Now, no one's knocking your love of the mundane. But just like daily oatmeal breakfasts, even great, if monotonous, vacations can get a little wearing on the soul. This year, expand your horizons and plan something completely different. The old adage, "You only live once," entirely applies to travel, so call your travel agent, pack your bags and start living!

Check Out Chile

Why You should Go

For a cool-weather, once-in-a-lifetime trip, consider visiting penguins in their natural habitat. The Magellan penguins live in large migratory colonies just north of Punta Arenas in Southern Chile.

"My husband, Mirko and I traveled to Chile in February to experience a part of South America during their summer. We had a few days in the charming capital of Santiago with a day trip to Vina del Mar, a fashionable seaside resort, and Valparaiso, the principal port of Chile. Of course, we savored good seafood here at a restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Then another day trip to the Colchagua Valley touring a couple wineries and tasting the wine. Yes, the Chilean wines are excellent and moderately priced.

We then flew off to the picturesque town of Punta Arenas from where we viewed the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego. Our next venture was to the Magellan penguins nest site - not quite the size of those in the movie "March of the Penguins" but worth the visit.

Our journey continued in the Patagonia area of Southern Chile where we saw caves, Torres del Paine National Park, which is declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, many lakes, mountain peaks, glaciers and more. A large raft provided the perfect transportation for a close up view of the Serrano Glacier.

As the weather was very warm in Santiago, but cool, even a little cold, in the south, we traveled with layers of clothing. The hotels were very modern, but we had a night in the National Park without access to the phone or internet - what an experience!," Karen Ilich of Travel Center of Santa Clarita.

The Cost

Similar trips start at $2,449 per person, not including airfare.

When to Go

The best time to travel is November through March; these are summer months in Chile.

How to Book your Trip

Call the Travel Center of Santa Clarita at 295-1942.

Make a Great European Escape

Why You should Go

A benefit of cruising is the food; gourmet options are usually available around the clock, and are plentiful enough to accommodate the pickiest of eaters or those with dietary needs.

Europe is the heart and soul of the Western world, filled with history, lore and romance. See a play in a 200-year-old theater in London. Enjoy "tapas," Spanish appetizers, in Barcelona. Experience Olympic legends in Athens. Ride in a gondola in Venice. Feel the energy of a bustling Italian outdoor market in Rome.

The countless scrapbooks you fill of pictures taken on a trip to Europe are nothing compared to the multi-sensual joy that can only be had on the other side of the ocean. And speaking of ocean, more people are turning to cruises as their preferred means of international transport.

Considered more convenient and safer by many a traveler, cruises also boast excellent boat accommodations. Travel through Europe and dine like a king. Oceania Cruises' "Signature Service" provides the ultimate dining experience. "The Perfect Table" is adorned with Versace china, glimmering Cristofle silver and delicate Riedel crystal to

showcase Oceania Cruises culinary masters.

The Cost and When to Go

Restrictions apply, but currently offers are available providing free airfare and two-for-one cruise fares.

Oceana Cruises 2006 European Collection

London to Rome on the Regatta, 14 days, September 12, 2006, from $3,299 per person.

Barcelona to Rome on the Insignia, 10 days, October 20, 2006 from $2,299 per person.

Rome to Venice on the Insignia, 12 days, October 30, 2006, from $2,599 per person.

Athens to Rome on the Nautica, 10 days, November 5, 2006, from $1,799 per person.

How to Book your Trip

Call Cruise Planners at 295-0826 or 800-719-7195 or visit www.scv-cruiseplanners.com.