Explore the World in '07

Athboy, Ireland
It’s a tiny little town - a "blink and you'll miss it" sized place, but it's amazing. The people there are so unbelievably kind and welcoming. I knew nobody when I went, and within 10 minutes, sitting in the local pub, I had met the mayor and was invited over to dinner the next night!
- Carolyn Okon, Branch Manager, University of Michigan

Neuschwanstein Castle, near Fussen, Germany
It's out of the way in that it's far south and not really near anything else, but it's certainly not unheard of. It's what the Disney World castle is modeled after. It is quite majestic and in a beautiful setting as well.
- Mandy Morrissey, Branch Manager, University of Florida

Daingean, Ireland
It’s on the way to the cliffs in County Offaly and I think it’s one of the greatest places to stop off for the night, and not just because my family lives there. Settle in at the B&B Beechlawn Farmhouse for the best poitin (homemade whiskey pronounced Pah-cheen) in Ireland! This stuff will take the enamel off your teeth. While there you can have a couple of pints at Michael's, the local pub. If you are very good, he will sing you a song! Don't be too scared if you see one of the local guys in his hospital gown at the pub, as he likes to get out every now and then for a quick pint (yes, he is a patient).
- Sheila Goracy, Branch Manager, New Haven

Leiden, The Netherlands
If Amsterdam is a little too much for you or just need a break from the big cities and want to head off the beaten path, I have found the perfect little place you can’t pass up. Lieden is near the North Sea on the Rhine River. It’s a smaller, more picturesque version of Amsterdam full of cafés, restaurants, bikes, tulips, and windmills. The complete quintessential Dutch experience without the crowds. My friend and I spent the day here then walked the 15K back to Noordwijk, where we were staying (see this month’s expert tip). Our stroll took us through the most beautiful Dutch suburban area with mossy streams filled with swans, tulips lining the countryside, and windmills standing in all their beauty. It was a great little escape from the crowded cities and a perfect choice for those travelers who like to get off the beaten path and check out the smaller places these amazing countries have to offer.
-Kara Lucchesi, Travel Advisor, San Diego State University Branch

Collioure, France
Henri Matisse loved this little town.  It's located where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean.  A castle and a church act like bookends to a pebbly beach which offers views of the vineyards across the bay.  There is a bakery that makes the BEST almond croissants I've had in France; they add a sliver of chocolate inside with the marzipan.
- Amanda Charpentier- Pittsburgh

Capri, Italy
It is an absolutely beautiful island and the people are so friendly.  You can climb mountains and swim in the blue grottos. What could be better!?!
- Eddie Lindow, Branch Manager, MSU

Wengen, Switzerland
Nestled high up in the Swiss Alps, Wengen is one of the quaintest towns I've ever visited.  Its quiet and relaxing nature is much to the fact that it's a car-less city, only accessible via mountain rail or foot.  Hike to the top for lunch in the mountains amongst the locals.  It's well worth it for the picturesque view, wooden seesaws and oversized chess game in the center of town.
- Carly Mills, Advertising Coordinator

Cappadocia, Turkey
Cave hotels and bars that were once monasteries and homes, 2000 year-old underground cities, rock formations, and a gorgeous volcano, make Cappadocia a must when visiting Turkey.  The towns of Urgup and Goreme are great bases to explore the region.
- Amanda Charpentier- Pittsburgh

Cinque Terra, Italy
Definitely getting more on the map than it was when I went there, but it will blow right by you on the TGV if you aren't looking for it.  Cliffside fishing villages, hiking along cliffs and through vineyards, and the best gelato I had in Italy.
- Michael Creech, Branch Manager, Denver

San Jose, Spain
My favorite place in Europe is a little town in Spain call San Jose, in the province of Almeria which is just north of the Malaga which is the Costa Del Sol in Spain. San Jose is a little coastal town which is next to 5 miles of virgin Mediterranean coast line that is absolutely gorgeous. Lots of camping and hostel sites as well as bars and reasonable restaurants. When there make sure you stop at Pepe's restaurant which overlooks the ocean and serves the best calamari and paella I have ever had and I have had a lot of this stuff.
- Randy Leiser, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Planning

The Old Town of Rhodes Island, Greece
It’s one of my most favorite places. You can wander around aimlessly and stumble upon ruins, little cafes and shops, secluded beaches and beautiful cobblestone streets and alleys. I could spend a month just exploring.
- Carolyn Okon, Branch Manager, University of Michigan

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
Two volcanoes in the middle of a giant lake that have grown together to form a fresh water island paradise. Watch out for the few remaining freshwater bull sharks though!
- Michael Creech, Branch Manager, Denver

The Flinders ranges in South Australia
I hung out here with the Adnyamathana people, took care of a baby kangaroo, and learned about past and present Aboriginal culture. It was getting off the well-traveled backpacker path and learning about new cultures and people. 
- Mandy Morrissey, Branch Manager, University of Florida

Chanderi, India
A tiny Hindu/Muslim village. It's so out of the way that getting there takes nearly an entire day. You descend into the city on foot, at dusk, and are met with a sea of smiling and curious faces and so many “hello’s" that you feel like a celebrity.
- Carolyn Okon, Branch Manager, University of Michigan

Zulu Nyala Resort, Zululand, South Africa
Their private game reserve was used for the set of "I Dreamed of Africa". It's a gorgeous respite from the world. G*A*P Adventures stays at this property on some of their trips. It's luxury meets natural beauty. Request Elson as your ranger for a game drive. He has great instincts and is very entertaining.
- Amanda Charpentier- Pittsburgh

Utila Island, Bay of Honduras
It has best diving in this hemisphere, the second biggest reef in the world, and you can stay for $3 per night and eat a lobster dinner for $5. It’s not nearly as touristy as Roatan.
- Michael Creech, Branch Manager, Denver

Bangkok, Thailand
A very Thai "hot pot" restaurant in Bangkok, where you order the food and cook it yourself in a giant simmering pot of broth. For about $2, you can get a plate of veggies twice the size of your head and cook to your heart's content, while chatting with good friends around a round table. 
- Mandy Morrissey, Branch Manager, University of Florida

Negril, Jamaica
In my mind this is the best beach destination.  It has the perfect balance of party and relaxation.  For anyone who loves the water they will be in heaven here, it is so warm and crystal clear.  The people are so friendly and have such an energy about them.
- Eddie Lindow, Branch Manager, MSU

READY TO GO?
These are just some of the fantastic destinations ideas from our ace Travel Advisors (they gave us too many to list)! Remember, they can answer any questions you have and can book everything you need for another great year of traveling. ‘Til next month, happy travels!