No matter where you go, bring a good attitude! This may be the last vacation you get to take for awhile (that doesn’t also involve kids!)… And hey, take advantage of a travel agent; his or her job depends on your being happy, and they know a lot more about traveling, too!

North America:

Vancouver Island, BC – Nature lovers, this one’s for you. There are ocean activities – including whale watching from a kayak, mountain and forest views for hiking, skiing, native culture, wildlife and so much more. The weather’s awesome, even in the winter, where it’s moderated by the ocean. Almost too much beauty in one island!

Belize – Tour Mayan ruins, snorkel and dive in the clear blue sea, go caving or simply laze on the tropical beaches… Belize is a sometimes-overlooked little country sandwiched between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean.

There's a big world out there... take a spin on it with your newlywed.
Photo copyright Daniel Knight Studio B.

South America:

Ecuador/Galapagos Islands – Visit the mainland of the diverse and exciting Ecuador (home to Cotopaxi – the highest active volcano in the world) and round out the trip of a lifetime in the legendary Galapagos. Home to animals found nowhere else; this “living petri dish” is roughly 600 miles west of the mainland and has fascinated tourists and scientists alike.

Africa/Madagascar:

The lost world of Madagascar is in some ways similar to the bio-diversified Galapagos and Australia. Off the massive eastern Africa coast in the Indian Ocean, Madagascar is a destination for the truly adventurous. While some might think otherwise, the island nation is safe, provided you use common sense. The things to explore in Madagascar are too numerous for this guide!

Australia:

The same thing could be said of Australia, although as a Westerner, the culture is probably a little more familiar. The cities offer much in the way of arts and culture, and the interior outback is famous for its adventure. Great Barrier Reef, the largest group of living organisms on earth, is off the northeastern coast.

Asia:

India – One of the most amazing places on earth is India. It is a land of pleasures and paradoxes and many people who visit there want to return again and again. With some homework on the culture, cuisine and what to expect in the subcontinent, anyone can have the trip of a lifetime.

Thailand – The most popular Southeast Asian travel destination, Thailand packs a lot of wallop into a relatively small country. Nearly every geographical feature is here – from jungles to mountains, to tropical beaches to bustling modern cities. And the array of foods is staggering; if you like Thai food here in the States, you should try it at its source.

Europe:

Switzerland – The convergence of German, French and Italian cultures come together in the famously neutral country in the middle of the continent. Shopping is big on the list of things to do, as is sightseeing (and being seen), skiing, eating and partying. A postcard country if there ever was one, getting around on the amazingly efficient public transportation is a breeze.