Melbourne, Australia

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Melbourne is Australia's second-largest city, trailing only Sydney. Over three million people call Melbourne home, and the city's welcoming climate has attracted people from all over the world to this city on the southeast coast of Australia. Melbourne and Sydney enjoy a healthy rivalry, but even Sydney siders cannot argue that Melbourne is Australia's shopping king. If you have been saving up for a shopping armageddon,  this is your chance! Melbourne also boasts of some of the best restaurants, music, and fashion in the country. Much of Melbourne's boom can be attributed to the gold rushes of the 19th Century. Gold was found in the city's surrounding hills. The Ballarat and Bendigo gold rushes fueled the city's rise to prominence, as people from all over the world came to Melbourne to seek their fortune. In recent years, another wave of immigration has transformed the city into an international hub. The city can be easily broken up into smaller neighborhoods. You will most likely spend the majority of your time in the City Centre, an area bordered by Latrobe and Flinders Streets to the north and south, and Spring and Spencer Streets to the east and west. Chinatown is nearby, with Carlton to the north, where you'll find the University of Melbourne. The Yarra River runs through Melbourne, affording opportunities to stop for a picnic lunch along the banks. All in all, you'll find Melbourne to be one of Australia's most dynamic and diverse cities, with more than enough activities to keep you busy during your stay.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

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The word Jamaica conjures up strong images in everyone's mind. Whether it's visions of impeccable Caribbean beaches or the thought of smoke wafting away from Bob Marley's lips, this small island has made a large impression on the world's stage. Jamaica’s history is similar to that of other Caribbean islands. In 1494, Columbus sailed into Montego Bay and named it Fair Weather Bay. Soon after, the Spaniards came here to hunt wild hogs and export lard. The bay became known as Manteca Bay, (Manteca is Spanish for lard) and eventually, Montego Bay. Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba, and trails only its neighbors Cuba and the Dominican Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400 square miles. Inland, Jamaica is lush and green, with a mountain range that contrasts sharply with the coastline. Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis courts, and five-star restaurants. Mo Bay, as it is affectionately known, got its start as tourist destination in the early 20th Century. As early as 1908, the city advertised itself as a haven for weather-weary Americans, but it didn't catch on until the 1940?s, when the mineral springs of Doctor's Cove Beach started to attract the affluent traveling class. In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and arising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation. Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island paradise.

The City of Brotherly Love.

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This is surely the most historic city in the US. Designated the capital of the lands granted to William Penn by King Charles II, Penn regarded the colony he founded as a "holy experiment" and ensured that its laws respected religious freedom and liberal government. He named his capital after the Greek for "brotherly love," and designed it with wide streets to ensure that the havoc caused by London's winding maze during the Great Fire of 1666 would never occur here. His plan became the guide for most cities in the new nation.

Philadelphia quickly became the second largest metropolis in the British empire (London was first). Here is where opposition to British policy in the colonies was centered, and where colonial leaders met to plan their course of action. Here is where the Declaration of Independence was written, and here was the first capital of the new United States. Here is the birthplace of the Constitution of the United State of America, and here is the home of the Liberty Bell. Benjamin Franklin's efforts made this city a center for developments in the world of arts and science.

Philadelphia suffered five yellow-fever epidemics between the years of 1793 and 1820. Thousands died, but the experience led to the construction of the first city water system in the nation. The 19th century was also challenging for Philadelphia, as New York City superseded it as the nation's cultural, commercial and industrial center. Although the City of Brotherly Love has never recovered its earlier glory, it has restored its monuments, and is now considered among the nation's best in lifestyle and character.

Come to Philadelphia and make a little history of your own.

Cancun, Mexico

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Cancun is located right on the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in an area known as the “Mayan Riviera”. It has been made into one of the most high profile Mexican resorts ever. Cancun, Mexico is one of the top vacation destinations in the world as it basks under year-round warm sun. This crowded Mexican resort offers vacationer’s, water sports galore, as well dynamic entertainment that goes on until the wee hours. Add outstanding accommodations, gourmet restaurants, and terrific shopping, and you've got the ultimate escape, whether from the monotony or pressure of your job or from the cold weather in the north.

However, it is a great base for touring the Mayan ruins and is the home of the caret “little inlet” where ancient Mayans used to go to purify themselves in the “cenote” [natural water well or sink hole]. Xcaret is now an eco-archaeological park. About 120 km from Cancun is a natural wildlife park called Xel-Ha. Xel-Ha is a natural aquarium with what they call ,“kissing fish”. The fish are so friendly that they come up and kiss you.

Cancun is in the state of Quintana Roo which is composed of many lagoons, sandbars, and mangrove swamps, and is edged with coral reefs. Several islands lie off shore Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, and Contoy. The fifth largest reef in the world, the Belize Reef, extends from the tip of Isla Mujeres 250 kilometers south of the bay of Honduras. Many varieties of coral, including rare black coral which is found at great depths, grow in the hills and valleys of the often-deep reef that protects Quintana Roo.

In Cancun you can literally choose a pace and lifestyle to suit any frame of mind, from ultra-chic to funky laid-back beach bum. Cancun is a resort for everybody, from college students on a strict budget to the rich and famous from all over the world. The resort city has very exclusive hotels and some places for the economy minded. The sun is warm, the water is clear and the beaches welcome you.

Maui, Hawaii

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Named after the demigod that drew the Hawaiian Islands up from the ocean, Maui is known as the "Valley Isle". Legend says that Maui captured the Sun to make sure they had long days for the enjoyment of the people and visitors of these islands. Today it is said the sun resides in the beautiful mountains of Haleakala which are known as the "House of the Sun".

The stories about the beautiful waterfalls, the sun drenched beaches, the numerous water sports, the magnificent whales, the volcano, the golf, the luaus, the road to Hana, are all true. However everyone has heard about it. So, while you'll have a hard time finding a remote spot on the island, you won't be disappointed by the many wonderful and exciting things to do, no matter what time of year you go. Here you can immerse yourself in activities that accommodate visitors with all levels of experience and physical ability. Whether it's a vigorous hike through Haleakala Crater, a comfortable afternoon of whale watching on a comfy ocean-going vessel, snorkeling over an unbelievable tropical reef, or soaring through the air in a state-of-the-art helicopter, Maui's activity providers have everything you need to fully enjoy the Islands' unique natural environment.

Maui has incredible natural diversity ranging from rain forest to desert. But the island's relatively small size means most day trips are easy to handle even for families with small children. In fact, it is not unusual for a family to visit the 10,000 foot summit of Haleakala and snorkel on Maui's calm blue ocean waters on the same day!

Maui is the second largest island in the Hawaiian chain providing miles and miles of diverse cultures, climates, and landscapes. From the black, white, red, and gold sand beaches to the pastoral village of Heavenly Hana to the soaring sea cliffs and Seven Sacred Pools, Maui has something for everyone. It is no wonder that this sun-drenched island has been voted the "Best Hawaiian Island".

Hawaiian Airlines provides some comfort food all the way to your destination,

 including a complementary Mai Tai.

Traveling with Your Laptop

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If you are traveling for business or for pleasure and you own a laptop, the chances are you are going to want to bring it along. One of the biggest obstacles to most people working effectively on long flights is limited battery power. After all, whether you are working on a spreadsheet, a document, a presentation or even if you want to let your kids watch their favorite DVD, you can't do much with a limiting two hours of battery life. So how do you plan and what should you do?

First, figure out whether the plane on which you are flying has appropriate power ports. On most planes, if you are traveling in business or first class they will have power ports for you in every seat. The big question is coach/economy and whether or not the plane is newer. If you can, find out from the airline which type of aircraft on which you'll be flying. You can do this over the phone or online, for the most part. Then go to Seat Guru (www.seatguru.com) plug in the information and you'll be able to see if you are going to have power from the aircraft. This is obviously especially useful on longer flights across the country or transatlantic.

If you have access to a power port then you should be all set for the duration of the flight. If you find out from taking the steps above that you don't, you need to plan. First, assess what you have. If your laptop is newer you probably have a three hour battery, which may be sufficient for your needs. If you have a used laptop or a refurbished laptop, or just an older machine you may only have two hours of battery for use. Once you assess your power, then you'll need to make a decision about buying a backup battery. This would obviously double your powerless access and it may offer you some additional security as having spares of just about everything, including batteries, on hand usually works out to your benefit.

If you need to buy an additional battery, or a newer battery with longer life, one of the best places to hit is Power Plant (www.pwrplant.com). They have batteries and power supplies that work with a variety of laptops for very reasonable prices. This means you can have power from coast to coast which will offer plenty of time to map out all of those ideas or to run through as many Pixar movies as you need to stay sane while traveling.

Finally, if you are traveling and you need internet access, check out your airport's website and figure out whether or not they have WiFi. Some places will charge while others offer free wireless internet access. If you're older, used laptop or refurbished laptop doesn't yet have a wireless card, they are really inexpensive for the benefits you will gain. Some airlines are also introducing wireless internet on flights. Lufthansa Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA, Singapore Airlines and China Airlines are all taking advantage of the new Connexion by Boeing program. This program will be coming on more airlines soon so be sure to ask your carrier when they will be bringing it on board!

No matter your situation, there are ways to plan for laptop use and access on board your flight. You may as well make your flight as productive as possible!

Venice, Italy

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Venice is known as La Serenissima, or the Serene Republic. One look around the city will help you understand why. At first you may not recognize the absence of sound that fills your ears. But then it hits you - there are no cars here. As you walk down the middle of the street, you'll marvel at the beauty around every street corner. It seems like the entire city has been lifted straight out of a painting. There is nowhere else in the world where earth and water exist together so freely, with neither element trying to assert its dominance. Couples from all over flock to the world's most romantic city. Of course, the secret is out, and the throngs of tourists do detract from the city's pristine visage. During the summer, Piazza San Marco is teeming with people, so many in fact that it seems like the city will sink into the water that runs through it. In actuality, the city is sinking, at an average of five inches every twenty years. Unless something is done to keep Venice afloat, the city may join Atlantis at the bottom of the sea. Because Venice's fortunes are tied so closely to the sea, it must be noted that Venice loses some of its charm in the autumn months, when high tides flood some of the best parts of the city, including the city's center, Piazza San Marco. On the hottest summer days, the water begins to smell, despite the city's best efforts to keep its waterways clean. However, do not let these small inconveniences distract you from all of the good things Venice has to offer. This is the one location in the world where the city itself is the attraction. You can spend an entire day walking around and sitting outside, stopping for lunch or some gelato, and not step foot in a single attraction. You will still be enchanted, having experienced the most picturesque city in the world.