Cuba
Once the haunt of the rich and famous, years of embargo have cut off Cuba from the modern world and left it planted in the 1950s. Everything is preserved in a haunting shabbiness waiting for restoration. Even the famous American cars, meticulously preserved by their owners, glide down Havana’s broad avenues. Now open again, the American Embassy is making it safe for US citizens to visit.
From the Malecón that runs along the sea to the stunning old mansions, walking around Havana is like taking a trip in a time machine. Cuba attracts those interested in both cultural and ecotourism. Almost 25% of the island is protected land filled with incredible natural wonders. Visit the Valley of Viñales, Cuchillas del Toa in Guantánamo, and the Peninsula de Zapata. Culturally, the island is a colorful backdrop for music, art, architecture and food. And you can even visit a cigar factory.
9. Guadeloupe
Guadeloupe might be new to you but if you’re traveling to the Caribbean you should consider it. A small collection of islands, the two largest are connected by a beautiful mangrove swamp, one that you can kayak through. On the shores of Grande-Terre, you can enjoy the simple beach towns that string along for miles. On the other side in Basse-Terre you’ll find the Guadeloupe Mountains National Park, offering the chance to hike for miles up a beautiful tropical rain-forested mountain to catch a view of the picturesque islands and the Caribbean.
10. St. Helena
St. Helena was our “one to watch” last year. Having been formed by ancient volcanic eruption, St Helena Island is a remote paradise, a mere 5 by 20 square miles. It’s one of the greenest places on earth, and also the second oldest remaining British Overseas Territory along with Bermuda.
Not only does St Helena enjoy pristine natural beauty, it also has a lot of history. It was colonized by the English East India Company in the mid-17th century and became a bustling port. It’s where the British exiled Napoleon. His island home, Longwood House, is now a museum and, along with the Heritage Society, one of the important places to visit. The island’s only town, its capital Jamestown, is rather like a museum itself, so chock full it is with original Georgian architecture. There are also two national parks featuring rare, often unique, flora and fauna and offering extraordinary landscapes. Currently the primary transportation to St Helena is aboard the RMS St Helena, a trip that takes a week from Cape Town. It’s a reminder of the glorious days of ship travel.
In 2016, the long awaited commercial airport will officially open making the journey a much shorter one.
11. St Martin/St Maarten
Two nations occupy this lively, tropical paradise. In 1648, the Treaty of Concordia split the island into two parts: the southern part (Sint Maarten) became part of the Netherlands and the northern part (Saint Martin) was given to France. The border that runs between the two is the only one (outside the EU) where you can cross without passport. It’s quite an international crossroads today with the second busiest airport in the Caribbean and a major mega-yacht center where the rich and famous moor their seafaring toys. As a result it’s gained new status as the food capital of the Caribbean with over 400 restaurants dotting the landscape and cuisine ranging from foie gras and caviar to assorted dishes from the lolos (local women at a big old drum barbecue). Chefs have access to the best from all over the world. As one recently said, “If it’s in Paris in the morning it’s in St Martin that afternoon courtesy of Air France”.
The music scene is top notch. A favorite Sunday pastime is to hit a beach restaurant like Le Sand for lunch right on the beach and listen to incredible music. The hotel scene is top notch but it is expensive; better to rent a villa or condo. The same wines and local ingredients are available in the food markets, giving you the opportunity to play gourmet chef.
12. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Fernando de Noronha is a volcanic archipelago consisting of 21 islets and one main island. Located off the northeast coast of Brazil, warm sea currents allow divers to have clear visibility, even at 50 meters. With an array of marine life including dolphins, eels, manta rays, and sea turtles, scuba diving and snorkeling are the prerequisite activities here. Another must is the hike up the mountains and cliffs that overlook the island and the coast of mainland Brazil.
If you’re looking to relax and chill, Fernando de Noronha has plenty of beautiful beaches where you can laze, swim or paddleboard.
13. Lima + Choquequiaro, Peru
Begin your journey in Lima, one of the most electric cities in the world; it feels modern and ancient at the same time. Within this sprawling metropolis you’ll find colonial religious artifacts alongside pre-Columbian treasures. Visit a modern art gallery in the morning then an Inca site like Huaca Pucllana in the afternoon, where four Wari mummies were recently discovered. What has really set Lima on fire, however, is its new status as a culinary capital. Once crumbling neighborhoods have been transformed with incredible restaurants, Miraflores being one of the latest. Well-fortified, you can hop off to Cusco, then to the newest adventure … Choquequiaro.
Choquequiaro, a stunning archeological site, was built around the same time as its better known sister, Machu Picchu. Unlike Macchu Picchu it fell off the radar and it wasn’t until the late 1970s that restoration began. By comparison Macchu Picchu was rediscovered in the early 20th century and restoration began immediately. Up to 3000 people a day venture to Macchu Picchu but only about 25 get to Choquequiaro as the journey takes 3 to 12 days and involves mountainous hiking and camping. Although only 30% of the city has been restored, it is still extraordinary. A tram will be completed late 2016 that will cut the travel time to about 15 minutes. So get there before the crowds descend.
14. Paris
Paris is widely regarded as one of the best cities on the entire planet. The City of Lights not only has incredible history but it also boasts an array of attractions and activities. It’s been said that you could spend five years traveling around Paris, yet still not see everything there is to see.
One of the oldest cities in the world, Paris’ beautiful architecture includes buildings like the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. And you most definitely should consider a visit to the world famous art museum, the Louvre, to gaze at Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
If you’re feeling like exploring, take a walk through the streets and across the Pont Des Arts. Sit at a café and enjoy a mid-day café au lait, along with a petit pain. Discover one of the many exquisite restaurants and enjoy a truly genuine French meal. And as the sun sets over the ancient metropolis, you’ll be able to understand why it is called the City of Lights.