Discovering Vietnam

One of the great things about travel is that there are always up-and-coming destinations to consider for your next vacation.  In the most recent survey of international travel trends, Vietnam was the top up-and-coming destination in Asia.  Here, bustling cities retain a touch of colonial influence, the countryside ranges from mountainous regions to sand dunes to lush rice paddies, and the long coastline hugs the shimmering South China Sea.

The urban center of southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, offers a poignant look at the difficult years of the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.  The memory of war is ever-present, but there's much more to explore along the wide, tree-lined boulevards laid out by French colonists.  There are hundreds of cinemas and live-performance theaters, a zoo and botanical garden, and lovely parks to explore.  Take one of the bicycle taxis to the Ben Thanh Market to browse the silks and souvenirs, and then relax at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park, which has its own beach.

Beginning just west of Ho Chih Minh City, The Mekong Delta is where the Mekong River branches into thousands of distributaries that empty into the South China Sea.  The beautiful area is a major producer of rice, fish and shrimp.  A sampan tour can take you to rice fields, floating markets, orchards, and workshops where rice is used to make paste, candy and paper.

The northern city of Hanoi is Vietnam's cultural center: be sure to catch a performance of puppetry, music or dance.  The streets and buildings of the city's Old Quarter are still home to many small artisans and merchants.  The French colonial influence can be seen in impressive buildings like the Grand Opera House, the presidential palace and the Hotel Metropole.  Try the flavorful cuisine which pairs delicate French croissant and pastries with famous Vietnamese dishes such as pho, a rice noodle soup available from hundreds of street-side, open-air restaurants.

Halong Bay is a popular side trip from Hanoi.  Painters and photographers are attached to the bay's emerald-green water and the 3,000 towers of limestone hat rise from it.  Some are hollow, with intriguing caves and grottos; others are large enough to form islands with their own lakes and beaches. 

To explore your options for discovering much more of Vietnam, talk with your travel professional

Up to the Highest Heights

Skyscrapers and towers around the world are becoming favored destinations for thrill seekers who want to feel the wind in their hair on the planet's tallest man made structures.  While you can't quite copy Tom Cruise's skyscraper-climbing stunts from "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol", you can take in incredible views from the inside - and outside - of some landmark buildings and towers.

The CN Tower, a communications and observation tower in Toronto, Ontario, held the title of the world's tallest freestanding structure from 1976 until 2010.  Last summer, the CN Tower Edge Walk opened as the world's highest full-circle, hands-free, outdoor walk. Visitors are tethered to an overheard rail system for a walk around the edge of the tower's main pod, 1,168 feet up in the air.

If the feeling of standing on nothing but air appeals to you, the Skywalk at Sydney Tower in Sydney, Australia, is an open-air, glass-floored platform 879 feet above the ground.  You may be mesmerized by the view through the bottom on the platform, but be sure to look around at the ocean to the east, the mountains to the west and the city itself.

Macau Tower in the former Portuguese colony of Macau, now part of China, has a variety of activities for adrenalin lovers.  Like the CN Tower Edge Walk, The Macau Tower's Skywalk X uses an overhead rail system for safety.  If Skywalk X isn't enough of a thrill, you can also bungee jump off the tower, or climb the exterior from the observation deck to the top of the mast.

As for skyscraper the Cruise scales in "Ghost Protocol", the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is now the tallest free-standing structure in the world, with more than 160 floors of offices, residences and hotel rooms.  Floor 124 features "At the Top", an outdoor observation deck that is the world's highest viewing platform.

To enjoy these or other sky-high urban experiences, talk with your travel professional.

Marvelous Croatia!!!

If you're looking for a gorgeous, historic European destination that still feels a little undiscovered, try Croatia.  Once part of Yugoslavia, Coratia fought a war for independence during the 1990s.  Today, this country on the the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea is peaceful, thriving, and welcoming more visitors each year.

The natural wonders of Croatia are remarkable diverse, beginning with the country's long and scenic coastline along the sparkling Adriatic.  There are more than a thousand islands off the coastline, where boaters and sun seeker flock in the summer. Inland, there are mountains, forests, waterfalls and thermal spas.

The inland city of Zagreb, bordered by mountains and rivers, is full of wooded parks, lakes and lovely gardens.  From the bountiful farmer's market in the historic Dolac quarter to the charming pavilions of Maksimir Park, there's a lot to explore in this capital city.  One of the loveliest sights in Zagred is actually a cemetery - Mirogoj Cemetery was designed by renowned architect Herman Bolle.


The centerpiece of the port city of Split is the palace of the ancient Roman Emperor Diocletain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You can spend an entire day exploring the remains of the palace, constructed in 305 AD. Or, focus on the city's museums, including the popular Archaeological Museum and the Maritime Museum.  For a stunning view, climb the bell tower of St. Duje, constructed in the 13th century.

The islands of Korcula and Hvar tempts visitors to hop a ferry from Split. Korcula has a rich history in the arts, and many visitors are thrilled to see the traditional Moreska sword dance.  Hvar is known for hillsides covered in pine forests, which make a lovely backdrop for vineyards, olive groves, and fields of lavender.

Have your camera ready in Dubrovnik- another UNESCO World Heritage Site where there are photo-worthy views everywhere you turn.  You can actually stand on top of walls constructed between the 13th and 16th centuries to protect the Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in the world.  You'll see the Sponza Palace, the Rector's Palace, Luza Square, and ancient towers and fortifications that have stood the test of time.

With so many fascinating places to explore, it's not wonder that we have nationally named Croatia s the top "up and coming" destination within Europe.  You can find out more about how you can enjoy Croatia's cities, seashore and natural wonder, talk with your travel professional.
Happy Travels!