Want to get out and try new destinations in 2013. Want a little excitement outside of the beaten path? These Top 4 Travel Destinations for 2013 are sure to give you a different perspective on life, new experiences, exposure to different cultures and most of all a wonderful time.
1. Columbia
Places to Go:
Cartagena, Medellin, Parque Tayrona and Bogata.
Favorite Foods:
Bandeja Paisa Most popular dish in Colombia. Includes red beans, ground beef, plantain, morcilla, chicharron, avocado, white rice, and fried egg.
Sancocho Soup made with vegetables and fish including multiple variations thereof.
Cuchoco Another soup made with potatoes, pork, wheat, peas and habas.
Aijaco Another rich stew made with beef, pork, and any assortment of tropical vegetables. The ultimate comfort food and is often baked.
Note: My last word on Columbia is to enjoy the sights, eat the food and dance with the people but do yourself a favor and treat it like a trip to a fine restaurant and pay your full bill before you leave. You don’t want things following you back home or any special Secret Service inquiries when you return.
2. South Africa
Robben Island – All I can say is read the book first on Nelson Mandela unless you have a real grasp of the history. Then visit and appreciate all this champion stood for.
Soweto – Take a tour, mix with the locals and soak up the rich history and never complain again about your plight.
Durban – Popular city on the coast where they really like to party (what’s up Nat?).
Kruger National Park – Oldest organized park home to the elephant, lion buffalo and rhino aka “The Big Four”. Multiple touring options available such as camping, caravans, 4 x 4 and guides.
3. Vietnam
Places to See:
Hanoi – When in Northern Vietnam, check out Uncle Ho.
Danang – Famous Eastern port city also known as “Saigon of the North”.
Ho Chi Minh City – Rent a motorbike then trust me and try to drive against the flow of traffic on any given round-about. Keep the speed at about 15mph then tell me what that feels like.
Hue - Located in central Vietnam on the banks of Song Huong.
Favorite Foods:
Pho bo – Assortment of herbs, spices, noodles, steaming broth, beef, fish, or chicken etc and rice (optional).
Saigon Subs – Crusty French-style baguettes are filled with pate, pickled vegetables, and chilies. Delicious as a quick snack or a light lunch!
Banh Xeo – When in Ho Chi Min check out one of these delicious crepes filled with meat, herbs, lettuce, and vegetables with your favorite dipping in sauce.
Tiger Beer – You could spend money on cocktails but most of the time they refill the bottles from local non-branded distilleries, besides its so frickin hot only water or a cold beer is necessary.
4. Las Vegas for MARCHVEGAS (March 21-24, 2013)
Things to Do:
a. Book a trip to Las Vegas via MARCHVEGAS.com.
b. Skip work or school on March 21-24, 2013 (the first week of March Madness).
c. Visit any sports book to place bets on your favorite college basketball teams.
d. Stay home and do absolutely nothing except to take advantage of the MARCHVEGAS 4-day™ Holiday.
By Axel Paul
[MARCHVEGAS] – noun 1. “March to Vegas” which symbolizes the humanistic tendency to march, migrate, or advance as a deliberate or organized body in a habitual manner back to Las Vegas. 2. Marriage of March Madness and Las Vegas, especially during tournament time. 3. The “MARCHVEGAS 4-day™ Holiday” (March 21 – 24, 2013) – Sign the Petition.
MARCHVEGAS.ORG
A cheap holiday could be Greece or anrwehye in the Mediterranean if the euro continues to fall, though air travel is pricey. I would recommend Mexico, there’s lots of shopping, ruins, beaches and resorts that are kid friendly. Also, the violence is really only in the border towns and they keep tourist areas very safe! The only other place I could think of would be Belize or Costa Rica, Belize being the cheaper one. Lots of nature stuff, ruins, beaches, very cheap, but not so touristy. I think kids would enjoy it, I know that my friends did when they went on a class trip there.References :