9. Zen Out Like Japan on Oahau, Hawaii
Hawaii is alluring for many reason – the beaches and luaus, for starters. But there are more than just Polynesian pleasures awaiting you there. While in Oahu, you can experience a taste of Japan, too. The Byodo-in Temple is a replica of the 1000 year old United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. It’s on a smaller-scale, but is still an impressive example of Buddhist architecture – made without nails! It was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of Japanese immigration to Hawaii. The lush grounds at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains include a large reflecting pond, small waterfalls, a peace bell, and meditation niches ideal for zenning out.
10. We’ve Got Our Own Amazon-like Rainforest in Puerto Rico
No need to get a visa or risk malaria with a South American jaunt to the Amazon. In El Yunque, you can be enveloped in a lush tropical rainforest right on the US territory of Puerto Rico. Various jungle trails let you experience the diverse flora and fauna up close. Look for (or more like listen for) the chirping coqui tree frogs and the Puerto Rican amazon parrot. Cascading waterfalls add to the wonder of the landscape. Unlike the real Amazon, there are no poisonous snakes in El Yunque National Forest. A trip to Puerto Rico gives American’s a real sense of a foreign getaway, with no passport necessary.
