Since 2000, Barbara Boxer has had to go on 18 special-interest funded trips to such far-flung destinations as Honolulu, Hawaii; Punta Mita, Mexico; the Grand Cayman Islands and Florence, Italy – just to name a few.
Her visits to these exotic locations uniquely qualify her to recommend the Five Places to See Before You Retire. We’re guessing she’s thrilled she had the chance to see these places before the people of California send her into retirement on November 2.
After you read our travel guide, be sure to visit RetireBarbaraBoxer.com to make your recommendation to the Senator on where she should retire.
Canada’s Majestic Rocky Mountains
Banff
Alberta, Canada
Banff was the first national park established by Canada, all the way back in 1885. Home to Lake Louise, it has become a top destination for luxury travelers courtesy of its abundant skiing in winter and hiking in summer, its resort, and the infamous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, an Edwardian building often described by travel guides as “sumptuous.” All of these attractions make it a great place to visit, also, if you’re looking to make the most of leisure time surrounding official-sounding discussions of American education policy. Bed and breakfast at the Fairmont costs from about $350 per night. The Fairview dining room– a must-visit– offers an array of must-sample dishes. The 6-ounce Carmen Creek Bison Tenderloin, which comes priced at $46 (Canadian) is particularly recommended, as is the Raspberry-Fruit Delice-Watermelon Consomme combination at $12 Canadian, for dessert. Costs are variable, so make sure your sponsor is covering everything.
A Golden Treasure
The Bay Area
California, USA
The Bay Area– regarded by many as the modern seat of wacky American liberalism and home to groups who do things like “assist indigenous Siberian communities in engaging Russian policymakers in local civic and environmental issues” — has always been one of California’s top tourist attractions. But don’t just visit the Golden Gate Bridge while you’re there. Be sure to check out some of the region’s less-visited sights, too. The California Academy of Science is one recommended stop on your tour. If you’re lucky enough to make it on the right day, you may be able to catch a glimpse of them photographing exotic ants. Keep your paws off the pictures, though, as they’re worth up to $2 million in taxpayer-funded stimulus dollars. Also, pay a visit to UC Berkeley, home to many a large-scale anti-Vietnam War protest back in the day. Today, the University hosts federally-funded researchers armed with a $450,000 stimulus grant investigating the atmosphere of Neptune. A final note: Be sure when visiting San Francisco itself to map out all the places you want to see ahead of time, to avoid any long hikes up steep hills– there’s plenty to see, and you don’t want to miss the best bits due to exhaustion!
Revolutionary Thrills
Cuba
Greater Antilles
Cuba is off-limits to ordinary Americans, but for Members of Congress, a visit to the Communist-governed isle that sits a mere 90 miles off the coast of Florida is easily accomplished via privately-funded junket. Ordinary Cubans may live a life of poverty, but there are plenty of luxurious accommodations on offer for well-heeled American tourists– or those funding their travels. La Habana Vieja is the best place to sightsee, but the famous Hotel Nacional is where the savvy visitor wants to stay. Rooms there cost from about $200 a night, but who’s keeping tabs on costs when someone else is paying?
A Renaissance Jewel
Florence
Tuscany, Italy
It was written by Anatole France that “the god who created the hills around Florence was an artist. No! he was a jeweler, engraver, sculptor, bronze founder and painter.” But you must experience Florence first hand to truly appreciate it. Home to sites like the Churches of Santa Croce, the Medici Chapels, and the Ponte Vecchio, the Hotel Helvetia and Bristol is particularly recommended. Stravinsky and the Danish royal family have both stayed in this converted 1800’s palazzo. “Sumptuous” is again a word that springs to mind, when taking in the resident comforts. Prices vary according to the US-Euro exchange rate, but expect to pay about $300 a night. Or rather, your sponsor should. A well-planned, think-tank sponsored trip should cost about $9,000 for two people.
Pure Pacific Tranquility
Punta Mita
Punta Mita, near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Throngs of average American tourists visit neighboring Puerto Vallarta each year for some rest and relaxation, but savvy travelers who know where to find real luxury skip the main beach drag and head straight to Punta Mita, an oasis of tranquility located on an isthmus boasting magnificent Pacific Ocean views. Home to several luxury hotels, spa visits, fine dining, and golf are easily arranged for those visiting on “business,” but looking for a calming break from the rat race in Washington, DC. Unlike Puerto Vallarta itself, a trip will set those sponsoring your trip back a pretty penny: An average stay for a couple of two attending, say, a Conference on U.S. Policy in Latin America, can set a corporate or even a non-profit sponsor back nearly $7,000. However, a visit to Punta Mita is well worth the expense, especially if you’re not paying for it yourself.