Introduction to Ecuador

 
The eye-catching colors of Ecuador leap out from every corner of its diverse landscape, from fluttering rainbow-hued macaw wings in the Amazonian jungle to the calm, dazzling blue lakes of the Andean sierra and the fiery terracotta sands of the Galapagos Islands. Brooding snow-capped volcanoes provide a striking contrast to the roaring heat of the salsa-dancing coast. You'll gaze in wonder at the sparkling gold interior of Quito's baroque churches while walking in the footsteps of Spanish conquistadors and Incan warriors.
Cities
Hardy survivors of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, Quito's 500-year-old buildings usher you through columned archways onto hidden courtyards, its baroque churches twinkling with gold leaf. Catch a cooling river breeze as you stroll along Guayaquil's glitzy Malecón promenade, lined with shops and restaurants blaring hot salsa tunes. Cuenca, the capital's World Heritage Site sibling, crowns layers of Cañari and Inca foundations with colonial-era architecture; beneath the streets lie the ruins of ancient temples and regal palaces.
Countryside
In the Andes sierra, Ecuador's core, stunning turquoise lagoons nestle in extinct volcanic craters and riders on horseback traverse lush national parks and misty cloud forests. Glide in a canoe to the music of tropical bird song as you visit indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest in the east. Small, undisturbed beaches and humpback-whale-filled waters on Ecuador's Pacific coast lead to the Galapagos Islands, where giant turtles, seals, penguins, iguanas and other native wildlife roam freely in a naturalist's paradise.
Eating and Drinking
Filling fish soups topped with fresh tomato and onion, and raw seafood marinated in tangy lime juice -- the refreshing ceviche -- are popular dishes along the coast. The small and succulent cuy, roast guinea pig, is an Andean favorite, whether spit-roasted along rural highways or served in fine city restaurants. Wholesome thick cheese, hearty chicken and potato soups and braised meat stews help to counter Quito's thin, chilly air during leisurely Ecuadorean family lunches.
National Parks
A fresh-faced Darwin was mesmerized by the Galapagos Islands' vibrant native wildlife. You will be too, as you spy flamingo-dotted salt lagoons, sea lions beached on volcanic red sand, and swaggering marine iguanas or dive alongside penguins as falcons swoop overhead. You can scale the majestic Cotopaxi Volcano or trot on horseback inside the Cotopaxi National Park. As you canoe along the Amazonian jungle waterways of Yasuni, Ecuador's largest national park, look for multicolored macaws and pink river dolphins.

Introduction to Indianapolis

　　Indianapolis is a serious sports town. The Indianapolis 500 and the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to each event. The city also justifiably bills itself as the "Amateur Sports Capital of the World" and boasts world-class sports facilities (including the brand-new home of the Indianapolis Colts, the Lucas Oil Stadium). Indy natives rally behind the city's pro franchises -- the NBA's Pacers, the WNBA's Fever, the NFL's Colts, and the Indianapolis Indians.

In its passion for sports, however, the city does not neglect the arts. In addition to a few notable art museums and galleries, the city boasts a number of theater companies. Indianapolis also has neighborhoods worth exploring: the Lockerbie Square district with renovated Victorian homes on cobblestone streets; the shops, restaurants, and art galleries along Massachusetts Avenue downtown; and Broad Ripple Village, a canal-side neighborhood with boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife.

Introduction to St. Augustine

America's oldest permanent European settlement, St. Augustine draws history buffs and romantics to its Colonial Spanish Quarter and 18th-century buildings. It's a city that's been on travelers' itineraries for ages. Unlike other tourist hotspots, St. Augustine actually lives up to its romantic hype. With its coquina buildings and sprawling, moss-draped live oaks, visitors can do more than just museum hop. St. Augustine encourages guests to sit down for a while, and to drink in scenes from the past along with a chilled glass of sweet tea.
Things to Do
It's no surprise: Historic sites top the list of must-sees in this 16th-century town. St. Augustine's historic attractions rank among the best in the U.S.: the Oldest House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse and the Colonial Spanish Quarter, among others, all dating from the early 1700s. Evoking scenes from a quaint Spanish village, this historic quarter bursts with coquina buildings, their almost-hidden gardens visible out back, their courtyards shaded by stately live oaks and Spanish moss.
Shopping
Spanish-influenced home decor and furniture fill the antique shops and galleries in St. Augustine's historic district. Glossy oak tables, vibrantly-colored, Mediterranean-style tiles and silver bric-a-brac fill display windows along Aviles Street and St. George Street. Original oil paintings of all sizes capture the romantic scenes of historic St. Augustine: Cool coquina courtyards, cobbled streets and Spanish moss-draped shade trees.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Old Town St. Augustine amps it up it on weekends, when young locals and tourists head out for drinks and music. The A1A Ale Works draws crowds with its relaxed microbrewery, menu dotted with Caribbean, Floridian and Cuban influences, and weekend live rock and R&B. The Mill Top Tavern is a rare combination of nightlife and history. Located near the fort, the rustic 19th-century mill (with its still-operational water wheel) offers drinks, food and live music every night of the week.
Restaurants and Dining
Spicy food lovers, St. Augustine has something special for you: the Datil, one of the hottest peppers you'll ever find. Restaurants across town add whole and ground Datils to their menus. Hot Stuff Mon sells an assortment of Datil delicacies you can take home with you. The gaudy neon stripes covering its exterior are just the beginning at Gypsy Cab Co. where the inventive menu constantly changes, but the black bean soup and salads are local favorites. Top off the meal with a regional favorite: Key Lime Pie.

Galveston

Galveston is a port city on a barrier island opposite the mainland coast from Houston. Its main attractions are the downtown historic district with its Victorian commercial buildings and houses. Parts of the town are beautifully restored and ideal for just strolling around. The beaches are another attraction. They draw crowds of Houstonians and other Texans during the summer. The city is only an hour's drive from Houston and is a good destination for families; it's a quiet town with many points of interest, including Moody Gardens and the tall ship Elissa, and it's not far from NASA and Kemah. Galveston is not a boomtown like Houston. Its population of 60,000 remains fairly stable.
Hurricane Ike & Aftermath -- When Hurricane Ike made landfall on Galveston in the early-morning hours of September 13, 2008, it was a high category-2 storm. This wasn't as large as other dangerous storms to hit the U.S., but two factors made Ike more destructive: First, it packed a bigger storm surge (14 ft.) than most category-2 hurricanes, and, second, it hit the Texas coast in precisely the wrong spot, in effect, outflanking Galveston's sea wall. The center of the storm swept over the eastern tip of the island into Galveston Bay. The communities on Bolivar Peninsula, just to the east of Galveston Island, bore the brunt of the destruction.
Galveston, too, suffered severe damage -- much more so than when Hurricane Alicia (category 3) swept over the western half of the island in 1983. The problem is that Galveston is particularly vulnerable on its inland side. After the great storm of 1900, the land was raised so that it is highest along the sea wall and slopes downward to the bay to allow draining. When Ike's storm surge poured into Galveston Bay, there was nothing to block the water from flowing over the island's unprotected side, pushed by the counterclockwise flow of the hurricane's winds. The majority of the city was flooded, including the Strand, Galveston's popular and historic commercial center, and the East End historic district, with its many renovated houses. About 80% of houses in Galveston were flooded, including the grand mansions, such as the Bishop's Palace and Ashton Villa.
Ike killed 40 people on this coast. Total damages to the island are estimated at over $10 billion, and recovery will be slow. Tourism is the lifeblood of the local economy, so some emphasis will be on getting these businesses up and running. Five months after the hurricane, 60% of stores in the Strand have reopened. Clean-up and repairs have begun on the large attractions, such as the Schlitterbahn water park, in order to have them functioning by the summer, if not spring break. Replenishing the sand on beaches has already begun. Hotels are reopening. The annual Mardi Gras will be held. But basic problems with infrastructure, debris removal, and housing are all lingering. And the parts of the city that gave Galveston its character -- the Strand, the old silk-stocking district, and the rest of the historic East End -- are far from returning to normal. Houses and museums are shuttered, waiting for federal aid, insurance, or some other source of funding. The city has lost some of its businesses and is watching its tax base shrink. The University of Texas Medical Branch, the largest employer, has permanently laid off 3,000 employees and has reduced the number of beds in its teaching hospital. There is talk in the state capital of moving the entire institution to the mainland. If you want to visit Galveston, expect it to be a far cry from what it was, at least until the summer of 2010.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/galveston/1699010001.html#ixzz1Z8IsGvNt

Paris luxury holidays

Soak up the ambience of a deluxe suite in the Ritz hotel, dance the night away in one of Paris’s most exclusive night clubs or shop at designer boutiques. Paris is the perfect destination for a holiday of glitz and glamour, beckoning visitors with its sense of prestige, excitement and decadence.

Ritz and glamour

Spend your holiday in a stunning suite in the opulent Hotel Ritz Paris with views of the Eiffel Tower. Take a dip in your private Jacuzzi or lounge in the sauna after a day of hitting the shops. Make your stay extra special and indulge in the Coco Chanel suite, which has been designed to embody the essence and opulence of the iconic fashion designer. Another top choice is the extravagant Elton John suite, complete with chandeliers and stunning views.

Gastronomic delights

Enjoy the delicacies of world-renowned French chef Alain Ducasse at the Plaza Athénée Restaurant. Awarded three Michelin stars, Ducasse serves rare dishes such as roasted blue lobster and wild duck foie gras. In addition to the mouth-watering cuisine, diners can choose from an extensive wine list of over 1,000 different vintages. Alternatively, dine with a view at Ducasse’s Le Jules Verne Restaurant, located on the second level of the Eiffel Tower.

High fashion

Paris is renowned for being one of the world’s top fashion hot spots, with enough haute couture boutiques to satisfy the most stylish fashionistas. Head to Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honoré for luxurious designer shops such as Hermes, Lancôme, and Versace. The Saint-Honoré district is also the historic home to the acclaimed perfumer Jean-Francois Houbigant, who in the 1800’s became the official perfume maker for royalty all over Europe. Find your royal scent at the modern perfume shop, Sarl Fried.

Parisian pampering

After a day of shopping try out the Valmont Spa in Le Meurice. Spa treatments include invigorating body scrubs, anti-aging facials, and state of the art toning and slimming body soaks that trim your figure while you relax. Professional masseuses perform innovative treatments such as the exclusive ‘Meurice’ body massage that combines a blissful massage with exotic oils that will leave you feeling like a million dollars.

Party like a rock star

Clubs on the Rue de Ponthieu are famous for entertaining Paris’s elite. Le Sens and Le Neo cater to the upper crust, and their intimate settings, excellent music, extensive champagne and cocktail lists make them a must see.

Introduction to Turks and Caicos

Calm, azure waters. Golden beaches. Stunning coral reefs and the world's best diving. The Turks and Caicos is perfect for travelers more interested in hearing the wind rustle through Grace Bay's casuarina trees than thrumming steel drums, and for visitors more interested in seeing Bight Reef's multicolored fish and coral than fancily-costumed show girls. Watch the glowworms light up near Caicos Cays, identify wildflowers on an island hike or just take in the ocean view. The Turks and Caicos are naturally stunning.
Things to Do
Even in an archipelago known for its fabulous beaches, Grace Bay stands out for its beach -- lovers dig their toes into crystalline sand, soaking up the sun or relaxing under the shade of a casuarina tree. Smith's Reef and Bight Reef are home to the Turks and Caicos' snorkeling trails, long, fragile stretches of psychedelic coral reefs that lie just beneath the surface of the sea. Avid divers have long been drawn to these waters, and the most stunning site is the mile-high undersea Wall off Grand Turk.
Shopping
Happily, the islands remain untouched by Western chain clothing stores. Instead, tropical, watercolor beach paintings, strappy leather sandals, locally-woven textiles and iridescent seashells line store shelves at boutiques and shops scattered throughout the Turks and Caicos. Look for trendy beachwear at shops near Grace Bay and other beach towns. Designer clothing and jewelry fill the shop windows at resorts near Providenciales, and art galleries are located in Provo and Grand Turk.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The best entertainment in the islands arrives at sunset. Boat cruises head to the Caicos Cays daily, but shortly after a full moon visitors see millions of glowworms light up the night on their voyage. Throughout the Turks and Caicos sunset bathes the sky and sand in orange and pink tones Grace Bay is one of the popular for romantic sunset beach strolls. If you're in the mood for a cocktail, settle into the beach chairs at the oceanfront bar, Lounge, to sip locally-made Turks Head Beer or Bamberra Rum.
Restaurants and Dining
Barefoot diners take in views of a Blue Hills beach and dig into plates of freshly-caught conch cooked to order at Da Conch Shack in downtown Provo. At Turtle Cove Magnolia Restaurant and Wine Bar sits high above the marina, overlooking the sparkling waters of Grace Bay. Toast your traveling companion with a glass of wine and dine on fresh seafood -- the seared raw tuna is a house specialty.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/turksandcaicos/0207010001.html#ixzz1YpmTCduI

Singapore Travel Guide

　　Cultural melting pot and dazzling example of the region's economic successes, wealthy Singapore assails the senses of the first time visitor.

The former British trading post and colony has carved a unique niche for itself in its two short centuries of existence, nowadays offering a vivid combination of ultra-modern skyscrapers, remnants of tropical rainforest and colourful ethnic urban areas, each with a character very much of their own.
One of the most noticeable features of this tiny but bustling city-state is its cleanliness - indeed, it is sometimes criticised for its many seemingly petty regulations, such as the banning of chewing gum - but crime is virtually unknown, and it is one of the world's safest places to visit.
Despite its rather sanitised reputation, though, Singapore is anything but dull. The visitor is spoilt for choice, for things to see and do, and in terms of vibrant nightlife, its rich cultural mix, and a whole planet's worth of culinary experiences.

Singapore is a veritable feast for the senses, a heady mixture of the familiar and the exotic. It suits all budgets, too, presenting a happy collision of opposites - grand and expensive at the famed Raffles Hotel, but low-key and cheap (but good) in the food markets of Bugis Junction and Clarke Quay.

Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City

Years of war and a difficult reunification took their toll on Ho Chi Minh City. The bustling, French colonial city was on the skids for years. But in the 1990s, the city Westerners once knew as Saigon gradually returned to life. Ho Chi Minh's central district is still called Saigon, and the war is recalled in the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace. But visitors will also find intriguing attractions like Ben Tanh Market, sandy beaches and mouth-watering food stalls. Ho Chi Minh is a city worth exploring.
Things to Do
Vietnam is inextricably linked to war in many visitors' minds. The War Remnants Museum remembers the conflict with displays of weapons and photos that are poignant if grim. Some opt for the atmospheric Emperor Jade Pagoda with its incense and intricately carved figures. Escape the omnipresent noise and crowds exploring the wide, tree-lined boulevards laid out by the French. Ride down central Ho Chi Minh by "cyclo," or bicycle taxi, then soak up the sun at Phan Thiet beach.
Shopping
Racks of rainbow-colored silks fill stalls at the Ben Tanh Market. So do bamboo what-nots, souvenir t-shirts, cone-shaped hats and hordes of visitors. Ho Chi Minh's favorite market, Ben Tanh is an overwhelming and noisy must-see. Secure your wallet and browse, then make your way along less-crowded Le Loi Street, which sells many of the same goods. For hipper shopping, the boutiques of Dong Koi Street sell trendy clothing, cameras and watches.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Dong Koi Street has long been a center for grand hotels, cafés and bars. Grab an umbrellaed street-side table and people-watch over a Bia Saigon beer, or follow the young crowds inside for dancing and a tropical cocktail. Go2 Bar attracts everyone from backpackers to business travelers since it serves alcohol 24 hours a day; Pacharan shows sporting events on television, often features live music and has a spacious outdoor patio.
Restaurants and Dining
To get a true taste of Vietnam for mere pennies, feast on rice and vegetable dishes, noodle bowls and che, a local dessert, at open-air restaurants surrounding Ben Tanh Market. For a chaotic, unforgettable, authentic Vietnamese dinner, visitors and locals flock to Quan An Ngon Restaurant. Cooking stations prepare dishes from around the country, including bun bo (cold noodles with beef), various types of pho (noodle soups) and seafood.

Introduction to Taiwan

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, is one of Asia's industrial powerhouses, but its diverse natural assets and cultural attractions make it a draw for visitors as well. This small island nation is located southeast of the coast of mainland China with an eastern shore that rims the Pacific Ocean. Much of the island is lush forestland, but the topography includes picturesque mountains, rice fields, and balmy beaches.

Taiwan split from mainland China in 1949 during the Communist takeover and creation of the People's Republic of China, when leader Chiang Kai-shek moved his government to Taipan. Since then, Taiwan has remained an independent, self-governing nation (though China disputes its political status and continues to press for reconciliation).
Popular things to do in Taiwan include a stay in lively, high-tech Taipei and visits to its colorful street markets; tours of historic temples and museums; stays in mountain resorts (with popular hiking trails) and tropical beaches; and drives through national forests.

Introduction to Virginia Beach

　　20 miles E of Norfolk; 110 miles SE of Richmond; 207 miles S of Washington, D.C.

Just as downtown Norfolk gave itself a major face-lift, so has Virginia Beach done a bit of cosmetic surgery. The city's 20 miles of unbroken sand and surf have always lured families from throughout the region to take their annual beach vacations here. Traditionally the beach took on a certain "Redneck Riviera" flavor from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But that image is changing as new hotels and surfside parks add luster to the oceanfront area.

The actual city of Virginia Beach covers a huge geographic area between the Chesapeake Bay and the North Carolina line. There's no downtown; instead, it's like one giant suburb from Norfolk to the Atlantic Ocean. The largest commercial district is known as Pembroke, off I-64 at the intersection of Independence and Virginia Beach boulevards, where the new Town Center of Virginia Beach houses national restaurants and retailers.

You can forget all that sprawl if you're here on vacation, for the fun is at the Oceanfront, the prime resort area where you will find a solid line of big hotels, restaurants, beachwear and souvenir shops, and video-game arcades. Although resorts line the beachfront and obscure ocean views from everywhere except their own rooms, the 59-block-long Boardwalk (it's actually concrete) boasts immaculate landscaping, wood benches, small parks, a bike-skating path, public restrooms, and attractive white Colonial-style street lamps. And during the summer, the Boardwalk hosts free live entertainment most evenings.

There is more to do in Virginia Beach than lying on the sand, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and chasing dolphins offshore. Nature lovers can drive a few miles south to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts migrating birds and protects several miles of beach and marshlands from development, and then walk or take a tram to the deserted beaches of False Cape State Park down by the North Carolina border. Here also is the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, the most popular museum in the state and a terrific place to take the kids even if it isn't raining. History lovers will find several sites of interest, including the First Landing Cross, where the Jamestown settlers planted their own cross on April 26, 1607.

Introduction to Montreal

　　An infectious sense of joie de vivre pervades the way this 400-year-old city presents itself and conducts its business. History feels close in the period buildings that line the streets of Old Montreal, but the city wholly embraces the modern. Buildings in unexpected shapes and colors scrape the skyline; a beautifully preserved historic district evokes the city's European heritage; and Montreal's beer culture and culinary scene rival those of its south-of-the-border compatriots.

Things to Do
A visit to Montreal starts in Old Town, or Vieux-Montreal, where restored 18th- and 19th-century architecture have been adapted for use as shops, galleries, cafes, and bars. The breathtaking Notre-Dame Basilica stands as the city's spiritual heart. Montréalers come to shop, dine, and play at Plateau Mont-Royal. Take a relaxing horse-drawn calèche for the view at the top of Parc du Mont-Royal. In spring and summer, don't miss the Montreal Botanical Gardens. When it's cold, visit the Underground City to shop, dine, or see a movie -- all without donning an overcoat or putting on snow boots.
Shopping
Stylish Montreal is the place to rejuvenate a tired wardrobe. Find Quebecois and Canadian boutiques and vintage clothing stores on Saint-Denis Street and Du Mont-Royal Avenue. Sift through local arts and crafts in the shops on Saint-Paul Street, or try the cobblestone side streets of Vieux-Montreal. Markets are a great spot for local tomatoes and handmade cheeses; two of the most popular are the Atwater Market near Metro Lionel-Groulx and the huge, open-air Jean-Talon Market near Little Italy.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Much of the nightlife is clustered downtown around Crescent Street, where lively bars and discos stay open to the wee hours and residents dress to impress. Quickly emerging as a hot spot, Vieux-Montreal, especially along Saint-Paul Street, is filled with shiny cocktail bars and glitzy clubs showcasing live jazz, blues, and folk music. The city boasts its own outstanding symphony, dozens of French- and English-language theater companies.
Restaurants and Dining
Montreal's cuisine is increasingly multicultural. Fine French dining is given a Quebecois twist with locally sourced seafood, especially in the elegant ""restos"" along Sherbrooke Street. Top-quality sushi bars line Saint-Catherine Street and romantic hideaways and grills are tucked away on Amherst. Montreal is known for its smoked meat and corned beef, and the city's best brisket is served up at Schwartz's. Local love their terraces, and some of the prettiest are found on Mont-Royal.

Introduction to Hong Kong

Neon-lit skyscrapers and mirrored towers line Hong Kong's waterfront, but there's plenty of variety in this never-say-sleep city. Traditional Chinese pharmacies in Sheung Wan sell dried seahorses and ginseng, and a short Star Ferry ride away you can dine on decadent afternoon tea at the The Peninsula hotel. You can find your own pace in this speedy city, from the soothing Big Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery, to haggling for handicrafts at vibrant Temple Street Night Market.
Things to Do
The famous Star Ferry glides across tanker-filled Victoria Harbour, then take a tram a steep 1,200 feet up to Victoria Peak for panoramic views. The double-decker tram rumbles across Hong Kong island to neon-lit Causeway Bay's department stores. Office-goers crowd the sidewalks en route to work in gleaming Admiralty district, but find the city's spiritual side in Wong Tai Sin Temple, where locals light smoky incense coils and learn their fortune. After a busy day, a traditional foot massage or reflexology session around Central district will refresh you for an evening out.
Shopping
Consumerist culture is revered in Hong Kong, from jade chopsticks in Mong Kok's traditional street markets, to Chinese designer jackets in boutiques in Mid Levels. Gallery-hop along Hollywood Road for Balinese carving or traditional Indian art, and in nearby Cat Street market, haggle for old movie posters and kitschy Mao memorabilia. Technophiles will love the gadget-crammed malls in Wan Chai and Sham Shui Po where shopping around is key. Every well-dressed man will want a custom-made suit from Sam's Tailor in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Hong Kongers know how to let off steam. At Central's bustling nightlife street Lan Kwai Fong, party-going locals teeter down the cobbles to catch happy hour at tucked-away cocktail bars. You might get lucky at Happy Valley Racecourse's Wednesday evening races, along with the other well-worn local punters; ascend to the grandstand's top floor for the best views of the spot-lit track. You can try to follow traditional Chinese opera's convoluted plots at Hong Kong Cultural Centre's dazzling performances.
Restaurants and Dining
Enjoy lunch of traditional dim sum (dumplings and steamed buns) from City Hall Maxim's Palace -- it's worth the wait. World cuisines come together in Central, where you can sample local favorite barbecued pork in noisy diners, or whisper sweet nothings over fresh oysters in romantic French bistros. Choose live lobster from tanks, served with garlicky pak choi at a waterfront table on Cheung Chau island.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/hongkong/0078010001.html#ixzz1XXP1dajr

Introduction to Cozumel

One of the world's top dive destinations, Cozumel offers undersea reefs with fairy-tale landscapes, while its stunning Caribbean beaches lure landlubbers. San Miguel, the island's only town, is small and pleasant, if not beautiful. Residents congregate around the plaza Sunday evenings to enjoy live music and chat with friends. Cozumel enjoys popularity with cruise ships, so the town's waterfront is lined with jewelry stores and souvenir shops. Don't worry: This is as far as most cruise-ship passengers ever venture. A secluded sunset beach is never far away.
Beaches
Sunbathing on pure white sand, sipping Dos Equis beer under a palapa hut, soaring over the surf on a parasail: The surfside options are nearly endless at Cozumel's beach clubs. Head to large, all-inclusive resorts for the best in modern beach amenities, or make your way to Playa San Francisco or Playa Palancar for quieter, simpler days in the sun. Cozumel's southern and eastern shores are lined with smaller, sun-kissed beaches, nearly deserted and free of charge.
Things to Do
Imagine the Native culture that dominated Cozumel for centuries at San Gervasio. The small, inland ruins were a ceremonial Maya center from 1000 BC, drawing worshipers of Ixchel, goddess of women, the moon and fertility. Visitors absorb more of Cozumel's history at the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel. The main floor explores the island's natural history, including indigenous animals and the formation of coral; upstairs, you'll find exhibits about human history with cannons, swords and ship paraphernalia.
Eating and Drinking
Breakfast rules at Cocos Cozumel. A glass of tropical fruit juice and a local favorite, huevos divorciados (fried eggs on corn tortillas), start a Caribbean day off right, but you can opt for ham and eggs if you prefer. El Moro is a local favorite, serving up fresh enchiladas, a chicken dish called pollo Ticuleño and platters of fresh seafood in its humble orange-colored dining room. Inventive seafood and vegetable combinations form the elegant tapas creations at La Cocay.
Nature
Cozumel ranks as the number-one diving destination in the Western Hemisphere. Dozens of local dive shops outfit divers for exploration of Cozumel's finest underwater nature displays: Palancar Reef, famous for its undersea caves, canyons, fish and colorful coral; Santa Rosa Wall, an exceptionally deep reef with sea life, coral and sponges; and Yucab Reef, with vivid coral displays.
Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/cozumel/0114010001.html#ixzz1XRKFzu5I

Introduction to Rome

　　If Rome is the Eternal City, it is also a city with no end of ruins. It's impossible to see all of the temples and monuments from previous empires, try as you might, so begin with the Pantheon, the Colosseum and St. Peter's Basilica and see how far you get. But for the true flavor of Rome, make time to linger over a glass of Chianti wine. Visit its fountains in the moonlight. These experiences are as much a part of the city as the Roman Forum.

Things to Do
Rome boasts one grand tourist attraction after another, but the Roman Forum and its neighbor, the Colosseum, stay with you forever. True, most of these ancient archways, temples and aqueducts are little more than ruins, but the grandeur that was ancient Rome never fails to humble modern visitors. A very different but no less popular era of history resides within the Vatican City. Walk through the cool, imposing sanctuary of St. Peter's Basilica before admiring the masterpieces of the Vatican Museum.
Shopping
At the base of the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti is Rome's most fashionable address, and while it's possible to buy Gucci and Armani around the world, there's nothing like buying those exquisite handbags and suits in the city that originated them. For younger shoppers, Via Del Corso sells hip jeans and Italian soccer shirts near the Piazza del Popolo. If you're interested in buying Italian chocolates and wine -- and who isn't? -- you're in luck. Those items are sold throughout Rome.
Nightlife and Entertainment
After-hours entertainment doesn't get any lovelier -- or more romantic -- than wandering Rome's meandering streets after dark, when the Roman Forum, for instance, or the Trevi Fountain are bathed in moonlight. Rome has a thriving nightclub scene, but when in Rome why not do as the Romans and choose a table in a sidewalk café on the Piazza del Popolo or the Via Veneto. There locals talk long into the night over Campari or wine.
Restaurants and Dining
The Sapori del Lord Byron is romantic Italy at its finest. White lattice-work, bold colors and masses of cut flowers make this restaurant the place to pop the question, and the kitchen serves arguably the finest Italian cooking in Rome. Trattorie across Rome prepare traditional favorites like pasta and saltimbocca, but you can't beat a stop at a street market for a picnic of blood oranges, fresh bread and prosciutto. Then cap it off with a luscious gelato for dessert.

Introduction to Seattle

Mountain and ocean views, fresh seafood, great coffee and better wine: What's not to love about Seattle, the largest city in the Pacific Northwest? The sparkling waters of Elliott Bay, Lake Union and Lake Washington wrap around this city, where shimmering skyscrapers and forests of evergreens coexist. Punctuated by the Space Needle, fed by the Pike Place Market and entertained by the Seattle Mariners, Seattle offers rich experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, families and foodies. The only question is what to do first?
Things to Do
In a city offering remarkable vistas, the view from the Space Needle beats them all. From the observation deck or restaurant 520 feet above ground, you can see it all -- Seattle's gleaming glass-and-steel downtown, sparkling Puget Sound and, on a sunny day, snow-capped Mount Rainier to the east. The gleaming skyline is no less spectacular from the deck of a ferry. A cruise to Bainbridge Island from Pier 52 sets up the perfect photo opportunity.
Shopping
Outdoor lovers swoon at the notion of shopping for Gore-Tex jackets, hiking boots and repelling equipment in Seattle, the city that gave sporting goods companies REI and Eddie Bauer their start. Upscale department stores like Nordstrom (a Seattle original) and Macy's dominate the downtown malls Westlake Center and Pacific Place, while colorful Native American artworks fill galleries around Pioneer Square, Seattle's birthplace.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Much of Seattle's entertainment scene is located downtown. The Seattle Center hosts varied performances ranging from one of the nation's premier opera companies to classical music. At the other end of the spectrum is Pioneer Square, known for its energetic, boisterous (and sometimes rowdy) bars and clubs that appeal to a young crowd. For a more sophisticated nightcap, head to hip and happening Belltown for fancy cocktails.
Restaurants and Dining
Seattle's quintessential food experience is Pike Place Market. Visitors nibble their way through Asian pears, fresh strawberries and crusty sourdough, then buy specially packed boxes of king crab legs to cook at home. The original Starbucks sits across the street from the market, but Seattle visitors have no trouble finding good coffee on nearly every Seattle street corner. At dinner, the Seattle Waterfront serves clam chowder and Pacific coast salmon as the sun sets in the Puget Sound.

Introduction to Punta Cana

    On the easternmost tip of the island, 211km (131 miles) east of Santo Domingo, is Punta Cana, the site of major vacation developments, including the Barceló and Meliá properties, with more scheduled to arrive in the future. Known for its 32km (20 miles) of white-sand beaches and clear waters, Punta Cana and Bávaro are an escapist's retreat. Set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, these beaches are unrivaled in the Caribbean. Within some of the most arid landscapes in the Caribbean -- it rarely rains during daylight hours -- Punta Cana and Bávaro have been recognized throughout Europe (especially Spain) and the Americas for their climate.
Both Punta Cana and Bávaro, two resort areas at either end of a long curve of beach lined with coconut palms, are virtually towns within themselves. The beach is so mammoth there is rarely overcrowding, even with masses of visitors every month of the year. Bávaro and Punta Cana combine to form what is nicknamed La Costa del Coco, or the Coconut Coast, land of the all-inclusive resorts. Don't expect a town or city. From Punta Cana in the south all the way to Playa del Macao in the north, there's only one small community, El Cortecito. Everything else is all-inclusives and beaches.
Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Americans, Canadians, and continentals for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, European hotel chains participated in something akin to a land rush, acquiring large tracts of sugar-cane plantations and pastureland. Today their mega-hotels attract a clientele that's about 70% European or Latin American. Most of the other clients are Canadians and Americans. The hotel designs here range from the not particularly inspired to low-rise mega-complexes designed by the most prominent Spanish architects.
Some of them, particularly the Barceló Bávaro complex , boast some of the most lavish beach and pool facilities in the Caribbean, spectacular gardens, and avant-garde concepts in architecture (focusing on postmodern interplays between indoor and outdoor spaces).
The mailing addresses for most hotels is defined as the dusty and distinctly unmemorable town of Higüey.
If you choose to vacation in Punta Cana, you won't be alone, as increasing numbers of Latino celebrities are already making inroads there, usually renting private villas within private compounds. Julio Iglesias has been a fixture here for a while. And one of the most widely publicized feuds in the Dominican Republic swirled a few years ago around the owners of Casa de Campo and celebrity designer Oscar de la Renta, who abandoned his familiar haunts there for palm-studded new digs at Punta Cana.
Above all, don't expect a particularly North American vacation. The Europeans were here first, and many of them still have a sense of possessiveness about their secret hideaway. For the most part, the ambience is Europe in the Tropics, as seen through a Dominican filter. You'll find, for example, more formal dress codes, greater interest in soccer matches than in the big football game, and red wine rather than scotch and soda at dinner. Hotels are aware of the cultural differences between their North American and European guests, and sometimes strain to soften the differences that arise between them.

Introduction to Washington, D.C.

    If power is your aphrodisiac, Washington, D.C. will seduce you. It's full of grand images and remarkable words, from The Capitol building and the Pentagon to Lincoln's Gettysburg Address inscribed on the Lincoln Memorial. Politics is this city's business: walk the corridors of government, hear big names dropped with nonchalance and marvel at the riches of its museums, from the Smithsonian Institute to the National Archives. Beyond politics, however, a creative, diverse community relaxes in shady parks and a bubbly, eclectic restaurant scene.
Things to Do
For first-timers, a White House tour is a must; after all, it's the home and office of the President of the United States. Gaze up at the intricate rotunda of The Capitol. Look at the history of journalism at the interactive Newseum or immerse yourself in the National Gallery of Art. For the best view of the city, climb to the top of the Washington Monument, an obelisk-shaped tower in the middle of the Mall. In spring, jog under cherry blossoms in the East Potomac and West Potomac parks.
Shopping
Go undercover with a pair of spyglasses at the International Spy Museum store or go over the top in chic Georgetown designer boutiques. You could spend a day at the boutiques and spas of Friendship Heights. Head to Adams-Morgan and U Street for eccentric collectibles, shoe boutiques, and left-of-center music stores. Come Saturday or Sunday to barter and shop with the locals at the Eastern Market.
Nightlife and Entertainment
The office crowd may dominate the bars downtown, but in nearby Dupont Circle, the clubs attract a noticeably younger and more laid-back clientele. Earth lounges and bars populate Penn Quarter, while residential Georgetown is the place for sophisticated cocktail bars. D.C. is proud of its live music scene; live rock, blues, and jazz are the soundtrack to many U Street nightclubs. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts hosts theatre, musicals, jazz performances and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Restaurants and Dining
Washington's eclectic dining scene begins in Adams-Morgan, where the world is vying to jump onto your plate. Try a spicy Ethiopian beef dish. Get a taste of New American cuisine in the Ward/U Street corridor, with combinations of Somali, Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes, or a savory jerk chicken egg roll. Flavors from Burma, Thailand, and Indonesia are served in Chinatown. Cross the river for juicy buffalo burgers and soul food in Georgetown's cosmopolitan eateries.