I decided that since all of the places I've been writing about have been pretty far away and would cost a good chunk of change to get there, I'll do some more local (to me) locations that are more affordable too.
I've lived in Maryland my whole life and always wanted to live on the water. This is probably because we have a boat we take out almost every weekend during the spring and summer and into the fall. Solomons Island is one of the places we have traveled, and it was quite different than the busy city life.
While there you can jetski, kayak or try to catch some fish. You can also charter a boat for big fishing on the Chesapeake or a sailboat for a more relaxing day. Whatever you decide to do on the water, you should try to visit the shops and grab a bite to eat.
Solomons Island is open all year. Visitors can make a day trip out of it or stay in a hotel or bed and breakfast. The island is quaint and full of relaxing charm.
You don't have to leave the United States to go somewhere beautiful.
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is one of the most stunning places I've ever seen. Walking through the canyon and huge rock towers made me feel about an inch tall. The are vibrant and contrast beautifully against the bright blue sky.
The park is historically rich as well. There is evidence of activity as long as 12,000 years ago. Later the Ansazi inhabited Zion, taking advantage of its geology to grow crops. Several hundred years later, they moved southeast probably because of overuse of the land. In the 1860s Mormon settlers arrived and also struggled to survive. Life in Zion is not easy due to flash floods and extreme temperatures.
While out west I visited the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and many other places, but I have to say, Zion National Park was my favorite. It seemed so surreal. The rock towers are enormous but it had such a peaceful feeling as well. Definitely add Zion to your list of places to explore!
Greece, located in Southern Europe, gained its independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1829 and later continued to expand to neighboring islands. Later in World War II, the country was invaded by Italy, then Germany. Some time after the war ended, Greece joined NATO in 1952. It was not until 1974 that a parliamentary republic was established.
Because of its location, its landscape is dramatic and dynamic throughout. While visiting Greece, you could explore its beaches, caves and natural monuments. Greece offers not only beautiful weather and landscape, but also some fantastic architecture and archeological sites. Some of these include The Temple of the Epicurean Apollo and the medieval city of Rhodes.
However, visitors must be aware that, in an attempt to keep Greece beautiful and in tact, they must observe all rules pertaining to the protection of natural habitats, ecosystems and pollution.
A few years ago I went on cruise during which we stopped in the small country of Belize. It only recently gained its independence in 1981 because of territorial disputes between the UK and Guatemala; however, Guatemala refused to recognize its independence until 1992. Not surprisingly, tourism is the main source of economic gain for this beautiful and historically rich country.
When we arrived in port we boarded a charter boat which took us to land to wait for a boat to take us up the Belize river. After we boarded the small boat, no larger then 6 feet wide we began our excursion. The trees on either side of the river were teaming with howler monkeys and iguanas. The bridge supports were covered in hundreds of little bats while the banks of the river were spotted with large, curious crocodiles. After we exited the boat we took a bus to see some magnificent ruins of an old Mayan city which were quite breath taking.
Although I only spent a few hours in this country I know it is a place I would like to visit again. I don't know how many people know where Belize is located or even that it exists, but if you're into history, don't mind warm, humid weather and the company of crocodiles Belize may be a place you'd like to visit!
