10 Awesome Vacation Spots Your Friends Do Not Know About!

I start with 3 family friendly vacation spots and work my way down to the adventure junkie hot spots. Everyone will find something that looks interesting, and I can just about guarantee that your friends never told you about these vacations! Maybe it's time you all get together and have a sit-down to discuss your next trip. You might need to change it up a bit after looking at this list!

1. Out'n'About

This "hotel" has a tagline that says it all. "We are a veritable treehouse wonderland". And that they are. The property is a private 36 acre "Treesort" that backs up to the Siskiyou National Forest . They boast 18 different treehouses, a host of platforms (with some nearly 40' above ground level), 7 swinging bridges, some child size forts, a Giant Tarzan swing plus five others, 20 flights of stairs, 4 ladders, and over 1 mile of Treehouse Zip Lines. They also brag of an absolutely unbeatable collection of zip line courses on site. As if all of this is not enough, the list of amenities includes a fresh water pool fed by the East Fork Illinois River, two performance stages, a bath house, a cooking pavilion, a big campfire site and barbecues.

If this doesn't just scream Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Camp Fire Girls, Church Group, Family Reunion, Family Vacation or some other made up reason to get out there and check it out, I don't know what does. I can already taste the hamburgers and the s'mores.

2. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

Located just 30 minutes by boat from Tofino, British Columbia, this Resort offers more than just the vacation of a lifetime - they support an enduring legacy with their Wilderness Programs. Resort accommodations, food and beverage programs, activites and adventures and conservancy programs offer something for all ages and preferences. Couples, grandparents, kids of all ages - find their uniquely-designed program of fun and adventure here. Inspired by the Great Camps of the 19^th century, situated at the mouth of the Bedwell River you will find an encampment of 20 great white canvas tents, massage and treatment tents, dining tents, lounge tents and a massive timber cookhouse. Here, where the river spills into the 9-mile long fjord you are pleasantly overjoyed by a comforting paradox of individual pampering and remote, untamed wilderness.

I can already feel the tension melting away and I haven't left my seat here in Florida because I still have 8 spots to tell you about! I guess I will have to meet you there after I finish. Save a cot for me!!

3. The John Muir Lodge and Kings Canyon National Park

Well anyone living in North America, at one time or other has wanted to visit Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks in the southern Sierra Nevada. For all of the talk about everything being big in Texas, even they can't touch the Big in these two National Parks. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world's largest trees!! It doesn't matter the season, the beauty of these parks is untouched and the value of a visit is priceless for young and old alike. I guarantee you that one visit will not be enough. You will go back again and again because the Sequoias will get you!

The John Muir Lodge is a perfect setting for every visit you make to the area. It is perfectly located to both park entrances in historic Grant Grove Village. You can even have a very comfortable walk from the lodge to the Grant Grove and the General Grant tree. The lodge itself is breathtaking, with it's enchanting mountain décor, outdoor balconies and stone fireplace.

While you are there, I caution you, be careful. You get so caught up in the beauty that the next lodge they build will be named after you. That's exactly what happened to the noted author and naturalist, John Muir.

4. Porto, Portugal

Also known as Oporto, this city is the second largest in Portugal. She is the gateway to the Duoro Valley, Minho and Tras-os-Montes. For wine lovers this is a fantastic destination, since Porto is at the heart of Portugal's wine production and is the best place to taste and purchase the famous Port Wine of Vila Nova de Gaia. The wine-making region itself is well worth a few days spent in sightseeing. The coast is awash with holiday resorts and fantastic seafood restaurants with the Espinho Beach area nearby as a popular tourist area. You won't want to miss the wonderful old historic center and, of course, the bountiful shopping opportunities during your visit. There will be plenty to bring home to everyone so make sure you pack sparsely when you leave home. You will need the room on the return trip.

5. The Azores

Since you are in Portugal, you might want to consider making a detour on one leg of your journey to visit this absolutely magical destination. Among the many descriptive words used for these nine islands you will find; peaceful, majestic, harmonious, safe, exciting, timeless, contemporary, scenic, human warmth, reliable, trusted, beauty unspoiled. If you enjoy golfing, fishing, shopping, relaxing, boating, exploring, diving or any number of activities, the Azores is a destination you must discover. Whether your interests are in ecology, romance, or adventure, the only thing that will limit you here is your imagination.

6. The Liberty Hotel

For all of the hype and all of the advertising regarding the most romantic destinations in the world today, you would expect me to showcase an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean here. Sorry to disappoint, but that is not at all what I am going to do. In fact, the Liberty Hotel started out as quite the opposite. She began life as the Charles Street Jail which is the name under which she was known, quite infamously, until 1990. In September 2007 the Liberty Hotel opened with a new tower addition of 280 rooms, 18 luxury suites in the historic section of the old jail, fantastic preservation of old catwalks and cells, two restaurants and a bar. You can experience a champagne check-in to a concierge with hand-cuffs and spectacular views of the Charles River, all right here in Beacon Hill, Boston. No need to break out the passport to experience a fabulous, romantic weekend experience that will revive any spirit.

7. Gasparilla Island, Florida

I had to include a place in my current state of residence here because, after all, she is the Sunshine State! Besides, what could take us from romance to adventure any better than a trip to a pirate's dream destination? Commonly known as Boca Grande, and said to be named for the nineteenth century pirate, Jose' Gaspar, this area has actually been a popular vacation spot for the past century or so. However, it has not succumbed to the mass tourism spectacles of the islands to the south. Mostly because of the fact that Gasparilla is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but more so because of her fierce zoning laws and strict enforcement of such, you are more likely to find yourself cruising the main drag in a golf cart or on a bicycle while watching the dolphins or enjoying the sunset on the pristine beaches than to be speeding along in a ragtop convertible watching jetskis and motorboats scream past between the high rise hotels. Don't forget your poles and tackle either, because Boca is the Tarpon capital of the world. If you don't think that will be an action packed holiday, you have never tried to wrangle in a Tarpon have you? Good luck!

8. Arenal Observatory Lodge

Treat yourself to a unique, once-in-a-lifetime adventure! This is the volcano hotel's claim that is not an empty boastful comment. This hotel is perched on a ridge less than 2 miles from the Arenal Volcano, the most spectacular active volcano in the western hemisphere, in Costa Rica. The stunning views of Arenal Lake, the lush tropical landscape, the majesty of the volcano; all are unmatched by anything you have ever seen. The Lodge itself is within easy access of the town of La Fortuna, Costa Rica, which is a mere 20 minutes away. You will , however, feel like you have simply melted into another existence and, if you were not a nature lover before, you will be when you leave. There are plenty of outdoor activities to please enthusiasts of all adventure levels so bring your excitement, your cameras, your binoculars, and your wonder. Leave the rest to awesome!

9. Bonaire

What is adventure without diving, and what is diving without an absolutely fantastic location? Nothing! So there is Bonaire. The island of 100 dive sites, and only one boat allowed at each dive site at one time. Seriously. An exclusive dive site ranked among the Top 10. Actually, some of the dive sites here are accessible by simply walking from shore and diving at 1,000 feet. Others require a boat, such as Captain Don's Reef of Klein Bonaire. Don't worry about having enough time in the day to get to the dive sites, either. The resort here allows for diving 24/7/365. Best of the best is that this entire set up was designed around sustainability, so while you are diving in this pristine habitat remember to thank Don Stewart for his pioneering work in the sustainable travel here. Just be sure to bring a camera with plenty of digital memory. The only thing you will regret is running out of storage to take it all home on!

10. Gaansbai, South Africa

I had to give the final spot here to the most exhilarating adventure sport vacation spot I could find. Even though this is something I would never even consider, I know there are a good many out there that would jump at a chance to do something like this. So here goes; In Gaansbai you can actually dive with the Great White Shark!!!! Yep, you did read that correctly. Nope, there was not a typo. You do not even have to be a certified diver to partake in the excitement, so snorkelers are welcome to join in as well, if you dare. Gaansbai is actually dubbed the "World Capital of the Great White Shark" so once you get on the dive boat and head out to "Shark Alley" I guess there is a pretty good guarantee that you won't leave disappointed, even if you choose to remain onboard in relative safety. It appears that, at nearby Seal Island, it is common to see these sharks actually jumping from the waters as they hunt the seals and it is an astonishing sight to see. In any case, for those with a more adventurous side, there are the steel cages below the surface for an up close and personal meeting. Let me know if you look one in the eye! Hmmm!!!

Well, that pretty much wraps up the ten places that I found that are unique vacations for friends, family, couples, or yourself. Any of these places would be an excellent choice for your next trip and you have to admit that it would be a nice change of pace from the routine. Don't you get tired of going to the same place that the rest of the crowds go to, doing the same thing everyone else in town does, just because every time you do an internet search for summer vacation or family trip it comes up with the same package that the same company wants to sell you? Break out and do something fun and unique. Have a vacation that YOU want. There are a lot of places like this out there. These are just 10 that I found because I happen to be a travel consultant and I have a lot of information available to me.