Mark Laiosa

it carved a narrow but devastating ten-mile-wide path from the island’s southwest up through the Montego Bay area. Torrential rain caused flooding in several parishes, while other regions experienced minimal disruption. Many major resorts sustained some damage; at Sandals Resorts International, for example, five of the company’s seven Jamaican properties were able to resume operations relatively quickly. Jamaica’s rapid recovery was no accident.

Flanders in northern Belgium offers a cooler, less-crowded alternative rich in culture, cuisine, and outdoor experiences such as cycling and kayaking. At a recent press briefing in New York, Marco Frank, Head of Travel Trade, noted that visitation is steadily growing as more travelers discover Flanders. Visitors can enjoy world-class dining and seven UNESCO World Heritage cities that blend history with contemporary arts.