1. New Orleans, LA, USA. I think you all had a good idea that this destination had to be on the list. Considering we are all Collegiettes that attend Florida State, and that New Orleans is relatively near, it has to be one of the places where our wanderlust leads us. New Orleans has so much to offer us – culture, history, food, and of course, Mardi Gras. If you were planning a getaway weekend with your friends, New Orleans would be ideal with its Cajun culture and French Quarters. Louisiana will be calling your name to come visit before you graduate!
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Although your parents might not be thrilled to hear you’re planning a trip to one of Europe’s most embracive cities when it comes to the use of weed and alcohol, it doesn’t necessarily mean all you will be doing is smoking a joint in a coffee shop along one of the numerous canals the city has. You would honestly be doing yourself an injustice if you came to Amsterdam and all you thought there was to do was to experience the liberties the city allows. Amsterdam has so much more to offer, such as its breathtaking architecture resembling European neo-gothic buildings. The city also has many festivals to offer year round. Among the festivals, the most popular are the Queen’s Day festival and a Gay Pride festival that Amsterdam hosts.
3. Santorini, Greece. Greece is practically on everyone’s destination list. Santorini is big on being a nightlife location for tourists, and is known for attracting one of the largest amount of visitor’s in Greece every year. But would you rather go somewhere else in Greece if given the choice? Santorini has one of the most breathtaking views. Blue roofed homes that almost all have a pristine white color give the island a refreshing and tropical feel. If you’re an outdoor kind of girl, this destination is deal for you. The island of Santorini has many outdoor excursions; among them is an opportunity to hike the trail from Fira to Oia. This trail will take you 10 miles across the island and offer an incredible view of the ocean and other surrounding Grecian islands.
4. Okinawa Island, Japan. Out of all the options on the list, this would have to be my personal favorite. Even though I have never traveled to Okinawa, it definitely reminds me of home. The beaches in Okinawa are flat and have some of the whitest sand in the world. If you grew up in a small, quiet beach town, this place is for you. Not much happens in Okinawa, and the people that live there usually make a living by fishing. However, if you’re looking for an exotic location with a down-to-Earth feel, Okinawa is the place. Things to do in Okinawa primarily involve, you guessed it, the water. Snorkeling (Okinawa has some of the best reefs in the world), diving, fishing, and jet skiing are just some of the water activities the island is famous for. Not to mention, it was the birth place of Karate.
5. Angkor Wat, Cambodia. Mysterious and spiritual are just two of the words used to describe this temple in Cambodia. When it was first constructed in the 12th century, it was originally a Hindu temple, however it was later converted to a Buddhist temple. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest religious shrine in the world. If you’re looking for a place to go to on a spiritual pilgrimage the Angkor Wat temple is it. This place will have you feeling like Elizabeth Gilbert in India on her way to self-actualization.