Beach BelizeBelize is the second smallest country in Central America, on the Yucatán Peninsula,bordering Mexico and Guatemala. With only 5 million inhabitants it offers a spectacular mixture of cultures, a variety of activities to choose from and a natural diversity that is hard to beat.

Belize, a former British colony (Colony of British Honduras), gained full independence as late as 1981 following 20 years of negotiations between Guatemala and Great Britain regarding border issues. It is said that the first settlement was established by shipwrecked English seamen in 1638.

Zebras NamibiaThe indigenous peoples of Namibia refer to the deserts in which they live as The Land God Made in Anger, on account of the endlessly dry seas of sand that stretch out between rocky outcrops. This vast land is in many ways as inhospitable and unforgiving as it is beautiful – tourists die of thirst every year because they ignore advice and lose themselves in the shifting desert where there is no water. That said, Namibia is also an eco-tourist paradise waiting to be discovered by visitors who take reasonable precautions.

Geography

Namibia takes its name from the Namib Desert, which is said to be the purest desert on Earth. To the inexperienced eye, this haunting land is barren, arid and lifeless. Yet the moist coastal strip is home to exotic plants and animals that are perfectly adapted to desert conditions and thrive in the harsh climate. Namibia also has a wide range of other geographical features that include the Skeleton Coast with its lonely shipwrecks, the seemingly endless orange humming dunes at Sossusvlei, the stunningly arid Fish River Canyon, and several magnificent game parks that are set in the western parts of this huge land.

Elephant Rock Valley of Fire

Only a few miles from Las Vegas lies Nevada’s oldest and, according to this author, one of its prettiest State Parks. Valley of Fire offers fantastic scenery for photographers, pleasant hikes outside the scorching summer months, and petroglyphs for the historian in you.

The close proximity to Las Vegas makes this one of the most visited parks in Nevada, which still does not mean much by California standards. A few large coach busses shuttle people here every day and a couple of intimate tours from Las Vegas arrive as well, but you can easily avoid them if you come with your own car. Hike just a mile from the beaten path and you will find yourself alone amidst one of the strangest landscapes in the west.

Venice Sunset ItalyA city for meanderers, Venice rewards every minute devoted to penetrating its maze of intertwined lanes, narrow waterways and storybook bridges. While millions stream into this tiny city and succumb to its magic, it is easy enough to find peace and discover the extraordinary. After all, there is hardly a building that isn’t a unique monument or a palace.  Lose yourself in the labyrinth, that is part of the fun! Even the most imaginative theme park creator could never have come up with the extraordinary city that is Venice. It is a romantic, hedonistic, mysterious place, the setting for many novels and for even more films.

Riva del Garda Lake Garda ItalyTo my mind, there is no place more magical on earth than Italy. Within the confines of its boot, there is something for everyone. For the gourmet, there is some of the finest food in the world. For the archeologist, there are some of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved ruins to explore. The outdoors type can climb beautiful mountains and ski. Art lovers cannot find enough time to see all the museums and churches filled with works by some of the world’s best artists-- Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, to name just a few. There is the Italian Riviera for those who like the beach and lakes for those who seek tranquility and beauty. Italy is truly a perfect place to explore.

Here is one of my favorite driving itineraries for northern Italy that combines beautiful towns, glorious mountains and stunning lakes.

Vienna AustriaIn a former incarnation my husband must have been a courtier in the palace of the Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph. How else can I explain his never-ending passion for visiting Vienna? Whenever I propose a trip to Italy, he counters with Vienna. If I suggest travel to China, he brings up; yes you guessed it, Vienna. Needless to say, over the years I have gotten to know Vienna and Austria very well.

That being said, I must admit that over those years I have begun to understand the powerful attraction. Vienna is beautiful, elegant, aristocratic and cultured. It has palaces, gardens, music, museums, elegant cafes and wonderful food.  Austria with its endless stunning views of mountains, valleys and lakes can inspire even the tone deaf to sing like Julie Andrews in “The Sound of Music.”

Florence Sunset ItalyI took my first trip to Florence right after college. I remember walking near the train station when two fellow American students stopped me and asked if they could “do the highlights” of Florence in three days.

I knew even then that the two-week period I had allotted for my first stay in Florence was not going to be nearly enough. Since then I have been lucky enough to return again and again.

Florence is best appreciated by wandering the historic ancient streets, stopping in churches that abound with masterpieces, poking your head into trendy boutiques, sitting and enjoying a cappuccino or gelato in one of the sidewalk cafes, strolling through the piazzas, and ending the day in a perfect small restaurant for delicious pasta, or for the famously huge, delicious, juicy steak known as Bistek Fiorentina.  But for the sake of answering the question those students asked me so many years ago, here is a plan of “doing the highlights” in about three days.

Positani, Amalfi CoastItaly’s endless charms have always drawn travelers in search of culture and la dolce vita.  Few countries can compete with Italy’s classical origins, its art, architecture and wealth of historical remains left by an empire, which ruled the known world from Britain to Africa.

From the northern snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-kissed coasts of Sicily lies a beautiful country with a plethora of distinctive regions and people. Throw in the great food, wonderful wines, warm, friendly people and a beautiful language that sounds sung rather than spoken and you have the makings of an enchanting experience.