Cosmopolitan ~ minus the martini

I have a passport with no stamps. I have dollar bills that have never endured the nerve-wrecking protocols of currency exchange. However, I am eagerly awaiting the worn-pages and outdated picture of a passport and the kick in the ass of the dollar once I hit the Euro-world. Yes, I am turning my frequent flyer miles across oceans and several time zones. In the next few years, I will have made a home away from home in London, Paris, Italy, Greece, Africa, Argentina, Tokyo...and wherever else my little blue book can take me!

My question is, beyond the places that are obvious tourist attractions...where are great places to visit that we might not get a AAA discount or a hotel staff speaking the English language? Well, I've been watching the Travel Channel rather frequently and discovered some interesting places.

I'm a water bug! I love any place that is adjacent to a beautiful body of water. It helps that I love to swim and it's even more of a plus if I can vacation with others who love to get wet. So, I'm definitely inticed by the array of gorgeous sandy beaches in the Caribbean. Whether it's St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos or Mexico, I'm game for seaside amenities! According to the Travel channel, the #1 Caribbean destination is Hotel Maroma in Maroma, Mexico. Nestled in the heart of the Mayan Riviera and located 30 miles south of Cancun, this place boasts of its handmade architecture and Mayan influence.

Back to the Motherland! I've always said that I'll make the trip back to Africa to pay homage to my ancestors. Of course there's the obvious places I'll touch the soil/sand of: Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt, but I've heard that Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa seals the deal for those visiting.

Are there any other beautiful, exotic places you've visited and refer others to? If you know of any others, please shoot me a line, or better yet, an air ticket!