Not traveling has me thinking about traveling. And how privileged I have been to see all the places I’ve seen. So I decided to alphabetically review great places I have experienced. I hope to provide inspiration, insight, and ideas. My travel team would so like to help you experience these in epic ways. Please read and see if any strike your fancy. And now, 10 Awesome A Destinations, in no particular order. Other letters to follow.

ALASKA

Ancient Massive glaciers. Vast forests. Abundant wildlife. The Great Land is a naturalist’s dream. It’s also enormous. I’ve made four visits and I have barely scratched the surface. A few highlights (among many): watching whales bubble feed near Juneau, a small boat cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, the Natural History Tour of Denali (the wildest) National Park, and a ride on the Alaska Railroad.

ARIZONA

The Grand Canyon State’s marque spectacle deserves its billing. Grand actually is an understatement. I once did an 11.5-hour rim-to-rim hike across the canyon and barely touched a tiny part of this natural wonder. I always thought one of those raft trips through the canyon would be great, but haven’t yet gotten around to it. Even if your Grand Canyon experience is merely gazing from the rim, and maybe taking a short walk down a few switchbacks, it is awesome. And watch how the position of the sun alters your view throughout the day.

Arizona has much more to offer. The Colorado River, which carved the canyon, offers other stretches for an array of boating from speedboats to canoes. Sedona’s mystic red rock formations offer a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

ALBERTA

From the cowboy culture of Calgary to the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper national parks, this Canadian province has much to offer. Americans might see shades of Texas in the annual massive rodeo, Calgary Stampede. Alberta also shares an oil economy to that U.S. state. Alberta’s Rockies boast crystal clear glacial lakes, such as Lake Louise, as well as wonderful hiking and skiing. A great way to enjoy the region is by taking a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer railroad. We loved the Banff to Vancouver run. It was a perfect prelude to an Alaska cruise.

ALPS

Half a world away from Alberta, Europe’s Alps offer their own mountain delights. From Lake Lucern, Switzerland to Lake Bled, Slovenia, I have enjoyed awesome mountain scenery overlaid with the unique local culture. Wherever I go, I am drawn to water – mountain lakes, rivers, and the sea. Bled is a hidden gem – soaring alpine scenery, a crystal lake with no motors allowed, a historic castle and island church. Don’t pass up kremna rezina, Bled’s signature cream pastry. A true treat!

 

AUSTRIA

This small country offers distinct regions from the Alpine magnificently displayed in “The Sound of Music” to the plains, where historic, imperial Vienna sits majestically on the legendary Blue Danube river. If you’re ever going to take in a classical concert, the home of Mozart is the place. But don’t miss a dive into Salzburg’s commercial history at the Hallien Salt Mine. The city’s name and wealth were derived from this pre-refrigerant preservative. After dawning white jumpsuits, you descend via wooden slides into the world of salt extraction, the classic way. You can’t beat a river cruise for an introduction to Austria. Our itinerary included two nights in Vienna and Melk in addition to Germany’s gem Passau and Hungary’s magnificent Budapest.

AUTATAKI

This tropical island is not a household word. It is one of the most remote places around. Also one of the most gorgeous reefs I have seen. One of the Cook Islands and under the jurisdiction of New Zealand, Aitutaki not only offers fine snorkeling but is the smallest place from which you can obtain a passport stamp. When you visit the tiny motu of One-Foot Island, you have truly gotten away from it all. We visited the Cooks as part of a Paul Gauguin French Polynesia-Cook Islands cruise, at the very top of all our travel highlights.

AMMAN

Jodan’s modern capital is like a bridge between the West and the Middle East. We visited between excursions to amazing Petra and ancient Jerash. We almost skipped the Jordan extension to our Israel adventure. So glad we didn’t.

ARROWHEAD

My parents had a cabin near this Southern California mountain lake when I was growing up. Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles and a world away. Great lake swimming, sailing, and water skiing on warm summer days. Sledding, snowball fights, and skiing in the frosty winter. Lots to do and absolutely gorgeous when you want to do nothing at all.

ANAHEIM

Not a travel destination for me. I spent my first nine years in a tract house carved out of an orange grove. But Anaheim’s claim to fame is, of course, Disneyland, which I have had the privilege of experience from a young age and with my grandchildren. For a time, Southern California annual passes were great as you could go on off days and avoid long lines. In recent (pre-Covid-19) years, it seems as if long lines are everpresent. I still enjoy the classics, Matterhorn bobsleds and Pirates of the Caribbean, but have not yet been to Star Wars Edge of the Galaxy. The companion park, California Adventure added its own newer classics, Soarin’ and Grizzly Mountain Rapids, on which you will get wet.

ALEXANDRIA

Just across the Potomac from Washington DC, Alexandria maintains a small-town feel, colonial charm, and sense of history. Check out pew No. 5 in Christ Church, purchased by George Washington, a founder. But you may find the plaque has been removed amid contemporary controversies.

AZAMARA

OK, this is a cruise line, not a fixed destination. But your cruise ship is one of the destinations of any adventure. And Azamara’s three ships’ small size, about 700 passengers, means no lines and off-the-beaten-track ports. For us that included Calvi, Corsica, and the Italian delights Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Elba. This meant no crowding on the ship or in the ports. Most of the other vacationers were the locals. This is a great way to cruise. The Azamara Journey is like a floating boutique hotel. It lacks the bells and whistles of mega-ships as the attractions are the ports, where there often is extended time. Aboard, the food is great, drinks and tips are included, and the service is top-notch.