| The arrival of spring is worth celebrating. After a | | | | the drive you'll be treated to traditional small |
| winter of cold and often dark days, springtime | | | | villages populated by modern Mayan Indians. In |
| announces a new beginning. Wildlife return from | | | | this area of the Yucatan Peninsula you can enjoy |
| their season of hibernation, parkas are shed in | | | | a visual feast of ancient Mayan archaeological |
| favor of light jackets and seeds planted in the | | | | sites, visit a zoo or head to the Belizean border |
| winter begin to bloom in glory. Spring is a perfect | | | | with its array of Vegas-style casinos and |
| time for young and old to let loose and enjoy the | | | | world-class tax-free shopping in the "Free Zone." |
| adventure and wonder of the season. | | | | Stay at the Rancho Encantado for as little as |
| If Girls Gone Wild is not your style, avoid the | | | | $105 per night (double occupancy) or rent the |
| following vacation spots that attract the MTV | | | | luxurious Casa Estrella de Bacalar for $1200 to |
| party crowd:o Arizona - Lake Havasu Cityo Florida | | | | $1500 for one week. For reservations and tourist |
| - Panama City, Dayton, South Beach, Miami, Key | | | | information, for both the Encantado and Casa |
| Westo Texas - South Padre Islando Mexico - | | | | Estrella, call (800) 505-MAYA. |
| Acapulco, Cancun, Mazatlano Caribbean - Punta | | | | Do Good, Feel Good |
| Cana, Dominican Republic; Nassau, Bahamas; | | | | For those looking to feed the soul, spending a |
| Paradise Island, Bahamas; Montego Bay, Jamaica; | | | | vacation helping others is just what the doctor |
| Negril, Jamaica | | | | ordered. The Sierra Club offers more than 80 |
| Take heart! There are many other springtime | | | | trips throughout the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, |
| places to satisfy your wanderlust. Here are four | | | | including Project Forest Reforestation in Florida's |
| of our favorite picks worth exploring. | | | | Ocala National Forest. You'll camp in tents and |
| Romantic Getaway | | | | spend your days clearing underbrush, building |
| Montreal, Canada. Montreal beckons visitors with | | | | footbridges, cleaning up beaches or repairing |
| its easy mix of French charm, decadent shops | | | | sinkholes. Spend your downtime exploring the |
| and restaurants and hip, cosmopolitan vibe. Enjoy | | | | vast wonderland of the Florida National Scenic |
| a romantic dinner cruise along the St. Lawrence | | | | Trail or swimming in nearby springs. Learn about |
| River where you are treated to culinary delights, | | | | more Sierra club outings at or by calling (415) |
| sultry jazz and the city's twinkling lights or stay on | | | | 977-5522. |
| shore and treat yourself to a progressive dinner | | | | Global Citizens' volunteer projects focus on rural |
| at three of Montreal's star-studded restaurants. | | | | areas around the world (find out more at or by |
| When you are ready for a romantic stroll filled | | | | calling (800) 644-9292). Trips last from one to |
| with the tantalizing sights and sounds of the city | | | | three weeks depending on the location. With |
| head to Sainte-Catherine Street in downtown | | | | domestic and international locations, you can |
| Montreal to discover why Montreal is the double | | | | volunteer in Kentucky or Kenya. Local |
| decker city. The largest concentration of stores in | | | | communities initiate projects and volunteer teams |
| Canada can be found above ground while | | | | are led by a trained team leader. You may find |
| underneath every nook and cranny is filled with | | | | yourself planting trees, building a health clinic or |
| shops and boutiques. Sainte-Catherine traverses | | | | teaching business skills to community residents. |
| from east to west across the entire city. Enjoy | | | | You can apply to become a volunteer at the |
| the decidedly hip vibe evoked by this worldly | | | | Global Citizen Web site. |
| marketplace nestled between mountains and | | | | Passion for Adventure |
| rivers. Splurge in designer boutiques and | | | | If you would rather spend your vacation, testing |
| trend-setting art galleries or simply enjoy the | | | | your physical limits while exploring the natural |
| juxtaposition of modern skyscrapers and | | | | beauty of the great outdoors The World |
| centuries-old buildings. When night falls, dine or | | | | Outdoors offers the perfect package. Spend six |
| dance the night away in the hottest clubs in the | | | | action packed days rock climbing, kayaking, |
| country. Montreal has many five-star | | | | canyoneering, hiking and mountain biking through |
| accommodations, from upscale luxury hotels and | | | | the unsurpassed beauty of Utah's Canyon |
| well-known chains to cozy B&Bs. Enjoy a | | | | Country. This adrenalin pumping trip takes you |
| luxurious stay at the five-star Hotel Sofitel on | | | | through the outback of Canyonlands National Park |
| Sherbourne Street West (877 285-9001, Toll | | | | with its ephemeral pools and geologic formations |
| Free, Rooms range from $165 to $695. Or | | | | to the mysterious Fiery Furnace in the Arches. |
| choose the cozy accommodations at four-star | | | | You will raft on the Colorado River, hike to the |
| B&B Angelica Blue (800 878-5048) with | | | | famous Fisher Towers, and canyoneer in one of |
| room rates from $65 to $135. | | | | the most spectacular settings for rappelling in the |
| Mexico without Crowds | | | | world. |
| Mexico is a popular destination spot for a reason. | | | | Experienced guides offer a relaxed approach for |
| It is a reasonably priced, warm weather vacation | | | | the novice and experienced adventurer. You can |
| that's easily accessible by boat or plane. Laguna | | | | choose an all camping trip or a mix of camping |
| Bacalar is a few hours from the touristy Cancun, | | | | and inn accommodations. The mixed trip offers |
| yet it feels a million miles away. The ancient Maya | | | | accommodations at the famous Red Cliffs Lodge |
| called it Lake of the Seven Colors. Laguna Bacalar | | | | where several classic John Wayne movies were |
| is the second-largest lake in Mexico, offering a | | | | filmed and the luxurious Gonzo Inn offering |
| dazzling array of greens and blues and at sunset | | | | spacious rooms and an outdoor pool and spa. The |
| reflections of pinks, lavenders and oranges. This | | | | World Outdoors offers adventure vacations in |
| natural lake and its crystal-clear tropical water are | | | | regions throughout the world. Visit for a catalog |
| perfect for windsurfing, rowing or kayaking. The | | | | or to book your trip. |
| town of Bacalar is relatively tourist free and its | | | | Whether you are looking for romance, charity, |
| untouched beauty and ancient Mayan sites are a | | | | adventure or just a relaxing time away there is a |
| delight to visitors. Fly into the state capital of | | | | spring destination with your name on it. |
| Chetumal, a half-hour drive from Bacalar. During | | | | |