Jamaica
Jamaica is a wonderful island to visit if you want sand, sun, and adventure. The white beaches and clear blue waters are a beautiful place to relax, as are the many resort spas. More active travelers can enjoy immaculate golf courses, horseback riding, calypso rafting, off-roading, canopy tours, tubing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and numerous other water sports. Relish the local culture with folk or reggae music and many styles of dancing. Indulge on food with influences from all over the world, and sip the local rum. Night owls can take advantage of the spectacular nightlife and party on the beach ‘til dawn, couples can have their perfect destination wedding or honeymoon, and families can relax knowing that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Prague
Prague, the “city of a thousand spires,” gives tourists a look into the past with a 1,100 year old skyline, domed churches, beautiful palaces, and other architectural gems. Prague Castle, built in 970 AD as a walled fortress, is the largest ancient castle in the world. The Charles Bridge has 32 points of interest, including famous statues that date back to the 1600’s. The historic center of the city, Old Town Square (Satré Město), contains Tyn Church, the Clementinum, and an astronomical clock. The highlight of New Town (Nové Město) is Wenceslas Square, complete with the National Museum and many other architectural treasures. For even more recent culture, visit Prague’s Lennon Wall or the Dancing House.
New Mexico
New Mexico has something for everyone. Visit Taos for history and art, especially in Taos Plaza and Historic District. The plaza offers picturesque shops, galleries, and D.H. Lawrence’s studio. Art museums are plentiful, with the Kit Carson Home & Museum, Millicent Rogers Museum, Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, Harwood Museum of Art, Blumenschein Home & Museum, and more. More active visitors can take advantage of Taos Ski Valley, snowshoe adventures, Wild Earth Llama Adventures, or other hiking and camping grounds. Moving south, Santa Fe, “the city different,” is a fascinating and inspiring destination as well. It boasts being one of the largest and most important art markets in the country, with both traditional and contemporary styles. Equestrians, golfers, hikers, skiers, bikers, rafters, and fishers alike can practice their activities in this city, as historians explore sites such as Loretto Chapel and Bandelier National Monument. Those who need to relax can kick back at one of many retreats or spas, one of the reasons Travel + Leisure awarded the city as the #1 Girl’s Getaway. Continuing southward, you can “change your perspective” in Albuquerque. Take a hot air balloon ride, gamble at a casino, sip a unique drink at a winery or brewery, visit a nature center, or bond with your relatives at the Hinkle Family Fun Center.
South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful, unique experience. Cape Town is a dream destination for those who appreciate design and culture, with its bright multicolored structures, various artist events, fashion week, live music and performances, and interactive attractions. It even celebrates Carnival. Those who wish to leave the city will be blown away by blankets of blooms during flower season, thrilling mountain biking, or any of the 72 beaches. Johannesburg is the second largest city in Africa, housing more than 3 million people, so it has plenty of offer tourists. Anyone seeking adventure, family fun, special events, shopping, live entertainment, vibrant nightlife, culinary indulgences, fashion, or other arts will not be disappointed in the multitude of activities to choose from here. Hout Bay may be a smaller town, but still offers a unique experience to those who visit, with castles, leopards, fishing, and penguins. Wander through a market to see local-made crafts, hike the trails at Hoerikwaggo or Cape Camino, and treat yourself to fresh seafood and local wine.
Alaska
Alaska’s Governor, Bill Walker, states, “Alaska is different from every other destination in the world. Every day offers an unforgettable memory: a mother moose and calf, glaciers and mountains, unique Native cultures, our Russian legacy and Gold Rush days…I hope you’ll come to visit the ‘Great Land’ soon.” Learn about the natives in one of the many heritage centers and museums. Roam through the fjords to see glaciers, sea lions, sea otters, whales, and a variety of birds. On land, you can see mountain goats, bears, moose, and puffins. Even explore active volcanoes or catch a view of the northern lights! No matter what you do, it’s guaranteed to be a unique experience.