Zanzibar

Fully embracing Coco&Kelly's blog challenge: choosing a vacation spot, I naturally gravitate off the beaten path when choosing a place. Experiencing a culture of an exotic land with emerald beaches and a people beckoning of another time define my pick, the island of Zanzibar off Tanzania, Africa.

This island is chock full of history, intricate stone buildings, and a jaded past like most countries in Africa.

According to Destinations of the World News, Zanzibar made the 50 most authentic places to travel, Mark Jones who compiled the list said, "An authentic tourist is one who is changed by a place and doesn't seek to change it." That truly sums up my travel mantra!

While in Zanzibar, I'd absolutely investigate the history as dramatically pictured below, take a ride in a dhow (see pictured canoe-type boat), indulge in the native spices (clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and pepper), and float in that emerald sea.

My packing list is inspired by the above little girl's citrus and aqua ensemble!

images via Eric Lafforgue (1&4), mirella wognum, esinuhe69