ARAN ISLANDS – AS SEEN IN THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN

Summertime fun doesn’t always have to be about bright sun and gorgeous weather. It can be about removing yourself from the hustle and bustle of modern life and stepping into a place out of time. I don’t think you could get closer to that than a remote Irish island. The appeal lies in the rolling countryside, the Irish cliffs looking out towards the Atlantic as if you are in a James Joyce novel, and the huge swaths of land separating every domicile. If you enjoy a throwback, agrarian type of adventure, there are worse places to be. You might even meet some lifelong animal companions along the way.

ST. REGIS BORA BORA – AS SEEN IN COUPLES RETREAT

The allure of an island resort where everything is all-inclusive, for you and your travelling group, is the pinnacle of luxury and relaxation. You can use the time to really get in touch with either your friends and family, or perhaps complete strangers if you are devoid of attachment. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is ostensibly the prototype when you think about jetting away from the rigors of the day-to-day rat-race to re-discover what you truly want out of life, and you get to do that while enjoying over water bungalows, private beach access, and a cadre of butlers who are arranged to ensure you don’t want for anything.

CAPRI – AS SEEN IN ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR

Generally, if you look to abscond for a brief European respite, Italy is where you will ultimately end up, one way or another. The sheer history and grandiosity represented within the country can be picked up whichever region you find yourself. If you can afford it, the Italian islands are the most breathtaking place to be, like in Capri, located on the Tyrrhenian Sea just south of Naples. I mean, if you must travel by boat underneath a rock face simply to get where you are staying on the coast, you know you are in for a treat. The towns are stylish yet rustic, and the accommodations are world-class, perfect for soaking in sea air and unbeatable Mediterranean climate. If you have a friend who invites you to Capri, no matter the occasion, always say yes.

SKOPELOS – AS SEEN IN MAMMA MIA!

When the founding of a destination is based around the legend of the Greek God of Wine’s son, you must believe that boozing and lounging are the preeminent activities of the spot, and that is accurate for Skopelos. Considering that there is no airport anywhere on the island, and basically one road that links all the major villages together, you shouldn’t expect to endure endless throngs of tourists despite its wonders. Whether you are frequenting the beaches, boating around the coast, or taking in ancient architecture, you will likely be inspired enough to sing at the top of your lungs, no matter if anyone wants to hear it.

THE OCEAN CLUB – AS SEEN IN CASINO ROYALE

Stepping out from a beach villa to look directly into the light blue water of the Caribbean… Does that do anything for you? As someone who spent a honeymoon in the Bahamas, I can attest to how time there can re-energize you. At The Ocean Club, they cater to all kinds of travelers: sportsmen, sightseers, those on business holiday, and so on. There are always a myriad of activities happening at the main building, so if you like to socialize and meet new people, you can congregate there. Or you can bask in the quiet of your private sanctuary down the shore. Finally, if needed back on the mainland, a quick flight back to Miami can always be procured at the last minute, so never feel as if you are completely isolated from the world, unless you choose to be.

ICELAND – AS SEEN IN THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY

Expectations are shattered if you are unfamiliar with the region around the volcano Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland. You might expect glacier sheets and freezing weather, but some of the surrounding villages are nestled on verdant expanses of rolling hills. If you are up to hike, you can find yourself witnessing magnificent waterfalls and hot springs, in addition to rocky peaks to scale if you are a climber. The volcano can erupt, though it isn’t life-threatening, so while it can be exciting, it isn’t dangerous. While there, the sprawling views might give you a new perspective on life and what is important. 

CORTONA – AS SEEN IN UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN

You can’t keep a good country down with our second Italian entry, Cortona, a small village in Tuscany. While there, you feel as if you are living history, considering its ownership by the Etruscans, Romans, and the Medici family over time, which you can see represented in the art and architecture. Despite its anachronistic vibe, there is a vibrancy that springs eternal, and the locals are more than friendly, even to outsiders. If you are on a journey of self-discovery, or you just like to gorge on Italian food and wine, Cortona is a summertime gem.

POSITANO – AS SEEN IN THE TALENTED MR. RIPLEY

Yes, another southern Italian town — you might be detecting a pattern with what the film industry likes to use as a backdrop for depicting wealth, success, and recognized exquisiteness. Formerly a poor fishing village, John Steinbeck wrote that Positano is a “dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there…” It also is part of the Amalfi Coast, which is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites as a significant place of value to humanity. Given how individuals of the arts have visited there seeking inspiration for music and cinema, you could soak its historical renown while sipping world-class limoncello on its fabulous beaches.

RAJASTHAN – AS SEEN IN THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

If you were told that you were heading for an area translated to “Land of Kings,” you probably would expect some great features. Rajasthan, one of India’s most premier states, has a dynamic range of attractions. From temples to national parks to tiger reserves, the initial vestiges of the region’s offerings date to ancient times, beyond 3000 BCE, though the current iteration wasn’t formed until the mid-20th century after the British occupation. Rajasthan embodies a wide range of geographical biomes, wildlife, and culture, so traveling through it could be like traveling through a few different countries at once. You can take in a lot of color, texture, and fun while traipsing from city to city.

MARTHA’S VINEYARD – AS SEEN IN JAWS

Everything so far has been about imports, so how about something domestic? You probably have heard of Martha’s Vineyard as a key New England spot for the rich to isolate from commoners, a la Vail in Colorado. However, just because the Kennedy’s frequent it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider its value. Tourists flock there, mostly on July 4th weekend, but you can do more than just drink wine and swim. You can take in movies with their prominent film society, enjoy the ramps of their public skate-park, or visit the grave sites of some titans of pop culture, like John Belushi. The island is a hodgepodge of human and animal diversity, so it doesn’t just cater to the elite. You can basically mimic a European-style vacation from your own backyard, as long as you can endure the accents.