ASK ANYONE WHAT THEY KNOW about Wales and even the least informed among them is likely to say something about 'that little town with all the bookstores.' Indeed, with 39 bookshops in a town of only 1,300 residents, Hay-on-Wye is known worldwide as a major center of the second-hand book trade. From third printings of second-rate pulps to rare, signed first editions, Hay-on-Wye is a book lover's paradise.

And once a year it seems like every book lover in the world shows up. Started in 1988 by a few locals, the Hay Festival is now attended by upwards of 80,000 fans of culture and literature over 10 days in the late spring - the start of "festival season" in Wales. This year the festival takes place from May 26th to June 4th.

With all that activity you might be tempted to think that the Wye Valley is all about Hay-on-Wye, but there's so much more. Click to read on…>

NOWADAYS LOTS OF PEOPLE LIKE TO take advantage of airline specials on their own, and with Wales so easy to reach via direct flights to international airports in London, Bristol and Manchester, it's easier than ever to do. If that's you, or if you already have a Britain trip in the works and want to add Wales to your itinerary, BMIT's "Wales Journey" package is right for you. Starting from only $299 per person, it includes 3 nights' hotel accommodations with breakfast, tax and service charges, plus a 4-day car rental with unlimited mileage.

For a complete air/land package consider booking the aptly named "Amazing Britain" package, also from BMIT. This package includes r/t air to London, a 6-day car rental with unlimited mileage and 5 nights in the B&B of your choice, including several in and around the Wye valley, as well as others throughout Wales. All starting from only $679 per person. Mention Croeso! and you'll also get free CDW coverage on the car rental - a $65 value!

But don't wait - these prices are only available for a limited time. To learn more and book your trip, contact BMIT by phoning 1-800-982-2299 or email them at [email protected]. Remember to tell them that you are a Croeso! subscriber.

TRAVELWALES.ORG: Be sure to visit our U.S. website for newly updated 2006 travel packages, offers and deals. We've also updated our events calendar with the latest goings on.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ROBERT B. OF BEAVERTON OR, the Grand Prize winner in our "Great Things Come in Small Packages" sweepstakes. Robert chose the trip to Wales and will be traveling this spring. Congratulations as well to Jennifer K. and Cathy A. two out of our three lucky winners who won a copy of the beautiful photo book "Landscape Wales."

An extraordinary thing about Wales is how much variety is packed into such a small area. New vistas unfold around every bend in the road, and a journey of just a few dozen miles can bring you to an entirely new and distinct landscape. "Visions of Wales," now airing on public television, captures Wales' natural and manmade splendors with spectacular aerial footage accompanied by traditional music and informative narration.

Five Croeso! subscribers have a chance to win the "Visions of Wales" DVD. Just answer this question to be entered automatically:

When, if ever, were you last in Wales? Click here to answer.

View the official rules.

There's no wrong answer but you must be a Croeso! subscriber to enter.

Not a subscriber? No problem. Just sign up here and you'll also be automatically entered for a chance to win.

On St. David's Day in Wales, all the daffodils are out. Young children go to school in traditional Welsh costume while older ones may have an 'Eisteddfod,' with competitions in singing, dancing and readings.

It's not an official holiday, but March 1st is a huge day of cultural celebration that sweeps the country, with a big parade in Cardiff and special Male Voice Choir concerts in towns and villages. Daffodils, the national flower, are planted in hanging flower baskets and along the streets , and are worn by Welsh people everywhere - they even appear on the lapels of Members of Parliament , who have their own St. David's day party in London.

St. David, or 'Dewi Sant' is, of course, the patron saint of Wales. He lived in the 6th century as a prophet, preacher and teacher, and taught a simple way of life, to do "the little things in God's presence with conscientiousness and devotion," that helped shape the character of the people of his time and, some feel, influences the culture to this day.

Many Welsh Societies in America have their own celebrations. In the true Welsh tradition, if you're in town on March 1st, you're sure to be welcome.