Spring is here folks, which means summer travel plans are just around the corner. If you’re looking for a new place to explore, these unique destinations offer the perfect place to invest your days off.
Anna Maria Island, Florida
“Once a best-kept secret among Floridians, Anna Maria Island has always been known for its sugar-white beach coastline, emerald green and blue Gulf waters, and quaint business districts. Today, it is known as a vacation favorite among local, national and international travelers. From honeymooners to Hollywood film crews, youngsters to the young-at-heart, people from around the world have discovered what’s awaiting you – A Piece of Paradise.
“Enjoy a sunrise overlooking Tampa Bay and a picture-perfect Florida sunset over the Gulf of Mexico all in one day! Anna Maria Island is an ideal place to get away from it all. Beautiful tropical foliage embraces you as you relax, watch the dolphins play, and the manatees glide through the water.
“Anna Maria Island is a place where ‘old’ Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph. High-rise condos and fast food restaurants are pleasantly absent from our pristine vacation destination.” – Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce
Top attractions include; Manatee Beach, Coquina Beach Market, Robinson Preserve, shopping on Bridge Street, horseback riding, Anna Maria Trolley, sea fishing, Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Rod Reel Pier.
Kenya, East Africa
“For sheer awe-inspiring travel, few countries can match Kenya. Its national reserves and conservancies are well-protected havens for some of the most endangered wildlife on the planet, from lions and cheetahs in the Maasai Mara in the south to elephants and black rhinos in Samburu in the north. Its tribal culture has its roots in the Great Rift Valley, the cradle of human civilization itself. And in Nairobi, it has one of Africa's most bustling, up-and-coming cities. Those looking for a more laid-back trip will find azure waters and white sands near Mombasa, where Kenya meets the Indian Ocean.” – CNN Travel
Top attractions include; Amboseli National Park for guaranteed elephant sightings, Fort Jesus, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi National Park, Shela Beach for pristine white sand, Lake Nakuru, Giraffe Centre, Lamu Museum and Laikipia Plateau.
Kyoto, Japan
“Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Kyoto is a city with a unique repertoire of compelling culture that has been refined over the past 1,200 years. Tradition lives on through ‘machiya,’ traditional wooden townhouses where residents spend modern lives today, yearly events unique to Kyoto like the famous Gion Matsuri, the culture of Kyoto's Hanamachi district where geisha live and work, and through Jizo statues (statues made of clay, bronze or stone that represent the guardian deity of children and travelers) found throughout the city.
“Kyoto's tradition adds color to everyday life through Japanese food – which is generally healthy and has good nutritional balance – as well as an appreciation for tea, and flower arrangements placed tastefully in open spaces. By experiencing this kaleidoscopic culture firsthand, travelers can enjoy a deeper perspective on Kyoto and its history.” – Travel Japan
Top attractions include; Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, Monkey Park Iwatayama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Nishiki Market Shopping District, Eikando Zenrinji Temple.
Santorini Island, Greece
“A massive volcanic eruption around 1650 B.C. forced the center of what was then a single island to implode and succumb to the sea. Some say that this was the original home of the lost city of Atlantis, which long ago disappeared into the ocean's depths. Whatever remains of this mythological metropolis is now guarded by beautiful beaches and stately whitewashed homes.
“Today, Santorini consists of two inhabited islands and several islets. Most visitors spend their time on Thira (the archipelago's largest island), which is home to Santorini's major towns, including Fira and Oia. Sleepy Thirassia makes for a relaxing day trip too. And don't count out the quieter islands: Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni are worth exploring.
“Your first order of business in Santorini is to hit the colorful beaches – the black and red sands make for a memorable visit. Next up, indulge in the archaeological delights of the impressively preserved Ancient Akrotiri or hike to Ancient Thera to see the ruins of three empires, including the Romans. From there, catch a breathtaking view of the caldera, a brilliant turquoise pool of water that serves as the nucleus for the varied isles of this archipelago.” – U.S. News & World Report
Top attractions include; the Ancient Thera Archaeological Site, Museum of Prehistoric Thera, Akrotiri, Red Beach, Santo Wines, Skaros Rock, Ammoudi Bay and Three Bells of Fira.
"Anna Maria Island is a place where ‘old’ Florida charm can still be found, flip flops are a way of life and the speed limit never exceeds 35 mph."
“Surrounded by rich natural beauty, Kyoto is a city with a unique repertoire of compelling culture that has been refined over the past 1,200 years."
