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GREAT ESCAPES

No matter your interest, there’s never been a better time to plan a great escape. With the trips, destinations, and companies profiled below, there’s a lifetime of trips and experiences awaiting those looking for great escapes that can change your life forever. Isn’t that what travel should do for you?

THE CARIBBEAN & CENTRAL AMERICA

Barbados

Barbados is a land of remarkable contrasts, from its craggy northern coastline, to vast meadows of sugar cane, and on to its serene Caribbean coastline--all on an island only 21 miles long and 14 miles wide. Whether you go for the renowned golf, the unique culture, lots of history, 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.

Diverse sightseeing options feature a wide array of natural attractions, world-class shopping, and lively nightlife. Travelers interested in history, culture, and architecture will enjoy a wide selection of plantation “great houses” on the island. Tours provide excellent insight into the life and times of early settlers and, every Wednesday from mid-January to mid-April, The Barbados National Trust offers an open house program where both historical and modern private hopes are open for public viewing at minimal cost.

For those looking for great golf while vacationing in the Caribbean, Barbados is the island of choice. With some of the region’s most luxurious and breathtaking courses, Barbados has gained unprecedented attention among golfers. Barbados Golf Club, which opened last year, is the islands first championship public layout and was approved to host a PGA European Tour Seniors event in 2002. Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones II, has already established itself as one of the Caribbean’s finest, with the front and back nine offering contrasting challenges, stunning scenery, a constant view of the sea, and a succession of “feature holes.” This spectacular golf club is part of a $400 million residential and tourism resort development that includes 350 condominiums, a clubhouse, restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, and racquet club.

The prestigious Sandy Lane Hotel is adding two new Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole courses in 2001, for a total of 45 holes of championship golf, making the resort one of the top golf destinations in the world. Set amidst the south coast’s all-inclusive Club Rockley Resort, the Rockley Golf Club offers a simple nine-hole, 18-tee course, with a second nine holes playable from variable tee positions. The Almond Beach Club Resort Golf Course is the only course of its kind on the island, featuring a par-three nine-hole challenge for all types of players.

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.

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 (see above), tennis, sailing, diving, and more.

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.

The infrastructure of the island is technologically advanced and its business operations sophisticated, allowing for convention and meeting business to flourish at a host of internationally acclaimed resort hotels. The Sherbourne Centre is known as one of the Caribbean’s finest conference facilities, featuring state-of-the-art technology and a wide selection of meeting space and services.

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.

British Virgin Islands

Since Christopher Columbus first spotted the British Virgin Islands in 1493, adventurers have been held spellbound by their natural and unspoiled beauty. Likening them to the legendary St. Ursula surrounded by her 11,000 Virgins, Columbus supposedly anchored off Virgin Gorda (the “fat virgin”) and named the whole group.

Many famous seafarers later passed through the islands, include Sir Francis Drake. The channel that cuts a swathe through the center of the island nation now bears Drake’s name.

Dutch buccaneers then settled in the 17th century, followed by the English, and later raided by the Spanish. It was not until the 18th century that the British gained a firm hold on the islands.

Local folklore through the centuries maintains that infamous pirates rampaged around the waters, largely untouched by the changing history and developments on land. Norman Island is reputed to be the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson’s fictional Treasure Island, where the real Blackbeard supposedly anchored off Deadman’s Bay after one particularly successful raid. After an argument, he marooned 15 men on the nearby island of Dead Chest, with just a bottle of rum and their sea chests for company. Hence, the mariner’s song: “Fifteen men on dead men’s chest, Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!”

Tourism did not really touch the islands until the mid-1960s, when Laurence Rockefeller developed a resort on Virgin Gorda at Little Dix Bay, followed later by the opening of The Moorings in 1969, a company that heralded the start of the now-booming charter yacht business. Still remarkably undeveloped in comparison to its closest neighbors, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin/St. Maarten, St Kitts & Nevis, and Antigua, plans are now underway to increase tourism through carefully controlled development and improvements in transportation facilities.

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. 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. 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 high-rise 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 than 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 (800) 888-5563 or visit wwwbvitouristboard.com.

Costa Rica

If you want a wide variety of exotic options packed into a small country, then go to Costa Rica. Covering an area of just less than 32,000 square miles (about the size of West Virginia), Costa Rica is internationally famous and recognized for the diversity and density of it natural resources and for the fabled kindness of its approximately four million inhabitants. These facts set Costa Rica apart as an especially attractive destination for the more than one million visitors the country welcomes each year. Numerous international flights into the capital city of San Juan also make Costa Rica convenient.

Costa Rica generally has two seasons: the “green” or rainy season that runs from May to November and the dry season that begins in December and generally ends in April. Both seasons are great times to visit the country, depending on varied interests and pursuits.

Costa Rica enjoys one of the oldest and most stable democracies in Latin America. This stance led to its abolishing their army in 1948 and to earning a Nobel Peace Prize for ex-president Oscar Arias for his ongoing struggle to improve peace efforts in all of Central America. Costa Rica is currently the only country in the Western Hemisphere without an army or military of any kind.

Just as tourist tastes are varied, so are the attractions of Costa Rica in the form of natural beauty, sun and sea, hospitality, history, adventure, and fun. All of these attractions are concentrated in a small area where distance typically doesn’t present a problem for the visitor.

Though the Caribbean and Pacific are separated by just 175 miles, Costa Rica offers an incredible diversity between its two stunning coastlines. Because of its geographical location, Costa Rica is a place that bridges North and South America. This results in the meeting of a variety of cultures and a density of flora and fauna that is unlike any found anywhere else in the world. The country features about 850 bird species, with 600 being non-migratory (why leave?).

Costa Rica obviously shines in the outdoors, with an incredible number of protected areas and national parks, volcanoes, beaches, dryland forests, rainforests, underwater wonders, and more. The wealth of bio-diversity can match most countries in the world and about 25% of the space lie in areas protected forever.

Some of the possibilities in the great outdoors include: visiting volcanoes; enjoying numerous beaches to the east on the Caribbean and west on the Pacific Ocean; fishing; world-famous surfing; windsurfing; scuba diving and snorkeling (also on both sides); and whitewater rafting and kayaking that draws visitors of all skill levels from around the world. Several islands, including Tortuga Island, Cano(XX--please add Spanish ~ over the ‘n’) Island, and Coco’s Island, offer further outdoors options (the diving on Coco’s Island, 330 miles to the southwest, is world-famous).

A wide range of specialized outfitters and resorts can arrange practically any activity. In many ways, “ecotourism” was born in Costa Rica, where sustainable tourism has been succeeding for decades. The number of repeat “ecotourists” means this country is all green when it comes to welcoming visitors.

The San Jose metropolitan area offers a number of historic sites, including the National Theater and other theaters, the National Museum, the Atlantic Railway Station, the Arts and Culture Center, several cathedrals, many old parks, and much more. In Cartago, sites of historic interest include Orosi Church and the ruins of the Ujarras Church. The country also features several archaeological sites, including the Guayabo National Monument at Turrialba in Cartago Province.

Thus, whatever your interest, Costa Rica can probably accommodate (including a wide variety of accommodations!). This small country is drawing lots of interested and varied visitors in a big way.

For further information, call (800) 343-6362 or visit www.tourism-costarica.com.

Panama--The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI)

Smithsonian Institute scientists and many others have been passionate about natural history and evolution on the Isthmus of Panama for almost a century. The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) traces its 90-year history back to the construction of the Panama Canal, when there was major scientific interest in surveying the flora and fauna of the area (mainly, at that time, for the purpose of controlling insect-borne diseases like yellow fever and malaria).

STRI has grown into much more and is now one of the world’s leading centers for basic research on the ecology, behavior, and evolution of tropical organisms. There are now more than 30 permanent staff scientists who are specialists in their field and represent 10 nationalities. These core staff members serve as collaborators for visiting scientists and students, who typically number more than 600 annually. They come from around the world to join the search for knowledge in fields that include animal behavior, plant ecology, canopy biology, paleoecology, archaeology, evolution, genetics, marine ecology, and anthropology.

STRI supports a number of facilities throughout Panama, where core staff and visiting scientists and students conduct research and educational activities (including a new McGill-STRI graduate program). These locations include: the Barro Colorado Nature Monument; Barro Colorado Island (one of the best-studied filed stations in the American tropics); the Bocas del Toro Research Station; the Center for Tropical Paleoecology & Archaeology; Canopy Access Systems; Erro Juan Diaz; Coibita Research Station; Galeta Laboratories; Gamboa Building 183; Gamboa Research & Education Center; Marine Exhibition Center; Mpala Research Centre(XXnote unique/different spelling on website(can’t hurt to be consistent by going with Center); Naos Island Laboratories; Fortuna Research Station; R.V. Urraca; Tupper Research & Conference Center; and Tupper Tropical Sciences Library.

Most research done at STRI reflects scientific interest in the ecology and behavior of tropical plants and animals, as well as man’s past and continuing activities in the tropics. In that Panama is a land bridge between North America and South America, it’s formation over the last 10 million years has changed the world. It’s a perfect laboratory for understanding how global change works and the crucial role played by the tropics.

STRI provides assistance with housing, immigration, and necessary research permits needed. They also have a strong public education and community outreach programs that provide informal opportunities to learn about the life of marine ecosystems.

For further information, call (507) 212-8000(XX# given on website, but not sure you want to use it) or visit www.stri.org.

Guatemala

Guatemala is at the center of it all. Located in Central America, Guatemala is at the geographic center of North and South America.

Comprising about 42,000 square miles, Guatemala is flanked on the north and west by Mexico, on the southeast by El Salvador and Honduras, on the northeast by Belize and the Caribbean, and on the south by the Pacific Ocean.

Though agriculture employs about 65% of the nation’s working population, Guatemala welcomes more than a half-million visitors annually and tourism is the country’s second largest industry.

Among its natural wonders are the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, virgin tropical jungles, majestic volcanoes, and remarkable mountain lakes. This diversity of nature, combined with impressive colonial cities, some of the most outstanding places of the Mayan world, and the warmth of the people, provide a portrait of a place that is a paradise of tradition, color, and friendship.

Nearly two-thirds of tropical Guatemala 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 a 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.

Thus, this wide range of things to see and do puts Guatemala at the center of travel plans for many potential visitors.

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

EURASIA

Radisson Seven Seas

Enriching cultural adventures, small-ship luxury, and exceptional cruise values come together in Southeast Asia this fall and winter with Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and Song of Flower, as the luxurious ship plies the waters of Indochine December, 2001 through March, 2002. Five of the six luxury adventures also offer travelers their choice of free upgrades to Business Class airfare or additional savings of $1,000 per guest.

Repeatedly rated “Best Value” in luxury cruising by the 16,000-member World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, the yacht-like Song of Flower is acclaimed for her innovative itineraries, Scandinavian craftsmanship, and impeccable service. With her adventurous spirit of exploration and intimate size, Song of Flower goes exploring in a luxurious style few other ships can match--in regions off-limits to large cruise ships.

Calling in alluring ports from Arabia and Africa to India and Asia, Song of Flower’s personalized style and ambiance of casual elegance make her one of the most sought-after luxury adventure cruise ships. Song of Flower’s itineraries allow guests to do more than cruise, engaging them with the life and culture of some of the world’s most fascinating regions, offering them both sights and insights. Pre- and post-cruise deluxe hotel stays with city tours to extend their visits, enlightening shore excursions, shipboard lectures, complimentary wine and spirits throughout each voyage, shipboard gratuities, and round-trip airfare are also included in Song of Flower’s cruise fares.

The itineraries include: December 14, 2001 (a 16-night “Indochine” cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, plus four deluxe hotel nights); December 29, 2001 (an 11-night “Land of the Ascending Dragon” Holiday Cruise from Hong Kong to Singapore, plus five deluxe hotel nights and a special New Year’s event); January 10, 2002 (a 14-night “Vietnam Portrait” cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, with four deluxe hotel nights); January 24, 2002 (another 11-night “Land of the Ascending Dragon” itinerary); February 4, 2002 (an 11-night “Vietnam Dynasty” cruise from Bangkok to Hong Kong); and February 15, 2002 (a 13-night “Vietnam & the Malay Peninsula” cruise from Hong Kong to Phuket, Thailand, with four deluxe hotel nights and a domestic flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Except for the December 14 itinerary, all voyages include either free Business Class airfare on Trans-Pacific flights from 82 North American gateways or an additional savings of $1,000 per person off cruise fares (which includes free economy airfare from the west coast.

Indochine--including Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia--is a word that conjures up diverse images, from ancient junks on Vietnam’s Halong Bay, with its fantastical limestone islets bearing such picturesque names as “Unicorn” and “Fighting Cocks,” to the ultra-modern high-rises of Hong Kong’s feng shui-inspired skyline.

Highlights of these six cruises include: the island resort of Koh Samui in Thailand, where Buddhist temples and long white beaches stand side by side; the capital city of Bangkok, where floating markets, tuk-tuk rides, hundreds of temples called wats, and sheer energy create a bustling pace; Kompong Som, the gateway to Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh, where faded French-colonial architecture and the Royal Palance Silver Pagoda await exploration; and much more.

In Vietnam, guests will find themselves welcomed by the genuinely friendly Vietnamese, as Song of Flower anchors overnight in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), with its entrepreneurial energy and grace, bustling streets, the Reunification Palace, and the historic Rex Hotel. Further up the coast lies the seaport city of Qui Nhon, capital of the Champa Kingdom in the 9th century and offering today’s visitors the stunning sight of Hung Tanh towers, believed to date from the 13th century. Many of the Vietnam’s historical treasures are reached from the ancient port of Da Nang (Hue), including fabled Marble Mountain and Hoi An, a centuries-old river town and designated World Heritage Site. Located in the Red River Delta, the port of Haiphong is the gateway to Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, and one of Asia’s most charming cities. French-colonial buildings and cafes along tree-shaded boulevards give the city’s foreign influence a tangible presence to this very day.

The six-star Song of Flower accommodates all guests in ocean-view staterooms and suites. Her crew of 144 serves a maximum of 180 passengers, giving her one of the most generous crew-to-passenger ratios in the industry (1:1.2), and her single, open seating dining policy allows guests to dine when and with whomever they wish.

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises offers four other upscale cruise options around the world: the Seven Seas Mariner (700 passengers); the Seven Seas Navigator (490 passengers); the Radisson Diamond (330 passengers); and the Tahiti by Gaugin (320 passengers). The luxurious line is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, one of the world’s major hospitality service companies, including more than 1,400 hotels, resorts, restaurants, and cruise ships operating in 79 countries and port destinations worldwide. Major brands include Regent International Hotels, Radisson Hotels & Resorts, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, and Park Hospitality, plus T.G.I. Friday’s Restaurants and eight other restaurant brands.

For further information, call (800) 285-1835 (they also had (800) 477-7500?) or visit www.rssc.com.

Peter Deilmann Cruises

If you’re interested in exploring the heart of Europe, Peter Deilmann Cruises is a great way to go. This popular company offer more than 260 leisurely European touring itineraries aboard nine luxury river ships that sail the classic rivers of Europe from spring through fall. The four- and five-star ships are the Mozart and Danube Princess on the Danube, the Prussian Princess on the Rhine, Moselle and Main-Danube Canal, the Cezanne and Princesse de Provence on the Rhone and Saone, the Dresden, Katharina and Konigstein on the Elbe, Vltava and other rivers and the new Casanova on the Po in Italy. There are also longer cruises on the Danube to the Black Sea and two-week grand cruises between Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest. A tenth river ship, the Frederic Chopin, will join the fleet in 2002.

The Deilmann ships provide the ease of traveling through the heart of Europe on a luxurious floating hotel without the bother of packing and unpacking. The river cruises are designed for both the first- time and frequent vacationer who like traveling in comfort with attentive service and fine dining. On board, you can relax and enjoy the changing river scenes of historic cities, pastoral countryside, castles perched on hillsides, old world villages, and sun-dappled vineyards. Adventurous shore excursions add to the fun.

Dining on board is single seating on all the vessels and is in the setting of a fine European restaurant presenting a gourmet selection of continental cuisine and local specialties with vintage local wines. Mid-afternoon tea and coffee is served every day and there is a late-evening buffet. The friendly, multi-lingual staffs are there to cater to passengers' every wish.

The Peter Deilmann company, headquartered in the Baltic coast town of Neustadt in Holstein in northern Germany, was founded in 1968. In addition to its river vessels, the company also operates the five-star MS Deutschland, an ocean-going vessel launched in 1998 that sails on cruises around the world. The luxury ship accommodates 513 passengers in grand European style with three restaurants and a promenade deck.

Another vessel in the Deilmann fleet --the Lili Marleen--is for sailing enthusiasts. An elegant barquentine clipper, launched in 1994, she provides the romance of sail from a bygone era on cruises to ports of call in the eastern and western Mediterranean and soon in the Galapagos Islands.

For further information, call (800) 348-8287 or visit www.deilmann-cruises.com.

Turkey

Quite simply, “mosaic” may be the best word to describe Turkey, with its many facets forming a picture of beauty and depth. Whatever you want in a vacation, you’ll likely find it in Turkey just by looking.

Situated between Europe and Asia, Turkey literally links eastern and western history and culture. Turkey’s European borders adjoins Greece and Bulgaria, while to the northeast is part of the former Soviet Union and to the southeast lie Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The Turkish peninsula is surrounded by four seas: the Mediterranean to the south; the Aegean to the west; the Sea of Marmara between Europe and Asia; and the Black Sea to the north.

With about 62 million inhabitants, the country is 99% Moslem. Turkey is approximately 301,000 square miles and features more than 5,000 miles of coastline. The high plateau landscape is bordered by the Black Sea Mountain chain (the Pontic Alps) to the north and the Taurus Mountains to the south. Turkey’s diverse terrain includes mountains, steppelands, lakelands, rivers, coastal plains, forests, and rich agricultural valleys. This means the weather varies greatly by region, ranging from typical Mediterranean climate to long snowy winters.

Turkey is known as “the cradle of civilization” for good reason. Human settlement has been dated more than 12,000 years ago, but Turkey was also home to many famed ancient cultures, including the Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Ionians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Following the decline of the Ottoman Emprie, the modern Republic of Turkey was founded in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal. Known as Ataturk, an army general and World War I hero, Kemal is cited as one of the world’s great statesmen.

Whatever your interest, there’s obviously a wealth to see and do. Some of the numerous possibilities include: Istanbul (often just called “The City”); exotic Turkish cuisine like meze and shish kebab; world-famous shopping (many come just for the carpets); a wide array of museums and archaeological sites country-wide; sports and recreation opportunities, including lots of watersports, hiking, skiing, biking, and more; many special festivals and events; the Aegean coastline, with its fun, sun, and lots of history; the Turkish Riviera, on the Mediterranean’s Turquoise Coast; the Black Sea’s charm and mystery; the volcanic terrain of Cappadocia; eastern Turkey, which is often termed “one huge national park” by adventurous visitors; and so much more.

Excellent airline service, friendly and helpful people, many specialized tour operators, and so many other factors have made Turkey a mesmerizing mosaic for potential visitors. The cradle of civilization awaits new visitors from any direction!

For further information, call (877) FOR TURKEY or visit www.tourismturkey.org.

Norway

From history to culture to the great outdoors, Norway has an incredible array of year-round attractions. Each season brings a different face of nature and the Norwegian transportation infrastructure makes it easy to explore.

The hand-picked “adventure roads” give visitors the best insight into the natural highlights of Norway, including the Atlantic Ocean Road, the famous Norwegian Coastal Voyage, and the Flam Railway.

Perhaps most famous for its fjords, Norway also boasts forest and mountains, lake and rivers--a vast range of contrasting scenery to suit any taste (including unique and creative cuisine!). From the North Cape, Europe’s northernmost viewpoint, to the Lysefjord near Stavanger in the south, Norway is a land of extremes with everything in between. The scenery is also there to be enjoyed physically, with walking, cycling, and skiing all popular.

Norwegian cities are cosmopolitan and bursting with character, culture, and nightlife. Here, tradition sits easily alongside modern lifestyles and visitors can be assured a warm and friendly welcome from English-speaking locals.

No visit to Norway is complete without a trip to see some of this amazing country’s natural wonders. Between the fjords and glaciers, the northern lights, the midnight sun, and the imposing mountains, your main problem will be planning an itinerary to see and do as much as possible.

When people think of Norway, many dream of the country’s most spectacular asset--the fjords. Formed millions of years ago, the serene beauty of these craggy inlets has impressed and moved visitors for centuries. One after the other, they cut into the country for miles, surrounded by steep mountains, glaciers, rushing waterfalls, and blooming orchids. To explore the fjords is to experience fresh clean air, pure crystalline water, and nature at its unspoiled best. Bergen is the gateway to the fjords of Norway and this charming coastal city of tradition and history is not to be missed.

Thus, whatever your interest or time of year you can visit, Norway is more than accommodating (including a wide range of lodging). Wherever you head, your sure to enjoy the good life, Norwegian-style!

For further information, call (212) 885-9700 or visit www.visitnorway.com.

Egypt

Recorded history in Egypt began around 4,000 BC, when nomadic hunters settled in the Nile Valley. Thus, if you’re into history, then start planning a first (or another) trip to Egypt. 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 (mostly along the banks of the Nile, whose course stretches more than 900 miles from the Mediterranean in the north to the Sudan in the south).

It was in 3,100 BC that Egypt crowned the country’s first Pharaoh, Menes, who later unified Lower Egypt (The Delta) and Upper Egypt (from Giza to Aswan in the south). 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 BC) welcomed great achievements in the fields of administration, astronomy, and architecture. The Middle Kingdom (2,260-1,780 BC) welcomed prosperity and expansion of political and economic horizons, while the New Kingdom (1,580-1,085 BC) brought four centuries of splendor, with architecture reaching new heights.

All of this history and much more is still very much alive throughout Egypt. Highlights include: Cairo; Luxor; Aswan; Alexandria; the Sinai Peninsula; the Red Sea; the Suez Canal; the Oases; and so much more. History buffs simply shouldn’t miss it. The Egyptians are outgoing, warm, and have a distinct sense of humor, with a respect and enjoyment of foreigners and a deep sense of tolerance for other races, religions, and nationalities.

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

Hong Kong

The stage is set for “Hong Kong is it”--a two-year-long celebration of practically every aspect of life in the extraordinary City of Life. This non-stop revelry includes five major events and more than 200 festivals and cultural extravaganzas.

Through March 2003, visitors to Hong Kong will have the opportunity to experience the city's cultural sites and local events within the city's 18 diverse districts with the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! campaign. The community-wide program introduces new locales not previously familiar to either first-time or repeat travelers, offering the opportunity to explore some lesser-known venues and new events while still enjoying some of the city's more renowned icons.

Highlights include: Chi Lin Nunnery (a Buddhist institution founded in the 1930s, Chi Lin has recently undergone a magnificent redevelopment); seafood at Lamma Island (the third largest island in Hong Kong, Lamma Island is famous for its restaurants and fish farms located at Sak Kwu Wan); the Museum of Coastal Defense (this new museum incorporates much more than a military retrospective, offering insight into the creation of Hong Kong--from Chinese invaders to Opium Wars with the British, subsequent colonialism, and much more); and much more.

In addition to these new sites of interest throughout Hong Kong, the “Hong Kong is it!” program will feature the following major events through 2003: Hong Kong Lights Up (Hong Kong will be more festive than ever next Christmas and Chinese New Year (December 2001 to mid-February 2002), when the traditional lights adorning buildings on both sides of the harbor become the central theme of a coordinated decoration blitz that will sparkle throughout the territory); International Chinese New Year Parade (this annual Chinese New Year Parade will take on new elements in 2002, including more international floats and performing groups, showcasing Hong Kong as the World Capital for Lunar New Year celebrations--the parade takes place on the first day of the Year of the Horse, February 12, and will be followed by float displays as well as the overseas performers to present cultural shows in various venues in the districts); Hong Kong Flower Extravaganza (Hong Kong will say it with flowers in March 2002, when key locations throughout the territory will be swathed in floral creations of all hues and scents--the Hong Kong Flower Extravaganza is planned as a prelude to the annual Hong Kong Flower Show, which features fashion shows, stage shows, and internationally renowned flower displays and classes); Sale of the New Century (bargains will be the order of the day during the summer season (July to August 2002), when major retailers and shopping malls all over Hong Kong join hands to slash prices and offer special deals); City of Life Street Carnival (in early-2003, streets and public spaces throughout Hong Kong will be filled with non-stop action throughout the day and night during the City of Life Street Carnival--the carnival will feature entertainment provided by both local and international celebrities, as well as themed performances of dance, cabaret, and lots of music).

To help visitors learn more about these new events, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has designed a special web site for the City of Life: Hong Kong is it! program, linked to www.discoverhongkong.com. The new site, www.hongkongisit.com, includes a comprehensive interactive events calendar and information regarding the different districts of Hong Kong.

For further information, call (800) 282-4582 or visit www.discoverhongkong.com.

Malaysia/Malaysia Airlines

There are few more fascinating destinations in the world than Malaysia, a tropical paradise situated seven degrees north of the Equator in the heart of Southeast Asia. The country comprises Peninsular Malaysia and the two states of Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Malaysia Airlines offers the perfect way to get there.

Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of approximately 20 million. This consists of the main racial groups of Malays, Chinches, and Indians, as well as a very diverse group of indigenous people in Sabah and Sarawak. Bahasa is the national language, but English is widely spoken. Islam is the official religion, but Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and other religions are practiced freely. The climate is warm and humid throughout the year, with cooler temperatures in the hill resorts.

Malaysia’s history has been on of continual interaction with foreign powers and influences, thanks to its strategic position between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. This also makes Malaysia a meeting place for industry and travelers.

In the 1930s, the first stirrings of Malaysian nationalism were felt and, following World War II, there was a resurgence of the nationalism movement that culminated in the independence for the Federation of Malaya on August 31, 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was formed.

Malaysia has a wide range of accommodations at competitive rates, with international hotels, youth hostels, condominiums, and more among the options. Eating out in Malaysia is a true gastronomic adventure, including spicy Malay food, an endless variety of Chines cuisine, exotic choices from India, Nyonya and Portuguese food, and more. Shopping is a never-ending hunt for treasures from the Orient, while entertainment, nightlife, and sports are as varied as anywhere in the world.

Some of the varied possibilities for those heading to Malaysia with Malaysia Airlines include: Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The “Hill Resorts,” along with the islands, beaches, and national parks, have drawn growing attention from first-time and veteran Malaysia visitors. Major festivals and special events, like Chinese New Year, City Day, the Flora Festival/Parade, National Day, and Malaysia Fest, all make for reasons to visit.

As Southeast Asia’s largest airline, Malaysia Airlines flies to more than 100 cities spanning six continents. Their spacious B747-400s depart daily to Malaysia via Tokyo or Tapei, from their gateway in Los Angeles. From their new east coast gateway Newark International, they also offer the only non-stop service to Dubai, continuing on directly to Kuala Lumpur aboard their exclusive B777 SuperRangers(tm), the newest and most luxurious planes in the air today.

Malaysia Airlines offers a number of special benefits to passengers, including: complimentary personal chauffeur service to and from the airport to all business and first class passengers; ENRICH, an innovative frequent flier program with various travel partners; Golden Lounges in major airports around the world for business and first class passengers (including the largest passenger lounge in the world in Kuala Lumpur); and the home base of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the new hub of Southeast Asia and one of the largest airports in the world. Other benefits of flying Malaysia Airlines include an endless bounty of gourmet offerings, expanded sleeping options for first and business class passengers, a business center for first and business class, and excellent in-flight entertainment. Their service and hospitality have led to frequent awards as “Best Asian Airline” by Business Travel World and Inflight Research Service’s top awards for “Best Long Haul First and Economy Service” and “Best Cabin Staff Service.”

For further information, call (800) 552-9264 or (888) 627-8477 or visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.my.

NORTH AMERICA

New Mexico

It’s easy to find yourself in a ‘state of enchantment’ in New Mexico. This is a land of amazing beauty, ancient cultures, outdoor recreation, and warm hospitality. From the mountains to the desert and fascinating cities and towns in between, this is truly a land of enchantment for virtually any interest or activity.

The legends of New Mexico live throughout the state and are easy to explore. Whatever your interest, a visit to New Mexico can be truly legendary.

When it comes to Billy the Kid, you can almost hear the gunshots in New Mexico, as the famed outlaw escapes yet again. In this state, it’s easy to place yourself in the past with the likes of Billy the Kid.

The same is true with Buffalo Soldiers, who enlisted to serve, protect, and map the Wild West. They fought harsh living conditions, oppression, and outlaws on the way to becoming legends of New Mexico.

It is said Nambe Falls was formed by the tears of an Indian Maiden. As the rhythmic sound of water washes over your soul, you can discover a place where magic still lives and legends come alive.

To visit New Mexico’s earliest cultures, you need to head to pueblos, where the cities are made of gold. Today, the legends of ancient cultures still live at the state’s pueblos.

More recently, armed with wooden planks and raw courage, early ski pioneers at Taos Ski Valley sought trails few had dared to travel. Now it’s a place where winter dreams are realized and legendary vacation memories are made.

Finally, the spirit of the state and the open road live on in the many signs and sights on Route 66. It’s easy to connect with yourself and others on “America’s Main Street” right in New Mexico.

For further information, call (800) 733-6396 or visit www.newmexico.org.

Santa Fe

If you’re looking for a quintessential Southwest and New Mexico town, head to Santa Fe. The cultural and historical attractions are simply overwhelming year-round.

For a city it’s size, Santa Fe is amazingly the second largest art market (in terms of sales) in the U.S. There are more than 200 galleries drawing varied collectors and shoppers from around the world. The city also holds the world’s largest show and sale of Native American art.

In addition, there is a summer performing arts season that is a huge draw for both residents and visitors, as well as more than 200 restaurants to feed them a wide variety of cuisine. History also awaits, with Native American culture, Spanish Colonial architecture, the true American West, and more.

For further information, call (800) 984-9984 or visit www.santafe.org.

North Carolina

Idyllic beaches, misty mountain vistas, historic heartland towns, golf, kayaking, hiking, and much more await you in North Carolina. No matter where you choose to go or what you choose to do, you’ll lose your cares and find yourself in North Carolina.

The frequent first stop is the 300-mile-long emerald necklace of barrier islands where, about every 40 miles, they’ve left the light on for you. The welcoming beacons of the coastline’s lighthouses serve as a reminder of the state’s hospitality.

The pounding surf along the coast provides the outdoor enthusiast with an exciting venue for sea kayaking, surfing, and sailing. Beaufort, with its vintage 1700s waterfront business district, is definitely worth a visit, as is Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens in New Bern, which was built for Royal Governor William Tryon in 1770.

The Civil War drama played on Wilmington’s stage, but today the dramas and comedies are staged for the film industry. Famous faces and film crews have dubbed the area “Hollywood East.”

In the Sandhills region, duffers will find a golf Mecca. The Pinehurst area has an incredible number of top-quality of golf courses and resorts to enjoy. Once you’ve had your fill of golf, just be sure to fill up on some great Carolina barbecue. While there’s a perpetual argument over whether eastern or western style is best, there’s never a question about including hush puppies and sweet iced tea.

History comes alive in the heartland at Old Salem and many other historic sites, including Reed Gold Mine near Charlotte. Driving out of this area, you start heading up to places like Linville Gorge, Laurel Springs, Cataloochee, and Mt. Mitchell (the highest point east of the Rockies). Here, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains National Park make for a fitting end to a North Carolina visit.

For further information, call (800) VISIT NC or visit www.visitnc.com.

Florida Keys

In the mid-1930s, with the Florida Keys reeling from the Great Depression, Florida Governor Julius Stone and the U.S. Federal Emergency Relief Administration coordinated an influx of artists and writers to paint murals, write guidebooks, teach classes in handicrafts, and help turn the region into an attractive vacation and cultural destination.

Today, the Keys’ creative and cultural community is more vibrant and more varied than Governor Stone could have ever imagined. It’s the kind of ambiance that attracted famed novelist Ernest Hemingway to reside in Key West from 1929 to 1939, along with the outdoors opportunities, history, and culture that continues to attract visitors today.

A necklace of islands that begins just south of Miami, the Florida Keys are connected by the Overseas Highway’s 43 bridges over the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. The area is divided into five regions, including Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key, and Key West. Each region has its own special flavor and attractions, including historic museums, flora, fauna, seafood restaurants, fishing, diving, watersports, and unique, boutique-style shopping experiences.

An easy-to-remember toll-free number and website address make it easy to get information and assistance before visiting the Florida Keys (including an excellent information kit containing details about accommodations, culture, history, and tourism offerings). Those who prefer a video format can even order a 17-minute video ($13.85).

For further information, call (800) FLA-KEYS or visit www.fla-keys.

International Wildlife

With more than two decades of combined experience, the travel professionals at International Wildlife Adventures are experts at creating wildlife tour packages (for wildlife viewing, photography, and more) for nature enthusiasts like you! Owners of the original Tundra Buggy(tm) and offering more tours to view the polar bears of Churchill than any other company, their polar bear adventures are in full swing in October and November.

Their polar bear tour offerings come in a couple of different “itinerary styles.” The “Specialist Tours” are designed for clients desiring an all inclusive tour, led by expert naturalists or professional wildlife photographers. The Specialist-level tour's prime focus is spend the maximum amount of time on the tundra, viewing or photographing the bears.

The “Enthusiast Tours” are designed for those preferring a more general-interest tour. In addition to time spent polar bear watching, these tours may include a Churchill town and area bus tour, dog sledding & cultural arts program, visits to the Eskimo Museum & Parks Canada Interpretation Center, or similar activities. Knowledgeable guides accompany these tours which range form 4 to 7 days.

The “Adventurer Tours” are for travelers wanting to view the polar bears of Churchill with as much flexibility as feasible within a tour of cost savings. The tour is not escorted and only meals included are lunches on the Tundra Buggy(tm) tours. If you seek a hotel room and access to premier Polar Bear viewing, but do not want to be part of a guided tour, Adventurer Tours offer you the most economical choice.

Of course, International Wildlife Adventures offers a wide range of trips throughout the world to accompany their famed polar bear excursions.

For further information, call (800) 593-8881 or visit www.wildlifeadventures.com.

Arizona

Although best known as home to one of the great wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon, Arizona offers a dizzying array of tour and destination choices to suit any taste or budget. The cactus-dotted deserts, the cool pine forests surrounding Flagstaff, the red rocks of Sedona, the cosmopolitan sprawl of Phoenix, and the sublime beauty of Monument Valley are all part of the Arizona experience.

Up in Canyon Country, Arizona's northwest and north-central regions boast some of the world's most awe-inspiring natural beauty, including the Grand Canyon, Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon, and the mountain community of Flagstaff. Each season brings a different palette of colors to Canyon Country and a new slate of vacation activities, from hiking and rafting to skiing and sledding.

Covering more than 400 square miles, the thriving Phoenix metropolitan area encompasses about 20 different communities, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Chandler. Known as the "Valley of the Sun," the area is home to dozens of luxurious resorts, more than 150 golf courses, world-class shopping, dining, sporting events, and entertainment for year-round vacation fun.

Prescott, the capital of old territorial Arizona, lies at the heart of the Central Territory, where the varied terrain ranges from high desert and rolling grassland to pine-studded mountains. Central Arizona offers a peek into the past at such popular vacation spots like the former ghost town of Jerome, a fully restored turn-of-the-century railway, and the ancient Native American civilizations of the Verde Valley.  Steeped in centuries-old tradition, the Navajo and Hopi nations of northeastern Arizona (Indian Country) provide visitors with a fascinating look at the culture and ceremonial artifacts of these Native Americans. In addition to being part of the famous point where four states--Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico--come together to share a common border, the region is characterized by sweeping plateaus, towering mesas and scenic canyons, and is home to well-known attractions such as Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert and Lake Powell. Many first-time visitors are pleasantly surprised by the lofty mountain peaks, trout-filled streams, and thick ponderosa pine forests that distinguish this east-central Arizona region (the High Country). The cooler temperatures in the mountain retreats of Payson, Pinetop-Lakeside, Greer, and Springerville make them ideal summer vacation headquarters for hiking, fishing or exploring. Between November and March, the region is transformed into a winter nirvana for snow sports enthusiasts.  The traditional West comes alive in southern Arizona's Old West Country. From the cosmopolitan city of Tucson, home to posh resorts and lively western guest ranches, to the enchanting mining towns of Bisbee and Tombstone, this region is appealing to visitors of all ages. Authentic 19th-century missions, country vineyards, bird-watching habitats, hiking, and colorful festivals are all part of the Old West vacation experience. Despite being a landlocked state, the hundreds of miles of lakeshore--from the western end of the Grand Canyon to Yuma--offer limitless opportunities for watersports enthusiasts and sun worshippers. The communities of Lake Havasu City (home of the London Bridge), Bullhead City, Parker, and Kingman (along old Route 66) play host to the avid boaters and water-skiers headed for Lakes Mead, Havasu and Mojave, all man-made water playgrounds created when the mighty Colorado river was dammed at the turn of the century.

For further information, call (888) 520-3433 or visit www.arizonaguide.com.

San Diego

This past spring, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau unveiled the new Summer/Fall 2001 San Diego Art + Sol brochure, a fascinating 44-page, four-color resource highlighting the city’s rich cultural offerings.

The free San Diego Art + Sol brochure includes a calendar of events, American Express cardholder offers, and two cultural itineraries: “East Meets West,” featuring San Diego’s Asian communities, and “Public Art in Offbeat Places.”

The brochure also provides full-page profiles of 15 leading San Diego arts and cultural institutions, including Broadway/San Diego; California Center for the Arts, Escondido; The Globe Theatres; La Jolla Chamber Music Society; La Jolla Playhouse; Lam’s Players Theatre; Mingei International Museum; Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego; Museum of Photographic Arts; Reuben H. Fleet Science Center; San Diego Museum of Art; San Diego Natural History Museum; San Diego Opera; San Diego Repertory Theatre; and the Timkin Museum of Art.

The brochure, which can be ordered by calling (800) 270-WAVE is part of a first-of-its-kind cooperative marketing campaign promoting San Diego as an international cultural destination. The San Diego Art + Sol campaign has two key objectives: to raise awareness of San Diego as a tourist destination, rich in arts and culture, and to generate interest in visiting San Diego and its numerous arts and cultural offerings through the new brochure. Another component of the campaign is the new website, www.sandiegoartandsol.com.

For further information, call (619) 236-1212 or visit www.sandiego.org.