One close to home is doing a rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. You don't see a TV or use telephone for a week. The water is lovely (go in July when it's warm of course) and the scenery spectacular. My Europe city is Rome. I love it. I'm from a small town, but Rome feels "homey." It has art, culture, entertainment, and SHOPPING. M.

You may want to check www.frenchwaterways.net <BR> <BR>You can't get more "special" than this ! <BR> <BR>Jean

Ireland!!! <BR>We went to Ireland, London and Paris this past summer and handsdown the food was the best in Ireland!! Better than Paris. I have always loved Ireland and have enjoyed the food but it had been 6 years since my last visit. Almost all our dinners were "gourmet"-even I was surprised. Thought Paris would beat the food-sorry folks, though the food was good in Paris-our best meals were in Ireland! And, for music-Ireland-always Ireland! <BR>Shadow <BR>

Dear family, <BR>if you haven't chosen yet the best place for your next year holiday, have a look at www.emmeti.it/Limoneto . it's in Sicily, and it's relly good. <BR>Enjoy <BR>Dora

We definitely concur with a lot of your listed heavenly locations[Okavango Delta(Botswana)Rome,Lake Lugano,London,Venice,Stockholm,Ngorongoro Crater(Tanzania),Alaska,Vancouver,Emerald Lake(B.C.),Prague,Pago Pago(American Samoa),Moorea(Tahiti),Auckland(New Zealand),Lizard Island (Austrailia)and Southern Thailand. However, when all is said and done,Naples,Florida and Waynesville,North Carolina(Great Smokies National Park area) are two of the most beautiful places in the whole world to call home!!! God bless America!

Please permit me to add my own best place -- Lago Maggiore. I know I've brought it up more than you might care to hear, but it is so very beautiful and quiet (if you stay in a tiny place like Gerra-Gambarogno).

The best place in the world is anywhere that is not inside a prison wall. Remember to count your blessing everyday that you are not imprisioned. Whether you are there due to your own mistakes or if you are imprisioned wrongfully, it is misery not to be free simply to walk on a street or a wooded trail. All you who are free remember to rejoice.

Sicily! This is really "heaven on earth". It's beautiful, romantic, with charming hotels, delicious food, a nice coast, cute little towns, wonderful and helpful people and lots to do for everyone (sun, beach, sports and lots of culture).

Lived in Europe and made 25+ trips back there. Been to Asia and the Pacific areas. Best place for me: Pacific Grove, California on the Monterey Peninsula. Hard to beat for great living and things to do. I still love Europe and will still be going back at the drop of a hat, but PG is best.

Sark, Channel Islands.

Ecuador--with a little bit of everything. Mountains, beaches, islands, volcanos, rainforest, waterfalls, lots and lots of hot springs, and even old cities full of beautiful churches. One of my favorites was the many lakes nestled in volcano craters--beautiful for boating or hiking.

1)*PARIS THE CITY OF LIGHTS! Ooh-la-la!Art.Architecture(monuments). History*. Palaces.Small villages.Antiques.Fabrics Cuisine.Charm @ Elegance.Dark chocolate and Latte.Simple dress code: dress in the dark; wear black from head to toe everyday! Paris is too amazing to attempt to define, it's a 'Must'.<BR>2) *Iceland Natures Respite! A "polar" opposite to Paris, but soooo Divine. Fresh air, clean living, seafood, fish stew, natures rugged terrain,Icelandic horses, waterfalls, lava beds,"outdoor" geo thermal swimming pools that entire families attend together daily in the dead of winter, The Blue Lagoon an (outdoor) geo thermal pool with an infinite capacity to awe and amaze even years after my only dip.

Maybe someone is still interested in this thread. I just gave it another look and saw Kate's vote for Sark, the Channel Islands. Kate, if you're still around, can you elaborate? J.

Venice, Italy. There really are no words. It is peaceful and unlike anywhere else.

Last year I spent my vacation in Brazil and fell in love with it. The cities don't have the grandeur or history of Europe, but the incredible warmth and friendliness of the people and the vibrancy of the nightlife makes it a treasure.

I think Puerto Vallarta Mexico is a wonderful place for all ages. The Mexican please are so friendly. The beach is beautiful. The town is very walkable.Alot of fun shopping or just hanging out.<BR>I also love Venice Italy. It is magical. Nothing beats going away from the tourist areas early in the morning. All the misty little canals. Heaven on Earth.<BR> Have a wonderful time...

any beach*paris*disneyland*universal*aix*barcelona*mad rid*lisbon*notre dame*brussels*athens*boston*new orleans*los angeles*san francisco*chicago*the lake district*bodiam castle*hamburg*amsterdam*tokyo*kyoto*sydney*melbou rne*prague*in the sea*in bed<BR><BR>

New Zealand! Where else on earth can you find such a range of natural wonders, wide open spaces, friendly people that speak English and costs that are about 40% of what they are state-side? Just imagine California with 35 million (yes, that's MILLION) people removed and only 3 million left!

Easy answer: Sibiu, Romania. Why? Check its web site www.sibiu.f2s.com and find out.

Based on 30 years of travel my favorites: In the U.S- Nantucket, Marthas Vinyard, Medocino Ca., San Francisco, Key West 20 years ago and before 25 cruise ships a week arrived.<BR>Europe: Amalfi Coast, stay at Positano-incredible; Rome; Bavaria; Lake Region-Italy- Bellagio is a gem; Kinsale, Ireland on a rainy day. Planning to go to Prague in Spring, seems to be favorite of many who have been there. Any comments on Prague appreciated.