My Dream Vacations

While I was with a friend of mine yesterday we discussed traveling and given I have traveled extensively all over the world he asked me what was left on my list of dream vacations. It really got me thinking about where I have yet to travel and would love to see. As I sat there a few places came to mind.

Those places are a mixture of destinations where the intended purpose of travel is mixed. Some leave me relaxed on the beach and others leave me appreciating fine art in a European museum. Below are my top dream vacations that I have yet to taken in no particular order.

1. Tahiti, French Polynesia: Specifically Bora Bora and the 81 overwater bungalows at the Le Meridien. These limited number of bungalow's offer rest and relaxation as well as superb views of Mt Otemanu while providing lagoon access at your door. It is the perfect place to do nothing or everything. You can relax in the spa or enjoy the Jet Ski's, feed the sharks or sting rays, watch the polynesian fire dancers, search for black pearls, or enjoy a day of snorkeling and kayaking.
2. Las Vegas, NV: Known to most as Sin City it was originally built by the Mob but today has become one of the biggest and best known cities to gamble. While I am not much of a gambler is close proximity to the Grand Canyon and its many shows are its biggest appeal.
• Grand Canyon: Running a staggering 277 miles the Grand Canyon at its deepest is about a mile to the rim and 18 miles across in some spots. One of the best places to see the Canyon is from the Skywalk. A glass bridge that is suspended 4,000 feet above the bottom of the canyon.
• Hoover Dam: Named one of the top 10 construction achievements of the 20th Century Hoover Dam stands 725ft above the Colorado River and houses 17 generators who produce 4 billion KW of electricity annually. It is named after the 31st president and was begun in 1930 and completed in less then 5 years. Visitors today can take the Dam and Powerplant Tour.
3. Italy: Home to the not forgotten Roman Empire Italy is littered with architectural delights and the many relics and monuments of the past still stand today. It is also home to the Catholic Church's Papacy in Vatican City from where the pope rules.  There are several cities I would like to visit. My top three are
• Rome/Vatican City: Rome is the modern capital of Italy. It is full of history and is home to many ancient monuments such as the Roman coliseum, medieval churches, beautiful fountains, museums, and Renaissance palaces. It is also home to Vatican city and the Sistine Chapel.
• Pisa: Best known for its leaning tower Pisa is also 1 of 4 of the great maritime republic in the middle ages and the tower and cathedral are enough to captivate any visitor.
• Venice: Being built on water in the middle of a lagoon Venice captivates its visitors as one of the most beautiful and romantic in the world. The heart of the city is the Piazza San Marco with is magnificent church.  Its elaborate canal system and gondola's make it a spectacle to see. In old days it was the bridge between the East and West.
• Florence: This Tuscan city is one of the most important Renaissance architectural and art centers. Its Duomo and Baptistery are magnificent but crowed and the large piazza is a gather place for many.  It is also home to many Medici palaces and gardens.
4. Cambodia: With the last and most well known capital of the Khmer empire Angkor Complex in present day Cambodia it is an treasure the Cambodian people cherish and a must do on any traveler's list of places to visit.
5. Australia: With Australia's Great Barrier Reef one of the 7 Natural Wonder's of the world it should come as no surprise that it is something I have always wanted to see. 
6. Iceland: Europe's Land of Fire, Ice, and Tourists is an island nation in the North Atlantic. Iceland gets its nickname because of the many active volcanoes many buried deep underneath the icy glaciers above them.
• Blue Lagoon: Geothermal spas offer the most relaxing natural bathing  in water that reached 37-39degrees C.  Located just a short distance from Reykjavik.
• Gullfoss: the most popular waterfall in Iceland. Located on the Golden Circle the water cascades down two steps falling a total of 33m into a canyon below.
• Strokkur: Famous for its geysers. Watch the geysers erupt from the underground springs and thermal pools.
• Skaftafell Ice Cave: located in the Vatnajokull National Park this is one of the top ten ice caves in the world.
• Aurora Borealis: If you are lucky enough to come during the dark months you might get to see the dazzling lights.
• Silfra: The only place on earth where you can snorkel or scuba dive in a crack between the North American and Eurasian continents.
7. Ireland: It's a Celtic mystery: how can a country as small as Ireland be packed with so much majestic history, natural beauty, vibrant culture, and, of course, fun? Castles overlook wild, empty beaches, excited theatergoers spill out into bustling Dublin pubs.  But the real Irish secret is the people: their unique blend of warmth, humor, and irreverence will ensure your trip to the Emerald Isle is a true adventure.
8. Germany: Filled with medieval towns and urban cities Germany offers tradition and modern opportunities.
• Berlin: The capital of German and the now gone Prussian empire, Weimar Republic and the Third Reich.
• Black Forest: With thousands of miles of hiking and cycling trails this pine and fir forest has many thermal baths.
• Heidleberg Castle: A now ruin example of a Renaissance / Gothic fortress.
• Kölner Dom: One of the most breathtaking gothic marvels which took 600 years to build and was the tallest structure in 1880
• Munich's Oktoberfest: for 15 days in September and October the largest beer festival in the world take place.
• Neuschwanstein Castle: Perched high in the mountains is a fairy tale castle built by King Ludwig II to hide from public life. Today more then 1.4 million people a year visit him home.
• Berlin Wall: a WW2 built wall designed to separate the east and west sides of Berlin. Partially torn down in 1989.
9. Greece: Birthplace of the Olympics and home of Homer, Aristotle, and Sophocles is an archaeological splendor with its towering monasteries and temples. It includes idyllic landscapes along the Aegean Sea of cypress groves, vineyards and olive trees.
10. Dubai:  Sitting along the golden sand coastline of the Arabian Gulf sits a fairy tale land of high-rises and man-made islands. Once a dusty trading post Dubai is now a cosmopolitan capital of the world.
• Dubai Creek and Abra: Without the creek, Dubai would not exist. This safe inlet is how it became a trading post.
• Burj Al-Arab: Hotel built on a man made island on the shores put Dubai on the map
• Burj Dubai: The worlds tallest building dominates the Dubai skyline.
11. Thailand: Imagine white sand beaches, lush mountain jungles with crystal clear blue waters dotted with peaceful temples. Thailand is home to many sites, smells and sounds not to be missed.
12. New Zealand: Filming location of the Lord of the Rings this uncrowded, green peaceful country is best known for the Maori or indigenous people.
13. Sweden: Homeland of my ancestors and frozen wastelands, cozy cottages, virgin forest, rocky islands, reindeer herders and Viking lore – Sweden has all that plus impeccable style and to die for dining.