In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and what better way to celebrate his arrival in the New World than getting the hell out of it? Pay homage to the man responsible for giving you an extra vacation day by discovering some far away new place on your own.

Start in Chris’s birthplace of Genoa, Italy. Knowing the Italians, they are still whooping it up from their World Cup victory. Bury your face in a plate of Genoa’s famous pesto then burn off those carbs walking Genoa’s revitalized port and picturesque medieval quarter. Then explore the terraced fishing villages of Cinque Terre. Its sweeping cliffs have beautiful views of the sea.

• Flights to Genoa
• Hotels in Genoa
• Talk to other Kayakers about Genoa

When Genoa stiffed Columbus voyage funding, he tried his luck with Queen Isabella in Spain. With her blessing (and ducets) he eventually set sail from Barcelona, and his statue now overlooks that city’s harbor. Chow down on Barcelona’s best tapas in the rustic bars off the city’s main drag, Las Ramblas or explore the labyrinthine alleys and shaded squares of the Barri Gòtic. If art is your thing, the airy Picasso Museum holds an extensive collection of the artist’s early work, and you can see Gaudi’s handiwork throughout the city, including his masterpiece, Sagrada Familia.

• Flights to Barcelona
• Hotels in Barcelona
• Talk to other Kayakers about Barcelona

From Spain Columbus sailed to Cuba and Hispaniola, now the Dominican Republic. As long as old Fidel still has a pulse, Cuba’s still illegal to travel to from the US, but you can get perfect white sand in your bathing suit at one of the Dominican Republic’s many beach resorts. Or, if you’re into a vacation with a little less relaxation the D.R. offers great golf, horseback riding, surfing, diving, and more. And fall’s the best time to snag a great Dominican deal.

• Flights to the Dominican Republic
• Hotels in the Dominican Republic
• Talk to other Kayakers about the Dominican Republic

After four transatlantic voyages Columbus’ wanderlust continued, even after he died. From his first final resting place in Valladolid, Mexico, his body was shipped to Seville, Spain then back to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic then to Havana a few centuries later, and then back to Mexico where his body rests today. A quick flight can get your body to Mexico, where you can live la vida loca at some of Valladolid’s beautiful resorts.

• Flights to Cancun
• Hotels in Valladolid
• Talk to other Kayakers about Cancun or Valladolid

Americo Vespucci may have two continents named after him for discovering America second, but Columbus has no fewer than 32 US cities named in his honor. Why not visit one close to you? The most famous Columbus, Columbus, Ohio is where you’ll find The Ohio State University. There is not better time to visit Columbus than during football season. Ohio State is currently ranked #1 and there’s plenty of room on the bandwagon. The Buckeyes just happen to be in town Columbus Day weekend hosting Bowling Green.

• Flights to Columbus, Ohio
• Hotels in Columbus, Ohio
• Talk to other Kayakers about Columbus, Ohio

Get the Fare Buzz for these Columbus Day destinations from your home airport.

Helping to make the world a little flatter,
Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 28th, 2006 at 11:41 am and is filed under Newsletters. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.