[Georgias Highway 27: The states most interesting drive](http://specials.myajc.com/highway\-27/)

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[Relaxing times: Easy regional trips for low gear](http://specials.myajc.com/travel\-relax\-mag/)

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[Rebirth of a legend: Revival of Georgia art environment Pasaquan](http://specials.myajc.com/pasaquan\-mag/)

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[Cruising along: Big fun on the worlds largest cruise ship](http://specials.myajc.com/cruise/)

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[Chicago to San Francisco: Ride the rails to the Summer of Love](http://specials.myajc.com/train/)

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[Spectacular Banff: Canadian skiers paradise](http://specials.myajc.com/banff/)

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[The German Alps: Trekking, beer and waiting for the cows?](http://specials.myajc.com/german\-alps/)

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[Thailand: Bangkoks river of kings still fascinates](http://specials.myajc.com/bangkok/)

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[Sri Lanka: Visit the eastern coast where things move slowly](http://specials.myajc.com/sri\-lanka/)

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[Big birds of the Falklands: Dont honk for me, Argentina](http://specials.myajc.com/falklands/)

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[Irelands Wicklow Way: Scenic hiking with sheep](http://specials.myajc.com/wicklow/)

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[Zanzibar: Spices, snorkeling and a salute to the Queen](http://specials.myajc.com/zanzibar)

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[Blue Ridge Parkway: An illustrated travelers compendium](http://specials.myajc.com/blue\-ridge\-parkway/)

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[Cuba: Up close, personal and on two wheels](http://specials.myajc.com/cuba/)

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A note to our readers

When I think back on some of my favorite trips, they still make me smile. There was that week with friends in Florida. To this day, our favorite cocktail remains the one we concocted over an early lunch one morning, then spent days taste\-testing all in the spirit of refinement and perfection, of course. That road trip to Michigan with my dad. Years later, he and I cant stop laughing when we recall the story of our tour through Mackinac Island. That week in London. Swiping through the photos on my phone, Im suddenly back in Europe, enjoying breakfast at the Borough Market, or taking in the views from atop the Shard, or sipping coffee on a sunny afternoon outside the V&A museum. And every now and then, when work and life turn a bit frustrating, Ill take a few minutes to enjoy the video of our dogs frolicking in the surf and sand on Hilton Head the day after Thanksgiving. Just like that, my worries seem to disappear. And therein lies the beauty of travel. Our journeys not only provide us with new experiences, but they create memories and Facebook posts that last a lifetime. Its no wonder, then, studies confirm that traveling makes us so happy. In fact, the joy of planning a getaway can be just as fun as the trip itself. So where will you go this year? Where will you create your new memories? We hope our latest issue of our Travel magazine provides you with plenty of inspiration whether youre dreaming of a vacation across the globe or close to home. Join us as we explore Sri Lankas east coast, which is rebuilding after a long civil war and the Boxing Day tsunami that stole 40,000 lives. Enjoy the twists and turns and even a few pints as we hike through Ireland. Travel aboard a train from Chicago to San Francisco, soaking up the sites along the way. Looking for something closer to home? Dont miss our illustrated guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or our ideas on finding some of the most relaxing places in the Southeast. Or our tips for taking that perfect drive on Highway 27 through Georgia. In this issue, youll also find some familiar names. John Kessler, the former dining critic at The Atlanta Journal\-Constitution, visits coastal Tanzania to explore the spice markets, the Arab\-influenced architecture, and, of course, the food. Daren Wang, director of the AJC Decatur Book Festival, journeys to the German Alps and shares the delights of hiking up mountains to drink beer, dine on delicious traditional fare and take in the ancient tradition of bringing cattle down from mountain pastures. And Tasgola Bruner, a former AJC reporter, paints an intimate portrait of Cuba from its music, to its people to how the tiny nation is changing in the wake of Fidel Castros recent death. In this issue, well also provide you with plenty of insider tips to make the most of your journey. Did you know, for instance, that Amtrak allows small dogs and cats to travel with you? Or that the restaurants around Banff National Park double as a foodies paradise? Or that the Falkland Islands provide the perfect backdrop for penguin watching? Wherever your travels make take you, be safe, have fun and most of all, enjoy the new memories. After all, theyll make you smile years later. **_ Mark Waligore, Managing Editor_**