The American sociologist Charles Horton Cooley once said; “To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from ones self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.” After reading this, it should come as no surprise the amount of people that choose to escape their current existence and experience what else is going on the far side of the world. A short list of five places, although perhaps pigeon holed to a certain part of the globe, just might make you feel more in-tuned to the words of Mr. Cooley – and are just about some of my favorite places to go and make even the most ‘home-body’ of people sit up and scramble for their passports.

Hawaii.  Although this might sound like an automatic for most people, it must fall on any list of places to go. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting any of these islands, then you truly don’t know what you’re missing; and if you have, sadly you do know what you’re missing and the time to reconnect with this paradise spot has never been more evident. Comprised of hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles, the state of Hawaii has been a sod after spot for families, honeymooners and everyone else looking to enjoy its acclimate weather its lush beaches, not to mention their bewildering gold, red, green and black sands.  Oahu, the third largest island in Hawaii has all of the post-card images that Hawaii is famous for.  With a nickname like “The Gathering Place” its no wonder that Oahu is one of the more popular islands.  You can experience this island paradise without having to sacrifice much money.  Air & 5 night stay at the AQUA Bamboo & Spa will run as little as $939.  They have some nice benefits, like a 50 minute massage at its spa.

Ireland.   The village of Bunratty is the perfect base to discover the west of Ireland. Enjoy six nights in your very own Townhouse with family or friends exploring the Emerald Isle during the day with recommended visits to Killarney, Cork, Clare and Galway, which are just a few of the counties in easy driving distance. Visiting the Cliffs of Moher in Clare or kissing the Blarney Stone in Cork are two of the many things to do during your stay. Plenty of small towns and villages are just waiting to be discovered along the way! During one the evenings why not enjoy the popular Bunratty Medieval Banquet or walk to the famous Durty Nellys for traditional Irish music. This truly remarkable vacation starts at $499 and includes airfare, car & 6 nights in a townhouse.  Book by Oct. 24.

Florida.  Disney World is one spot that I can’t seem to out grow. The old adage of ‘growing old, not up’ rings in my ears whenever I set foot in this place. And it’s not only inside the halo walls of WDW; it’s anywhere in Orlando. For some reason, things just seem to be more inviting while in Orlando. You see the smiles on everyone’s faces and because there is so much for the kiddies to do, the parents don’t look that stressed out either. Pools and waterslides are all the rage during the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer. The Marriott Orlando, along with having such a trusted name in the hotel game, has some incredible offers for both residents and non-residents alike. Free nights, resort credit and of course pools are just a few things you’ll find; and with the advanced purchase special of $149, you can drive in, park it, and enjoy your stay at the World Center Orlando Resort.

Las Vegas.  Another great North American vacation spot, Las Vegas is the most populous city in Nevada, and if you ever been there, you would know why.  With all its light and glamour, Sin City lights up the Vegas Strip for all to see.  As seen from space, Las Vegas is the brightest city on earth.  The excitement of what Vegas brings into your vacation beyond words.  Whether you’re trying your luck in one of the thousand different casinos or catching a show, Las Vegas is the quintessential stop for any vacation throughout the US.   The 4.5 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard is the staple of what this town is all about.   Here, the resorts pile on top of one another displaying their large neon signs listing everything from discounts to live entertainment.  The resort you chose, however, is as important as where you choose it.  You want high quality accommodations at the lowest price, and of course, in the middle of all the excitement.  Planet Hollywood has the respect of the resort chains as one of the best.  Stay 3 nights at this fabulous Casino & Resort for $49/night and, as an added bonus, receive 2-4-1 spa pass and drinks.  High rollers aren’t the only ones in Las Vegas!

Cruising.  Just the site of some of these massive machines of the waterways makes me want to board and yell to the captain to transform me to someplace a little less…well, like here.  Cruising, has been my prefer method of traveling for quite sometime now, and things don’t look to be changing anytime soon.  The time on the water is both tranquil and mind altering.   I tend to really pay close attention to when sales on cruising come around; and as your mother used to say, patience is a virtue.  From now until October 18, the cruise industry is standing on its head to get you to notice some of there fantastic deals.  The Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Europe are all on sale starting at just $99.  Not only do you get a big deal on cruising, but you get all of the added bonuses like reduced deposits, onboard credits and much more.

Understandably, the eve of a recession has a lot of people contemplating trading in their vacation for a ‘stay-cation’. But with deals like these, it might be hard to pass up. Adhere to words of Mr. Cooley and get out there and enjoy what these magical places have to offer.

Source: Dunhill Vacation News