While there are tourist sites, museums, art galleries, and more to see on Oahu, my favorite things to do on the island involve slowing down, taking advantage of the weather, and generally chilling out.
Read MoreTravel Tales: Swimming With Stingrays In The Cayman Islands
The boat had been speeding straight out into the glittering open ocean for about 20 minutes when I heard the engine cut out and we began to slow down. As we floated to a stop, and the anchor was thrown overboard, our guide started to call out instructions while the boat slowly swayed side to side, pushed by the gentle waves created by the sandbar we were floating over.
I was spending some time on Grand Cayman Island, and was surprised to learn that I could take a tour that would let me swim with stingrays. I always thought they were too dangerous to be close to — considering that they could sting you.
But, as our guide informed us, stingrays (believe it or not) do not actually sting.
Yes, they can still hurt you if you are not careful, but it is not from any sort of "sting", but from a razor sharp barb that is located in their tail. If they feel threatened, or if you step on one (we were instructed to shuffle our feet along the sandbar and NEVER lift them to prevent just that) they will swing their tail and stab you with the barb. Not all of them produce a venom, but those that do create a poison that can be fatal to humans if not treated.
Don't worry though, they are actually quite friendly and will go out of their way to interact with snorkelers, divers, and those of us bringing them fish to eat on their sandbar.
The water was about chest deep and warm when I stepped off the boat, and it didn't take long for the grey, graceful creatures to start swimming around us. I stood as still as possible, trying not to let the waves knock me over, while their silky-smooth wings brushed up against my arms and legs.
I have never in my life felt anything so soft.
After a few minutes, one of the guides beckoned me over to him, and motioned at me to hold out my arms. Before I knew what was happening, he had grabbed one of the passing rays and placed it in my arms for the perfect photo op. (I DO NOT recommend trying this on your own — the guide was a local, who was clearly extremely comfortable around the rays).
Though I have swam near stingrays while scuba diving, being that close to so many of them is an experience that I will never forget!
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Must-Visit Destination: The Enchanting City of Cortona in Italy
THE STATS:
Location — If you look at a map of Italy, Cortona is pretty much smack-dab in the middle. It is located between Rome and Florence, in the province of Arezzo, set on the side of one of the Tuscan hills covered in olive groves.
Population —The city is surrounded by high, stone walls and so its expansion is limited. There are currently around 23,000 people.
Cortona's Claim To Fame — American author Frances Mayes moved to Cortona, found love, and wrote a book called Under The Tuscan Sun. This book was turned into a movie of the same name which was filmed in the town. Cortona’s opera house made an appearance in the movie Life Is Beautiful and, on a more historical note, it is one of the few cities bypassed by Alexander The Great who apparently marched right by on his journey to conquer the known world.
Orientation — Because the city is built into a hill, it has only one level street, Via Nazionale or Main Street, located near Piazzale Garibaldi — the main gate. As I mentioned before, an ancient stone wall (going back to the time of the Etruscans) encircles the entire city and there are only a few exits or entrances. Most of the hotels, restaurants and cafes are located near, or just off, the Main Street. At the top of the hill is a huge cathedral and the old historical fort. You can walk around the entire city in about an hour.
Getting Around — There is no need to do anything but walk within the city walls. Most of the roads are very steep and made of uneven cobblestones, so make sure you are wearing comfortable footwear (leave the heels at home ladies).
Getting There And Away — The Florence-Rome train line does not stop in Cortona, but in Camucia located at the bottom of the hill; the stop is called Camucia-Cortona. It is close enough to both of the big cities that you can easily visit Cortona as a day trip (but I recommend staying at least one night). Buses, running every half hour, will take you up to Cortona’s main gate, BUT if you are up for it, a 20-30 minute walk through olive groves and past stone farmhouses is also an option.
Where To Stay — Ostello San Marco is the main hostel is the city and is located in an old monastery which means that it has huge, clean rooms. Their website is pretty rough, but it's where I stayed and is a fantastic hostel. There are a few small hotels and B&Bs as well.
What To Do — Though Cortona is small and not full of the usual attractions, what makes this place so special is the atmosphere. It has the feel, smells, and look of another time — everything that you imagine the idealized ‘Tuscany’ to be can be found within the city walls.
There are incredible views of the valley from multiple locations, bakeries full of treats, wine bars bursting with local flavours, and family-run restaurants full of melt-in-your-mouth dishes. There are also stunning examples of Renaissance architecture, churches with beautiful sculpture, and the Museo Diocesano has some incredible pieces (notable is a masterpiece by Fra Angelico).
A hike up to the 16th century Fortezza, originally built for the Medici family, is definitely worth the sweat, as it offers stunning views and a unique look at the interior of the fortified walls of the city.
How I Found It — My University had a campus located in Cortona, so in 2004, I was lucky to spend almost 4 months living in the city. While there, I studied art history, history, and classics from people who lived or worked in the area.
I went for morning jogs past Frances Mayes’ home, drank Tuscan wine daily, and became a regular at Bar Sport, my favourite cappuccino spot, where I learned the art of drinking coffee in Italy.
It is — without a doubt — one of the most magical places that I have ever been, and well worth the hike up the hill to visit it!
Must-Visit Destination: Explore The Island of Procida In Italy
THE STATS:
Location – One of the tiniest (it is so small that it wasn’t even on the map in my Lonely Planet) Flegrean Islands located just off the coast of Naples, Italy.
Population – approx. 10,000 (this number can double in the heart of the summer).
Claim To Fame – The Talented Mr. Ripley filmed the end of the movie (remember the amazing aerial views of colorful Mediterranean houses?) in the historic harbour of the island (photo above); home of THE MOST AMAZING bruschetta that I have ever tasted in my life.
Orientation – Pastel pink, white and yellow square houses clutter the waterfront, while narrow roads (more like alleyways) lead to the homes in the interior. The entire island can be walked around in less then 4 hours.
Getting Around – You could try and take a cab, but walking or biking will get you there faster!
Getting There and Away – You can reach the island by boat from Naples or one of the surrounding islands.
Where to Stay – There are only a handful of hotels and campsites on the island. An option to consider is short-term home rental. I stayed in a lovely cottage that overlooked the ocean for only about 60 Euros a night (it was split 3 ways).
What to Do – Explore the galleries, boutiques and bistros near the harbour; snap photos of the weathered local fishermen and their boats; climb to the old watchtower and enjoy a breathtaking view; check out some of the historical Mediterranean architecture; laze on one of the quiet, expansive beaches.
How I Found It – My travel buddies and I were in a hostel in Florence, chatting and organizing our packs, when a tanned girl burst into the room, threw her bags on the ground, looked at us and said, “You HAVE to go to the island I was just on! IT WAS AMAZING!”
Hearing her account of amazing sunsets, quiet beaches, warm water and friendly locals convinced me, and before the night was over, we had decided to change our plans and make our way to Procida… best decision I ever made!
