Did you know you can visit the Caribbean without leaving the United States? If you are a U.S. citizen, you will avoid the passport hassles that overseas vacations often come with.  The three islands that make up the United States Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. St. John) have their arms open wide.  Pristine beaches, warm weather and crystal-clear waters beckon the visitor at every turn. The peaceful and fun-loving lifestyle among the islands residents will immediately put you at ease.   There are semi-secluded beaches and national parks, which combined with duty-free shopping give every tourist an unforgettable experience.

Sitting on the island of Oahu in the Hawaiian State, Honolulu is one of the few U.S. cities that are on the one hand a bustling metropolis but on the other a laid back tropical getaway. The Hawaiian lifestyle instantly relaxes any tourist that gets off a plane at Honolulu’s airport. You might not believe this but there is a magical urge to learn and speak the Hawaiian language. Surely, there must be a reason why you would want to say “humuhumunukunukuapua’a!” Maybe it is the sweet smell of flowers carried by the gentle ocean breeze. If you want to learn the language, start slow and easy and just say “Aloha!” to passers-by as you walk along the sandy beaches of Waikiki and Kapiolani Park.

Have you ever been to Nashville, Tennessee? It might not feature on many people’s vacation radar screens but Nashville is the home of country music. Little wonder then that the nightlife is fantastic. In modern lingo, it rocks! People, not just from the United States but also from other countries across the world, would relish the thought of finally seeing the Grand Ole Opry. The Opry is the oldest continuous radio program in the U.S. (and quite possibly the world) having started broadcasting in 1925. Apart from the music, Nashville has a rich and interesting history since its founding in 1799.

Kids rule the world! Don’t believe it? Just ask any parent in the United States how many times their children have pressured them for a tour of the Disney World Park in Orlando, Florida. Many have succumbed. However, can you blame them? The resort is a fun place to take the kids and they will be talking about it for many years to come. Many adults would love the place too. In fact, a popular joke is that many parents use their kids as a front to visit the resort. Who would not love the idea of several distinct but linked theme parks waiting to make or rekindle pleasant memories?  It makes for a fun place for all.

Many people (including yours truly) would sometimes prefer to take a walk among the tall trees in pristine forests and enjoy the scenery of a clear freshwater lake instead of going to a beach.  I know that Lake Tahoe beats a lot of other Nevada destinations mainly because of the beauty of the surrounding countryside. And who wouldn’t be impressed by snow-capped mountains in the distance, while warm and comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt? To say the view around the lake is beautiful would be an understatement. If you are planning a visit, the website http://www.visitinglaketahoe.com/ provides some useful information.

When it comes to having a little of the tropical beach lifestyle right on the mainland of the United States, many people would rave about the resorts areas in the southern part of Florida.  In fact, some would argue that South Florida is as friendly and fun filled as any Caribbean or African beach destination.  Spots like Fort Meyers Beach and of course any of the Miami Beaches are truly world class travel destinations. They have a way of making you want sit back, relax, soak in the sun and enjoy that drink with a little umbrella in it if you know what I mean!

San Diego has carved out for itself over time the title of America’s finest city. It is easy to see why when you visit the city and do a little exploring.  Check out http://www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors. There is Seaport Village down by the waterside. Then there is the Gaslamp District, which is reputed for an active nightlife and kicking party atmosphere.  Mission Bay, which is right near Sea World, is a great place to hang out during the day.  One cannot forget the enthralling La Jolla Cove, which has some nice snorkeling spots.  The weather here is ideal; it is never too hot or too cold no matter the time of year.

The southern part of New England has some very beautiful areas. Many of these are easily accessible by car.  The seaport in Mystic, Connecticut is home to one of the few remaining “tall ships” left in the United States.  These huge sailing vessels once plied the oceans in search of whales and other sea life.  And who wants to miss out on Newport, Rhode Island and all those famous mansions along the ocean walk?  John Jacob Astor, among others, had veritable palaces made there.  In addition, the Tennis Hall of Fame calls Newport its home.  Check out the thrills and frills of Newport on http://www.gonewport.com/.