Chores around the house, commute, work. Commute, errands, cook. Sleep (if you're lucky). Check email, go back to work, go back home and check email. Cook, clean, sleep. Sound familiar?
It's definitely time to mix it up.
If you are finding that even your getaways are starting to seem routine, it's time for you to do something drastic! I've scoured the internet, picked friends brains and asked my coworkers for some ideas on their "dream vacations" or adventures they'd want to take around the good old U.S. of A.
Check out what I've come up with:
1. Learn to Surf: Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach has been recognized as America's Top #1 Beach by the Surfrider Foundation for two years in a row and the Travel Channel has touted the beach as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World (the only one in the continental US in 2004). So why not head to Miami for fun in the sand (because let's face it, if you are just learning to surf, chances are that you'll spend a lot of time eating sand).
The South Beach Surf School offers surf programs and lessons for men and women of all ages and skill levels. Their team of Professional Surf Instructors will personalize your lessons to meet your needs. Best part? After a hard day in the water, you can head into South Beach for great nightlife and trendy eating establishments. Awesome beaches and hot bars? Not a bad way to spend vacation.
Where to stay:
Wyndham Miami Airport Hotel and Executive Meeting Center: On the banks of the Miami River, less than a quarter mile from Miami International Airport, the Wyndham Miami boasts resort-style amenities and magnificent panoramic views. This property recently underwent a $13 million renovation and now offers soundproof hotel rooms with top-of-the-line amenities and golf, river, and city views. Dine at the stylish Rickenbacker Restaurant or relax in the health club and outdoor pool. There's also a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport.
Days Inn Miami South Beach: Located in the heart of all the action, this Days Inn offers high speed wireless internet in the lobby, an outdoor pool and is walking distance from the Art Deco and Night Life Districts. With awesome oceanfront views, the property has a great two mile paved beach walkway.
2. Zip through the trees: Canopy Tours in Boone, NC
Ziplining is something that I've never tried but have heard great things about. Hence, adding it to our list of cool things to do on your next vaca. Ziplining and canopy tours are popping up all over the US. What is it? You strap into a harness which is then clipped to a cable that runs down a mountain, through a canyon or through the trees and you hang on for dear life ... and apparently, a tremendous adrenaline rush.
Scream Time Zip Line in Boone, North Carolina, offers the adventurous a chance to soar through the trees at 50 miles an hour on any of their 9 ziplines that range from 425 to 2,000 feet long. That's a lot of scream-time.
Where to stay:
Super 8 Boone NC: Conveniently located near all area attractions, including High Country Ski Resorts and Golf Courses, Tweetsie Railroad, Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian State University, this Super 8 property features a heated indoor pool, video game area and free high speed internet. Each room also features a microwave and refrigerator and guests are welcome to enjoy Super 8's free continental breakfast.
Days Inn Blowing Rock - This Boone area property is a chalet-style hotel nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina that has 118 well appointed rooms, an indoor pool and a restaurant serving full breakfast. There is a new fitness center on site with state of the art equipment including treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical trainers and a multi-functional weight machine.
3. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping: Swim with the Sharks in Isla Guadalupe (leaves out of San Diego)
This is something that I've always wanted to do - and it prompted me to get my scuba certification (while in college at Syracuse, no less - yes, it was freezing doing our open water dives and yes, I was insane not to get certified while on spring break or a fabulous tropic vacation instead!). Have no fear if you're not certified - the cage dives in Isla Guadalupe use surface supplied air so no need for scuba gear.
The five-day expedition with Shark Diver leaves from San Diego and all meals and lodging are included in the overall price. They even offer "Shark Tour Wines" for the après-shark encounters.
Where to stay:
Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center - This 100 percent NON SMOKING HOTEL is centrally located in San Diego's exciting Gaslamp Quarter, which is considered to be one of Downtown's best valued hotels. A five minute drive to the World Famous San Diego Zoo and Seaworld, there's lots to do if you want to extend your trip. The hotel is also within walking distance to numerous hotels, bars, theaters and great boutique shops.
Hawthorne Suites - The perfect hotel for a weekend getaway, this beautiful hotel offers some of the largest suite accommodations in San Diego. With studios, one and two-bedroom suites available, it's easy to find the perfect accommodations for your needs. Wake up to a free, daily breakfast each morning. Wind down at the end of the afternoon (Monday - Thursday) with a fun, yet relaxing, social hour. Pets are welcome at this property.
4. Learn a new skill: The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York City, New York
With three-, four-, and five-day recreational cooking courses and over 1,700 classes offered this is the place to go if you're looking to learn the basics or master a particular skill in the kitchen. ICE also features New York's leading wine school for all levels.
Where to stay:
Wyndham Garden Hotel - Manhattan, Chelsea West - a new, modern 17-story high-rise, is located in the trendy Chelsea neighborhood bordering the West Village, Midtown, the Flatiron District and Union Square. The Wyndham Garden Hotel - Manhattan Chelsea West is 100 percent non-smoking and each guest room includes a 32" HDTV, complimentary wired and wireless Internet access, a Herman Miller ergonomic chair with a modern décor interior design by Michael Graves.
The New Yorker Hotel: A Ramada Plaza - The New Yorker Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in New York for business and leisure travelers. The property recently underwent a $65 million renovation that included a lobby redesign, refreshed ballrooms and all new rooms that include expanded free Wi-Fi and flat panel HDTVs. This conveniently located hotel is located just minutes from Broadway theaters, Madison Square Garden, Macy's department store, and the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Fun fact: the hotel has been in several Woody Allen movies, including Bullets over Broadway, Definitely, Maybe and Looking for Kitty.
5. Get Active! Check out Breckenridge Fun Park - Superslides, mountain biking trails, challenging putting games for golfers, a human maze, climbing wall and hiking ... all amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Really? Does outside activity get any better than this? (Not to mention those Fat Tires for adults over the age of 21!)
The fun park has so much to offer that it would be really easy to spend a long weekend and try something different each day. Very cool.
Where to stay:
Ramada Limited Frisco - Fuel up for an active day with a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast at this Pinnacle Award Winning hotel. Frisco's newest hotel, the Ramada is just minutes from all of Summit County's world class ski areas. Ski, bike, sail or just relax amidst the stunning scenery of Colorado's Summit County playground. With a free shuttle to take you anywhere in the area and an outdoor hot tub to relax in after an active day, the Ramada is a great "home base" when planning your Breckenridge vacation.
Super 8 Dillon/Breckenridge Area - For your well-deserved vacation, Summit County is truly Colorado's winter and summer playground. The Super 8 is conveniently located to a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants and is within walking distance to over 100 factory outlet stores. This hotel offers a complimentary continental breakfast, microwaves and refrigerators in all rooms and free wireless.
Days Inn Silverthorne - 5 Sunburst and AAA Approved for quality and cleanliness, this hotel has a 24 hour hot tub, sauna and kids wading pool, guest laundry facilities, free continental breakfast that includes fresh hot waffles, and kitchenettes and suites with fireplaces are available. Sounds like a great place for a family vacation to me! And, feel free to bring the family dog - as pets are permitted at this Days Inn location.
Have you been on a fun and unusual vacation? Any suggestions for the rest of us? Share them here and start planning your next trip!
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