Subject:

inspiration

On a hot August day like today, I need a little escape. So, I've let my mind wander back to a trip a few years ago where we had the opportunity to visit the small town of Durham in northern England. Green and lush with a scenic river surrounding the town, it provided the perfect spot for long walks and quiet reflection.

A few winters ago we spent New Years in Italy with some Italian friends. They invited us to tag along on their trip to the chic ski town of Cortina in the Italian Alps. While we didn't ski, we spent our days playing in the snow, wandering downtown, and eating lots of great Italian food. The town is quaint resort town full of skiers, relaxed food joints, and scenic vistas like the one above. This trip was really memorable for us, as we stayed with a friendly Italian family and a bunch of fun Italians (Francesco included) and got a peek into Italian mountain living that we would have never have gained access to as a "tourist."

Image: will hybrid.

The vibrancy of India has inspired artists for ages and their attempts to capture what they see results in a array of breathtakingly beautiful colors. Whether it be in a shot from a travel photographer or a film approach, like in Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited we always wonder, has anyone ever been successful? Have you been to India? Does India live up to its representation?

With over one hundred islands in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is home to a slice of paradise. From larger islands like Tahiti, as well as more remote locales like Bora Bora, they all allow you to bask in the sun and get it away from it all...at a price.

A group of islands off the Eastern coast of Australia, the Whitsundays offer a relaxing holiday conveniently situated near one of the greatest dive sites in the world, the Great Barrier Reef. With one look at the aquamarine waters, it's easy to see why this is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia.

Located at the far northwestern tip of Australia, Darwin is part beach town and part capital city. You can have your cake and eat it too, as the beaches are pristine and the city is hoppin'.

Image: sektordua.

Tahiti has been spoiled for many years, but Bali is one of the few cultures with origins in one of the great ancient cultures which is still alive. -Arthur Erickson

Just one of thousands of islands (13,000 to be exact) that make up Indonesia, Bali has become renowned a little slice of heaven here on earth. This "Island of the Gods" offers pristine beaches, incredible vistas and a vibrant Hindu culture that leaves you reveling in its beauty.

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is well known for producing some of the best tea in the world. Unbeknownst to many travelers, it also has some of the best beaches.

While some of the most remote in the world, Seychelles' beaches are also some of the most beautiful. Hidden almost 1000 miles northest of Madagascar, this collection of 115 islands can satisfy even the most seasoned beach bum.

Image: pocarropilla.

"It is not worth the while to go round the world to count the cats in Zanzibar." -Henry David Thoreau

Floating to the east of Tanzania, Zanzibar is a grouping of islands well known for its spices, its monkeys (and cats), and more importantly, its beaches.