Get away from it all

Often when we think of escape, our thoughts turn to a tropical beach or a mountain cabin. These are logical escapes but there are many other escapes worth exploring.

In this article, we’ll explore places you can visit that provide a much-needed break from the fast-paced world you live in every day. You’ll find some places with tons of culture and history, others that offer amazing natural beauty, and still others that will simply give you the peace and quiet your mind needs to rest. Whatever your escape, the following can help you find it.

Cultural Escapes

The best and most obvious place to tour is Europe. Europeans have been touring their continent for centuries and have built up a great deal of infrastructure with which to facilitate your escape. Today, you can easily explore the old world in countless cities throughout the European continent.

Some of Europe’s main cultural sites include: The Louvre in Paris (a home to some of the most famous paintings in the world), The Sistine Chapel in Rome (home to Michelangelo’s most famous works), Florence, Italy (where Renaissance artists lived) and Stockholm Sweden, which is a great place for modern art lovers. If you’re looking for a blend of history and culture, these cities combine the best of both.

Start an escape in Western Europe and then take a short flight to Eastern Europe to discover more. Places to visit include: Prague (which has its own castle), Krakow, Poland (home to one of the oldest Jewish settlements in the world) and Moscow Russia, which is home to some of the most famous bridges in the world. These countries are less expensive than Western Europe making it easier for you to see more of what they have to offer.

Natural Escapes

If you prefer your journey be a bit more active, then natural escapes could be right up your alley. Some of the largest mountain ranges in the world are found in Asia. If you want to explore nature, this is a great place to start.

If you’re looking for something more than sightseeing, consider mountain climbing. The Himalayas are one of the few places where you can be guaranteed greater adventure. Beginning in Nepal is an option with many companies offering tours that take you to some of the highest peaks on Earth; although it should be noted that Nepal and Tibet have strict regulations regarding climbing and permits must be secured before being allowed into these areas.

For those who prefer a calmer experience, there’s nothing better than hiking across one of Asia’s national parks. You can experience the area’s native wildlife and vegetation without feeling as though you’re in a zoo.

If you’re looking for something more luxurious, head to Sri Lanka and sail along its beautiful coastline. It has some of the most amazing beaches on Earth and some great hotels for accommodations.

For those less experienced in nature but still want to escape, taking a cruise could be just the ticket. From Alaska to Australia, there are many cruises to choose from with different itineraries, locations and atmospheres. Don’t forget that you can find luxury cruises as well as more affordable ones so you don’t have to break your budget on this trip.

Peace and Quiet

There are times when you just need a break. If you’re a business person who’s worked nonstop, that could be you. You need some time off to rest and recharge your batteries. That might mean taking a hike in the woods or enjoying some time by the ocean. It could mean going on an old-fashioned vacation exploring new places or relaxing at home with your family. Whatever it is for you, there are several ways for you to relax during your travels:

Leave it all behind – go camping! Leave everything behind and venture into the wilderness where no one can find you. These days it’s easier than ever to be able to do this. You can take a wilderness survival class and pack a backpack with the right equipment to allow you to venture out on your own or you can book a guide who will take you into the wild.

If you don’t want to go that far, perhaps a hike in the woods is all you need. You could walk for miles without ever running into another human being if that’s what your brain needs to be able to function properly again.

Settle in for a quiet vacation – head to your favorite big city. Whether you’re a fan of the big city or not, there are plenty of small, historic cities throughout the United States that any traveler can enjoy. Try exploring Baltimore or Pittsburgh and see how those who have lived in these cities feel about their home town. You’ll get to know some aspects of the culture of these towns while slowing down enough to realize that you have room for a change.

Be safe – don’t do drugs while on vacation. You don’t want to end up spending the rest of your trip in a hospital recovering from an overdose which will detract from your experience. Don’t even think about doing drugs!

Have you ever had an amazing vacation? Share your experiences with us. We’d love to hear from you.

Source by Carol Cavanaugh - Travel Channel Contributor

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Conclusion

With over 200 different cities to choose from in the United States, escaping into the wild may be a way for you to decide where you want to travel. Tourists are flocking to these places and although it may be a bit of a struggle finding accommodations when you first arrive, traveling there can be a great experience. Take your time to choose which destination best suits your needs; take advantage of the free attractions that can help you decide what you want out of your trip..