1. Reims, France
Forget Paris. Instead, travel 90 miles to this royal gem. A
center of the champagne industry, there are plenty of tastings to be had, but the
real jewel is Cathédrale de Notre-Dame de Reims, a Gothic cathedral where French
royalty have been coronated for 1200 years. Destroyed by war, the city now has
several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are also Roman remains, art-deco
buildings, four Michelin-starred restaurants and hiking in nearby forests and wine
villages.
2. Brescia, Italy
Milan may be a fashion capital in Italy, but this little village,
only a day trip away, is brimming with Roman remains, a UNESCO World Heritage
Site and so many piazzas, churches and museums. The Capitolium archaeological
area is a leading Roman archeological area and the Church of San Salvatore has
pillars and frescoes with an eighth-century crypt below.
3. Cozumel, Mexico
Fly in to Cancun, but then take a detour to Cozumel. Bustling
Cancun can be a bit of a party zone while Cozumel is more laid-back with world-class diving, thanks to coral reefs. True, there is not as much nightlife and
smaller beaches in Cozumel, but the pace is slower so you can truly relax and
enjoy the quiet.
4. Santa Barbara, California
See the stars in Los Angeles, but then drive up the coast for
a relaxing getaway. Santa Barbara boasts perfect weather, amazing coastal scenery and Spanish Colonial architecture, including Mission Santa Barbara. Rich in
culture, it’s often called America’s Riviera. Expect a foodie scene and lots of
miles of beaches to explore.
5. Waikato, New Zealand
Auckland has a lot to offer, but a side trip to Waikato
shouldn’t be missed. The filming location for “Lord of the Rings,” the Hobbiton
movie set or the Shire, takes you to another land. For more grounded
adventures, check out Waitmo Caves, surf in Raglan or hike Sanctuary Mountain
— Maungatautari. The gorgeous Hamilton Garden will then transport you to heaven.
6. Girona, Spain
Just 45 minutes from Barcelona by train is a
quintessential European small city with charming cobblestone streets and medieval walls.
Walk the Passeig de la Muralla, see the Girona Cathedral and cross the Eiffel
Bridge (yeah, it’s the same guy who built the tower in France). There’s also a "Game of Thrones " filming location and a well-preserved 500-year-old Jewish
Quarter to explore.
7. Fukuoka, Japan
Tokyo is a massive city with people, cars and neon lights.
Fukuoka is the Japan of your imagination — tori gates, a giant reclining Budha, shrines, temples, noodles and rainbow shades of flowers. Five hours from Tokyo by bullet train, it’s hugely
underrated and a welcome diversion from the city.
8. Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai is all about luxury, glitz and glamour. If you’re
looking for a more family-friendly, culture-rich and less crowded location,
Abu Dhabi may be more your scene. Culturally significant sites like Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque call, along with green spaces as diverse as beaches and
desserts. As a bonus, it’s also known as one of the safest cities in the world.
9. Krabi, Thailand
Party down in Phuket, but when it’s time to rest, Krabi is where
it’s at. There are tranquil beaches, limestone cliffs and stunning bays. Railay
Beach is one of the most popular destinations, with low crowds and
bioluminescent plankton.
10. Canmore, Alberta, Canada
For a smaller-town vibe than Calgary can offer, check out
Canmore. Close to the Canadian Rockies, there’s hiking, skiing in Kananaskis
Country and the downtown has shops and restaurants. When you need some city
time, it’s easy to pop over to Calgary, but return to Canmore for the night.