Top Summer Getaways: United States & Abroad

Summer getaways are the culmination of each year`s hard work and a much-needed stress reliever for a busy family. But the destination possibilities are endless, so what do you choose?

Perhaps, you could let off some steam in a culturally-rich place like Rome, or maybe stay local by visiting two of the United States most iconic cities, New York City and San Francisco. Or if something a little more laid-back is your style, go bask in the sun`s golden rays along the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand.

Whatever your taste may be, these are just a few of several locations sure to draw rave reviews from any vacation goer.

International Top Summer Vacation Destinations :

• Porto and Lisbon, Portugal: Lisbon is the seventh-most-visited city in southern Europe, behind another making the Top 3 International list, Rome, Italy. Located along the Iberian Peninsula and the only city to jettison out along the Atlantic Ocean, it has a beautiful, Mediterranean climate. Lisbon is rich in architecture, including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern, and Postmodern construction. It is also features historical boulevards and monuments, as well as several museums. Not only has Lisbon been home to five "Rock in Rio" pop-rock festivals since 2004, it is home to the Christ the King monument standing along the southern bank of the Tagus River and houses two large parks, Eduardo VII and Monsanto Forest Park. If you are a low-key person, then the city for you is Porto, a mere 200 miles north of Lisbon, Portugal. It`s one of the oldest European centers. It is also known for its production of the famous Porto wine, is beautiful and lively, and it`s a walkable city full of monuments.
• Rome, Italy: Where to begin? Aside from its views, there is food, Italian cuisine, a reason in its own to travel to Rome. Like Lisbon and Porto, Portugal, it boasts a Mediterranean climate and is full of cultural and historical significance. From ancient Roman ruins, to Renaissance art and architecture, Rome, will keep you occupied for days on end. Its panoramic views and magnificent villas (parks), as well as being one of the world`s main archaeological research centers will offer a glimpse at life during the days of the great Roman Empire. If all this isn`t reason enough yet for you to book your ultimate summer trip, how about Rome`s most iconic archaeological site the "Colosseum", regarded as a wonder of the world. Rome also contains a vast and impressive collection of art, sculpture, fountains, frescos, and different paintings from all different periods. How about visiting Vatican City, where the Pope resides. Not only can you find the Pope within Rome City limits, but you will also stumble upon the prestigious Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. It is famous for its architecture and decoration by Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo and Sandro Botticelli.
• Dublin, Ireland: The most populous and biggest city in Ireland, Dublin, is rich in cultural arts, entertainment, and full of shopping. The city boasts several theatres, including the Gaity, Abbey, Olympia, Gate and the most recent, Grande Canal Dock which holds a capacity of 2,111 and opened in March 2010. It is also home to several museums, including Number 29, The Little Museum of Dublin, and is home to the National College of Art and Design dating back to 1746. Try the nightlife scene. The Temple Bar south of the River Liffey has become a popular tourist spot. Visit the many shopping districts in Dublin, but if looking for historical sites, it would be best to drop-by Moore Street which remains one of the city`s oldest trading districts.

United States Top Summer Vacation Destinations:

• New York, N.Y: The U.S.`s and one of the world`s most populous and electric cities, it has no shortage of things to do. From Broadway plays to Central Park`s Zoo and Wildlife Center, the Children`s Zoo to Belvedere Castle in just a few blocks can keep you and your family entertained and quite busy. How about visiting New York`s legendary Statue of Liberty after hopping aboard a ferry, or taking an elevator trip to the top of the Empire State Building? Drop-by the American Museum of Natural History or Museum of Art for a bit of culture. If that isn`t enough to quench your vacation thirst, visit Ellis Island, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or downtown New York City tourism ultimate`s, the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and Manhattan`s Chinatown. If entertainment is your caveat, then make a pit-stop into one of the city`s 39 largest theaters collectively known as Broadway. Located in the Times Square Theater District, the area is referred to as the Main Stem, The Great White Way or the Rialto.
• Myrtle Beach, S.C.: Attracting a whopping 14 million visitors from spring to fall, the main reason people take getaways to Myrtle Beach, S.C., are its luxurious and lengthy stretch of beaches known as the 60-mile Grand Strand. A warm subtropical climate combined with amusement and water parks, restaurants and live entertainment are just what vacationers have in mind, an ultimate pampering of sorts. How about something like the Carolina Opry, a highly-acclaimed attraction featuring various musicals, comedy, dance, and entertainment shows. There is also the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, opened in 2010 and recognized as the nation`s top boardwalks. Making the boardwalk even more special is a 200-foot observation wheel dubbed "The Myrtle Beach Skywheel", with glass gondolas that look over the Atlantic Ocean. Amongst other things, there is plenty of retail therapy. Barefoot Landing, consisting of more than 100 stores, restaurants and attractions, including the Alabama Theatre and a golf resort, as well as the Coastal Grand Mall opened in 2004, are just a few of many attractions to take in.
• San Francisco, Calif.: Morning fog aside, it is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. It has no shortage of activities, and is renowned for its cool summers, steep rolling hills, electric mix of architecture, and landmarks including the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, its Chinatown district and the former prison of Alcatraz Island. It contains ample beaches and parks, zigzag streets and kid-size fun for all ages, including a visit to Fisherman`s Wharf. Bring a hearty appetite, a good pair of walking shoes and take in the Financial District, Union Square, and stroll through Golden State Park. If you like entertainment and arts, pay a visit to the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center or the War Memorial Opera House that houses the San Francisco Opera, the second largest in North America. If that hasn`t left you drooling for more how about taking a trip to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art located in the South of Market neighborhood in San Francisco.

Image: The "Colosseum" in Rome, Italy. (Wikipedia/Commons)