Originally a fort built by the U.S. Army in 1838 during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale welcomes visitors with broad, palm-fringed beaches and an easy pace of life. Stroll along fashionable Las Olas Boulevard with its stylish shops or enjoy a sightseeing cruise through the city''s canals, boasting more waterways than Venice. Or, venture out and explore the cosmopolitan city of Palm Beach, or the wildlife sanctuary of the Everglades.

Survey the neatly shuttered shops for bargains, or the twisted rock formations known as "Hell." But there's nothing hellish about the white-sand heaven of Seven Mile Beach. Sample the rum distilled here and be sure to visit the world's only sea turtle farm.

But truth be told, this isn't a tourist town per se, compared to other destinations in the Caribbean Sea . Nevertheless, there are things to see and do while you are in port.

Spend an unforgettable day cruising the Panama Canal, a fifty-one-mile waterway through the rainforest that is one of the world's engineering masterpieces. The ship glides down the canal with inches to spare, through locks that raise and lower it like a toy. Along the way it crosses enormous Gatun Lake, and the amazing Gaillard Cut, blasted out of a solid mountainside.

...The port of Manta is the busiest fishing port on earth.The Museo del Banco Central is a fantastic museum ...Manta's beaches are spacious as well as beautiful, and are home to a wide array of wildlife.There are a few truly great restaurants in Manta, and the nightlife is fantastic.

Callao is your port of entry to the glittering, elegant city of Lima, the darling of Peru. Founded by Pizarro and the Conquistadors, the capital city today offers priceless collections ranging from the Museum of Gold to the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology. Pizarro's remains can be found in the Cathedral, built in 1746. From Lima, you can also take a tour to Machu Picchu, the mysterious lost city of the Incas high in the Andes, or to Cuzco, the capital of the Incan Empire.

The largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, Tahiti held a magical attraction for artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. To understand why, simply listen to the winds whistling through casuarina trees on a secluded black-sand beach, or stroll through beautiful botanical gardens and marvel at island flora.

Part of the Society Islands of Polynesia, North West of Tahiti.

Port of the Society Islands of Polynesia.

Rarotonga is one of the premier destinations in the entire South Pacific, and many travelers find that this beautiful location is even more gorgeous than highly-touted Tahiti. The fishing off the coast of Rarotonga is incredible, and local fisherman claim to have landed some of the largest tuna and marlin anywhere.Outdoor sports are quite popular on the island; from golf to hiking to tennis, Rarotonga has it all.Typically the dining, sports engagements, and nightlife are about half as expensive as the islands in French Polynesia and the rest of the South Pacific, so get ready to have some fun!

The Kingdom of Tonga is the oldest, and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. See the place where Captain Cook landed in 1777, along with the now huge tree that was planted on that occasion. Visit the ancient tombs of Tongan kings. Then view local crafts at the Tongan National Centre.

A French owned country.

Sydney is Australia''s showcase: the oldest settlement, the largest and most thriving city, the cultural melting pot. It curves around idyllic Port Jackson, where sandstone cliffs and bright islands complement the Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Wander the cobbled colonial streets of the historic Rocks quarter, or tour the mansions of Watson''s Bay.

The Great Barrier Reef city of Cairns is the northernmost city of Queensland and is located amidst endless stretches of white sandy beach, attracting visitors from around the world. Although Cairns is the scuba-diving capital of the Great Barrier Reef, you can also wander along the Esplanade, with its remarkable views over Trinity Bay, or explore the Heritage Walk with its fascinating insights into the city's history.

Named after evolutionist Charles Darwin, this tropical city on the top end of Australia is a former frontier town with a rough-and-tumble past. Darwin's growth was achieved back in 1871 with the discovery of gold at Pine Creek, and today a number of historic buildings from that era remain. Darwin is also the center of the aboriginal community, the world's oldest culture. From here, you can visit Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site renowned not only for its Australian wildlife but Aboriginal rock art.

A rare discovery awaits the traveler who ventures onto this remote island of Komodo. Walking through the dense vegetation, hearing and seeing a variety of bird and animal life, you may feel you've landed in another epoch. Indeed, the last vestiges of long-gone dinosaurs survive here, in the form of the legendary, giant lizards called Komodo Dragons.

One of Asia's great success stories, this island republic has merged diverse cultures into a dynamic and thriving nation. Clean, modern and full of green gardens, its neighborhoods reflect the Chinese, Malay, Indian, Arab and European backgrounds of its past. After sampling the legendary shopping, retire to Raffles Hotel's famous bar and toast Maugham, Kipling and Noel Coward with a Singapore Sling.

Malaysia's capital rises like a vision from the deep jungles. Its fascinating array of architectural styles includes Malay stilt villages, Islamic minarets, Hindu temples, Chinese shop houses and the indescribable opulence of the Royal Palace. In the background rise the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers completed in 1996.

Set like a jewel in the Andaman Sea, Thailand's largest island has great expanses of sandy beaches that lure sun-seekers to their shores, and a unique culture combining influences from China and Portugal. Visit the fabled monastery of Wat Chalong, the Orchard Garden and the Thai Village, where examples of the country's culture are presented in a tranquil lakeside setting.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land," an apt description for this beautiful island. Sri Lanka lies fifty-five miles north of the equator, just off the southern tip of India. With its unique beauty, warm climate and near-perfect beaches, Sri Lanka is one of Asia's most adored destinations. Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their architectural and cultural marks in Sri Lanka's capital of Colombo. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has always remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.

The Maldives are the vision of a castaway paradise with a garland of 2,000 coral atolls crowned with coco palms floating in the Indian Ocean. Their houses are built from blocks cut from the surrounding coral. Taste the golden coconut candy that is their passion, snorkel in the clear waters, see an astounding variety of fish, or soar by helicopter to a nearby isle.

In the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

African and Oriental cultures merge harmoniously in the cosmopolitan city of Durban. Zulu rickshaw drivers beckon passengers along Durban's Marine Parade. Silks and gold-threaded saris tempt visitors at the Oriental Arcades. In addition to golden beaches, Durban offers a fascinating history. It is also gateway to Zululand, where the drumbeat of tribal dancing is testimony to the enduring traditions of the Zulus. A visit to Shakaland is an experience of tribal customs.

One of the world's most scenic harbors, the "Mother City" has welcomed sailors since Portuguese navigators first rounded the Cape of Good Hope in the 15th century. Take a cable car ride to the summit of massive, flat-topped Table Mountain, the city's dominating landmark, for a panoramic view of the Cape from 3,300 feet. At nearby Stellenbosch, the university town famous for its Cape Dutch architecture, sip crisp local vintages at one of the well-known wine estates.

Walvis Bay is an outpost on the empty stretch of Southwest Africa they call the Skeleton Coast. It was named for the whales once hunted here. Behind the town is the Namib Desert with trackless dunes inhabited by hardy, exotic desert plants and, now and then, a hungry lion or a ghostly herd of elephants. There is only one road, and it leads to Windhoek, Namibia's capital.

The port of Santa Cruz has colorful markets and fine museums, but be sure to drive through the island's lush landscapes or enjoy the amazing views from the snow-capped peak of Spains highest mountain, 11,600-foot Mount Teide.

One of the "Pillars of Hercules," Gibraltar is an historic landmark with British and Spanish influences. Guarding the entrance to the Atlantic, the great rock still serves as Britain's threshold to the Mediterranean. Take a cable car to the top of the rock for a spectacular view of two continents as well as the famous Barbary apes.

...The weather almost never becomes too hot or uncomfortable, and the sights and smells of the land are marvelous...It is also Spain's main naval base...The landscaped squares of Cartagena are so magnificent that you can spend hours just sitting and looking...The buildings and religious structures of the city add to its wonderful culture, and a walking tour of Cartagena is great fun.

The Knights of St. John made this their base in the Mediterranean Sea. The castles, cathedrals and fortresses they built still are their remaining legacy. But Phoenicians, Romans, Carthaginians and Arabs preceded them and left their marks as well. Take a drive to M''dina, the former capital, and wonder at Europe''s third-largest dome in Mostra.

Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 B.C., Alexandria is Egypt's center of culture, learning and science. Its lighthouse, the world's first, was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Alexandria is also the departure point for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids.

This charming, picturesque resort where Antony and Cleopatra used to vacation is best known as the port for the ancients ruins of Ephesus - one of the world's most wondrous archaeological sites. Explorations should include such masterpieces as the Great Amphitheatre, where St. Paul addressed the Ephesians, the Library of Celsus, and the temples of Athena and Apollo - all connected by marble streets rutted by the wheels of countless chariots.

Piraeus is the seaport for Athens, the capital of western civilization, which boasts a fantastic mix of classical ruins and vivacious modern life. In a single day, you can climb the hill of the Acropolis to wonder at the Parthenon, join the lively Athenians in Constitution Square, and then find a welcoming taverna for some spirited bizouki music, plenty of ouzo to drink, and with luck, energetic Greek dancing.

One of the most spectacular bays in the world lies in the shadow of Mt. Vesuvius. Visit the San Carlo Opera House and the cathedral of San Janarious, or tour the ancient ruins in the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

The port of Civitavecchia is the gateway to The Eternal City, where all roads lead. Mad traffic careens past monuments of the great civilizations of the past. You will want to see it all: the soaring inspiration of St. Peter's, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel; the flow of life along the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, the Via Veneto and Trevi Fountain. Be sure to leave time for la dolce vita in one of the piazzas.

On the island of Sardinia.

Barcelona is the cultural heartland of Spain, yet its first language is Catalan, the native tongue of the proudly independent Catalonia region. Stroll down the shady, tree-lined Ramblas between street musicians and elegant bistros. Then perhaps visit the venerable Gothic cathedral, Picasso Museum or enjoy the architectural genius of Antonio Gaudi's Church of the Holy Family.

Lisbon is many cities, from the cobbled alleys of the Alfama district to the broad Parisian style avenues at its heart. View it all from the heights of St. George's Castle. Belem's Monument to the Discoveries recalls the seafaring past, while nearby Sintra's storybook palaces, and the seaside resort of Caiscais, have different tales to tell.

The "Gateway to Africa," located at its northwestern tip, Tangier is a fashionable resort that retains all of its age-old mystery and excitement. French and Islamic influences meet and merge in this fascinating old city. Mosques and minarets overlook the shadowy streets of the bazaar, while the higher part of town, with its broad boulevards and lovely parks, looks down on the ocean.

The fortress of El Morro guards the harbor against long-gone Sir Francis Drake and his British privateers. The colorful streets of Old San Juan retain the Latin flavor of its seafaring past, when this was the heart of the Spanish Main. Sample the fiery rum made here, or indulge in an icy treat made from fresh tropical fruit and enjoy the Caribbean atmosphere.