Formerly presented every other year, the Venice Biennale -- a world-class, contemporary fair -- is now an annual event.

Visiting Italy during the Christmas season offers two bonuses: You'll avoid the high summer season tourist crowds, and you'll get to see the country decked out in all its holiday finery.

The Hobe Sound beach extends north more than two miles to where the equally pristine St. Lucie Preserve beach begins.

The old monastic grounds next to the church now serve as a shelter for the needy and homeless of the city. You can't miss the church even from afar.

The airboats that Erv operates are ungainly machines, light aluminum skiffs powered by muscular automobile engines mounted on the back, above the water line.

With its high-brow art scene, luxurious shopping and A-list clubs, Miami is an energetic, ultra-lively hub for young partiers and jet-setting tourists -- but to escape the rowdy scene, southern Floridans have several spots to enjoy.

Though Ercolano is slightly further from Mount Vesuvius than Pompeii, it is arguably better preserved.

The road veers toward the settlement of Goodlands, now a trendy watering hole which calls itself a "drinking town with a fishing problem."

I stand atop this floating city of fun playing putt-putt golf and scanning the horizon for Mallorca, wondering how I'll do: Will I enjoy the people, the food, the congestion as we spill into port?