A Visit to Sedona, Arizona

Sedona has evolved from a small agricultural community into an artist's sanctuary and a tourist's dream. Four major regions offer significant contributions to Greater Sedona. You'll find lovely accommodations and year-round comfort with more than 40 galleries, unique shops and countless attractions.

Village of Oak Creek/Chapel Area
Located on the southernmost end of Sedona is Oak Creek, a village that offers premiere galleries, shops and a superb shopping experience at the charming Tlaquepaque , a recreated Mexican village. The Sedona Golf Resort offers fine dining at the Grill at Shadow Rock . This area is also called the Chapel area, due to the proximity to the Chapel of the Holy Cross , designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The Village area offers upscale dining, golf, tennis, shopping and accommodations including the Poco Diablo Resort, the suites at DoubleTree and Wildflower Inn .

The fiery-hued rock formations you'll find in this area include the famous Bell Rock , with its energy vortex , close to the Chapel of the Holy Cross .

Drink in fresh air and experience elevating surroundings while you continue up Highway 179 towards Sedona proper. At the "Y" junction of highways 179 and 89A, you'll find a Visitor Center nearby.

Uptown Sedona
Turn right onto Highway 89A, and you're headed to uptown Sedona. There are shops located in a major retail plaza along the highway that are within easy walking distance.

Rich in culture, the Uptown area offers the Sedona Arts Center , which includes a school and gallery, with works exhibited by various artists. Next, pay a visit to the Sedona Heritage Museum , the original farmstead of one of Sedona's founding families, the Jordans. Exhibits include written narratives, vintage orchard equipment and photographs, which depict the area's early history.

Outstanding accommodations in hotels and intimate bed and breakfasts are offered in Uptown. These include the European-style L'Auberge de Sedona . Rattlesnake sausage and a Pink Lizard to wash it down are featured at the nearby Cowboy Club .

Oak Creek Canyon
Follow Highway 89A North through one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in America, as noted by Rand-McNally. The tree-lined canyon offers quiet austerity and invites self-reflection as you meander through.

Many secluded spots here offer sanctuary and quiet rooms, with space to relieve your mind of daily stresses and anxiety. Charming accommodations may be found at locations like the Junipine Resort .

Hiking and fishing are two favorite pastimes in Oak Creek. Bring your fishing license during the warm months when the creek is well stocked. Take a seat on the sun-warmed rocks and contemplate the satisfying natural world.

Dappled sunlight reflects on the water at nature's playground in Slide Rock State Park . Bring your camera as children at play frolic down the 30 foot natural rock slide. Easy hiking surrounds the area, but wear comfortable shoes with traction, as the path is often slippery.

If you follow Highway 89A north, you will eventually see Steamboat Rock and arrive in Flagstaff, which features the largest Ponderosa Pine forest in the world. Just a few miles West of Flagstaff, off Interstate 40, you'll find skiing, and the original Route 66 running through the charming town of Williams. This is also the town where you catch the train to see the Grand Canyon National Park for a scenic day trip.

West Sedona
Wind your way back down Highway 89A to the 'Y' junction at Highway 179 in downtown Sedona. Travel through this intersection to enjoy the many faces of Sedona's west side. You will find interesting shops, fine dining, including Fournos Restaurant , grocery stores and quaint bed and breakfasts like the Lantern Light Inn .

Sedona's airport offers activities like barnstorming the canyon at the Red Rock Biplane Tours , or rising to meet red monoliths in an aircraft from AeroVista.

Growing by leaps and bounds, this area has acquired a beautiful new Cultural Park and Visitor Center , which opened in the summer of 2000. Featured at the hub of the park's 50 acres is the new Georgia Frontiere Pavilion . Home of the annual Jazz on the Rocks concert in September, and the Sedona Ecofest benefit event in October, this amphitheater features unique openwork architecture. From this vantage point, enjoy panoramic northern views of the Cockscomb, Chimney Rock and the majestic Coffee Pot Rock.

Drive a little further west, then head south down the Lower Red Rock Loop Road for a satisfying journey into the Red Rock State Park . Red Rock Park's fee area offers a picnic retreat at Red Rock Crossing . This is one of the most photographed locations in the world.

Many opportunities exist in the area for photography and study of the early indigenous cultures. Take a short ride to the pueblo ruins at Palatki and Honanki , which are closest to Sedona. A little further out you'll discover Tuzigoot National Monument in Clarkdale . If you have some leisure time, be sure and take the wilderness train at Clarkdale for an enjoyable journey by rail through red-laced canyons. Jerome is nearby, which offers unusual charm. Its shops and homes are built on the sharp incline of a slowly sliding mountain slope.

A Visit to Shanghai, China

After years of stagnation, the great metropolis of SHANGHAI is undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen. The skyline is filling with skyscrapers; there are three thousand now, more than New York, and another two thousand are coming soon. Gleaming shopping malls, luxurious hotels and prestigious arts centres are rising alongside. Shanghai's 21 million residents enjoy the highest incomes on the mainland, and there's plenty for them to splash out on; witness the rash of celebrity restaurants and designer flagship stores. In short, it's a city with a swagger, bursting with nouveau riche exuberance and élan.

Shanghai is one of the few Chinese cities that rewards aimless wandering, but it does not, however, brim with obvious tourist attractions. Most of the sights lie to the west of the Huangpu River and its colonial waterfront, the Bund, the commercial hub of late-nineteenth-century European imperialism in mainland China. But the city's major landmark is on the east side, in Pudong – the rocket-like Oriental Pearl TV Tower, so high its antenna is often shrouded in mist. The best way to check out both banks of the Huangpu River and their sights is to take a splendid Huangpu River tour.

Nanjing Lu, reputedly the busiest shopping street in China, runs through the heart of downtown Shanghai towards Renmin Square, which today houses the excellent ShanghaiMuseum as well as a couple of decent art galleries. The other main sights lie about 1500m south of Nanjing Lu in the Old City, the longest continuously inhabited part of Shanghai, with the Yu Yuan – a fully restored classical Chinese garden – and bazaars at its heart. To the southwest of here lies the marvellous former French Concession, with its cosmopolitan cooking traditions, European-style housing and revolutionary relics. The energetic eating and nightlife centre of Shanghai, Huaihai Lu, serves as the area's main artery.

A Visit to Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic lies at the heart of Central Europe and at its center is the beautiful and historic city of Prague. With a population of some 1.3 million residents, the city lies on either side of the Vltava River in the middle of Bohemia that is one of the three historic Czech territories; the others being Moravia and Silesia. The city has seven "Chapter Divisions" or districts.

North & Western Suburbs
This is mainly an area of residential buildings and parkland, containing Prague's largest park — Stromovka . The park was originally a hunting ground and is now home to many attractions including the Vystaviste Exhibition Grounds , the Prumyslovy Palace , the Planetarium , and the Lapidarium.

A walk to the west of the park brings the visitor to the Royal Summer Palace (Letohrádek královny Anny) , a neo-Gothic building where the National Museum stores some of its treasures.

To the south of Stromovka lies Letna Park . A walk farther south brings one to a plateau overlooking the main city and river. Here, you will see the large Metronome that replaced the monument to Stalin—the largest in the world, which was destroyed on the orders of Krushchev in 1962. Other places of interest are the National Technical Museum and the National Gallery Collection of Modern & Contemporary Art . Walks through the residential areas will expose you to many styles of architecture here.

Hradcany
Situated on the hill overlooking Prague, Hradcany is made up of Prague Castle , St Vitus Cathedral and the Strahov Monastery —all places that are steeped in history. The Army Museum , the Royal Gardens and the Toy Museum are also nearby.

St Vitus' Cathedral was commissioned by Charles IV (1316-1378) and its foundation was laid in 1344. However, work on it went on for nearly 600 years before being finalized in 1929, which means that the architecture is from many different periods and in different styles. Attractions inside include the crown jewels, the crypt and the South Tower. The Strahov Monastery was founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensian Order, although its present day baroque appearance dates from the late-17th and 18th Centuries.

Mala Strana
Covering the area just below Hradcany and bordering the river, Mala Strana is just across Charles Bridge from the main city. Now home to many foreign embassies occupying a number of buildings built by the Catholic nobility, the area is full of palaces, gardens and baroque churches including the Church of St. Nicholas (Sv. Mikulas). Open daily, this is an example of Prague baroque architecture; it was built between 1702 and 1753 by Christoph Dientzenhofer and later also worked on by his son. Frequent concerts and recitals (both at lunchtime and in the evenings) are held here featuring the works of Mozart.

Josefov
Prague's Jewish Quarter can be reached by a short walk from Wenceslas Square or by taking the metro to Staromestska, Line A.

Dating back to at least the 13th century, this area is rich in history. Places to visit include the Jewish Cemetery , its five synagogues, the Jewish State Museum and the Jewish Ceremonial Hall with its Hebrew clock dating from the 15th century. The narrow cobbled streets lend a unique atmosphere to the area, especially at night. The Kafka Museum is located on the border of Josefov and Stare Mesto.

Stare Mesto
Prague's Old Town is centered around Old Town Square , the Jan Hus Monument and the Old Town Clock Tower featuring its astronomical clock dating back to the 15th century. The Old Town Hall is open daily. It is only a short walk away from Wenceslas Square.

There are several churches of note here including the Church of Our Lady Before Tyn as well as courtyards and numerous cafes, bars and restaurants catering to every taste.

Nove Mesto
This is Prague's main commercial and business district. It is based around Wenceslas Square at the top of which is the National Museum and the two main commercial streets—Na Prikope and Narodni. Running from these streets are many smaller streets and courtyards. Hotels, bars and restaurants abound in this area.

Walking along Legerova or Ke Karlovu (where you will find the Dvorak Museum ) will bring you to the Police Museum from where you can take a walk along the top of the Botic Valley towards the river.
Vysehrad & the Eastern Suburbs
Centered upon the ancient rocky fortress of Vysehrad (the Republic's most-revered landmark) and containing the Vysehrad Cemetery , a Romanesque rotunda and the Gothic church of St. Peter and Paul, this area stretches to the working-class suburb of Zizkov. It is home to the TV Tower (from which you can enjoy panoramic views of Prague) and the ancient Zizkov Hill, atop which stands a statue of Jan Zizka (a 15th-century army general) and the mausoleum in which the remains of the three Communist presidents of the Republic and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier can be found. The suburb of Vinohrady contains Prague's most modern church, the Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord (Kostel Nejsvetejšího srdce Páne) , which was built in 1928.

Playa del Carmen, QR

PLAYA DEL CARMEN (known simply as Playa), once a soporific fishing village, has mushroomed in recent years to become, for tourists anyway, a trendy place touted as the next Miami Beach – from a local's perspective, a goldmine of employment in construction. Not only do Mexico City's elite pop in, but so do day-trippers from Cancún and passengers from cruise ships. As a result, the town's main centre of activity, Avenida 5 (also called La Quinta), a long, pedestrianized strip one block back from the sea, is often packed to capacity with tourists rapidly emptying their wallets in pavement cafés, souvenir outlets and designer-clothes shops. Nonetheless, Playa does retain a rather chic European atmosphere, due to a high number of Italian- and French-owned businesses, and compared with hyperactive, Americanized Cancún, it seems positively cosmopolitan and calm. The nightlife in particular is excellent, and you'll also find sophisticated cuisine, hotels for most budgets and diverse shops. Everywhere visitors will want to go is compact and very pedestrian-friendly – even a walk to the better beach on the north side of town, a broad expanse of silky sand, is an easy one.

A Visit to Phuket, Thailand

Made up of 33 islands, Phuket covers an area of 570 square kilometers (354 square miles) and has a population of about 322,000 residents. Phuket Island, the largest, is linked to the mainland by a bridge. The country's main source of income is tourism, though agriculture also plays a key role. The island is divided into three districts: Talang in the north, Kathu in the west, and Muang in the south.

Muang District
This area provides a less expensive alternative to the west coast beach resorts. Phuket Town is the administrative center of the island and offers a multitude of affordable accommodation, shopping, and eating. The older quarters of town are dotted with 19th century buildings that are distinguished by their distinctive Sino-Portuguese architectural style. From the summit of Rang Hill (Khao Rang) in the northwest, there are views of Makham Bay, the offshore islands, and a bird's eye view of the town. Within this district there are also tons of things to see, including Phuket Aquarium , the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Aquarium and the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai Village .

To the east lies Siray Island , home to Phuket's largest settlement of Sea Gypsies. About eight kilometers (five miles) south is Chalong Bay , Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, which has a number of renowned seafood restaurants. At the northern end is Phuket Zoo and nearby Rawai Beach . To the southwest is the Phuket Sea Shell Museum , Laem Ka Beach, a Sea Gypsy village, restaurants, shops, hotels, fishing, and charter boats.

The prominent southern extremity of the island, Prom Thep Cape , is a great place to enjoy a stunning sunset. Just to the north is Nai Harn Beach , popular for swimming and as a yacht anchorage i n the dry season. The wide, curving Kata Beach also has ideal waters for swimming and snorkeling among the coral reefs. There are numerous accommodation options, restaurants, bars, and clubs, and a regular daylight bus service runs to Phuket Town and the other beach resorts. Karon Beach is the second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches and is a popular destination for tourists. Between Kata and Karon there is the crowd-pleasing Dino Park Mini Golf .

Within the Muang District a number of islands can be found, including Mai Ton Island, with its natural environment, white beaches, and clear waters. Kaew Island is small, but has a fine beach and incredible coral in the surrounding water. One of the main attractions on the island is the giant Buddha statue at Wat Phra Kaew. Lohn Island is large and mountainous, while Coral Island , is part of a marine reserve that draws travelers with its many hotels, restaurants and a variety of water sports. Raya Island is actually two islands that have crystal clear waters and excellent diving and fishing.

Kathu District
Renowned in this district is Patong Beach , the lively shopping and evening entertainment district that transformed a quiet fishing village into a bustling town in a short period of time. From bars to live music to discos, plus cuisine from all over the world available in its restaurants, every possible pass time imaginable can be found here. Not to be overlooked is the fine bay and four kilometer (2.5 mile) str etch of beach that promises excellent swimming, snorkeling and more.

Among the major attractions in the vicinity are Phuket Water-Ski Cableways , Kathu Waterfall, Loch Palm Golf Club and Tarzan Jungle Bungee Jump . In Patong, the famous Phuket Simon's Group's Cabaret Transvestite Show is a worthwhile after-dinner stop. Nearby is the Patong Go-Kart Speedway and to the south is the Phuket Country Club Golf Course .

At the northern end of Patong Beach is the wilder, undeveloped Kalim Beach , an adventurous stop for travelers looking to get away from the crowds. Further north lies Kamala Beach , a Muslim fishing village, with a beautiful two kilometer (1.25 mile) stretch of beach where buffalo herds often cool off in the afternoons by the sea. There are plenty of hotel options here and numerous traditional seafood restaurants. Nearby is Phuket FantaSea , Thailand's most popular water sports center.

Thalang District
Covering the northern half of the island, this district has a number of attractions, including Thalang National Museum , which has a display of ancient artifacts and exhibits relating to the famous 1785 Battle of Thalang. Nearby is the imposing Two Heroines Monument , erected in commemoration of the sisters who lead the people into battle during an invasion from Burma long ago. Also in the area is Wat Phra Tong , home of the golden statue of Buddha that emerged from the earth many years ago.

Some of the most picturesque scenery in this area can be observed at the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary , which covers 22 square kilometers of virgin rain forest and waterfalls that serves as one of Phuket's major fresh water sources. The Ton Sai and Bang Pae sites of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project are also nearby.

Beaches on the west coast include Surin Beach and another fabulous sunset location, Laem Sing Beach , which is small but picturesque, with outcrops of huge granite boulders. Bang Tao Beach is mostly occupied by the massive resort development of Laguna Phuket. It is also home to the Banyan Tree Golf Club and Banyan Tree Spa . Nearby is the Phuket Laguna Riding Club and the Canal Village Shopping Center , which houses over 50 shops and restaurants.

North of Bang Tao, near the airport is Sirinat National Park , which stretches to the island's northern-most tip and includes the 13 kilometer (8 mile) &l t;a href="detail.html?detailID=221306">Nai Yang Beach. Often referred to as 'Airport Beach', this is where giant sea turtles can be seen and the National Park offices are located.

Wherever you are in Phuket, there are limitless opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture and tradition. There is more than enough opportunity to relax and enjoy the beautiful beaches and unique environment.

A Visit to Orlando, FL

Once a quiet farming town, Orlando now welcomes more visitors than any other place in the state. The reason, of course, is Walt Disney World, which, along with Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and a host of other attractions, of varying degrees of quality, attracts millions of people a year to a previously featureless plot of scrubland. Most of the hotels are found along International Drive, Hwy-192 or in and around Disney World, all of which lie several miles south of the downtown area, which has the city's best nightlife.

Montreal, One of The Most Beautiful Place in Canada

The hospitality with a distinctly French flavor - and what could be more appropriate for the second largest French-speaking metropolis in the world? But French is only one of 35 or so languages you will hear on the streets of this international island city of 1.6 million inhabitants.

Demographics show that Montreal residents come from 80 countries, forming an urban mosaic of vibrant ethnic communities and neighborhoods safe to walk in day or night. Visitors will detect a distinct British influence in parts of the city, inherent in the culture since the days when English merchants controlled the city's trade. All in all, it's easy to see why "cosmopolitan" is the adjective most used in describing Montreal.

Characteristically, there'is the famous joie de vivre - the ineffable combination of spirit and ambiance Montrealers exude without even trying. You will see it in the summertime cappuccino-sippers cramming sidewalk cafes; in the long lines outside Schwartz's , home to the city's best smoked meat; and in the lovers holding hands on Mount Royal , the city's parkland mountain rising 264 meters (866 feet). The same spirit can even be felt on an outdoor skating rink in the dead of winter, in the tuxedoed crowd listening raptly to the Montreal Symphony Orchestra,or when hockey fanatics at the Bell Centre scream and pump their fists in unison with every Montreal Canadiens goal.

What makes Montreal one of the world's truly great cities? It starts with its location. The island sits at the confluence of three rivers: the mighty St. Lawrence, the Rivière des Prairies and the Ottawa. Montrealers describe their streets as going north-south and east-west, but the island itself is askew, tilted to the northeast.

The Main
Splitting the city in half, both physically and psychologically, is Saint Laurent Boulevard - The Main , as it is affectionately known. It is here where waves of immigrants first settled upon their arrival in the New World. Reminders of the past still abound in family-run Polish delis tucked beside upscale restaurants and in dollar stores located next door to swank billiard emporiums.This is ground zero for the city's addresses and, historically, this was the demarcation line between English and French Montreal, with the French predominating to the east and the English to the west.

These days, the dividing line is no longer completely rigid, but there are still distinct English and French areas. You will find the English restaurant and bar scene concentrated on Bishop Street and Crescent Street ; the French on St-Denis Street and areas east in the Latin Quarter (Quartier Latin) and Gay Village.The traditional French residential areas are tightly packed districts that stretch all the way to the Olympic Park and Hochelaga-Maisonneuve; English becomes more noticeable as you move west,culminating in the affluent suburb of Westmount.

Old Montreal
At the southern end of St-Laurent Boulevard, past, lies the historic district of Old Montreal, a major tourist attraction with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn calèche rides and Old Port activities. This is where, in 1642, the city's first European settlers staked their claim to a land they thought was theirs by divine right. You can still see the remnants of their original fortifications, and you can check out artifacts from the period at the Montreal History Centre as well as the Pointe-à-Callière Museum of archaeology and history. Also found here are the oldest buildings in Montreal, with some, such as the Sainte-Sulpice Seminary, dating back to the late 17th Century.

Montreal Islands
Across the St-Lawrence River, the Expo 67 islands of Ste-Helène and Notre-Dame still glitter from when Montreal hosted the World's Fair in 1967. Today the site is home to La Ronde amusement park, the Gilles Villeneuve Racetrack and Montreal's world-class Casino.

Plateau Mont-Royal
On the other end of The Main is the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, unusual in that it encompasses both ethnic shops and restaurants on Parc Avenue as well as the hip Francophone crowd along St-Denis Street . This is Canada's most densely populated area, and its smaller streets, with their winding staircases and small BYOW restaurants, remain a picture of true Montreal life.

Little Italy
Just a little further north and you will hear Italian spoken on Montreal's streets over in the city's own Little Italy , the original home of the first Italian immigrants and now one of the liveliest areas in the city with its espresso bars, boutiques and authentic Italian cuisine.

Underground City
No visit to Montreal is complete without a visit to the Underground City - Montreal-above-ground has been described as the tip of the urban iceberg. Beneath it lies the world's most extensive system of interconnected pedestrian and Metro (subway) networks, linking buildings, boutiques, restaurants and even residential apartments. You could spend an entire winter in this subterranean city without ever once having to face the cold or snow.

The Metro system itself has lines running east-west and north-south (albeit, askew) to just about every part of the city. While you are down there, check out the 62 architecturally unique stations, each created by a different designer.

A Visit to Kyoto, Japan

The capital of Japan for more than a thousand years, KYOTO is endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of ancient Buddhist temples, majestic palaces and gardens of every size and description, not to mention some of the country's most important works of art, its richest culture and most refined cuisine. For many people the very name Kyoto conjures up the classic image of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (traditional wooden sandals) on the paving stones, geisha passing in a flourish of brightly coloured silks, and temple pagodas surrounded by cherry blossom trees.

While you can still find all these things, and much more, first impressions of Kyoto can be disappointing. Decades of haphazard urban development and a too-visible industrial sector have affected the Kyoto landscape; in some areas you could be anywhere in Japan. However, new ordinances passed by the city government in 2007, limiting the height of new buildings and banning rooftop advertising, indicate that more serious thought is being given to preserving Kyoto's visual environment. Yet, regardless of all the trappings of the modern world, Kyoto remains notoriously exclusive, a place where outsiders struggle to peek through the centuries-thick layer of cultural sophistication into the city's secretive soul.

The vast amount of culture and history to explore in Kyoto is quite mind-boggling, yet despite this, it's perfectly possible to get a good feel for Kyoto even within just a couple of days. Top priority should go to the eastern, Higashiyama district, where the walk north from famous Kiyomizu-dera to Ginkaku-ji takes in a whole raft of fascinating temples, gardens and museums. It's also worth heading for the northwestern hills to contemplate the superb Zen gardens of Daitoku-ji and Ryoan-ji, before taking in the wildly extravagant Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. The highlight of the central sights is Nijo-jo, a lavishly decorated seventeenth-century palace, while nearby Nijo-jin'ya is an intriguing place riddled with secret passages and hidey-holes.

A Visit to Jackson, WY

More Mild West than Wild West thanks to an overflow of art galleries and high-end lodging, Jackson makes for an enjoyable base, tucked in at the end of Jackson Hole, five miles from Grand Teton National Park's southern boundary. Centered around a tree-shaded square marked by an arch of tangled elk antlers at each corner, the Old West– style boardwalks of downtown front boutiques, galleries, and a range of restaurants and bars. In winter, time is best spent visiting the 25,000-acre National Elk Refuge on the north edge of town (the source of the town square's antler arches), where you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride among a 7000-strong herd of elk rides depart from the Jackson Hole & Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center along US-26/89/191 several times an hour. Across the highway from the elk refuge, the National Museum of Wildlife Art houses an impressive global collection that trails only Cody's Buffalo Bill Historical Center for best museum in the region.

While busiest in summer with road-tripping national park visitors, Jackson remains a year-round draw thanks to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a twenty-minute drive from downtown to Teton Village at its base. Justifiably famous, the resort's 2500 acres of terrain are some of the best in the US for confident intermediates and advanced skiers and boarders. Within town, Snow King is an affordable, family-friendly hill that's also lit for night skiing, while Grand Targhee Resort, an hour's drive away on the Wyoming/Idaho border, is renowned for fresh powder. Come summer, all three resorts offer limited lift-accessed mountain biking, along with a host of other outdoor activities, including hiking and paragliding.

A Visit to Interlaken, BE

Don't be ashamed of being a tourist in Interlaken – that's what the place exists for. Interlaken is all that many visitors ever see of Switzerland, whisked through the country on a rapid lakes-and-mountains tour. The town is perfectly positioned as the gateway into the Oberland, and is a pleasant enough place, even if overly commercial and packed with Swiss-kitsch souvenir shops.

The town is situated on the Bödeli, a small alluvial neck of land between the twin lakes of the Thunersee and Brienzersee. It's one of the oldest resorts in the country, famed for its superb views towards the Jungfrau massif, which lies perfectly framed between two hills to the south of town. And that's pretty much the whole story: history, character and tradition take a back seat to the necessities of providing for the millions of trippers who pass through on their way to more dramatic backdrops. Many of the shops which cram the centre of town have prominent signs in Japanese; of Interlaken's tourists, fully a quarter are from Japan, as many as from around Switzerland.

A Visit to Helsinki, Finland

Finland's capital city, founded on June 12, 1550, is a multi-faceted town that is unique in many ways and has much to offer any visitor.

Helsinki is set apart from other big historical cities by two factors: the great physical presence of nature and the very clear grid pattern used to design the city's streets. Most big cities have a limited number of parks. In Helsinki, parks can be found behind almost every corner. Even in the most densely-built districts of the city center, significant parks liven up the landscape. Both the overwhelming presence of nature and the network of straight, symmetrical and wide streets, which make finding any address a simple task, are the creation of the city's two main designers, Johan Albrecht Ehrenström and Carl Ludvig Engel.

Helsinki is formally divided into a total of 54 districts, but more commonly the city is merely divided into the center and the suburbs. The southern districts are older (some would say more revered), and they contain most of the city's main tourist attractions.

Eira, Ullanlinna & Kaivopuisto
These three respected districts are full of parks, historical buildings and statues. Eira is known for its Jugend-style (Art Nouveau) houses, parks and beautiful boulevards. Eira centers around Engel Square, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings, including the Chinese Embassy. Ullanlinna, with its marine panorama and densely-built historical buildings is popular among stylish young adults, interior designers and architects. Kaivopuisto's lovely park features large, elegant houses and embassies and is popular among bankers and diplomats.

A Visit to Denver, CO

Its skyscrapers marking the final transition between the Great Plains and the American West, Denver stands at the threshold of the Rocky Mountains. Despite being known as the "Mile High City," and serving as the obvious point of arrival for travellers heading into the mountains, it is itself uniformly flat. The majestic peaks of the Front Range are clearly visible but begin to rise roughly fifteen miles west of downtown, allowing Denver plenty of room to spread out.

Mineral wealth has always been at the heart of the city's prosperity, with all the fluctuations of fortune it entails. Though local resources have been progressively exhausted, Denver has managed to hang on to its role as the most important commercial and transportation nexus in the state. Its original "foundation" in 1858 was by pure chance; this was the first spot where small quantities of gold were discovered in Colorado. There was no significant river, let alone a road, but prospectors came streaming in, regardless of prior claims to the land – least of all those of the Arapahoe, who had supposedly been confirmed in their ownership of the area by the Fort Laramie Treaty of 1851.

There was actually very little gold in Denver but the city survived, prospering further with the discovery of silver in the mountains. When the first railroads bypassed Denver – the death knell for so many other communities – the citizens simply banded together and built their own connecting spur.

These days, Denver is a welcoming and enjoyable city, with a fairly liberal outlook. Tourism is based on getting out into the great outdoors rather than on sightseeing in town, but somehow the city's isolation gives its 2.5-million population a refreshing friendliness; and in a city that is used to providing its own entertainment, there always seems to be something going on.

A Visit to Cancun, Mexico

The area's tourism industry underwent rapid growth during the 1980s, made possible by enthusiastic foreign investment. Large hotels began to flourish - offering complete services and amenities, abounding in luxury and exclusivity. This also applied to shopping centers, which started incorporating some of the finest boutiques, jewelers and restaurants. These factors boosted the area's status. Already considered a paradise of sun and sea for the color of its waters, the delicate beauty of its powdered sand beaches and the exuberant vegetation of its ecological reserves, Cancún was still improving its reputation.

Cancún can be divided into three main areas: The Hotel District, the Town and the Ecological Reserve, blessed with incredible lakes and mangrove swamps.

Hotel District
The Hotel District is comprised of the so-called gran turismo hotels (four-and five-star luxury hotels). Hotels and shopping centers are distributed along the main Boulevard Kuculkán, which runs the length of the 21-kilometer (13-mile) island. This district undoubtedly generates the greatest revenue and has the greatest economic impact on the nation, as compared to the rest of the state. This area is where the trendiest, most popular discos, the finest international restaurants and the largest entertainment venues are situated.

Town of Cancún
The Town of Cancún changes the scenery, albeit not too drastically. Peaceful provincial life here is more picturesque, folkloric and the simplicity of some of the shops provides a stark contrast to the million-dollar hotel chains. Restaurants in this district serve typical local food and snacks, providing a real opportunity to taste some genuine homemade Mexican dishes. There are also a lot of shopping opportunities in town. For additional entertainment, theaters and cinemas are located on the main streets.

Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Last, but certainly not least, the third district is in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve , where nature still reigns supreme in the history of this area. Occupying hundreds of kilometers, it constitutes Mexico's largest genuine ecosystem, home to a diverse number of plant and animal species. The government and non-profit organizations do their best to preserve this area as a wildlife refuge containing many species in danger of extinction.

Archaeological sites can be found in the vicinity, extending towards the four cardinal points. Structures tell the history of the settlements of the Mayan people on this peninsula, and just about every rock reveals traces of the historical and cultural legacy which these inhabitants left behind.

Cancún combines the elegance and gamut of entertainment choices in its Hotel District, the traditions and serenity of its pueblo, and the natural beauty of its ecological reserve, coral reef and history of its peoples. From a city brimming with all of this, what else could you ask for?

A Visit to Budapest, Hungary

The importance of BUDAPEST to Hungary is difficult to overestimate. More than two million people live in the capital – one fifth of the population – and everything converges here: roads and rail lines; air travel (Ferihegy is the country's only civilian airport); industry, commerce and culture; opportunities, wealth and power. Like Paris, the city has a history of revolutions – in 1849, 1918 and 1956 – buildings, parks and avenues on a monumental scale, and a reputation for hedonism, style and parochial pride. In short, Budapest is a city worthy of comparison with other great European capitals.

Surveying Budapest from the embankments or the bastions of the Vár (Castle Hill), it's easy to see why the city was dubbed the "Pearl of the Danube". Its grand buildings and sweeping bridges look magnificent, especially when floodlit or illuminated by the barrage of fireworks that explode above the Danube every August 20, St Stephen's Day. The eclectic inner-city and radial boulevards combine brash commercialism with a fin-de-siècle sophistication, while a distinctively Magyar character is highlighted by the sounds and appearance of the Hungarian language at every turn.

Since the Communist system expired, Budapest has experienced a new surge of dynamism. Luxury hotels and malls, restaurants, bars and clubs have all proliferated – as have crime and social inequalities. While the number of beggars and homeless people on the streets has risen inexorably, politicians and the media prefer moral posturing on other issues, such as toning down the sex industry that has earned Budapest the nickname of the "Bangkok of Europe", or cracking down on refugees and illegal immigrants among the new ethnic communities formed in the last decade. Though many Hungarians fear the erosion of their culture by foreign influences, others see a new golden age for Budapest, as the foremost world-city of Mitteleuropa.

A Visit to Boulder, CO

Boulder is one of the liveliest college towns in the country, filled with a young population that seems to divide its time between phenomenally healthy daytime pursuits and almost equally unhealthy night-time activities.

With an easygoing, forward-looking atmosphere and plenty of great places to eat and drink, Boulder makes an excellent place to return to each night after a day in the mountains. Downtown centers on the leafy pedestrian mall of Pearl Street, lined with all sorts of lively cafés, galleries, and stores – including several places where you can rent mountain bikes. The most obvious short excursion is to drive or hike up nearby Flagstaff Mountain for views over town and further into the Rockies.

A Visit to Anchorage, AK

Wedged between the two arms of Cook Inlet and the imposing Chugach Mountains, Anchorage is home to over forty percent of Alaska's population and is the state's transport hub. A sprawling city on the edge of one of the world's great wildernesses, it often gets bad press from those who live elsewhere in the state and deride it as "just half an hour from the real Alaska." However, it has its attractions and, with its beautiful setting, can make a pleasant one- or two-day stopover.

Anchorage was born in 1915 as a tent city for Alaska Railroad construction workers. During the 1930s, hopefuls fleeing the Depression poured in from the Lower 48, and World War II – and construction of the Alaska Highway – further boosted the city. The opening of the airport established Anchorage – midway between New York and Tokyo – as the "Crossroads of the World," and statehood in 1959 and the 1970s oil boom brought in yet more optimistic adventurers.

The Bay of Cabo San Lucas, BS

The bay of Cabo San Lucas, at the southernmost tip of Baja, was once a base for pirate vessels waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships. Even fifteen years ago, it was little more than a fishing and canning village occasionally visited by adventurous sports fishermen. Since then, it has earned a reputation for the marlin that can be caught here, and the bay is now full of sleek, radar-equipped fishing yachts. Multi-million-dollar second homes occupy the best vantage points, palms have been transplanted, golf courses have been laid, water has been piped in from San José and everywhere is kept pristine. It's more like an enclave of the US than part of Mexico, with almost all aspects of civilization geared to tourism – even a mammoth Wal-Mart has opened here, alongside Puerto Paraíso, an enormous mall on the marina, and future plans include an artificial island to sit in the bay, complete with restaurants and bars. Spending a day or two here can be fun; if you're looking to fish or dive, the allure will probably last a bit longer.

A Visit to Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is the city that has it all: natural beauty and cosmopolitan flair. Set between the Pacific Ocean and the coastal mountains, it has a harmonious blend of nature and urban living. Gardens, parks, and beaches are as common here as heritage buildings, restaurants, and theatres.

While maintaining the laid-back attitude of North America's West Coast, Vancouver has managed to build an international spirit. As the third largest city in Canada, it shares an ethnic diversity and multicultural flavor with the rest of the country. It's young, lively, and the jumping-off point for many spectacular outdoor activities.

Downtown
Vancouver has vitality and style. Nowhere is this more evident than in the downtown core. Its first distinct feature is Stanley Park , located on the west end of Georgia Street. This 1000-acre park includes an 11 kilometre Seawall promenade, old-growth forests, hiking trails, and the Vancouver Aquarium .

Downtown is the city's largest shopping district. One of its main arteries is Robson Street , a highlight for both locals and visitors. It's brimming with fashion boutiques, coffee bars and trendy cafes.

Crossing Robson is Granville, a street that offers independent fashion stores and entertainment venues. Shops like John Fluevog Shoes and True Value Vintage are here, as well as the city's "Theatre Row," where concert, theatre and movie choices can be found. The Orpheum Theatre and the Commodore Ballroom are also on Granville, and are fantastic places to catch performances of live theatre and music. Overall, the area has restaurants to satisfy every palette, urban nightclubs, and a dizzying number of bars offering live entertainment.

Gastown
This is Vancouver's first community and a heritage zone. Red cobblestone streets, Victorian street lamps, and heritage architecture give the area its old-world atmosphere. Today, boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops, such as Hill's Native Art , Three Centuries Shop , and Salmagundi West , combine with its historic character to make it a special attraction. The Steam Clock at Cambie and Water streets goes off every 15 minutes and adds to the area's quirky cachet.

Chinatown
Vancouver's Chinatown is one of the largest in North America, and is second only to San Francisco's. The area's specialty shops, superb dining, and heritage buildings attract millions of visitors. The bustle here goes on day and night, from the summer's open-air Chinatown Night Market , to packed restaurants such as Hon's Wun-Tun House or Floata Seafood Restaurant .

Yaletown
Not long ago, Yaletown was just a collection of abandoned warehouses. Today, it is one of the city's trendiest areas, dotted with posh condominiums and converted historic warehouses. One popular establishment is the Yaletown Brewing Co. , and unique boutiques like Atomic Model and BoNaparte Designs are also worth checking out. Part of the area's popularity is its ultra-cool nightlife, and the exclusive Bar None is one hot spot.

Granville Island
A former industrial site, Granville Island has become one of the city's biggest and best attractions. Live theatre, pubs, and artist workshops converge here. The public market has one-stop food shopping, where you can select fresh produce and treats. La Baguette et L'Echalote , Edie's Hats , and the colourful Kids Only Market are favourites. Numerous festivals use the island as their headquarters, including the Vancouver International Writer's Festival , annual Vancouver International Comedy Festival .

Kitsilano
Located minutes south of downtown , Kitsilano is known for its active population, beaches and mountain views. The community has a profusion of eateries, bookstores, theatres, bars, open-air grocers and boutiques. Here, you'll find gems like the Naam , Sophie's Cosmic Cafe , Kidsbooks and the Hollywood Theatre . Vanier Park accommodates the annual Vancouver International Children's Festival in May, as well as the summer's open-air Shakespearean Bard on the Beach productions.

Point Grey
Just to the west of Kitsilano is Point Grey , another residential area. One of the wealthiest regions of the city, it boasts stately homes, miles of waterfront, and one of Vancouver's oldest parks. The area's beaches stretch from Jericho Beach to Spanish Banks , offering haunts to swim, sail and walk in. It also has a cluster of antique and collectible shops, and is home to the annual Vancouver Folk Festival .

West Point Grey Park provides one of the city's most dramatic viewpoints, with the University of British Columbia (UBC) just south of it. UBC has an expansive campus, featuring several of the city's best museums and attractions, including the Museum of Anthropology and the Nitobe Memorial Gardens .

East Vancouver
Vancouver's east side has always been known for its multitude of ethnic neighbourhoods and unconventional shopping and entertainment. Once dubbed Little Italy, the area on Commercial Drive , between Broadway and Venables, is often considered the city's hub for artists and counter-culture. Shops and cafes like Pupuseria Rinconcito Salvadoreno and La Casa Gelato help piece together this diverse community. You can also wander through the pockets of eclectic galleries and second-hand shops, such as Cosmopolis and Attic Treasures.

Another area to shop and dine in is Little India , located south of East 47th Street on Main Street. The Punjabi Market (Little India) has jewelery and fabric shops. This is also where flavourful Indian foods and spices are readily available. Some of the stores and restaurants here include Guru Bazaar, All India Foods, and Bombay Sweets.

West Vancouver
This suburb area northwest of downtown is one of the most prosperous communities in Canada. If you're looking for a place to shop, the large Park Royal Centre is the country's first shopping mall. Be sure to take time out to walk through Lighthouse Park . It's in an 80-acre old growth forest, and visitors might get a chance to watch seals lounging on the rocks near Howe Sound.

North Vancouver
Just next to West Vancouver lies North Vancouver. The lower Lonsdale area has heritage buildings and antique and specialty shops, while the Lonsdale Quay Market is a thriving waterfront treat. North Vancouver is the gateway for several of the area's ecological sites. Tourists will revel at Lynn Canyon Park , the thrill of the Capilano Suspension Bridge , and the splendor of the Fraser Valley. The year-round fun of Grouse Mountain and Cypress Mountain are also nearby.

A visit to Sydney

The 2000 Olympics were a coming-of-age ceremony for Sydney, with fifty years' worth of development compressed into four years under the pressure of intense international scrutiny. The benefits are still being felt: Sydney has all the vigour of a world-class city, with the reputation of its restaurants in particular turning the lingering cultural sneers to swoons. It seems to have the best of both worlds: twenty minutes from Circular Quay the high-rise office buildings give way to colourful inner-city suburbs where you can get an eyeful of sky and watch the lemons ripening above the pavement, while to the centre's north and south are corridors of largely intact bushland where many have built their dream homes. During every heatwave, however, bushfires threaten the city, and sophisticated Sydney becomes closer to its roots than it might like.

It's also as beautiful a city as any in the world, with a setting that only Rio de Janeiro can rival: the water is what makes it so special, and no introduction to Sydney would be complete without paying tribute to one of the world's great harbours. Port Jackson is a sunken valley that twists inland to meet the fresh water of the Parramatta River, in the process washing into a hundred coves and bays, winding around rocky points, flowing past small harbour islands, slipping under bridges and lapping at the foot of the Opera House. Sydney is seen at its gleaming best from the deck of a harbour ferry, and a ride on one is an experience not to be missed.

It might seem surprising that Sydney is not Australia's capital and indeed, the creation of Canberra in 1927 – intended to stem the intense rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne – has not affected the view of many Sydneysiders that their city remains the true capital of Australia. In many ways it feels like it and the city has a tangible sense of history, with the old stone walls and well-worn steps in the backstreets around The Rocks an evocative reminder that Sydney has more than two hundred years of white history behind it.

A Visit to Yosemite National Park, CA

More gushing adjectives have been thrown at Yosemite National Park ( than at any other part of California. However excessive the hyperbole may seem, the instant you turn the corner that reveals Yosemite Valley, you realize it's actually an understatement – this is one of the world's most dramatic geological spectacles. Just seven miles long and never more than one mile across, it is walled by near-vertical three-thousand-foot cliffs, streaked by tumbling waterfalls and topped by domes and pinnacles that form a jagged silhouette against the sky. At ground level, grassy meadows are framed by oak, cedar, and fir trees; deer, coyotes, and even black bears are often seen. Tourists are even commoner, but the park is big enough to absorb the crowds: you can visit at any time of year, even in winter when the waterfalls ice up and the trails are blocked by snow, and, excepting summer, the valley itself is rarely overcrowded.

Yosemite Valley was made by glaciers gouging through the canyon of the Merced River: the ice scraped away the softer granite leaving soaring cliffs. The lake that formed when the glaciers melted eventually silted up to create the present valley floor. Native Americans lived here in comparative peace until 1851, when the Gold Rush settlers of the Mariposa Battalion trailed the Native Americans into the foothills and beyond, becoming the first whites to set foot in Yosemite Valley. The native community was soon forced out to make way for farmers, foresters, and tourists. Thanks to the campaigning work of naturalist John Muir, in 1864 Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Grove were set aside as America's first protected wilderness. A Scottish immigrant who traveled the entire area on foot, Muir spearheaded the conservation movement that led to the founding of the Sierra Club, with the express aim of preserving Yosemite. In 1913, the construction of a dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley just north, to provide water for San Francisco, was a setback; but the publicity actually aided the formation of the present National Park Service in 1916, which promised – and has since provided – greater protection. Park entry costs $20 per vehicle, $10 per pedestrian or cyclist, and is valid for seven days. Bus passengers get in free.

A Visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina

Clearly defined in the popular tango — "Buenos Aires, la reina de la Plata" — Buenos Aires is the Silver Queen. Along the banks of the Río de la Plata, the city spreads out its eclectic culture of art, music and incomparable nightlife. Buenos Aires was born with its eyes looking toward Europe, and as a result, it displays a touch of Madrid and a touch of Paris. Some assert this mix of styles surpasses the originals. However, the city does reveal its own stamp as well: the tango districts, the ubiquitous colectivo buses, the magic of the coffeehouses, and above all, the dynamism of the proud inhabitants, the Porteños. In this city, there are the poor areas, the large accordians, the spirit of the tango and deeply-entrenched folklore throughout the place. The passage of time has brought urbanism, the avant-garde and tourism which has been caught up by the enchantment of a country that is capable of creating new scenes.

La Boca

Tourists favor this picturesque district for its rich history and vibrant colors: greens, yellows, reds and purples highlight the urban scenery. Genoese immigrants chose these colors for their classic conventillos or tenements. These colors also dominate the works of the painter Benito Quinquela Martín, who immortalized his beloved barrio. In La Boca , you can eat lunch in a picturesque cantina while enjoying a fine tango show. Other attractions of the district include the exhibitions organized by the Proa Foundation , and the Museo de Cera or wax museum. Up the street in the so-called Vuelta de Rocha area, one will encounter Caminito, the famous street that inspired the popular tango song of the same name. Every weekend Caminito hosts a craft fair where you can purchase anything from a painting to a typical Argentine mate drinking gourd. Also in the area is the soccer stadium, Bombonera , which is home to one of Argentina's finest soccer clubs, Boca Juniors.

Puerto Madero

Continuing down the riverbank, we find the recently transformed district of Puerto Madero . In this renewed space and social scene, Porteños have found yet another excuse to celebrate life and dine with friends in the innumerable restaurants, cafes and discos that populate this fantastic sector by the river.

Prior to its official inauguration in September of 1998, this section of the port had fallen into disrepair. Today, luxurious restaurants, offices and movie theaters have replaced the ancient brick silos, making this the city's most exclusive district, preferred by tourists and business travelers. All the streets of Puerto Madero carry the names of women. The Boulevard Azucena Villaflor directly connects the city to the river. Every Saturday and Sunday, another street, Calle Vera Peñaloza becomes a pedestrian-only zone, where the public can skate, ride bicycles or stroll. Nearby one will find the Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur , a natural oasis in the heart of the concrete jungle.

San Telmo

This district preserves colonial-style houses along narrow cobblestone lanes, illuminated with pretty wrought iron lanterns. In San Telmo , one breathes the history of Buenos Aires. Visit the church of Santo Domingo or investigate the city's cultural heritage in the City Museum .

The Bohemian character of the district flourishes every weekend at the antique fair held in Plaza Dorrego and the picturesque cafes that surround it. There, one can buy anything from an antique wedding dress to a 1900 table setting, or one can enjoy the improvisations of the street performers. Also worth visiting are the Pasaje de la Defensa, an 1880 mansion converted into a commercial gallery, and the picturesque street Balcarce with its concentration of bars, restaurants and tango houses.

Monserrat

This is another historic district, where evidence of Buenos Aires' past surprises visitors at every turn. In colonial times, Monserrat was the political, economic, social and cultural center of the city. Here, the Porteños defended themselves against English invasions. One can still experience history in Monserrat today just by visiting a few of the buildings, streets and underground tunnels that traverse the district. Take a stroll through Manzana de las Luces , contemplate the architecture of the Iglesia de San Ignacio and pass by the Cabildo de Luján. Then take a rest in the historic Plaza de Mayo . Another option is to sit down for coffee in one of the many cafes. The more restless can learn the two-four rhythm in a tanguería.

Recoleta

Without a doubt, this is the city's most elegant district. The opulence of the houses and manors symbolizes the splendor of the Argentine aristocracy. The area is a meeting point for tourists and locals with an interest in international design and aesthetics.

During the day, take a stroll through the gardens of Plaza Francia , which fills each weekend with dancers, living statues, street artists and astrologers with the future in their hands. A world of possibilities can be found at the adjacent Buenos Aires Design , the traveler can find souvenirs and a plethora of fine restaurants. Other areas of interest located around Plaza Francia include the Centro Cultural Recoleta , the Palais de Glace , and the famous "City of the Dead."

Belgrano

During the middle of the 19th Century, this was the summer home of many local families. Today, it contains much of the city's social and cultural activity. Attractions include the Museo Histórico Sarmiento , the Museo Casa de Yrurtia and the Museo de Arte Español ¨Enrique Larreta¨ . And for those who prefer outdoor activities, there is the Barrancas de Belgrano, four hectares (ten acres) of undulating ground where one can sunbathe, jog or enjoy the dog show provided by the dog walkers.

Belgrano is one of the busiest, most dynamic areas of the city, with people coming and going by train, bus and subway, and with bars, cafes and kiosks everywhere. If you want to shop, Belgrano is a paradise for the modern consumer. Cabildo gives the impression of an authentic open-air market street. Chinatown is one of the area's newest attractions. In addition to the typical Chinese restaurants, there is a Buddhist monastery, and every February there's a celebration of the Chinese New Year.

Palermo

In Palermo, there is something for everyone. Here some of Buenos Aires' most expensive restaurants intermix with the bars of the Feria Plaza Serrano . On weekends, the Palermo Woods and Rose Garden are ideal spots for walking, playing soccer, and for boat rides. Other nearby attractions include the Jardín Zoológico , the Galileo Galilei Planetarium and the tea offered in the impeccable Japanese gardens.