Just What the DR Ordered: Sun, Beach, All-Inclusives or Adventure in the Dominican Republic
Home of the first European city in the New World, the Dominican Republic is now one of the last budget destinations in the Caribbean. While its all-inclusive industry (the biggest anywhere) may have cost it the snob appeal of tonier destinations such as St. Barts and Martinique, what it lacks in cachet it makes up for with equally white sand and turquoise waters, and the most diverse ecosystem in the Caribbean -- with deserts and jungles, forested mountains and mangrove swamps, not to mention miles and miles of sugar-like beaches. more>

Cocoa Dreams and Travel for Chocoholics
I'm talking real chocolate -- the kind that melt in the mouth European delicacy that makes you forget that you may be single on Valentine's Day, in debt, depressed or otherwise less than perfect. Dieters and calorie counters can stop reading now, because this kind of travel is about ultimate indulgence and there should be no guilt no matter what you eat! more>

The Baltic States Are Hot Off-Season, We're Tallinn Ya
Although the Lithuanian independence effort hastened the collapse of the U.S.S.R., the Baltic states are the former-Soviet-republics-less-traveled, since eastern Europe opened to the West in the early 1990s. And it's certainly not for want of compelling reasons to visit. more>

Turn Seafoam Green with Envy Over These Low-Priced Cruise Deals
You'll find savings on European and American river cruises, family discounts and our usual collection of the cheapest offers currently from a multitude of online distributors. more>

Hotwire or Priceline?
From P Mares: "I have used both Hotwire and Priceline. Although there are some obvious limitations, there are also some wonderful bargains if you are flexable. Does anyone have any information about which service offers the best hotel choices? They each seem to favor different cities." more>

Baja Search and Rescue Trips
From JR Palmer: "Through Baja Search and Rescue, I have been making trips into the remote areas of Baja delivering donations and school supplies to help the locals. We make one trip a month and we visit the most remote communities/ranchos in the mountains and more remote coastal areas of Baja. Because of the many delivery trips I have made, I have many friends who are guides in these areas. We also spend time documenting caves, lakes, native crafts as well as fishing, eating the local foods and practising Spanish. This is an incredible way to see Baja as it has been for over 200 years. It is a way to help the people of Baja while learning about and enjoying a lifestyle that not many are aware of." more>

Looking for Budget Norway Tours
From Sharonl7340: "My daughter and I want to travel to Stavanger, Norway in March, and I wanted to find a budget trip. Does anyone have any ideas for websites that I can search to get cheap vacation packages to Norway?" more>

New Year's Weekend in Chicago with Kids
From smiller502: "We're bringing 5 kids (ages 8-11) to Chicago Jan 1 & 2 and I need some advice, please. The kids live in the Louisville projects and have never been to a 'big city.' We're staying one night at the Holiday Inn near Merchandise Mart. Questions: Has anyone been to the winter festival at Navy Pier? Any tips on seeing the Museum of Science & Industry on Sunday? Any suggestions for restaurants in the Loop the kids would like? Also, any other 'cold weather' suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much." more>

Safari and Kilimanjaro Climb
From William Bambereger: "I'm planning a safari and Kilimanjaro climb for October 2005. I'd like references for a travel outfitter. Has anyone had experience with Africa Travel Resource (ATR)?" more>

NOTE: Our Reader's Voice selections are discussions from our Message Boards that are worthy of note. To have your comments considered for publication, you'll first to need to post your thoughts on our Boards.

If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription at any time, please login at www.frommers.com/subscribe/. If you have any questions or suggestions please send a message addressed to editor@frommers.com.