Love to travel, but not really in the mood for a road trip and the road rage opportunities that accompany it? Why not try sailing and not just any sailing but a rent a mega-yacht and sail the open seas trip?
Consider starting in Florida, but forget about everything you think you know about their emerald colored water being infested with alligators; floating adrift in the Conch Republic will keep well out of harms way. Many recommend starting your trip in Biscayne Bay and sailing the 140 miles south to Key West; you will pass Marathon along the way where you will definitely want to relax on the famous Sombrero Beach and perhaps enjoy a little fishing in the shallow waters.
If you want to venture a little further out to sea consider starting in Paradise Island, Bahamas; it is located off the coast of Florida and is an archipelago that consists of 700 islands and over 2,000 more uninhibited cays that seem to just magically float in the Atlantic. You can contact one of several charter companies in the area that will not only set you up with a sweet luxury boat, but will provide you with a crew and an amazing itinerary so that all you have to do is sit back and relax.
Ready to head out further into some deeper international waters? Then you should really consider New Zealand’s subtropical South Pacific region, the Bay of Islands. You have never seen more sheltered inlets for private parties, sleepy little coves for relaxing or long stretches of sandy beaches for soaking up the sun. If you start off in Russell you will be able to enjoy some easy cruising and some good game fishing all the way to Roberton and you can partake in some incredible snorkeling along the trail to a natural lagoon.
And, for the ultimate sailing experience you need to head to France, the French Riviera flows past flash towns and tranquil islands. Starting in Nice and head for St. Tropez and then possibly on to a quieter spot like Porquerolles where you can ride a bicycle across the island or swim in the glorious sea. From there you can sail to Cannes and tread the ever famous Croisette or visit the cell of the Masked Man. From Cannes you can continue to Monte Carlo in Monaco and try your luck at the many casinos.
Naturally you can always choose to fly from point A to point B much quicker, but then you will never see some of the worlds best places; seeing islands as they float towards you out of the mist. You will feel the ocean spray on your face, but most of all you will feel alive.
