Destinations that are Great but not so Great
Bigger isn’t always better. Relatively speaking, of course. Oversized is definitely over-rated. Or put another way, small is indeed beautiful. Knowing these more diminutive places is no petite task however. Lots are so easily overlooked. Yet evey one is a tiny gem. Next time you’re looking for something a little different, check out these small treasures.
Barely 0.2 square miles and wholly surrounded by Rome, Vatican City is the world’s smallest state. Rich in history and art, the Vatican is still big enough to contain Michelangelo’s soaring work in the Sistine Chapel and the crowds who gather to hear the pope’s public addresses. Only a few thousand people actually live in Vatican City, less than the number of visitors in an average afternoon. The guys in the clown outfits are actually soldiers, by the way.
His Serene Highness Prince Albert II reigns over the 0.7 square miles of French coastline that’s called Monaco. Everywhere you look there are casinos, palaces and Nice ocean views. Risk everything at the famous Monte Carlo casino designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Paris Opera, or simply explore the surrounding Côte d’Azur.
- Flights to Nice
- Hotels in Monte Carlo
- Talk to other Kayakers about Monte Carlo
Significant in everything but land mass, tiny Costa Rica is a great escape from the approaching chill. Rich in rainforest, over a quarter of this country’s land is protected wildlife areas, and these parks and reserves hold about 4% of the world’s total animal and plant species. Up in the Monteverde Cloud Forest you can spot some of fifty species of hummingbirds, including the scintillant hummingbird, which weighs less than a penny.
- Flights to San Jose, Costa Rica
- Hotels in Monteverde
- Talk to other Kayakers about Monteverde or San Jose
Lest we forget our own smaller offerings, Rhode Island, America’s smallest state offers big delights. Every New York robber baron had a holiday home in Newport, RI that would make a McMansion tremble. Since then, it’s been New Englanders who come for the yachting and beachside relaxation. Ordinarily pretty pricey, the fall is shoulder season, so your bill will be inline with the theme of this email.
- Flights to Providence
- Hotels in Newport
- Talk to other Kayakers about Newport
The World’s Smallest Museum is, ironically, located in Superior, Arizona. Here you’ll see just ten display booths in 134 square feet. Each honors the world’s workforce in a unique way. Roadside museums just aren’t made like this anymore. Everyone will be entertained — just please all don’t come at once.
Get the Fare Buzz to these small destinations from your home airport.
Yours, small but perfectly informed,
Steve and Paul, Kayak.com co-founders