Czech Republic is most popular site for Britains

Czech Republic is most popular site for Britains
LONDON (AP) -- Spain has moved ahead of France as the top vacation destination for the British, but the Czech Republic is the fastest-growing choice, according to statistics from NatWest Travel Services.
The Czech Republic tops a group of countries that are growing in popularity among British travelers, followed by Barbados, the United Arab Emirates, Malta and Sweden.
"Traditional West European destinations are still very popular with holiday-makers, and this year Spain has moved ahead of France for the first time," said company chief Robin Cockburn. "But there is growing interest in destinations further afield ... and this in a year when the international scene has shown a significant reduction in global holiday travel."
The company based its findings on travel bookings and on the amount of currency ordered at its branches during 2003.
Key West offers varietyof entertaining options
KEY WEST, Fla. (AP) -- If you're headed to Key West in January, there's plenty to do besides watching the spectacular sunsets.
The annual local Literary Seminar is scheduled for Jan. 8 to 11, with a garden tour that same week. A Tennessee Williams festival takes place Jan. 15 to 18, and a catamaran regatta is scheduled for Jan. 16 to 18. The "Art Under the Oaks" juried art show happens Jan. 17, and a yacht race will be held Jan. 19 to 23.
Civil War buffs will enjoy the re-enactments planned for Jan. 23 to 25 at Fort Zachary Taylor, while waterfront estates will be on display for a home tour Jan. 24 in Islamorada. The annual craft show is scheduled for Jan. 24 to 25.
For more information, visit www.keywestchamber.com, or call (305) 294-2587.
Holland America Line receives honorary award
SEATTLE, Wash. (AP) -- Holland America Line has received the "Best Overall Cruise Value" award for the 12th year in a row from the World Ocean & amp; Cruise Liner Society.
The cruise liner organization is made up of 8,000 travel agents and experienced cruisers. The society reviews all cruise lines annually and found that Holland America consistently provides "more than expected" to its passengers.
Holland America, based in Seattle, sails 13 ships from 15 home ports around the continent, with destinations around the world, including trips to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and New England.
For more information, call (877) SAIL-HAL or visitwww.hollandamerica.com.
Adventure spas mix activity with relaxation
NEW YORK (AP) -- Some people like to climb mountains, hike in the desert and lift weights. Some people like yoga, aromatherapy and massage. And some people like to do both.
For those New Age individuals with a rugged streak, Outside magazine's January issue has compiled a list of North America's top 10 "adventure spas" -- places like Red Mountain Spa in St. George, Utah, where you can sign up for a 26-mile rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon, followed by a "Red Mountain Revitalizer" treatment with a scalp massage, facial, exfoliation and rubdown.
Also on Outside's list: Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico; New Age Health Spa in Neversink, N.Y.; Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores, Colo.; Mountain Trek Fitness Retreat and Health Spa in Ainsworth Hot Springs, British Columbia; Double Eagle Resort in June Lake, Calif.; The Hills Health Ranch in 100 Mile House, British Columbia; Rio Caliente in La Primavera, Mexico; Miraval in Catalina, Ariz.; and Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Mass.