Soft sands, cerulean waves, zesty cuisine, ancient civilizations -- finding a reason to travel to Mexico isn't difficult. However, picking the perfect...

Though comestibles are always near the top of my list when I travel, there were also museum visits, new hotels to check out and an amazing trip to Niagara Falls to witness Nik Wallenda tightrope from the US to Canada.

My room, the North Loft, in the barn building was larger than most New York apartments and had everything I needed and nothing I didn't.

Each less than two hours outside of a major city, these destinations offer gorgeous landscapes and entertain singles, couples and families for a reasonable price. I love them all just as much as my Mexican hideways!

Who needs the sweltering crowds of summer when you can sip café au lait on the Champs Elysées and save beaucoup Euros?