Destinations

Luang Prabang is a city located in north central Laos, on the Mekong River. I consider myself well traveled, however, I have to admit I knew very little about Laos before my trip and I was a bit nervous that it would be underdeveloped and maybe even dangerous with unexploded land mines. I had read that the US had dropped 500 tons of high explosives for every man, woman and child on the country during the Vietnam War. Would these people be happy to see my smiling American face?

As we approached the small airstrip in Luang Prabang, we caught a glimpse of the area which is surrounded by lush green mountains and the Mekong and Khan Rivers. “Sabbai Dee”, welcome to the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Luang Prabang is a small town and is easily explored on foot or bicycle. The city became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 with the goal of preserving the architecture and cultural heritage of the Lao people. How can I describe such a beautiful place and such beautiful people in a short post? The Lao people are warm and friendly people who believe in a type of Buddhism in which they can reach enlightenment in one lifetime. I felt totally welcome and safe in their small town. The food is similar to Thai food with less spice and the cost is still very inexpensive for Americans. I never tired of walking through the temple grounds and watching the monks in their orange robes. I was lucky to be there for the Moon Festival where the monks were making colored paper lanterns which they would hang throughout the town, lighting each candle individually each night. Can you imagine anything more beautiful?

If you decide to explore Luang Prabang, be sure to visit the monks (women should never touch a monk) and the temples, eat at 3 Nagas and L’Elephant, hire a guide to learn about the history and the culture, take a long boat down the Mekong to the Buddha Cave, do something adventurous like an elephant trek, rent a bicycle, and learn about the Lao people and their two principle religious philosophies, Animism and Buddhism. And lastly, wake up early and give alms to the monks, as everything you give, comes back to you.

If you’re ready for a warm-weather escape this winter but are searching for a fresh alternative to a beach vacation, consider heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina — the place some call “the Paris of South America”. Buenos Aires has a rich history and a culture that melds great aspects of both Europe and Latin America. You’ll find an exciting city vacation, and your dollar will go far — with a current exchange rate of slightly more than 3 Argentina Pesos to 1 US dollar. That adds up to terrific meals for significantly less than they would cost in many other cities. You can learn how to Tango at night and when daybreak arrives, scour the city’s boutiques, antique shops and art galleries for great finds.

You’ll also find luxury hotel prices that are relative bargains, compared with many other destinations. The Four Seasons Buenos Aires provides the excellent customer experience you would expect from its location in the exclusive Recoleta neighborhood. The nearby Park Hyatt (view pictures here) and Alvear Palace are also excellent luxury hotel options.

The newest boutique property in Buenos Aires — the Axel Hotel — is targeting the large gay and lesbian travel market. The Axel’s rooms are contemporary and comfortable and the staff in this hotel located in the San Telmo neighborhood is friendly and eager to help. The Axel hotel also has two swimming pools — one on an outdoor deck and one indoor pool perched on the rooftop with a glass bottom, allowing guests several floors below in the atrium lobby to see swimmers floating overhead.

If you’re looking for another great destination near Buenos Aires, consider continuing across the Rio de la Plata to the Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay, which is surrounded by pine and eucalyptus trees. Here you can relax in your bungalow or bi-level suite, enjoy a swim or spa treatment, or go horseback riding or cycling — to name just a few of the resort’s many diversions.