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'0::' LEARN TRIP: CUBA mogote exploration, and snorkeling and diving off pristine white sand beaches. The city of Havana itself offers art exhibits, historical sites, a booming nightlife, and walks through Havana Vieja (old Havana) or on the Malecon (a waterfront boardwalk).-Liza Vadnai DANCING WITH THE ENEMY The US government imposed an economic embargo on Cuba in 1961 and restricts travel to Cuba by its citizens under the Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917. The trav- el organizations listed are currently licensed Cuba travel service providers, making it legal for US citizens to travel with them to Cuba. However, in March of this year, the US Office of Foreign Control and Assets announced that it may not renew cultural exchange licenses, which leaves travel programs for 2004 for all companies and organizations up in the air. - LV n TREK TRIP: PACKING GEAR LIST L1I with waterproof exterior fabric and a removable collar to accommo- date different weather conditions and temperatures. To treat any number of minor injuries, carry the lightweight and compact basic Backpacker First Aid Kit by the Wilderness Medicine Institute ($20, www.nols.edu/wmi/store. 800- 710-6657) . All of your essential gear will fit superbly in the Aircontact 45+10 backpack by Deuter ($139, www.deuterusa.com.303-652-3102). This com- pressible pack is compatible with a hydration system and its design allows for remarkable back ventilation. There is also room in the Aircontact for plenty of gadgets. The Makalu Antishock Trekking Poles by LEKI ($110, www.lekLcom, 716-683- 1022) will help your body adjust to carrying a large pack. The Brunton Multi-Navigator MNS GPS ($349, www.brunton.com. 705-749-9327) can store up to 10 trekking routes (each with 100 points of reference), making it both a practical and fun item to carry. The new Petzl MYO 5 head lamp ($69, www.petzl.com.info@petzl.com) gives you the option of using a halogen beam for long-distance vision, or three LED settings (with five bulbs) that provide a more diffuse light and help slow the drain on your batteries. If you're carrying a stove, bring along individual-serving pow- dered Chai Tea Latte Mix from Oregon Chai ($0.50, www.oregonchaLcom, 888-874-2424) for a real treat. The most versatile clothing system includes a base layer that offers .. ~. CLIMB CLIMB TRIP: CANADA .~) Typically the ice season goes from November through March-the last month of the season is a popular time to visit because the days are longer and the tem- peratures are trending warmer. The Canmore Ice Festival usually takes place in the beginning of March. Your first route in Canmore should be into a local outdoor shop to buy Joe Josepheson's Waterfall Ice: Climbs in the Canadian Rockies. This guide is helpful in deciphering routes, but is an invaluable resource for accommo- dations, safety and rescue contacts, and area history. The Canadian Rockies terrain inspires every level of climbing ability. The overt wildness of the area creates the backdrop for epic achievements and a his- tory rich with boldness and disaster. The real dangers of the mountains (mishaps and dramatic weather) are impervious to ability level, so be strong and climb smart!-David Schipper !! PADDLE TRIP: JAMAICA on gear and car rentals. Besides the scenery, there are two basic reasons for traveling to Jamaica to paddle: First, the standing rule for every slice of Jamaican life is "no problem", so the only worries are the ones you pack in. And second it is ridiculously convenient. There are quick, direct flights (3.5 hours from New York) to Montego Bay (best option for this excursion) and Kingston from many US cities. You can often find the same root happiness in the rural mountains of Jamaica that exists in the tranquil Buddhist communities of countries like Cambodia, where people exemplify simplicity, and smile and deal with grace in the face of meager opportunity. Jamaica has experienced political unrest in the past, but that has passed. And they've even set up a special police force to minimize tourist "buy this" hustling and crime by locals. Jamaica has no international ene- mies, making the most urgent hazards sunburn, overeating, and herb smoke dementia.-Bruce Northam maximum warmth with minimum overheating. Smartwool's all-purpose Aero Long-Sleeved Crew and TIght ($55, www.smartwool.com. 800-550-9665) use wool's natural property of thermoregulation, and come with a "no itch" guar- antee. If cooler evenings are in store, an insulating mid layer, such as the Shak Jersey by Ibex ($120, www.ibexwear.com. 800-773-9647), which is made of densely knit merino wool, will keep you warm, and take a beating. The extremely lightweight, breathable, and waterproof Event fabric found in the Peart Izumi Forte Jacket and Allegro Pant ($345 jacket and $225 pant, www.pearlizumi.com. 303-460-8888) makes trekking in the rain feel like singing in the rain. Top it all off with a Featherweight SL Hat from Mountain Hardwear ($24, www.mountainhardwear.com. 800-953-8375) to protect you from the sun. - David Schipper " SURF TRIP: BRAZIL first major Brazilian surf tournament, in '65, and then the first ever international event, in '77, the Waimea 5000. But all this history has made Arpoador one of the most crowded surf spots in all of Rio. Best months for serious surfing are July, August, and September. For a good surf shop in town, where you can rent boards and get lessons, go to Barra Beach, a 12-mile strip of various sandbars that bend the swell into a variety of different types of waves. You can drive along the entire strip and take your choice of wave-easier, softer surf in some places, faster, more thumping in others. Most Rio surf spots are very tide-sensitive. If it looks decent by all means paddle out and get it while you can. In an hour and a half it could turn backwashy and unpleasant. Corners of the beach seem to favor low tide and give a more shapely bounce effect. Water quality near the city isn't bad, but at the same time, it's not as crystal clear as the waters off Tahiti either-good idea to rinse out the ears after surfing. When you consider excess baggage fees, and a favorable exchange rate, it's almost cheaper to order a surfboard to be made in Brazil in advance, and pick it up upon arrival. As far as accommodations go, best bet is to stay in Ipanema. The Everest Rio is a good surfer-friend- 70