There are many hotels to choose from on Isla Verde Beach and in San Juan itself. You can stay in the lap of luxury or go for the economical. Either one is sure to please you. Stay at such places as the Intercontinental San Juan Resort and Casino, which boasts a swim up bar, and is high on the list for the romantics of this world or pick up a smart deal at the El Convento Hotel. Either way, the hotels are out to please you and make your stay a once in a lifetime experience.

Dining will be an experience all its own. Isla Verde Beach has restaurants that are laid back and casual. You can also step out for an evening of dining delights into one of the world-class restaurants that are available. Don't forget that San Juan has an unforgettable nightlife, where you can get lost in the crowd or take a stroll along the beach. Any way you look at it you are truly in paradise.

Isla Verde Beach is nothing short of spectacular. However you will have to drag yourself away to do a little sight seeing and San Juan has plenty to see. Visiting Old San Juan is a must. This city consists of 400 restored buildings from the 16th and 17th century and is steeped in history. Take your camera you won't want to miss any of this. Visit the 28,000 acres called the Caribbean National Forest and see the dramatic ecological extremes this rainforest has to offer, not counting the breathtaking views it offers. You must see La Fortaleza, which is a World Heritage Site mansion that was used to defend against foreign invaders. This 40-room mansion will take you back to the days of the 1500's. These are but a few of the sites that Isla Verde Beach has to offer the people that come here.

You might find yourself in Gatlinburg in the near future, sitting in your tri-level chateau or cabin wondering whether you should spend a couple hundred dollars on a night of go-carting or outlet mall shopping when you think, “Am I going to relegated to eating jumbo hot dogs and pepperoni pizza this entire vacation?”

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Far too often when you travel to tourist havens such as Gatlinburg, you're confined to tourist haven food. It seems, overpriced spectacles like helicopter-rides, simulated skydiving, and bungee jumping are always coupled with cheap, unhealthy portable foods and beverages. Keeping this vacationing reality in mind, here's is a look at some of Gatlinburg's finest restaurants and wineries, so the next time you plan a visit to Gatlinburg you'll have good reason to pack a suit.

Feeding the Family

Bear Creek Grill

Sitting atop a beautiful clear water creek with the famous Smokey Mountains within what seems like arm's length, Bear Creek Grill provides the vacationer the luxury and taste of big city dining, yet surrounds you with all the elements of nature.

When you sit down in the dining area you'll notice the large, inviting windows that provide the aura of eating your own catch in the wild. Be sure to try the rainbow trout for a seafood feast and for the beef lovers in your family the Aged Mid-Western Beef (T-bone) will certainly hit the spot. Both are served with Gatlinburg's most famous garlic rolls that you have to try to believe.

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Bear Creek Grill is located at 1654 Parkway (Highway 321).

Legends by max

If choice for the entire family is what you're looking for, Legends has just what you need with tons of variety for the adults in your party and free meals for the little tikes.

Take the Sausage and Peppers Hoagie for instance; spicy sausage smothered with peppers, onions and rich provolone cheese on a toasted hoagie make for a unique $8 sandwich with $15 taste, size and originality.

If you're really hungry go for the Mile High Meatloaf; succulent, juicy beef piled high and topped with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed and seasoned vegetables. When your vacation ends you'll wish you could have that one delivered.

Legends By Max is located at 650 Parkway (Highway 321).

The Peddler

The Peddler has a down-home style of it's own that makes it a must-stop for any Gatlinburg vacationer. The Peddler is known for its fresh cuts of meat, chosen by the customer, cooked to order and seasoned perfectly before your steak hits the plate.

However, you might not make it to the main course once you feast your eyes on the well-stocked salad bar that seems to stretch the length of the dining room.

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In spite of the all the great food there is to eat at The Peddler what will stick in your memory is the fast and ultra friendly service. Rest assured, with the knowledgeable wait staff, fresh and ample salad bar and a variety of steaks unmatched almost anyplace, The Peddler would be a must-stop spot every time you visit the Smokey's.

The Peddler is located at 820 River Road Gatlinburg, Tenn. 37738

Drinking Wine

Apple barn

It's the classic question: Where can you go to enjoy a great bottle of wine without feeling like a wine snob? Thanks to the Apple Barn Winery this question is finally answered.

When you arrive at the Apple Barn Winery your first thought will not be refined, sophisticated quality wine. However, the believing is in the tasting. Apple Barn offers 10 different wines by the bottle, including dessert wines. The Merlot is excellent and after taking a taste test you'll want to pick up several bottles.

The Apple Barn Winery is located at 230 Apple Valley Road, Sevierville.

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For those who want an intense wine experience, Mountain Valley is the winery for you. Mountain Valley has won multiple national awards for their winemaking skills and offers these wines by the bottles at affordable prices. There are wine tastings daily and you are never charged for your participation. Pick up a bottle of their Cascade White to serve with all your in-cabin meals. It's near perfect.

Mountain Valley Winery is located at 2174 Parkway Pigeon Forge.

• Involve every member of the family in the planning stage.
• Research before making reservations. When you pick your destination, read up on it. Find out what there is to do and see, where to stay, how to get around and the best way to get there.
• Libraries, travel agents, tourism organizations and the web also provide abundant information.
• Stick to your budget.
• Divide that amount by the number of days you plan to stay. Keep a certain amount for any unexpected expenses.
• Know what your rights and responsibilities are as a travel consumer. Read and understand the fine print in any travel agreements you sign.
• Plan a few specific activities for your vacation. Curb any impulses to plan for every hour of your trip, but also do not leave the time completely unstructured.

All About Passports

In fiscal year 1997, exactly 6,295,003 passports were obtained in the U.S. Obtaining your passport is very easy and necessary if traveling overseas. Simply go to the local County Clerk building or download the official application from the US State Dept.

To Apply:

• Obtain a court-certified birth certificate or naturalization certificate to prove U.S. citizenship. It must be from the county you were born in, NOT from the hospital.
• If you do not have your birth certificate, the Register of Deeds from the county where you were born can issue you one.
• Two identical current passport photos (full face from a front view, 2 x 2 inches). The UPS Store is a great place to get them done.
• Photo identification with a physical description such as your driver's license.
• Fees are about $60.00 or about $90.00 for a rush job.
• The Clerk's office will process your application and forward it to a passport agency, most likely in San Francisco, where your passport will be printed.
• To avoid any delays or cancellations of travel, be sure to apply for the passport well in advance, at least 6 weeks for normal delivery or three weeks for a rush job.
• Passports issued to adults are good for 10 years. Children passports expire after 5 years.
• Some countries also require visas. Contact Awanna Travel in Granite Bay to learn which countries do.
• Your representative can also provide information that American citizens should know before traveling to certain countries--including travel advisories, immunization requirements and the locations of American embassies and consulates.

We hope these guidelines will help prepare you for a fabulous vacation.

1. Go ride a Tricycle! (An old motorcycle hooked up to a small enclosed sidecar)
2. Ride in the back of a pickup truck… its legal there
3. Go visit a Filipino restaurant and gorge yourself on Delicious Asian Cuisine
4. Visit the famous beaches and islands of the beautiful Archipelagos

These four things make a vacation there much more relaxing. Do not forget to visit the city during your visit though the city life isn't half bad and the five star hotels in Manila like the Discovery are worth it… also remember to put lots of sunscreen before going to the sari sari stores or taking a dip in the current floods in the barrio.