PIRAN, SLOVENIA
It’s on the Adriatic, Italian is widely spoken, it has a peaceful harbor and winding 15-th century streets, and the Gelato is fantastic. But this isn’t Italy, it’s Piran, Slovenia. On the tiny strip of Slovenia which touches the Mediterranean Sea, Piran (once ruled by the Venetians) is right across the water from Venice, and is within minutes of Italy on the north and Croatia on the south.

ALL EUROPE
Europe and art go together. There is an excellent round-up of Spring and Summer 2007 art exhibits around the world on the International Herald Tribune's website.

NOTTING HILL, LONDON
Notting Hill, and especially Portobello Road, has some of the best shopping, pubbing, and people watching in London. The Portobello Road market is open daily – to avoid the crowds, arrive early, especially if you’re visiting on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.