Taipei is “China-light”--smaller city, fewer people, cleaner air and a slower pace. It’s a great first-step for traveling to a Chinese-speaking region without the hustle/bustle of Hong Kong nor the hassle and cost of getting a visa.
1. SURFING IN SAN DIEGO
Standing erect on a 10-foot board while it shoots along the crest of a break is a pure adrenaline rush and a rare American experience. The accompanying laid-back surf and sand lifestyle is an added bonus and always on display at the neighborhood coastal bars and cafes in Ocean Beach ("OB"), Pacific Beach ("PB"), and La Jolla. True, adequate surf spots line both coasts. But, to find the real deal, the best beginner breaks, and a metropolitan destination for the rest of your non-surfing crew, head to sunny San Diego.
