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Travel Destinations for the Lifelong Learner

St Peter's Square
St Peter’s Square

By Latanya Hughes
Faculty Member, Hospitality Management at American Public University

The world offers a cornucopia of travel options. How do you choose?

I recommend that you look to the buffet of exotic and historical places that you can enjoy and simultaneously expand your mind.

In the hospitality industry, a destination is a place that is alluring and has specific features that are attractive to the traveler. For instance, Jamaica has exotic, luxurious beaches and eclectic local flavor. For the lifelong learner looking to add a few more stamps to their passport, these destinations will enhance your mind and open your eyes to more beauty, wonder, and a memorable getaway.

Rome, Italy

Known as the Eternal City, Rome has a historically rich culture. You will need at least a week to explore its four major attractions: the Colosseum, The Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo, and the Trevi Fountain. According to one Italy travel guide, the best time to visit Rome is in April, May, and late September through October. August is less desirable because this is a big vacation time for Roman citizens.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a true metropolis. It is also the central hub of Japan’s economy, politics, and culture. Tokyo is full of art museums and galleries and also home to some of the world’s most breathtaking and amazing skyscrapers.

The outdoor enthusiast can enjoy climbing, hiking, camping, and fishing. If you want to enjoy the beach, Tokyo has an artificial beach In Odaiba. You can enjoy marine sports, swim with dolphins, and whale watch.

At the Kabukiza and National Noh Theaters, there are traditional performing arts as well as classical Japanese architecture. Finally, consider stopping by the teahouse in the Japanese gardens to experience a traditional tea ceremony.

Tanzania

This tropical East African country has lots to explore. This country borders the Indian Ocean on one side and sits between Mozambique and Kenya. Tanzania has a national museum that exposes the history and culture of the region. According to Tanzania’s Tourist Board, the museum features the 1.7 million-year-old skull of Nutcracker Man.

The Sukuma Museum has weekly staged performances of traditional dances of the Wasukuma tribe that includes the Bugobobobo (Sukuma Snake Dance). You can also relax at the beach, go scuba diving, or go fishing. You can track chimpanzees on Lake Tanganyika, safari in the Serengeti, or take a game drive at Tarangire National Park.

Brazil

Even with the recent close of the FIFA World Cup this summer, Brazil is still a hot tourist destination. Brazil is a great location for ecotourism and adventure; you can get a suntan on a beach, trek up a mountain, or take in the sight of a romantic waterfall.

The Chapada dos Veadeiros National Park is considered a World Heritage Site by Unesco. This park is famous for its waterfalls. The Kalunga Historic Site and Cultura Heritage is the largest ex-slave colony in Brazil.

For the ecotourist, explore Moon Vale. Moon Vale has many natural pools and rapids. You can also enjoy Jardim de Maytreia overlook, the most photographed place in the region. The Almecegas Waterfalls has a self-guided trail of almost 1 km.

Rio de Janeiro

Best known for its beaches, carnivals, football (soccer in America), music and tropical forests, Rio is a culturally diverse destination. One of the major tourist attractions in Rio is the Christ the Redeemer statue, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. According to city information for Rio de Janeiro, Rio’s botanical gardens are a complete resource on Amazonian tropical species, including 5000 varieties of plants.

About the Author

Latanya Hughes is a motivated, personable results-oriented business professional with a Bachelor’s from Tuskegee University and her MBA from Strayer University. She is presently completing a Doctor of Strategic Leadership in Global Consulting from Regent University. She is a full-time faculty member at American Public University where she teaches courses in the Hospitality Management program. 

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