For those who don't want to forego physical activity or fitness on their vacation, a cruise presents the perfect combination of relaxation and recreation. Onboard today's modern cruise ships, you can swim a few laps in one of the ship's pools, take a walk or jog around the deck, play a game of hoops, or even try your hand at rock-climbing or ice skating. And each port of call brings the opportunity for additional activities, from a game of beach volleyball or a hike through a rain forest to a round of golf or any of a variety of water sports. And for you super spectators who can't bear the thought of missing a "big game" while on vacation, not to worry! Many of today's ships feature sports bars where live or taped satellite feeds of major sporting events are broadcast.
One of the oldest ways of getting around Europe is now enjoying a surge in popularity among vacationers. For thousands of years, people have navigated Europe's scenic rivers, relying on the continent's waterways for transport, commerce and recreation. Today, river cruising aboard luxury vessels is arguably Europe's fastest-growing form of leisure travel.
Unusual and enticing destinations near and far offer loads of exciting adventures. Once known for self-centeredness, Baby Boomers are now turning their attention to the world around them (they're getting closer to seeing God). More and more travelers are seeking vacations that showcase the kinder side of humankind by lending a helping hand or sharing cultural experiences. These trips aren’t escapes. Instead, they are experiences that allow travelers to get to know different cultures, get back to nature and give something back.
Travelers can be Citizen Ambassadors, women’s struggles in Afghanistan and lots of issues in China are fair game. Meetings with journalists, elected officials, nongovernmental organizations and community leaders give a better understanding of the problems. Journey to a world of difference and greater understanding. Here are some ideas, in alphabetical order:
Asheville, N.C.
Located in the Smoky Mountains, Asheville is a small college town with a thriving arts and culture scene. It is home to the Biltmore Estate and the Thomas Wolfe Memorial. And, Carl Sandburg’s birthplace is located in nearby Flat Rock. Recently, Asheville has been drawing literati and celebrities, who had been gravitating to New Orleans, as a hub of culture. With the Blue Ridge Parkway nearby, the area is also great for driving tours and shopping trips to numerous crafts and pottery shops.
Bolivia
Howler monkeys, giant otters and jaguar still thrive in 4.5 million-acre Madidi National Park in Bolivia and Peru. The park protects of some of the wildest and most pristine rainforest (jungle) on earth. A Quechua Lodge in the Bolivian Amazon, which is owned and managed entirely by the indigenous Quechuas with support from two foreign-aid organizations. Quechua guides lead visitors on searches for macaws, tapirs, monkeys and caimans, and they explain how rainforest (jungle) plants and trees are used for medicine, tools and food.
Ethiopia
A surprising choice, Ethiopia has finally emerged out of the shadows caused by years of political strife, economic hardship and famine. An improved infrastructure has made traveling there increasingly popular, especially among independent-minded travelers and those seeking adventure. Ethiopia is revered for its rich history as one of the earliest Christian kingdoms; the town of Aksum is said to be the home of the ancient Ark of the Covenant. Visit the monolithic churches of Lalibela—in particular the Church of St. George, named after Ethiopia’s patron saint. The building, which is carved into the shape of a cross, is one of the most exquisite examples of monolithic architecture.
Germany and Austria
Are visions of gingerbread cookies and hand-painted Christmas ornaments dancing in your head? Then head to Christmas markets in Germany and Austria held in late November and early December. In addition to having time to admire and buy the carefully crafted decorations, travelers tour Austria’s Innsbruck, follow Germany’s picturesque Romantic Road to the medieval town of Rothenburg and then explore Austria’s Salzburg, the city of music. We need a little Christmas.
Japan’s Noto Peninsula
Price of gas got you down? Try a little self-propulsion in the form of a bicycle tour through this rustic peninsula on Japan’s west coast, where traditional culture still flourishes. Diverse experiences await, including tea ceremonies, hot springs, walks on beaches and through botanical gardens, and stays at Japanese-style lodgings. Cyclists also visit the UNESCO site of Shirakawa-go, which is known for its three-story, nail-free clasped hands thatched-roof houses.
Krakow, Poland
Amazingly, Krakow—the capital until 1609—survived the destruction that befell the rest of the country during WWII and is now, with its amazing historic landmarks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among the things to see are the gargoyle-bedecked Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), a medieval covered market still bustling with tourists and street vendors; Wawel, the royal castle; and the 14th-century Gothic Kosciol Mariacki (St. Mary’s Basilica), with its intricate spires. Wandering the cobblestone streets of the Old Town (Stare Miasto), aged landmarks co-exist amid a modern shopping scene. The town may have a rich history, but its feet are firmly planted in the modern world. Wireless Internet access is everywhere, and festivals throughout the year (especially in summer months) showcase cutting-edge music and theater.
Mali
Music is a universal language, especially at the three-day Festival in the Desert held in Mali in January. Participants revel in world music, dancing, camel races and other activities, with overnights in private tents. The trip also visits the colorful markets of Bamako situated on the Niger River and legendary Timbuktu, terminus of the great trans-Saharan caravan route where traders exchanged gold and ivory for salt in the 16th century.
Newfoundland
Travelers aren’t just watching whales but assisting in local census and acoustic research during expeditions that focus on the marine ecology of the North Atlantic. Twenty varieties of whales are found in Newfoundland, including the world’s largest population of humpbacks. Sightings of caribou, moose and seals often add to the day’s adventures. The region is also home to the continent’s third-largest gannet colony.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
This lush region of British Columbia, dubbed by some as Napa North or the Tuscany of Canada, boasts a mild climate, rolling hills and crops of plentiful fruits, nuts and grapes. Vineyards are the big business now. With more than 120 in the region, Okanagan Valley is an ideal place for wine tasting. As in Napa, the topography and climate of Okanagan Valley make it a great place for hiking, kayaking and biking (bike tours will even take visitors from winery to winery). The gateway to the region is Kelowna, and the center of the wine region is a town called Naramata.
Panama
Panama has much of the same appeal as Costa Rica — rainforests (jungles), volcanoes and snorkeling. Panama City is the only metropolis that has a rainforest within the city limits, and on a clear day, hikers at the summit of Volcan Baru can often see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time. Isla Coiba, once home to a penal colony, is now part of a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has the second-largest coral reef in the eastern Pacific. Here, visitors will find sharks, dolphins, turtles, whales and other large marine creatures. For a tropical beach experience, go to one (or several) of the 1,500 islands off the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts.
Portland, Maine
A university town (Bowdoin and the University of Maine) and burgeoning retirement location, Portland has a fantastic mix of culture and education. It also has an impressive amount of first-rate restaurants—with several perennial entries on Gourmet magazine’s list of America’s Top 50 Restaurants—including the excellent Fore Street, which builds its menu around local ingredients. The weather can be extreme, but Portland is an eminently walkable city, with the downtown area compact enough to explore thoroughly and an excellent indoor farmer’s market that is open year-round. For those seeking outdoor adventures along the coast, there is a jogging trail that stretches from Portland to nearby Brunswick. Conveniently, Amtrak has instituted service to Portland from Boston’s North Station, making the city much more accessible from the Northeast corridor.
Tokyo
A hyper-urban experience that is cheaper than London and New York, Tokyo is surprisingly easy to explore, even for people who don’t speak the language. The pedestrian-friendly city boasts a manageable public transit. The Shimokitazawa neighborhood is considered the Greenwich Village of Tokyo with its prevalence of cafes, small boutiques, thrift/vintage stores and cheap noodle shops. Omotesando, Tokyo’s version of the Champs-Elysees, is a wide boulevard populated with designer boutiques. It is home to the new Omotesando Hills Mall, designed by noted Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Sports fans can attend a Sumo match or check out baseball games with Tokyo’s two resident teams, the Yomiuri Giants and the Yakult Swallows.
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Island
Virgin Gorda is home to the laid-back Little Dix Bay resort, originally built by Laurence Rockefeller. Visitors can take Jeep tours of the island, hike through the jungle or explore funky Spanish Town and its unassuming bars and restaurants. The Baths is a string of beaches where giant boulders form tranquil pools and grottoes flooded with sea water. An excellent way to experience this island chain is through bare boating—renting a boat, with or without a crew, and sailing from island to island. The British Virgin Island is especially alluring because it is more off the beaten path than other islands, and cruise ships are too large to dock there.
Zurich, Switzerland
Clean, beautiful and affordable, Zurich is a must on any traveler’s trip to Europe. Ride a bike to explore the city’s progressive, art-filled culture. Every September, Zurich hosts the Long Night of Museums. During the event, museums stay open all night and visitors go from one to the other, have a drink and take in the art—all for a fixed price. The city hosts an annual street parade and a citywide dance party in August. Themed floats and revelers make their way through town blaring techno and rave music and dancing in the streets.
