Are you planning on taking a vacation or attending a business meeting in another area of the world?  If so, you will need to find an airport that offers international flights. These airports are commonly referred to as international airports. If you live in or around the Atlanta, Georgia area, there is a good chance that you will be turning to the Atlanta International Airport for assistance.

The Atlanta International Airport, also commonly referred to as the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia.  Its convenient location means that it is the travel choice of millions of Americans, many of which are traveling out of the country.  Aside from its location, another one of the many reasons why the Atlanta International Airport is so popular is because of the number of commercial airlines it houses.  There are currently twenty-six airlines that offer incoming and outgoing fights through this popular airport, many of which are international flights.

If you are interested in using the Atlanta International Airport, to get to your next destination, you are advised to take the time to famialrize yourself with the airport. This is especially important if you have never been to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport before.  The size of the airport can make it confusing, especially for first-time travelers. For that reason, you are advised to famialrize yourself with the airport layout before leaving. It is not only important to examine all of the airport terminals, but how you can get to each terminal as well.

In addition to examining the layout of the airport, you also want to familiarize yourself with the practices of the airport, namely the security screening process.  Since the Atlanta International Airport is known as a large and highly used airport, you will find that the screening process takes time. That is why it is advised that you arrive early for your flight. Although it is still advised that you arrive in advance, the Atlanta International Airport offers a service that is offered by few. That service involves letting you know, in advance, what the wait times are for most security checkpoints. You can easily see this information on the bottom right-hand corner of the airport’s main webpage. That webpage can be found at www.atlanta-airport.com.

As with most other major international airports, you will find that the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has a large number of in-house establishments. These facilities and establishments include retail stores, mailing centers, ATM machines, and well as restaurants. Since the airport terminals at the Atlanta International Airport are not all connected, you may find it difficult, or even possible, to travel to a certain terminal from another, just for food.  That is why it is advised, especially when waiting for an international flight, that you use the establishments and facilities that can be found in or around your boarding area.

In addition to traditional establishments, such as restaurants and retail stores, you will find that the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport also offers a wide range of services for travelers. One of those services is designated areas for smokers. If you are a smoker, you will find that you can smoke in smoking rooms, which are located in all airport terminal areas. There are also two currency exchange locations, as well as an onsite chapel.  Essentially, this means that you whatever you want or need at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you should be able to find it.

It seems as if ever since airplanes became the popular way to travel, a focus has been placed on comfort. Regardless of whether or not you will be taking a long flight, you will want to be comfortable. There is nothing worse than wearing an itchy sweater or tight pair of pants up in the air. Unless you bring a chance of clothes with you and place them in your carryon bag, you are out of luck. That is why it is important that you think of what you will be wearing before you leave for the airport.  Even if you are traveling for business, you should be able to change in to your business clothes as soon as you arrive at your destination, even in the airport bathrooms.

When it comes to comfort, as previously mentioned, many air travelers make the decision to wear sweat pants and a comfortable top.  In addition to being comfortable, you will find, in most cases, that these types of clothes are the best for airport security, especially when entering airport screening checkpoints. This is because most sweat pants are not made with any metal items.  Essentially, this means that you should be able to enter the security checkpoint and leave it quicker than most other travelers, such as the travelers who are decked out in accessories.

When it comes to clothing accessories, you will find that a number of different items set off airport metal detectors. That is why most airport security officers request that you remove all of your jewelry.  Once your jewelry is removed, you will need to place it in a small bin, which will be scanned right along with your carryon luggage.  Whether you have rings or a necklace, you are advised to remove them, if you can.  For your convenience, you can leave your earrings on.  If by chance, you earrings set the metal detectors off, you will likely be pulled a side and airport security should easily be able to tell whether or not your earring were what set off the alarms.

In addition to jewelry, you will find that your belt may even set off an airport’s metal detector. For that reason, a large number of airports have requested that you remove your belts before entering the metal detectors.  Since a large number of travelers wear belts, this is done to help speed up the process of checking each and every passenger. If you do not enjoy removing some of your jewelry or removing your belt, it is advised that you leave those items at home.

Recently, a number of new air travel rules have been implemented. One of those rules requires that all passengers remove their shoes.  Your shoes, once removed, will be scanned by an x-ray machine, right along with the rest of your carryon luggage.  In recent years, only random passengers were asked to remove their shoes, but now everyone is. For that reason, you will to wear simple shoes that you can easily remove and put back on.

Another air travel rule, recently implemented, is the ban of liquids.  This means that adults are no longer allowed to bring a drink onboard, even bottle water.  It also means that you are prohibited from placing liquid beauty supplies in your carryon luggage.  One concern, made by many women is the allowance of gel or water filled bras. Currently, you are allowed to wear these types of bras onboard an airplane.  Honestly, unless you mention it to airport security, there is a good chance that they would never even know.

Since there are really no rules or restrictions on the clothing that you can wear while flying the great skies, you need to choose for yourself. Whether you want to be fashionable or comfortable, it is all up to you.

When it comes to airport security checkpoints, there are many passengers who only think of one checkpoint, but the reality is that there are actually three.  The first checkpoint is when you go to register for your seat on the plane. This is the time when you will be presented with your boarding passes and when you must hand over the luggage that you would like checked.  In addition to handing over your plane tickets or requesting your boarding passes, you will need to show the proper forms of identification. These items most commonly include a driver’s license or a government issued identification card.

Once you have received all of your boarding passes, for all of your flights, you will need to hand over your luggage that you will be leaving below in the plane. These bags are commonly referred to as checked baggage or checked luggage.  As with your carryon luggage, your checked baggage will need to be checked for prohibited items. In the past, only a small number of bags were hand checked, but now almost all are.  Many of these checks are quick look-overs, but you may be subject to a random, extensive search. This search often includes the checking of all baggage compartments, as well as the wiping of a cloth, which is looking for powdery substances.

When you have been cleared to the next stage, you will need to go through the main airport security checkpoints. This point is where you will be required to have your carryon luggage scanned by an x-ray machine. You will also need to walk through a metal detector. In the past, only random travelers were asked to remove their shoes for checking. At the current time, all air travelers, with the exception of those with a disability or hindering medical condition, are required to remove their shoes. Your shoes will be x-rayed, along with the rest of your carryon luggage.

By familiarizing yourself with the items that are banned aboard an airplane, including items that are only prohibited from being stored in your carryon luggage, an unnecessary incident could be prevented. In the event that you are found carrying a prohibited item, certain steps will be taken. Depending on the item in question, you may be required to return the item to you car, discard of it, mail it to your home, or turn it over to airport security.  Ensuring that you leave all prohibited items at home is the best way to prevent this unnecessary tie up, which may cause you to miss your flight.

Once you have been cleared at the main security checkpoint, you will need to go through one more security checkpoint. This is the final step before being able to board your airplane.  When entering the airport terminal, after your airline as granted permission for passengers to board, you will need to present airline officials with the appropriate boarding pass.  As this time you may need to show your identification again; however, it isn’t always necessary. Most travelers are easily able to board their airplane, but you may be pulled aside in the event that you are acting suspicious or drawing unwanted attention to yourself. That is why it is best that you stay calm during all airport checkpoints, including the final boarding stage.

Perhaps, the best way to ensure that your next flight is as pleasant as it can be is to follow all air travel rules.  Knowing these rules ahead of time, including the screening process, you should ensure that you are able to board your plane and make it to your intended destination without incident.

When it comes to international air travel rules, there are many travelers who automatically get confused.   This is because not many people know that the rules for international air travel are different than the rules for domestic air travel. In reality, they aren’t exactly the same, but they aren’t that much different either.  Despite the similarities, it is still advised that you place a focus on international air travel, especially since you will be traveling internationally.

As previously mentioned, you will find that a number of the air travel rules are similar between domestic and international travel.  One of those rules is the airport screening process.  In all airports, even if they are not classified as an international airport, passengers will need to pass through the appropriate airport security checkpoints. This screening process includes the close examination of your checked baggage.  Unlike in the past, now almost all airlines thoroughly inspect checked baggage looking for explosive, flammable, or illegal items.

Since a large number of international airports not only offer international flights, but domestic flights as well, intentional passengers are not always separated from domestic ones. Essentially, this means that the passenger screening procedures, as well as the screening for all luggage will be the same.  All flyers are advised to remove any of their accessories, which may set of the metal detectors, as well as their shoes. Your shoes will be sent through the x-ray machine. This is done to ensure that there are not explosives or other dangerous materials hidden in them.

One of the few differences that you will see, between domestic air travel and international air travel, has to do with the first check-in.  When you first arrive at the airport, you will need to approach the airline counter to register yourself.  This is also where your checked luggage will be examined and processed for the trip.  On domestic flights, passengers only need to supply a picture id. This identification is usually a government issued identification card or a driver’s license.  If you are planning on traveling internationally, you will need to supply additional proof of identification.

The proofs of identification that you will need will all depend on the airport in which you are leaving from and the airport that you will be arriving at.  If you are required to show more than a picture id, you may need to bring your birth certificate, your passport, your visa, or your certificate of citizenship.  Although your first impulse may be to bring them all, just incase, you will want to refrain from doing so. Unless absolutely necessarily, you will want to keep these important personal documents safe at home.

The above mentioned international air travel rules and procedures are just a few of the many that you may be required to follow.  If and when you are unsure about a particular rule, it is advised that you seek professional assistance. That assistance should either come directly from an international airport or an international airline.

Culture

The culture of Albania is majorly influenced by that of the mainland Greeks especially in the urban locality; nodding one’s head means ‘no’ where as shaking the head means ‘yes’. To greet someone, handshaking is preferred, though Shoku (Comrade) was used before, which has been long forgotten now. People dress informally here. Swim suits are meant for the beaches, otherwise women are expected not to dress in a revealing outfit. When addressing someone prefix Zoti(Mr) or Zonja(Mrs) before the name and always remember to carry some gifts when visiting someone, although flowers aren’t much acceptable. The guests are served with coffee, raki or sweets. Smokers don’t have to worry much, but they should avoid it where they see a sign of Ndalohet Duhani or Ndalohet pirja e duhanit.

Travelling within the country

Buses with relatively cheap fares operate in the main cities of the country or taxis are another choice which provided service for some main hotels.
Visit Dajti Mountain and experience Dajti Ekspres Cable car for an unforgettable 15 minute ride passing through Dajt Oark to reach Tirana. The route is about 4.2 km long and the ride costs €6.5.Alpha Yachting provides crewed yacht which is a luxury in itself. Tirana Bank is the best place for withdrawing money as it allows access to Visa cards.

Eating Out

Restaurants are not always sufficiently heated, so always wear warm clothes if out in the night during winters. Foreigners are charged more than the locals. Both the entry fees as well as any merchandise will be on a higher scale, so it’s better not to reveal the fact that you are a foreigner when out on the streets.

Site Seeing

If you enjoy canoeing, this is the right place to be. There are places right outside Tirana which is an amazing site for not just canoeing, but also rock climbing, hiking, and camping.

Accommodation

If you want a 5-Star ambience, try The Sheraton Tirana Hotel and Towers, which is situated in the middle of a shopping and entertainment center. There are about 151 rooms and 56 suites. So, along with the comfort, one can shop at once convenience here. Another hotel which provides all modern facilities is Hotel Mondial. It is located 1000 m away from the city and is also a good example of traditional architecture.

Getting There

One of the best and the easiest means is to go by air. Albanian Airlines is the national airline which works in collaboration with Tyrolean Airways, and provides service to almost all the big European cities. The airport, Mother Teresa, is 16 miles or 26 km away from the capital. A tourist bus is available every 3 hrs to get to the city center and takes about 30 minutes to get there. Taxis are available round the clock. While waiting for any transport service, tourists can check out the duty free shops, bank, eateries and car hire at the airport. A departure tax of $10 USD is imposed on all foreign nationals. Check out www.flyalbanian .com for flight times and offers.

If trying to get there by sea, try the ferry services which are provided by Adriatic Line and Agoudimos. The main ports are Durres (has ferry connection to Italy, Bari, Brindisi, Trieste, and Ancona), Vlora (has ferry connection to Bari, and Brindisi), Saranda (has connection to Corfu), Shen Gjini (has ferry connection to Bari). Check out www.adriatica.it and www.aqoudimos-lines.com for more information.

Bus is another option. Buses start from Istanbul, Athens and Sofia. Internal passengers have lots of options with bus services provided. If traveling by road in a private car, there is road network to the Kosovo region, but they are too dangerous to use because of the political tensions within the region. Crossings at Hani I Hotit, Bllata, Oafa e Thaes, Tushemisht, Gorica, Kapshtica, and kakavija can be taken. If tired one can take halts at hotels or other designated areas. There is a network of 18,000 km, out of which only 7450 km are main roads, for local travelers. About 2138km stretch of these roads is in poor condition and has pot holes, and utmost safety precautions should be taken when driving on such roads. Speed limit should be strictly followed on highways as well as within towns. Driving at night should be better avoided because of the absence of street lights on the road except for urban areas. Traffic should drive on the right-hand. There is a shortage of gas stations in the countryside, so filling the gas tank completely when passing through urban area is recommended and since there is lack of national recovery system; travelers should be prepared for an emergency or breakdown before hand. One should carry necessary documents like International Driving Permit and national driving license.

Duty Free Items

Following are the items that can be carried without customs duty being levied on them:
1. 1liter of spirits or 2liter of wine
2. 250ml of eau de toilette
3. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
4. 50ml of perfume.

Prohibited Items

Things that are prohibited to carry are firearms, narcotics and ammunitions. Special export permission should be taken for precious metals, books, antiques, work of art, or material of national or historic value.

This little gem of a park is located on the rugged east coast of Maine. The 47,000 acres that comprise it are diverse, ranging from rocky-topped mountain domes, to thick pine forests, to ocean shoreline, to creeks, lakes, and ponds. Acadia is mostly contained on Mt. Desert Island, but it does extend to the nearby Schoodic Peninsula and even Isle au Haut out in Frenchman’s Bay.

More than 2 million people visit Acadia each year, but you’ll find most of them visit during July, August, and September. Pick a different month for your vacation and the park may almost be deserted. At any rate, even during the busy months, it is easy to get away from the crowds if you try.

Here are 10 great reasons why Acadia is such a great choice for your next family vacation…

1. It is America’s first national park east of the Mississippi. That means it is rich in history and heritage. Take time to learn about the history in one of the visitor centers with your children. They have books, movies, and displays. Or, rent the audiotape auto tour… it provides a wonderful introduction to the park.

2. There are hiking trails to meet every level of outdoor enthusiast. If you are looking for thrills and chills, try the Precipice, West Face Cadillac/Jordan Cliffs, or Beehive Trails, which come complete with iron rungs, ladders, and sheer drop offs. If you want to experience varied terrain, including rolling creek side walking, tramping on boardwalks through marshland, and exploring tidal pools at the ocean’s edge, then you and your family might enjoy the Jordan Creek Trail. Is a leisurely stroll more your style? Then, take advantage of the nicely-groomed carriage roads that you’ll find in every corner of the park or even the mostly flat Jordan Pond Trail.

3. You can try water sports. Rent a canoe on Long Pond on the western side of the island. Or join a sea kayaking group in Frenchman’s Bay out of Bar Harbor. Or just play in the crystal clear waters of one of the many ponds or creeks. You can even spend a day at the beach…Sand Beach. The waters are always cold, but the kids will love it.

4. Leave your car in the hotel or campground parking lot. Acadia has a terrific shuttle system. You can get off most anywhere in the park and re-board when you’re ready. Save on gas and the aggravation of driving too.

5. Enjoy some local culture. If you happen to need a break from the great outdoors, head into Bar Harbor. You’ll find lots of funky little shops, some great restaurants, and even a movie theater or two. If you’re there for the 4th of July, take part in the annual pancake breakfast, town parade, lobster bake, and fantastic fireworks. They come highly recommended.

6. Take a bike ride. Bring your own or you can rent them from one of several shops in Bar Harbor. Then head on over to the park and hit one of the carriage roads. A word of warning… they are all at least a bit hilly, so if you have small children or out of shape family members, don’t bite off more than you can chew. Stick to a short ride around a single lake. Eagle Lake is a great solution.

7. If you have teens, try rock climbing. A couple of outfits in town will fit you with the right gear and then take you out to Otter Cliffs (on the ocean) or Bubble Rock and teach you rock climbing skills and techniques. Great fun!

8. Although when you’re hiking the trails of Acadia, you may feel as though you’re far from civilization, in reality, you’re no more than an hour or two from Bangor, the nearest “big” city. And right outside the park boundaries is the town of Ellsworth, which has a movie theater and small mall, not to mention the local Wal-Mart if you need to restock your camping supplies.

9. Acadia has accommodations for every kind of family. There are many fine campgrounds on the island, including Bar Harbor Campground, where you can choose your own campsite, be it ocean view or in the woods. You can also camp right in the park, as long as you’re comfortable with very few amenities. If you want something a bit less rustic, then one of the many cabin and cottage places may be more to your liking. But Acadia’s surrounding towns offer a host of bed and breakfasts, motels, and hotels to suit nearly every budget and preference.

10. There is something for everyone in Acadia, no matter what age or ability. Outdoor activities abound, of course, but there are also opportunities to soak in Maine’s rich history and modern-day culture. Kids might like to spend an evening at Pirate’s Cove, a popular miniature golf venue. Hiking, walking, biking, boating, exploring… Acadia has it all!

So, for your next family vacation, you can’t go wrong if you spend it in Acadia National Park.

A true jewel of the Riviera, St. Tropez is an animated seaside resort where the azure water and cerulean skies are backlit by brilliant sunsets of ripe apricot, ruby red and gold.

The late afternoon breeze from the Med causes the jewel-colored awnings of the sidewalk cafes to snap and wave merrily, and brings a welcome relief from the heat of the day. Here, the air is fragrant with jasmine and mimosa, and the occasional whiff of a gourmet meal being prepared makes your mouth water.

The nightlife in St. Tropez is fast, energetic and frenetic. You can always find something going on — there are numerous clubs where you can eat, drink and dance the night away.

“St. Trop” as it is known by those in the film industry, means “Saint Too Much.” It was “discovered” in 1956 when Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Women” was filmed here, launching a young Brigitte Bardot into instant super stardom. St. Tropez became a Mecca to artists, writers and, of course, movie stars in the 60s.

St. Tropez is the favored vacation site of chic Parisians and most of Europe. International stars still flock here in the spring and summer, and you never know whom you’ll run into at the open-air market in the Place des Lices, or while sipping an aperitif at one of the many outdoor cafes. In fact, people watching is a favorite pastime in the summer, when the sidewalks are crowded with tourists and sun worshippers.

At the heart of St. Tropez is the harbor. Take a walk along the pier, and you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a picture postcard or a painting by Signac or Matisse. Picturesquely painted villas with red tiled roofs sit along the dock, indulgently watching over the wooden fishing boats that bob gently next to large, expensive yachts. 12th century churches, the famous parasol pines and narrow cobblestone streets among picture-perfect houses complete the feeling that it’s too beautiful to be real.

Much has been made of the very special quality of light that is only found in St. Tropez. Maybe it’s because of its unique and paradoxical location, or perhaps the spectacular, almost tropical climate has something to do with it. Whatever the reason, when you see the way the luminescent light plays across the wooden sailboats, or highlights one of the beautiful fountains, you’ll feel the stirrings of your inner artist, and long to pick up a paintbrush and palette.

St. Tropez is also known for its beaches. The most famous is the Plage de Pampelonne, with its five km of almost blinding white sand, exotic boutiques, sidewalk cafes and restaurants, including the renowned “Club 55.” At the north end you’ll find the Plage de Tahiti, which is a well-known haunt of famous celebrities. Other beaches you can visit include Bouillabaisse, Caneliers, and Salins. To the south of Plage de Pampelonne is Cap Camarat, and just beyond that – a little less accessible and therefore much less crowded – are Plage de l’Escalet and Plage de la Briande. If you go a little farther south, you’ll find a wonderful beach – Gigaro, and the town of La Croix Valmer.

In all, you’ll find over 40 beaches in the area, so it’s easy to enjoy soaking up the sun every day, if that’s your pleasure. If you prefer something a little more strenuous than lying on the beach, St. Tropez offers something for everyone in way of activities. You can find: Hiking, Biking, Golf, Tennis, Racquetball, Fitness Center, Miniature Golf, Amusement Parks, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Shopping, Restaurants (from the very expensive to the inexpensive), Cinemas, Swimming, Snorkeling/Scuba Diving, Boating, Sailing, Water-skiing, Surfing, Windsurfing, Parasailing, and Jet skiing.

When you’re finished soaking up the sun, you can move indoors, and soak up a little culture instead. There are plenty of wonderful museums, art galleries and other events scheduled throughout the year.

Some “must-sees” include:

Musee de l’Annonciade. (Place Georges Grammont, near the harbor). The museum is housed in the former chapel of the Annonciade. It was opened in 1995 and contains one of the best modern art collections in the Riviera. Many of the paintings show St. Tropez itself, but there are also paintings by artists such as Seurat and Matisse that make it worth visiting. Other artists showcased are Bonnard, Braque, Dufy, Utrillo, Derain and Maillol.

Musee Naval (Rue de la Citadelle) is a memorial to the days when St. Tropez meant more to sea captains and admirals than to the sun worshippers of today. You’ll find models of cannons and ships, old pictures of the town, and interesting little oddities. The museum is a part of the Citadelle, a structure dating back to the 1500s. (The Citadelle is a great place to stop for a picnic lunch as well!)

La Maison de Papillons (Rue Etienne Berry) Papillons means butterflies. The “House of Butterflies” is one of the most amazing places to visit in St. Tropez. Located in an antique house, it has over 4,500 different butterfly species, some of which are almost extinct.

The Open Air Market (Place des Lices) Open on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, the market is a fun way to spend a few hours. Check out the amazing variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, haggle with the street vendors and pick up a souvenir or two. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for celebrities!

Quartier de la Ponche is the old part of the city. It’s easy to get lost wandering around the narrow twisted streets and back alleys. Still, it’s worth spending the time exploring the shops and houses that are resolute reminders of the days before St. Tropez became “hip.”

When you’re exploring St. Tropez, don’t forget to look up. Nestled on top of the rocky hills, you’ll find many small medieval villages that are worth exploring, like Grimaud and Cogolin, now favored for their marinas.

No matter how long you choose to stay, you’ll find it difficult to tear yourself away from the beauty and excitement of St. Tropez. Even before you leave, you may find yourself thinking about your next trip to the jewel of the French Riviera.

Most of French-speaking Switzerland is so appealing because it barely registers on the package tour circuit. You can swap a bus full of Japanese tourists shopping for cuckoo clocks in Lucern for a hillside of blooming narcissi or a wine village with spell-binding views and a deep blue-green gleam along Lake Leman.

Make your first glimpse of the Swiss Riviera, a playground for the rich and famous, from the window of a Panoramic train as it descends the snow-capped Alps upon French-style farmhouses adorned with terraced vineyards just beside you and Lake Leman.

Lake Leman possesses such grace with its calm azure waters and graceful swans patrolling underneath the medieval Chillon Castle. However, Chillon’s history is no fairytale. During Switzerland’s witchcraft purges, dozens of women were tortured here while many others were incarcerated. Lord Bryon, who visited in 1816, wrote an epic poem about Francois Bonivard, the prisoner chained in the dungeons of Chillon.

Steep mountains and vineyards terraces mirror in the crystal clear waters of the lake, providing a feeling of complete harmony and relaxation. Discover the unique terraced vineyards of the wine growing village of Lavaux which represents the culture of the region. Why not take a stroll along exceptional landscape away from the road traffic and into ever changing colors of the over 50 vineyards alongside Lake Leman.

Montreux is one of those places that seem to hold a certain tantalizing magic. With a sought after and mild microclimate, Montreux is spectacularly located at the shores of Lake Leman with the afternoon sunshine streaming across the lake. Visitors can marvel at a wide variety of well kept tropical plants lining the scenic ten km lakeside walk.

Lake Leman’s summers are definitely Riviera-like, reaching a sweltering 95 F in mid July. Be sure to cool off at one of the many beaches and regattas in the summer months, surrounded on all sides by the Swiss and French Alps. Relatively speaking, winters can be quite mild, which explains the terraced vineyards and infamous banana and palm trees along the lakeshore.

Take a day trip on a classic Pullman rail car to the medieval village of Gruyere where you will witness cheese making demonstrations the traditional way. In the afternoon, enjoy Nestle’s Callier chocolate factory located in Broc where you can indulge in the taste of pure chocolate heaven.

In high summer, ferries ply between the lakeside villages, spending much of your time afloat on the lake. Ferries also go to such areas as Geneva bound for Yvoire and Lausanne bound for Evian (source of the famous bottled water) in France. Such cultural attractions as the Nestle food museum and farmers markets open along the shores every Saturday to shoppers.

Ernest Hemingway, Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward, Shania Twain and Freddy Mercury all owned homes in Montreux and neighboring Vevey. Charlie Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life in Vevey, with a statue of him along the lakefront. One can only bask on a terrace at sunset and marvel at the huge expanse of green land and presence of mountains beyond.

While the Swiss Riviera is in some ways passe these days, new luxurious wellness centers have sprung along its shores to entice visitors to come rest and play. Come relax at such wellness centers as the Amrita Wellness Center at Le Montreux Palace, the Givenchy Spa at Le Mirador, the Puressens Spat at Hotel Trois Couronnes in Vevey and La Reserve Hotel and Spa in Geneva. Switzerland is renewing its spa reputation and millions have been spent to create everything you could possibly need to de-stress, detox, lose weight, tone up and bring mind and body back to optimal health.

It’s quite easy to understand why once you catch a glimpse of the ambling quai des fleurs among the neighboring towns and villages you will never want to leave its beauty. You’d never tire of the ever changing panorama of lakes, alpine pinnacles, and twinkling villages. Best of all, within a half-an-hour you can be high in the mountainous Alps enjoy various winter sports.

The people of the Swiss Riviera are very International. Don’t worry if your French is a little rusty, as they are English friendly (among Switzerland’s four national languages) and are happy to answer your questions. Make the Swiss Riviera your ideal spot for your next vacation at any time of the year.

Provence stretches from Cap Nègre on the Maures ledge, to Cap Brun in the Esteral area, and from Cap Roux near Toulon to the Iles d’Or (the Golden Isles) out in the Mediterranean Sea. Inland, the area runs as far as the Argens and the Verdon River to the north.

The region of Provence is so called because it was one of the first outlying provinces established by the Romans. They called it “Provincia Romana” and it was one of the jewels of the Roman Empire. Gradually, over hundreds of years, the word Provincia changed to Provence. “Provencal” is a dialect still spoken here by many people.

Remnants of the ancient empire still abound. There is the Pont duGard aqueduct that towers 160 feet above your head and a Roman arena still used for bullfights and concerts in Avignon. Arles, with its famous Roman arena, and Frejus (a city named and built by Julius Caesar) still has traces of the port where Caesar’s navy once docked.

Everywhere you go, historical sites abound with majestic stone castles sitting regally just off the side of country roads, and you might find the remnants of a pagan temple next to an austere Catholic church with tall spires and towers that took decades to build.

The rich and famous flocks to the Riviera every year, much like the swallows to Capistrano. Walk along the city streets in the spring, or one of the many bustling open-air fruit and vegetable markets, and you might just find yourself passing a famous movie star or fashion model.

Even the names of some of the Riviera’s most famous cities bring to mind pictures of white sandy beaches, a turquoise sea, and endless days under a tropical sun — St. Tropez, Monaco, Nice, Cannes.

Do you enjoy biking and hiking? Swimming? Boating? How about taking a walking tour along narrow cobblestone streets in tiny villages that date back to mediaeval times? A romantic river cruise? Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea? You’ll find all of this and more in Provence.

And of course, there are numerous opportunities for experiencing French cooking at its best. Dining in France is almost a religious experience! When dining at someone’s home, it’s not unusual for dinner to last three to four hours. If the occasion is an especially memorable one, dinner can go until two or three in the morning!

When eating at a French restaurant, it won’t matter if you choose a four star restaurant, or a tiny sidewalk café. Your experience is sure to be a gastronomic delight for your palette. And don’t even think of rushing through your meal! Each course is presented with a certain formality and ceremony that makes dining a pleasure. And you are always given plenty of time to savor each course and never made to feel as if you must vacate your table quickly for the next diners.

The Mediterranean Sea is breathtaking, whether you’re seeing it from the air for the first time as your plane lands in Nice, or while walking along the rocky beaches at Cannes. Its colors change with its moods – turquoise, emerald, and sapphire – and the water is clear and warm for 6 months of the year. In the winter, although it’s too cold to swim (except for the most hardy of souls), the Med’s mood and color matches the steel gray clouds, and you’ll enjoy the practically deserted beaches and the bracing wind as you walk along the shore.

You have many choices for lodging in Provence. Stay at a four-star hotel, and you may find yourself sleeping on crisp Egyptian cotton sheets, in a bed once used by kings and queens. There are charming bed and breakfast cottages, where you’ll be served your meals family-style and learn the history behind the best places in the area to visit from your hostess. Or choose a former monastery, where you’ll find peace and tranquility, staying in small, quiet rooms with thick stone walls and enjoy walking through outdoor gardens with large fountains where wild rosemary and thyme grow abundantly.

The people of Provence are friendly and helpful. They won’t mind if your French is a little rusty, and will go out of their way to talk to you, and answer your questions.

Each season has its own charms. Spring, when the mimosa trees are bursting with the delicate yellow blooms, red poppies grow wild alongside the autoroute and there are fields of tulips to rival those in Holland.

Summer, when succulent fruits are abundant everywhere, the leaves of the grapevines become an endless “sea of green” when viewed from the road, and the Mediterranean sea offers a respite from the tropical heat.

Fall, when the grapevines are heavy and full with their harvest, the red, yellow and oranges leaves clothe the trees in splendid cloaks and community festivals happen almost every weekend.

Winter, when the weather is mild and sunny days are plentiful, but tourists are not.

Provence is an ideal spot for the perfect vacation at any time of year. The area is so spectacular that even visitors who are just “passing through” find it hard to say good-bye.

For both air and car travel, avoid the crowds by traveling during the week, especially from Tuesday through Thursday. An added bonus is that airfares for travel Tuesday through Thursday are usually cheaper.

Mid-morning and late afternoon flights tend to be less crowded, plus you can really avoid commute traffic during this time. This site also offers the load on late-night flights (also known as red-eye flights for obvious reasons): these flights can help you avoid traffic but it’s only effective if you can sleep sitting up-right on a plane!

And did you know that traveling off-peak means traveling during holidays (not before or after) when airfares are lower and there’s less road traffic?

Some of the most affordable travel deals of the year can be found in the fall. If you find super off-peak dates that fall between major holidays, strike while the iron is hot. Book immediately with your discount travel broker. Never hesitate!

One great example of saving money by traveling off-peak is flying to the Caribbean during the North American winter months rather than during summer. You might say what’s the point in going to the Caribbean in winter when you’re going there to savor the beaches? But the fact is, there is hardly such a thing as winter in the Caribbean as it stays warm most of the year. In fact, it’s not a good idea to fly there during the peak season (I.e., summer months) as this is the period when the hurricanes usually come.

By traveling off-peak, not only will you get cheaper flights and accommodations. You will also gain a difference perspective on travel - especially the added advantage of enjoying your dream destinations without huddling with the masses of tourists during holidays.

It also helps to subscribe to online newsletters of discount air travel brokers such as Jestgo or WesJet. By having yourself included in these companies’ mailing list, you can get your hands on off-peak travel promotions faster than those who didn’t. So you see, it’s not just the air miles!

Finally, book your flight early to secure the most gains from traveling off-peak. One year’s planning can certainly help you reap the reward of the cheapest airfares possible! On the other hand, booking last minute can also have its rewards. If you’re the kind who can leave at a moment’s notice, you can save a lot from last-minute flights and accommodations. After all, airlines and hotels would rather greatly discount their seats and rooms than leave them empty!