by Sheri Leigh

"There are places I remember" was first sung by the Beatles, but it may as well be the traveler's mantra. There are those places we know from experience, those through books and movies and some, while not previously visited, bring forth "memories" buried in some universal unconsciousness.

Some places we long to visit or return to, sometimes once is enough. Whether well known, like Paris' Eiffel Tower and China's Great Wall, or a remote beach or mysterious artistic endeavor— here only for a passing moment, a modern festival or ancient ruin, the world is awash with marvelous places and the people that make them special.

Anything can be a landmark, physical or spiritual, public or private, but what makes them special is the effect they have on our lives and souls.

This month's Hosts help travelers to explore the sights and sounds, tastes and smells of their unique destinations. From ancient islands where cultures came together in peace and harmony, to the remains of warfare and strife. Art and culture, past and present mix to create places we remember, filling the minds of travelers with memories lasting lifetimes.

Name: Renvyle House Hotel
Location: Ireland
Specialty: Country house hotel
Why We Like Them: Spectacularly set on the rugged Connemara coast amid mountains, lakes and the sea, Renvyle House is welcoming and cozy complete with turf fires, afternoon teas and award winning meals. Country house activities include; fishing, golf, shooting as well as walking, riding and cycling throughout an area that hosts a National Park and unspoilt beaches. Dinner is superb, a different delight nightly featuring the finest fare the country has to offer. Since 1883 Renvyle House has played host to many famous people Augustus John, Lady Gregory, Yeats and Churchill among them and is this month's Pick.

Name: Transylvania Live
Location: Romania, Hungary
Specialty: Art, History and culture of Transylvania
Why We Like Them: Explore the castles, monasteries, and other historic sites of Transylvania or share a romantic Romania moment with the one you love. Hike the mountains, meet the locals at age old festivals, explore Dracula's castle by helicopter, all this and more is available from Transylvania Live. Join a group departure or create your own special holiday, limited only by your imagination.
Article: Transylvania's undying legends

Name: Circle Research Tours
Location: England
Specialty: Crop Circles and sacred site tours
Why We Like Them: The definition of special interest— Ron Russell and his crew explore the wonders of the ancient sites of Southwest England; Stonehenge, Avebury as well as other circles, barrows, and henges in this beautiful and ancient corner of the world. Experienced researchers in a variety of paranormal phenomena lead the travelers as they delve deep into the mystery of the annual crop circles season, and explore other sacred energies of this highly charged landscape.

Name: Siesta Tours, Inc.
Location: Mexico
Specialty: Independent tours to Oaxaca, Mexico City, the Yucatan and Mexico's Colonial Cities
Why We Like Them: Led by English speaking local guides, Siesta's tours are designed to introduce the traveler to each locations' unique character. In depth knowledge of the arts, history and local people are central to each trip. Whether your interests are the ancient cultures of the Zapotec and Mixtec city-states of Oaxaca, the medieval charm and baroque architecture of Colonial Mexico's historic cities, or the abundance of forests, rivers, lakes, waterfalls and fertile valleys of the Sierra Madre, Siesta Tours will provide you with an outstanding experience to remember.

Name: HollandTheRideWay
Location: Holland
Specialty: Custom day tours to historic, architectural, cultural and world heritage sites
Why We Like Them: Your host Hans Noltes spent 20+ years as a Geography teacher and his knowledge and interest in all aspects of Dutch history and the country's unique development is apparent in the the wide variety of tour options. From such specialized architectural wonders as Holland's natural defenses, waterworks, and wind energy, to the more familiar; castles, historic towns, museums and of course gardens, Hans is the perfect person to introduce you the varied wonders of this small country.
Article: Holland’s secret weapon

Name: Travel Sicilia
Location: Sicily
Specialty: Custom designed itineraries
Why We Like Them: Sicily natives Glada and Fabrizio custom design private travel for 2 or 30 people. Based on such themes as the Arts, History, Architecture, Landscape and Nature, Food and Wine, Literature, or Folklore, Travel Sicilia can open doors to magnificant villas, historic sites, private homes and introduce you to the natives through they wide network of associates. Enjoy a meal with a local host to learn about the Sicilians first hand. Whatever your desires for exploring this special island, Travel Sicillia will plan the perfect trip.
Article: Segesta, Sicily’s landmark