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Asia is one the more visually stunning areas in the world. If you are looking for romance, here are some top-notch destinations.

Asia is hot and sticky, much like romance. More importantly, it tends to be fairly cheap due to a currency disaster in the late 1990s. Although luxury resorts can be very pricey, you can find a romantic location for just about any budget.

If cost is of no concern, the Banyan Tree Resorts should definitely be on the top of your list. With resorts in Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, Maldives and Seychelles, the Banyan Tree resorts are the lap of romantic luxury. Each resort is a bit different and prices vary wildly depending on location since the currency in Japan is much stronger than the Thai currency.

Cheju Island off of Korea is a little known, but spectacular romantic destination. Cheju is very similar in appearance to the Hawaiian Islands, complete with a dead volcano. Spring is by far the best time to visit Cheju, but keep in mind Korean honeymooners are in plentiful supply. As to budget, you can get rooms at luxury resorts or camp on the Island. Every level of comfort between these extremes is also available.

China is a huge country with a lot to see. If youre looking for a rustic, romantic travel destination in China, the place to go is Suzhou. Imagine Venice, Italy being plopped down in China and you have Suzhou. The city is rife with canals and roughly fifty percent of it is underwater. Once considered the capital of the Silk Road out of China, the city is over 25,000 years old. Perched on the edge of a lake, it is simply spectacular and undoubtedly one of the most romantic areas in Asia.

If all else fails, you can never go wrong with Bora Bora in Tahiti. Comprised of volcanic mounts much like Hawaii, Bora Bora is known as the romantic island of Tahiti. The name is appropriate. The island is all about pristine white beaches, crystal clear water and friendly people. One can hike up the old volcano to get an incredible view in the morning and head out to the reefs for a little diving in the afternoon. Lodging can be a bit pricey on Bora Bora, but it is definitely worth it.

You cant go wrong with any of the above destinations if your looking for romance in asia.

The Gold Coast features 40km of sandy immaculate beaches and is located 70kms south of Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, and 947kms North the capital of New south Wales, Sydney. It has an estimated population of 480,000 and is Australia’s sixth largest city.

It is also Australia’s favorite tourist destination with a favorable climate, diversity of attractions, sophisticated nightlife and dining, safe environment and world class resorts. Inland from the Gold Coast is three magnificent National Parks – Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine which feature beautiful rainforests, picnic areas, nature walks and spectacular lookouts.

Climate:
The Gold Coast has a comfortable sub-tropical climate averaging in
the 20’s and is enjoyable all year round.
Summer – December to February – 20-28 degrees C.
Autumn – March – May – 15-25 degrees C.
Winter – June – August – 11-21 degrees C.
Spring – September to November – 15-25 degrees C.

Attractions:
Four theme parks provide hours and hours if not days of entertainment value with something for everyone. The four theme parks are Movie World, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Sea World and Dreamworld located between Southport and Coomera. Dreamworld is also the home of Big Brother in Australia. New theme parks are also underway.

Adventure attractions are endless and include motor bike tours, parasailing, sky diving, hot air ballooning, jet skiing, power boating, helicopter tours, go karting and motor racing.

Deep dea fishing charters are popular as well as whale and dolphin watching tours. Other marine activities include diving and snorkelling.

When you get tired of lazy days on the beach a short drive takes you to the Hinterland region you can roam through World Heritage listed subtropical rainforests with spectacular views, ancient Antarctic beech forests, thundering waterfalls and amazing geological formations to name a few of the highlights.

The Hinterland is also popular for it’s growing wine and vineyard industry.

The Gold Coast is also home to over 20 of Australia’s leading golf resorts with picturesque backdrops and meticulously manicured greens.

Nightlife:
The Gold Coast is popular for it’s famous nightclubs located on Cavill Avenue and Orchid Avenue where you can party to the early hours. There are also two world class nightclubs located in Broadbeach as well as a large casino and convention centre. Taverns and Surf Clubs are also popular.

Dining:
There are over 500 restuarants on the Coast! Main Beach and Broadbeach are popular for their main streets lined with quality restuarants serving for all tastes in ambient relaxing surroundings.

Accommodation:
The Gold Coast there are over 13,000 rooms available from Coolangatta through to Hope Island including Motels, Guest Houses, Apartments and Hotels. Resorts are first class and the big names include the Palazzo Versace, Marriot, Sheraton Mirage, Holiday Inn, Hyatt, Conrad Jupiters and the Sofitel. Most of these are centrally located in Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Main Beach with most having water and or Hinterland views.

Transport:
You can fly to either Gold Coast Airport (30mins from Surfers) or Brisbane Airport (50mins from Surfers) and transport from there can either be via taxi, rental, bus or limousine. Buses run on a regular time table throughout the area and a train runs from Robina to Brisbane.

Major Events:
The Indy championship is one of the major events on the calender as well as the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, the Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival, Schoolies Festival and Surf Carnivals.

With all that why not consider the Gold Coast for your next holiday!

This is a friendly cosmopolitan capital for all tastes. Everyone speaks English, its safe and Im told, the cleanest city in Europe. It is virtually graffiti free as I stroll the elegant Esplanade. This is the boulevard of trendy shops and cafes. The sidewalks are heated. So much culture here with 7 symphonic orchestras, opera house and a library on each corner. Fins are big on design and big names have left their distinctive mark around the world with cutting edge style.

I am grateful to be here by invitation from the Finnish Tourist Board for a site inspection and travel conference. After hotel check in, I am given a private city tour by Irene, a local guide with sincere passion for her city. There are 560,000 inhabitants and 43% are single! What a venue for a creative AFS trip. Finland is 10% water with 187,000 lakes and 584 islands.

This is a high tech capital of the world. Fins have an extreme appreciation for innovation and love their toys. Everyday tasks are preformed on their Nokia Imaging cell phones. With it they can buy a tram ticket, pay a parking fine or program their lights to turn on before they arrive home. This is also sauna world where nearly every house has an electric sauna. There are over 2 million and even some restaurants have them. Caf Tin Tango is a place where you can do your laundry, eat lunch and sip a beer in a sauna with locals discussing how to solve the worlds problems.

The shopping is great for designer knitwear, jewelry and glassware. Although tax free, prices are high, yet I am told Oslo is far more expensive. At night locals fill clubs that provide some Nordic oddity like gay karaoke, sauna and ice bars.

Sunday I fly the polar express 600 miles north to Roveneimi, gateway to Lapland and where the fun begins. People here ride bikes in the snow, swim in the ice holes and do artic picnics. The hottest activities happen in winter. Last month the city of 35,000 received 20,000 visitors. It is 2 Fahrenheit and considered exceptionally warm

We are a group of 22 tour operators from around the world and check into a cozy wilderness lodge. Each room has a private sauna. Dinner is presented in a rustic lodge lit with traditional candles muted lighting. Glow fried salmon was prepared over an open hearth along with wild mushroom soup and blackberry mousse. Afterward we gather to bake in a smoke wood sauna.

Monday morning we are outfitted head to toe in Gortex artic suits for a full day snowmobile safari. We each mount our super Skidoos and head out to the forest. Across the lakes we reach speeds of 50mph! First stop is a husky farm with 200 dogs to greet us. Seven blue eyed huskies are chosen per sleigh for our dog sled adventure. The cacophony of yelping, howling and barking is near deafening as the dogs anxiously await their turn to run. So strong, so gentle and they love their work. Upon rope release, theyre off like a bullet and the journey is thrilling. We get to view 9 new puppies. After a thousand licks, I hate to leave.

We stop at a farmhouse for a lunch of sauted reindeer, goat cheese potatoes and cranberry ice cream. Back on our snowmobiles, we traverse a snow covered paradise. We cross the Artic Circle, the most northern terrain of all my travels. Parallel with Siberia and just 40 miles to the Russian border, I want to defect but we soon stop at a reindeer farm to be greeted by costumed Lapp-lads. They perform the customary Lappish baptism and give us an official border certificate as well as a reindeer drivers license. We then enjoy a sleigh ride from the docile yet powerful deer.

This is the land of the indigenous Sami. We learn of the fascinating culture of these semi-nomadic people who live on top of the world. Reindeer husbandry is the oldest livelihood. They possess a genuine love of this frozen land.

We had 4 hours of daylight today. As I change back into my jeans, I recall that I was never cold, not even my toes. We motorcoach north to Luosto, a village of 40 residents and check into a beautiful ski resort. Outside on my balcony is a theatre of wilderness. The purity of nature is shown through a forest of birch trees backlit by the moon. The snow listens. White silence surrounds me. I am entranced by the tranquility. This is a romantic environment where all haste is forgotten. Simply put, it is spectacular. Here I wait. Here on earth, the Aurora Borealis presents its most amazing spectacle. Perhaps Ill get a glimpse. A peaceful sleep overcomes me after a totally exhilarating day.

The next day we dine on a hearty breakfast of smoked fish and set out to tour the area. One resort has 310 log cabins each with a private sauna. We tour an amethyst mine, the largest working mine in Europe. With picks in hand, it was a treasure hunt to dig out the brightest purple gemstone. On to the tiny ski town of Pyha, where we lunch at the worlds largest log cabin. There is a snow chapel here entirely sculpted from snow and ice. Weddings are routinely performed. With ice pews, the sermons are short. Another highlight here was a visit to Santa Claus Village. I got to meet the real Santa. He lives here and is fluent in a dozen languages. His elves are busy in the post office answering the annual 40,000 letters from children around the world.

Back at the airport, our plane lifts off a runway of solid ice. I will miss the polar darkness and yet long to return for a visit in the summer with its 24 hours of sunlight.

The following days are productively spent at the travel trade show in contemporary Helsinki. I have learned so much of a land that exceeded my expectations. I never had a chance to overnight in the Ice Hotel of Kemi, ride the Sampo Ice Breaker or swim the Baltic Sea in a floating survival suit. But Im grateful for a taste of Lappish adventure. On my last night, a flickering of northern lights dance in the sky. Its a perfect scene to bid me farewell and is said to bring good luck. I hope good fortune will allow me the chance to share this adventure with a group soon. It is like no where else Ive been. Everyone should experience such a warm atmosphere in the heart in winter.

Kenya is a part of the vast continent of Africa and yet it can provide you with an experience that is out of Africa. A Kenyan Safari is something that everyone visiting Africa should go for. The beaches of Kenya are untouched and unexplored. There is a vast coastline, which is protected by Coral reefs and hence is devoid of any pollution or sharks. You might be the only people on this beach except for the locals. Hence, it will give you the experience of a remote island. These beaches are surrounded by a vast expanse of wildlife.

Kenya – Unplugged
The famous safaris of Tsavo, Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru are situated in Kenya. Kenya is called the Cradle of Humanity and has unsullied beaches and thriving wildlife. The migration of wild beasts in the Masai Mara has been recorded a million times but you have to see it to believe. You should be sensible when visiting Swahili cities as they can be dangerous.

Tsavo is another place, which has featured in the movies. Famous for its ingenious man-eaters of Tsavo, made famous by the movie starring Val Kilmer, the place is another good tourist attraction. You will keep hearing the word Karibu, which means welcome in the local dialect. There are various flights connecting Kenya to the rest of the world. Most of them fly straight to Mozambique.

Lake Magadi is the most southerly of the rift valley lakes in Kenya. The place is very remote and hence is scarcely visited by tourists. However, it is an excellent place to visit as the thick encrustation of soda gives it a lunar appearance. This is the most mineral rich of all the soda lakes.

History enthusiasts can head to the Gede ruins hidden in the forests. These ruins consist of a vast colony of houses and mosques, which are engulfed in mystery. There are no records of this places existence in the textbooks of history making them even more mysterious. Excavations, which were carried on in this place, have led to the discovery of startling facts about the history and trade of the place.

Costa del Sol

The Costa del Sol is the coastline of the area of Andalucia in southern Spain. The Costa del Sol and its varied coastline runs from Gibraltar to the holiday resort of Nerja. It is a very popular destination and has many resorts from the luxury of Marbella and its marina, Puerto Banus full of expensive yachts and motor boats to the more family orientated holiday destinations such as Estepona and Rincon de la Victoria. It is also the preferred choice of many looking for spanish golfing holidays, as over 30 of Europe’s best golf courses can be found a short distance inland.

There is a huge choice of vacation accommodation here from Costa del Sol holiday rentals run by private owners to large resort hotels.

For those looking for a more traditional Spanish holiday, the beautiful ‘white villages’ (pueblos blancos) can also be found not far from the coast with their holiday accommodation comprising of rustic fincas, traditional villages houses to Spanish Cortijos set within olive groves. Places such as Competa, Mijas and Casares and the slightly larger towns of Gaucin, Ronda and Jimena de la Frontera.

Costa de la Luz

The Costa de la Luz, known as the Coast of Light is situated at Spain’s most southern point. It is an unspoilt stretch of coastline with many lovely beaches and has not yet become a part of the mass tourism found in other areas such as the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol.

Tarifa is on the southern edge of the Costa de la Luz and is very popular for windsurfing. Jerez de la Frontera is further up the coast and is home to the famous names of Gonzalez Byass and Pedro Domecq for their sherry production. It is also well known for its equestrian school, the Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre.

A popular day trip from this area is to Seville, the fourth largest city in Spain. It has a mix of architecture and many sights worth visiting such as the Cathedral and La Giralda, the Cathedral’s bell tower which was first built in 1198 and improved upon in 1568. From here there are wonderful views over the city.

Costa Tropical

The Costa Tropical is situated between the Costa de Almeria and and the Costa del Sol. The climate has an average temperature of 20 degrees and approximately 320 days of sunshine a year enabling the area to develop a large fruit industry, with many exotic fruits. The oldest town and one of the most popular resorts is Almunecar. The old town has a Moorish castle and a museum. There are several very good beaches and the resort has very good facilities. From Almunecar it is approximately only 75km from the historic city of Granada with its Alhambra Palace

The resorts of Salobrena and Motril are also to be found on the Costa Tropical. Salobrena has a restored Arab castle with a backdrop of traditional white houses and has wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada.

Costa de Almeria

The Costa de Almeria has a varied and unspoilt coastline. The town of Mojacar has lovely beaches as well as a traditional ‘white village’ which holidaymakers are always keen to visit. Roquetas del Mar is a popular tourist resort and further south is the developing town of Almerimar which has wide, sandy beaches, water sports and is becoming well known for its golf course.

Almeria, a Moorish city, has the 10th century Alcazaba castle, which overlooks the old part of the town, and is well worth a visit.

There is an airport at Almeria with flights from the UK. This provides quicker travelling time to your holiday accommodation on the Costa de Almeria.

Thailand is a land of enchanting and exotic tastes for foreign visitors as I was to learn when I experienced the Water Festival of Loi Kathong on the island of Ko Chang.

Ko Chang

In October 2003, the travel bug seriously bit me. The symptoms led me to sell my business, pack a small backpack with necessary items and roll into Los Angeles International Airport with a major credit card and an attitude. A few days later, I was in Thailand and headed for the island of Ko Chang, located close to the border with Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

Ko Chang is a heavily forested island with little towns full of beach huts. This is what I was exactly what I was after. Spending days lounging in the sun and contemplating my navel. Unfortunately, I soon experienced the local bacteria, which was not what I was after.

Since I had rented my beach hut for a week with payment in advance, the family running the place looked me upon favorably. They took pity on me and I was soon growing fat on Tom Yom Kung and other soups and curries. After four days, I had finally kicked the bug and felt halfway human. This was good news as it was the night of the full moon water festival.

I had heard of full moon festivals in Thailand. For hard partying tourists, this was apparently the night the big beach parties happened. In Ko Chang, it was a little different as the night was tailored to the actual Thais, not tourist.

The Loi Kathong Festival happens every full moon. Offerings are given to appease the water spirits. These offerings come in the form of banana leaf bowls with flowers, fruit, candles and incense. The candles and incense are lit and everyone heads down the beach and starts putting them in the water. It is one of the more amazing light shows you will ever see and beats Las Vegas hands down. Thousands, and I mean thousands, of little lights bobbing on the surface of the smooth ocean.

After the bowls comes one of the most visually amazing things Ive ever seen. Everyone is familiar with the paper lanterns used in Asia. Typically, they come in the form of a rectangle form with a bamboo or light wire frame. Very popular with college students since they are cheap and look better than a bare light bulb.

For the festival, Thais would take these paper lanterns and close off the top. They would then affix a small this paper plate to the bottom with a candle on it. Light the candle, wait for the heat to do its work and they had an instant hot air balloon. Once the lanterns could float, you simply let go and off the slowly went over the ocean. It was a sight to see as there were thousands of them floating over the water.

As the festival wound down, the ocean had been transformed. The air was full of gracefully floating lanterns while the water itself was dotted with slowly bobbing points of light.

If you intend to travel to Thailand, make sure you schedule your trip around a full moon. It is a scene youll never forget.

Germany has long been a mover and shaker of European history, creating waves in time for the rest of the continent to ride out. From Charlemagne and Otto von Bismarck to Nazism and the Cold War, Germany has become the epicenter of cutting-edge culture and music, and centuries of tradition and fine arts. The juxtaposition of medieval towns against ultra-modern industrialism is a fascinating reality to experience.

Thriving Urban Centers of Germany
The capital city of Berlin is by far the most dynamic and diverse metropolis for the German traveler. Despite reunification projects since the Wall came down in 1989, the city is still very much divided between the cosmopolitan chic of the West and the tattered Communist remains of the East. The Stasi Museum, located in East Berlin, is home to the former State Security Service. The intelligence body spied on and badgered citizens throughout the Communist era from this building. The Brandenburger Tor is a monumental building built in 1792 as one of the city’s 14 gates. The history of this landmark is tied directly with the enclosing of West Germany from the East as it was essentially barricaded in by the Berlin Wall.

In addition to the other popular urban destinations of Munich and Frankfurt, Aachen (also known as Aix-la-Chapelle) should not be missed on a German visit. It is considered the most international of cities in Germany, situated close to the Belgian and Netherlands borders. Many citizens and travelers enjoy regular access to both border nations. The main draw is the Aachen Dom (Aachen Cathedral), which is the oldest landmark in Germany. Emperor Charlemagne had the chapel constructed over 1200 years ago and Holy Roman Emperors were coroneted here for nearly 600 years. The cathedral is also alleged to possess Christ’s loincloth as part of its collection.

Fables and Fairytales
The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. It also happens to be where Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse spent much of his life living and writing. The Maulbronn monastery, situated in the forest’s north end, is a UNESCO World Heritage sight that has been carefully preserved. The entire wooded expanse is dotted with medieval and farm towns and is fairly easy to navigate by train.

The notorious 19th century Bavarian king, Ludwig II (Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm), left his personal legend all over the German countryside in the form of extravagantly ornate castles. Schloss Neuschwanstein is Ludwig’s (and Germany’s) most famous construction, particularly because he contracted a stage designer rather than an architect to do the job. Although the monstrosity was never actually finished, visitors may enjoy concerts in the castle’s centerpiece, Minstrel’s Hall, every September.

Along Germany’s southwest border, The Rhine Valley stretches as a monument to the country’s timeless culture and love affair with art, wine, food and beer. The Middle Rhine Valley (also a World Heritage sight) is the most popular segment, studded with medieval and gothic towns and wineries that hold their own festivals annually. Additionally, WWII has left its distinct mark throughout the region despite the incredible restoration efforts undertaken over the years.

Social revolutions, wars and a fair share of domestic turmoil combined with the legacy of the Holy Roman Empire and the split of the Protestant Church all make Germany unmistakably unique and internationally modern. Travel Germany and discover that it’s not all about the Beer Gardens!

For more information on travel to Germany and other regions in Europe, and discount airfare to Germany, visit www.cfares.com.

Kangaroo Island has been described as one of earth’s last unspoilt island refuges, and with very good reason. This idyllic island located off the coast of South Australian is an idyllic tour destination for those seeking sun, surf, and everything that goes with them, including swimming, fishing, sailing and scuba-diving. Islands are almost always special places … isolation, solitude, the ocean … just think of places like the West Indies, Hawaii, the Maldives, all of which have unique characteristics and special natural environments that have evolved through thousands of years of isolation. Australia ’s Kangaroo Island is no exception.

Kangaroo Island is about seven times the size of Singapore and around 155 kilometres in length, with the town of Kingscote being the island’s capital and main settlement. Wildlife is abundant on the island, where koalas laze in the gum trees and seals laze on the beach. In addition, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, platypi and goannas all thrive on the island.

A wide range of tours are available on Kangaroo Island, enabling you to relax while someone else does the driving. In addition, guides can provide a great deal of information about Kangaroo Island on the way. Both coach tours and four-wheel drive tours are available, with most tours collecting passengers from their accommodation, the airport or the ferry terminal. Bike riding and hiking are also possible for those with the energy, but beware that Kangaroo Island is large and the necessary level of fitness is required for these options.

Large luxury vehicle and passenger ferries operate between Cape Jervis on the South Australian coast and Penneshaw on Kangaroo Island (travelling time 45 minutes). There are four departures daily, with extra services at peak times. Bus connections are available to/from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and to/from Penneshaw to American River and Kingscote on the island. Regional Express operates a 30-minute air service from Adelaide to Kingscote Airport, located 13km from Kingscote.

Because of its relative isolation, Kangaroo Island has experienced much less impact from European settlement than than the South Australian mainland. Half the bushland on Kangaroo Island remains untouched since the time of British navigator Matthew Flinders named the island in 1802, and more than a third of the Island has National Park or Conservation Park status. This pristine bushland supports a rich wildlife population of wildlife and makes Kangaroo Island on of the best places in Australia to see wildlife in its natural environment.

Kangaroo Island was separated from mainland Australia about 10,000 years ago. In that time, some species have evolved differently from their mainland counterparts. This is evident for example in the Kangaroo Island Kangaroo (a subspecies of the Western Grey Kangaroo common in south-eastern Australia) which is today smaller, darker and has longer fur than its mainland counterpart. The now endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo is also a unique Kangaroo Island sub-species, as is the small marsupial carnivore the Sooty Dunnart.

Similarly, King Island’s plants have evolved in isolation to the point where at least 45 species are endemic (found only on Kangaroo Island) including several eucalypts. The total absence of feral creatures such as foxes and rabbits helps ensures the integrity Kangaroo Island’s bushland ecosystems.

In recognition of Kangaroo Island’s unique plant and wildlife species (some of which are either threatened or unique to the island), National and Conservation parks were declared across the island very early in the history of its European settlement. Kangaroo Island’s National Parks provide access to spectacular coastline scenery, unique geological formations, fascinating history and abundant wildlife. There are four major parks: Flinders Chase National Park (walking trails and spectacular rock formations), Kelly Hill Conservation Park (limestone caves and hiking), Seal Bay Conservation Park (Australia’s largest accessible colony of sea lions) and Cape Willoughby Conservation Park (first lighthouse in South Australia).

I admit it Im a beach freak. I love traveling to beaches all over the world because, to me, every beach has its own personality, yet, all have that same quality I love the ability to instill instant calm. Thats right, even those rocky, craggy beaches with the hard waves crashing on the rocks can instill instant calm.

Someone asked me the other day if I had to choose just one beach to visit, which one would it be? The Algarve in Portugal popped into my head. Okay, its not one beach, its an area (the southern most part of Portugal to be exact), but The Algarve is so diverse, it truly offers whatever beach is going to fit my mood.

First, a little geography. Heading west, the western tip of The Algarve is the end of continental Europe. In fact, in ancient times the area was felt to be the edge of the world. So, when youre soaking up the sun on the beaches of The Algarve, its fun to just imagine yourself at the edge of the world.

There are over 100 miles of beaches in the Algarve! So, whatever type of beach-going experience you desire is sure to be found. Starting on the west coast there are the windward beaches with large dunes. That translates to some incredible surfing. If you desire cove-type beaches which are more secluded, try the southern coast.

One of my favorite beaches in The Algarve lies south of Lagos on the western coast – Dona Ana, which is a cluster of coves. Dona Ana is just the perfect place to get lost in the beauty of The Algarve. I can just sit and think for hours. And, when Im through sitting, its fun to explore the many caves and grottos which grace the area.

If youre contemplating a trip to unwind, I definitely recommend The Algarve, Portugal. Your soul will be glad you made the trip.

Boston has traditionally stood as the beacon of New England thought, culture and historical direction, and consequently has been the major force behind the independent progress of the United States of America. Bostons well preserved colonial architecture gracing the tree lined streets or the original oak seats of Fenway Park baseball stadium add insurmountable character to the historically indispensable city. With a nickname like the Hub of the Universe, given by Oliver Wendell Holmes, it is impossible to justify not visiting Boston to discover the inspiring source of this pseudonym!

The Cradle of More than Liberty
Boston spearheaded the fight for freedom and independence from Britain during the Revolutionary War through both thought and action. The Old South Meeting House in the city center is where colonists gathered in 1773 before disguising themselves as Native Americans and dumping British tea into the harbor to protest taxation without representation. The Meeting House is open today for tours, concerts and historical reenactments. The site of the Boston Massacre and the Battle of Bunker Hill are also nearby. While in the city center, stop by the Paul Revere House, which is notable both for being the oldest building in Boston, built in 1680, and for being the home of the legendary patriot who warned colonists of British military action.

Further strengthening its earned title as the Cradle of Liberty, Bostonians were firm supporters of abolition and the Underground Railroad. Boston has long remained on the progressive edge of education and social reform, boasting a plethora of elite universities and academies that include Harvard and MIT among their ranks. For an all around journey through time, travel to Boston and take the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, which starts in the excellent shopping area of Boston Common and continues through the city past 16 historical sites, terminating at the USS Constitution.

Up to Speed
Not only a key player in American heritage, Boston is a continually updating metropolis that helps shape the evolving modern identity of the United States. Newbury Street is Bostons ultra-chic shopping area that will bedazzle you with specialty shops, designer boutiques and private galleries. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a stunning collection of classic works housed in a breathtaking Venetian-style palace situated about a four-story oasis-like courtyard. As Boston is the Kennedy Family hometown, the beautiful marble John F. Kennedy Museum and Library was opened here in 1979 and is considered to be one of the citys shining architectural highlights. Boston is also known for its large immigrant population. Feast on the spoils of multiculturalism and head to the North End of Boston for an authentic Italian meal, and dont forget to order the cannoli for desert!

A trip to Boston is fundamental to understanding the foundations upon which the United States of America was built. Americas pastimes and ideals are firmly entrenched in the peoples history of Boston and its independent and free-thinking spirit that still permeates the citys culture today. Also, when you travel to Boston, make sure to get out and explore the beautiful countryside of Massachusetts. Even nearby Boston Harbor Islands National Park has 34 islands accessible for hiking and biking.