panama (and we don't mean "spring break city," florida). this tiny country of just over three million people has successfully dodged the tourism boom that is all too familiar in nearby costa rica, but it is slowly making a name for itself as the next must-see destination in latin america. panama boasts a geography similar to costa rica with rain forests, beaches and mountain villages yet traveling there remains relatively inexpensive. adventurous types should check out isla taboga, the island of flowers, which is an hour-long ferry ride from bustling panama city. on the island there are no cars but plenty of clear waters along with flower-lined paths and nature trails.
hotel vereda tropical, located on a hillside on isla taboga with a spectacular view of panama city is a steal at just $70/night. the best time to visit panama is during their summer, from december to april.
paris. "the chief danger about paris," t.s. eliot wrote to a friend, "is that it is such a strong stimulant." paris has long been a haven to writers, artists and lovers of all things cultural. it is a city that offers something for everyone--from the fledgling fashion designer to an aspiring architect. spend no less than five days in this city to immerse yourself in the parisian way of life. while you're sure not to miss the eiffel tower, notre dame, the louvre and paris opera house, also look into the less touristy side of town. instead of going broke at dior and chanel on avenue montaigne, discover emerging talent in the haut-marais--a newer and edgier fashion and design center. you can stay at l'hotel du petit moulin, which sits in the middle of this burgeoning design scene, where the 17 rooms were conceived by christian lacroix and start around 180 euros for the night.
while in paris, don't miss the marche aux puces st-ouen de clignancourt (or paris flea market). showcasing everything from provencal cookware to oriental rugs, baroque mirrors and creepy 19th-century dolls, the experience alone is worth fighting the crowds through the 3,000 open stalls. the flea market opens around 9am, and it is said 80% of the best stuff is sold in the first 30-45 minutes, so get there early with comfortable shoes and get ready to dig for the treasure of your life.napa valley. sit back, relax and enjoy a glass of wine (or two...or three...) while nestled among the pines and oaks of northern california's napa valley. take a trip with your special someone and make this one count by checking into the calistoga ranch. all the lodges are freestanding bungalows with outdoor fireplaces. the property has its own vineyard and label and even allows guests to get juicy as they join in harvesting, pruning and crushing. high season in wine country is may - october, when you're sure to be greeted by wedding parties and wine enthusiasts crowding the hotels. a better bet is to visit in march or april when the weather is a bit unpredictable, but the cheaper room rates and smaller crowds are worth the gamble.
of course, no trip to wine country would be complete without a visit to french laundry, where the 100-page wine list will leave you cross-eyed and in a daze. however, the three-hour, nine-course tasting menu at one of the world's hardest-to-score tables will give you fodder for cocktail parties for years to come.lugano, switzerland. is there anything more picturesque than the crystal-clear lakes and kelly-green mountains decorating switzerland? while visiting, you wouldn't be surprised to find men in lederhosen yodeling on the mountaintops. the italian-speaking city of lugano lies on lake lugano, and its warm summers and recent influx of celebrity visitors have given rise to the moniker the "monte carlo of switzerland." outdoor activities abound with sporting activities on the lake and bike and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, which make the months of june - september the best for visiting. make your visit postcard-worthy by staying at the villa principe leopoldo, a 5-star hotel and spa just outside of the city.
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