Suzy Davis

As a former flight attendant, I've visited all European countries except Albania and Poland. Poland is Europe's 5th largest country. Aside for Lech Walesa, Copernicus, the Pope and a decade of Polish jokes I never understood, I knew nothing of this land. However, my interest peaked because it will soon be hot on the tourist trail and because my Chicago husband's family is from here.

We just returned from a dual country adventure that blended a perfect vacation experience. It began in Fiji when we checked into the deluxe new Radisson Resort, a pampering paradise perched on ocean's edge. Fiji's archipelago includes 330 islands lying in splendid isolation in the South Pacific.

Tourists flock here for the tranquility as well as world class diving.

Once upon a time there were 5 small fishing villages completely isolated from the world on a remote Mediterranean coast. Slowly over the centuries, it was encroached by an influx of European tourists. Few Americans have yet to discover it and we felt most fortunate now to have a guided visit to Cinque Terre.

No words can capture the breathtaking beauty of these sunlit villages clinging to sheer rock cliffs with a backdrop of a turquoise sea.

I had some apprehension about heading to the end of the earth, at the bottom of the globe where the nail supports it, to a land covered in 98% ice that has never supported any mammals or humans.
Antarctica is the driest highest, cleanest, windiest and coldest of all continents, so cold even the polar bears stay away.

I escorted a group of 31 adventures, my most globally astute group ever.

It couldn't have been a better trip to the Emerald Isle. Great weather, a great group and the greatest driver/guide ever - Doney Carroll. He looked after us at every turn getting us into our hotel early so we could nap before heading out for a full afternoon and evening in Dublin.

First stop, the Guinness Brewery where we learned how the world renowned beer was made and even got to sample in the Gravity Bar atop the brewery.

Days prior to departure, I as engulfed in fear this trip wouldn't go. The volcanic ash cloud parked over Europe was heading straight for Istanbul. April 22, I was never so happy to board an airplane along with 44 wonderful adventurers of our group tour in tow. Turkish Airlines revamped it's entire fleet now vying to rank #3 of all European carriers.

Arthur Fromer rates Argentina at the top of world destinations to visit and this diverse vacation didn't disappoint with its passion and scenic wonders. We began with several days in Buenos Aires, a vibrant capital with European style and a Latin flavor similar to Madrid. Our hotel was smack-dib city center and our guide Marcello was the best I ever had with my groups here.

On July 10, 2010 we returned from a fabulous cruise vacation to the Italian, Spanish and French Rivieras. Costa loves groups and I love Costa. This group of 68 was our sixth with them. Our mega-liner, the Concordia held 3780 passengers and 1100 crew. Of the dozens of different nationalities onboard, only 318 spoke English and yet surprisingly, I felt privileged to be in such a minority.

We came to Vegas for some American cultural immersion. This morning we purchased the new "Buffet Pass." In 24 hours, we can gorge at 7 hotel buffets for just $39.95. Gluttony is the 5th deadliest sin and we all know Vegas is called "Sin City." These iconic buffets have come a long way from the $2.99 pigs in a blanket breakfasts. There's competition now to present culinary extravaganzas.

If having a soul means being able to feel love, loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans." - James Herriot

Joao was abandoned by a Mozambique circus when he was only 3 years old. He spent the next 44 years poorly caged in a war torn zoo. Here today at age 65, he enjoys being "grandpa" to the infant chimps.