If you only have a few days, Frommer's new series of "Day by Day" guides ensures you get the most out of your stay. The full-color pocket-size guides offer neighborhood and thematic tours with photos and maps that point the way. For example: In "Athens Day by Day," one- to three-day itineraries include: Athens with Kids, Exploring the Acropolis, Architectural Athens and side trips to Delphi and Sounion plus star ratings for all hotels, restaurants and main attractions. Each guide also includes shopping, nightlife and practical travel information. The front cover folds out into Athens' metro map with quick-reference highlights, and tucked in the back is a tear-resistant paper map in a reclosable plastic wallet.

www.frommers.com/bookstore/frommers_day_by_day.html. $12.95 at bookstores.

TEKAPO

NEW ZEALAND TOWN STAYS IN THE DARK TO VIEW NIGHT SKY

Tekapo, population 830, on New Zealand's South Island near Mount Cook, is in the dark and proud of it. In a mission to protect the sight of the night sky, the scenic town's low-energy sodium lamps are shielded from above, and household lights must face down.

The ultimate prize would be UNESCO's approval for the first "starlight reserve," for astro tourists to view the Milky Way.

It's estimated that about one-fifth of the world's population and more than two-thirds in the U.S. cannot see the Milky Way from their homes. The "starlight reserve" idea germinated in Unesco in 2005. Tekapo, in the McKenzie Basin of South Island, was suggested as a pilot site because of its haze-free sky and lighting controls already in place.

A UNESCO working party agreed last month to study what Graeme Murray, chairman of the Mackenzie Tourism and Development Board, calls "Night Sky National Park." www.laketekapountouched.co.nz.

OKINAWA

TAKE A TRIP UNDER THE SEA AT CHURAUMI AQUARIUM

Journey into the deep sea at the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa, Japan, the world's second-largest aquarium after the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

The main tank, the "Kuroshio Sea," has about 80 marine species on show including whale sharks, manta rays, yellowfin tunas, and bonito, gliding about in huge schools. The aquarium is one of very few that keep whale sharks in captivity, and is currently trying to breed them.

Measuring 33 feet deep by 115 feet wide by 88 feet long, with acrylic panels 24 inches thick, the massive tank holds almost two million gallons of water.

The aquarium has a selection of activities, ranging from a museum to a historic village. In addition to the aquarium, there are two different dolphin shows in which you can touch them and watch them perform. There is also a manatee exhibit featuring manatees presented to the aquarium by the Mexican government.

The Churaumi Aquarium is open 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily at the Ocean Expo Commemorative National Government Park in Motobu, Okinawa. www.kaiyo353.rsjp.net/en.