One of the most charming towns in the Napa Valley, Yountville is named for George Calvert Yount who was the first to plant grapes in the valley. There’s just one main street, and it’s only about six blocks long. But there are several wonderful Yountville hotels. And some of the finest restaurants in America are located here. In fact, there are four Michelin-starred restaurants in this town of 3,000 people.

Uber-chef Thomas Keller’s flagship, The French Laundry, is here. As are his Bouchon and Ad Hoc. You’ll need to reserve months in advance to eat at the former, but depending on when you visit, you may be able to nab a table without a reservation and Bouchon or Ad Hoc. If you’re in town on Monday, don’t miss the fried chicken at Ad Hoc. Read more…

The northern Napa Valley town of Calistoga was named by Sam Brannan, who hoped the town would be the west coast equivalent of Saratoga Springs. It’s been a popular destination since the first mineral springs pools opened here in 1859. Today, people still come to take the waters, and many Calistoga hotels have full-service spas that provide countless ways to be pampered.

Calistoga is a low-key, unpretentious town with a laid-back main street lined with shops and restaurants. There are also several good wineries close to town. Chateau Montelena is one of the most appealing. Housed in a French-style chateau that dates from the 19th century, their 1973 Chardonnay beat the French at their own game in a 1976 blind taste test. The story was told in the movie Bottle Shock. The Chinese gardens surrounding the pond here are a pleasant place for a picnic. Read more…

One of the most charming resorts on Lake Garda, Sirmione is located on a narrow peninsula at the southern end of the lake. Connected with the mainland by a small bridge, Sirmione has winding cobbled streets, an imposing castle, tranquil gardens, and a lovely lake-front promenade.

Sirmione hotels are available in all price ranges. And it’s a great place to unwind.

It was first appreciated by the Romans who discovered hot springs and built baths here. Sirmione was later ruled by the Veronese and Venetians, whose architectural legacy adds to the resort’s appeal. Much of the old town is closed to automobile traffic, making it ideal to explore on foot. Read more…

The largest of the Italian Lakes, Lake Garda forms part of the border between Lombardy to the west, Veneto to the east, and Trentino-Alto Adige to the north. The scenery surrounding the lake is quite varied, ranging from Alpine meadows backed by snow-capped peaks to olive groves, and pine and cypress forests.

Lake Garda is one of the cleanest lakes in Italy, and Riva del Garda is a popular windsurfing destination. There are several Lake Garda resorts to choose from, each with a distinct ambience.

Most of the better Lake Garda hotels have access to the lake, a swimming pool, water sports equipment rentals, tennis, and other activities. And most close between October and May. Read more…

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda or Emerald Coast is a popular resort for Europe’s jet set. Developed by the Aga Khan in the 1950s, it’s one of the most expensive destinations in the Mediterranean.

But Alghero on the northwestern side of the island is a charming destination. And Alghero hotels are much less expensive than those on the Costa Smeralda.

Alghero was first settled in the tenth century by the Genoese, who defended it from the Moors. But the biggest influence came from the Spanish who conquered the area in the 14th century. In fact, Alghero is sometimes called “Little Barcelona” because of the Spanish architecture and presence of Catalan language, which is still spoken here. Read more…

A favorite summer getaway of well-heeled Italians and Europeans alike, Lake Como is just plain gorgeous. The sparkling water is backed by snow-capped Alps and lined with luxurious villas and dreamy gardens. The lake is shaped like an upside-down Y, and the town of Bellagio is located where the lake forks.

It’s arguably the most beautiful town in the lakes. And if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot local resident George Clooney water skiing.

Bellagio hotels run the gamut from luxurious to simple, so even travelers of modest means should be able to afford a couple of unforgettable nights here. If ever a place was worth splurging, Bellagio is. Read more…

One of the most attractive cities in Lombardy, Bergamo is a brief train ride from Milan. Nestled in the hills of the Bergamese Alps, the medieval upper city, or Bergamo Alta, is reached by a funicular from the lower town. Bergamo is something of a hidden treasure, and it has much to offer travelers — Venetian-influenced architecture, several beautiful piazzas, and an interesting history.

Bergamo hotels, especially those in Bergamo Alta, tend to be fully booked months in advance during high season, so plan ahead.

In the upper town, Piazza Vecchio has a 12th-century clock tower, law courts dating from the same period, and Read more…

These days, checking your travel luggage with the airline is more of a hassle than ever. Not only are you likely to be charged for the privilege, you’ll spend precious vacation time in the baggage claim area. And considering that 1.8 million bags were lost in 2008, your travel bags may not arrive when you do, or even arrive at all.

But the right luggage can help make your trip easier and more enjoyable. And with a few simple packing tips you’ll have everything you need and still feel agile and unencumbered. Read more…