What Happens When You Actually Leave The USA

For those of you stuck in your little US bubble, it's time to explore the majesties of the world...YUP...out there. Trust, it is SO worth exploring.

Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic

Via Melissa Peterson

Yeah, you could have been here on these soft, white sands in March. But instead you hunkered down with Doritos and Netflix over Spring Break, didn't you Squidward? Stay beachside for some sun and crystal-clear, azure bathwater or head inland for drinks and salsa dancing. Oh, and naps for dayz (Cabana Beds > Your Bed).

Patagonia (Chile and Argentina)

Facebook: A.PetersonPhotography / Via Amanda Peterson

Even if you don't give a hoot about geology, you can appreciate the wonders that exist in Patagonia. Multi-colored spires jut into the clouds in this wonder world. Icebergs floats on seemingly endless lagoons surrounded by incredible pebble beaches. Protein lovers, rejoice! Argentina is home to some of the best steak in the world and Chile to some of the best, freshest seafood. Now put down the bagel bites, and don't forget a long layover in either Buenos Aires or Santiago on the way!

France

Via Melissa Peterson

Like unless you're some kind of weirdo who is opposed to culture and pastries, your should have gone to France. Actually, let's stop talking about it so you can book your flight. Typically airline rates to Europe drop dramatically in the Fall/Winter for the off-season, so do yourself a favor and go see some picturesque castles in the snow or embrace the cliche and act like you belong ordering an espresso in a streetside cafe. Also, avoid the trois fromage pizza unless you found a Dominoes. Trust.

Honduras

Via Melissa Peterson

Between secret waterfalls to bathe in and hikes in tropical rainforests terminated by a zipline, there's no shortage of adventure in this Central American nation. If people are more your thing, hang out in a local, outdoor sports bar for a Futbol match. Plantains for days, red beans and rice, and some Carib is all you need. And fear not! If you miss Lost that much, you can just pretend you're in it.

Tunisia

Via Melissa Peterson

Instead of watching the old Star Wars trilogy in one butt-breaking couch-sticking marathon, go ahead and explore Luke's bachelor pad at Tataouine. If you can't geek out over the old trilogy maybe you can over the crazy effing ruins of Carthage, aka home to Hannibal Barca, aka the dude who sailed elephants across the Mediterranean to stick it to the Roman Empire. Otherwise, gaze at the Atlas Mountains, or breathe in the Sahara air. If the beach is more your thing, head coastal and soak up some Mediterranean sun. If you want Colosseums without the hassle, Tunisia is home to the world's third largest without the crowds of Rome.

Siberia

Via Melissa Peterson

While it may only be liveably warm in Siberia for two months out of the year (half of June, July, and half of August...so the same as your parents' basement) it's worth a peek at the magnificent Lake Baikal. It contains more freshwater than the Great Lakes combined because of how deep it is (more than a mile in places). The clarity of the water is unreal, you can see down to 130 feet. Take that, Caribbean! Just don't drink the water no matter how many times they tell you it's clean.

South Island, New Zealand

Via Melissa Peterson

Take a deep breath. It's New Year's Day and you're in the land of the Kiwis. What do you mean you weren't Kiwi spotting on 1-1? Time to rethink that Christmas candy and explore the coast of the south island. If geology (aka breathtaking beaches) isn't your thing, head inland to Queensland for some bungee jumping where it was invented, or head south to sail the fjords. If you're still desperate for something to do, head over to Dunedin for a tour of Speight's Brewery, complete with an open tap at the end so you can verify the quality of the most recent brews.

Peru

Via Melissa Peterson

Believe it or not, there's more to Peru than Macchu Picchu. If you find a way to crawl out of that Snuggie you'll find that ancient, Incan ruins also exist in the legendary city of Cusco. Misters, pay attention, I've been informed that the ladies who climb between home and work up those hills have the nicest legs on the planet. I think I found my new workout routine for breaks, screw you, P90X.

Australia

Via Melissa Peterson

Believe it or not, Finding Nemo lovers, there's more to Australia than the Sydney Opera House. At any given day in the year you can snorkel in sunny Cairns in the north, or freeze or fry in southerly Melbourne. Prepare to see red if you go inland to Uluru, better known as Ayers Rock, Earth's single largest monolith. If that means nothing to you, stop in the Blue Mountains outside of Sydney for a tour of a temperate rainforest and take a pitstop in a mountain town for some quality coffee and gourmet Cafe offerings. No matter what coast you're on, you'll be able to get on your Kangaroo Jack and pet some adorable kanga babies, or more likely, wallabies. Watch out for the wombats, apparently they get feisty. (but they're ever so cute!)

Iceland

Via Melissa Peterson

On the off-chance that the readily-available, towering waterfalls and double rainbows of Iceland's south coast aren't your thing, you can traipse the glaciers at the feet of massive (and recently active) volcanoes, float on a lagoon full of icebergs (take a Duck Boat!), or for a warmer option, bask your Cheetos body in the mineraltastic waters of the Blue Lagoon. Explore the land between two tectonic plates at Thingvellir National Park, even if only to run into some cast from Game of Thrones.

Namibia

Facebook: A.PetersonPhotography / Via Amanda Peterson

Lions and cheetahs and rhinos, oh my! Live out your Lion King dreams on safari outside the capital of Windhoek, or climb the tallest dunes in the world at Sossuvlei. If you're ready to bust out of your luxury camp accommodations (sometimes complete with A/C and a pool!), take to the Forbidden Coast and go four-wheeling in the sand dunes like a boss. Can't do that in your childhood sandbox.

Key West, USA

Via Melissa Peterson

Okay, I get that this is in the US, but hear me out. The culture of Key West is totally unique as is the landscape. From the street performers at Mallory Square overlooking Sunset Key, to the two hour boat ride that takes you to Fort Jefferson, in the Dry Tortugas (the southernmost point of the US), there is no shortage of activities on this tiny, jam-packed, crazy, fun islet. Instead of binging on cat videos under your comforter at 3 AM, coo in person at the descendants of Ernest Hemingway's 6-toed cats (no joke). If you want to be the uber tourist, take the Conch Train, totally worth it. Feel like you're a treasure hunter in the Mel Fisher museum looking at all of your newly acquired Spanish gold MUAHAHAHA. Ahem.

Antarctica

Via Melissa Peterson

While this might not be the tropical vacation you've been dreaming off, Antarctica is like turning on the A/C full blast, without the energy bills! Peel yourself off the window unit and take a plane and a plane and a plane and a boat so that you can enjoy the splendors of sun bouncing off of fresh, white, snow-topped glaciers and watch little penguins hop out of the ocean. If you're feeling daring, you can swim with them. Be careful though! You only have two minutes before your body shuts down from you being an idiot who swam in below-freezing water. That's one way to cool off this summer.

What are you waiting for? Get booking!