It’s hard to overstate the beauty of the Hawaiian Islands; their palm-fringed beaches and vivid blue seas are some of the nicest in the world, offering residents and visitors alike countless opportunities for fun in the sun. The 50th state is known for lush tropical jungles, fiery volcanoes, cascading waterfalls and excellent snorkeling and diving sites. In short, Hawaii has a lot to offer visitors – but many tourists never get the opportunity to experience it all.

Waterfalls of Hawaii

Thanks to its tropical Pacific climate and mountainous composition, scenic waterfalls abound in the state of Hawaii; in fact, many are even visible from popular drives, such as along Maui’s Road to Hana. A number of the most spectacular waterfalls, however, require more effort to reach and it’s often this very remoteness that, in fact, lends to their overall beauty and tableau. One of my personal favorites is the stunning 400-foot Waimoku Falls in Maui, which lies at the end of a gorgeous, roughly four-mile round-trip hike. This hike includes a bonus waterfall, the 185-foot Makahiku Falls, amidst a trek through an enchanting bamboo forest. There are a few areas on this trail that may present a bit of a challenge to some; for instance, hikers need to be prepared for a bit of a climb, as there is a 650-foot rise in elevation, and this trail can be quite muddy. Depending on water levels, there may be some areas where hikers have to hopscotch on rocks across the Pipiwai Stream. In the end, I’ve always found that the surrounding natural greenery and the lovely sight of Waimoku Falls itself makes this trek worth all the effort.

Authentic Molokai
Another destination that I feel gets left off too many Hawaiian itineraries is the small island of Molokai. As the most “un-touristy” of all the major islands, Molokai has no traffic lights and no large shopping malls. This is the island that I believe still best retains the feel of old Hawaii. Molokai’s Kalaupapa National Historical Park was once the site of a leper colony run by the famous humanitarian Father Damien. Today, visitors can take a memorable mule ride 1,700 feet down the side of a sea cliff to reach the village of Kalaupapa. I would highly recommend this ride, which includes 26 switchbacks and gorgeous ocean views, except for those afraid of heights. One of the more unusual attractions on Molokai is Kauleonanahoa, which is also known as “Phallic Rock” because of its resemblance to – well – its namesake. According to local legend, women who want to get pregnant should bring offerings to Kauleonanahoa and spend the night at this site. I can’t guarantee results, but it does makes for an interesting photo opportunity!

Oahu Unspoiled Scenic Sites

Because of money or time concerns, I realize that traveling to another island like Molokai isn’t always a possibility. Luckily, even Oahu – the most visited and popular of the Hawaiian Islands – has plenty of remote, scenic sites where you won’t feel like you’re part of a hoard of tourists. Halona Beach, for example, is a world-famous strip of sand and surf, yet it’s not overrun with tourists, partly because it can only be reached by a steep, rocky, downhill trek. This picturesque little cove is also known as the “From Here to Eternity Beach” because the movie’s iconic and often parodied kissing and rolling-in-the-sand scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr was filmed here. I consider this a very worthwhile side trip, as it kills two birds with one stone. The Halona Blowhole, another very famous Hawaiian attraction, is also located close by. The Halona Blowhole is a natural lava tube that, when hit just right by a wave, will spout water up to 30 feet in the air. The best time to see this phenomenon is at high tide.

Dramatic Big Island Sites

If you’re looking for a beautiful, remote escape on the Big Island of Hawaii, I would recommend that travelers either kayak or find a boat to take them to Kealakekua Bay, which is only accessible by water. This lovely bay, which is also known as Captain Cook’s Bay, is an excellent spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, and it is also home to a family of friendly spinner dolphins. In addition, Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park was the site of Hikiau Heiau, a major native Hawaiian religious site.

Kauai’s Na Pali Coastline

With its lush tropical foliage, gorgeous views of azure seas, and ruggedly impressive cliffs, Kauai’s Na Pali coastline boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in all of Hawaii. There are few roads that lead to this area and most of the Na Pali coastline is also inaccessible by sea, as its famous cliffs drop straight down into the sea. Although travelers can fly over the area by helicopter or skim its coast by boat, I would highly recommend that those who want the full Na Pali experience should hike into this pristine area instead. A two-mile hike will take a visitor to scenic Hanakapi’ai Beach. Travelers looking for a longer hike can continue on for another nine miles on the Kalalau Trail, as this beautiful trek crosses over five stunning valleys.

Kauai’s Cacoa Farm

Travelers to Hawaii can enjoy many different types of tours, including traditional excursions to macadamia nut farms, kite factories, and pineapple or coffee plantations. For something a little more unusual, stop by Kauai’s Steelgrass Farm, which features a cacao tree orchard. Hawaii is the only state in the union where the cacao pods, from which chocolate is made, will grow. The Steelgrass Chocolate Farm’s three-hour tour includes an eleven-course tasting of different samples of dark chocolate from around the world, a walk through the cacao tree orchards, and also rare black bamboo groves. Interestingly enough, Steelgrass Farm is also the site of a Bamboo Sculpture residency and a professional voice-over and music recording studio.

Although it’s not possible to hit every gorgeous site in Hawaii, I believe every visitor should take the time to check out at least one of these less touristy sites – they won’t be disappointed!

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About the Author: Aloha Tony is a real estate agent who specializes in luxury properties on Oahu. He has lived in Hawaii for decades, and currently resides there with his loving family.
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So this year, rather than rushing to get that perfect reservation, consider planning a little road trip down the California coast, complete with romantic playlists for your MP3 (the modern mix tape) and stops that include rose petals on the bed and chilled champagne.  Here are a few tips to plan a trip your honey is sure to love.

At this time of year you’ll definitely want to avoid the cold and stormy northern roads, so fun in the sun on California’s southern coastline is a great way to go, and a cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway (1) starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego is just the ticket for a relaxing and romantic road trip.

Start your adventure in San Francisco by renting a convertible.  Does it get any better than touring the coast with the top down?  Then pick up some sourdough bread and a few chocolates in Ghirardelli Square and take a punt out on the pond at the Exploratorium.  Spend a leisurely day picnicking at Golden Gate Park, riding the trolley, sampling fresh fortune cookies at Golden Gate Fortune Cookies in China Town (try the almond cookies, too), and then spend the night in Union Square (where a bevy of inexpensive establishments look down on the bustling titular square).

In the morning, head around the corner for some amazing breakfast at Dottie’s True Blue Café; the lines get long later in the morning, so go early!  Then hit the road, stopping in Monterey for a stretch and a snack at vegan-friendly Café Lumiere (try the Chai) before continuing on to the quaint town of Cambria for a stay at El Colibri Hotel and Spa (set up spa appointments ahead of time if possible).  You’re just a few miles from the historic Hearst Castle, so spend the day taking tours to see how old Hollywood lived and played (paper-man Hearst was famous for his exclusive parties).  Then tour the town on foot (it’s just a couple of blocks) stopping at kitschy antique stores and art galleries galore.  Finish off the evening with dinner at the Black Cat Bistro (reservations advisable) – the Rabbit Liver Pate is a must, and ask for a local wine pairing from one of the many area vineyards.

The next morning you’ll continue south, with a stop for lunch at Nobu in Malibu for some world-famous sushi (and practically guaranteed celebrity sightings).  Or if you like your seafood cooked, try Paradise Cove Beach Café for some tasty fried calamari and tables on the sand.   Continue on to Venice Beach for some fun and funky shopping on the boardwalk and a stay at the Venice Breeze Suites, an ocean-side hotel that has swanky, modern rooms with amazing ocean views (starting at $265/night).

Wake up to some Intelligentsia (coffee, that is…the locals swear by it) and you’re off on the last leg of your journey (San Diego, here you come!).  A couple of days in “America’s Finest City” simply won’t be enough to catch everything, but if you want to hit the highlights try a tour of Balboa Park (thanks to sunny weather you might even see a few roses), hit the San Diego Zoo (peacocks greet you at the entrance and it only gets better from there), hit the trendy shops at the Wharf, and head to the Gaslamp District in the evening for some fantastic food and drinks.  And don’t forget to book a boat tour – dolphins and whales are prevalent at this time of year and a little hand-holding while you listen to a whale song will make for the perfect finish to this indelible romantic road trip.

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About The Author:  Evan Fischer is a contributing writer for Used GMC Engines where GMC engines are shipped nationwide every day
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One up-and-coming destination is Puglia – often referred to as the next Tuscany or Italy’s biggest secret. Puglia is situated at Italy’s south-easternmost region (known to many of us as the heel of the boot) and is a great destination for an amorous escape.  To begin with Puglia is only a short flight from the UK so you won’t start off your romantic getaway with jetlag and your partner won’t witness you stepping haggard and bleary eyed off the plan

Beautiful Beaches…
Puglia has all you could wish for on the beach front with a varied coastline incorporating rocky beaches, white cliffs, beaches reached through greenery and forests, small town sandy bay beaches and of course large stretches of Caribbean-esque sandy beaches.  All sit next to the clear blue-turquoise sea and many of the beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status – an internationally recognized guarantee of the quality of the sea water. In the summer months the sea warms up and the gentle climate allows for comfortable swimming in the sea until October.

Fabulous Food…
One of the best parts of any holiday is splashing out and eating exciting new dishes and after all, food is the language of love! And Italy has some of the finest food in the world. Puglia produces around 40% of Italy’s olive oil and a large proportion of its wine. It is largely an agricultural region – often called the garden of Italy – so wherever you go you will find fresh local produce such as artichokes, rocket, tomatoes, fava beans, courgettes, fennel, peppers, beef and lamb.

…And you always need great wine to accompany the food
A little known fact is that Puglia produces more wine than Australia. Principal wine towns in Puglia include Lecce, Martina Franca and Manduria. If you sample enough, there’s a good chance you will find some new favourite wines, as wineries from the north of Italy, and even America, are beginning to see the potential of Puglia and starting to invest heavily.

Wonderful Weather…
Puglia has a wonderful climate, with an average 300 days of sunshine per year. If you are going in the hottest months of the year (May-September) there is minimal humidity. The temperature is fairly constant between the coast and the inland areas, rising to around 30°C (86 F) in July and August and only dropping out of the 20s (high 60s) at the beginning of December.

Quirky (yet luxurious) accommodation
While many people may prefer to stay in an all-inclusive hotel to enjoy room service, villas give a lot more privacy, which is much more romantic.  There’s a great selection of luxury villas in Puglia, where you can enjoy as much privacy as you wish, including your own private pool.  But if you feel things like cooking and washing up will spoil the romance, you can always hire a private cook to come in, do their thing then vanish.

If you are looking for something a little more quirky, how about looking at the range of trulli that are available? Trulli, mysterious stone buildings with conical roofs, are dotted all over the region, making Puglia look like a fairy-tale land peppered with mini castles. No one really knows how trulli came about, everyone has a theory (this is Italy after all), but they are unique to Puglia and so definitely an option to look into if the region has whet your appetite.  While the term trulli refers to a house that’s internal space is covered by a dry stone corbelled or keystone vault, many trulli have been made into luxury houses that can be rented out.

Puglia ticks the key romance boxes; plentiful beaches, great food, superb wine, beautiful weather and luxurious accommodation. On top of this, it is an easy place to stay – the locals are friendly and you can dabble in Italian but will have no problems speaking English. So if you are looking for a romantic retreat which still oozes luxury, Puglia should definitely be on the list.
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About The Author:  Think Puglia is the provider of beautiful and desirable Puglia villas, right in the heel of Italy on the Salento peninsula. All of the company’s hand-picked gems come with the option of having cooks and cleaners, and guests can pick from fabulous beachfront villas, luxury masserie and rustic-chic trulli in the hills. Visit www.thinksicily.co.uk for more information.
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Photo Credit: FlickR – #1 Andrepax, #2 Pizzodisevo, #3 VerityCridland, #4 jujuly25, #5 dcinput

Namale Resort & Spa, Fiji
The sensual Namale Resort in Fiji that was recently featured on The Bachelorette TV series, has announced a promotion that offers 2 free nights when you book a 5 night stay (7 nights for the price of 5).

This resort is known for tropical  seclusion and a  dramatic setting on a volcanic cliff overlooking the Koko Sea.  The 5-star Namale Resort was recently voted the “Best Hotel for Romance in the Pacific” by Trip Advisor readers.  It has just unique 19 bures and villas – each one designed with romance in mind.  The Holiday Romance Package includes two free nights in the accommodation category of your choice, all meals and beverages, round trip airport transfers, fully stocked min-bar, daily laundry service, access to the Namale Spa Hydrotherapy Room, and complimentary activities including horseback riding, golf, snorkeling, kayaking and waterfall hikes.  The promotion is in effect from now until February 28, 2012 – so it’s a perfect choice for Valentine’s Day!  Rates at the resort start at approximately $975 per night.

A family sailing holiday is a fantastic way to build confidence in and on the water, and also enjoy a fun and exciting vacation together. 

Instead of just looking at the beautiful water or staying confined to the pool at a resort, a sailing trip will get you out on the water and enable you to see your destination from a fresh new angle. After all there are miles and miles of beautiful coastline in the world to look at so why restrict yourself to the beach?

Kids will love the feel-good factor of sailing which offers great opportunities for socialising with peers and a real sense of achievement. If you need convincing any further then consider the health benefits of sailing. Not only is the sea air charged with healthy ions that accelerate the body’s ability to absorb oxygen, but maneuvering one’s boat is equivalent to doing anaerobic exercises, flexing and toning the muscles and promoting cardiovascular health.

Here is a selection of sailing resorts which are perfect for all the family; guaranteed to put the wind in your sails!

Lakitira, Greece
The Lakitira Beach Resort in Kardamena is a superb RYA recognized sailing resort which ticks all the boxes for sailors of every level. The light winds most mornings are ideal for beginners and conditions build in the afternoon to force three to five – perfect for the more advanced sailors. Free group sailing clinics are spread over six days of the week for beginners through to intermediate level and you and your family can gain official qualifications through one of the ten RYA courses on offer.

San Agostino, Greece
San Agostino Beach Resort boasts usually perfect wind conditions making it a truly premier sailing resort.  There is a wide range of dinghies to use as well as first class instruction and RYA sailing courses for adults and children. Set on a beautiful private beach, San Agostino has a wonderful, warm atmosphere with a superb watersports set-up making it an ideal destination for your family sailing holiday.

San Lucianu, Corsica
Set amongst elegant gardens with a soaring mountain range as a backdrop, San Lucianu Beach Resort is certainly one of the most picturesque places to sail. Sailors love it for the good mix of wind conditions and the gently shelving beach ensures quality sailing for all levels. As part of the childcare programme on offer at San Lucianu, children learn to sail and have fun on the water as part of their activity programme.

Perdepera, Sardinia
Set on a magnificent beach in ever fashionable Sardinia, Perdepera Beach Resort is a laid-back place to sail. Located on the eastern coast of Sardinia just south of the village of Cardedu, the resort is reached via a scenic drive from the airport at Cagliari, taking in mountains and dramatic red cliffs as well as the sea. The beach is well protected by a headland making for perfect sailing conditions for novices in the morning and the more advanced in the afternoon.

Sea Garden, Turkey
Set in an elevated position on the stunning Aegean coast of Turkey, just a short drive from Bodrum is the Sea Garden Hotel. The resort is located beside two bays backed by pine clad mountains – an area of largely untouched natural beauty. The small sheltered bay is perfect for beginner sailors but then opens up into a large bay with consistently good wind conditions suitable for intermediate and advanced sailors.

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About The Author:  Mark Warner offers a range of sailing holidays with Royal Yachting Association (RYA) courses, including free group sailing clinics, at resorts in Greece, Corsica, Sardinia and Turkey. Families can also take advantage of their complimentary childcare facilities for kids from 4 months to 17 years. Visit www.markwarner.co.uk for more information.
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• The Disney Traveler (DT): Sole purpose is to enjoy Disney or Universal theme parks
• The Exhaustive Traveler (ET): Wants a little bit of everything
• The Florida Resident (FR): Lives in Florida and makes multiple trips to Orlando each year

There are 5 primary areas of expenditure for a typical Orlando tourist: Accommodation, Shopping, Transportation, Food and Entertainment. We will explore each category in detail from the point of view of a family or group of 4 or more individuals:

That Roof Over Your Head

Irrespective of the category that you fall under, the best choice is to go for a condo in a resort on International Drive. This location is important as you will be close to all major theme parks and well connected to all other areas in and out of Orlando. This option is better than a Disney property as you will have more space, amenities and convenience at half the price. You can even look at timeshares in Orlando to get a good deal. If you really want to save money then opt for resorts in nearby Kissimmee where prices go down considerably. I recommend Disney Properties only if you are a hardcore DT who will spend all your time at the Disney World Resort. In that case it would be wise to buy the annual pass which will help you save up to 40% on selected Disney properties.

Whatever you do, don’t even think about going for a hotel as you will need to rent more than one room for the entire family and you will not be able to save money on food, more on this in the next section.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Eating and accommodation are two areas where you can stretch the buck to the max. If you take my advice and go for a condo then you will already be on the path to save money on food because a full kitchen will give you the option to eat-in. Upon arrival, visit Wal-Mart or a Publix to stock up on groceries. Every time you eat-in you will save anything between $50 and $70. The coffeemaker alone will help you save significant sums. This may sound silly and trivial but you won’t think so when you realize how little you have spent on eating because of all these amenities.

But wait a minute! You are in Orlando and you want to enjoy some of the great restaurants that the city has to offer. You can save your dollars here as well. Sign up for sites such as Groupon.com and Restaurant.com before you leave home and once you are in Orlando pick up free publications such as “I Love Orlando” that contain discount coupons to a number of restaurants, shops and attractions.

Now, comes the hard part. How to save money at the parks? Sharing and prior-preparation is the name of the game here. Disney knows that once you are inside the park you will stay inside and therefore, eat inside. This logic leads them to set menu prices that are at least 25% more than average prices outside the parks. In essence, every time you eat at Disney you are letting go of an opportunity to save money. Therefore, the only way to keep those dollars from bleeding out is to take food with you. Here are some options that you may want to consider:

• Pack some granola bars and other snacks that do not require heating or cooling
• Freeze some water bottles and put them in a soft cooler along with juice boxes and sandwiches to keep them cool and fresh
• If you don’t mind tap water then use the fountains at the parks to fill your bottles
• Carry Gatorade snatches or something similar to make your own drinks

However, there will be times when you just want to have a meal at the park especially if you are an DT or FR.  Worry not, there is a solution to that problem as well. The meals are overpriced but they are also huge in size. This is especially true for Non-Americans as American portions are big to begin with. How is this relevant? Huge meals give you the option of sharing. Instead of ordering a 3 course meal order just the main course and the desert or order three courses but split them. I am not trying to imply that you should starve yourself. Even after splitting you will have satisfying meals that won’t make you feel groggy and bloated.

Over-the-counter meals are cheaper than sit-down restaurant meals but the problem is limited options and unhealthy food. Again, the portions are huge and you can easily share a single meal between two people. In fact you can order add-ons such as buns and extra cheese to make additional burgers and cheese rolls.

There is of course the option of eating at places outside the borders of Disney and Universal. In fact all-you-can-eat buffets are a great option for lunch where you can stuff yourself and then eat a light dinner. If you do step out of the gate then make sure that you get your hand stamped and if you leave the parking area then carry your ticket.

Many tourists buy into the cards and dining programs.  An option is the Disney Annual Pass which is a viable option for DTs and FRs who will spend most of their time inside Disney. With this pass you will be able to save  between 10%-20% on each meal at selected restaurants.

Death By Parking Fees

What would be your biggest car related expense in Orlando? Parking fees! The going rate is $14/day at Disney. The only way you can escape this expense is by purchasing the annual pass. If you are an FR or DT then I suggest you take that option. However, if you are an ET then just pay the parking fees for a couple of days. I could advise you to NOT rent a car but the following points don’t allow me to do so:

• You can use the buses, in fact you can buy an unlimited one week use pass for $14 but you will be tied to the bus schedules and routes
• Grocery shopping is easier when you have a car
• It’s easier to travel with young kids if you have a car

If you are not an American citizen then you would need to buy insurance when you go for a car rental. To avoid this use your rental company’s local site where you reside. For instance, if you are from the UK and want to use Priceline then use priceline.co.uk to get special rates that include insurance.

I Want Mickey in My Room

Families with young kids often rent a stroller for $30/day as soon as they arrive in Orlando. Don’t do so! I am not saying that you should not use a stroller, just don’t RENT, BUY one.  A cheap umbrella stroller will cost $15 at Wal-Mart.

How can you save money on souvenirs? If you are an FR or DT with an annual pass then you will get discounts of up to 15% on souvenirs. If you don’t have the pass then there are other ways to save:

• Orlando Premium Outlets sell Disney merchandise at prices that are significantly lower than what you will find at Disney. These malls are also a good place to buy discounted non-Disney merchandise
• Decide on a budget before you leave and tell your children about it. Then buy souvenirs at the end of your trip when your kids have made up their minds and know what they can purchase within that budget

Roller Coasting Your Way to Savings?

Saving money on entertainment is the hardest part. For an FR or DT the best course of action is the annual pass. Also, don’t try to do both Disney and Universal in one trip. There is enough to do at just one major park. On days when you are not at a theme park you can take advantage of your resort’s amenities.

Winter sports are huge in Germany. If you’re a fan of German cuisine, beer and schnapps and want to book your ski chalet in Germany, there is much more to German skiing than the large Alpine resorts of the northernmost slopes of the Alps.

If high-speed lifts and comfortable Apres-ski lounges are what you seek, then head to the Austro-German border in Bavaria. If you’d prefer smaller resorts with cheaper passes and less people, Germany has a lot to offer.

The Rhön is a mountain range that spans three Federal states: Hesse, Thuringia and Bayern (in English: Hessa, Thurintchia and Baveria). Because of this, the culture varies slightly depending which state you ski in: Bayern has a hearty, rambunctious culture, while Hesse and Thuringia are equally hospitable, but a little gentler.

The Rhön mountains are dome-shaped, offering gentle slopes for beginners. For the best groomed pistes head to Feuerberg. It’s also famed for the Germknödel – a jam filled dumpling covered in vanilla sauce. If you fancy some night skiing, visit Wasserkuppe.

Head east into Thuringia and just west of the city of Erfurt you’ll find the Thuringian Forest offering some seriously gentle slopes for the inexperienced skier.

Speaking of forests, Germany has one of the best: The Black Forest – fabled and beautiful, it lies deep within south-western Germany. If you have ever had a picture of a fairytale winter in your mind, it exists somewhere in the Black Forest. Even if you have no interest in skiing, this is a location you should visit once in your lifetime. For skiers it offers over 70 peaks above 1,000 metres. Most resorts are small with the emphasis on both ‘affordable’ and ‘family friendly’. Favourites include Todtnau, Stollenbach and Schauinslandbahn.

Head further east into the once dark east of the former communist state of the Deutsche Demokratische Republik, or the GDR, and you’ll come to the Erzgebirge – in English: Ore Mountains – deep in the heart of Saxony. The highest peak is called Fichtelberg and it reaches 1,206-metres. Travel south towards the Czech border and you’ll find two small resorts called Kiingenthal and Schöneck. It may surprise some to know that the former communist state has seen massive regeneration since The Wall fell. While it is still cheaper than western Germany, the cities of Dresden and Leipzig are among the most beautiful cities in Europe.

Saxony is in the former East Germany, while Lower Saxony is located in north-western Germany and is home to the Harz Mountains. Bocksberg-Hahnenklee is a small resort with five runs of varying difficulty. It’s an interesting place because it is quiet happy to make use of snow-making machines to defy global warming. If the planet does warm to temperatures that leave us without snow forever more — what a thought! — There will still be one place on earth to ski. The greatest variety of resorts in the region are clustered around the highest peak, the Wurmberg.

If you’ve ever fancied hurling yourself head first down a large sheet of ice while lying on a tea tray — known officially as Luge, or Skeleton Bob depending on whether you’re lying face-up or face-down – head to Winterberg in Sauerland. Located in the western state of North Rhine-Westphalia, it offers a rich array of skiing options. It’s also the centre for winter sports in the state.

If the Luge isn’t crazy enough for you and you wish to emulate Eddie-the-Eagle, head to Willingen; host to World Cup ski jumping. It has 25 ski runs, many of which are open for night skiing.

Germany may not be the first location to spring to mind when you’re considering a ski chalet break. What it will offer is plenty of good skiing in smaller family-friendly resorts. And great schnapps!

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About The Author: This post was contributed by Marie-Paule Graham, who writes for Chalet Finder, the independent website to help find unforgettable ski chalet holidays and dream ski accommodation.
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Lawrence, Kansas- University of Kansas
When we think vacation, Kansas isn’t necessarily the first state to come to mind. Many people flock to the major vacationing spots without considering some of the lesser known (or at least lesser visited) locations in the States. Kansas is full of rolling, impossibly green hills, endless blue skies, and trees filled with magical, twinkling fireflies at night. In many ways, Lawrence presents you with a mystical and whimsical atmosphere in one of the most welcoming and familiar settings you can imagine. Home to the Jayhawks, Lawrence is no doubt one of the cutest college towns in the U.S.

Students meander down Mass St., popping in and out of the mom and pop craft stores and cupcake shops. Whether you are there for a college visit with your high school senior or taking a unique vacation of your own, Lawrence has tons to offer. Take an art walk in Easy Lawrence to see unique lawn art on the houses and yards. These quirky artistic houses are scattered throughout Rhode Island Street between 7th and 8th, making for the perfect late morning bike ride destination. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, there are a number of fun little restaurants along the main drag. Visit Chef Michael Bear’s restaurant 715 located at 715 Massachusetts Street for artisanal pastas, pizzas, and meats. Or, if you’re looking to make a special dish of your own, travel to Au Marche the European grocery store, specializing in cheese, salami, pate, coffee, and chocolate. There are numerous outdoor adventures to embark on in the flat lands of Kansas. One of my favorites by far is the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center. Located on Kentucky Street, the outdoor aquatic center has fun water slides, toy features, sun bathing, and much more.

Though there are no peaks to climb or beaches to lounge on, Lawrence evokes an old-timey feeling that just warms your soul. Explore the green fields with dancing fireflies at dusk, the sunflower gardens filling the hillsides, or enjoy an amazing trip to one of the most celebrated Universities in the county.

Boulder, Colorado- University of Colorado
Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder has an abundance of beautiful views to offer its visitors and residents. At the risk of sounding like a sales pitch, Boulder offers some of the most spectacular views the Mountain West has to offer. A true college town, Boulder is almost nested away between mountain peaks and snow valleys. Perfect for any adventurous outdoors man, Boulder offers skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, rock climbing, river rafting, fly fishing, and much more all within a half and hours drive.

Looking to take the family on an enriching trip to interesting and unique museums in town, Boulder has plenty to offer. Check out Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art for a truly unique art experience with the whole family. This museum is filled with paintings and sculptures that represent the Old West. Pearl Street Mall is also one of the primo attractions in Boulder, situated in the heart of historic Downtown Boulder and offering colorful street performers and shops. For the more adventurous, the Flatirons are a major attraction to check out in Boulder. Jagged sandstone rock formations, create the distinctive Flatirons that symbolize the town itself. Situated only about a mile away from the center of town, the Flatirons provide beautiful sights and exciting hiking near the city. After a challenging hike, head to the award winning restaurant Jax Fish House for a delicious and refreshing meal. Though popular before the fact, head chef Hosea Rosenberg won the highly popular series Top Chef in 2009.

Boulder is home to the CU Buffs, the International Film Series, the Polar Bear Plunge, and many other fun traditions held by the University and locals. Boulder often achieves top rankings in health, well-being, and quality of life lists and surveys. With so much to do outdoors, it’s really no surprise that Boulder residents are among the healthiest in the country.

Austin, Texas- University of Texas
Known for its off-beat slogan “Keep Austin Weird”, Austin, Texas is a destination and homestead for numerous self-proclaimed weirdos. As the fourth largest city in the state of Texas and the 13th most populous city in the United States, people are flocking to this “college town” for more than just its off-beat charm. Austin is one of the most unique and quirky cities you can visit in the U.S. With over half a million people living there, it’s hard to classify this metropolis as a “college town”. However, with the University of Texas and all of its 50 thousand plus students making up a significant portion of the population, Austin is no question a college town in a big city.

When visiting Austin, there are a number of different destinations people will insist you must see. There is a wealth of little day trips to make and sights to see. However, the Congress Avenue bat colony is probably one of the best. This is the largest urban bat colony in North America and is a spectacle to see. Go to Congress Ave. at sunset April through October to see 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats depart into the night. If bats aren’t your cup of tea per se, check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to see meadows of beautiful Texas wildflowers and exhibits dedicated to the preservation of native landscaping. Barton Springs Pool is one of the most unique places to visit in Austin, offering temperate waters of artesian spring-fed swimming. Also, of course, you cannot leave Texas without trying traditional Texas BBQ. Go to Stubbs Bar B Q for a live show and delicious Texas style barbeque.

With famous bat colonies, indie rock shows every night of the week, and endless fun traveling down 6th street near campus, Austin makes for a wonderful vacation for anyone looking to have a good time. While these attractions may not be exactly family friendly, there are plenty of other activities parents can do with their kids in the vast city.

The ever changing shades of aquamarine are stunning as we skip over the waves.  Before long Captain Pat swings us around as he spots huge sting rays sweeping across the flats.  Next stop – an amazing coral grotto big enough for us to enter boat and all.  Our morning is spent zipping between one beautiful island to another, ogling at movie star’s private cays and trying to out-race the occasional squall.

Next stop… Staniel Cay Yatch Club where a row of brightly colored stilt homes welcome us into the harbor.  And conveniently, it’s lunch time!  Capt’n Pat makes up an impromptu cocktail of orange juice, pineapple juice and rum and we vote to name it ‘Walking On Water’.

Well fed and armed with a bag of food scraps, we’re off to find those famous swimming pigs.  OMG, here they come…. squealing all the way.
The story behind the swimming pigs is that wild pigs were becoming a menace on populated islands, so they were rounded up and put on a deserted island all their own.  Since that island has a lovely beach, boaters would anchor offshore for a swim and leave their food scraps for the pigs.  Before you know it, the pigs began swimming out to welcome boats and beg for food – and the rest is history.  This gives new meaning to salt pork…. step one, soak in salt water…..

We’re invincible now – Let’s Go Find Those SHARKS!
Zipping over the waves toward Compass Cay, everyone takes sideways glances at each other wondering if we really have the guts…..  Compass Cay is a beautiful spot with a welcoming dock and the prerequisite bar stocked with Kalik.  The sharks know we’ve arrived, dum-dum-dum-dum-dum,  here they come!!!

For the record, these are nurse sharks and they aren’t supposed to bite (just ask Mike who thinks he got a hickey on his leg from one shark!)… we were instructed to stay still, keep our hands out of the water and curl our toes into the sand.  Phew.  After so much excitement, a stop at another cay to feed iguana seemed tame.  And we’re off again to spend some down-time on a huge sand bar in the middle of the sea – simply gorgeous!

What a day!   Even though we didn’t get the chance to snorkel on the reef, dive for conch, and visit the Thunderball grotto because of rough seas, we had an incredible experience.

A BIG thanks go to Captain Pat of Four C’s Adventures (ExumaWaterTours.com) – this is definitely one of the best island excursions I’ve ever taken.

And let me say the Exuma and the Bahamas Tourism Board does a spectacular job to make sure your Out Island experience is unforgettable.  If you haven’t visited the Out Islands yet, you’re missing one of the best spots on the planet – and for most of you reading this article, these dazzling islands are a mere 1 hour flight from Florida and 3 hours from the Northeast.

You’ll meet the friendliest people in the Out Islands  – like our incomparable Exuma guide, Pet.  Thank you Pet for an unforgettable trip – We’ll definitely be back!

p.s.  If you missed Day 1 of our adventure – click here

1. Curonian Spit: This is an excellent beach destination located on the Baltic Sea. The beach stretches to about 98 km. The best way to reach the port is by means of a ferry from the Lithuanian port. The honeymooners can enjoy exotic views of the pine trees and the contrasting blue skies, dunes, etc. The sparkling golden sand is an amazing site for the visitors. The couple can indulge in biking or strolling around the neighboring villages, also enjoy some native cuisine and sea foods.

2. Barleycove: Barleycove is a gorgeous beach in Ireland. Couples who wish to have a secluded honeymoon spot far from the crowds can choose this location with its few notable attractions like the rolling waves, sand dunes and lovely sand. The surrounding areas are interesting with sand dunes and lagoons. You may also get to watch herring gulls, swans and cormorants. Explore the nearby villages Coleen and Crookhaven for a change.

3. Tuscany: The Tuscan beaches offer spectacular views of Italy. It is located on the beaches of the Mediterranean coasts namely Forte dei Miami, Ronchi and Marina di Carrara. This is one of the best locations if you are dreaming of a beach honeymoon. Early booking is a must if you want to enjoy the location. Indulge in various activities like wine tours, bicycling, casinos, windsurfing, land tours, etc.

4. St. Tropez: If you are looking for a thrilling location then choose St. Tropez beaches in France. It is one of the most popular beach destinations of Europe on the Mediterranean Sea. The location has a lot of casinos, beaches, hotels, restaurants, resorts etc for the honeymooners. You need to book early if you want to find good accommodation. There are many places to explore like the wineries, local festivals and championships etc.

5. Santorini: The Greek island is very popular among honeymooners. The land may seem to be quite busy at certain times. However, there are many multi-colored beaches with lavish accommodations. Greek cuisine is also an added advantage that attracts the guests to the shop filled and cobble-stoned village called Fira. The views are also spectacular.

6. Marbella: Beach lovers who want to be seen and see around choose this little resort town for their honeymoon. Situated on the southern coast of Spain, it has miles and miles of sandy, sunny beaches, casinos and the glamorous cosmopolitan crowd. Enjoy sunbathing with your partner or indulge in various other sporting activities by the sea as long as you wish.

7. Lagos: If you are really enthusiastic about beaches for your honeymoon, the best beach destination is Lagos, Portugal. There are more than half a dozen beaches in the Algarve region. The sandy coves are sandwiched among the cliffs. The calm and clear waters of the beach have a special natural appeal and a lot of water sports to indulge in with your partner.

8. Nice: Nice is a luxurious coastal city of France. The beaches are the best locations where the tired couples can unwind. The place also has a lot of boutiques, winding streets, panoramic views and various other interesting locations. The evenings are fully colorful because the inhabitants like to party during the evenings.

9. British Virgin Islands: Couples who are looking for a romantic destination after the wedding choose these islands. They are luxurious and offer excellent accommodation facilities too. Seclusion and relaxation are also other offerings to the couples. Most of the beaches are known for the crystal clear water and white sands.

10. Tenerife: As a part of the Canary Islands, Spain, Tenerife is considered to be a resort island with many manmade beaches laden with fine golden or black shingle sand. Honeymooners who are looking for a serene and calm location with a beachy atmosphere can choose to come and enjoy this location. It is also a special location for windsurfers. Apart from that, you can enjoy some sunbath, snorkel, scuba dive and swimming in the clear water.

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About the author: Rebecca is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on topics like style, fashion accessories and beauty tips. Beside this she is very particular about her fitness. She recently shared an article on must visit honeymoon destinations.