Jul 05 (newsonjapan.com) - Mark Twain once wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness."
With the rise of the resort vacation, that's not always true anymore. Sometimes a vacation is simply that, a break from your everyday schedule, a chance to recharge. But a travel vacation is something that can broaden your horizons, introduce you to new ideas and new ways of living. If you're looking for more than a break, here are four vacations that will broaden your horizons.
1. Cruise Somewhere New
If the idea of adventure makes you nervous, start with baby steps. A cruise is a great way to relax: days at sea, relaxing by the pool, making new friends and eating too much good food. It's also a good way to dip your toes into new locations. Take a Europe cruise to visit several Greek islands and ports around the Mediterranean or go for some cooler spots like Iceland, Scandinavia and Russia. You'll have a home base you trust while you explore your new destinations, keeping in mind the places you want to return to and spend more time.
2. Visit Jordan and Petra
You've seen the images, even if only as the ultimate destination for Indiana Jones in The Last Crusade; Petra was likely built around 500 B.C.E. This monolithic city, built into the pink sandstone cliffs of southern Jordan, is one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World ("modern" is a relative term and includes the Roman Colosseum and Taj Mahal) and an UNESCO World Heritage site.
Access to the site is gained by foot or camel, although you can get a car or motorized transportation that will take you quite close. Learn about their early water systems and copper mining. If you're worried about traveling in the region, Petra is one of the safest places in Jordan because of its heritage status and importance as a tourist destination. Tours can be arranged if you are concerned about getting around on your own.
3. See the Northern Lights from Iceland
The phenomenon that is the Aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is an experience few get to experience but not one of them will forget it. Charged particles from the Sun and gas particles from Earth's atmosphere collide to create corruscating walls of colored light in the night sky. One of the best places to see this phenomenon is from Iceland.
The lights are a part of nature that can only be found in specific locations, making them unique in the natural world. Take your camera to capture a moment that will never be repeated. From September to mid-April, the sky north of Iceland dances at night. While it's certainly the cold season when the lights are visible, match up your sight-seeing expedition with some trips to Iceland's famous salt water hot springs so you'll be toasty and comfortable as you gaze into the heavens.
4. Try an Educational Tour
Another option is to find a tour centered around something you want to know more about. There are educational tours offered by your local museums and national organizations. If you want to learn more about World War II, try a tour offered through the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The Smithsonian Institute offers a wide variety of tours through their Smithsonian Journeys website. Some organizations like Road Scholar, offer tours based on location but also interests, even if not travel related. Educational tours are special because part of what you are paying for is experts in different fields to give you background as your trip progresses.
Chef and professional traveler, Anthony Bourdain noted, "The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you.” Any of these options will provide you with more than a vacation, each is a journey that will broaden your horizons.
