In the January/February 2004 Issue

FEATURES

32

Place of a Lifetime: Bermuda
A veteran National Geographic deep-sea photographer traces his love of underwater exploration to an island that has lured over 120 ships to their doom. By Emory Kristof.

36

Annual Photo Issue: Favorite Places
In their own words and images, globetrotting National Geographic photographers pick the one destination they never tire of capturing on film.
   • Alaska: By Michael Melford, p. 39.
   • Scotland: By Jim Richardson, p. 44.
   • Burma: By Jim Lo Scalzo, p. 50.
   • Iceland: By Bob Krist, p. 56.
   • Aeolian Islands: By Ken Kochey, p. 62.

69

21 Great Reasons to Go Digital Now
From sharing albums online to quick-fixing red eye, what's not to like about digital cameras? By Scott Stuckey.

74

15th Annual Photo Contest Winners
Amateur photograhers in 63 countries submitted over 14,000 images. The top shots reveal the spirit of some of the world's most intriguing places.

TravelWise Trip-Planning Guides
Favorite Places: When to go, how to get there, visa requirements, and other useful tips for Alaska, Scotland, Burma, Iceland, and the Aeolians, p. 67.

DEPARTMENTS

10

Editor's Note
Details on current events, new features, and more.

12

Travel Talk
Letters from our readers.

16

Smart Traveler
The bad news about frequent-flier program changes • Cooper-Young: Memphis's hot neighborhood • Smart business behind green hotels • Quarantined: what you need to know • Portable alarm clocks reviewed • Art-filled hotels • A-List travel deals.

27

On the Road
Gear up for Mardi Gras with a drive through Cajun country, steeped in music and all-you-can-eat jambalaya. By Andrew Nelson.

30

Real Travel
In far-flung spots, Internet cafés can plug you in—not just to the Web but also to next-generation café society. By Daisann McLane.

82

Trips
Yesteryear's hot spots updated: St. Tropez, San Juan, Sun Valley • What's new in Cincinnati • Dispatch: Tanzania • NYC's Chinatown • WorldWise quiz.

93

Parting Shot
This issue's most memorable photo.