Smithsonian....

GREAT ESCAPES: GETAWAYS THAT

REALLY GET YOU GOING

“When a traveller returneth home, let him not leave the countries where he hath travelled altogether behind....”                     Francis Bacon, Essays

Travel to places around the corner or around the world change the traveller and he or she returns with a part of that place (and we’re not talking souvenirs here). If you’ve thought of escaping this year, we have the places that will provide much more than memories (or souvenirs).

Whether it’s an escape from everyday stress or to a place you’ve always wanted to explore, 2001 should be the year to make your escape happen. With the destinations and experiences outlined below, we have your ticket to escape.

Barbados

From its craggy northern coastline to vast meadows of sugar cane to its serene Caribbean coastline, Barbados is a land of remarkable contrasts--all on an island only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Whether you go for the great golf, the unique culture, or the spectacular beaches and resorts, it’s great to be in Barbados.

The easternmost of the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles, Barbados boasts a unique range of natural and historic attractions, from stunning plantation ‘great houses’ that reflect a bygone era of the islands first settlers to vast caves filled with prehistoric artifacts. The island is also known for distinctive coastlines: the wonderful west coast beaches line the crystal Caribbean waters, while the rugged east coast is a breathtaking stretch ideal for surfing and other watersports. In addition, seafaring tours aboard historic ships, submarine rides, and excursions from private boats can be savored on any shore.

Despite more than 30 years of independence from Great Britain, Barbados still enjoys a delightful British atmosphere--a statue of Admiral Nelson graces Bridgetown’s Trafalgar Square and afternoon tea remains a custom for many residents and hotel guests. Popular island sports include cricket, croquet, polo, and soccer, as well as renowned golf, tennis, sailing, diving, and more.

Golf is a prime attraction for many visitors, no matter what their skill level. The Royal Westmoreland, designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Jr., is the island most recent offering, with 18 holes of championship golf amid some of the islands finest real estate. The 18-hole Sandy Lane layout is among the island’s long-time favorites, with spectacular views from the signature 7th hole. Sandy Lane is adding two new courses this year, while the island’s first public championship course, Barbados Golf Club, opened last year. Other opportunities abound on this golf-crazed island.

The island features an unbeatable range of accommodations, from elegant resorts to intimate guesthouses. Dining in Barbados is a feast for all senses, including fabled folk recipes for flying fish (a culinary specialty) to gourmet experiences that rival the world’s finest cuisine.

Diverse sightseeing options feature a wide array of natural attractions, abundant sporting choices, world-class shopping, and lively nightlife. With all this, combined with a temperate year-round climate of sunshine and breezes, it is clear why Barbados has remained one of the Caribbean’s top choices for repeat (and first-time) visitors.

Barbados must also be note for its single greatest natural resource--its people. A mixed population of some 255,000 citizens, Barbadians (also know as ‘Bajans’) are friendly, warm, and hospitable people descending from the United Kingdom and a majority from Africa, primarily from West African descent.

Proud of their island, Bajans are always willing to share a rich cultural heritage and provide insights into favorite local attractions and finds ‘off the beaten track.’ Any visit to Barbados, whether for a leisurely sojourn or more, is an adventurous escape. It’s an island that gracefully blends progress and tradition.

For further information, call (800) 221-9831 or visit www.barbados.org.

Belgium

In Belgium, you’ll savor the true flavor of the European experience all in one country the size of Maryland. Though extremely compact, Belgium is infinitely varied and wonderfully diverse.

Brussels, the country’s cosmopolitan capital, is a bustling city, where many languages and cultures come together (Dutch, French, and German are all spoken in Belgium). Among the city’s most famous landmarks are Grand’Place, the main square surrounding magnificent guild houses, Town Hall, with its marvelous tapestries, St. Michael’s Cathedral, the enormous Palace of Justice, the Parliament Buildings, many renowned museums, and much more.

Outside the capital, many more treasures await. It’s like all of Europe packed into one country. Highlights include Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Liege, the North Sea coastline, and the incredibly beautiful, yet compact and convenient, Belgium countryside.

For further information, call (212) 758-8130 or visit www.visitbelgium.com.

British Virgin Islands

Although peopled by some of the friendliest inhabitants of the Caribbean the British Virgin Islands have yet to be discovered by the travelling masses and still live up to their name as virgin holiday territory.

More than 60 islands make up the BVI, but only a handful are inhabited. The largest is Tortola, which is home to the capital of Road Town. Tortola is just 21 square miles in size and has a population of around 18,000. The northern coast of the island is famous for each beaches, while the southern coast overlooks Sir Francis Drake Channel at Norman, Peter, and the piratical Dead Chest Islands. The southern coast of Tortola also features several marinas filled with hundreds of yachts that account for nearly half of the total tourist ‘beds’ available in the BVI.

Linked to Tortola by a toll bridge is Beef Island, which houses the International Airport. An efficient ferry service (sometimes by light aircraft) takes visitors to the other main islands of Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and magical Anegada. Contrary to the lush mountainous terrain of the other BVI choices, Anegada sits some 15 miles northeast and is a limestone and coral atoll of deserted white sandy beaches, great diving, and more. Other BVI destinations include Cooper Island, Ginger Island, The Dogs, Great Camanoe, Necker Island, Guana Island, Mosquito Island, and Eustatia Island.

A sailor’s paradise, the mainly volcanic emerald-like islands are surrounded by sapphire-blue seas that create incredible scenery above and below the surface. Soft and gentle breezes keep temperatures at a steady 80 to 90 degrees fahrenheit (and conditions ideal for sailing).

The varied islands offer miles and miles of white sandy beaches, uncorrupted by heavy commercial tourism. The most famous beach, The Baths, is on the BVI’s second largest island, Virgin Gorda, and features huge granite boulders right on the sandy stretch.

Life on the BVI is relaxed and fun, while retaining some British formality. Crime is quite rare, nudity is discouraged, and visitors are asked to respect the residents by covering up in town and dressing ‘appropriately’ in restaurants, bars, and other public places.

In the BVI, there are no casinos or highrise hotels and apartments (and few nightclubs or discos). Fresh air and watersports are the main activities, with ‘early to bed and early to rise’ more common that dancing the night away in a disco. This leaves plenty of time for exploring ‘nature’s little secrets,’ as the islands are known.

Accommodations vary and suit all budgets and tastes. Luxury hotels and resorts provide outstanding service and treatment, while independent villas and apartments provide freedom to roam and discover local hospitality and entertainment. Three campsites complete the range.

For further information, call (XXX) XXX-XXXX or visit www.XXXX.com.

Cayman Islands

To go with some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling, the Cayman Islands offer many cultural attractions to augment topside time in the Caribbean. From fascinating history to many ecotourism activities, the Cayman Islands bring Caribbean heritage to life.

The three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, are a United Kingdom Overseas Territory. The Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean at four miles, separates the islands from Jamaica, 180 miles to the southeast.

The underwater world is what first attracts many Cayman Islands visitors. The reputation for diving and snorkeling is deservedly world-famous. Along with these pursuits, there are many other water-based activities available. Resorts and independent operators offer a wide variety of watersports equipment and possibilities, including banana boats, catamarans, ocean kayaks, sailboats, waverunners, windsurfers, and much more. Glass-bottom boat trips, sunset cruises, semi-submersible and fully-submersible submarines, an authentic replica of a 17th century Spanish galleon, and other seafaring forays provide yet more opportunities.

Many visitors are also surprised to learn the Cayman Islands are a fishing Mecca. Experienced captains and their crews operate excursions that include some of the world’s best fishing, swimming, and a fresh-caught lunch or snack.

One of the Cayman Islands’ most popular destinations is the Cayman Turtle Farm on West Bay Road. The only facility of its kind in the world, tanks of endangered green sea turtles--15,000 in number and ranging in size from tiny newborns to huge breeders--enable visitors to see the different stages of turtle development. There’s a special tank that contains fairly large turtles that may be picked up for family photos. A large shop features an extensive collection of books and educational materials about turtles.

Other land-based outdoors activities include: Cardinal D’s Park, where more than 60 species of native birds (including Cayman parrots), blue iguana, miniature ponies, and more await; the Mastic Trail, where a guide can lead visitors over distinct topographical regions, discussing the vegetation and wildlife that make the Cayman Islands unique; and the newly restored Pedro St. James, the country’s oldest stone structure and the birthplace of democracy for the Cayman Islands (there’s an excellent multi-media presentation depicting 18th and 19th century life).

Further outing options include the Cayman Islands Museum, walking tours of several districts, biking, horseback riding, visiting one of many caves on Cayman Brac, ‘conching’ (snorkeling for conch and then preparing a snack), and much more. There are also many special events throughout the year that are fun for the entire family (like the Cayman Madness dive vacation promotion each fall, famed Pirates Week, fishing tournaments, and many other ongoing events on all three islands).

It’s thus easy to see why locals think the topside attractions are almost as numerous as the dive sites just offshore. A new Heritage One Passport provides special pricing to kids and adults at four land-based tourism attractions: Cayman Islands National Museum; Cayman Turtle Farm; Pedro St. James National Historic Site, and Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

For further information, call (800) 346-3313 or visit www.caymanislands.ky.

Egypt

If you’re into history, then Egypt has to be on your wish list. Located in the northeastern corner of Africa and covering an area of 386,000 square miles, there an incredible amount of historical sites packed into less than 5% of the land mass.

Recorded history in Egypt began around 4,000 B.C., when nomadic hunters settled in the Nile Valley. But it was in 3,100 B.C. that Egypt crowned the country’s first Pharaoh, Menes, who later unified Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt.

Centuries of incredible advances followed, much of which can be explored by visitors today. Dynastic Egypt (3,200-2,700 B.C.) saw the development of society, law, and religion. The Old Kingdom (2,700-2,600 B.C.) welcomed great achievements in the fields of administration, astronomy, and architecture. The Middle Kingdom (2,260-1,780 B.C.) welcomed prosperity and expansion of political and economic horizons, while the New Kingdom (1,580-1,085 B.C.) brought four centuries of splendor, with architecture reaching new heights.

All of this history and much more is still very much alive throughout Egypt. History buffs simply shouldn’t miss it.

For further information, call (877) 77-EGYPT or visit www.egypttourism.org.

FAR & WIDE

If you want to go far and wide in the world, FAR&WIDE Travel Corporation can get you there and much more. FAR&WIDE has brought together 20 of the world’s leading travel companies each with an average of 25 years of successful operation, specializing in destinations in more than 90 countries throughout the world. No one companies offer such a diverse array of destinations or types of travel experiences--escorted, independent, group, fly-and-drive, and cruise-and-land programs that range from the traditional sightseeing itineraries to very specialized travel opportunities, including religious pilgrimages, adventure travel, and cultural and educational experiences.

Responding to the diverse interests of today’s traveling public, FAR&WIDE provides a lifetime of enriching experiences for individuals, families, and groups to destinations around. Their family of travel companies places strong emphasis on exceptional customer service and destination expertise, offering a wide range of value-added amenities.

Headquartered in Miami, FAR&WIDE companies include: Adventure Center; African Travel; Brian Moore International Tours; Central Holidays; FAR&WIDE -London; Grand European Tours; High Country Passage; Intercontinental Travel Company; IST Cultural Tours; Journeys Unlimited; Lion World Travel; Pacific Bestour Inc.; Prism Holidays; Regina Tours; Spanish Heritage Tours; Swain Tours and Downunder Direct; Tourlite; Zeus Tours & Yacht Cruises; and several management companies in key locales.

For further information, visit www.farandwide.com.

Finland

It should come as no surprise to travellers considering a trip to Finland that, as of earlier this year, the definitive Finland Travel Guide began to be just a WAP (wireless application protocol) phone call away. Combined with the print version of the Finland Vacation Guide 2001 and the country’s comprehensive website, it’s easy to plan a trip before going and even once there.

Finland, home of Nokia, is also the home of The Finnish Tourist Board, the first national tourist authority to post a comprehensive guide on the Internet. The new service offers a five-point menu accessible via WAP phones and available in English (like almost all information in the fully multi-lingual Finland.)

The free content is arranged in these categories: Places to Visit (a survey of sights and places of interest); Places to Stay (hotels and other accommodations); What's On (calendars of various cultural and other events); To Do (tours and packages); and Questions? (telephone numbers for the Finnish Tourist Board's international customer service).

WAP phones are available for rent at Helsinki's Vantaa Airport for around $8 per day, plus charges for individual calls. With WAP phone in hand, the traveller has only to log on to wap.finlandtravelguide.com, to access the full menu.

Of course, before going, traditional of research means make it easy to learn more about Finland. The tabloid-size Finland Vacation Guide 2001 is filled with helpful information about a wide range of topics, including food, family travel, saunas, luxury travel, history, arts and culture, the country’s famed King’s Road, and an ‘A to Z Travel Planner’ with suggested itineraries and more. In addition, the country’s website for travellers can be extremely helpful in learning all that Finland has to offer.

For further information, call (212) 885-9700 or (800) 346-6525 (automated orders of Finland Vacation Guide 2001 only) or visit www.finland-tourism.com.

Guatemala

This Central American country south of Mexico is a small country with a striking variety of topographical features. Nearly two-thirds of the tropical Ecuador is mountainous and volcanic. Parallel to the Pacific lies the Sierra Madre mountain range, with peaks that rise to 12,000 feet. Volcanoes (33 total) dominate the landscape and these, coupled with the lush rainforests to the north, the fertile plains of the south and east, and the beautiful lakes and rivers, make this land of contrasts.

To this rich array of topographical contrasts, one must add the wealth of traditions and the striking colors and patterns of the weavings of the Mayans. Noted for the lush hues and designs, the cloth is made into blouses called ‘huipiles,’ sashes, skirts, headdresses, and more. Every group or town has its own particular native costume. Typically woven by women and usually on a stick loom, the patters feature the traditional symbolism that identifies their history and ancient gods.

The marimba, which looks like a large xylophone and has a wooden keyboard, produces a unique sound and is the national instrument of Guatemala. Possibly of African origin, the Indians played a simplified version before the coming of the Spaniards.

For further information, call (502) 331 13 33/47 or visit www.guatemala.travel.com.gt.

Ireland

An English-speaking island on the northwestern edge of Europe, Ireland is about 300 miles long and 150 miles wide. This fascinating country iis steeped in history and culture, as well as great golf, offering an alluring combination for vacationers of all interests on and off the links.

There’s a range of attractions, as well as scenery and sporting events for all age groups. The west is mainly rural, with coastal and mountain scenery, while Dublin, Ireland’s fascinating capital city, lies in on the east coast.

Golf continues to be a main draw to many North Americans. There are more golf courses per capita than any other country in the world. In fact, North and South, there is a selection of more than 350 links and parkland courses. However, it’s the quality combined with the quantity that makes Ireland truly special.

Tom Watson recently returned to Ireland and the course he loves the most in the world--Ballybunion, which snuggles to Kerry’s Atlantic coastline. He said, “It is my favorite golf course in the world and a must stop for anybody with an interest in the game.”

That is the reaction of many visitors to Ireland. Along with Ballybunion, places like Royal County Down and Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland continue to place among the world’s top layouts. Other famed stops include Waterville, Lahinch, Portmarnock, the European Club, Royal Dublin, Baltray, Rosses Point, Mount Juliet, Connemara, the K Club (venue for the Ryder Cup in 2005), Druid’s Glen, and so many others.

Ireland offers some of the world’s best courses, but also one of the best values in golf travel today (including great vacation packages). From golfing inns to grand castle hotels and from thatched cottages to stately manor homes, typical vacation packages include guaranteed tee times, self-drive car, and accommodations of choice. Of course, non-golfers are also welcomed with open arms, with vacation activities like horseback riding, fishing, culture, and many other visitor attractions.

Getting there has never been easier. Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, flies its new fleet of A330s in direct non-stop service from New York, Newark, Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Delta, Continental, and British Airways offer further service.

Once you arrive at what has been poetically (and accurately) described as the Emerald Isle, you’ll feel you’re among the friendliest people in the world. From the first tee to the neighborhood pub, you’ll be welcomed.

For further information, call (800) 223-6470 or visit www.irelandvacations.

KD River Cruises

As the oldest passenger line on the continent, KD River Cruises of Europe began cruising the Rhine in 1827. River cruising along traditional trading and transportation routes of Europe offers a unique opportunity to travellers to see numerous villages, towns and cities without ever changing ‘hotel’ rooms. All cabins on KD ships face outward to the rivers and are equipped with private bathroom facilities, color TV, and radio.

KD is offering 32 cruise itineraries--with more than 330 departures--throughout its regular cruise season in 2001 (April to October). New for this year are sailings on Russia’s “Waterways of the Czars”--four new itineraries between Moscow and St. Petersburg on the Volga, Svir, and Neva rivers and across three beautiful lakes--and the inclusion of shore excursions and sightseeing in the fares of all cruises.

For further information, call (800) 346-6525 or visit www.rivercruises.com.

Marine Expeditions

The pioneer in affordable expedition cruise travel and undisputed leader in polar exploration, Marine Expeditions takes more passengers to the Arctic and Antarctic than any other company. The company is offering 14 expeditions to the Arctic and Sub-arctic between May and September, 2001 and 20 expeditions to Antarctica (Falkland Islands and South Georgia too) between December 2001 and March 2002.

Top-quality naturalists lead shore excursions and lecture on both scientific and cultural aspects of each expedition, enhancing passenger understanding of native lifestyles, wildlife, and history. For those in search of the Arctic and Antarctic, Marine Expeditions offers the way to knowingly get there and explore in style. For further information, call (800) 263-9147 or visit www.marineex.com.

Royal Olympic

Sailing under the Greek flag, Royal Olympic Cruises is one of the ten largest cruise lines in the world. The line’s fleet includes the new 836-passenger Olympic Voyager (launched June, 2000), which is the fastest cruise ship in the world (28 knot cruising speed).

Other Royal Olympic ships include Olympic Countess, Stella Solaris, Trion, World Renaissance, and Stella Oceanis. During the Mediterranean season, Royal Olympic offers more than 225 departures calling at more than 35 ports of call.

Olympic Explorer, a Fast Monohull-designed sister ship to Olympic Voyager, makes its debut this May. Cruising at speeds of up to 28 knots, both of these vessels are redefining destination cruising by offering incomparable itineraries only possible because of their service speed.

As a destination cruising specialist, Royal Olympic is dedicated to truly distinctive itineraries and onboard enrichment--all at the finest value. The line has decades of experience in the Mediterranean and South America, offering an extensive variety of cruises from three to 57 days and departing from Ft. Lauderdale, Lisbon, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Athens. Their fleet of intimate-sized vessels is ideally suited to the destinations they visit. Royal Olympic also offers competitive air add-ons and pre- or post-cruise packages.

Royal Olympic is known for providing one of the finest and most extensive cultural enrichment programs in the industry. The company invites distinguished authorities and leading scholars in anthropology, archaeology, astronomy, and international politics on voyages to inform and enlighten guests.

For further information, call (800) 872-6400 or visit www.royalolympiccruises.com.

Scotland

If you crave culture, romance, food, or the great outdoors, then Scotland sends an open invitation for a visit. In fact, to go with their overall website (www.toscotland.com), they even have websites for all four fascinating categories: www.culturalscotland.com; www.romanceinscotland.com; www.flavorsofscotland.com; and www.scotlandadventure.com. A visit to any one is sure to provoke a visit to the real thing.

The culture and history of Scotland draw many to her varied historic sites, as well as to cities, festivals, music, and more. For a little romance, it’s hard to match a land that inspired the poetry of Burns. On the food front, native salmon, wild game, local cheeses, and, naturally, fine malt whiskies, are all on the menu. For the outdoors set, set off on the hiking or biking adventure of a lifetime. Two-wheelers won’t regret trying all or parts of The Kingdom of Fife’s Millennium Cycle Way.

Whatever your interest, the invitation to visit Scotland has arrived and the answer should definitely be yes. To get you started, be sure to ask for the excellent Scottish Vacation Planner.

For further information, call (800) 969-SCOT or visit www.toscotland.com.