If you enjoy travel and do it with some frequency, probably you’re often asked, “What’s your favorite destination?” Most of us relish sharing the best of our travel experiences. The favorite destination list grows as new experiences are added. There are seasonal favorites, historical favorites, cultural favorites and some favorites are a combination of elements.Regardless of the destination, my preference is to avoid peak times by traveling during low or mid-season. It is less costly, tourists are fewer and, as a visitor, I feel more welcomed and appreciated. I get to experience the host country and people when they also have the time for exchange of information and ideas.

These are some of the considerations taken into account when we plan our “Special Drolett Departures.” We weigh the season, the cost and the destination. Our recent tour to Poland was wonderful. When we mentioned we were going to Poland, a number of clients asked, “Why Poland?” We selected that destination because it is a place emerging from decades of domination by others. Out from under Communist rule since 1989, Poles are a hard-working people striving to improve their standard of living and overall economy. They are eager to show tourists their sites whether it be the Wieliczka salt mine, an underground wonder of caves and salt carvings … or the lessons of Auschwitz, site of the notorious concentration camp.

We have had a chance to visit Poland before it becomes a tourist mecca. The sights were well worth the trip, and the people exceeded expectations. With the strength of the euro and pound, the Polish zlotych is a gift at 3.40 to each U.S. dollar, making travel there more reasonable than most European countries.

English is not taught in Polish schools but most young adults can carry on a conversation and are eager to do so. They’ve learned their English from the music and movie industries. I was approached by a young priest in the Royal Palace in Warsaw inquiring how our group was enjoying the tour in Poland. After some conversation, I asked where he was from … and to my astonishment, he said Warsaw. He had learned his English from movies and spoke impeccably. I honestly thought he was an American.

The desire to practice English was also confirmed when my seatmate from Warsaw to Amsterdam asked to practice his English, also learned from CDs and movies. He opened his carryon bag to show me his collection of American artists he has listened to over the past 20 years. An executive with a Polish oil company, he and I have become e-mail penpals. His family will be visiting us in 2006 investigating American universities for their daughter.  

Our first choice for a 2005 tour program is South Africa. Although a new and exciting destination for us, it is a dream trip for many. What an easy choice and the timing is perfect. If anyone asks, “Why South Africa?” there are so many excellent reasons: wildlife, game reserves, the wine country, a diverse culture, the Garden Route, African art/carving/baskets, positive money exchange, numerous beaches, awesome landscapes and the vibrant cities of Capetown and Port Elizabeth. That’s just a start. South African democracy is celebrating its 10th anniversary and we will be celebrating our first South African journey.  

In May 2005, Italy is once again on our agenda with a Tuscany Delight ending in Rome. No one would ever ask “Why  Italy?” The eternal popular destination, Tuscany offers vineyards, village life, great food, vibrant piazzas, the charm of Siena, the shopping of San Gimignano and that unpredictable Italian ambiance— sometimes leisurely, sometimes chaotic—but always enjoyable. And those Italians!

We wondered how our choices of tour programs measure up to those of Tauck Tours, a company that offers deluxe but value-filled vacations. It was interesting to find the current list of Tauck’s five most popular tours:
1. Classic Italy
2. Australia and New Zealand
3. Yellowstone and Grand Tetons
4. Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna and Prague
5. Canadian Rockies

The only surprise on Tauck’s list is number three. I expected maybe Hawaii or France or even Ireland. However, since 9/11, Americans have spent more time at home than abroad and Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are spectacular. Coming in at number five, the Canadian Rockies are awesome. A wonderful suggestion is the eight-day heli-hiking trip offered by Tauck. It is an awesome experience. I would do that again in a minute. Regardless of age or hiking ability, there is a group level for everyone from the kids to the grandparents. The rest of the Tauck list have all been destinations for our special Drolett Tours. We’ve visited Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Warsaw, Budapest, Prague, plus China, Ireland, Thailand, Malaysia in addition to many North American cities.

My list would not be numbered, just a favorites list: Italy, France, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, China, Eastern Europe, Thailand, Indonesia, Africa. Then there are my favorite walking cities: Paris, Florence, Rome, London, Venice. A beautiful day in Paris is a small piece of heaven!

If there is a drawback to any of these marvelous places, it is the amount of travel time. Flights can range from eight hours to 22 hours from Detroit. Our suggestion is to take those longer flights while you are healthy and physically fit. Don’t wait until you are 80 and it becomes just wishful thinking. But then again, there are some 80-year-olds that can probably walk circles around us.

		Kathie Drolett owns Drolett Travel.