What are some "up and coming" hotspots?
Greenland is one because they are introducing cruises which will make it a lot more accessible to tourists. Colombia is an affordable place but can still be a little bit dicey in certain areas. But, honestly, it's a fabulous place. I don't even think South America is up and coming anymore – I think people have discovered it. Buenos Aires, the "Paris of South America," and Argentina are very affordable. Also, many Central American places such as Nicaragua are also fabulous.
In your opinion, what three places should every American visit before they die?
Number one is everyone should visit their homeland where their ancestors came from. I think everyone should also see India. For me, it's as if I had gone to the moon – it was that different. Vietnam really opened my eyes and clarified some misperceptions I had about the country, having been a little girl during the Vietnam War. I remember when I got back from that trip, I was talking about my experience on the radio (at the station I worked for) and some guy wrote to me and called me Hanoi Jane, acting like I was this big traitor. I just thought he was so closed-minded because that era has passed. Not to say everyone has to go to Vietnam, but I think everybody should have an experience like that – where they go somewhere to clarify misperceptions in their mind and I don't know what that is for everyone.
I love places like the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu – all those signature places. They are heralded because they are phenomenal. There are a lot of "off the beaten path" places that I believe everyone should see. You have to see these places.
What is your personal favorite travel destination? Why?
Chappaquiddick Island off of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. I am a New Englander at heart so what it signifies for me is the beauty of a New England summer. It reminds me of childhood and a lot of good things – what you thought summer was when you were little. You go there and you are like in a time warp. I've always said scatter my ashes in Chappaquiddick…that's where I want to be for the rest of creation.
What is the all-time greatest travel destination for…
families?
Orlando is the no-brainer destination. Something I really like for families that Disney offers is called Adventure by Disney. It has taken all the cheesiness out of theme park visits. And there are tours that go around the world. Those are fabulous. I was a real skeptic until I went on one myself. You never see Mickey Mouse or other characters, but you get the Disney quality. Also, typical campgrounds are very affordable and are kind of retro vacations for families.
couples?
I think everyone should take a transatlantic crossing on a Cunard ship. Right now, the Qm2 does that; it's something that goes back to another era. I think there is nothing more romantic than being out on the deck of a ship, crossing from New York to
Southampton.
singles?
I'm kind of against singles trips. I think people have these expectations that they are going to take a singles trip and meet somebody and they get disappointed. Singles should just follow their interests and the trip will work itself out. If you are a big partier and you like the island life, then you want to go somewhere like Cabo San Lucas or Cancun. But, depending on your interests, there are so many other places to go. If you are a yogi, go on a yoga retreat. If you are an artist, go somewhere to improve your painting. It's just like dating in the city. You don't go out looking for somebody; you get involved in stuff that you are interested in. That is the same thing with travel. There is no one place to go out and meet a girl or a guy. There is just no one place for all that to happen.
Do you have a favorite spa or resort?
I'm a really big spa person and a big fan of Canyon Ranch. I like it a lot. The spa treatments are nice, but what I really enjoy is the regimentation of having something to do and getting something out of it. I like Canyon Ranch's desert location the best.
Are there any travel books or Web sites (in addition to your own, of course!) that you recommend?
The Internet is phenomenal and has really opened up travel to the dismay of travel agents. Obviously, people can now be their own travel agent. I like anything that compares airfares…like the aggregator sites such as kayak.com. I think it is important to be able to compare different options. I like kind of more grassroots sites like airfarewatchdog.com. It started out grassroots, but they were recently bought by Expedia. They are like little sleuths who go and sniff out all these good fares that you regularly wouldn't know about. Then, there are niche sites like seatguru.com that tell you where to sit on the airplane to get the best seat. New sites are popping up all the time. I just think they are great.
Interviewed by Lynn O’Donnell
* See More of Valarie's Travel Favorites
|
