By Sarah A. Lybrand
Are you craving to get out of the house, breath in some fresh air, and see the world?
Whether you want resort meccas or laid back beach towns, nature in all its wildness, or reflective, spiritual meditation — here are some sublime, reset-button-hitting, soul-cleansing vacationideas:
1. Jetset to affordable, sunny Mexico
For a laid-back, soul-cleaning refresher, consider a quick dip south into Mexico! In Acapulco, there are lots of luxurious places to stay that won't break the bank, or, check out the plenitude of spiritual centers, yoga retreats, and eco-tourism flourishing in Tulum, Mexico. There, and, depending on the time of year, stunning accommodations and private beach access can be had for cheap.
2. Get away from it all, in the Maldives
Is the middle of the Indian Ocean far enough away for you? Book a dreamy, all-inclusive resort on one of the Maldives' 26 ring-shaped atolls (the North Male Atoll, for example, is known as the "Island of White Gold" due to its dazzling white sands), where you can hit the beach, stay in your own villa, enjoy some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world, and sample an almost completely unique cuisine (a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Asian influences). There’s nothing like an unforgettable travel experience to get yourself out of a rut.
3. Revel in luxury, on the Amalfi Coast
A classic vacation destination for good reason, the stunning Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile stretch of coastline along the southern edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula in Italy’s Campania region. Sheer cliffs, and a rugged shoreline dot fishing villages and beaches, terraced vineyards, and fragrant lemon groves. Elegant villas, grand estates, or even old monasteries serve as accommodations here (with rooms that usually overlook the sea), often within talking distance of the harbor and city center. You could really get lost — and then find yourself again — on the stunning Amalfi coast.
4. Find your zen, in magical Cambodia
Step out of your normal life and into a different world, on an unforgettable trip to Cambodia. Book an English-speaking sightseeing tour, and see it all: sunsets over Angkor Wat, ancient temples, traditional Aspara dances, pagodas, and promenades. Stay in Siem Reap, alongside the Siem Reap River (just a short ride to Angkor Wat, the land of temples) where you’ll be able to visit the mysterious carvings of the Bayon Temple, ride a tuk-tuk, party on Pub Street, or visit the busy markets. Or, check out the busy capital of Phnom Penh to experience pagodas, palaces, promenades with incredible-tasting street food. Cambodia is a country filled with unparalleled beauty and fascinating traditions so by immersing yourself in the culture and daily life of Cambodians, you’ll do well in shaking yourself out of yours.
5. Bliss out in cheap and chic Colombia
Colombia is called the “gateway to South America” — because it offers an incredible introduction to so much: mountin peaks, friendly people, insane beaches, untouched jungles. Colombia’s port city of Cartagena has Spanish colonial charm, while the busy metropolis of Bogota has culture, nightlife, restaurants, and 5-star Hotels. While Medellin's weather has been voted the most perfect in the world.
There’s an entire world out there to explore — and about a year and a half’s worth of cabin fever to shake off, so, see you in the skies!
