On Holiday

I thought to begin this post by listing the various reasons one may feel the need to go on vacation.... then it dawned on me... chances are you need no provocation whatsoever to get out of Dodge.... but where to?

The Internet boasts as many Top Vacation Spot lists as there are destinations. The following is a distillation (in descending order) of the best bet getaways awaiting your vacation dollars (excerpted from http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/best_usa_vacations/):

San Francisco

With a reputation as one of the world's bohemian capitals, San Francisco is a city of unabashed open-mindedness and fierce uniqueness. Frequently referred to as the most European city in the States, San Francisco is both laid-back and cosmopolitan. There are a million ways to spend a day here, whether it's antiquing in Chinatown or wolfing down burritos in the Mission.

Washington, D.C.

The nation's capitol has a lot going for it. With iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the world's largest obelisk, the Washington Monument, you can sightsee for days. Exploring one of the free Smithsonian museums is a pleasant way to spend a day but make sure to save some energy for an evening out—DC has a sweet restaurant and bar scene.

San Diego

One could argue that San Diego is the most well-rounded destination on this list, with regards to being flexible for many different types of vacations. Families, couples and singles can all have a worthwhile time here in their own way. Mission and Pacific Beach are always crowd-pleasers and the city sports a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. And the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are a good time for all ages.

New York City

"New York can be anything you want it to be," says Lonely Planet and that is the primary reason it's among the leaders of this list. The sheer amount of things to do puts most of its peers to shame and can be almost overwhelming to visitors. Cultures from all over the world mesh here, often with spectacular results (try the hybrid Cuban-Chinese diner, La Caridad 78 or the most upscale Asia de Cuba for a tasty example of this).

Yellowstone

When it comes to nature travel, you just can't do better than Yellowstone National Park. Sprawling across more than two million acres of gorgeous Wyoming landscape, Yellowstone is the largest national park in the U.S. Smarter Travel says, "Geysers, hot springs, mountains, waterfalls, animals you'd only ever seen on the Discovery Channel standing feet away–for many national park aficionados, Yellowstone has the best of everything." Yellowstone is also a favorite for family getaways for its unique setting and value.

Maui

About.com says Maui is "consistently chosen as the best island in the world," and it's easy to see why. With postcard-perfect beaches and terrain in some areas that looks almost otherworldly, Maui is escapism at its finest. Snorkeling is a must-do here, as is dining on the ridiculously tasty seafood.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Your experience in the U.S. Virgin Islands will depend on where you choose to spend your time. Nature, history, sunbathing, shopping … it all can be found here, if you pick the right spot. But it is the extraordinary natural beauty of the USVI that keeps bringing travelers back. To see it at its purest, make sure to visit the Virgin Islands National Park in St. John.

Chicago

The main appeal of Chicago has to be its neighborhoods: Each one has its own identity and characteristics that set it apart. Forget about the tourist checklist of must-sees; strolling through the different districts and exploring all they have to offer is the best way to experience Chicago. As an added bonus, some of the best dining, nightlife and shopping in the States can be found here.

Yosemite

Adventure and nature travelers looking to dive into the best California has to offer can't do much better than Yosemite. You can check out famous landmarks like Half Dome and El Capitan, or get some exercise hiking the John Muir Trail. You can make it a camping trip or go the log cabin or hotel routes if you prefer. We recommend avoiding winter travel as this is Yosemite's wettest time of the year.

Las Vegas

In many ways, Vegas is basically a giant playground for grown-ups. Some of the best dining, shopping and nightlife in the world can be found here, all in the comfort of climate-controlled casinos. This is not a vacation for people looking for an enriching cultural experience–it is a getaway for people looking to escape the real world for a bit. And the fashion you do this in can be as innocent or as excessive as you choose.

Disney World

The family vacation to Disney World is a classic American rite of passage and it has been for a long time. While always a fantasy land for kids, over the years, the "Imagineers" of Disney have gone to great lengths to assure that this also applies to adults. Case in point is the fascinating Animal Kingdom, which opened in 1998. More than ever, Disney World offers escapism of a sort that you can't find anywhere else.

New Orleans

Does any city in America have a culture more its own than the Big Easy? A melting pot of influences ranging from Caribbean to European, New Orleans has a distinct personality that can be found nowhere else on the globe. The city is in the midst of an admirable comeback from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and is welcoming visitors with all the gumbo, jazz and partying they can handle.

Seattle

Although Seattle is known for its consistently soggy weather, this Pacific Northwest city has plenty to offer. But don't come here looking for the fast-paced environment of other major U.S. destinations; Seattle exudes a laid-back aura, where café and bar culture reign supreme. Spend your stay mingling with Seattleites at Pike Place Market or on the slopes of Mount Si.

Savannah

With an elegance and an atmosphere all its own, Savannah is a getaway for those looking for something different. Civil War-era architecture, beautiful gardens and a preserved Historic District all beg to be explored. Add this to amazing Southern cuisine, a fun nightlife scene and a generally mellower pace of life and you can see why we hold Savannah in such high regard.

  

On the international front there are the perennial favorites such as Italy, France, England... but for something a bit more exotic, check Frommer’s 2011 must-visit list:

Doha, Qatar

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Stockholm, Sweden

Kent Coast, England

Hokkaido, Japan

Cesme Peninsula, Turkey

Nahanni National Park, Canada

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Ponza and the Pontine Islands, Italy

And finally, for something truly experiential or adventurous, visit our very own Volunteer Historian Joy’s blog post “Is It Summer Yet?” with ideas ranging from llama treks to visits to castles and the search for buried treasure.

So what are you waiting for— time to tally up those frequent flyer miles and go make some new memories!

Warmly,

Lilo