If someone asked you to recommend one place to visit, what would it be & why? We always need new insight & information.

Even though I'm a Francophile--Paris in particular--I'd have to say Rome in May--for its richness in the art and architecture of Western civilization; its glorious fountains, its street life 24 hours a day and its wonderful gelato!

Linda, <BR>My response would be dictated by the interests of the questioner. If interested in art, I'd recommend Florence or Paris for their museums; if interested in fine dining, Belgium; if interested in experiencing the varied cultures of Europe, I'd recommend Switzerland with its German, French and Italian heritages, all confined to a relatively small geographic area that's blessed with magnificent scenery. If interested in history, I'd recommend the former capitals of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna and Budapest with trips to Prague and Bucharest. For scenery, Switzerland again and the fjords of Norway. For vibrant city life, London; for a medieval city, Brugges, Belgium. For an opportunity to "meet the natives", other than those persons involved in serving the tourist community, I'd recommend any of the harvest festivals of Switzerland, Germany or France and particularly those of Belgium, Europe's most underrated country.

Nice challenge, Linda. I've lived in France and have seen many countries, but the one place I yearn most to see again is Luxor on the Upper Nile in Egypt. If you've been in awe of an ancient cathedral such as Notre Dame, then imagine the temples and cities built by the pharoahs 4000 years earlier and on a phenomenally grander scale. I'm not talking about the pyramids which are on the Lower Nile. They're older, but too touristy and there's not much architecture to them. I'm talking about the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, the Ramesseum of Rameses II, the Temple of Hatsepshut, and the Valleys of the Kings and Queens. They're mind-boggling, mysterious, incredible, romantic. You just stand there and ask yourself, how can this be? <BR>Virtually as important is the fact that the Egyptian people are the friendliest I've met on four continents; a gentle, smiling, and gracious people. Would a group of a dozen American teen-agers all get up and offer you their seats on a bus? Egyptians will. <BR>I could go on and on, but that's the place! <BR>

That's a toughie. But, as a 20th century history buff, I would have to say Berlin, Germany. It certainly reflects the past century--both bad and good. From the ancient ruin rebuilt in a museum to Olympic Stadium, where Jesse Owens ran, to Brandenburg Gate to Potsdam. Then, the Cold War--with the most impressive Checkpoint Charlie Museum, Templehof Airfield, part of the Wall, the architectural differences between east and west. Add to that the friendly people, good food, nightlife, concerts, art. Berlin is just a great city.

Although I absolutely loved Paris and Prague, the ONE place (country?) would be Italy, specifically the Tuscany Region....now, there is a place that truly has EVERYTHING. <BR>

Hawaii was paradise in May if you like nature - beautiful, exotic flowers blooming everywhere, unusual birds, magnificent rainbows and the most friendly people in the world. We visited 4 islands. Hope to return to at least 2 - Maui and Kauai. The most memorable highlight was a bike tour down a dormant volcano in Maui. Hawaii brings you closer to "paradise" <BR>

<BR>I haven't been everywhere (yet) and <BR>I too would want to know a traveler's interests. If I had to pick one place blindly I'd have to say Venice. It has art, history, and architecture for those who are interested. It has great <BR>shopping and locally-made treasures.It has good food. The people are pleasant. And it has a unique charm, obviously unusual structure, and indescribable ambience,that makes being there an extraordinary experience, even if all you want to do is linger in cafes all day. <BR>sigh. <BR>elaine

All the cafes and cathedrals in this world can't hold a candle to the Grand Canyon. Two billion years of time, carved by water and wind, pristine yet timeless. Drift along on its placid waters, then hang on for dear life as you dash through thundering rapids. Sleep under the stars on its sand bars. And realize how tiny and temporary we all are. The Grand Canyon lives on, and we are only its fleeting guests.

I agree with Elaine! Venice is a fabulous place. I was there in May and wished I had made a few more days than I did. And I would have to choose Italy for its many wonderful sights, sounds, cafes, people, history, etc.

I agree with AL. Nothing compares to the Grand Canyon, words can not describe its beauty. It is absolutely breath taking. My husband and went there and packed a picnic. We didn't talk for over an hour, we were mesmerized.

I agree with AL. Nothing compares to the Grand Canyon, words can not describe its beauty. It is absolutely breath taking. My husband and went there and packed a picnic. We didn't talk for over an hour, we were mesmerized.

I have a tendency to answer like Wes. It does depend on what you want in a way. However, I think there are some places that are so different or so special that they can fit this category. I will limit myself to places I have visited. I have yet to go to Italy, Australia, Egypt, Yosemite National Park, and England - some of the places that could offer some competition. Honorable mentions for me are Prague, Vienna, Hong Kong, Chartres, Hawaii, and the Swiss Alps (3rd on my list). Beijing finishes a second - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the history, and most of all the Chinese people make it one of the true must-see places on Earth. My number 1 is one that I think a lot of travellers would answer for this question ---- PARIS. I think Wes put together a good list for history, but Paris should be in that list too - all the Revolutions, Joan of Arc, Louis XIV and the rest, Napoleon, the World Wars, and of course all the great artists and writers - perhaps only Vienna and London can match it for modern European history. The architecture is stunning, there are museums for practically anything or anyone who ever existed, the art collection is matched only by Florence, it is an easy city to explore, it is a very vibrant place, and the food is magnifique. I could spend years in Paris and never see and do it all.

#1 is Paris. I love it, and I can't imagine that everyone wouldn't also. If I were asked by an intrepid traveller, I would have to go afield like Joel. My pick would be the south of Morocco: Marrakesh, the High Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara. <BR>Paris because it's...well...Paris. Museums, the views of Notre Dame or the Eiffel Tower, the food, the ambience, the, oh well, FRENCHNESS of it all. And Morocco because it shakes you from your complacency and fills your eyes with sights that your brain can't hold and smells that stir something ancient in your soul.