bilbao, homeof Frank O. Gehry's spectacular architectural triumph, theGuggenheim Museum. This is one stop that must be made when youtravel Spain!

Pamplona

The captivating words of Hemmingway and the dangerous art ofbull running are inescapable symbols of this historic township.Another cultural staple of the Basque region, Pamplona should bea stop on as you travel Spain in July when La Fiesta de SanFermin (The Running of the Bulls) takes place over 14 days. Thepopulation of 250,000 explodes to over 1 million, so reserve aplace to stay early or simply do what the locals do: eat, drinkand dance in the streets until the sun comes up and the bullsbegin to run!

Months would be needed to travel Spain's diverse cultures anddistinct regions. With more limited time, these fascinatingdestinations provide an intimate window into the authenticSpanish way of life.