Mexico, you had me at “hola!”

My first introduction to Mexico was no different than for millions of American college students. My best friend and I’d decided we wanted to get in on the beloved tradition of going to Cancun during spring break … a rite of passage so to speak, and boy, did we get exactly what we were looking for, plenty of partying and sun.

But even through the haze of all the partying and sun, what I remember most about Mexico was the enchantment of seeing and experiencing a culture that was none like I’d ever known. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the breathtakingly beautiful white sand beach or marveling at the wondrous Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá; dancing the night away at a trendy high-energy night club in Cabo or enjoying one of its delectable traditional dishes, which has been deemed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, Mexico is adept at satisfying everything we look for as travelers.

French poet André Breton famously called Mexico the surrealist country par excellence, and every time I’m in Mexico, I’m reminded that what is ordinary there is truly extraordinary.

Chichén Itzá

Uxmal

Tulum

Akumal

Pamilla Beach

San Jose del Cabo

Todos Los Santos

Breathtaking Beaches Around the World

China Beach

After walking around Danang in scorching winter heat (the winter in Vietnam was hotter than most cities I’ve lived in), we arrived in China Beach, and the first thing I noticed was how serene it was in comparison to the overcrowded beaches in Thailand where we were just few months ago. Even at the height of tourist season, we were one of the few people there and almost had the whole beach to ourselves. Also, as we’d experienced all over Vietnam, the locals in Danang and in China Beach were so kind and generous ... I'll never forget their warmth and hospitality.

Railay Beach

Celebrating the New Year’s Eve in Railay Beach was an absolutely unforgettable experience. A paradise for rock climbers and beach goers alike, this small island located 2 hours south of Phuket provided such a wonderful backdrop for a New Year Celebration, which included lighting of fire lanterns and releasing them into the night sky. I was absolutely mesmerized by the sight of all the lanterns lit up and rising against the darkness and stillness of night.

Damai

I'd first heard of Borneo from a friend mine who lived in S. Korea. Relatively unknown island just off of the southern tip of Malaysia, I was told that it was a popular destination among Pan-Asian travelers. And it's easy to see why, as it offers just about everything that one could hope for in an exotic destination, a spectacular national park in the midst of a jungle and beautiful beaches just within minutes away from Kuching, a vibrant city rich in culture and history … not to mention a great selection of restaurants.

Dune de Pyla

Dune de Pyla is the largest sand dune in Europe located in the Arcachon Bay area about 45 minutes south of Bordeaux, and unlike the overly marketed and crowded Cote d’Azur, it has some of the most spectacular beaches and a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

la Côte d'Azur

Undoubtedly one of the most popular vacation spots in France, Nice attracts people from all over the world, and although the beaches tend to get especially crowded during the summer, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous anytime of the year. What I enjoyed most was just strolling around this lovely old town, taking in the gorgeous view of the coastline from la Colline du Chateau, and devouring exquisite meals at one of the many fine restaurants. Watching the sunset and listening to the street performers on la Promenade des Anglais was a wonderful way to spend the evenings.

Akumal

a wonderfully serene beach about 30min. south of Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan Peninsula, where the water is so clear that you can swim to the coral reefs right off the beaches

Pismo Beach

There are many beautiful beaches in California, but no place shows off its stunning coastline and exemplifies the laidback Californian culture like Pismo Beach … of course, the long white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets are unforgettable.

Lumaha’l Beach

This must be very near the garden of Eden.

The most memorable places and experiences in North America

Montreal (Canada) is a wonderful city full of vibrant culture, great restaurants and lovely little B&B’s. My favorites are Petite Auberge Les Bons Matins (B&B), Pierre et Dominique (B&B), Restaurant Ozeri (a great Greek tapas restaurant), and the Saint Louis area near the university.

Akumal (Mexico) is a beautifully serene beach resort few miles south of Playa de Carmen, on the Yucatan Peninsula, where the water is so clear that we were able to swim to the coral reefs right out of the doorsteps of the hotel, Caribe Akumal. Also, I’ll never forget the great little restaurant just outside the hotel, where we had tasty french toast and huevos mexicanos every morning.

Merida (Mexico) is a quaint little town in the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula full of charm and warmth, and although not as popular as some of the beach resort along the coast, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty and magic of this well-preserved colonial cities.

Wild and Wondrous Landscape of Arizona (USA)

Sunset Crater; Grand Canyon, the mother of all canyons and the ever-so-memorable mule ride; Horse Shoe Bend, a horse shoe shaped canyon near the Grand Canyon; Painted Desert, where the landscape of the desert resembles an artist palette; Antelope Canyon and Monument Valley, a picturesque valley that epitomizes the beauty of the dessert

the lovely B& B in Winslow, Arizona (USA), La Posada Inn

New Orleans, Louisiana (USA) is FUN, and I can’t say enough good things about this one-of-a-kind city full of rich heritage, culture and JAZZ!

Maine (USA) is an absolutely serene and tranquil place, where it seems like time has stood still for the past century, and driving through the little picturesque towns and along the Atlantic coast is absolutely wonderful, the best part being stopping at the tastiest seafood shacks near Kennebunkport and the outdoor fair in Portland.

Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA) is a truly unique and fascinating city filled with rich heritage, lovely B&B’s, a wonderful selection of galleries and outdoor markets ... and exceptionally fabulous Ten Thousand Waves!

Fall foliage in New England is nothing short of spectacular. The color change begins usually in early October, and by middle of the month the landscape is filled with vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Whether it be Hwy 87 along the Hudson River or Hwy 91 through Massachusetts up to Vermont, the foliage route in New England is filled with picturesque little towns, quaint B&B’s full of rustic charm, and a breathtaking display of autumn colors.

My favorite towns and B&B’s: Inn on the Library Lawn & All Tucked Inn in Westport (NY), Audrey's Farmhouse in Wallkill (NY), Elizabethtown and Lake Placid (NY), Race Brooke Lodge in Sheffield (MA), Nutmeg Inn in Okemo (VT)

Crawfish at Rajin Cajan in Houston, Texas (USA) … this one needs no explanation if/once you've been there.

*The list excludes NYC, as I've dedicated an entire blog to it. http://0dysseusjournal.blogspot.com/2008/12/these-are-some-of-our-favorite-things_09.html