Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in Crystal River is the only sanctuary in the country created specifically to protect manatees. So if you’re looking for some one-on-one time with a manatee, you’ll find it here. Official manatee season runs from November to March. You can (legally) swim with them, watch them from the boardwalk at Three Sisters Springs, or even hop on a plane and watch them from the air. Kayak in nearby Homosassa, paddle with dolphins (and other manatees), and see wildlife at Bird Island, which is actually home to monkeys rather than birds. This area is about an hour north of Tampa, making it a healthy West Coast day trip or a very quiet (and inexpensive) vacation destination. Remember, you can’t say you’re gay in Florida, but you can definitely say you’re homosassa.
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West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Lubeck, Maine.Phil Savignano
Lubec, Maine
Lubec may be the easternmost town in the United States and the closest place in the continental United States to Europe, but it’s more than just the answer to your trivia questions. Located on a peninsula in Passamaquoddy Bay, this town is a great escape from the summer crowds found in other parts of coastal Maine. Located about six hours north of Boston and two hours north of Bar Harbor, this place is a welcome respite. Although the downtown is small, the coastline is part of the spectacularly named Bald Coast, full of beautiful scenery. You can also go hiking (starting at Bog Brook Cove Preserve, Roosevelt Campobello International Park, and Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge). The flattest roads are perfect for cycling, and you can even try your hand at whale watching. Quoddy Head State Park is the most popular spot in town, but it’s never crowded. End your day with lobster and cocktails at Cohills Inn.
Maui Sunset Christopher Muser/Globe Staff
Maui, Hawaii
After last summer’s deadly wildfires in West Maui, tourism to the island (and other Hawaiian islands) decreased significantly. Tourism accounts for more than 20% of the state’s economy. Lahaina remains closed to tourists, but the rest of the island is open. This is good news not only for travelers who have fallen in love with the island’s beaches and views from the dormant Haleakala volcano, but also for business and restaurant owners. There are volunteer opportunities available for people looking to help their community while on vacation. This is also known as volunteer tourism. Maui may not be a remote place, but state and local officials say the island is ready to receive “respectful” visitors. Ilihia Gionson, public information officer for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, told National Geographic that it’s important that tourists return. “People have lost everything and are now losing their jobs. Maui’s economy, for better or worse, is very dependent on tourist spending at this point.”
Waves crash against the sheer cliffs of Mendocino Headlands State Park in Mendocino, California.handout
Mendocino, California
The Northern California town of Mendocino is celebrating an important anniversary this year, but it has nothing to do with gorgeous cliffs, galleries, or nearby redwood forests. “Murder She Wrote” debuted 40 years before her, and Mendocino was a charming stand-in for her Cove in Cabot, Maine. To commemorate her historic debut (her September 30th, to be exact), Jessica can stay in the Victorian bed and breakfast that served as the exterior of her Fletcher home. Blair House will be completely renovated in her 2023 and has sea views. Room rates range from $200 to $300 per night, but you must bring your own typewriter and flashlight. There’s more to this area than just “murder.” Mendocino is an idyllic village located near great natural beauty. Navarro River Redwoods State Park is a 20 minute drive away. Mendocino County is full of certified organic wineries (raise a glass in honor of Angela Lansbury). You can also explore a series of state parks. Perhaps the beautiful scenery will inspire you to start your own career as a murder mystery writer.
The Flower Bridge at Shelburne Falls spans the Deerfield River and connects two sections of town.Christopher Muser/Globe Staff
Shelburne Falls
Franklin County is the least populated county in Massachusetts and is in the shadow of the Berkshires in terms of crime. Sure, there’s no Tanglewood Symphony Orchestra or Boston Symphony Orchestra, but there is the Montague Community Band, which plays free concerts on Monday nights during the summer at Peskeomscoot Park in Turners Falls. As a former trombonist in the ensemble, I can say it’s top notch. The Deerfield River also offers an important community sport: river tubing. If you haven’t spent much time in Franklin County, I recommend starting at the tranquil Bridge of Flowers at Shelburne Falls. This year, the bridge will undergo a $2 million renovation and is scheduled to reopen in 2025, but the town is committed to spreading the love of flowers and will turn Shelburne Falls into a “flower village” this summer. I’m thinking of changing it. I’m looking forward to seeing it. From the bridge, head to Glacier Pothole and Salmon Falls for some more views. It’s a short walk from the bridge and a small trolley museum. The small downtown area has a surprising number of delicious restaurants and artsy shops. But no visit would be complete without a stop at Boswell’s Books to read some literature and spend some quality time with the adorable store cat. The town now has its own boutique hotel. Shelburne Springs, a luxury hotel with a cocktail lounge, opened last year.
The Havila Voyages ship stops near Tromsø, Norway to see the Northern Lights.Havila Voyage
tromsø, norway
This year, as France, Italy and Spain continue to enjoy a hot summer, tourists heading to Europe are gradually moving north. Travel advisors have noticed an increase in travelers booking trips to Scandinavia. Now that the rest of the world has (finally) discovered Sweden, my advice is to get ahead of Norway. Oslo is nice too, but save your time for Bergen, which is much more charming. One of the true gems of this country is Tromsø, which combines the best conveniences of the city with the magnificent arctic nature. If you want to see more of this country, especially the Northern Lights, Habilia Voyages offers astronomical cruises with experts. This round-trip cruise from Bergen comes with guaranteed Northern Lights viewing. If you can’t find it, a new ship will sail for free. If you choose not to sail, you can take part in Tolomo’s annual reindeer race or run the midnight marathon. Don’t miss the restaurant scene.
Josh Tolkien overlooking the historic city of Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor, Montenegro
The charming medieval city of Kotor is nestled between the Dinaric Alps and along the crystal blue Adriatic Sea. This means that no matter where you look, you’ll have a spectacular view. Think Dubrovnik minus the Game of Thrones groupies. It can get crowded on days when cruise ships dock nearby, but if you plan your visit strategically, you can have the cobblestone streets to yourself. Well, actually, you can’t keep them to yourself. You will have to interact with the many cats living in the center of town. There is also a cat museum dedicated to them. Walk along Kotor’s ancient walls, built between the 9th and 14th centuries, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife. There is no shortage of historical sites and delicious seafood.
Panama’s San Blas Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America.handout
San Blas Islands, Panama
If you want to relax, or really escape, the San Blas Islands might be one of the best places to do it. There is no internet here and credit cards are not accepted. anywhere. Bring your US dollars and your sense of adventure. These islands are part of the Comarca de Cuna Yala, an independent indigenous territory on the Caribbean side of Panama. It’s not technically part of Panama, as it’s ruled by the island’s indigenous Kuna people, and you’ll need a passport to enter. There are no luxury hotels or resorts here. The most luxurious accommodations you will find are wooden cabins on the water. The reward for the arduous journey to the island (boat travel is a little precarious) and rustic accommodation are some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see.
Christopher Muther can be reached at christopher.muther@globe.com.follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.
