SEXY GLAM MAGAZINE

SEXY GLAM

MAGAZINE - MAY 2015

Why go: This metropolis offers more than just a dizzying array

of landmarks (e.g., the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour

Bridge). Sydney boasts a warm, sunny climate ideal for enjoy-

ing the city’s beaches. The sands at Coogee and Bondi draw

locals and tourists alike.

Picture an easygoing seaside town: There are surfers riding the

waves and beach bums lazing on the sands. Add to this land-

scape a horizon jagged with skyscrapers and iconic landmarks

like an out-of-this-world opera house and a famously stunning

#8 Sydney

Why go: Gourmet restaurants, funky boutiques and laid-back

vibes are just some of San Fran’s charms. A ride on the cable

cars and a visit to Alcatraz are musts. And, of course, don’t for-

get to visit the city’s crowning architectural achievement — the

Golden Gate Bridge.

A jumbled collage of colorful neighborhoods and beautiful

views, San Francisco draws those free-spirited types who have

an eye for edgy art, a taste for imaginative cuisine and a zeal for

adventure. It’s really not surprising that songwriter Tony Bennett

left his heart here: The city boasts jaw-dropping sights, world-

class cuisine, cozy cafes and plenty of booming nightlife venues

— there’s no shortage of ways to stay busy here. Spend an hour

or two sunning yourself alongside sea lions on the bay, admiring

the views of the city from Twin Peaks, or strolling along the

Marina. And for the quintessential San Franciscan experience,

enjoy a ride on a cable car.

Often described as Los Angeles’ more refined northern cousin,

cool and compact San Francisco takes the big-city buzz exuded

by its southern counterpart and melds it with a sense of small-

town charm. Here, you’ll discover a mish-mash of culture flour-

ishing throughout San Francisco’s many vibrant quarters. Fol-

low the crowds to the touristy Fisherman’s Wharf area (which

offers spectacular views of Alcatraz) before heading along the

bay to the Presidio for a glimpse of the famous Golden Gate

Bridge. But don’t forget to save time for the Mission district,

The Haight and The Castro for exposure to all of the different

varieties of the San Francisco lifestyle.

Why go: Meander along cobbled streets and admire historic sites

like El Morro in Old San Juan. Prefer miles of sand? Consider

the bioluminescent bays of Culebra and Vieques. For a vibrant

night scene, visit the Isla Verde or Santurce neighborhoods of

San Juan.

Determining Puerto Rico’s charm is a no-brainer. Less than a

three-hour flight from Miami, this island is a U.S. territory (in

case you didn’t recall from high school history class). So when

you’re shopping in San Juan, you can pay for your souvenirs

with American bills. But don’t be mistaken: This isn’t quite a

home away from home. Puerto Rico has both 20-foot waves

for surfers and calm, clear waters for families. It’s a stroll back

through time (El Morro) and an up-close look at the contempo-

rary (Calle del Cristo). It’s an exhilarating mix of landscapes,

from the serpentine jungle of El Yunque to the corkscrew caves

of Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy. And if you want to

get away from civilization entirely, you can ferry over to the

secluded — not to mention jaw-droppingly gorgeous — islands

of Vieques and Culebra. Convinced?

If not, we can drive a few further points home. When other Ca-

ribbean isles put a premium on wintertime at the beach, Puerto

Rico offers year-round affordable packages so travelers can

relax along its blanched sands. And while other regional spots

like to advertise exciting nightlife, the capital city of San Juan

actually delivers. Follow a pulsating beat to the dance clubs in

the Santurce neighborhood, catch some live music in a Ponce

lounge or grab a casual drink at a San Sebastián bar.

#6 San Francisco

#7 Puerto Rico