Top 5 Destinations to Make Your Friends Envious!

The American sociologist Charles Horton Cooley once said; “To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from ones self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.” After reading this, it should come as no surprise the amount of people that choose to escape their current existence and experience what else is going on the far side of the world. A short list of five places, although perhaps pigeon holed to a certain part of the globe, just might make you feel more in-tuned to the words of Mr. Cooley – and are just about some of my favorite places to go and make even the most ‘home-body’ of people sit up and scramble for their passports.

Hawaii. Although this might sound like an automatic for most people, it must fall on any list of places to go. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting any of these islands, then you truly don’t know what you’re missing; and if you have, sadly you do know what you’re missing and the time to reconnect with this paradise spot has never been more evident. Comprised of hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles, the state of Hawaii has been a sod after spot for families, honeymooners and everyone else looking to enjoy its acclimate weather and its lush beaches, not to mention their bewildering gold, red, green and black sands. It might seem like a hard choice to pick from such places as Kauai, Maui, and Lanai; but a great place to start is the Big Island and Oahu. You can experience just about everything these islands have to offer; and for prices starting at $845 for 6 nights, including air 3 nights stay on both of these islands, and airfare from the Big Island into Oahu, you can see what everyone is talking about!

Australia. I know that the flight there maybe a bit too long for those of us on the East Coast, but when you consider everything that this country has to offer, you just might want to spend the hours traveling for the reward and go down under. With its over 2.9 million square miles of land, this country is filled with history, underwater treasures and, for the nature lover, some of the most amazing creatures to ever roam the wild. If you’re a wine lover, or one that occasionally enjoys a nice glass, Australia, with its average temperature of 67F (19C), has some of the world’s best Chardonnay. Some major spots to visit might be a no-brainer but as simply obvious as it might be to some, the Great Barrier Reef is not a simple attraction. The largest coral reef system in the world is composed of 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching approximately 133,000 square miles. If the mere size is hard to comprehend, take into account that you can see this massive structure from outer space! The Australia Zoo is another stop that any trip to Australia cannot do without. The home of the Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, this complex is home to some of the countries best known inhabitants such as the Koala Bear, Tasmanian Devils, and of course crocodiles just to name a small few. $1199 with air and a chance to visit these two memorable spots should make Australia a must see.

Florida. Alright, so this might not be as glamorous as the other two spots, and maybe I’m a bit biased seeing as how Florida is my home, but can 60 million visitors a year be wrong? I have lived here for the better part of 7 years and I still haven’t touched on ¼ of the places that this place, affectionately known as the “Sunshine State”, has to offer. All we have been hearing lately is hurricane scares, which I think scares people away from our great state; however, after October, except the occasional rain fall, there is some really nice weather. For simplicity sake, let’s start with Orlando and work our way south. I’m a huge kid at heart, and having said that, Disney World is one spot that I can’t seem to out grow. The old adage of ‘growing old, not up’ rings in my ears whenever I set foot in this place. And it’s not only inside the halo walls of WDW; it’s anywhere in Orlando. For some reason, things just seem to be more inviting while in Orlando. You see the smiles on everyone’s faces and because there is so much for the kiddies to do, the parents don’t look that stressed out either. Pools and waterslides are all the rage during the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. The Mariott Orlando, along with having such a trusted name in the hotel game, has some incredible offers for both residents and non-residents alike. Free nights, resort credit and of course pools are just a few things you’ll find; and with the advanced purchase special of $149, you can drive in, park it, and enjoy your stay at the World Center Orlando Resort.

A little more then 3 hours south of Orlando is a quieter more laid back place called Singer Island. With its hiking, parks, marinas, and 47 miles of what has been considered one of the top five beaches in Palm Beach County, this little retreat is more to escape the hustle and bustles of everyday life. More then just a haven for the beach goer and hiker, the county also includes a drive-through safari, a zoo, science museum just to mention a few. Staying here isn’t as pricy as you may think; especially when you incorporate the fact that plush Palm Beach, Florida is just minutes away. Palm Beach Shores Resort and Vacation Villas is offering a special rate of only $99; along with 50% off regular pricing for an Island View Room.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Really, anywhere in the Caribbean is a comfortable, relaxing place to lay low for a few days, however Punta Cana, with its phoenix rise from obscurity has become one the hottest and most sought after places to visit in recent memory. Hundreds of resorts seem to be popping out of the nowhere to accommodate the influx of visitors that decided that the Dominican Republic is their vacation choice; and they have good reason. Home to a coastline of sandy white beaches, Punta Cana is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic. Golf courses, nightlife, water parks and other tourist attractions can be enjoyed by all who visit this astonishing spot. This, in of itself, might be reason enough to go and enjoy some time, but throw in a 24-hour all-inclusive resort package where kids stay, play and eat free and, it’s a slam dunk. 7 nights including air to the Ocean Blue Golf & Beach Resort will set you back about $899, but take in everything that is offered to you, and it’s a steal!

Cruising. This is, admittedly, a wild card for me. I enjoy my time on the water, and to travel in a way that hasn’t changed much in close to a hundred years has some great appeal to me. I look out into the sea with bewilderment as I think that these are the same waters that famous pirates, Vikings and explorers sailed on. I look up in the sky and am amazed that these same people used a system of celestial navigation that is as foreign to me as the places that cruising takes me. Yes, cruising to me is more then just a hotel out in the middle of a body of water; it’s a vessel of enjoyment, relaxation and a tranquility of listening to the crescendo of the waves. Never been on a cruise, there is still time to reconcile. For those who want to island hop and like their home away from home on a ship, you can not get a better value for a vacation. Think about it - all the food you can imagine, at all times, TONS of activities - from rock climbing walls to mini golf courses, pools, Las Vegas Style shows and more. Great cruise deals are happening right now, have a look for yourself.

Understandably, the eve of a recession has a lot of people contemplating trading in their vacation for a ‘stay-cation’. But with deals like these, it might be hard to pass up. Adhere to words of Mr. Cooley and get out there and enjoy what these magical places have to offer.