“COOL: SAN FRANCISCO & SHAKESPEARE”

A town that sells star maps and offers bus tours of celebrity homes, is a town that knows how to market itself, and Los Angeles is a place brimming with sights to see and places to visit. Though one may naturally think of glamour when thinking of L.A. , this is merely one aspect of it. Certainly its movie stars and celebrities can leave you star-struck, but its museums, historic homes, fabled avenues, and other attractions are just as dazzling, if not more.

In addition to the more well-known sites associated with Hollywood ’s past and present, try and visit some of Los Angeles’ cultural attractions as well. It’ll be well worth your time. Los Angeles is a huge city perceived by many to be superficial, but look deeper — there is much more to L.A. than first meets the eye.

Indeed, even in Hollywood , there is a great deal of history available and thanks to its attractions, open to discovery. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records Tower, and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre date back to the 1960’s, 1950’s, and 1920’s respectively. When you visit any of these landmarks, you step a little closer to Old Hollywood, the glamorous standard by which present-day movie stars are compared.

Though one of Hollywood ’s newest attractions, the Hollywood & Highland complex is a must-see for all tourists, as it celebrates Old Hollywood while promoting the appeal of Hollywood today. The complex, named after Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue , is a spectacular sight for all, even for the locals. It features the Kodak Theatre (host of the Academy Awards), a choice selection of specialty shops, and a five-star, 22-story hotel in the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel. For those lucky enough to stay at this exclusive hotel, you’ll find everything, from city attractions to fine dining, within walking distance.

Another popular choice for tourists who wish to experience Hollywood is a studio tour, and both Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. Studios offer them. These walking tours are informative but the chance of seeing a big-name celebrity is unlikely. However, being able to see a film studio up close is a thrill in itself. Of course, there’s also Universal Studios in the Valley ( San Fernando Valley ), which has created a theme park in Universal Studios Hollywood that truly highlights movie-making magic, with an emphasis on special FX.

For those who choose to leave Hollywood to the star-gazers, Los Angeles offers many other sights to see. From popular Chinatown to the majestic Queen Mary in Long Beach , L.A. attractions are as varied as they are beloved.

Los Angeles ‘ museums can be found throughout the city, each one dedicated to preserving the best in art, literature, and nature. Located in downtown L.A., the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is one of the city’s finest and is dedicated to American and European art from 1940 until today. For those in search of world art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the place to visit. Since its opening in 1966, this museum has amassed an impressive collection of more than 150,000 works. Take a tour and feast your eyes on masterworks from around the world, from paintings and sculpture to photos and prints.

In Pasadena, the Huntington Library is an inspiring destination. Along with the Huntington Gallery and Botanical Gardens, the library does its best to preserve past treasures. Visitors can marvel at the volumes of literary collections, which include first editions and the handwritten notes of famous authors. In the botanical gardens, a variety of gardens can be found, from a Japanese garden to a rose garden. Take time to enjoy them all.

The Westside is a distinguished part of Los Angeles where the affluent live, and certainly visiting this area can be a day trip all by itself. Neighborhoods, such as Bel-Air and Pacific Palisades, are found in the Westside and seeing the scale and beauty of these homes is something to experience. However, in addition to the opulence that characterizes this community, it is also home to two museums of importance: the Museum of Tolerance and The Getty Center. The latter opened in 1998 and houses an expanding collection of European fine art started by J. Paul Getty more than 70 years ago.

But if staying indoors isn’t your idea of an L.A. vacation, then perhaps Santa Monica , Venice , or Long Beach would be better destinations. The Boardwalk in Venice is a great place to enjoy the California sunshine, as well as shopping, bicycling, and people-watching. Here you’ll find a unique mix of street entertainers, both professional and amateur. Santa Monica Pier is also a fun destination for those wanting to stay outdoors. The pier features a carousel, free concerts in the summer, and souvenir shops in a totally laid-back setting. In Long Beach , the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great choice for families. The Aquarium is dedicated to marine life from the Pacific Ocean and also maintains an aviary for bird lovers.

Located close to Wilshire Boulevard is the famed Farmers Market and The Grove, a market and shopping district on the corner of Third and Fairfax . An entire day or two can be spent here, experiencing what it must be like to be a local of Los Angeles . With more than 100 stalls and over 20 restaurants to choose from, plus a variety of retail stores, the Market and The Grove are excellent places to just hang out, people-watch, and relax.

Though some may perceive Los Angeles as being more surface than substance, a closer look is all that’s needed to find that that simply isn’t so. When visiting the city, consider some of the sights beyond Hollywood , such as in Pasadena , Wilshire, and downtown L.A. Hotel location may be the biggest factor in determining what attractions you see, but just keep in mind that there is more to Los Angeles than glitz and glamour. With that being said, don’t miss seeing that Hollywood Sign!

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Vienna is a city where old blends perfectly with the new. Where the timeless coexists with the modern. This is where the waltz was born, but also where electronica thrives. Indeed, there’s a reason why they say Vienna is “hot and cold, loud and soft, expected and unexpected.”

The capital of Austria, Vienna is also the country’s largest state; its political, economic, and cultural center; and former seat of the Habsburgs. Moving outward from the historic “Ring,” you’ll find Vienna full of beauty and heritage. While no longer home to a royal empire, Vienna clearly remains committed to “the good life.”

Ask the locals. They’ll tell you so. And one look around this European jewel, you’ll understand why too Vienna is known the world over for its quality of life. In fact, in 2008, Mercer ranked the Austrian capital #2 in that category (second only to Zurich, Switzerland).

• Schonbrunn Palace: Designed by the von Erlachs, the Baroque palace and its 1,441 rooms was a summer home for the Habsburgs. See the Gloriette in the Imperial Gardens, the stunning State Apartments, and Palace Theater and Carriage Museum on the grounds.

• St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Stephansdom): Dating back to the 12th century, this basilica is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. See the South Tower, standing 445 feet tall; the pulpit of St. Stephen’s; and the carved Wiener Neustadt altarpiece (c. 1447). [Trivia: Mozart was married here in 1782 and had his funeral in December 1791.]

• Schatzkammer: The Imperial Treasury, protecting a thousand years of treasures, including Charlemagne’s saber, the Holy Lance, and the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg Empire. The collection is highlighted by the imperial crown (c. 962).

• Museum of Military History: The city’s oldest state museum, the Heeresgeschichtliches Museum is located in the center of the Arsenal and was built with plans by Ludwig Foerster and Theophil Hansen. It features five main sections delineating the military history of the Habsburg Empire.

• Burgtheater: The Austrian National Theater known by the locals as “die Burg.” The theater itself dates back to 1741, was moved in 1888, and after World War I, was restored in the mid-1950s. Today, it stands as the dream stage for German theater.

• Spanish Riding School: Home to the magnificent Lipizzans. Located in the Vienna Imperial Palace, the school is the oldest institution in the world devoted to classic dressage. Guided tours are offered year-round, alternating between the Winter and Summer riding schools, and the Renaissance-designed Stalburg (stables).

• Riesenrad: The second-largest Ferris wheel in the world (behind London’s “Eye”) and one of 250 attractions at Vienna’s Prater Amusement Park, located in the 2nd district of the capital. The Riesenrad was built in 1897 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Franz Josef I.

• Volksgarten: Known as “The People’s Garden,” the Volksgarten is perfect for a stroll. Built in 1820, it was designed to resemble Paris’ Luxembourg garden.

• Hundertwasser House Vienna: An apartment house in Vienna designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. An example of the “modern” Vienna, built between 1983-1986.

• And Music: Vienna brought the world the waltz, as well as some of its most famed operas. Think Mozart, Beethoven, and Mahler. During the summer, experience Strauss and Mozart in the park. Try and attend a performance at the State Opera. Book in advance to hear the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

During your visit, it might be difficult to decide what to see first and what to experience next. To help, consider the 10 attractions above to get you started. Each should also branch out to other possibilities. Vienna is full of them!

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Landlocked in Central Europe, Austria is surrounded by several other countries like Switzerland, Germany, and Italy that make travel a snap. Tourists can make Austria part of a multi-country tour or travel there specifically to holiday in its beautiful countryside and historic towns.

Known as an alpine country, the famed Alps of Austria actually only cover about half of its landscape. Nonetheless, skiing in Austria is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Many travel to Austria for the skiing alone, with an ample supply of cozy ski resorts found throughout. Indeed, winter sport tourism thrives in Austria, with peak travel times traditionally being from Christmas to January 2nd and all of February. Other outdoor adventures that tourists enjoy are hiking and cycling – both refreshing ways to travel and take in a scenic journey.

As for where to go in Austria, there are plenty of choices, with historic cities Vienna, Salzburg, and Linz always high on travel checklists. In 2008, the European Football Championships (Euro 2008) will see football fans from the world over travel to Austria and Switzerland to attend the tourney. The Austria cities of Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, and the aforementioned Vienna and Salzburg will all host matches. However, though football might bring the fans to Austria, it shouldn’t be their only memory, as Austria offers great food and drink, beautiful scenery, unique shopping, and quite simply, a wonderful travel experience.

To travel to Austria is to step into one of the safest countries in the world – a luxury that’s afforded all. For instance, in Austria, it’s not uncommon to knock on the door of a country farmhouse to ask if a room is available. Even if they don’t have one, they’ll make sure you won’t have to travel very far to find a place to rest. The people of Austria are characteristically friendly, even if somewhat reserved. One thing to remember when you travel to this European gem is to mind your manners. Courtesy in a foreign country is always advisable, but in Austria, it’s easily inspired by those you meet.

Travel to and from cities is best done by train, but to explore the Austria countryside, renting a car for a few days is a smart travel idea. Keep in mind that credit cards aren’t used as frequently in Austria as in other European countries you might travel to, though debit cards are accepted most everywhere. Travel light when exploring the cities, towns, and rural sights, but be sure to bring along the essentials: visa or photo ID, money, and maps. Austria is a beautiful country, but like anywhere, you wouldn’t want to travel and get lost in it. Fortunately, travel in the Austrian Alps is such a popular pastime, there are a good number of marked trails, as well as mountain shelters; not to mention the many other hikers and mountain-climbers to ask travel directions from.

If you travel to Austria, it would help a great deal to learn a few common German words/phrases, as 99% of the people speak the language. And finally, remember that the currency of Austria is the Euro (€), so when you do travel there, make sure to account for the proper conversion rate.

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A Las Vegas vacation can be as short as a weekend or as long as you like. For most, the town is best experienced in short stints, but it’s definitely a destination you’ll want to return to. These days, it’s a town for everyone: gamblers, couples, friends, convention-goers, families, weekend warriors, and day-trippers. Vegas accommodates all.

The Casinos
Obviously, Vegas is most famous for its gambling. Everywhere you look, there’s an opportunity to try your luck, whether it’s a poker table, roulette wheel, or slot machine. So what makes one casino better than the next? Hotels try and simplify such decision-making by being all-inclusive attractions themselves, offering both gamblers and non-gamblers sundry reasons to stay.

All the major hotels on the Vegas Strip offer a mix of world-class dining, boutique shopping, theater, a nightclub scene, and music show. In fact, each emblematic hotel is a sort of microcosm of the city as a whole. You can literally plan on experiencing a different “trip” with each and every visit.

Amusement Park for All
As one of the nation’s top convention cities, Vegas is forever hosting events throughout the year, with attendees coming from all points across the globe. While most of the activity happens at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the bigger hotels also play host to various meetings and gatherings daily.

As for sports, Vegas is no longer only relevant due to its sportsbooks and boxing events. It also boasts beautiful golf courses and has begun to draw on the major sports as well. Prime examples include the 2006 NBA All-Star Game and every year, the UAW Dodge 400 for NASCAR.

Despite its reputation for gambling and being “Sin City,” Vegas is also a great destination for the annual family trip. Hotels, such as Circus Circus, offer a number of kid-centric attractions and activities, plus there’s gaming, themed restaurants, and even roller coasters. When you think about it, Vegas somewhat resembles a big amusement park for all.

Of course, not to be forgotten: the Las Vegas wedding, as the town is one of the easiest places in the world to officially tie the knot. Reason being, no blood test or waiting period is required, ceremonies and licenses are inexpensive, chapels are open around the clock, and just outside the doors, your honeymoon awaits.

Indeed, as the famed neon sign says to all: “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas.”

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A Bahamas vacation is what many of us think of when we dream of an island getaway. Pristine beaches, clear blue skies, glistening water, balmy weather, and a perfect breeze: All are the calling cards of the Bahamas. A destination for weekend trips, weddings, and family holidays, the Bahama Islands offers something for everyone and warmly welcomes all.

An Archipelago of Islands, Cays and ReefsComprised of nearly 700 islands and more than 2,000 cays, the Bahamas in the West Atlantic Ocean is located about 75 miles away from Florida’s Palm Beach. With a semitropical climate and average temperatures between 70°F-80°F in the winter and 80°F-90°F in the summer, the Bahamas is a go-to destination year-round.