Although we are Floridians, my family and I live in the middle of the state so a beach vacation is definitely my happy place. The combination of sun, salt water and sand leaves me relaxed and happy. For my kids, the highlight was taste-testing every doughnut shop within a five-mile radius. Ormond Beach is 15-minutes to the north of the its more famous neighbor, Daytona Beach.

Long walks on the beach may be a hackneyed activity but there's a reason it's a favorite for so many. This long sandy beach is just a few steps from my current hideaway and I love walking there on a foggy or sunny day. It's always exciting to watch the waves crashing and the shorebirds having a feast. You can keep on strolling down to Morro Rock and see the adorable sea otters too!

A Map of Jekyll Island dedicated to the Memory of my Mother who loved to go with me to our happy place.

I spent time in Belize in the early 1990's. My oldest daughter is currently there doing field study work for her marine science degree. She is loving it as much as I did. With contact limited in her remote area, she sends me photos and I paint them and it brings me back to my time there.

My happy place is this small piece of land called Curonian spit. It separates Baltic sea and Lithuanias mainland and is filled with most breathtaking views - dunes, hills, mythological sculptures, old timey villages, wild seashores and enormous amount of pine tress. Also, it holds very dear place in my heart and is filled with so many memories and sentiments.

With the sunshine, sea, music, and art, my happy place is the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. Can you feel the breeze on the flags and hear the ringing of the church bell?

The place to warm up in the heart of winter, the place of good food, wonderful people, city bustle, quiet beach time and lush rain forest... what’s not to dream about?

Believe it or not, Miami Beach has a quiet side. Don’t tell anyone! ;-)

Here’s another one of my happy places of late ... it has everything I love: nature, water, walking trails, places to eat and drink! You can even walk to the edge of the water and put your feet in or go on a cruise and have lunch. Best of all is the kiss statue called “Unconditional Surrender” which portrays a sailor who has come home after victory in World War II kissing a nurse and is based on a famous photo taken of the real life pair - so romantic!

Chennai is both an orthodox and a modern cosmopolitan city; the culture of the city reflects its diverse population. For many travelers, a trip to Chennai means relishing mouth-watering Chettinad cuisine, taking a dip or two in the waters of Marina Beach, shopping for Kanchipuram silk sarees and gold jewelry, and going about exploring the heritage structures in the city. So, here's a map showing how I pushed off to this trip as a way of escape :)

Nothing beats the Hawaiian vibes! There are so many things that make these volcanic islands worthwhile, the culture and traditions, the pristine, white sand beaches with turquoise waters, breathtaking views and majestic mountains, the Hawaiian Islands pack so much natural beauty you'll be in awe! great weather, greater waves, nice food, good vibes! let's chill and enjoy life from this paradise called Oahu, home to HONOLULU, Hawaii's capital city.

Beautiful Island... Good times never if end if they are remembered. Beach rules, wake up smiling, flips flops are the mandatory, feel the breeze, take long walks, soak up the sun, make a splash, hang up to towel, leave the sand at the beach, relax and unwind, watch of sunrise, ride the waves, kick back, build sandcastle, cold beer with good company, laughs, fall in love, enjoy each moment, look at the stars, be grateful, the life is two days.

We live in the port town of San Pedro in Los Angeles. Not only do we get to explore historic places but also hike along the cliffside appreciating the natural beauty and wildlife that call our coast home.

I have been born and raised in Rio de Janeiro. Copacabana is without a doubt my favorite place to walk. A place that I lived for many years and that is still my favorite today. The energy of the people, the beauty of nature, the explosion of colors was the reason why Tom Jobim named Copa The Princess of the Sea. Every time I need an injection of energy I visit the streets of Copacabana. Visiting Copacabana always makes me smile, makes me feel that life is beautiful and I always leave the city full of inspiration.

Below I leave the lyrics of Copacabana composed by the genius of Brazilian Bossa Nova, Tom Jobim and I invite you to listen to it. Enjoy!

Tom Jobim
Copacabana

Existem praias tão lindas cheias de luz
Nenhuma tem o encanto que tu possuis
Tuas areias, teu céu tão lindo
Tuas sereias sempre sorrindo

Copacabana princesinha do mar
Pelas manhãs tu és a vida a cantar
E á tardinha o Sol poente
Deixa sempre uma saudade na gente

Copacabana o mar eterno cantor
Ao te beijar ficou perdido de amor
E hoje vivo a murmurar só a ti
Copacabana eu hei-de amar

Sometimes I take a long walk around the neighborhood to see the ocean and the beach and the trees. If I am lucky I get to see the Monarch Butterflies.