The 5 best destinations to make your friends envious!

American sociologist Charles Horton Cooley once said; “Getting away from one’s work environment is, in a sense, getting away from oneself, and this is often the main advantage of traveling and changing.” After reading this, it should come as no surprise how many people choose to escape their current existence and experience what else is going on on the other side of the world. A short list of five places, although perhaps pigeonholed into a certain part of the world, might make you feel more attuned to Mr. Cooley’s words, and they are just a few of my favorite places to go and do for even the most ‘homey’ people. they sit and fight for their passports.

Hawaii. Although this may seem automatic to most people, it should be on any list of places to go. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting any of these islands, then you really don’t know what you’re missing; and if so, sadly you know what you are missing and the time to reconnect with this heavenly place has never been more apparent. Made up of hundreds of islands spread out over 1,500 miles, the state of Hawaii has long been a go-to spot for families, honeymooners, and everyone else looking to enjoy its mild climate and lush beaches, not to mention its bewildering hues. gold, red, green and black. beach. It may seem like a difficult choice to choose between places like Kauai, Maui and Lanai; but a great place to start is the Big Island and Oahu. You can experience almost everything these islands have to offer; And for prices starting at $845 for 6 nights, including flight, 3 night stays on both islands, and airfare from the Big Island to Oahu, you can see what everyone’s talking about!

Australia. I know the flight there can be a bit long for those of us on the East Coast, but when you consider everything this country has to offer, you might want to spend the hours traveling for the bounty and sink in. With its more than 2.9 million square miles of land, this country is full of history, underwater treasures and, for nature lovers, some of the most incredible creatures to ever roam the wild. If you’re a wine lover, or one who occasionally enjoys a good glass, Australia, with an average temperature of 67F (19C), has some of the best Chardonnay in the world. Some important places to visit may be obvious, but as obvious as it may be to some, the Great Barrier Reef is no simple attraction. The world’s largest coral reef system is made up of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands spread over approximately 133,000 square miles. If the size of the mother is difficult to understand, keep in mind that you can see this massive structure from outer space! The Australia Zoo is another stop that any trip to Australia cannot do without. Home to crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, this resort is home to some of the country’s best-known inhabitants, including koala bears, Tasmanian devils, and of course crocodiles, just to name a few. $1199 with air and the chance to visit these two memorable places should make Australia a must-see.

Florida. Okay, this may not be as glamorous as the other two places, and maybe a little biased given that Florida is my home, but can 60 million visitors a year be wrong? I’ve lived here for the better part of 7 years and still haven’t touched ¼ of the places this place, affectionately known as the “Sunshine State”, has to offer. All we’ve been hearing lately is hurricane fears, which I think are scaring people away from our great state; however, after October, except for the occasional rain, there is really nice weather. For simplicity, 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 place I can’t seem to get over. The old adage of ‘grow old, don’t get old’ rings in my ears every time I set foot in this place. And it’s not just within the halo walls of WDW; it’s anywhere in Orlando. For some reason, things seem to be more attractive in Orlando. You see the smiles on everyone’s faces and because there is so much for the kids to do, the parents don’t look as stressed either. Pools and water slides are all the rage during the lazy, crazy, foggy days of summer. The Mariott Orlando, in addition to being such a trusted name in the hotel game, has some amazing deals for residents and non-residents alike. Free nights, resort credit, and of course pools are just a few of the things you’ll find; And with the $149 advance purchase special, you can drive, park and enjoy your stay at the World Center Orlando Resort.

A little over 3 hours south of Orlando is a quieter, more relaxed spot called Singer Island. With its walks, parks, marinas, and 47 miles of what has been named one of the top five beaches in Palm Beach County, this little haven is more for escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life. More than just a paradise for beach lovers and hikers, the county also includes a safari drive, a zoo, a science museum, just to name a few. Staying here is not as expensive as you think; especially when you factor in the fact that luxurious Palm Beach, Florida is just minutes away. Palm Beach Shores Resort and Vacation Villas offers a special rate of only $99; along with 50% off the regular price for an island view room.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Actually, anywhere in the Caribbean is a comfortable and relaxing place to rest for a few days, however, Punta Cana, with its phoenix emerging from the darkness, has become one of the most popular and sought after places to visit in the recent memory. Hundreds of resorts seem to be popping up out of nowhere to accommodate the influx of visitors who have decided that the Dominican Republic is their vacation choice; and they have good reasons. Home to a coastline of white sand beaches, Punta Cana is considered the main tourist area in the Dominican Republic. Everyone who visits this amazing place can enjoy golf courses, nightlife, water parks and other tourist attractions. This in itself might be reason enough to go and enjoy some time, but add in a 24-hour all-inclusive resort package where kids stay, play and eat free and it’s a total hit. Seven nights with airfare at Ocean Blue Golf & Beach Resort will set you back around $899, but take advantage of all that’s on offer, and it’s a bargain!

cruise This is definitely a wild card for me. I enjoy my time on the water, and traveling in a way that hasn’t changed much in close to a hundred years has a lot of appeal to me. I look out to sea in bewilderment because I think they are the same waters famous pirates, Vikings and explorers sailed through. I look up into the sky and am amazed that these same people used a celestial navigation system that is as foreign to me as the places the cruise ship takes me. Yes, sailing for me is more than a hotel in the middle of a body of water; it is a vessel of enjoyment, relaxation and tranquility of listening to the crescendo of the waves. I have never been on a cruise, there is still time to reconcile. For those who want to go island hopping and like their home away from home on a boat, you can’t 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 miniature golf courses, swimming pools, Vegas-style shows and more. Great cruise deals are happening right now, check it out for yourself.

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