Visiting Belize - A Panoramic View!

Cocooned between Mexico and Guatemala lies Belize with all its natural splendor and unspoiled resources. Together with the remnants of numerous Maya temples and a fascinating mosaic of saltwater flats, mangroves and and Cayes -- Belize is unmistakably the most fascinating tourist destination for even the most discerning of travelers.

Belize -- A Glimpse!

Archaeologically grand Maya temples, longest Barrier reef in the hemisphere, the most winding and extensive cave system, a paradise for divers and anglers - and one small country at the gateway of Caribbean Sea - Belize has captured the imagination of the hospitality industry, real estate developers and tourists alike.

It's not only the geography and history of Belize that has transformed the tourism map of this Caribbean country, but a magical blend of its wonderful people, cultures and cuisines has also elevated the status of Belize as one of the most exotic tourist and vacation home destinations in the world. Some of the other glittering stars on the tourism map of Belize which are worth a mention are...

One of the few marine landmarks in the world that is visible from the outer space =- The Great Blue Hole.



A magical landscape that is teeming with pristine islands, snorkel and diving spots.



Dense forests with many ancient Maya sites.



Exotic species of flora and fauna exclusively found in the tropical rainforests of the country.



Belizean cuisine -- where in one tiny country you can experience tastes from all around the world.



Foot-tapping Caribbean music to the best arts and crafts replicas from Central America.



Bird-watching to kayaking to cave-tubing expeditions -- all within range.



Dazzling coral reefs opening gates to scuba divers.



For most, a trip to Belize is a life time memory and for others an annual pilgrimage -- to their favorite caves and diving spots.

A bit about the Weather
Warm and humid all year round - that sums up the weather of Belize. The maximum temperature difference in a day is usually 10°C. Rainy season runs from June to November while the drier months are from December to May.

Tourists usually prefer the drier months -- December to May and expectantly the hotel rates are higher during these months.

Cuisines to Casinos...

Although no travel guide has vouched for the culinary uniqueness of Belize, the diversity in the Belizean cuisines is worth a visit -- Creole to continental breakfast, all under one roof. Homemade food served in very modest local restaurants can be surprisingly tasty. In contrast to other tourist destinations, meals can suit every pocket -- ranging from US$ 3 to US$ 25. Ambergis Caye boasts of some of the highest quality restaurants while local restaurants are known for delicious Creole dishes rich in meat and seafood.

Belize is not really visited for its casinos but a couple of casinos are worth a mention for those of you who love to socialize around dice. The biggest casino is 'The Princess Hotel Casino' which is located in Belize City. The only other casino in Belize is at the hotel 'The Palace'.

Bon Voyage!

A trip to Belize is often the most anticipated travel plans for most tourists -- because of its aura of quaintness and exotic natural surroundings. Belize is unlike any other Caribbean getaway -- because of its proximity to North, South and other Central American countries and not to forget the many expatriates who have made Belize their home. Because of the ease of immigration to Belize and the simplified rules for purchasing properties in Belize, the immigrant population has seen a steady climb in recent years.

Downhill Skiing -- 5 Ways to Save Money

Isn't it time you saved more of your hard earned money when you go downhill skiing? You know the slopes, now you just have to learn the ropes. The key is to avoid the normal flow so you can save money and ski more often. Expert skiing requires an increase in mileage on the slopes, so if you want to ski every weekend or every other weekend, it's to your advantage to get the most out of your skiing dollar.

Buy Last Year's Skis

If at all possible, buy your ski equipment and clothes in the fall or spring. The best months in the autumn are October and November, while the best months in the spring are March and April. Never buy in mid-season!

Some of the gear that didn't sell in the winter or spring is returned to the shelves in the fall. Although you may not always get the best selection, you will definitely get a good discount. Perhaps even as low as the wholesale price. They need to clear this stock out to make room for the new equipment and clothes.

In terms of skis, most ski shops will have a few pair of high-end skis left over from the previous year, but you need to get to the ski shop in late October or early November before they're sold out. Forget the demos, go for last year's skis, which are brand new.

In addition, forget about sporting goods stores, since they only deal with middle of the road recreational skis. For expert skiing, you need an all-terrain ski or the closest thing to it. Remember, most ski shops only have a limited number of these skis on hand at any given time.

Select Neutral Colors and Good Quality Clothes

In terms of clothing, buy ski jackets and pants in neutral colors like red, black, and blue. These colors will stand the test of time. Although they are not the fanciest, you don't need to be fancy to ski in the expert zones.

Besides, colorful clothes are usually more expensive and tend to be trendy. You know, avant-garde one year, and pushed to the back of the closest the next year. You don't want to blow your ski budget on new jackets and pants every year, just to fit in.

In addition, buy good quality. This will ensure that you get a longer life out of your jacket, pants, and gloves. This means you save big time over the long haul.

Consider buying your clothes, like your skis and boots, in the spring or fall, not during the ski season when the prices are at their highest. If you have a ski show in your area, it will usually be in October or November. Attend the show on the last or second last day. You'll usually find great bargains on ski jackets and gloves.

Replace One Item Each Year

A rule of thumb that some expert skiers follow is to replace one item of clothing or equipment each year. If you purchased good quality gear in the first place, you may find that this simple rule will work for you as well. The idea is to get the longest life possible from your clothes and equipment and to wear everything out before you replace it. You also don't normally need to be two or three deep in anything.

As an aspiring expert skier, you want to free up as much of your hard earned dollar as possible to pay for lift tickets, which means more mileage on the slopes.

Ski During the Week

If you can get away, there is money to be saved by skiing during the week, Monday to Friday. The weekday rates for lift tickets are reduced at ski resorts, although not as much as we would like to see. However, you can also opt for a half-day ticket, which affords an additional savings. This may be the way to go if you are out just for the day, and want to practice a new technique or tactic from one of the ski lessons for a couple of hours.

In addition, during the week the crowds are down and lift lines are almost non-existent. This means a lot more runs and mileage for the price of your lift ticket, when compared to weekend skiing. Besides, when you are out skiing moguls, trees, and steeps, sometimes you don't want an audience, especially if you are experimenting with a new technique or maneuver.

Brown Bag It

Bring your own food and save on your eating expenses. You can spend upwards of $8 - $10 for a full lunch at most ski resorts. By brown bagging it, and supplementing with a bowl of soup or chowder, you can easily get away with spending just $4 for a complete meal, depending on what you bring in the bag. For a twenty-five day ski season, the savings can be appreciable.

Moreover, ski resorts serve cafeteria style food, which you are probably aware of, can be quite bad. A hamburger, fries, and a coke, just isn't going to cut it if you are going back into the expert zones in the afternoon. Keep the soup or chowder, but jettison the rest. By bringing your own lunch, you'll be saving money, getting the right nourishment, and supplying your body with the energy you need to ski until the lifts close.

Zermatt - Essential Travel Know How

Lets be honest, why wouldn't you pick the fabulously picturesque Zermatt for your Winter break? It lies on the border between Italy and Switzerland, and us Brits should be proud as it was British mountaineers who discovered this resort in the first place. With such awesome views of the Matterhorn towering over the small traditional town, you can't better the scenery either. It is actually not difficult to see why Zermatt has been voted the best Ski resort in the world, with its 394 km of piste, there is something for all levels, from the beginner to the expert off piste skier.

Therefore Zermatt has to be the ideal choice for families. Famous for it's almost fairytale like quality, it is a popular choice as it is car free. You can get back to a past era with delightful horse drawn sleighs and carriages making this resort largely hassle free. The easiest option is to leave the car in the town below and then take the train straight into Zermatt. Having a Ski resort with no cars means that as well as being safe to wander about at your leisure, there is also a peaceful element about this place. Due to Zermatt's great altitude (1620 m), there are excellent snow conditions, meaning long runs into the village. By choosing Zermatt, you can also enjoy the longest winter season in the Alps; meaning you can ski later in the season when it is not as crowded or as cold, which makes it more appealing for little ones.

The choice of dining on the mountain is exceptional, something for all the family with over 30 restaurants boasting amazing vistas and consistently high quality food. For the non skiers amongst us or for those who fancy an afternoon off, Zermatt offers great alternative daytime activities. These include walking trails, a health spa, a Gym, an indoor pool and a cinema, as well as excellent shopping. Lastly if dropping the kids off appeals to you, then there are many choices of kids clubs, indoor play areas, art and craft clubs and of course children's ski lessons which are all easily accessible, leaving you to explore this magical place unhindered!

Greatest Ski Holidays

Winter is when skiers start to think about booking their skiing holiday. In Europe there are hundreds of destinations to choose from. France, Switzerland and Austria all have very popular ski resorts, but if you are looking for a bargain then try Eastern Europe. Borovets in Bulgaria and the high Tatra mountains in Slovakia are attracting increasing numbers of skiers. A survey by pricerunner.co.uk and travelex.co.uk revealed that not only are the Eastern European resorts much cheaper than the popular destinations in the Alps, but they are also rated quite highly. Bansko in Bulgaria, Jasna in Slovakia, Zelezna Ruda in the Czech Republic and Kranjska Gora in Slovenia all got a mention.

If you are unsure which resort to pick, companies such as Forbes create a list of the top ski resorts in the world. The list will contain many Western and European resorts primarily because of the quality of the snow and the village atmosphere. New England has snow, but it won't feature much on the list. This is because its snow tends to be icy, not powdery like the snow in Europe which is better for skiing. However, skiing holidays are about more than the quality of the snow.

Resorts such as Aspen are hugely popular and the slopes are crowded, meaning that you probably spend more time waiting for the chair lift than on the slopes. Another consideration is the après-ski scene. For some people this is the best part of the holiday. There should be plenty of opportunities for dining, drinking and swapping stories in front of a log fire. It is also a good idea to choose somewhere that has activities other than skiing, just in case your legs need a rest from the slopes. Your accommodation is also important and should be comfortable with easy access to the slopes.

Ski holidays can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. When you book your holiday you should consider a package deal as these often work out cheaper. A single lift ticket can be very expensive. Try booking at the last minute and stay in catered accommodation to save on eating out. Book your ski pass and ski hire online and always pay in local currency.

Ski resorts that regularly make it into the top 10 lists are:

Aspen: Located in the beautiful state of Colorado, Aspen always features on the list of top ski resorts due to its excellent ski runs that are suitable for skiers of all abilities. It is also the place where you have the chance to ski with the rich and famous although the downside of this is that it is not cheap!

Cortina: Another top choice is this stylish Italian ski resort which hosted the Olympic Games in 1956. Cortina was one of the world's first ski resorts. The Cortina Ski World is located in the Alps and is one of the most scenic places in the world, with 120 kilometres of ski trails and 52 lifts.

Mont-Tremblant: Canada's best known ski resort first opened in 1939 and has recently been given a $1 billion facelift. It is a compact ski resort lying in the pretty Laurentian Mountains. The village has a distinctive French feel to it and it has a number of cafes and bistros in cosy log cabins, as well as boutiques and restaurants. The skiing is suitable for mixed groups and there is a good ski school. Another plus for this resort is that it is just one hour from Montreal for those who would like to do some sight-seeing along with their skiing.

Stowe: Located in Vermont, this is another American resort famed for its picturesque setting. It has the largest vertical drop in the area and is famous for its double-black diamond 'Four Front' trails, suitable for experienced skiers. However, it also offers trails suitable for intermediate skiers and beginners. Away from the ski slopes it has over 90 shops and 60 restaurants.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc: Situated in the French Alps, it played host to the first Winter Olympic Games in 1924. It lies at the foot of Mont-Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps. It is renowned for its vertical drop of 9,209 feet and for having one of the world's longest runs, the Vallee Blance, at 13.7 miles.

Banff/Lake Louise: This ski resort in Alberta, Canada is located in the Banff National Park. It is one of the most scenic mountain resorts in North America and has very reliable snow conditions. Covering 4,200 acres it offers tree-lined runs, smooth slopes and plunging bowls, providing ideal skiing for everyone from the novice to the expert.

Vail: Another ski resort in Colorado, Vail claims to be America's favourite resort. With 5,300 acres of skiable terrain it has the largest ski area in the USA. Vail also has a lot to offer besides skiing with art galleries, ballooning, dog sledding, museums, ice skating, hockey and snowmobiling.

Zermatt: Switzerland's top resort is a picturesque village and a car-free area at the foot of the Matterhorn. It has the second biggest lift-served vertical drop in the world. Zermatt has large snowfalls and the longest skiing season in the Alps.

Kitzbuhel: The most famous resort in the Austrian Tyrol. Skiing began here in 1892 and the 700-year old village still retains its traditional charm. Kitzbuhel is home to the Hahnenkahm the most dangerous and famous of the downhill ski races and is Austria's winter entertainment capital. It has excellent skiing and snowboarding, but due to its low altitude snow may be lacking on the lower slopes.

Whistler/Blackcomb: This resort in British Columbia provides the best skiing in North America with the biggest vertical drop. It has 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and has been voted North America's Favourite Ski Resort by OntheSnow.com visitors. The village has cafes, spas, galleries, international stores and over 100 restaurants that feature cuisines from around the world including French, Chinese, Italian, Mexican and more.

Winter Idaho Vacations - Skiing in and Around Southeastern Idaho

The mountain terrain and stunning forests of Southeastern Idaho vacations are renowned for their beauty. They are lovingly referred to as 'America's vertical playground.' This is one of the most varied and scenic areas in the country to ski and gives visitors of all ages and skill levels a chance to enjoy the area. Kelly Canyon, Grand Targhee, and Jackson Hole Skiing are all located in the area and provide outdoor enthusiasts with the winter holiday of a lifetime.

Grand Targhee Skiing

Nestled in the picturesque Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Grand Targhee is an 8,000 foot skier's paradise in Western Wyoming. In addition to the excellent conditions, Nordic trails, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and paragliding, many other services are available throughout the area. The area has two 1,500 acre peaks with an annual snowfall of more than 500 inches.

The first peak known as 'Fred's Mountain' has 10% of its area designated for beginners. The rest of the mountain is rated at advanced and difficult. Those who choose to ski this mountain during their Idaho vacations can enjoy a summit elevation of 10,000 ft and a base elevation of 8,000 feet. This makes their longest run a total of 2.7 miles of pure adrenaline. The second peak called 'Peaked Mountain' is reserved for experienced skiers with a rating of 15% advanced and 85% difficult. It's summit elevation is a total of 9,827 feet and the base elevation is 7,408 feet.

Jackson Hole Skiing

Just outside of Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole skiing is one of the most famous areas for the sport in the country. The 24 miles of trails are spread throughout the 2,500 acres of the two mountains. The recreational area is only accessible by tramcar, but the 10,450 foot summit of Rendezvous Mountain is well worth the wait. Experienced and expert skiers can spend days enjoying the landscape and famous four mile long runs.

Apres Vous Mountain is geared towards beginner to intermediate skiers. The 8,841 foot mountain features chair and Poma lifts as well as a gondola to get to the top. There is also a half-pipe and terrain park for those who would like to taste the area's snowboarding opportunities while on their Idaho vacations.

Kelly Canyon

Night skiing is just one of the fun activities hosted on the 6,600 foot summit. The 640 skiable acres includes a total of 26 runs with its longest totaling 6,900 feet. While 45% of the runs are rated as difficult, 20% of the trails have been set aside for experts and 35% for beginners. This is the region's oldest established ski area and has been in operation since 1957.

Wintertime Idaho vacations are ideal for anyone looking to get in a little outdoor fun. Jackson Hole skiing and the activities held at Kelly Canyon and Grand Targhee skiing have exactly what holidays need to be unforgettable.

South Lake Tahoe Vacations

South Lake Tahoe is a town located, as you would expect, on the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, and is a year-round hotspot for tourists of all kinds. This destination is well-known for great weather and plentiful activities, and perhaps most notably, is the site of 8800 total acres of skiing space.

Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the more famous attractions, is home to the area's longest ski run (5.5 miles) and the greatest vertical drop (3600 feet). This resort is busy during all months of the year, but ski season is when most travelers make the trek to this expansive and accommodating mountain retreat. An annual snowfall of 360 inches and a backdrop of natural beauty provide skiers with nearly ideal conditions for a fabulous winter vacation.

In the summer months when the weather warms up, water and beach activities become a popular pursuit for those seeking a few days of rest and relaxation. Boating, whether in a rented watercraft with friends and family or as part of a sailing team competing in one of the many regattas, is the most popular activity for many summer visitors to South Lake Tahoe. Marinas line the town's shore, and guided cruises are available for those hoping to just sit back and leave all the responsibility to someone else. Fishing is also a fun way to spend a day on the lake, and is guaranteed to erase any memory of stress or strain you might have been feeling in your everyday life.

For travelers hoping to get some exercise, there are plenty of hiking trails to take advantage of. Ranging from strenuous to family-friendly, several routes exist that will lead nature lovers through the Sierra forest and offer breathtaking views of the sparkling lake below. Twenty miles of designated bike paths have been incorporated into the mountainside, so adventurers will be given the chance to break a sweat.

True thrill-seekers can check out the scenery from high in the air, either by being taken up into a hot air balloon or by going parasailing. If you choose to keep both feet firmly planted on the ground, however, you can stay busy on the greens. Golf enthusiasts have several options, as there are a few world-famous and picturesque courses within a reasonable distance of the south end of the lake.

If you've come to South Lake Tahoe feeling lucky, be aware that gambling is legal on the Nevada side of the lake. Located a few miles from the lake is the town of Stateline, a high-traffic area for risk-lovers. All told, there are six 24-hour casinos in the South Lake Tahoe area, containing over 7,000 slot machines and over 400 gaming tables. Perhaps after a few hands of poker or a roll of the dice, travelers will find themselves able to return home with fatter wallets than they had when they arrived.

Because South Lake Tahoe is a top tourist destination, there are numerous choices when it comes to lodging. Many travelers decide to take advantage of vacation rentals, which are often located just minutes from the most desirable attractions. Following a few hours on the lake, families might enjoy being able to come home and recharge in a space ample enough for everyone. Or, after a day on the slopes with your significant other, nothing is better than soaking in your own private hot tub and preparing a casual meal to be enjoyed in front of a cozy fire.

The wide variety of activities to be enjoyed in South Lake Tahoe is reflected in the array of different vacation home options. From rustic lodges to lakeside chalets, every taste has the potential to be satisfied. For those who have the means, waterfront homes with their own docks are available, but the cottages tucked away into the woods can be just as charming, and are often more accessible to grocery stores and the casinos.

No matter what is drawing you to visit South Lake Tahoe, be it the allure of the water, the mountains, or just the thought of getting away from it all, you are sure to find the perfect place to call home while you are there. Think about the peace of mind that goes along with living on your own terms, transplant that feeling to the shores of America's largest alpine lake, and get started making your next vacation a reality. At HomeAway.com you can find http://www.homeaway.com/Lake-Tahoe-vacation-rentals/South-Tahoe-vacation-rentals.htm">South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals.

Secret Vacation Destinations to Die For

There are the typical "dream" vacations like Hawaii, Orlando, Florida, London, and Paris. But what about all the unbelievable destinations you may not have even heard about? Here are a select few of them.

1. Cinque Terre, Italy is a series of villages clinging to a remote stretch of the Riviera coastline. The quaintness of the towns and the area's natural beauty is forever preserved because Cinque Terre has been declared a national park. Hikers love to walk trails that tower above the Mediterranean and pass close by the native villages. Riomaggiore takes you through a tunnel to a tangle of colorful homes and an uncrowded beach. Corniglia sits smugly upon a hilltop from which you can swoon at the view. Vernazza is a rugged place full of vineyard terraces for the best wine in the region, all overseen by a mysterious ruined castle. Monterosso al Mare has a sandy beach where you can swim if you really want to. Then it's back to Vernazza for a delicious dinner of the freshest seafood. This is beautiful, authentic Italy-the one you dreamed of experiencing.

2. Four Seasons Tented Camp, Thailand: The Golden Triangle is comprised of bamboo forests where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. This is where you can find Four Seasons, the ultimate jungle luxury-an eclectic mix of asian rustic and modern taste. Fifteen elevated tented accommodations are reminiscent of 19th century adventure expeditions, even down to the hand-hammered copper bathtubs. An open-air thatched roof pavilion by the riverbank offers Thai, Laotian, Burmese, and western cuisine. During the day, one can watch elephant training or go on one of the fascinating excursions. If you need pampering, go to the spa for rejuvenating treatments for your body and spirit. At night, torches burn by the tents as travelers gaze out at a magnificent sunset and find perfect serenity.

3. Marrakech, Morocco: And now for something completely different! When you step into Marrakech you will think you have just stepped into a Middle Eastern movie set. Picture scores of market stalls along an endless labyrinth--- snake charmers, monkeys, musicians, dancers and storytellers performing to the sound of weird music and drum beat. Visit the Majorelle Gardens, visit actual Berber villages, see the Dar Si Said Museum, or tour the ornate El Bahia palace. If you want more action, go biking, Hot Air Ballooning, or White Water Rafting. The government ensures that all food stalls offer fresh, top quality food so not to worry. Buy grilled sausages on Moroccan bread, beef stew, harira soup, riifa (Moroccan pancake) and the delicious spicy tea. For posh surroundings, you can eat at the La Makarechi. Otherwise, enjoy sumptuous food at Cafe Agrana, Cafe Alhamra, or Chez El Bahia. Foods not to miss are pastille (sweet, savory meat pie), Kefta (superb ground beef and egg), tagine (chicken/olive, prune/almond, etc.), or a spicy dessert. There's a wide span of lodgings, from modern western hotels to native riads. Equity Point Marrakech is a beautiful hostel to check out in the best section of the city. The place has an amazing rooftop from which to view the town. There are doubles, singles, and dorms available. Rooms have full bathrooms, incredible furniture, mezzanines, cushions, etc. There's also a restaurant attached serving excellent Moroccan food. If you have a taste for the exotic, Marrakech is for you.

4. St. Vincent, the Grenadines: I know. You've probably never heard of the Grenadines. That's for the best. They are still fresh and unspoiled. It's a small group of islands between Puerto Rico and the Venezuelan coast. What do these islands offer? Only natural waterfalls where you can swim, black sand beaches, majestic volcanoes, botanical gardens, fortification ruins, Romanesque and Gothic Christian sites, spectacular diving, and serene resorts with every amenity. These are only the perfect islands for you.

5. Whitefish, Montana: Whitefish is a small town in a huge state. But this small town stands near the entrance of one of the most remarkable state parks in the U.S., Glacier National Park. We can heartily recommend two lodging places, depending on your tastes: If you don't mind country rustic and a distant train whistle, then the Grouse Mountain Lodge is your pick. It has a gigantic fireplace, antler chandeliers, and stuffed bears in the lobby. On the other hand, if you like peace and complete privacy, you might opt for the North Forty Resort with its well-equipped cabins where you can sit on your porch and cook out every night if you want. Some other great places to eat are the award-winning Tupelo Grille, the Red Caboose (breakfast), Mackenzies (pizza), and the Craggy Range (buffalo burgers).There are a thousand things to do, including the national park which encompasses over 1 million acres, 300 lakes, 50 active glaciers, the longest designated wild river system in the U.S., and hundreds of animal species including the wild mountain goat. Do I really have to list all that you can see or do? I think you can figure it out.

6. Bernese Oberland, Switzerland: In the famously beautiful nation of Switzerland, the Oberland could be called the crown jewel. On a comfortable summer day, you will wonder how you can walk through a field of flowers, step over jagged rocks, view snow-studded peaks above you, while lakes just below the peaks are not frozen solid. Gazing down from a mountain top you glimpse bluffs boasting over 70 waterfalls, and then you're awestruck with panoramic Lauterbrunnen Valley. Even skiers who've seen a hundred similar sites agree it's the most breathtaking valley in Europe. The area offers both great hiking and fast skiing---along with mountain-biking, rock climbing, swimming, golf, horseback riding, tennis, sailing and windsurfing. Bed down in a cozy chalet in Interlaken, Grindelwald, Gstaad, or Thun.

7. Finger Lakes, New York: We're talking about eleven slender lakes, 25 state parks, 1,063 waterfalls, strings of river gorges, a national wildlife refuge, and acres and acres of wine vineyards. In the midst of this wondrous area, the John Treman State Park comes highly recommended. Two great restaurants are the Taughannock Farms Inn and Port's Cafe. Three bed & breakfast inns that folks rave about are: South Glenora Tree Farm, Wagener Estate, and Elmira's Painted Lady. Between the hiking, the water sports, festivals, cultural events, and the wine-tasting, one does not run out of things to do.

8. Quebec City, Canada: Calling this city the "poor man's Paris" is very unfair. It's cobblestone streets and chateau-style clifftop architecture is charming, expenses are lower than in Paris, and it offers attractive options for either summer or winter. Between July 4-14 the International Summer Festival offers streetside improvisational theater and some of the best jazz, folk, and rock performances you will ever hear. And beginning in the middle of January and into February, the city offers Carnival de Quebec. Here you will find the Calgary Stampede flapjack breakfast, outdoor dance parties, ice fishing, a single- and double-harness sleigh race, dog agility competition obstacle course, snow slides, downhill skiing, an ice tower, snow rafting, and a snow sculpture contest. (While you're in the city, you really can't afford to miss the Laurentides Wildlife Park). And I'll bet you thought the only thing to do in Canada was fish. Wrong!

I'll bet you can't decide which of these destinations you most want to visit. Well, why not rank them and try to go to everyone during your lifetime.