Sunbathing on a beach – any beach, whether the rocky shores of Maine or the unbelievable white beaches of the Caribbean – is a great way to spend a vacation. Relaxing in the sun, drinking colorful drinks, and worrying only about putting more sunscreen on. And while that is fine, some travelers are not content to sit and watch their vacation pass them by. They don’t want to take a vacation; they want to grab it with both hands and make the most of it. For these travelers, the destination is wherever there is adventure, whether that means going on safari or diving in the Galapagos.
There are 314 countries in the world, and most travelers tread the same ground over and over. While classic destinations like Rome, Paris, London, and New York are wonderfully worth a visit, the exclusive traveler is looking for a more unique experience, a place where he is more likely to find a stunning waterfall than another person, a place where long summer days last 24 hours, or where a pristine beach has no footprints but his own.
If lying on sandy beaches isn’t for you, you may enjoy the rugged, incredibly beautiful country of Greenland. The sight of mammoth ice caps framed by dramatic skies is nothing short of awe-inspiring. For now, Greenland remains very much an exclusive locale where you can enjoy a wide variety of marine life and try paragliding, dog sledding, kayaking (only if you have a dry suit!), and fishing. Best of all, you are free to gawk at the views, which are uninterrupted by cameras and cell phones.
To show you that we are not anti-beach, we give you Tasmania. This is the place to go if you want to roam gorgeous sandy beaches and partake in a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking and ATVing. This island off the coast of Australia is also emerging as a premiere culinary and wine destination. You don’t need to go to California or France for world-class wine and cheese; the unspoiled Tasmania offers this and much more to the intrepid travelers.
Finding spots like these requires a little more searching, but you will find that there are gems all over the world that are waiting for you to discover and enjoy them. From Nicaragua, which travel editor Peter Greenberg calls “St. Bart’s without the attitude,” to Ivy Valley in Japan, wandering off the beaten path will be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.