In Your Backyard

• There are natural wonders all around you, including redwoods in California.redwood sun image by Dennis Carrigan from Fotolia.com
  
  Some of the best places to vacation are right in your backyard. They are the ones sometimes passed over in favor of more exotic locales, but they are hidden gems. Every state has these little jewels waiting to be discovered. In California head to the redwoods. Drive along U.S. Highway 1 and see the magnificent Pacific Ocean in all its glory and end up in Big Sur, Muir Woods or even farther up to Sequoia National Park. Or do a U.S. National Park tour and bask in the awe of America's natural wonders.
  
  

Mexico

• Cabo San Lucas is just one of many popular Mexican tourist destinations.cabo san lucas image by jedphoto from Fotolia.com
  
  Mexico has a lot to offer from dazzling beaches to architectural ruins, all not too far from the United States by air. Puerto Vallarta, on the west coast, offers a more tropical atmosphere, great snorkeling, fishing and, of course, sunbathing.
  
  At the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula you will find Cabo San Lucas. While most famous for its fishing, it provides a very different ambiance with a distinctly desert flair. Cancun on the east coast has the same type of environment as Puerto Vallarta but comes complete with the warm waters of the Caribbean.
  
  

Asia

• Hong Kong offers a fascinating introduction to Chinese culture.hong kong image by tholi75 from Fotolia.com
  
  If you are looking for more adventure do not miss a chance to go to Hong Kong. There are many fascinating destinations in Asia, but Hong Kong is a great vacation place to start. It captures the highlight of Chinese culture with a definite western subculture. You can simply stay in Hong Kong and enjoy the shopping, nightlife and culture or you can head farther afield. From Hong Kong you can get just about anywhere you want on the Asian continent by train or air.
  
  

Africa

• An African safari gives you a close-up look at the continent's abundant wildlife.Safari image by doraemon from Fotolia.com
  
  Top it off with the granddaddy of all vacation spots, Africa. There are several choices, but stick with South Africa or Tanzania, which are much more user-friendly, and South Africa is very easy to get to from just about anywhere. Coming from the United States, go through Europe to break the long air voyage in half. For some, a safari in either of these locations provides the ultimate dream vacation, and you can cap it off with a visit to the very cosmopolitan Capetown, South Africa, for extra added enjoyment.