Travel

A Rhapsody for the Former Yugoslavia

By Rory Winston

Ignorance, historical amnesia, skewed perspective — the indispensable travel companions while on route through Central Europe. No, this is not a plea for buttressing the already bad reputation Americans have when it comes to history and global awareness. Nevertheless, there’s no better way to enjoy all that comprises the former Yugoslavia than by relishing the present rather than succumbing to misinterpretations of its muddled past.

Bohemia Gets a Posh Makeover

Prague has long been known as a haven for budget travelers trying to escape Europe’s pricier cities. Lately, though, the picturesque Bohemian capital has been attracting visitors that are more likely to stay at one of a slew of new five–star hotels and dine at some of the continent’s finest restaurants. – Alysha Brown

By Sarah Showfety

Paris is well known for its upscale magasins and luxe boutiques. But just outside the highway encircling the city rests a different kind of shopping adventure: The world’s largest flea market. A far cry from the chic stores of rue Vieille du Temple, Les Marches aux Puces de Saint-Ouen span nearly 17 acres and attract an estimated 200,000 visitors every week. Formed in 1885, when Parisian rag and bone men who sifted through discarded items at night were banished beyond the city walls, Les Puces have expanded into 15 individual markets.

St. Lucia is finally stepping up to the luxury-vacation-spot plate. A handful of
independent high-end properties are now accepting reservations, and big names like Westin and Ritz-Carlton will open their doors in the near future.

By Elissa Gilbert

We set out from the island of Caye Caulker in Belize in our small boat, turning off the motor and poling slowly through the mangroves. At first we saw manatees, those ungainly mermaids, simply as distant gray lumps. But finally one chose to swim to our side and hung there beside us, only its nostrils poking above the water. We stayed until our guide insisted we leave to go snorkel with stingrays and nurse sharks; a dolphin swam ahead of us leading the way. Such is a morning in Belize.

By Sue Kernaghan

Imagine it’s mid-winter, somewhere in British Columbia. You’re curled up by a roaring fire, snug inside a cosy cabin or a romantic inn, as a thick fall of powder drifts over the forest outside.

ARUBA
LAKE PLACID
ASPEN
SARASOTA
PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO

By Hyon Jung Lee

London offers a dazzling range of hotels for every taste and temperament. There are shiny mega hotels, mini boutique hotels, and swanky business hotels, all catering to the fussiest of travelers. Hundreds of hotels promise something special — perhaps the best location, acclaimed restaurants, a superb spa, or maybe some whiz-bang technology in the rooms. But when you’re jetlagged, lost, and dragging luggage through the rain at 7:30 a.m. after a red-eye, there’s nothing more important than prompt and intuitive service in a peaceful place designed to be as much like a home as like a hotel.

By Elissa Gilbert

“If we were in any other vehicle, we’d be upside down right now.”

Our guide, Cody has steered us through Hell’s Revenge to park the Hummer at a crazy angle against a slick, rocky hill. Through the open roof, the dark sky looks as if someone emptied a salt shaker of stars on it. The Big Dipper is right over our heads.

From design-savvy clocks to dream vacations, here are eight great gift ideas for your jet-setting loved ones. —Alysha Brown

Taschen’s new book, “Great Escapes Around the World” makes finding your next luxe getaway as easy as turning a page. $50. taschen.com