If you're looking for a well-kept secret to explore on your next vacation, Lebanon may be the place for you. Visitors fondly refer to this Arabic jewel as the Switzerland of the Middle East for its prime snow skiing as well as its sandy beaches winding along Lebanon's curves.

Lebanon is a small country nestled along the Mediterranean Sea between Syria and Israel dating back over 5,000 years to the Phoenicians. Many historians credit the Phoenicians with the start of civilization as we know it today. Although much of the cultural hints into the Phoenicians' world were destroyed thousands of years ago, scientists know that the Phoenicians invented the alphabet.

Today, the Lebanese are some of the most educated people in the world, speaking fluently in two or more languages. It's not nusual to hear people in the street quickly switching from French to English to Arabic. This is due in large part to the United States' and France's past involvement, which have both been influential in Lebanese culture.

The new Lebanon, emerging from years of war, boasts trendy restaurants, fabulous shopping and outstanding hospitality, but life in Lebanon hasn't always been quite so serene. Lebanon has always been a volatile area. The first major wars began during the rise of the Ottoman Empire around 1453. More recently, over the past 20 years, civil wars and wars with neighboring Israel have destroyed much of the capital city of Beirut. The war finally ended in 1991 and Israeli troops left the country in May 2000. Since the country is still in the reconstruction stage, many of the buildings are getting world-class facelifts by international architects. Much of Beirut's downtown has been revamped with new facades, while maintaining a very Middle Eastern flair utilizing sandy stucco coatings and Arabic archways. A lot of the streets have been repaved and new cobblestones adorn the shopping districts, creating a very romantic, charming feel. This tiny country has also become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the Middle East. Following peace reconciliations after the Civil War, Shiite Muslims, Sunni Muslims, Maronite Christians and the Druze have now created a peaceful environment in Lebanon where all are welcome. Stunning historical mosques and churches sit side-by-side in Beirut, and visitors are encouraged to explore them.

Lebanese people may be most famous for their genuine hospitality. One of the first things you will notice about these kind people is that they are very polite and their homes are always open to visitors. In fact, visiting a Lebanese home can be overwhelming to some because the people are so nice and generous. Traditionally, hosts will offer guests a "chai" tea, Lebanese coffee, or Nescafe before they can even get seated. It is also common for hosts to offer food such as pistachios or a sweet pastry to make their guests feel welcome. Be aware that one of their customs is to give you an item you admire in their home, so you may want to avoid complimenting their drapes.

Getting There
The easiest way to reach Lebanon is to fly to Beirut. You'll need a travel visa to enter the country, but you can obtain this at the airport. Once you get through customs, the fastest way to travel around the country is by a "service" taxi.

Arabian Nights
Hotels can be quite pricey in Beirut, but also very beautiful. The poshest hotels are located around Verdun and the new downtown. The Inter Continental Phoenicia Beirut, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, is a luxurious hotel that creates a pampering style with European and Middle Eastern influences.

Arabian Days
No matter what season you choose to visit, Lebanon has plenty of things to do and see, from hiking to snorkeling. Lebanon's sandy beaches are within 45 minutes of the breathtaking mountains.

Snow skiing there is cheap and very meditative. You can rent skis and obtain a lift ticket for around $30. The views are spellbinding and the air is the crispest that you'll inhale anywhere, including Switzerland. Faraya is one of the chicest ski slopes to see and be seen. Some of the richest and most famous Middle Easterners in the world flock to this region for carefree vacations. Don't be surprised if you find yourself having intellectual conversations and meeting lots of fascinating people. You'll be sharing ski lifts with visitors vacationing from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, France and of course, Lebanon.

On the way up to Faraya, stop off in the small mountain villages along the way to get a possible glimpse at a goat herd crossing the street. And while you're there, enjoy a Lebanese Nutella crepe, and rent your ski equipment.

Shopping Bébé
One of the wonderful things about Beirut is that the beautiful Lebanese ladies love new fashion. They follow all of the fashions pringing in from Paris, Milan and New York. Stroll down to Hamra Street, the shopping district where the locals shop, to find the best deals in the city. There you will find many international and Lebanese-owned shops with very trendy, affordable digs. Word to the wise! Lebanese people are master negotiators, so be sure to bargain in privately owned stores. If you're still in the mood to flex that American credit card muscle, make your way to Verdun and the new downtown where you'll find high-end fashion boutiques.

Des Restos
From Chawarma to Mexican, Lebanon has it all. There are many traditional Lebanese restaurants to die for along the hilly streets of Beirut. You'll think you've become Arabian royalty when the food arrives, filling the tables with trays full of vegetables, hummus, grilled meats, labneh and fresh baked Lebanese flat bread. If you're in the mood for Mexican, head up to Byblos to a little resto called El Molino in the Byblos old port. It is a 30-minute drive north of Beirut along the coastline. Byblos is a picturesque, historical Lebanese village and may be one of the oldest places in Lebanon. El Molino is a perfect place to sip margaritas and watch the sun go down over the Mediterranean where weathered, tiny fishing boats rock lazily in the water. You'll feel like you've gone back in time a thousand years. If you're lucky, there may even be a street bazaar going on where you can buy local jewelry and art. On the way back to your hotel, stop in for a little high rolling in the new Casino du Liban, located on the same highway winding to Beirut.

Arabian Dreams
Before leaving Lebanon, take a little time to sit on your balcony at dusk, sip on a cup of mint tea, and listen to the exotic sounds of the city. You'll hear prayer calls being sung, as local peddlers shout out their merchandise. It will all be like a dream as an orange sunset sweeps through the calming city streets and the stars twinkle on in a velvety, purple sky. I guarantee that after a visit to this magical place, you'll go home mesmerized with your own Arabian dreams.