Acapulco, Guerrero

What Acapulco undoubtedly has going for it, is its stunning bay: a sweeping scythe-stroke of yellow sand backed by the white towers of the high-rise hotels and, behind them, the green jungle foothills of the Sierra. Even though there are hundreds of thousands of people here throughout the year, most of the big hotels remain nearly full - it rarely seems oppressively crowded. Certainly there's always space to lie somewhere along the beach, partly because of its sheer size, partly because of the number of rival attractions from hotel pools to parasailing and "romantic" cruises.

By day, if people aren't at the beach or asleep, they're mostly shopping. If you only do one thing in Acapulco, though, make sure you see its most celebrated spectacle, the leap of the daredevil high divers at La Quebrada. About the only place in Acapulco that gives even the slightest sense of the historic role the city played in Mexico's past is the Acapulco Museum in the old town. It's situated inside the Fuerte de San Diego, an impressive, if heavily restored, star-shaped fort built in 1616 to protect the Manila galleons from foreign corsairs.

Along the Costera, downtown is packed with shops, restaurants and a futuristic discos. It is also home to the Centro Cultural, which has an art gallery, a crafts store and a theatre and also hosts a regular program of cultural events with a regional bias. Geared up for bored kids, the Parque Papagayo on Costera at Playa Hornos, offers boating, roller-skating and fairground rides. Further east round the bay, near the Centro Acapulco, the aquatic park CICI has water-based rides and puts on dolphin shows. Your kids will love it!

San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur

The combination of ocean, desert and mountains combine to make Los Cabos an intriguing and beautiful destination. In and around the surrounding area there are many quaint Mexican villages, towns, and points of interest. If you're vacationing on the Baja Peninsula, San Jose del Cabo boasts great beaches. Fronting on the beautiful Gulf of California, San Jose del Cabo offers outstanding swimming, kayaking, water skiing, Jet Ski jaunts and Scuba diving and snorkeling. The warm, clear waters will beckon to you, and you'll find it hard to tear yourself away!

Whether you want to add to your list of birds spotted or watch pods of dolphins frolic, the inviting weather makes the estuary a year-round nature hot spot. There are motor tours available, or you can pack a picnic lunch and explore.

Nature tours are one great component for the ideal family vacation, and there's plenty of other things to keep all ages entertained. From golf to water sports, from beachside grilling to fine dining, you'll never lack for something to enjoy. You'll find that San Jose del Cabo is one of the most quaint, historic towns in Mexico.

Ixtapa, Guerrero

Set against lush green mountains, this tropical beauty offers all the modern comforts of luxury resorts, and all the charm of a sleepy seaside village. Located only seven kilometers apart, Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo combine to deliver the best of both worlds.

Connected by 16 miles of glorious golden beaches along the sapphire Pacific coast, this exotic destination offers you the luxury of two vacations in one. Ixtapa invites you to luxuriate at any of its world-class resorts, or perfect your swing at one of several championship golf courses. For the more adventurous, experience some of the best water sports on the southwest coast of Mexico. Then dine in one of the many diverse eateries, or dance the night away in one of the sparkling nightclubs.

The Marina has a handful of restaurants and a nice ambience. Playa El Palmar is Ixtapa's main beach. It boasts great views, wide sandy beaches, interesting offshore rock formations, parasailing, beach runners willing to bring you just about anything you desire, touts selling jewelry, handcrafts and all the rest. Isla Ixtapa (Isla Grande) offers a series of small beaches connected by secluded paths. Playa Varadero is the main beach. Great seafood, safe waters for swimming and jet skiing and some pretty exotic views.

Horse drawn carriage rides are available through the calm streets. There's a water park next door to the Ixtapa Palace hotel with some very serious water slide action.

Orlando, FL.

Orlando is known as a family vacation destination but it's also a great place for singles, girlfriend getaways and romantic couple weekends. It has nightclubs and dinner shows featuring world class entertainers. Aquatica Water Park features the most thrilling water rides in the world with 36 water slides, six rivers and lagoons, and more than 80,000 square feet of beach area. Walt Disney World Resort is a world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks; two water adventure parks; 32 resort hotels; 81 holes of golf on five courses; two full-service spas; Disney's Wedding Pavilion; Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney, an entertainment-shopping-dining complex encompassing the Marketplace, Pleasure Island and West Side. SeaWorld Orlando is the world's premier marine adventure park with 200 acres of world-class shows, thrilling rides and unforgettable animal encounters.

Atlantic City, NJ.

Atlantic City is known as a “Casino City” because of all the major casinos in the area as gambling was legalized in Atlantic City in 1976. Even though casinos are a main part of the city, there are a lot of other things to do in Atlantic City.

People flock to the world's first Boardwalk, which offers great food, shopping, and entertainment. There are very interesting museums and it is a great place to people watch. Just taking a stroll along the beach, and especially the boardwalk, is a delight in Atlantic City. There is great food throughout the city whether it is International food or good old American food.

If gambling is your thing than Atlantic City is definitely the place to be with the many casinos that offer all the classic casino games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, and of course the slots.

Cape Cod, MA.

Cape Cod, often referred to locally as simply the Cape, be an island and a cape in the easternmost portion of the state of Massachusetts, in the Northeastern United States. Several small islands right off Cape Cod, including Monomoy Island, Monomoscoy Island, Popponesset Island, and Seconsett Island, are also in Barnstable County.

The biggest draw for visitors to the Cape and Islands is undoubtedly the water. Many come simply to bask in the sun and play in the surf along the Cape’s 560 miles of sandy coastline. The area offers many water-related activities, to be sure, from whale and seal watching to surfing and sport fishing. You can paddle a kayak or sail on a sloop. Kids can learn about the marine environment aboard an educational cruise or play the role of buccaneers on a pirate cruise. In addition to water-related pursuits, the Cape and Islands offer museums and walking tours, hiking and biking trails, train rides and plane rides. You can also tour wineries and small farms - even visit farmers’ markets. You can learn about the Cape’s abundant natural assets by visiting the 27,000 - acre Cape Cod National Seashore or the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.

Block Island, RI.

There is more to Block Island than gorgeous beaches. With more than 50 stores and specialty shops, and numerous art galleries, Block Island offers a diverse shopping experience. The Island's plentiful shops offer casual souvenirs as well as unique gifts from around the world and antiques. Feel like getting some exercise? Activities include bike riding, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, snorkeling, fishing, parasailing, kayaking and sailing. Dining experiences on Block Island are as diverse as they are delicious. Restaurants offer everything from five-star dining and Wine Spectator rated wine lists to local seafood served at picnic tables. You won't have a problem filling your day with things to do on Block Island. For more information on specifics please choose from the menu at left.

Palmas del Mar

A quiet little town in Eastern Puerto Rico proud of its unspoiled miles of beach, and large golf course at Palmas del Mar. A land of contrasts and surprises to enjoy nature and experience the tropical lifestyle.

Oranjestad

Aruba's charming capital is best explored on foot. Its palm-lined central thoroughfare runs between old and new pastel-painted buildings of typical Dutch design (Spanish influence is also evident in some of the architecture). The town is named after the Dutch royal house of Oranje, and has been the island's capital since 1797.

Oranjestad attracts more shoppers than sightseers. There are many malls with boutiques and shops in Oranjestad; downtown and Seaport Village are the major shopping areas. Every morning the wharf teems with activity as merchants sell produce and fresh fish - often right off their boats. You can also buy Aruban handicrafts and T-shirts at this dockside bazaar, where bargaining is expected and dollars or florins are accepted. Island schooners and houseboats anchored near the fishing boats add to the port's ambience. Wilhelmina Park, a small tropical garden on the waterfront along L.G. Smith Boulevard, has a sculpture of the Netherlands' Queen Wilhelmina, whose reign lasted from 1890 to 1948. Lloyd G. Smith Blvd. becomes awfully crowded with tourists during cruise ship arrivals, but the street is well prepared for the influx. Dozens of shops line the thoroughfare. The Seaport Village Mall, on the north side of the street, and the Seaport Marketplace, on the east side of the yacht basin section of the harbor, contain the best of the chichi shops, as well as small cafes.

Caya G. F. Betico Croes, or Main Street, runs roughly parallel to the waterfront several blocks inland. It's another major shopping venue. If you are looking for a little culture, Oranjestad has a handful of museums and houses of worship that are worth a bit of your time.

Steamboat Springs, CO.

Nestled perfectly in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado, Steamboat Springs offers a memorable vacation and genuine western hospitality. Here you can create a unique outdoor adventure or a quiet weekend getaway with abundant activities or experience the local cultural arts. Whether it is winter, summer, spring or fall, Steamboat Springs has it all!

Although winter season is full of a variety of exciting activities the local motto is, “Come for the winter and stay for the summer”. In the summer you may enjoy the pristine wilderness, whether it’s a ride up the gondola or a hike through a wildflower field, satisfaction abounds. Whether it is to enjoy a signature event, legendary mountain biking rides or epic views, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. No matter what the season or the age of our visitor, the Old West excitement of Steamboat Springs keeps them riding back to town year after year!

Steamboat Springs, CO.

Nestled perfectly in the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Colorado, Steamboat Springs offers a memorable vacation and genuine western hospitality. Here you can create a unique outdoor adventure or a quiet weekend getaway with abundant activities or experience the local cultural arts. Whether it is winter, summer, spring or fall, Steamboat Springs has it all!

Although winter season is full of a variety of exciting activities the local motto is, “Come for the winter and stay for the summer”. In the summer you may enjoy the pristine wilderness, whether it’s a ride up the gondola or a hike through a wildflower field, satisfaction abounds. Whether it is to enjoy a signature event, legendary mountain biking rides or epic views, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. No matter what the season or the age of our visitor, the Old West excitement of Steamboat Springs keeps them riding back to town year after year!

Nassau

Come visit this paradise in the Bahamas with its endless beaches and exciting nightlife..

Madrid

Madrid is strategically located at the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula, 646 meters above sea level. Its old town is exemplary among major European cities, and blends harmoniously with the most modern and convenient of urban infrastructure. Madrid offers a broad range of accommodation and services along with the most advanced audiovisual and communication technology. All this, combined with the momentum of a society that is dynamic and open, and at the same time warm and welcoming, has turned this metropolis into one of the western world's great capitals. The Madrid area has been settled since the Lower Paleolithic age, but it was not until 1561 that King Philip II made it the capital of his mighty empire. The historic old town, also known as "Madrid de los Austrias" (referring to the Hapsburg empire) is a living example of the city's 16th and 17th century heyday, as is its impressive Plaza Mayor (square), which was opened in 1620 and remains one of Spain's most popular and typical spots.

Near to the Plaza Mayor is the so-called "aristocratic centre" of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you can find the Plaza de Oriente (square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II. This ensemble of monuments is completed by the Puerta del Sol, a square flanked by select shops, and the "Paseo del Arte", so called for its unique museums, palaces and gardens, not forgetting the unmistakable Bank of Spain building, the Palacio de las Telecomunicaciones (currently home to the Spanish Post Office) and the Cibeles and Neptuno fountains.

Art and culture are central to Madrid life. The city has 73 museums that cover all fields of human knowledge. Of these, the most important are the Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum with more than 800 paintings, sculptures and tapestries that go from the earliest Dutch masters to the most avant-garde trends, and the Reina Sofía National Art Centre, which is dedicated to Spanish contemporary art, with works by Picasso, Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí and Juan Gris among others. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy the sun, go for walks, go rowing or feed the squirrels in Madrid's large, impeccable parks and gardens. The Retiro Park, once playground of Spanish Monarchs, the Casa de Campo and the Juan Carlos I Park among others make Madrid one of Europe's greenest capitals. Madrid is also one of Europe's most attractive business centers. Its international airport receives more than one thousand flights weekly from all over the world and it has two main conference centers, as well as the modern Campo de las Naciones exhibition centre and a capacity to hold more than 80,000 people in other varied conference and meeting facilities.

Rio de Janeiro

Known as the “Wonderful City”, Rio de Janeiro offers attractions that have rendered the city international fame. Who has never heard about carnival in Rio, the most amazing popular party in the world? Or who has never heard about Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ Redeemer? Or about the beautiful beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, that have inspired musicians from all over the world? Or, also, who has never heard about the Tijuca National Park - the largest urban area natural preservation area in the Country? Rio is all that. And much more.

The city was the Brazilian capital until 1960 - when Brasilia, the current capital, was inaugurated. Because it was the capital, concentrating much power, the city’s architectonic traces include luxurious and imposing constructions - that sheltered the nobility and other important personages of those times. Since the city’s weather is hot and pleasant all through the year, Rio does not depend on seasons to attract visitors. Its attractions can be appreciated any time of the year. Whoever visits Rio soon finds out that his/her agenda is always full - that is the pride of the local population.

There is always something to be done in the city, from exhibitions, theater plays, dance and music shows to sports events for all tastes - such as free flying, much appreciated by all those who enjoy strong sensations on board a hang glider floating above the most famous landscapes of Rio. But the “Wonderful City” has yet a wide range of other attractions to offer, such as cultural centers, numberless museums, churches, famous confectioners’, old streetcars and beaches - many beaches.

Rome

The ancient city of Rome is Europe's third most visited destination, behind London and Paris. Nicknamed the “Eternal City” Rome has a timeless appeal. Rome, located on the Tiber River in central Italy, has a history dating back almost 3, 000 years. It has seen its share of emperors and dictators, from Caesar to Mussolini. Today, Rome remains the center of Christianity; the independent city-state of the Vatican City is the seat of the Catholic Church and home of the Pope. Rome is a history-lover's paradise, with a treasure trove of archaeological gems around nearly ever corner.

The most iconic symbol of Rome is the Coliseum, built in A.D. 72. The Coliseum was Rome's greatest amphitheatre, where massive crowds of spectators gathered to watch the gladiators. The Roman Forum was the heart of ancient Rome's political, legal, and religious life. Today, the Forum contains the ruins of several temples, basilicas, and markets and is, along with the Coliseum, one of Rome's most popular attractions. The Pantheon is a magnificent temple built to honor the Roman gods. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at the impressive dome, marble floors, and tomb of Raphael.

Rome boasts some of the world's most beautiful churches and basilicas, each one more stunning than the last. The most famous of these churches is St. Peter's, located in the tiny city-state of the Vatican. The enormous St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) attracts thousands of pilgrims on Sundays and religious occasions, when the pope makes blessings from his balcony. The symmetry of the piazza can be admired from atop the dome. Inside, visitors are treated to a visual feast. The dramatic dome, designed by Michelangelo, has made many a jaw drop. A number of magnificent monuments and sculptures, including Michelangelo's famed Pietà, are scattered throughout the sanctuary. The Vatican's other main attractions are the Vatican Museums and the Castel Sant' Angelo.