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It's a great, big, wonderful world out there, and you want to see as much of it as you can in your lifetime. Better yet, you want to see all the right places at all the right times—you know, those precious weeks when the crowds haven't yet descended, the locals still have time to stop and chat, and your travel dollars stretch a little bit further.
Here are one year's worth of destination and lodging recommendations. For help in identifying your ideal destination based on your travel style, interests, and budget, call your Hideaways Travel Specialist (800-843-4433) or email if you prefer. We know the ins and outs of shoulder seasons, the best time to travel for ideal (usually) weather, and how to make the most of specials and incentives.
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Spring Destinations
MARCH
The Netherlands
Nothing could be more picture-perfect than Holland in the springtime, when fields of tulips nod in the breeze and lazy windmills creak to life along placid canals. Come aboard an intimate river vessel in Amsterdam (we like Viking River Cruises) and slip quietly from port to port in comfort and style.
Jamaica
 Jamaica in March is a no-brainer for beautiful beach weather and lots to do. It's also coffee-harvest season, so you might want to visit a local coffee plantation and sample some fresh brew. Horseback ride, hike to waterfalls on an eco-tour, or just relax on the beach. Why not rent a staffed villa and settle in with the entire family for a while? Hideaways recommends: Half Moon, Round Hill Hotel and Villas, and Tryall Club in Montego Bay, for a villa resort vacation; and Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios for an intimate and romantic stay.
APRIL
Mediterranean Cruise
See Europe in April, before the masses arrive. The weather is mild, ports are less crowded, and your money goes further when you cruise because fares are quoted in U.S. dollars. And, if you plan ahead, you might even be able to take advantage of some early-booking bonuses. Hideaways recommends: Oceania Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, and Crystal Cruises. Call your Hideaways Cruise Specialist (800-843-4433) to discuss which line is right for your cruising style.
Ireland
 Yes, the weather will probably be rainy in April—that's why it's considered "off-season" on the Emerald Isle. But we've seen it rain buckets in the height of summer, and we still had to deal with high-season prices and crowds besides. Why not take advantage of April's low-season advantages: lower rates, fewer crowds, and an easier time of blending in with the locals. If you're an avid golfer, be sure to play one of Ireland's famous courses; Old Head in Kinsale is highly touted by Hideaways member Bert Bondi. Hideaways recommends: Renting a cottage in some quiet village, or staying in an authentic Irish castle like Adare Manor in Co. Limerick, Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare, or Ballynahinch in Co. Galway.
MAY
Rome
The Eternal City is for lovers, and spring is the perfect time to fan the flames of romance in this beautiful capital. We suggest you fly into Rome and out of Naples, with stops at Vatican City, Sorrento, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast. Hideaways recommends: JK Place Capri on Capri, and Albergo Cesari and Hotel Aldrovandi Palace in Rome.
Greece
 Savor Greece's romantic resorts, delicious privacy, and perfect weather now, before the madness of summer hits. Spend a week island-hopping or settle down in a private sea-view villa for an entire week. You'll find the locals amiable and relaxed--unlike two months from now. Enjoy a great deal when you book an exclusive Mix & Match Greece vacation with Hideaways Travel Services (800-843-4433).
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Fall Destinations
SEPTEMBER
French Polynesia
 Look for perfect weather and as-perfect-as-they-get prices in Tahiti this month. There's nowhere more romantic for a honeymoon escape or a romantic tete à tete. Stay in an over-water bungalow, snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, swim with dolphins, feed sharks, enjoy a motu (tiny deserted isle) picnic for two, and visit ancient Polynesian ruins. Hideaways recommends: Paul Gauguin Cruises.
Italy
You're in luck--September is when the majority of tourists are heading home from Italy, yet the weather is still ideal for touring. If you crave northern Italian cuisine and scenery, fly into Venice and out of Florence, making sure you stop in Milan, Lake Maggiore, and the beautiful Tuscan countryside along the way. See our suggestions for visiting Rome at left, under "May." Hideaways recommends: Villa & Palazzo Aminta in Stresa, JK Place and Villa San Michele in Florence, L'Albereta in Brescia, and L'Andana in the Tuscan countryside.
OCTOBER
Colonial Mexico
 Fall is a great time of year to visit the popular colonial cities of Mexico, both weather-wise and price-wise. San Miguel de Allende is a charming and hospitable getaway; its main plaza is filled with street vendors and ex-pats enjoying the festive atmosphere. The colonial city of Oaxaca (pronounced Wah-HAH-cah) is famous for its Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration held the last week of October. This is when locals decorate the gravestones of their loved ones, light candles to guide them home, and serve tasty candies decorated like skulls. Thousands of tourists show up, so book early if you want to catch this fascinating festival. Hideaways recommends: Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel and Casa Catrina in Oaxaca.
New England
Few things are more spectacular than autumn in New England. Vibrant sugar maples, deep-blue sky, white church steeples, mountains and shoreline--and lobster! What could be better? Fly into Boston and take a few days for some sightseeing (maybe catch a Red Sox game), then rent a car and head north along the coast through New Hampshire to Maine. Peak color is usually during the first half of October; be warned, you will encounter more than your share of leaf-peepers along the way. That's why it's important to book early in the year--the nicest inns and hotels sell out months in advance. Hideaways recommends: Captain Lords Mansion in Kennebunkport, Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, and The Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.
NOVEMBER
Portugal
 With one of the best deals going for your U.S. dollar in all of Europe, Portugal currently is a hot spot for American travelers with an eye for value. Enjoy fewer crowds and very pleasant weather this month—the start of the off-season. We suggest a cruise with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, or maybe a side trip to the Azores. You also can visit Portugal (and Spain!) in style with Hideaways' intriguing "Cultural Flavors Tour."
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