What to know: news, views and values
BAD TRIP Ever had a terrible vacation? See if yours tops those mentioned in the recently released book I Should Have Just Stayed Home: Award-Winning Tales of Travel Fiascos (RDR, $17.95, www.ama zon.com). Editor Roger Rapoport and colleagues have collected the worst holiday stories they heard. Some samples:
( 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Florida events
Feb. 2-22: Edison Festival of Light, Fort Myers. Tribute to area's most famous resident, Thomas Edison. Festivities include inventors fair Feb. 2, science fair Feb. 4, strolling flower show Feb. 5-6, block party Feb. 6, Mrs. Edison's Hymn Sings Feb. 10, birthday celebration Feb. 11, junior parade Feb. 15, crafts on the river Feb. 20-22, and stadium show and Grand Parade Feb. 21. 239-334-2999.
( 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

What's happening in ... Melbourne, Australia
In the 19th century, Melbourne was called the Manchester of the South. Now the multicultural city is more like a Milan beyond Europe, the art and design capital of Australia, with a vigorous cultural life, imaginative and prolific in architecture, theater, music and the visual arts. It also offers plenty of good food, sporting events and cafe life.
( 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Snap to it! Enter Photo Contest
Whether you're a diehard shutterbug or carry a point-and-shoot, you probably take a camera when you travel. You can show off your stuff in The Herald's Snap to It! travel photo contest.
( 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Ruins, reefs and rain forests: These highlands aren't just for the birds
Though its a quick hop from South Florida, this Central American region is largely unknown.
We are driving past lush pineapple, orange and cacao groves on a dirt road in the rain forest, when a man with a machete suddenly blocks the road. He raises the blade, puts a red fruit down on a tree stump, and lops it in half.
( BY MARGIE GOLDSMITH, Special to The Herald, 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

From vrrrooming to crooning, new reasons to sail
THEMES AT SEA Spend your afternoon watching a cooking demonstration by famed chef Charlie Palmer, sample food-and-wine tastings, then head ashore to root out the freshest local produce.
( BY ART SBARSKY, Special to the Herald, 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Cruise datebook
The following list includes major cruise lines sailing to and from Miami, Port Everglades, West Palm Beach, Port Canaveral, Tampa and San Juan through June 5, 2004. This information has been provided by the cruise lines and is subject to change and cancellation.
( Compiled by Miami Herald Staff, 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Making contact with cruise lines
Most travel agencies can book cruises; some specialize in cruises only. You can also contact the lines directly via the following information:
( Herald Staff, 02/01/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Gal power: Taking on tough ski slopes
Fifteen hours of ski instruction over three days in the company of other women. I figure at the end of that I'm either going to be a better skier or abandon the skis.
( BY CAROL SOTTILI, Washington Post Service, 01/28/2004 03:01 AM EST)

Tour homes on the Keys
WHAT TO KNOW: DEALS AND DOINGS SPOTLIGHT WORTH A TRIP Festivals, events, cultural offerings Florida Keys: Check out how the other half lives in paradise on the Island Tour of Homes Saturday. Two oceanside and three bayside homes will be featured along a 15-mile stretch from Plantation Key to Lower Matecumbe. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the Islamorada Chamber of Commerce, mile marker 82.5 bayside. Tickets include a 20 percent discount on lunch at Cheeca Lodge, Mangrove Mike's or The Outback...
( 01/28/2004 03:01 AM EST)

ON THE WEB
Roll to the Big Easy -- virtually
Mardi Gras 2004 is fast approaching. ''Laissez les bons temps rouler,'' they say in Cajun country -- let the good times roll. Even if you don't make it to the big bash, which runs through mid-February, you can live it virtually.
( 01/28/2004 03:01 AM EST)