One of the first things I noticed when boarding my river cruise was the lack of lines. We got off the bus and walked up to the ship and boarded. Let me repeat that: we walked off the bus and boarded the ship. Those of you who have ever cruised will know what a big deal that is. Waiting in line for a cruise ship in Florida ports usually features thousands of people in line, bags everywhere off to be scanned before disappearing for several hours. We boarded the ship, met all the staff upon arrival and our bags were in our cabin within minutes, not hours. I think I could get used to this.

The cabin was beautiful with soft colors and light streaming in from the window overlooking the river. The room looked like it came out of a brochure for a small boutique European hotel. Granted, the bathrooms were small compared to what we expect in the US, but certainly not small compared to European bathrooms or other ships. They were stocked with large dispensers that have shower gel, liquid soap and shampoo. Thank goodness!

Life aboard the ship was wonderfully relaxing.  Just watching the scenery go by kept me entertained like many books fail to do. The landscapes and terrain of the area were so interesting. I was aboard in March with warm days and chilly nights. The greenery was just starting to peek out after the long winter. Trees were still stark and leafless, but grasses were starting to turn green. Because of the lack of leaves on the trees the hillsides were open, providing beautiful and clear landscapes–hillside after hillside of vineyards, farmers starting to till the land in preparation for the summer growing season.

Who would have thought Germany was so filled with vineyards? I thought of Germany as the far distant Aunt of Wisconsin, the land of brats and beer. These vineyards were something that I hadn’t expected. This was a cruise you could take three seasons of the year and it would look different to you each season; spring with arrival of the buds and greens of the fields, the vibrant colors of summer all in bloom, and just think of the wonderful colors and smell of fall! Truly a different experience for each season.

Days on board were spent in various ways. Many mornings I woke to find myself in a small town already docked in the center of the city with townspeople going about their normal daily activities. Never once during my entire trip did I ever hear “Hey Lady” when getting off the ship, taking a walk or joining the group tour. Breakfast could be taken at leisure before the walking tour of the town left in the small groups. These groups were never very big and were always easy to keep up with.  The Vox headset made it easy to hear the guide while still hearing the others in the group around me and still carrying a conversation. Often times I would break away from the group to spend a bit more time at something or to stop in a shop that piqued my interest. The towns were small and quaint and it was easy to always catch up with the group again or to join one of the other groups from the ship.

After exploring more of the town on our own we were back on the ship for lunch, and the River Princess slipped out of the town and down the Rhine River. Our afternoon was spent on deck as the ship sailed down the Rhine and listened to the cruise manager comment on the area of the Rhine Gorge. I hadn’t imagined seeing as many castles as we did just from the view of the ship. They looked so incredible up on the hillside and all so uniquely different, while made me stop and think about how things use to be when they were the bustling center of activity.

Dinners on board were spent with the friends I met during the day or more intimately if we preferred a table for two. It was my choice—no assigned seating. Meals had several menu choices, all prepared with a local touch or flair. If we requested something that is not on the menu, they were happy to accommodate. Lunch and dinner also came with local wine choices, which was a delightful touch and gave me the option to try some wines that I had never tasted.

Another thing that I hadn’t expected on the trip was just how many locks that the ship goes through on a 7-day trip. When I think of locks I of course think of the Panama Canal and also the locks in St. Paul, where I used to love to go in the summer to and watch the ships and boats go through. On our 7-day trip we went through 39 locks! We were going through locks even during the night. One night I woke up to complete blackness in the cabin and realized we were in the lock and outside of our window was the cement wall. Even going through the lock in the evening the ship was so smooth. No rocking, pitching or rolling, just smooth as silk as we sailed along.

Sadly our cruise came to an end too soon. Now I know why others book the longer cruises. It really is one of the most relaxing and enriching vacations I have been on, and I can’t wait to explore other areas on a Uniworld Cruise. Want more information on upcoming Uniworld itineraries? Let us know.

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for souvenirs. It all began at the tender age of six with thimbles and spoons, and has blossomed into something I can only describe as a controlled obsession.

Once, many years ago, my husband made the mistake of forbidding me to purchase the object of my desire: a handsome bronze doorknocker in a tiny little shop on a nondescript side street in Italy. I never forgot about it. After a full decade of “non-buyers remorse,” I actually forced him to fly back to Italy with me, to the very same spot, to buy the blasted thing. (It took us five days to find the shop and, though we miraculously found the VERY SAME doorknocker design, it had quadrupled in price. Needless to say, my husband doesn’t object to my purchases anymore.)

I know I’m not alone in believing one of the great joys of traveling is bringing home a token or two (or twelve) to help one remember the journey. And whether I’m scouring the shelves of a quaint knick-knack shop in Dublin, or perusing a packed market stall in Marrakech, the thrill of the hunt gives me a rush that would rival bungee jumping off the St. Louis Arch and then receiving a congratulatory smack on the lips from George Clooney.

In recent years, however, it has become trickier and trickier to find souvenirs that are exclusive to a particular locale. I once purchased what I thought was an antique letter opener at a market in Europe, only to find the same item at TJ Maxx a few weeks later. Ouch. Which begs the question, how does a person track down an amazing, authentic travel memento? There are no guarantees, of course, but you can improve your chances of success by following a few simple suggestions:

Do your homework: Surf the web (or email any contact you might have at your destination—even a hotel concierge) before you depart to get the skinny on local shopping markets, festivals and street fairs. Gatherings like these are hotbeds for vendors who sell locally produced goods. For kicks, check out this list of the top 10 European markets.

Ask around: If you see someone decked out in interesting local attire or accessories, ask the person where they bought them. Or if you see another traveler holding an intriguing purchase, don’t be shy– approach and inquire. Most people are thrilled to spread the word about a find.

Barter: Depending on where you travel, you might have something worth trading. Levi’s jeans and American sports team apparel are coveted (and very expensive) in certain parts of the world, and items as simple as pencils and packaged snacks are appreciated other areas. A hand-sculpted ocarina might set you back a mere package of Oreos. Or you might score a locally woven tapestry in exchange for a gently loved Tebow jersey. The possibilities are intriguing, indeed.

Support Local Artisans: I once lucked upon a sale of student art at the port in Dubrovnik. (The unframed canvases were literally laid out on the concrete next to the boats.) I walked away with a one-of-a-kind, budget-friendly painting that brings back great memories every time I look at it.

Think outside the souvenir stand: Some of my most interesting finds have come from neighborhood grocery stores, hardware stores and pharmacies. Another country’s domestically produced packaged goods and beauty products make great, cost-effective take-homes and gifts. (As long as they’re legal to bring back to the U.S., of course.*)

*Which brings me to my next topic: keeping our friends at U.S. Customs from putting us on the naughty list. Every devout souvenir seeker has a responsibility to familiarize him or herself with the laws regarding importing foreign goods. If the U.S. Customs Department homepage isn’t on your list of frequented sites, no worries: I’ll be covering the basics in my next post. If, however, you simply can’t wait, feel free to contact your Travel Beyond consultant.

Few places in the world can be identified by a single, iconic photograph. Egypt with its Great Pyramids. China with its Great Wall. Peru with its sites at Machu Picchu. And for those who truly appreciate travel, photographs such as those innately provoke a desire to explore. To learn about and appreciate the lives and traditions of those who came before us. To inhale the beauty of the landscape and the mystique of its being.

For those travelers who yearn for something a bit different, something magical, something in which few others have photographs to share, we take you on the journey to Easter Island.

An Abundance of Historic Richness

Claimed to be the most remote inhabited island in the world (more than 1,200 miles lie between it and the nearest inhabited place), Easter Island was so named in 1722 when the Dutch mariner Jacob Roggeveen arrived there on Easter Sunday. It was later re-named Rapa Nui (Big Island) by western mariners during the 19th century because of its similarity to Rapa Iti Island, located far to its west. For most, it’s the Easter Island name that seemed to stick.

However, long before these explorers set sail in the Pacific Ocean, skilled Polynesian mariners had ventured far into the expanses to explore and colonize even the most remote places – Easter Island among them.

Once settled, the Polynesian people established the Rongorongo, their system of hieroglyphic script, and one of their most noteworthy developments – the Moai. These statues, believed to have been built between 1100-1680 AD, were hand chiseled from volcanic rock and took a team of 5-6 men nearly a year to complete just one sculpture. Nearly 900 Moai have been inventoried over the centuries.

The statues, each reflecting a male’s head and torso, played a significant part in the lives of local people. Built as a means to worship their ancestors, Moai were believed to possess the special powers of mana, the sources of wealth, prestige and legitimacy for the ruling class. Today, visitors to Easter Island can observe more than 100 of the Moai still standing.

A Proud But Diminishing Culture

The inhabitants of Easter Island, known as the Rapanui, are proud of their origins. And, because they experienced extreme loss of life early in their island living, the elders knew they would rely on generations to come to carry on their traditions. Today, with such few Rapanui people in the world (a recent census of Easter Island revealed less than 4,000 residents, only 60% of which are of Rapanui origin), it’s more important than ever to share and preserve their cultural roots.

The relatives of those early inhabitants still preserve many of the original forms of culture through local cuisine, sports, dances (such as the Sau-sau and the Tamure), music, ceremonies, and craftwork. One of the most engaging displays of culture still actively used today is their language – vananga.

Those seeking the best ways to experience the Rapanui’s local culture first-hand should visit the island during Tapati. This 10-day festival takes place each year in late January through early February. Throughout the celebration, two teams compete against each other to determine who will be the “queen” of the island for the coming year. The competition brings these two clans together to race on banana logs through the island slopes, battle it out in surfing and canoe contests, share their skills at traditional song and dance and much more.

Extending Beyond Easter Island

Technically part of Chile, Easter Island is 2,200 miles west of the Chilean mainland. Lan Airlines is the only airline that offers flights to the Island. Depending on the season, there are 4-7 flights going each week to/from the gateway of Santiago.

Many visitors exploring Easter Island couple the trip with an inland excursion in Chile. While the country could offer weeks, even months, of independent adventures, pairing it with Easter Island is a great way to see at least one of the country’s vast regions.

The Atacama Desert is one of Chile’s most unique land formations. This 600-mile strip of land west of the Andes on the Pacific coast is considered the driest desert in the world. Visitors often enjoy evenings in Moon Valley, the Tatio Geysers, the altiplanics lagoons and amazing archeological tours.

For those who prefer a more diverse setting, the Patagonia region, stretching from Valdivia to Cape Horn South America, is like no other. Offering an amazing mix of fjords, channels, valleys, glaciers and much more, any nature lover would be sure to swoon over the breathtaking vistas.

If the islands of Polynesia are more your flavor, Easter Island is a great side trip on the way to Tahiti, Bora Bora and other exotic, beautiful locations in the South Pacific. Lan Airlines offers two flights a week to/from Papete (Tahiti). The combination makes for a perfect cultural experience followed by a little R&R on the beach.

For more information about Easter Island, Chile or the Islands of Polynesia, contact us.

A recent episode of JEOPARDY! featured a category with video clues filmed in South Africa. Knowledgeable about South African wildlife? Test your skills by watching the video below. Make sure to check out our South Africa itinerary designed exclusively for the show.

Whether you’re a foodie, cultural junkie, wine lover, shopper, or adventure traveler, there is one city in the world that must definitely be on your bucket list – Cape Town, South Africa. Known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Cape Town’s charm resides in the diversity of its activities, restaurants and environment.

Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and striking land formations on the southwestern point of the African continent, Cape Town lies in the shadow of Table Mountain, towering 3,563 feet above the city and harbor. The central part of the city faces north, toward Table Bay, and is cradled by the iconic Table Mountain (to the south), Lion’s Head and Signal Hill (to the west) and Devil’s Peak (to the east).

Visiting the stunning plateau of Table Mountain is essential for any traveler, but be sure to plan ahead. Clouds frequently roll in, and it’s off limits in cloudy weather. Take advantage of clear skies early in your trip so you don’t miss this amazing site. The easiest way to get to the top of the mountain is to ride the Table Mountain Cable Car. Once at the top, you’ll be able to soak up amazing vistas and hike some of the many trails that meander across the peak.

One of the most visible sites from high atop Table Mountain is Robben Island. This popular tourist attraction is where Nelson Mandela spent almost 20 years as a political prisoner. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is open to group tours by boat.

On the slopes of Table Mountain is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, home to 4,500 species of indigenous flora, including several types of protea and prehistoric cycads. In addition to the unique trees, plants and flowers, Kirstenbosch is a great spot for bird watching. Visit on a Sunday for seasonal sunset concerts and craft markets highlighting the local styles and cultures that make Cape Town distinct.

The Glorious Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

One of Cape Town’s most lively areas is located just north of City Centre, along the harbor – Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, this shopping and entertainment district is similar to those found in many U.S. cities but with flair all Cape Town’s own. The renovated warehouses have a range of shopping options and several activities (Two Oceans Aquarium, the boats to Robben Island, the Telkom Exploratorium, an IMAX cinema and more). It’s also a great place to go for some nightlife fun – many glamorous bars, world-famous restaurants and luxurious hotels sprinkle the area.

Those who love to shop may want to take advantage of the treasures found at the waterfront and in other parts of Cape Town. The value of the South African Rand makes the area one of the more affordable places to pick up African souvenirs and artwork. Semiprecious stones, gold and diamonds are reasonably priced and beadwork, woodcarvings, baskets and woven runs are some of the most popular hand-made crafts available.

Exploring the Cape

After you’ve shopped, explored and eaten your way through the city, plan to spend some extended time in the surrounding areas. At the top of the “must see” list is a driving tour of the Cape itself.

The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is a sprawling 17,300 acres, home to wild antelope, ostriches and baboons, easily viewable from your car. Once you reach Cape Point, be sure to take the funicular (cable railway) from the parking area up to the viewing platform. The vantage point from this majestic spot is breathtaking.

Many visitors to the Cape Town area are aware of one of the region’s most popular residents – the penguins. As you continue your drive around the Cape, plan a stop at Boulders Beach to photograph these birds wandering freely in a protected natural environment.

A City Worth Meeting

Table Mountain, The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and the famous penguins of Boulders Beach barely scratch the surface of Cape Town’s splendor. Alive with storied African history, prominent European influences and thriving modern development, Cape Town’s future is full of promise. Whether you’re a city lover who craves the shopping, dining and cultural experiences or a nature lover who longs for the flora, wildlife and awe-inspiring vistas, be sure Cape Town is on your travel wish list.

Excursions from Cape Town

If possible, allow time on your itinerary to soak up other amazing draws of this region of South Africa. Here are a couple of our favorites:

The Winelands

South Africa is home to some of the world’s best wines – many of which are produced within a 2-hour inland drive from Cape Town. One of the most popular driving tours follows the Stellenbosch Wine Route, a beautiful 45-minute drive from the city.

If time allows, continuing on to Franschhoek is well worth the trip. These quaint towns offer amazing dining options, a wide range of wine tasting opportunities and local shopping experiences – all set within the stunning hills and valleys of wine country.

The Garden Route

This stretch of beautiful coastline winds its way for 125 miles via George, Wilderness, Sedgefield and Knysna on to Plettenberg Bay. The journey culminates at the Tstisikamma Forest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.
There are many side trips and activities you can take advantage of along the route. Scuba diving, bungy jumping, golfing, whale watching, fishing and hiking are just a few activities that are easily available. If a little side adventure is what you’re looking for, try the Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, surfing at Jeffries Bay or a safari in Shamwari Reserve.

For more information on Cape Town or other international destinations, contact us.

The following towns, cities and villages probably aren’t on your list of “must see” destinations, but perhaps they should be. (It would be pretty fun just to say you’ve been there.)

Disappointment, Kentucky
Can Do, North Dakota
ii, Finland
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
Dollarbeg, Scotland
Fart, Virginia
Boring, Oregon
Slackbottom, Yorkshire U.K.
My Large Intestine, Texas
Odd, West Virginia
Tightwad, Missouri
Wagga Wagga, Australia
Embarrass, Minnesota
Six Mile Bottom, Newmarket U.K.
Naked City, Indiana
Frenchman’s Butte, Canada
No name, Colorado
Beer Bottle Crossing, Idaho
Bra, Italy
Plain City, Utah
Poopoo, Hawaii
Sexi, Peru
And finally…

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, Wales

Roughly translated, the name means “St. Mary’s Church in the Hollow of the White Hazel Near to the Rapid Whirlpool of Llantysilio of the Red Cave.”

The name originated in the nineteenth century as a means of transforming the community into a center of tourism. Creative? Yep. But they still didn’t win the award for length. That title goes to…

Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, New Zealand

If you’re not quite ready for Disappointment (or in the mood for Boring), let our consultants help you discover amazing destinations that won’t be so Odd.

No one would deny this hasn’t exactly been the harshest winter Minnesota has ever seen. In fact, those who enjoy winter sports, activities and the beauty of the snow are feeling a little shorted this season. In honor of those winter lovers and the adventure travelers who await ideas for their next expedition, we thought we’d share an intriguing and mysterious destination – The Arctic.

Ice, ice and more ice

For most, the Arctic is synonymous with glaciers, icebergs, ice formations and anything else to do with living in, on or under the ice. And for good reason. The central Arctic Ocean is ice covered year round, and snow and ice are present on land for most of the year.

The Arctic is a region located at the northernmost part of the Earth. It consists of the Arctic Ocean and parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, the United States, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

For those travelers curious to visit this northern tundra, the area is home to some of the world’s most sought-after animal viewing – polar bears, arctic fox, walrus, seals, whales, reindeer – and equally beautiful and interesting land and ice formations ever to behold.

A Journey Worth the Trip

Without doubt, getting to the Arctic is an expedition in itself. But the journey there is a large part of the experience. Most people travel first to Norway where they’ll board an expedition ship (most carry less than 200 passengers). These ships are ice-class vessels, which specialize in travel through ice sheets and formations. However, like many typical cruise ships, they provide luxury cabins, dining areas, fitness centers and other amenities.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of these expedition cruises is the staff on board. Naturalists, photography instructors, undersea specialists (who operate an underwater video camera to share sightings under the surface) and historians (whaling history runs deep here) are just a few of the professionals on board to ensure passengers soak up and experience everything imaginable.

The ships head north, following Norway’s majestic fjord-carved coastline with thousands of islets. Each fjord is different from its neighbor, showcasing roaring waterfalls, granite cliffs and tiny local villages that literally cling to the steep sides of the fjord walls.

Just 350 miles north of Norway’s mainland lies the Svalbard Archipelago, a wilderness region of massive icebergs, deep fjords, ice-capped mountains, and the masters of the Arctic – polar bears. Only 600 miles from the North Pole, Svalbard is the best place on earth to observe polar bears in their natural habitat: on the pack ice.

Many of the expedition ships also carry small, more mobile zodiacs and kayaks so travelers can easily disembark the main ship and get out on the water to further explore the surroundings.

The elusive ‘Ice Bear’

Often called the ice bear, polar bears are meeting difficult challenges in today’s changing global climate. Experts estimate there are as few as 20,000 of these magnificent animals left in the world and in 2008, The US Department of the Interior listed the polar bear as a Threatened Species. As the Arctic continues to warm and their ice homelands melt, researchers fear polar bears could disappear by mid-century.

“Now is definitely the time to witness these amazing animals in their natural habitat,” says Craig Beal of Travel Beyond. “The expedition ships provide an awe-inspiring way to experience them. Whether it’s on floating ice bergs, swimming in the Arctic waters as they hunt or scaling the ice-capped mountains, there are few things that compare. And, unfortunately, we worry that time is running out to see them.”

Clearly polar bears are built for the cold weather. They are insulated by two layers of fur and a thick layer of fat to help keep them warm. Their small ears and tail help prevent heat loss. Ironically, they have more problems with overheating than they do from the cold (especially when they run).

These ice bears grow to staggering sizes. Adult males typically weigh in at 775 to 1,200 pounds and often reach more than 10 feet tall when standing on their hind legs. Adult females are smaller, normally weighing 330 to 650 pounds.

Beyond the Bears

As mentioned, the Arctic surroundings are home to other wonderful wildlife and sea life viewing. However, there is a natural phenomenon that occurs in this part of the world that is a visual experience like no other – the Midnight Sun.

During the summer months in the Arctic, given fair weather, you can see the sun for a continuous 24 hours. The duration of the midnight sun depends on how far north you are. For example, in the northern islands of Svalbard, the sun shines continuously from April 20 to August 22. One hundred twenty-four days of zero darkness! Most areas in Northern Norway experience the midnight sun from mid-May to mid-July.

The Svalbard Islands

Many visitors looking to experience the Arctic often find themselves visiting the northern islands of Svalbard (meaning cold coasts). Consisting of nine main islands, nearly 65 percent of the surface of Svalbard is protected – three nature reserves, six national parks, 15 bird sanctuaries and 1 geo-topical protected area.

More than 60 percent of the total land mass is covered by glaciers and snowfields. In fact, the world’s third largest glacier, Austfonna, lies on Svalbard. In size, this icecap of 124 miles follows only Antarctic and Greenland.

So whether you’re interested in the history of whaling, seeing the Midnight Sun or experiencing the majesty of the ice bear, Norway and the islands of Svalbard might just be the trip for you.

For more information about expeditions to the Arctic, contact us.

By Kim Bercaw

Pretty much every country around the globe has a strange law or two (or fifty) on the books, and all of these have one thing in common: They apply to locals and travelers alike. Kooky or not, familiarizing yourself with the statutes below might just save you a night in the Swiss slammer or the Peruvian pokey. (If any of these laws are actually enforced, that is.) If you have a thing for breaking laws, this information could prove useful on your next vacation, though we generally do not recommend attempting to get arrested in a foreign country.

In Switzerland it’s illegal to flush the toilet after 10:00 p.m.

In Singapore, if you’re caught littering three times, you’ll be sentenced to pick up the city’s refuse while wearing a sign around your neck that says, “I am a litterer.”

In Cambodia it’s illegal to use water guns in New Year’s celebrations.

In Australia it’s illegal to wear hot pink pants after noon on Sunday.

In Canada you may not pay for a fifty-cent item with only pennies.

In France, a pig may not be named “Napoleon.” Also in France, it’s illegal to kiss on railways.

In Germany, a pillow can be considered a weapon.

In Israel it is forbidden to bring your bear to the beach.

On a slightly more serious note, your Travel Beyond consultant is a great resource for familiarizing you with local cultures and customs. Making sure you’re wearing proper attire is a common consideration when traveling someplace new, as is social grace and etiquette.

If you have any funny stories or questions please share them below. A helpful Travel Beyond consultant will be glad to help.

Source: www.dumblaws.com

Toothbrush? Check. Underwear? Check. Trip insurance? (Confused silence.) If an insurance plan isn’t at the very top of your travel essentials checklist, you’re not alone. According to the U.S. Travel Insurance Association, a mere 30 percent of us say “yes” to this type of coverage. Shocking, considering how unpredictable life can be. Just last spring my family was headed for a week of bliss in the West Indies when our connecting flight from Atlanta to Provodenciales was unexpectedly cancelled. Had we skipped the travel coverage, we would have found ourselves on a flight home, crying into our complimentary bag of pretzels. Instead, we were able to re-book to a new destination on the spot and received full refunds for our original hotel reservations AND our pre-purchased island excursions. Relief? Let’s just say there was some spontaneous dancing going on that day at the customer service counter.

A typical plan averages five to seven percent of your total trip cost, which is small in comparison to the potential loss of nonrefundable hotel rooms, flights and activities.  I usually choose my plan based on:

• The likelihood that one of my kids will come down with a croupy, vomitous scourge three hours before we depart (58%)
• The chances of my travel dates inadvertently coinciding with an elderly relative’s 100^th birthday celebration (12%)
• The odds of me incurring serious bodily injury halfway through the trip because I can’t resist cliff diving or swimming with killer jellyfish or engaging some other ridiculous activity I would never in my right mind do at home (25%)

You, of course, will have your own unique reasons for choosing a plan. Here are some common types of coverage:

Trip cancellation
Trip interruption
Medical coverage
Evacuation coverage
Baggage coverage
Flight insurance

Interestingly, there’s also:

Golf course closure coverage
Work-related cancellation coverage
Student coverage
Hurricane coverage

You can even purchase insurance that allows you to cancel your trip FOR ANY REASON. It would be really pathetic if you backed out of a vacation because your bunion was acting up or because of a bad hair day, but isn’t it great to know you COULD?

If the above coverage options seem a bit overwhelming, never fear. Your Travel Beyond consultant will be more than happy to help you pick out just the right plan.

Among all the countries in Europe, few have the allure and mystique of France. Perhaps it’s the culture and excitement of Paris, or the beauty of the vineyards along the countryside. Maybe it’s the glitz of the French Riviera or the awe-inspiring views of its many coastlines. No matter what it is that piques your interest in this region of Europe, few would dispute it’s worth every ounce of emotion.

More than 80 million people visit France each year. If you’ve been there, you know why. The diversity of its landscape, the cultural richness of its cities and the heritage of its museums, castles and countryside is unparalleled. So even if you’ve been to France once or twice, there’s no doubt it’s left you wanting even more.

Exploring Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrenees Region

While you’re most likely to fly to Paris on your way into the country (and you should!), escaping the city to explore the various regions of France is a must (there are 27 regions in all).

One of the less explored regions is the Midi-Pyrenees, in specific, its capital of Toulouse, located in southwestern France. A 5-1/2 hour TGV (“fast train”) ride from Paris, the journey gives witness to some of the most scenic farmlands and vineyards in the country. If flying is preferred, there are many direct flights each day from Paris to Toulouse that take less than 1-1/2 hours.

You’ll arrive in the hills of Toulouse, which is the fourth largest city in France. It’s located 425 miles south of Paris, merely 70 miles from the Pyrenean ski stations, and is about half way between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Nicknamed La Ville Rose (the pink city) because of the pinkish tinge to most of the buildings, Toulouse is built on an ancient Roman settlement. Because of that history, many of its buildings, bridges and river walks described below make the city a true spectacle.

The Garonne River and Canals

The city, built directly on the Garonne River, has spent decades building and rebuilding bridges and roads to protect the canals and surrounding area. Today, travelers can enjoy their beautification throughout the city.

Canal du Midi

This waterway, the oldest canal in Europe that is still in use, is a World Heritage Site. Tree-lined walking paths run along the canal, perfect for a peaceful afternoon stroll.

The Saint-Sernin Basilica

For travelers passionate about architecture, this 11th century Romanesque brick masterpiece is in the form of a crucifix with vaulted ceilings, radiating chapels and a breath-taking bell tower.

Capitole de Toulouse

Serving as the heart of the municipal administration of Toulouse,today the Capitole de Toulouse houses the city hall, the Théâtre du Capitole de Toulouse opera company and the Salle des Illustres, which contains many 19th century works of art.

Pont Neuf

Also known as the Pont de Pierre and Grand Pont, this 16th century stone arch bridge crosses the Garonne River. Its construction dates back to 1544.

Hôtel d’Assézat

The grandeur of this 16th century Renaissance palace is easy to relish outside and in (the courtyard alone is stunning). Among the sites inside is the Bemberg Foundation art gallery.

Add to this list the many other significant churches and museums (including Les Jacobins monastery church, Les Abattoirs modern arts museum, Georges Labit Museum featuring Asian arts and Egyptian antiquities, and Les Augustins art museum) and it’s hard to deny the deep sense of culture and history Toulouse has to offer.

A Modern Flair to This Historic City

Although it has wonderful heritage, Toulouse and the surrounding region is actually an interesting yin-yang blend of old and new, historic culture and modern-day innovation. In fact, according to Newsweek, Toulouse ranked as the fifth most dynamic city in the world in 2006.

So what gives balance to the Roman heritage that makes it so dynamic? Throughout the past 20 years, Toulouse has become a center for aviation, electronics, information technology and biotechnology. More than 35,000 of the inner-city’s 400,000 citizens work in the civil aviation or space industries alone. Airbus / EADS has its headquarters and several assembly lines here, making it the largest employer in the region.

The popularity and interest in space and aviation led Toulouse to build The Cité de l’espace (City of Space) in 1997. This “theme park” type attraction is home to full-scale models of the Ariane 5 rocket and Mir space station, a planetarium, an IMAX cinema and 250+ interactive exhibits.

So whether you’re a newcomer or veteran traveler to France, exploring some of the quieter, less ventured regions of the country could be a rewarding, educational and relaxing way to spend a vacation.

Side Trips from Toulouse

Luchon and the Pyrenees – Truly a blend for adventure travelers and those seeking a bit of relaxation. This mountain town tucked up in the foothills of the Pyrenees is most known for its thermal springs, laid back attitude and slower pace of life. For active travelers, this window into the Pyrenees offers an amazing place to ski, bike (the Tour de France runs through Luchon), hike, rock climb, parapont (hang glide) and much more. Luchon is only 12 miles from the Spain border, which opens up another world of great cultural experiences.

Pilgrimage to Lourdes – About two hours West of Toulouse lies the beautiful town of Lourdes, most known for the appearances of Our Lady of Lourdes (Virgin Mary) to Bernadette Soubirous and various miraculous healings. In addition to the Our Lady of Lourdes statue and the surrounding grotto, the small city (15,000 residents) has much to offer by way of history and architecture, including the Basilica of the Rosary, Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and Lourdes Castle. If time allows, continue your venture up through Pau and to the western coastline of France to soak up some of its beautiful beach towns.

Small Towns of the French Riviera – A 5 to 7-hour car ride (depending on your route and final destination) to the east of Toulouse is the famed French Riviera, located on the French coast of the Mediterranean Sea. While well known for the glitz and glamor of the Cannes Film Festival, St. Tropez and Monaco, some may prefer exploring the less discovered, quaint towns such as Grasse (home of the perfume industry and amazing views of the coast), Biot (famous for its pottery and glass blowing) and Eze (described as an eagle’s nest because of its location high atop a cliff).

For more information about this region of France, or your other travel adventures, contact us.