Next time you go to Europe plan a stopover in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Getting there might also add another task to this famous list- driving on the worlds fastest and safest road network, the German Autobahn.

Nothing in the world beats a hard-earned vacation spent relaxing on a sandy beach in a warm destination. It’s also really hard to beat a getaway spent cruising down open runs at a world-class ski resort. Considering there are so many traditional travel ideas to choose from, it is not surprising that many travelers may overlook the option of a religious pilgrimage. The Way of Saint James just might be the route that will make you forget about powder snow and beers on the beach forever.

Being the world’s entertainment capital, it’s natural that Los Angeles contains many wonders for pop culture enthusiasts. In a city where anyone can become a star, icons of the entertainment industry appear throughout the city. Where else can you find Bob Hope Drive, or Bette Midler’s highway sign?

These monuments have been most commercialized at Disneyland and Universal Studios. Servants of the Mouse have packaged joy for decades. At the grandmaster of amusement parks, reality operates on another plane. The Disney universe captures almost everything in the park. As a sampling, memories of Pinocchio, Swiss Family Robinson and Alice in Wonderland are easily triggered by some of the rides. Of course, Mickey’s image is everywhere. Yet, the best ride at Disneyland, Star Tours, stems from the Star Wars movies.

My wife Angela and I have been visiting Costa Rica for several years and have made friends with many remarkable people. A close friend introduced us to Julie and Randy Russell who are doing missionary work in the Dominical region on the South Pacific coast. On our last visit in November 2008 we had discussions about providing some sort of dentistry to the Ticos who were financially disadvantaged.

An old friend and colleague had just been down to Honduras with Dentistry Without Borders and had setup a denture clinic where they provided dentures to the disadvantaged. Angela and I presented the same idea to our missionary friends. Julie thought that the best approach would be to educate the youngsters about dental hygiene. So we all agreed that we would provide a seminar to the children on dental care and cavity prevention through brushing and flossing. Dent-Line of Canada Inc. our company would provide the toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Couples who wish to experience an unforgettable romantic holiday on the tropical island of St. Lucia need only consider Sandals Resorts. This is true as Sandals has three distinct, couples only resorts on the island each having different advantages and unique features. Travelers can easily find an option at one of their St. Lucian resorts that will surely fit their needs precisely. The first opportunity for choice from a vast amount of options comes when selecting a room type. There are numerous different room types at each of the three resorts; Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa.

Many travelers voyage to Cuba to enjoy the beautiful beaches, warm weather and to indulge in a superlative cigar accompanied by a fine glass of rum. While these things are all more than great, the preeminent reason why travelers should choose Cuba as a vacation destination is to learn about, and experience, the nation’s storied history. Many forget to consider the distinctive historical, cultural and social characteristics present in this country which is one of the world’s last remaining communist nations. History buffs who are looking for more than a simple beach vacation should definitely plan a visit to Havana, with time spent in Santa Clara.

Peering out your window as you fly into Ben Gurion Airport when the sun is shining, as it almost always is in Israel, you’ll see a vast display of glittering rooftops. It’s because many a rooftop in Tel Aviv is jazzed up with solar panels and so from the sky Tel Aviv looks like a sea of precious gems. This initial view foreshadows what will lie ahead for you on a trip to Israel, as this is a country filled with riches of all kinds.

From a tourism perspective, there really isn’t anything Israel is missing. If it weren’t for all the bad press (and the conflict it stems from) Israel could well be the number one tourist destination in the world. There are as many historical masterpieces scattered throughout the country as there are pebbles along a dirt road. There is Judeo-Christian and Muslim religious significance at nearly every turn. Israeli food is packed with flavour. Its people are passionate. Its beaches will have you contemplate pitching a tent. As for Israel’s beauty – its array of natural wonder – it will form pictures in your mind long after you’re gone. If it’s only fear of safety that’s stopping you from going, don’t be scared. Statistically, you’re probably safer enjoying the sites in Israel than you are driving to the airport for your flight. Accommodation in Israel is top notch and there are many different types to choose from. The most well known hotel chain in Israel is The Dan Hotel Chain, with 13 hotels situated in prime locations.

At the Dan Carmel Haifa, if you’re lucky enough to get an ocean view, the first time you pull your window curtains back you may very well loose your breath. The view of the city and sea is quite affecting.

“I don’t normally hug my dentist”, remarks Dr. Don MacLachlan speaking of his Mexican dentist in Puerto Vallarta . “But the moment she sees me, she gives me a big hug and points to the chair.”

Dr. MacLachlan, a specialist in emergency medicine and his wife Mary, a violinist, are both Canadians and happily retired in Puerto Vallarta on the west coast of Mexico . Not only have they found excellent dental and health care here, but also a lifestyle that satisfies their other needs as well. Why Mexico and why Puerto Vallarta ? That part of their story involves Saudi Arabia , of all places. After studying medicine at the University of Calgary , Don did his residency at L.A. County General Hospital , and then returned to Calgary where he worked for 20 years and raised a family. A friend and colleague, who was working in Saudi Arabia at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH), a facility built for the Saudi Royal Family, persuaded Don and his wife to join him in the Middle East. It was during his seven years practice at KFSH, that Don was invited to attend some medical conferences organized by the University of Toronto, but held in the Mexican coastal town of Puerto Vallarta .

“ Puerto Vallarta I found to be a happy place, bright, cheerful and the women are not all covered up like they are in Saudi Arabia .” By this time, the MacLachlans had been ex-pats from Canada for a number of years, the warm climate of Mexico was appealing, and there were certain tax advantages. So along with some other friends, all doctors in Saudi Arabia , the couple packed their bags and moved to Puerto Vallarta .

ST. Vincent & the Grenadines — You’re a tiny island destination building a new airport big enough to accommodate “everything but the space shuttle”.

How do you keep your small scale charm while wooing jet planes full of visitors?

Either St. Vincent & the Grenadines will show everyone how it’s done, or become a case study in what not to do. There’s no turning back now. Construction on the new airport began late last year, with completion scheduled for 2010 or 2011.

More hotels are on the way too. The Buccament Bay Beach Resort, a luxury condo/villa development with 291 cabanas and five residential blocks (one of which is a hotel) are expected to open this year on St. Vincent.

Canouan and Union Island are getting one new property each, and Bequia is getting two. There will be more “major development announcements” in the next year or so, says Minister of Tourism Glen Beache.

Sandals slips smoothly into luxury mode as a sleek new Mediterranean Village extension propels Sandals Grande Antigua into the forefront of the Caribbean’s all-inclusive vacation hot spots.

Sandals is moving in high-flying company these days as the Caribbean resort operator slides firmly into the luxury category arm in arm with the products of such distinguished partners as Waterford Crystal, Rolls Royce, renowned wedding planner to the stars Preston Bailey, acclaimed Beringer Vineyards and the Guild of Professional English Butlers.

They are all part and parcel of founder and chairman Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s continuing mission to provide the brightest and best of Caribbean vacations in his 16 resorts.

Any couples who wish to experience an unforgettable romantic holiday on the tropical island of St. Lucia need only consider Sandals Resorts. This is true as Sandals has three distinct, couples only resorts on the island that each have different advantages and unique features. Travelers can easily find an option at one of their St. Lucian resorts that will surely fit their needs precisely. The first opportunity for choice from a vast amount of options comes when selecting a room type. There are numerous different room types at each of the three resorts; Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Sandals Halcyon Beach, and Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort and Spa. Featured room choices at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, a 301 room resort, include Grande Rondoval Suites and Honeymoon Lagoon Swim-up Concierge Suites.

Sandals Resorts has taken another huge step in popularizing high-end all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean by opening their brand new Mediterranean Village addition to accompany the existing 193-room Caribbean Village at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa. This US$70 million project resulted in 180 new suites, new dining options, an expanded Red Lane Spa, and a new pool that is the largest in the Eastern Caribbean.

The addition of the Mediterranean Village to the couples only Sandals Grande Antigua means that the resort is now somewhat of a two for one. Travelers can now enjoy this new village as well as the extremely diverse Caribbean Village while having the romantic tropical getaway of their dreams.

The Caribbean Village is the more botanical of the two villages as it is hidden amidst towering coconut groves and expansive lush gardens. It hosts no structures over two stories and is designed to replicate a charming Caribbean village considering its intricate gingerbread trimmed buildings and many winding paths leading to secluded hammocks and private lovers’ areas. Those looking for a more traditional and modest choice should choose the Caribbean Village over the new Mediterranean Village.

The Mediterranean Village is much bolder and modern than the Caribbean Village, has nine restaurants, is seven stories, and has six different categories of suites to choose from. These suites feature palatial marble bathrooms with his and her vanities and mosaic tiling, Jacuzzi tubs built for two, and a separate shower area with overhead rain fixtures. Suites also include additional living areas, plush canopy beds, large plasma televisions, and cozy outdoor balconies.

The new village is also much more lavish and luxurious compared to the more traditional Caribbean charm of the Caribbean Village. The Mediterranean Village has the Eastern Caribbean’s largest swimming pool which has poolside cabanas with plasma televisions and wireless internet connections. No detail was spared upon construction of the pool, which includes a swim-up bar underneath a signature Sandals pool tower and a $10,000 lighting system.