Like the 19th century travelers in the painting above, I want to explore more than ever! Many of us have a desire to change the current narrative and make a shift to the positive. For me, traveling is a much needed elixir, especially in these tumultuous times. The key is planning in our world of higher gas prices and airfares. So let us “Breathe in courage, exhale fear” and set our sails for new horizons. Here are some ideas for your travel planning about where to go next.

I have inherited the travel gene from my great grandfather, Captain Brown. He was an adventurous sea captain from Scotland who traveled the world. As a young man he fought for the Queen during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Later in life he retired in San Francisco.

San Francisco is the perfect place to begin. No matter how many times you have visited the City it always fascinates! Ride a cable car, take a walk at Crissy Field viewing the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoy a great Italian dinner in North Beach, visit San Francisco’s National Cemetery in the Presidio, and go to the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden. Be sure to include visits to their fabulous museums such as the de Young, Legion of Honor, California Academy of Sciences, and the Asian Art Museum, to name a few!

Filoli, also known as the Bourn-Roth Estate, is a beautiful country house set in 16 acres of gorgeous formal gardens located in Woodside, California, and only about 25 miles south of San Francisco. My Mom loved visiting the home and gardens.

How about a trip to the Denver area? Denver has a great youth vibe, wonderful museums, numerous activities for fun and knowledge. Boulder is just a short drive to the northwest.

Yours truly at the Denver Botanical Garden during an Alexander Calder exhibit.

There are plenty of great hikes in the Denver Metro, Boulder, and an hour or so west. Marla is taking a hike near Frisco, Colorado.

Sedona is less than a 2 hour drive north of Phoenix, Arizona. The area is a great place to recharge and relax. Superb nearby hiking trails.

The Lone Cypress is a fabulous spot to visit while on the 17 mile Drive in Pebble Beach, California. Nearby Monterey Bay is a nice town as well and famous for their aquarium. I took this photo of the bay early one morning.

I’ve been coming to Occidental, California, in Sonoma County, ever since I was a small boy. Have lunch or dinner at the historic Union Hotel. It is only an hour & half north of San Francisco.

Muir Woods National Park is only a 45 minute drive from San Francisco. Grandson Vaughan enjoys the view from Muir Beach Overlook when he was 9 year old.

Hawaii has wonderful islands for your visit, but my favorite is The Big Island. Akaka Falls State Park is only 11 miles north of Hilo. This wetter side of the island offers dense jungle landscapes. For a wonderful experience visit The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The dryer Kona side offers wonderful resorts and fabulous golf courses. Volcano National Park is a must as well.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a must on a visit to Boston. I totally love this place.

The island of Guernsey is a quick 1 hour 10 minute flight from London Gatwick Airport. I can’t say enough about this beautiful island! I’m looking over the sea while at Icart Point. Marla and Paxton are inside the Little Chapel.

Renoir Tea Garden at Moulin Huet Bay on the island of Guernsey is a stunningly beautiful spot for a nice tea or light lunch. Marla and I are with my niece Suzanne, nephew Steve and wife Karen. Renoir once painted in this area.

Lake Annecy is one of my favorite places in France. You’ll love historic Annecy Town and the ferry can drop you off at hamlets around the lake. You can drive here from Paris in about 5 hours and 45 minutes, or the TGV train in 3 hours & 50 minutes. Marla and I watch the excellent French police drama “Cassandre”, subtitled on MHZ Choice or Amazon. The entire series takes place around the island.

Corfu, is a simply gorgeous island off Greece’s northwest coast. It has rugged mountains and a resort-studded shoreline. Corfu’s cultural heritage reflects years spent under Venetian, French and British rule before it was united with Greece in 1864. Corfu Town is full of ancient lanes, great restaurants and shopping, and is fun to explore.

The Amalfi coast is a favorite of mine! You can tell Lisa and Ray love it as well. Positano is gorgeous but be prepared for heavy tourism during the summer. Ravello, outside of Amalfi, is stunning with beautiful gardens and high-end luxury resorts. Jet ferries can take you around the coast as well to fabulous Capri!

Istanbul is one of the world’s most iconic cities and should be high on your travel list.

If you watched “White Lotus Season 2” you will know why Taormina, Sicily, is so beautiful.

Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and a stunning city to explore.

Menton is my number one favorite city on the French Riviera! Sensational restaurants, beaches and a charming old town. I really could live here!

Suzhou, China, is a superb place for a day tour while in Shanghai. It has lovely gardens and historic canals. It was the center of the silk industry in the Tang Dynasty.

Bangkok, Thailand, is on my top 5 world best cities list. I never tire of its frenetic pace and beautiful historic sites.

While in Thailand head up north from Chiang Mai and have fun with wonderful elephants. Riding them is definitely not done today but you can still “wash” them in their favorite ponds.

Vietnam is beautiful and very welcoming for tourists. The photos above are in Hanoi which is a must visit.

Though some people say Bali is too crowded I still love this magical island. Kuta and Seminyak seem to have a lot of tourists, especially from Australia. The key is to find unique and authentically beautiful places outside of the larger towns. You can still see a Bali of a century ago. It just takes a little creativity. I’m going back soon.

These shoes are made for walking…and exploring…and finding beauty and adventure!

Photos: Dick Gentry…Not to be used without permission.