Tips

On the cusp of harvest season, the weather is still warm and a bounty of fruit and vegetables crop up on farmland throughout the country. Now is the time to embrace your inner foodie. To make it easier, we've done the legwork for you: At these superbly operated properties and on select cruises, you can get your hands dirty in the garden, discover how to make your own cheese, learn about historic and modern food traditions, and more. All against stunning natural backdrops. Bon appétit.


SALT WATER FARM
Camden, Maine

This former sheep farm is now a food camp, thanks to Annemarie Ahearn, a veteran of Blue Hill Restaurant and the onetime assistant of Tom Colicchio. Choose from three- day in-depth workshops in cheese-making, butchery, pickling, and more. Also on offer? Monthly four-course Full Moon suppers.
TIP: Stay at nearby Camden Harbour Inn, on a hilltop overlooking Penobscot Bay. saltwaterfarm.com

BLACKBERRY FARM
Walland, Tennessee

Blackberry Farm sits on 4,200 acres in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn about heirloom traditions from Master Gardener John Coykendall by day and cozy up by the fireplace in one of the 20 cottages in the evening. (There are 62 rooms total.)
TIP: When you’re not out working alongside experts in the garden, indulge in a farm-inspired treatment at the brand-new Wellhouse spa. blackberryfarm.com

FEATHER DOWN FARMS
Caledonia, Illinois

The Europe-based, family-friendly operation offers two spreads, on in Illinois and the other in New York’s Delaware County. It’s rustic but authentic experience: The three-room canvas tents are comfortable (expect wood floors, oil lamps, and wood-burning stoves) and you can collect eggs, milk cows, and bake bread by hand.
TIP: You can pre-order delicious homemade meals. featherdown.com

CRYSTAL CRUISES
Europe, South America, Asia, Australia

Chef Nobu Matsuhisa heads up the restaurants on many of the cruise line’s ships. Many departures to Europe, South America, and Australia are food-and-wine themed with market excursions, chocolate tastings, mixology classes, and more.
TIP: Golfers will love the food-and-golf themed sailings, while others may prefer the recently launched programs that emphasize microbrewery. crystalcruises.com

SIDEBAR: SIP HAPPY
Food and drink go, well, hand in hand. For in-depth lessons on the west coast, try San Francisco’s Boothby Center for the Beverage Arts (415/967-1891); in New York City, the Institute of Culinary Education (iceculinary.com) offers classes on how to make summertime cocktails (such as Pimm’s Cup and Tom Collins), Mad Men-inspired concoctions like the Old-Fashion and Martinis, and courses that teach you about wines from around the world.

Put your foot to the pedal for an up-close look at the European countryside.

CROATIA

From your base on two Croatian islands, including Hvar, you’ll explore medieval villages, swim in pristine waters off quaint fishing towns, and taste vintages from the country’s burgeoning wine scene. (VBT; vbt.com; 10 days from $3,745) •

IRELAND

Cycle over gentle roads through the emerald-green fields and little towns of Ireland’s west coast. Stop for a sudsy brew or two before retiring for the evening. (Ciclismo Classico; ciclismoclassico.com; eight days from $4,995)

HOLLAND

Take in the scenery immortalized by Dutch masters as you wind your way along the North Sea coast. On the horizon: Windmills, tulip expanses, and tiny but fantastic eateries. (Butterfield & Robinson; butterfield.com; six days from $5,795)

Spring in Europe
We've all heard about Paris in springtime. But what about Provence or Prague? Barcelona or Berlin? Here's your cheat sheet to six of our favorite European cities and regions best explored when the weather is warm and the crowds are delightfully few.

1. PARIS
STAY: Lay your head at the 20-room L’Hôtel(l-hotel.com), the onetime haunt of Oscar Wilde. Appointed with antiques and damask silks, it's a St.-Germain beauty. EAT: Roast suckling lamb is the dish to order at Drouant (drouant.com), the century-old institution in Les Halles. Alsatian chef Antoine Westermann's generous portions are best savored slowly on the quiet sidewalk terrace. DO: Skip the tourist traps (unless you've not yet been to the Louvre, Notre-Dame, or the Eiffel Tower) and instead spend the afternoon strolling along the boutique-filled Marais neighborhood, taking a two-hour cooking lesson with L'Atelier Des Chefs, or people-watching at the Luxembourg Gardens.

2. TUSCANY
STAY: To feel like royalty, check into Castello del Nero Boutique Hotel & Spa, only a 25-minute drive from Florence. Centuries-old cypress trees dot the 700-acre property. Inside the 50-room estate, you'll find over-the-top details such as four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs. EAT: Stick to Tuscan classics including malfatti all'Osteria (spinach and ricotta gnocchi) at Osteria Le Logge (osterialelogge.it), in Siena. Top it off with a Tuscan wine from the extensive list for a meal to remember. DO: This is an immense region so it's best to devote yourself to one area, such as Siena, Lucca or Val d'Orcia, rent a car, and explore its many restaurants, wineries, and art. One highlight: In Lucca, visit San Frediano, with its historic altarpiece and 16th-century frescoes.

3. PROVENCE
STAY: Domaine de la Baume (domaine-delabaume.com) has just 15 rooms, but charm in spades. Filled with olive groves, the sprawling estate, set in Tourtour, was once owned by Expressionist painter Bernard Buffet. EAT: In Arles, La Chassagnette (chassagnette.fr), helmed by the ingenious chef Armand Arnal, serves dishes such as sea snails from St. Martin de Crau and octopus with trumpet zucchini, prepared with ingredients from the vegetable garden. DO: Wind your way through the region's medieval hill towns, such as Menerbes, Saignon, Gordes, Bonnieux, tucked within the Luberon Mountains.

4. BARCELONA
STAY: Not surprisingly, the Ritz-Carlton-owned Hotel Arts Barcelona (ritzcarlton.com) has attentive service, a Six Senses rooftop spa, and is just a 20-minute walk from the Ramblas. EAT: Uber-fresh octopus, shrimp, and clams are the reward for waiting for a stool at the counter of Cal Pep (calpep.com), off Placa de les Olles, in Barcelona. Expect an intimate, convivial vibe. DO: Take a day trip two hours north to the whitewashed town of Cadaqués on the sea. With its cobbled streets and sailboat-filled harbor, it's postcard-perfect.

5. PRAGUE
STAY: At one time a monastery, the Augustine (theaugustine.com), from hotelier Rocco Forte, is set in the Mala Strana district, near Prague Castle. But the interiors are warm, not austere, with touches such as exposed beams, vaulted ceilings, and marble bathrooms. EAT: In the spring, ask for a table on the terrace overlooking the Prague Castle gardens at Palffy Palac (palffy.cz), which dates back to the 17th century. DO: Cubism dominated the city during the 1900s and the evidence is spectacularly on display at the Museum of Czech Cubism (ngprague.cz), filled with fine examples of painting, furniture, typography, and more.

6. BERLIN
STAY: For traditional elegance, turn to Brandenburger Hof (dormero-hotel-brandenburgerhof.de). The 19th-century mansion has 72 minimalist-style rooms, as well as a modest French Michelin-starred restaurant, Die Quadriga. EAT: In East Berlin, Gugelhof (gugelhof.de) dishes up savory stews and fish, and was a pit stop for President Bill Clinton during a visit. DO: Stroll along Under den Linden from the Brandenburg Gate past Museum Island, the State Opera, the Berlin Cathedral, and Neue Wache. Don't forget to take in the city's famed nightlife.

1. LADERA RESORT - Soufrière, St. Lucia
Set right in the middle of massive green mountains, this 32-cottage resort has arguably the best views in the Caribbean. Every room is open air and looks out on the two, 2,400-foot-high Piton hills and the deep green-blue ocean. In a thoughtful touch, the cottages are tiered on the hillside so you have the utmost in privacy. Since there aren’t any televisions or phones, the focus is entirely on you and the view.

TIP: Dasheene restaurant’s Executive Chef Nigel Mitchel prepares traditional St. Lucian dishes such as roast conch with pickled vegetables and sweet potato and coconut soup using ingredients sourced from neighboring plantations; foodies can request a tour of a local market alongside the chef.

2. NISBET PLANTATION BEACH CLUB - Nevis
Palms flank the wide, grassy “avenue” leading from the resort’s main Great House down to the warm water, all dark blue save for ribbons of green. Here, sunbathers stretch out on loungers that dot the resort’s half-mile white-sand beach. There’s also a freshwater pool, a beachfront Jacuzzi, an open-air bar, and outdoor tables where you can dine while digging your toes into the soft sand. During the 18th century, this property was a sugar plantation; the screened-in porch is especially lovely, as are the spacious rooms with wicker furniture.

TIP: Tack on a two-hour biking tour with Nevis’s Reggie Douglas through the island’s plantations and historic villages, and spot green vervet monkeys along the way.

3. EDEN ROCK - St. Bart’s
This is the place to be and be seen on celebrity-studded St. Bart’s. With a collection of suites, houses, and villas either facing the sea or set farther back in the garden—many with unique details such as a Philippe Starck-designed bathroom or a rock wall—there’s something to suit every personality type. You’re also directly on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches and have access to one of its best restaurants, On the Rocks—an open-air spot overlooking the bay.

TIP: Consider booking the Harbour House and De Haenen suites, which float above the bay, or the Greta Garbo or Howard Hughes suites, where both legends once stayed. They’re less modern, but make for a great humblebrag.

4. CAMBRIDGE BEACHES - Bermuda
Make no mistake—there’s a preppy, even old-fashioned vibe at this complex of cottages on a remote, 30-acre peninsula looking over Long Bay Beach. In spite of its country club style, which draws many a repeat guest, there are myriad perks. All of the 94 rooms and suites are uniquely decorated (some are done in chintz, others are more modern); it’s the only resort on the island to offer accommodations with dedicated pools; and the staff will remember your name. And a recent renovation added a fantastic infinity pool and three new suites.

TIP: Ask the concierge to arrange dinner for two on a nearby private island.

5. HOTEL EL CONVENTO - San Juan, Puerto Rico
Glamour is the trump card of this converted 17th-century Carmelite convent in the heart of Old San Juan. While it’s not located on the beach, the boutique property makes up for it with gorgeous details—think high ceilings, Andalusian tile, and exposed Mahogany beams—plus, modern tech amenities such as plasma-screen TV’s and Bose stereos. All 58 rooms are appointed with four-poster beds, and there’s a rooftop pool for sunbathing as well as a courtyard that makes the perfect backdrop for a leisurely lunch.

TIP: Book a Deluxe Room on floors 4 or 5 for enormous windows overlooking the sailboat-dotted bay.

6. AMANYARA - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Amanyara’s open-sided pavilions, silk-swathed daybeds, and cacti-covered gardens channel Southeast Asia so much you could almost forget you were on Providenciales, the hub of the Turks and Caicos island chain. All 40 air-conditioned pavilions have freestanding bathtubs and three glass walls that open to a terrace with a sunken dining area. They face the ocean and pond, but are set back from the beach. You can play tennis and go diving, but the staff here is incredibly attentive—the perfect complement to a truly relaxing getaway.

TIP: Splurge on a spa treatment in one of the four treatment pavilions overlooking the vast reflection pond. Also consider practicing yoga on the outdoor sala.

If you missed the first and second parts of the America's Most Stunning National Parks list, you can find it here. On this week's tips find out how to stay healthy and safe when visitng any of the parks on our list.

• To help prevent altitude sickness, spend a night or two at a higher elevation before attempting physical activities such as skiing or snowshoeing.


• Bring food and water, as visitor centers may have limited supplies, as in Black Canyon. It helps to pack calorie-packed snacks for skiing or snowshoeing.

You don’t need to travel far to fall under the spell of the mountain vistas, pristine lakes, and untamed wildlife of these iconic and under-the-radar gems.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Home to more than 10,000 hydrothermal features, including 300 geysers—the world’s largest concentration—Yellowstone is one of the most geologically spectacular national parks on the globe. Dating back to 1872, it’s also the world’s oldest. Mammoth Hot Springs is not to be missed; it’s one of the few places where you can find active travertine terraces, which look like mini-lakes stacked on top of each other at an angle. One of the largest volcanic eruptions in history happened here, creating one of the largest known calderas. Exploring the park is easy, thanks to five spaced apart entrances, 400-plus miles of roads, and 1,000 miles of trails, from which you can view the wooly bison, bighorn sheet, elk, and more. TIP: Book well in advance to stay at the Old Faithful Inn. Peak season mid-April—late October; entrance fee $25 per vehicle valid for seven days. http://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm 

Olympic National Park, Washington

Here, sea stars float in tidal pools, dolphins frolic offshore, and spotted owls whiz through dense patches of primeval forest. The park—95 percent of which is designated as protected wilderness—owes much of its biological diversity to having been long protected by glacial ice. In fact, it’s home to 15 kind of animals found nowhere else in the world, supported by three wildly different ecosystems: Glacier-capped mountains, old-growth rain forest, and more than 70 miles of Pacific coast. The globe’s largest unmanaged Roosevelt Elk herd also roams over this craggy land, crisscrossed by 600 miles of trails suitable for all fitness levels. TIP: The best place to view the snow-dusted Bailey Range of the Olympic Mountains is at Hurricane Ridge, located about three miles above sea level. On a clear day, you may spot Vancouver Island and the San Juan Islands. Busiest Aug.—Sept., least crowded Jan.—Feb.; entrance fee $10 per vehicle.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Carved long ago by the mighty Colorado River, this canyon’s dimensions are hard to comprehend, even if you’re lucky enough to stand at its edge. Reaching a depth of nearly 6,000 feet, a length of 277 miles, and spanning between one and 18 miles between the North and South Rims, the enormity of the preserve is rivaled only by its age. For those who count such things, limestone at the top dates back 260 million years, while metamorphic rock at the bottom is estimated to be 1.8 billion years old. Both desert and forest habitats are found here, home to everything from the California condor to mountain lions. Catch the park at sunrise or sunset to see the mesas and buttes bathed in an otherworldly glow. TIP: You’ll capture the best photos in the morning or late afternoon. Busiest in July and Aug., least crowded Nov.—Jan.; entrance fee $25 per vehicle. http://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

One of the country’s lesser-traversed expanses, the Black Canyon—accessed via a road that travels up onto a mesa and through a pinon-juniper forest—started out as a national monument in 1933 and was only granted national park status in 1999. Today, folks come here to spot Peregrine falcons, bighorn sheep, and bobcats. Wildlife aside, the most stunning feature is geological and known as the “painted wall.” It’s a dramatic, 2,250-foot cliff comprised of black metamorphic rock called gneiss (pronounced “nice”), etched with ropes of shiny pink pegmatite twisted in the shape of dragons. TIP: You’ll need a permit to hike into the canyon. Busiest in July—Aug., least crowded Dec.—Jan. (the North Rim closes when snowfall is 4-plus inches); entrance fee $15 per vehicle. http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm

Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee + North Carolina

It’s little wonder why this is the country’s most visited national park, clocking in at an average of nine million visitors each year. Dating back 200-300 million years, the gently undulating Smokies rise from 875 to 6,643 feet and are among the world’s oldest mountains. They’re especially beautiful during leaf-peeping season (beginning as early as mid-September), when yellow birch and pin cherry trees begin to turn. Wildlife is also a draw: There are 17,000 known species and possibly as many as 80,000 more. Most notable are the American Black Bear (there were 1,500 at last count), as well as the red-cheek salamander (the park is known as the salamander capital). TIP: Park insiders love the sandstone boulders, which fall from cliffs high in the mountains and move into steep-sided streams over time. Carried downstream, rounded, and eventually broken down, the remnants of some of these boulders have traveled as far as the Gulf of Mexico as sand. Busiest July—Aug., least crowded Jan.—Feb.; free unless you stay at developed camps. http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Channel Islands National Park

These five islands off the California coast are magnets for water lovers. Kayaking, bird watching, and diving are the best ways to explore the place that’s been dubbed the Galapagos of North America. Teeming with dolphins, seals, and the largest aggregation of blue whales in the world, perhaps the most startling underwater inhabitant yet is the Giant Black Sea Bass, a gentle giant of a fish that can stretch to seven feet and 750 pounds. On the northwest coastline of Santa Cruz island, the Painted Cave is not to be missed. It’s one of the world’s largest and deepest sea caves that looks spattered with all the colors of the rainbow, thanks to its colorful types of rock, lichens, and algae. TIP: Pack a pair of binoculars. Located off the Santa Barbara/Ventura Coastline, the closest park island is 11 miles and the farthest is 55; private boats are permitted on select areas with a permit, but local operators also offer tours. Busiest July—Aug., least crowded Oct.—Dec. (visit Jan.-Mar. to see migrating gray whales, in spring to see wildflowers). http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm

Acadia National Park, Maine

The jewel of Maine covers 49,000 acres on Mount Desert Island. More than 2.2 million adventure types flock to what was the first national park on the east coast, established in 1916. Evergreen forests ring sparkling lakes in the shadow of craggy mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking, camping (there are three campgrounds, Blackwoods, Seawall, and Isle de Haut), boating, even cross-country skiing in the winter. Many of the beaches are spectacular too, but the slightly crunchy sand is scattered with the skeletons of crabs, mussels, and sea urchins. Consider heading to Somes Sound, where evidence of the long-ago carving of granite by glaciers is evident everywhere in the form of striations and giant boulders. Acadia is also a bird-watcher’s haven, with a record 338 species; the eerie call of the red-throated loon will not be soon forgotten. TIP: To get there, travel just three miles north of Bar Harbor. Busiest July—Aug., least crowded Jan.—Feb. entrance fee $20 per vehicle. http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Arguably the world’s most majestic string of mountains, the snow-capped Rockies hit a high note of 14,259 feet at Longs Peak. In the park, 124 peaks are 8,789 feet and higher, 118 are above 10,000, 77 top 12,000, and 20 soar past 13,000—in a word, awesome. One third of the park is above tree line, while the rest is carpeted in Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, juniper, blue spruce, and aspen. More than a quarter of all the plants here are also native to the Arctic. One delightful exception: The Colorado columbine, whose bluish-purple bloom nods in the sun-warmed breeze. TIP: Help prevent altitude sickness by making sure to acclimatize and drink water often. Busiest July—Aug., least crowded Jan.—Feb. (visit June—July to see bighorn sheep and wildflowers, Sept.—early Oct. for elk mating season); entrance fee $20 per vehicle. http://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm

Pristine islands, rolling vineyards, fishing villages: Croatia, the newest member of the European Union, is surprisingly undiscovered. Outdoor activities—such as sailing, hiking, and diving—abound, architectural styles range from Roman to Romanesque, and the dazzling beaches invite you to don a designer suit—or, sometimes, none at all.

If you’re looking to explore the countryside, set your sights on Istria, a heart-shaped peninsula that extends into the Adriatic Sea off the country’s northern coast. Your best option for getting around is by car and a three- to five-day itinerary might include tasting pinot noir at the Kozlovic Winery; savoring the local white truffles at Toklaarija, a restaurant in a converted olive mill; and touring galleries in the hilltop town of Grožnjan.

Coastal Croatia is postcard-perfect, and hotspots include Hvar, for celebrity spotting; Bol, on Brac Island, for hitting the waves; and Split, with its labyrinth of boutique-lined streets. But if there’s one place that’s not to be missed, it’s Dubrovnik, near Croatia’ southern tip. Here, ancient defensive walls so dramatic they serve as the backdrop for many a Game of Thrones episode about the salty sea; cobblestones polished to a sheen line the romantic city center; and unmarked paths lead to laid-back cliff-side bars.

“It’s like Tuscany, 10 years ago,” is a commonly overheard refrain among travelers smart or lucky enough to come upon the country today. But with so much recent investment in tourism infrastructure—about $9 billion and counting—the landscape is sure to evolve, and draw bigger crowds, in the coming years. Our advice: Get there first. Take advantage of our latest offer in Dubrovnik, Croatia here. 

Here are a few travel tips from our experts. 

• Always keep the receipts for your items purchased abroad, and be ready to show customs officials what you have purchased upon your return.
• If you feel a duty is unfair, you can ask to see a supervisor to appeal the assessment.
• When packing, a good rule of thumb is to lay out everything you think you will need for your trip—then pack half of what you’ve laid out!

Take a closer look at the magnificent Queen Mary 2 and her incredible amenities which will make your vacation a truly memorable experience.

Queen Mary 2’s sheer size and extravagance, makes her stand out in a class of her own. She launched in January 2004, and has taken guests to sea with amenities such as a Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, theater by London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and boasted the first ever planetarium at sea.

One can hardly describe QM2 without rolling out nearly every superlative in the book. She’s the biggest, most technologically advanced, and—at approximately $800 million—an incredibly expensive passenger liner. She boasts a vast wine collection, an enormous ballroom, and an extensive library. One thing she won’t do is pack in too many passengers. Her grand suites and staterooms hold some 2,620 guests, yet the cruise ship is still very roomy.

She hails from a long line of legendary seafarers, including the original Queen Mary and the two Queen Elizabeth liners. Like her predecessors, she is a true ocean liner, built to withstand high seas and stormy weather with perfect equanimity. Starting in 2004, QE2 set sail on sail 17 transatlantic crossings a year, taking over the sea route of her famed sister ship, Queen Elizabeth 2.

Queen Mary 2 is outfitted with ornate ceilings, wall coverings, furnishings, and about $5 million worth of art. Nearly three-quarters of the 1,310 staterooms have private balconies, and include interactive TV so passengers can send and receive email at sea. Yet QM2 will recall the grandeur of ocean liners of yore, with its classic form, expansive promenades, and sweeping staircases.

At QM2’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub, you can indulge in the ultimate pampering and wellness treatments like the classic Canyon Stone Massage or the exotic Ayurvedic. The SpaClub spans 20,000 square feet on two decks, and includes a thalassotherapypool and a thermal suite with saunas, reflexology basins, and an aromatic steam room.

Evenings can be spent at the elegant 1,000 seat Royal Court Theatre, where you can enjoy lavish musicals and memorable hi-tech productions performed by the Cunard Royal Dancers and Singers. If you are looking for a quieter option, QM2 also boasts a cinema where you can sit back and relax with a wonderful collection of movies. For a more formal affair, don your formal dancing attire at the Royal night theme balls, held at the magnificent Queens Room accompanied by the marvelous music of the orchestra.

If you're traveling with your pet, here are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you both have an enjoyable vacations.

Don’t leave pets alone in the room too long. Some hotels even require that you take your pet with you whenever you leave.

Do be mindful of room service. If you’re going to leave your pooch in the room, you might have to forgo maid service.

Do learn the house rules. Some hotels have size restrictions for pets, and some charge extra for furry guests.

Who says Spot has to stay at home? There are many amenities for globetrotting pets which make travel easier, more stylish—and in some cases downright luxurious. Luxury hotels roll out the red carpet for four-legged guests. Pet spas and salons offer tail-wagging treatments for pampered pups. Airlines have pet-friendly services—and one airline even caters expressly to pets on the go. It’s never been a better time to be a jet-set pet.

As vacationing with pets has become more popular, many hotels have found it’s better for business to welcome a special breed of niche travelers: the furry kind. You’d think that luxury hotels would be among the first to turn Fido away—but they’re actually some of the most welcoming accommodations for pet guests.

“We love them,” says Edward Munz, director of guest services at Hotel Monaco, a boutique luxury hotel in Washington, D.C. Munz has seen black labs, golden retrievers, West Highland terriers, and dachshunds grace the chandelier-lit lobby of the well-appointed hotel. Canine guests are invited to choose a toy from the concierge’s stash at the front desk. Pet-designated guest rooms come stocked with ceramic food bowls, bottled water, biscuits, and a map of great dog walks in the neighborhood.

Hotel Monaco keeps dog and cat food on hand, and the kitchen can even cook up gourmet treats. A steak for your pooch? No problem. If the hotel restaurant can’t produce one, the staff has been known to pick up a choice cut from the chophouse across the street.

At the posh Peninsula New York, the hotel staff agrees that the way to a dog’s heart is through its stomach. A “Canine Cuisine” room service menu includes such appetizers as Scratch My Belly Bagels and Jump ’n Sit Bits. Pet videos like The Adventures of Milo and Otis are available on request.

Manhattan is big on deluxe accommodations for pets and their owners. Dogs are greeted with an aromatherapy coat spritz at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park South, which will produce complimentary 22-karat gold-plated pet ID tags upon request. At the Ritz, canines sleep in style on quilted dog beds, but the real show-stealers are the dog-fitting Burberry coats available for chic walks on rainy days. Says Chef Concierge Frederick Bigler, “One poodle refused the pintsize coat, so its owner opted for the next best protection from the elements, and took the Bentley instead.”

The W New York, Union Square, ups the ante by booking spa services for pooches at a nearby pet salon, Bonnie’s K-9 Corp. Doggy jet lag is a problem? Help is on the way in the form of massages and hydrotherapy treatments.

For pet lovers seeking a country retreat, the Three Buck Inn, in North Lake Tahoe, California, offers dog-friendly digs that combine mountain cabin charm with four-star amenities. Pups get cozy on leopard-print dog beds and quench their thirst at Le Bistro water feeders, while the great outdoors beckon with hiking, boating, snowshoeing, and other pet-appropriate activities.

For destination-bound pets and their owners, there can be challenges. Most trains, buses, and cruise lines forbid pets; Amtrak accepts only trained service animals. And on aircraft, only the smallest pets make the cut for carry-on size restrictions, while the rest are banished to the belly of the plane. Checking your pet as baggage or cargo can be traumatic, and in some cases— particularly during temperature extremes— even dangerous.

Some airlines have stepped up to the plate with special transport programs for pets, heeding the demands of concerned pet owners. While they don’t promise a luxurious ride, these services—including Delta’s Pet First and Continental’s PetSafe program—at least ensure pets’ safety when they must travel via cargo. Yet even these programs won’t fly with many pet owners, who would no sooner put their pets in cargo than they would their own children. What’s a pet lover to do?

Check out Companion Air: the first-ever airline that caters expressly to pets. Formed by pet and aviation enthusiasts Rick and Diana Roof, the owners of a golden retriever mix, the Roofs understand the trials of travel with pets. Recalls Diana: “I said to Rick, ‘What do people do who don’t want to put a pet in cargo, don’t have time to drive, and can’t afford a charter?’” This airline has received a phenomenal response from animal lovers.

Companion Air flies small, jet-prop aircraft specially outfitted to hold six humans and twelve pets. Contact between owners and their pets is permitted during flights, and in-flight services include refreshments for both people and pets. Companion Air is a great option for traveling with pets!

POLAR REGIONS

Iceland and Russia Looking for something truly exotic? Now you can hike across Iceland’s fjords with Cunard or visit Russia’s reindeer herdsmen with MSC Cruises, Ponant, and Holland America Line.

DON’T MISS Spot puffins and walruses during a wildlife tour on the Ponant 12-day Anadyr-to-Petropavlovsk excursion along Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula.

UNITED STATES

Northeastern U.S. Cruise lines from Crystal to Holland America are adding leaf-peeping sailings around New England, to towns such as Newport, Rhode Island. The Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship based year-round in New York City (the Rockettes will be on board).

DON’T MISS Exploring the Gilded Age mansions of Bar Harbor, Maine, on Holland America’s seven-day Canada and New England cruise.

ASIA

Burma Since the government relaxed its stance on political opposition, several lines have announced itineraries to Burma. Orient-Express is adding a second ship for sailings beyond the Irrawaddy, and Silversea stops here on its world cruise, having added days in Rangoon with excursions to the temples of Bagan.

DON’T MISS Orient-Express’s four-day extension to Inle Lake, which stops at historic Nga Phe Kyaung Monastery.

Mekong River  Southeast Asia’s 2,600-mile-long Mekong offers views of ancient ruins, traditional villages, and a fast-changing countryside. New on the river are Uniworld, Viking, and, in 2014, Aqua Expeditions. Most itineraries focus on sights between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Siem Reap, Cambodia.

DON’T MISS A stop to see Angkor Wat’s intricate bas-relief stone carvings on the 15-day Magnificent Mekong cruise from Viking River Cruises.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Australia Down under is one of the fastest-growing cruise destinations. Its newest port? Kangaroo Island, off the southern coast, home to 267 bird species. Regent Seven Seas and Holland America now sail there, also stopping in Sydney.

DON’T MISS Regent Seven Seas’ four-hour paddleboat tour of the Brisbane River on its 17-day Coastal Reefs and Koalas itinerary

For more cruising inspiration, visit www.travelandleisure.com/articles/ learning-vacations-cruises. Ready to book a trip? Call our Travel Counselors at 888-828-2500 (option 1).

T+L Elite Traveler is excited to bring you an inside look at Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship: Norwegian Breakaway. This majestic cruise liner is the largest ship to homeport year-round in New York City and boasts an array of unique amenities including: the largest AquaPark and the most Broadway shows at sea. Here are a few more reasons why we can’t stop talking about the Norwegian Breakaway.

1. The Waterfront. Like us, we assume you love to enjoy the wonderful sea breeze, warm sun and peaceful surroundings when aboard your cruise ship. Being able to dine outside on the magnificent Promenade deck is one of our favorite features of the Norwegian Breakaway.
2. A new look. We can't help but admire the vibrant colors, atriums and unique artwork that make this ship feel more comfortable, pleasant and enjoyable.
3. Entertainment. From The Rockettes to Rock of Ages, the Blue Man Group and Burn The Floor, you won't spend a minute wondering what to do after dinner.
4. All generations. Ultra-luxury rooms found in the Haven with the added benefit of having a 1,062-foot long ship to explore, make Norwegian Breakaway strikingly convenient for multi-generational family trips. You won't have to compromise regardless of budget constraints or personal taste.

Here are three simple ways to take your next trip up a notch.

Gear: A good walking stick can provide better stability on rough terrain. Black Diamond Equipment’s carbon-fiber Ultra Distance model ($160) is light and compact.

Health: Be sure to enjoy all of your time on the mountain. For advice on how to avoid altitude sickness, visit the Altitude Research Center.

Tech: Looking for the name of that mountain? The GPS-enabled Peaks app (iTunes; $2.99) has a database of more than a half-million summits around the world and automatically generates a tweet identifying the mountains that are closest to you.

Bree Sposato writes for Travel + Leisure, Bloomberg Businessweek, Art News, and other outlets. Want to learn more? Visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tl-hiking-guide for the full story.