KEY WEST

SERVICE ON AMERICAN, CONTINENTAL

We love the Overseas Highway, but let's get real: We don't love the traffic. So if you're longing for a long slug of a margarita and a long weekend among the leafy gardens and laid-back wackiness of Key West, hop a flight. We can think of dozens of reasons to go, from the sunset busker ritual to more long slugs of margaritas. You can catch a few rays, visit the Truman White House and go diving. You could even catch a play or musical performance; yes, there's cult-chah in the Keys.

Info: www.fla-keys.com; 800-FLA-KEYS.

MARSH HARBOUR, BAHAMAS

SERVICE ON AMERICAN, CONTINENTAL

(FROM FLL ON CONTINENTAL, ISLAND EXPRESS, YELLOW AIR TAXI)

Nassau / Paradise Island too glitzy for you? In the Abacos, you can immerse yourself in the historic British ambience of Hope Town, the laidback island charm of Great Guana Cay, or the breezy-yet-fine eateries of Marsh Harbour. The Abacos offer a half-dozen destinations in one, most linked by ferries. While one can be quite different from the next -- the upscale Abaco Club, managed by Ritz-Carlton, can seem a world way from the sailing camaraderie of the Green Turtle Club -- it all seems quite lazy, which is exactly what an island getaway should be.

Info: 800-OUT-ISLANDS, www.myoutis lands.com.

NASHVILLE

SERVICE ON AMERICAN

(FROM FLL ON SOUTHWEST)

So you hate Keith Urban and the Grand Ole Opry. But head over to the Blue Bird Café, a cozy songwriters' showcase, or wander through the music bars along Lower Broadway, and you may find yourself more in tune than you'd imagined. Once you hit country-ballad overload, check out the Parthenon, a true-to-size recreation of the Grecian temple. Hog Heaven, a shack of a barbecue joint with killer Q, is nearby. Or head 75 miles southwest to the Jack Daniels distillery in Lynchburg.

Info: www.musiccityusa.com, 800-657-6910.

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY

SERVICE ON LTU

Düsseldorf doesn't make a bit splash on the tourism radar, but from those who have visited, this city at the confluence of the Rhine and Düssel rivers in Germany's north rates high for the elegance befitting a capital of both fashion and advertising. It's a rich city, with all the benefits of wealth -- shopping, museums and fine dining. World War II wiped out 80 percent of its historic buildings; for a whiff of medieval charm, head 29 miles south to Koln, also known as Cologne. One of Düsseldorf's big claims to fame is its pre-Lenten Carnival, a length party that starts in mid November and runs through Ash Wednesday.

Info: www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de; 212-661-7200 (German Tourist Office in New York.)

TEL AVIV

SERVICE ON EL AL

This is also the airport for Jerusalem, cradle both of three of the world's largest faiths and -- unfortunately -- many resentments. Don't let those age-old conflicts put you off; Arabs, Christians and Jews coexist remarkably peacefully in the walled Old City. Here you can follow Jesus' stations of the cross on the Via Dolorosa, leave your prayers at the sacred Jewish site at the Western Wall, and visit the area surrounding the Dome of the Rock, where Mohammed is said to have ascended to heaven. Two musts: shopping for tea in the Arab quarter and a falafal lunch.

Headed to Tel Aviv? Check out the boutiques in the historic district of Neve Tsedek.

Info: www.goisrael.com; 888-77-ISRAEL.

MILWAUKEE

SERVICE ON MIDWEST AIRLINES