Give Your Mind Over to the Wonders and Great Escapes of Western Fancy

The Snow Must Go On.  Okay, so we’re playing off Utah’s bragging rights as the place where they have “The Greatest Snow on Earth” ® The state has more than a dozen world-class ski resorts, most of which are an easy drive from the Salt Lake City International Airport. Each has a distinct list of fabulous attributes; we recommend trying two or three during a weeklong stay. You won’t go wrong, no matter where you park your skis — the Utah powder provides an unparalleled winter playground for any level or type of skier. Nordic, cross-country, alpine, enjoy! www.visitutah.com

Non-Skiers Rejoice!  The white stuff has plenty to offer you as well, from the quiet thrills of ice fishing to the revved up adrenaline rush of racing across amazing landscapes on a snowmobile tour. Whatever your preferred winter activity is, you’re likely to find more for your money and your memory bank, thanks to the incredible and varied options of The Beehive State.

Hit the River. Whether your boat of choice is a kayak, canoe or raft, you’ll find a river in Utah with gorgeous scenery for a relaxing glide or an adventurous whitewater adventure. Take the challenge of the class IV rapids found on several rivers, including the Colorado, the state’s most popular one. Canoers and kayakers will enjoy the more peaceful waters of the Provo and Weber Rivers. For multi-day adventures, plan a camping trip through Cataract Canyon where unforgettable views and heart-stopping rapids provide inspiration to fill countless pages in a travel journal.

National Treasures are Calling. We put Utah on the list of top-notch family escapes for anyone looking to take in some spectacular desert scenery along with a lesson in natural history, and a chance to gain appreciation for the world of the Native American. The photos you take here will make it hard to choose just one for the annual family holiday card. Make Moab your home base, mix in some biking and hiking and leave your electronic leashes in the safe inside your hotel room. Give your mind over to the wonders of Monument Valley, Arches National Park, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, Zion, etc. Ask a local for their favorite spot to avoid the crowds. No matter where you end up, you’ll feel as if you’re on a movie set, and you’ll be wondering what took you so long to get here.

Park Yourself at Park City.  Here’s a place with Olympic ties and a personality that’s unmatched in the American West. Whatever your western fancy, from skiing to spa-ing, fine dining or dude ranching, a vacation in Park City can be just what you need to feed your spirit and remember what’s important in life. The sports scene is awesome, but this is also one of Utah’s cultural gems, not only home to the Sundance Film Festival, but also a place to find year-round theater, symphony and a calendar of events filled with performing arts. www.parkcityinfo.com

Go Fly A Kite.  Kite power is taken to new heights in Utah. Adventurous souls will find a home amid the Rocky Mountain scenery where every season has a way to harness the strength of the wind. From snowkiting, kiteboarding to kitesurfing, we can’t wait to see what they come up with next in this all-season state for adventure.

Oozing with Luxury, History, Haute Couture Styles and Van Gogh Masterpieces

Dam Square: You read it right and it’s the best area for shopping in Amsterdam. Find main department stores including De Bijenkorf located at Dam 1; it’s one of the city’s best for designer wear and haute couture. Explore the area for a variety of styles, and while you’re at it, sit down at a local restaurant to enjoy some food, wine and prime people watching.

Anne Frank House: On July 6, 1942, Otto Frank moved his family into the secret annex of this building located at #263 Prinsengracht in the heart of Amsterdam to escape Nazi terror.Frank was with his wife and two daughters, and shortly thereafter was joined by the Van Pels Family and Fritz Pfeffer. They hid together until August 4, 1944, when they were arrested and deported to concentration camps. Otto’s daughter Anne immortalized that frightful chapter of their lives in her legendary memoir, The Dairy of Anne Frank. This museum traces the Franks’ life and gives each visitor an up-close view of 1942 Amsterdam under Nazi rule. www.annefrank.org

Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum: Amsterdam’s largest museum, the Rijksmuseum, houses an unforgettable collection of 17th century Dutch masters, including some ingenious paintings by Rembrandt. From photographs to prints and an array of traveling collections, this admired museum should be on everyone’s Amsterdam itinerary. And since he is the artist synonymous with Amsterdam, make another stop at the Van Gogh, to see the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh masterpieces (more than 700!) Serious art lovers, rejoice! www.rijksmuseum.nl, www.vangoghmuseum.nl

Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand: Oozing with luxury and history, this is Amsterdam’s Grand Dame and what a dame she is! Offering an array of stunning rooms and suites and some of Holland’s best cuisine, the Grand is also incredibly well located. Travelgirls, you will also love the spa, already amazing, and undergoing an exciting renovation. Stop in for a moisturizing facial before you get back on the plane to head home; you’ll return with a coveted European glow. Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX AMSTERDAM; www.sofitel.com

Canals: City landmarks worthy of Savvy Six distinction, smart travelers know that they are as vital to the Amsterdam transportation system as bicycles. Canal cruise boats were once a royal privilege, now, the experience is a Dutch treat anyone can enjoy. Consider purchasing a day pass, it’s a good value at 16 euro; sit back and take in the sights as you are ferried from one canal to another. Efficient and scenic, this mode of transport is a leisurely and fun way to traverse this charming city. www.canal.nl

Travelgirl tip: Check out the “I amsterdam” card options at www.iamsterdamcard.com — it’s a visitor’s key to the city.

Keukenhof Gardens: Open March through May, Keukenhof Gardens is awash in more than seven million tulips heralding springtime in a spectacular kaleidoscope of colors. Countless events happen at the gardens, including flower parades and the largest lily show in the world. There’s even a petting zoo for the kids. Sculptures, daffodils and an abundance of bulbs and greenery complete a landscape that’s a sight to behold. One of Holland’s premier attractions, this vibrant destination is tops for a springtime tour. www.keukenhof.nl

No City has the Relentless High Spirits and Determination of New Orleans

Hit the High Notes in NOLA: This is a city with a constant soundtrack, from tap dancing kids in the French Quarter to concerts at Smoothie King Center to sweet jazz playing at various clubs around town.  A great place to begin your musical research is: www.neworleanscvb.com

Frenchmen Flair: Shhh… Don’t tell every tourist, but locals leave Bourbon behind and head for Frenchmen Street, on the edge of the French Quarter. Places such as Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro and The Spotted Cat offer musical experiences you won’t find in other cities. This street is the real deal, an oasis for anyone who wants to take a genuine musical journey that will refresh the soul.  www.snugjazz.com, www.spottedcatmusicclub.com

After Hours at Ogden: On Thursday nights, Southern music takes center stage alongside lively discussion at Ogden After Hours at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, with live performances and interviews with Southern musicians. Upcoming shows include Mardi Gras Indian Bo Dollis Jr., guitarist Jon Dee Graham, and musical storytellers, The Write Brothers. There are dozens of concerts each year, open to museum members and the general public, thanks to this popular program.  www.ogdenmuseum.org

Happening Harmony:  If you’re looking for a Sunday night getaway, be an Uptown travelgirl (or guy!) and head for Tipitina’s. The music of the accordion and the fiddle create a unique Cajun rhythm that’s one of the city’s signature sounds. Shows usually start around 5pm and are only $10. www.tipitinas.com

Tried and True Tradition: You’ll never go wrong with the iconic Preservation Hall. Locals and tourists pack this St. Peter Street spot to soak up the historic ambiance. Since 1961 it’s been pleasing crowds looking for the roots of New Orleans jazz – and with shows at 8pm, 9pm, 10pm (and sometimes 6pm) nearly every night of the year, there’s no excuse for leaving it off your itinerary. www.preservationhall.com

Listening Langiappe: There’s an endless list of venues in the city; your best bet is to check with a hotel concierge to match your family’s tastes — and to help secure tickets. A few of our favorites: The historic Saenger Theater, the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts and the Davenport Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, named for musician Jeremy Davenport, who plays Wednesday-Saturday. Aside from the formal performances, be sure to ask about any free concert series happening while you’re in town; New Orleans has several extraordinary free outdoor concert series throughout the year.
www.saengernola.com, www.mahaliajacksontheater.com

A Roundup of Wellness Retreats You Don’t Want to Miss

Canyon Ranch: This sublime spa resort is a sanctuary of rejuvenation and bliss. Offering the creme de la creme of spa services, a gym equipped with every imaginable machine, personal fitness coaches, and daily activities that run the gamut from early morning hikes to Pilates, biking and tennis, Canyon Ranch raises the bar when it comes to the spa experience. Reaching for the inner self, one can enroll in spiritual awareness classes that focus on breathing, relaxation and yoga. Want more? Enroll in the Canyon Ranch Life Enhancement Program and dedicate an entire week to finding balance and rejuvenation. Offering luxurious accommodations with fine dining, guests can indulge in ice cream with chocolate sauce, banana bread, and lamb chops – and still watch the pounds drift away. Start your New Year’s resolution with an inspirational trip to Canyon Ranch. Choose from Tucson, Arizona; Lenox, Massachusetts; or the newly opened retreat in sunny Miami.

The Home Ranch: A Relais and Chateaux beauty, The Home Ranch is an oasis of gorgeous scenery bursting with cross country ski runs, luxurious cabins, three heavenly gourmet squares a day, a wealth of hiking trails and the opportunity to horseback ride and fish, all about an hour outside of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. If downhill is your preference, no worries, the Ranch will gladly arrange round trip transportation to the slopes in downtown Steamboat. Each cabin is equipped with its own hot tub, which certainly beckons after a workout on your skis. A ladies wellness and yoga retreat led by cowgirl Tammy Pate is another reason this ranch is a travelgirl top choice. Winter or summer, this is one enriching destination that will convince you to return again and again – after all, this is The Home Ranch. Log onto www.homeranch.com or call 970.879.1780.

Miraval: Miraval is an awe-inspiring spa retreat located on 400 acres in the picturesque Sonoran Desert of Tucson, Arizona. Complete with invigorating spa services, horseback riding, swimming, and unrivaled fitness facilities, one can kick back, energize and revitalize at this sanctuary of calm and vigor. From mud wraps to Chi Nei Tsang (abdominal massage that helps release emotional and physical blockages) this is one wellness retreat you don’t want to miss.

Triple Creek Ranch: Paradise is located 90 minutes from Missoula in Darby, Montana. This destination of luxury offers elite accommodations, a golf cart to meander the grounds, saddle time, guided fly fishing, swimming and absolutely exquisite cuisine and wines. Want to be a cowgirl for the week? No problem! Or perhaps you prefer to ski, go on a cattle drive, take a float trip or tour on an ATV. Whatever your outdoor pleasure, Triple Creek offers it all in true five-star style. This is a Relais and Chateaux property, and it’s travelgirl perfection. We’re certain you’ll agree it’s divine in every season. Check out www.triplecreekranch.com or call 406.821.4600; this is camping travelgirl style.

The Ranches of Cody, Wyoming: It’s impossible to choose just one favorite from the dozen incredible Western riding meccas found in the Absaroka Mountains. Crossed Sabres Ranch defines Wyoming hospitality with cozy modern log cabins that even have wireless internet for those who must stay connected. Dudettes who choose the all-inclusive UXU Ranch can spend equal time in the saddle or getting spa treatments, plus enjoy gourmet dining between pack trips and pedicures. Round up your cowgirl hat and make plans to visit Bill Cody Ranch and you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled trail riding as expert wranglers lead intimate journeys through the Shoshone National Forest. For more on these heavenly horse havens, go to www.crossedsabresranch.com, www.uxuranch.com and www.billcodyranch.com. When it comes to discovering the good life in the saddle, this is just a smattering of the excellent choices found within a 50-mile radius of Cody, on the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway. (Bonus: You can visit Yellowstone National Park too!)

Red Horse Mountain Ranch: It’s a fine life for the equine-inclined at The Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Harrison, Idaho. Aside from saddle time, guests can partake in archery, yoga, kayaking, fly fishing and countless other activities that take advantage of the gorgeous natural setting. Choose a lodge with luxurious suites or a plush private cabin to settle into after a walk under the brilliant starry night. Tailored programs cater to kids, corporate retreats and girlfriend getaways, making this the right destination for one and all. Check the website for unique offerings such as Wine Tasting Week. Travelgirls head for the comfort of Red Horse Mountain Ranch to turn into cowgirls for a week – or a long weekend – and the benefits last for months. For more, go to www.redhorsemountain.com

Satisfy Your Artistic Side or Dine with One of the Best Chefs in the Country

Savor: Dine with one of the best chefs in the country, Kevin Rathbun, who has taken fine dining up a notch with his namesake restaurant located at 112 Krog Street. Atlanta’s elite consider Rathbun’s a home away from home, and along with his fabulous wine bar (The Krog Bar, also on the premises), you’ll discover a wonderful spot to celebrate a promotion, reunion or first date! The menu at Rathbun’s is unique and creative — and nothing disappoints. The small plates or appetizers set the pace, with tapas such as Yaya’s eggplant steak fries loaded with confectioners sugar and the hot smoked salmon tostadas, habanero. Pair them up with an excellent glass of wine and you’re on your way to a fantastic evening. Moving on to the big plates, the egg battered lemon sole and the braised beef short ribs are highly recommended. Want to go for broke? Order an item from the “second mortgage” plates, which include an exquisite lobster taco and some divine cuts of beef. Kudos to Kevin. www.rathbunsrestaurant.com

Sample Local Life: “What’ll Ya Have, What’ll Ya Have?” The historic Varsity drive-in is an Atlanta must-see. The downtown location is the world’s largest drive-in, and a visit to this dynamic eatery lands you in hot dog and hamburger heaven. (The frosted orange shakes are also amazing!) This mammoth establishment feeds more than 30,000 hungry people on football days; the parking lot holds 600 cars. Too tired to walk in and order? No problem, that’s when curbside service comes in! A carhop will bring you a tray, just roll down your window and start talking. Learn the lingo first: What’s a naked steak? Want to walk a dog? Or how about a PC and a bag of rags? It’s fast, but the food is made fresh daily; founder Frank Gordy wouldn’t have had it any other way. The original (and largest) Varsity is at 61 North Avenue, but there are four others in Atlanta. www.thevarsity.com

Shop/Sightsee: There’s no better way to spend a free afternoon or evening than walking through Atlanta’s friendly Virginia-Highland neighborhood, where you’ll find trendy restaurants, spas, chic boutique shops and hip bars. Just five minutes from downtown, it’s a popular area for all ages and especially vibrant when a festival is in gear. Don your summer clothes and stroll; grab a pizza at Everybody’s or some tapas at Noche. A wonderful and affordable Italian meal can be had at Osteria 832 and if you want to dress it up a bit, Murphy’s and VINE are two fabulous options. Going casual? Head for Moe’s & Joe’s on Tuesday nights for a deal on Georgia’s own Sweetwater beer. If you’re a fan of blues music, Blind Willie’s is a must-see. www.virginiahighland.com

Souvenir: You’ll always remember your visit to Atlanta if you swim or dive with the largest fish in the world at the largest aquarium in the world! The whale sharks, known as the “gentle giants,” are welcoming guests for up-close-and-personal visits into the Ocean Voyager exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium. Even if you’re not prone to swimming with sharks, the aquarium is a captivating collection of sea creatures displayed in magnificent exhibits. The beluga whales and the penguins are travelgirl favorites, and if you’re in town on a Friday night this summer, Jazz Journeys at the aquarium (7-9:30PM) add musical flair to a visit. www.georgiaaquarium.org

Salute: Satisfy your artistic side with a stop at the Fay Gold Gallery at 764 Miami Circle and see works by renowned artists like Sir Arno Rafael Minkkinen, Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts. Fay Gold is the maestro behind the city’s most prestigious art gallery, which just happens to bear her name. Gold is Atlanta’s art expert and a consultant for private and corporate collectors including Coca-Cola. She champions pioneering and cutting-edge work by emerging southern artists and is known the world over for her participation in art fairs held in forward-thinking, art-loving cities such as Basel, Paris, Miami and New York. If you have the time, call Fay for a private consultation on painting, sculpture and photography — and don’t worry, not everything is out of reach. www.faygoldgallery.com

Side Trip: Take a drive just an hour southwest of Atlanta and you’ll find yourself blissfully free of city cares at Callaway Gardens, in Pine Mountain, Georgia. A new lodge and the 13,000-square-foot Spa Prunifolia have added a layer of luxury to this nature retreat that is especially stunning in the fall and springtime seasons. Golf and bicycling are popular activities, and whether you’re with the kids or without, save time for some peace and quiet in the butterfly conservatory, where 1,000 tropical butterflies can help you recharge your batteries. www.callawaygardens.com

Where You Can be Saucy, Hip, Brilliant, Impossibly Sexy

Sightsee: It’s the hit of the skyline and a constant star on TV and in the movies, but have you seen New York from the top of the Empire State Building? Relive Sleepless in Seattle the next time you’re there and you won’t regret it. Whether you choose to view from the 86th floor observatory or go all the way up to the deck on the 102nd floor, the view is out-of-this-world. Bring your quarters for the high-powered binoculars. Date night? Make a pre-dinner visit, head up at dusk and watch night evolve from this most romantic spot. Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave, Ste. 300, 212.736.3100, www.esbnyc.com.

Stay: The Jumeirah Essex house located on prestigious Central Park South is one of New York’s best hotels. The Essex house is home to a prestigious art collection with commissioned pieces by Korean photographer Atta Kim and American landscape painter Mark Innerst. This extraordinary hotel has an artist-in-residence program developed by the hotel’s curator, Katherine Gass. The rooms and suites are luxurious, offering an array of fabulous amenities. Travelgirls will love the rooms overlooking Central Park. This hotel has been voted North America’s leading hotel; it holds the Michelin Guide’s 2007 “Five Pavilions Award” and AAA’s Four-Diamond distinction. A chat with the concierge can get you a seat at the best table in town or lead you to an array of audio tours including a walking tour of Central Park. www.jumeirahessexhouse.com or 888.645.5697 for reservations.

Live Like a Local:  Welcome to NYC’s favorite playground: Central Park, where you could literally spend a week (or more!) sightseeing, exercising, people-watching and simply soaking up the spirit of New York. There’s a castle, a zoo, a bridle path, a skating rink, a carousel… the list is seriously endless. Free seasonal walking tours happen on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from the Central Park Conservancy www.centralparknyc.org, and stop by one of the park’s three visitor centers to find out details on music and theater performances. www.nycgovparks.org

New Standout: The Buddha Bar – New York’s hottest new chow down is located in the heart of the Meat Packing District. The Big Apple version of the famous Parisian namesake is a supreme delight. Your taste buds travel the world as you are treated to an array of Asian delights, French tantalizers, Indian curries and grilled Colorado lamb chops. Start your experience with a cocktail aptly named Cote d’Azure, a stunning mix of lychee and grapes combined with vodka and pinot grigio or perhaps you might try a Spa, sipping a concoction of fresh cucumbers with citrus, a hint of vanilla and vodka. The bar provides sheer bliss with a background of mesmerizing music. Call way ahead for a weekend reservation. Be prepared, a line forms after 11pm, when the celebs come to dream the night away. Buddha Bar, 25 Little West 12th Street, 212.647.7314, www.buddhabarnyc.com

Savor: Of course you’ll visit Times Square, so be sure to plan for time at Carmine’s where you’ll never be able to clean your plate (the portions are family-style in a big way) but you’ll wish you could, since everything’s delicious. There are two mouthwatering locations. The Upper West Side spot has outdoor seating and is usually slightly less crowded. If your group is smaller than six, you can’t make reservations after 7PM, but it’s so worth the wait. Carmine’s: Theater District, 200 West 44th St, 212.221.3800, Upper West Side, 2450 Broadway, 212.362.2200, www.carminesnyc.com

Shop: Lord & Taylor was founded in 1826, but this isn’t just your mother’s store anymore; it’s a shopping mecca for today’s successful women. Browse the landmark store located on 37th and Fifth and you will find a wealth of trendy fashions, designer couture and everything from fine jewelry to the latest in cosmetics. The shoe salon is a must-visit — and bring the guys — Lord & Taylor offers an abundance of upscale men’s clothing and footwear. If you happen to be in New York anytime from mid-November until the end of the year, don’t miss the Christmas windows on Fifth Avenue. They are always spectacular, helping bring the spirit of the holidays to New York City. www.lordandtaylor.com

Take Your Body on Holiday at the Island’s Premier Resort.

Stay: Take your body on holiday at one of the island’s premier resorts — Body Holiday — a Sunswept Resort. This is a heavenly place to stay when visiting beautiful St. Lucia.  Choose from an array of deluxe rooms. If you can swing it, reserve a deluxe oceanfront room; the amenities are superb and the view from the balcony is unforgettable. The resort is all-inclusive from spa to food to activities; forget your cares — this is the place to stay and play.

Spa: Hands down, Body Holiday offers an unparalleled spa experience in the Caribbean. Each guest enjoys a daily spa option as part of the package. The spa is a mighty 82 steps above the resort but one quickly adjusts to the climb knowing a sublime spa experience awaits at the top of the stairs. Therapists offer full body massages, facials, hand and foot treatments, and exotic body scrubs. Most treatments are included but there are several available at an additional charge, including nourishing body wraps,  hot stone massage and a hydra lift intensive facial that intoxicates the face with some super hydration.

Side trip to Sulphur Springs:  Once active but now quiet and serene, the volcano at Sulphur Springs Park offers insight into the geology of St. Lucia. Satisfy your inner geologist with a visit to what’s pitched as the “world’s only drive-in volcano.”  It’s an interesting side trip that’s well worth the drive.

Stop at Diamond Falls: The allure of Diamond Falls captured the attention of King Louis XVI of France, and the sight remains captivating for today’s travelers. He constructed bathhouses here for his army hundreds of years ago. The Falls, rich in natural minerals, are still an abundant and dazzling natural retreat. Aptly named Diamond Falls, of course they are a glistening wonder on a travelgirl’s St. Lucia to-do list.

Snap a Photo of the Pitons: Stunningly beautiful as they rise from the sea, these majestic twin peaks reach 2,000 feet and stand proud as St. Lucia’s most famous landmark. We can’t decide if they look more beautiful from sea or from shore. They beckon adventurous souls — but beware, these peaks are treacherous, even for the most ardent climbers.

Shop: The best shopping can be found in Castries, the capital of St. Lucia. The main streets to stroll are William Peter Boulevard and Bridge Street, where most items are sold duty-free. You might also enjoy the people watching at Castries Market; it’s filled with visitors shopping for Caribbean wares. With souvenirs galore, the market offers plenty to choose from to pack in your new Travelgirl carry-on.

6 Reasons to Visit Israel’s Dead Sea

1. ISRAEL’S DEAD SEA is a natural treasure and one of the most remarkable places on earth. The lowest point on the planet, it has the world’s highest concentration of salt and holds the distinction that more water evaporates from it than flows into it. It is known as The Dead Sea because nothing lives in it; the high salt content prohibits the existence of life.
Travelgirl tip: Fly into Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and take a rental car, a bus or hire a driver. It’s a two-hour drive and if you elect to stay the night, you will find a variety of hotels to suit any budget.

2. SALT IS GOOD FOR YOU! The rich saline content and numerous enriching minerals contained in The Dead Sea have marvelous health benefits. Those suffering with various skin diseases, including psoriasis and excema, will be soothed by the restorative waters. The high content of bromide in the air is also beneficial to the body’s systems, making this a healing retreat for anyone suffering from respiratory ailments.

3. REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN WITH THE CURATIVE MUD FOUND IN THE SEA BEDS AROUND THE LAKE.  The nourishing minerals revive your skin, making it soft and supple. The Greeks used to call it “Lake Asphaltites” because of the natural asphalts, and according to Egyptian writings, in ancient times mud from the Dead Sea was imported to Egypt for use in mummification.
Travelgirl tip: The mud is easy to spread; lather up and enjoy the healthy benefits.

4. ARCHEOLOGISTS WORKING NEAR AN OASIS CLOSE TO THE DEAD SEA discovered remains of ancient dwellings and determined that people have lived in this area since 5000 B.C. Take a hike and cool off in the waterfalls of Ein Gedi on the western shore, which served as a water source during Biblical times and where, 3000 years ago, David hid from King Saul. Just north of Ein Gedi is Qumran National Park. It was here that the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest known copy of the Old Testament, were discovered by a shepherd boy in 1947.

5. ENRICH YOUR TRIP WITH A VISIT TO MASADA, a mountaintop fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, and the last stronghold of the Jewish rebels fighting against the Romans. Masada is a national symbol of Israel and Israeli soldiers take an oath: “Masada shall not fall again.”
Travelgirl tip: A visit to Masada and a climb up winding Snake Path should be included on your first trip to the Holy Land! If the physical exertion is too much, a cable car is available.

6. LIE BACK AND READ A BOOK. You can’t drown in these waters. The high saline content will keep you afloat, which led the Romans to consider it one of the world’s wonders. The Dead Sea has been nominated for one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Log onto www.votedsea.com to cast your vote for Israel’s Dead Sea.
Travelgirl tip: Don’t shave the day you go in because the waters can sting your skin. Wear an old bathing suit and water shoes, as the salt on the sea bottom is rough.