July 2012

Going to Europe is exciting, but it can be stressful, too. By arranging a few things while you’re still at home, you’ll greatly increase your chances of having a smooth, enjoyable European vacation.

The 24th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest will take place in the sea in front of the convention center Macau Tower, Sept. 8, 15, 22 & 29 and Oct. 1, 2012. Each night, two teams from various countries will present a fireworks show for spectators. For info, contact the Macau Government Tourist Office (501 Fifth Ave., Ste. 303, New York, NY 10017; 646/366-8162).

(Part one of two parts)

13 days / 12 nights, Nov. 15-26, 2012. Highlights: Incan gold collection in Lima / pre-Inca archaeological sites / witches’ market in Chiclayo/Lord of Sipán’s tomb / Valley of the Pyramids / El Brujo murals / adobe wall carvings at La Huaca del Dragon / 3,000-year-old granite sculptures at Cerro Sechin. Land and internal air, $2,295. Single supp., $590. MexiMayan Academic Travel (Lemont, IL; 800/337-6394).

12-day / 10-night wildlife safari in SOUTH AFRICA and ZAMBIA. Highlights: In South Africa, Cape Town / 200 species, including the Big Five, at Sabi Sand Game Reserve / Shangan cultural village / in Zambia, Victoria Falls / canoe on the Zambezi River / floating candlelit dinner / Simonga village visit / elephants, leopards and buffaloes in Lower Zambezi National Park. Land and internal air, from $8,690. Single supp., from $1,500. Rothschild Safaris (Denver, CO; 800/405-9463).

16 days / 14 nights. Highlights: In Tokyo, Tsukiji Fish Market, Ginza district / 40-foot-high bronze Kamakura Great Buddha/sightsee by boat on Lake Ashi / Takayama city in the Japanese Alps / 110 temples in Koya-san / o-inori Buddhist prayer service / Osaka Castle / monkeys on Miyajima Island / Hiroshima / Nijo Castle / Kyoto’s Gion Geisha district. Land, from $4,144. Single supp., from $474. Samurai Tours (Denver, CO; 866/316-7268).

7-day / 6-night train tour departs Oct. 30, 2012, and Feb. 4 & Nov. 24, 2013. Highlights: “Sacred thread” ceremony in Isan village / silk weavers in Phanom Rung / Chiang Mai elephant camp / Khao Yai National Park, home to elephants, gibbons and birds. State cabin, double, $9,200; Presidential Suite, double, $13,800; state cabin, single, $11,800, or Presidential Suite, single, $17,700. The Society of International Railway Travelers (Louisville, KY; 800/476-4881)

18-day / 16-night tour in INDIA, May 22-June 8, 2013. Highlights: Red Fort, Qutab Minar in Delhi / Leh, Ladakh / 11th-century monastery in Likir / temples in Kangra Valley / Dharamsala, home to the Dalai Lama / crafts, jewelry in Pragpur market / Chandigarh, “The City Beautiful.” Land, $10,980. Single supp., $3,980. Zegrahm Expeditions (Seattle, WA; 800/628-8747).