Photo of the Week: Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica

Playa Manuel Antonio is described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. It is located in Manuel Antonio National Park, which is a charming combination of rainforests, beaches and coral reefs. The rainforest is home to sloths, iguanas, rare squirrel monkeys and millions of colorful little Halloween Crabs; so named for their orange and black coloring.

Manuel Antonio Beach can be found after a short walk through the rainforest, which is the lush background to its aquamarine waters and white, powdery sand. There, the sandy shore is wide and deep enough to spread out for ample privacy, and the numerous coral reefs allow for excellent snorkeling.

About an hour's drive from the main international airport in San Jose, Manuel Antonio is the logical first stop on a trip to this wonderfully diverse, and beautiful country

Photo of the Week: Doctor's Cave Beach, Jamaica

Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica, besides being near and dear to my heart, is one of the best beaches ever. Powdery white sand, turquoise waters that are always mild and warm, and highly accessible right there in the middle of town. Historically, the waters of Doctor's Cave Beach were thought to have curative powers, and after a day there spent soothing body and soul, soaking up the sun and then diving in to cool off, it's easy to believe.

Photo of the Week: Reach Falls in Jamaica

Reach Falls is one of the most beautiful and natural waterfalls in Jamaica. About 30 minutes outside of Port Antonio, Reach Falls is located in a peaceful mountain setting surrounded by virgin rain forest. Though not particularly tall or powerful, it is certainly visually stunning, with a series of limestone shelves cascading from one crystal clear, jade green pool to another. It is an easy climb, as you go from pool to pool, discovering hidden nooks and crannies along the way. About a half-mile back you will find a natural whirlpool that you can enjoy nestled inside a natural rock formation.

Photo of the Week: The Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, Jamaica

The Blue Lagoon in Port Antonio, Jamaica is among the most beautiful natural attractions of the Island. So much so, that it has been used in the filming of several movies; most notably, the Brooke Shields movie "The Blue Lagoon". With its change of colors from azure blue to deep emerald, to sapphire and turquoise, the ‘Blue Hole’, as it is also known locally, is absolutely mesmerizing. It is 200 feet deep and fed by underground fresh water springs as well as connected to the Caribbean Sea, making for a thoroughly refreshing swim. Though its beauty is exotic, it is not remote. Located just seven miles east of Port Antonio, it is convenient and easy to get to by car.

Photo of the Week: The Oregon Pacific Coast

One usually thinks of California when imagining driving down the Pacific Coast but not to be outdone is its neighbor to the north.

On the drive from Cannon Beach to Brookings, one can take in the huge Haystack boulders that are typical on the Oregon coast, get breathtaking ocean views on winding highways, visit caves filled with sea lions, stop for a ride on the highest sand dunes in the US, and visit forests of 800 year-old Spruce trees... and that's just the beginning.

Photo of the Week: Lavender in Provence

The middle of June marks the beginning of lavender season in Provence. Not the harvesting season, but rather, the peak of lush purple fields that are a feast for both the eye and the nose. Acres and acres of rolling hils, ochre colored cliffs, green vineyards and thousand-year old villages nestled between rows of brightly colored purple lavender.

Photo of the Week: New Mexico

New Mexico is a mix of desert and forest, volcanoes and ice caves, hot and cold, old and new. History buffs can visit the oldest church (San Miguel) and the longest continuously inhabited homes in the country (Taos Pueblo). Those seeking physical pursuits have their choice of skiing, hiking, camping, horseback-riding, white water rafting and more. Nature enthusiasts can visit one of several extinct volcanoes, lava fields, and even a 10,000 year-old ice cave, which stays a cool 31 degrees even when the outside temperature is in the 90s. Conspiracy theorists and UFO buffs can make their way to Roswell and meet up with like-minded travelers. And for a trip back in time, rent a convertible and top off a drive down vintage Route 66 with lunch at a drive-in burger joint. From trendy Santa Fe with its highbrow and historic hotels, shops and dining, to the woodsy and natural charm of Ojo Caliente with its rustic chic adobe cottages with private hot mineral springs, and all the varied terrain in between, New Mexico is a hidden gem with something for everyone.

Photo of the Week: Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is one of the eight main islands that make up Hawaii. It is referred to the garden isle, and it lives up to its name. The island is green and lush, in addition to the gorgeous coastline and beaches you would expect in Hawaii. In Kauai you can satisfy your need for fun in the sun and beach activities, but there is also no end of hiking, camping and kayaking. The island's landscape is made all the more interesting by its sizable population of wild chickens that can be seen everywhere from your arrival at the airport, outside your hotel, and even along the shore as you launch your kayak.

Photo of the Week: The Village of Gordes

This week's photo of the week was taken on our trip to the South of France. Gordes is one of several thousand year-old hill-top villages in the region, and one of the most scenic. There are plenty of quaint bed and breakfasts (or mas, as they are traditionally called) and several great restaurants. A five-course dinner on the lawn of the Clos du Gustave is a special treat and the Mas de la Beaume is a beautiful restored farmhouse with charming hosts who serve you breakfast each morning on your terrace before a long day of sight-seeing in Provence.