Are These Destinations On Your Bucket List?

Head into the sunset and hop on a nice cruise ship to some of the greatest destinations seaside. Put on the sunscreen (or better yet, get someone to put it on for you), and sip on that Piña Colada while we take you on a stroll Titanic style… well, hopefully with a better ending. Check out the top 10 places to cruise and see how many you have already checked off on your list. If you haven’t been to them all, TravelStore can help you get there.

10. Panama Canal

Not just a must because the Canal is perhaps the world’s most amazing engineering project, but this destination shows man’s colossal fingerprints on nature as the canal links two oceans and separates continents. Pretty impressive despite the excruciatingly painful heat and humidity, but that is why you are on a cruise, so jump overboard for a cool-off…

9. Aruba

We like fjords as much as the next guy, but let’s head down south. The word on the sea is that Aruba is the Caribbean’s answer to Las Vegas with its posh casinos and luxurious resorts. Obviously, however, Aruba kicks Vegas’ butt thanks to its beaches. Oh yeah, the people there like to party, which also helps, and they are fairly friendly and hospitable as well.

8. Hong Kong

So what if most locals are fleeing Hong Kong — forget politics and potential instability and join the thousands of cruise tourists that are headed towards the former British Crown Colony that was recently transferred to China. And so what if the city is no longer Asia’s financial center? Hong Kong still offers visitors some great amenities and an opportunity to understand the results of Capitalism blending with Communism.

7. Norway

Perhaps we love Scandinavian countries because of their female offerings, but most seem to take a liking to these Northern countries because of their amazing geographical traits: fjords and sky-high rocky cliffs, all from a bird’s eye view in the water.

6. Cayman Islands

Does the sound of soft white sand, underwater reefs and shipwrecks (no joke) sound tempting? While most financiers view the spot as a tax haven, we think of Cayman as a paradise. The Caymans offer tourists everything from trendy shops to spectacular Caribbean charm. The intangible: you don’t even need a translator!

5. Australia / New Zealand

Up until recently, New Zealand had little to offer as a cruise destination. Thankfully, this has changed recently as cruise lines have added more exotic spots to their itineraries. And what is more exotic than Australia and New Zealand? Rapidly, this area has risen in popularity contests, as its breathtaking natural jewels are second to none with its glaciers and hidden beaches. Whether you prefer to party with the Kiwis or the Ozzies, you are guaranteed a great time.

4. Alaska

Until my trip to Alaska, my fondest memory of the 50th State was Northern Exposure . But seeing the steep mountains took my breath away. Although this might not please the heat-seeking tourist, it will more than satisfy any other visitor’s appetite for superb scenery. If you can, try to get on land and head off through the continent’s highest peak, Mt. McKinley, to see how far ahead you can look out.

3. French Riviera

The Mediterranean has far too many offerings to even attempt to try to narrow them down — but my Editor insists that I must. So after further review, the French Riviera stands out. Why? What is the common denominator between France’s Cannes and Monaco’s Monte Carlo? Okay, there is more than one, but perhaps both spots are renowned because both are located along the amazing French Riviera and its scenic views.

2. Virgin Islands

Exactly what is so virgin about these islands we will never know (especially after our trip). The US Islands, in particular, offer a certain charm as they are less commercialized. This beautiful and pristine island got some notorious headlines after hurricanes devastated neighboring islands and many flocked here instead.

1. Barbados

Barbados offers everything you need with unspoiled charm and sophistication: hot sun, warm sand, blue water that morphs into the horizon, friendly people, tropical breezes, as well as some of the most historic sites in Bridgetown; the island’s port. Beaches are aplenty; Batts Rock, Paynes Bay and Folkestone Park in St. James, or Gibbs Beach and Mullins Bay in St. Peter. You could spend your entire trip at one of these jewels and you would not think that you missed a thing. Just don’t spend your entire trip in your room.