Surf’s Up Destinations: San Francisco

When people think of surfing in California, chances are they visualize gorgeous coastlines and killer waves - in Southern California. While it’s true So Cal is known for its large surfing population, Nor Cal has quite a few things to offer as well. In fact, So Cal surfing has been so infiltrated by the international surf circuit, plastered with promotions and dominated by elitist competition that many who surf for pleasure are turning to the Nor Cal coastlines for a more rewarding time out on the water.

When it comes to this alternative surfing experience, San Francisco is a great city to try. While this region is obviously famous for other things, from computer geniuses to one of the largest gay pride parades in existence, surfing in San Fran is becoming more and more popular as the wave riding community discovers all it has to offer. (via http://sanfrancisco.lovetoknow.com)

Take Off by Eggz on Flickr.

Fall in Love Italian Style

You can live, love & eat with gusto in Venice

Skip the summertime crowds and head to Venice this winter. In the colder months, the Floating City sees its mass of crowds melt away to a quiet calm. But don’t worry, gondoliers still stay busy — just without the waterborne congestion. Everyday life is a work of art in Venice. Experience the masterpiece firsthand through the city’s fascinating geography and flow of life — from postal services to funeral processions — that glide upon the water. (via travel channel)

Chobe National Park, Botswana

Water is the web that connects all of us to each other: plant and animal, human and beast. All the water that has ever existed on our planet is the same amount today as it was in the beginning. It’s just not always abundant when we need it. But here in the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park in northern Botswana, a watering hole brings together an African elephant and a jackal in a moment of peaceful, though tenuous, coexistence.

Majestic Mountains: Longji Terraces

China’s famous terraces indulge your need for green

Ever paddle through a rice paddy? What about one named for a dragon? Take a trip on the wild side with a visit to China’s famous Longji Terraces (so named because they resemble dragon scales). Marvel at their mountainous beauty — and be amazed at the effort it takes to grow what’s in your pantry. Who knew rice could be the perfect ingredient for your most delicious vacation yet? (via travel channel)

Post-Breakup Escapes: Where to Go to Get over Your Good-for-Nothing Ex

When your ex broke the news, did you feel the urge to jump? Well, gone are the days of “lover’s leaps” and here are the days of low-bridge-jumping — an exhilarating rush that’s a little like falling in love with someone new.

Set in the cliffs of Negril’s West End, Tensing Pen faces the ocean but doesn’t have a traditional sandy beach. Instead, high, rocky cliffs descend to the pure blue water below. Guests can climb down the cliffs and swim from a handful of ladders that have been built into the cliffs, but the general consensus is that you can’t finish your stay without jumping from the long, skinny bridge about 20 feet or so above the water.

Doesn’t that sound refreshing? And it doesn’t hurt to be on a sunny island while you’re getting over your ex who’s stuck at home, filled with regret.

via Oyster.com, see the complete list here

Inspired by Ice:  Meet Jokulsarlon

It looks really cool, but would you give up the beach for this?

Jokulsarlon is the best known and the largest of a number of glacial lakes in Iceland. It is situated at the south end of the glacier Vatnajokull between Skaftafell National Park and Hofn.  Take a tour that leaves in the evening darkness to see the lagoon, in hopes of viewing the northern lights. (via extreme iceland)

Jokulsarlon,Iceland by Simon J Byrne on Flickr.

City vs. City: Boston vs. New York

Which is the Better Sports Town?

theatlantic:

New York vs. Boston: Which Is the Better Sports Town?

Mayors Bloomberg and Menino have made their obligatory bet; celebrity chefs from the two cities have made a bet of their own; and even rapper 50 Cent has gotten into the action.

The Giants might have upset the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII and the memory of Bucky Dent’s three-run homer in the run-up to the 1978 American League playoffs is still enough to give some Bostonians hives. But Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have played four Super Bowls since 2000 and won three of them; during that same period, New York’s two football teams have played in two and won one.

So the question lingers: which is the best sports town? Read more.

[Images: Reuters]

Dreamlike Experience in Kyoto, Japan

Treat your inner spirit to this dreamy bamboo forest

Let your psyche run wild during your journey to Arashiyama.  Kyoto is the storehouse of Japan’s traditional culture and the stage on which much of Japanese history was played out. With 17 Unesco World Heritage sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shintō shrines, Kyoto is also one of the world’s most culturally rich cities. Indeed, it is fair to say that Kyoto ranks with Paris, London and Rome as one of those cities that everyone should see at least once in their lives. And, needless to say, it should rank near the top of any Japan itinerary. (via lonely planet)

The Bamboo Forest by Stuck in Customs on Flickr.

McIver’s Baths: Cogee, Australia

Enjoy some quality time with the girls

Girlfriend getaways don’t get more exclusive than this: A women’s-only seawater pool nestled in a protected spot off the Australian coast of Coogee. The last pool of its kind in Australia reserved for women, McIver’s Baths has been a popular swimming spot since the 1870s. In between seawater dips, lounge on the grass slope above the pool, reading, relaxing and enjoying the sun. (via daily escape)

Top 40 River Cruise Ships 

#1 The River Queen

One of Uniworld’s older ships, the River Queen was launched in 1999 and can boast some river cruise ship firsts, including the first elevator and the first ship to be constructed with three decks and a Sun Deck. While the River Queen was refurbished in 2005, it retains its distinct riverboat profile, recalling vintage steamships, while the decor in the common areas plays on Art Deco themes in blue and white. Standard staterooms measure 151 square feet, while suites are approximately 65 square feet larger. Most of the year, the ship sails the “European Jewels” itinerary, from Amsterdam to Budapest along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. (via Traveler - Conde Nast)

condenasttraveler:

Top 40 River Cruise Ships | Avalon Tapestry, Avalon Waterways

Surf’s Up Destinations: Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast Lights Up the Break

Love it or hate it, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s icons. Bronzed lifeguards, bikini-clad meter maids, tanned tourists draped with gold jewelry, high-rise apartment towers that cast long shadows over parts of the beach … but the glitz, the glitter, and the overdevelopment pale as soon as you hit the beach. The white sands stretch uninterrupted for 43 miles, making up for the long strips of neon-lit motels and souvenir shops. Since the ’50s, Australians have flocked to this strip of coastline, and that hasn’t changed. (via Frommers)

standing on the break by monkeyc.net on Flickr.

Pyramids of Giza - Cairo, Egypt

The only remaining example of the 7 ancient wonders

Walk like the Egyptians (literally) with a trip to the only remaining example of the 7 ancient wonders of the world — the Pyramids of Giza. Guarded by the eternally fierce Sphinx, these pyramids are the mighty pharaohs’ last expressions of greatness. Lucky for you, their epic memorials to themselves can supply you with your most epic travel stories ever.

Luxury & Shipwrecks at Tucker’s Point

Since the days of the first sailors, the waters off Bermuda have done their best to sink every ship that tries to come ashore — with more than 400 diveable shipwrecks sprawled over Bermuda’s seafloor to prove it. But for those that make it through, a pink, sand-wrapped, civilized, well-mannered and highly manicured world awaits. All of this Bermuda elegance and refinement has been distilled to perfection at the Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa. Some gauntlets are worth the effort.

Soul Searching: Nature’s Window

Australia’s Kalbarri National Park’s Unsurpassed Natural Beauty

Some 300 miles north of Perth, this natural rock arch, called Nature’s Window (hmm … wonder why?) in Kalbarri National Park, Australia, perfectly frames the spectacular gorge that has been carved into the landscape by the whims of the Murchison River. The iconic feature of the park is only about 1/4 mile from the car park — and several millennia in the making. Like all of Australia’s natural wonders, this one takes your breath away and inspires a zest for life with its beauty. (via travel channel)