Ecological adventures abound in Costa Rica. Enjoy hiking rainforests where parrots screech and monkeys chatter, viewing volcanic lakes and rafting rivers edged with thick bamboo stands and wild mango trees.

Corfu Town, the historic area on the island of Corfu and one of Greece’s largest medieval cities, lures walkers like us with its winding, centuries-old pedestrian streets. That, along with the mix of stores, cafes and an ancient fortress, made the place a favorite stop on our Mediterranean cruise.

Colonial Williamsburg, the U.S. most well-known living history museum, is the kind of place you can visit many times. In winter, the Historic Area, looks lovely dappled with snow and decorated with real wreaths, fragrant pine cones and flickering candles.

In the 1770’s patriots argued for rebellion from Britain because the motherland had violated the citizens’ rights. Find out what “freedom” meant for enslaved Africans at Colonial Williamsburg, celebrating 30 years of African American programming in 2009 with added experiences, tours and lectures.

The 250th anniversary of America’s most defining struggle--the Civil War--begins January 2011 and continues through 2015. States and cities associated with the conflict are showcasing compelling new exhibits and new museums. The Washington, D.C. area, is a good place to start your Civil War tour.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s great drives. The 469 mile road straddles mountain peaks and dips into valleys, twisting by overlooks and dappled hillsides. A getaway following the parkway offers a combination of country and city sights.

legacy. Taking an eco-cruise with Captain Charlie Birch is a great way to spot the horses, see less-visited stretches of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and to learn about the region’s clamming and oystering plus enjoy two hours of boating.

On Assateague Island the breezes bring the sounds of snow geese honking and the neighs of wild ponies. Misty, the pony from Marguerite Henry's book helped publicize Chincoteague, but the area also has sunlit beaches, wetlands and in fall thousands of migrating waterfowl.

Want an upmarket, large ship cruise experience? Then look for the “X” painted on the ship’s funnel, marking the vessel as belonging to Celebrity Cruises. We like the line for such big ship amenities as dining and entertainment choices and also for the line’s good food and gracious décor.

Washington, D.C. keeps getting more and more interesting as a food destination. Three relatively new, casual eateries, Bobby’s Burger Palace, El Centro D.F, and the Sixth and Rye food truck-- all birthed by celebrity chefs-- add flare to D.C.’s food scene.