During these dog days of summer here in Florida, where the humidity often makes the air feel so stifling that I almost can't breathe , I love to curl up in my air-conditioned house with my newest issue of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and read about and dream of wonderful destinations. Each issue takes me away to far-off places or interesting places closer to home.

I am always delighted when an issue is dedicated to a place that I have visited and particularly loved, or to one that I hope to be going to in the not too distant future.
My favorites are the issues that highlight such places as France, Italy, New York or New England. My least favorites are those issues dedicated to places that I have very little desire in visiting, such as a recent issue highlighting Cambodia and Viet Nam. I guess I am just not that adventurous, and while it is somewhat interesting to read about,I can't imagine myself ever going to such an exotic destination!

One of my favorite articles each month is the Ombudsman feature, where people try to seek recourse after some rather trying events occur to them on vacation. The ombudsman from the magazine often intercedes on the traveler's behalf, trying to straighten out some rather odd situations. In this last issue, someone actually checked into a hotel, for which he had prepaid , only to find his room did not have a bed, only an uncomfortable Murphy bed that went into the wall each morning! This was not a cheap flea bag hotel, but part of a major, upscale hotel chain in Canada. The guest wouldn't stay, and the hotel refused to refund the deposit. The ombudsman for the magazine was able to extract not only an apology from the hotel, but a full refund. Every month, there is some sort of controversy involving airlines, cruise ships, hotels, and merchants abroad, and these issues are addressed, not always successfully. It is also a good warning for travelers of sticky situations to avoid!

Another favorite feature of mine is the Perrin Report, which offers recent information on the latest travel bargains . This month's article suggests that the least expensive travel destinations for the money , providing the most "bang for the buck" are Elba, off of the Italian coast, skiing in the Alps, New Zealand, and Germany's Romantic Road.

This month's magazine offered an in-depth look at many wonderful resorts in the Caribbean, highlighting the dining in these beautiful tropical destinations.

The magazine often features articles about smaller towns and lesser known hotels that are often times not mentioned in my Frommer's or Fodor's travel guides. I have gotten some wonderful hints and ideas from these stories.

My biggest gripe is the constant "Best Of " or Gold Lists", since they generally feature the most expensive hotels and restaurants in the world. They need to have more reviews of affordable places to stay and eat.

Looking at the photographs and descriptions of lovely
destinations , hotels, and restaurants is always enjoyable for me. The only problem is that it makes me want to plan another trip!! Right not, with the temperatures hovering in the mid-nineties, I am fantasizing about Alaska or even the North Pole!

Recommended: Yes