There’s a lot of special places on our planet. Here’s a smattering of our favorites (in no particular order) …

Magdalena Bay –

In the first few months of the year, in this remote lagoon off the Pacific coast of Baja, Mexico, thousands of gray whales have migrated 5,000 miles from the cold Alaska waters to mate and give birth. For the lucky visitor, the curious creatures come right up to your boat – the mothers nudging their calves to meet the humans. If you splash the water, sing a song, or give them a good scratch, they playfully hang around in one of the most joyous, intimate experiences you can find in nature.

Bosnia (… and let’s not forget Herzegovina, too) –

Many still associate the country with the heartbreaking civil war of the 1990s, but this country is open and welcoming to the savvy visitor who seeks to explore her multi-cultural experiences and sensational outdoor adventures.

Medieval Mostar is the cultural capital of Herzegovina, as the country’s southern region is named.  The old bridge (Stari Most), destroyed during the conflict, was faithfully rebuilt in 2004 and is now a UNESCO-listed heritage site. Nowadays, young men throw themselves off the bridge in a display of bravado (or stupidity, depending on your point of view!).

The capital city of Sarajevo has enjoyed a renaissance since its dark days, blending a rich Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian heritage. Mosques and minarets rub shoulders with Orthodox churches and traditional Bosnian homes. At mid-day, muezzins call from minarets as church bells echo through the cobbled streets. Lively markets and a thriving cafe culture make it a  vibrant place to visit.

Rovinj –

The first time I saw Rovinj (pronounced ro-VEEN) it took my breath away. The old town is a medieval tangle of tiny streets, alleys, and stone stairways worn smooth by centuries of foot traffic. Painted houses crowd the waterfront, where fishermen repair their nets and sell the day’s catch to local restauranteurs. The towering steeple of St. Euphemia dominates the skyline, reminiscent of St. Mark’s in Venice – which makes sense, because this little town was once part of the Venetian Empire. But my favorite thing about Rovinj happens at sunset . . . cocktails on the rocks!

Delta Dunes –

If you’ve ever fantasized about being Robinson Crusoe – this is the place for you. Lush, wild, inaccessible, and unforgettable. Kenya’s Tana River Delta is a rare wetland – home to happy hippos, lazy crocodiles, and a rainbow of bird species. The seven open-air cottages at Delta Dunes Lodge are constructed with driftwood, and sit atop a sand dune at the mouth of the Tana River. Spend a lazy day in a hammock or on a pool float. Get an adrenaline rush by sand-yachting on the deserted beach. Attentive, friendly lodge staff are from the local Orma and Pokomo tribes.

Starigrad –

You might have heard of Hvar, an Adriatic island with a town of the same name that’s a magnet for posh partiers, celebrities, and uber-rich yacht owners. Hvar town is worth a quick visit, to say that you’ve been there. But on the north side of the island, tucked into a deep bay is one of the oldest towns on the European continent. This little town is an absolute gem!

Armenia –

An ancient and proud civilization with history dating back to 782BC, Armenia is one of the world’s oldest inhabited countries. It was the first state to adopt Christianity as an official religion. Magnificent landscapes include deep gorges, pristine lakes, and flower-filled valleys. Armenia’s ancient churches—massive, sprawling complexes of ruins nestled into canyons and carved into mountaintops – are among the world’s best preserved. Armenian people are unassuming and welcoming, and the food is simply delicious. History lovers will be fascinated by the complex and tragic past of this eye-opening nation.

Omo Valley –

Visiting the remote Omo Valley in Ethiopia is a journey to one of the planet’s last unexplored frontiers. Each of the several regional tribes has their own distinctive features. The Karos decorate their bodies and hair with chalk paint to imitate guinea fowl, the Mursi women wear huge clay lip-plates, the Hamer men do a ‘Bull Jumping’ initiation rite, and the Dassanech hunt crocodiles. The existence of these tribes is threatened by development of a massive hydroelectric dam and commercial agriculture.

Intrigued? Why not consider the gift of travel – there’s a size and color for every taste! And the wealth of treasured memories will outlast anything you could order from Amazon.