Have you heard of the 50/50 Club? Visited all 50 states and 50 countries in your lifetime (there are 196 to choose from)? The 50/50 is a badge of pride. An accomplishment reserved only for the elite wanderlusters who have a travel addiction so bad they have been bitten by the need to see the world. It's an addiction as much as a need. A lifestyle as much as a passion.

And no cheating, I don't count airport layovers as visits. Use your best discretion as to how long you must be at a place to officially check it off the list. You have to at least make a stop, not just pass through on a road trip in the middle of the night (yeah, we know you did that with Iowa).

Here's my list, I'm just under halfway on states and 1/3 on countries.

States:

1. Washington

2. California

3.  Nevada

4. Arizona

5. Colorado

6. Kansas

7. Minnesota

8. Wisconsin

9. Iowa

10. Missouri

11. Louisiana

12. Illinois

13. Michigan

14. Indiana

15. Kentucky

16. Pennsylvania

17. Ohio

18. Georgia

19. Florida

20. Virginia

21. West Virginia

22. Maryland

23. New York

24. Massachusetts

 

Countries:

1.US

2. Canada

3. Mexico

4. Costa Rica

5. Aruba

6. Barbados

7. Jamaica

8. Grand Cayman

9. Virgin Islands

10. Iceland

11. UK

12. Italy

13. France

14. Portugal

15. Spain

16. Austria

17. Netherlands

18. Israel

19. Bahamas

How far along are you? Post your achievements in the comments!

It's rare to meet a person who doesn't have skydiving on their bucket list. One of the most common dreams we have are instances where we defy gravity and gain the ability to fly. The thought of gliding through the sky over extraordinary landscapes tickles our sense of wonderment. But how many of us are audacious enough to take an adrenaline-rushing plunge in the real world?  Make your dreams come true by gaining insight on the world's best places to fall on purpose.

 

Everest, Nepal

At 29,029 feet above sea level, Mount Everest stands as the world's tallest mountain located in Nepal.  Looking to dive into something extreme but not an experienced mountaineer? Go on the most incredible adventure of your life by taking a drop in on the highest skydiving event in the world. Experience soaring through the majestic Himalayas and land on the highest drop zone in the world at 12,350 feet.  Find the daredevil in you and take the leap.

Fox Glacier, New Zealand

If you are not quite crazy enough to jump as high as Mount Everest, New Zealand is a great country to explore at extraordinary heights. The Kiwis are known for their extreme sports and their native land will not let you down. Fox Glacier, New Zealand has been voted the second most scenic skydiving drop zone in the world besides Everest taking you over the biggest of the west coast glaciers. You will also get the chance to ascend over beautiful lakes, rainforests and the Tasman Sea.

 

Swakopmund, Namibia

Up for a freefall in southern Africa?  Take a glorious skydive into Swakopmund, Namibia, a seaside town in the middle of the desert. A tandem 10,000 foot jump will cost you under $300 for a unique view of Namibia's infinite blue sky, wildlife and endless sand dunes.

 

Interlaken, Switzerland

Craving cheese or chocolate? Switzerland is known for its delightful cuisine, but the country is also well-known for its breath-taking scenery. Plunge into one of the most popular skydiving locations in the world and soar through the grand snow-capped Swiss Alps.

Hawaii

Fly into America's paradise by skydiving into Hawaii. Past skydivers argue Hawaii is the most beautiful drop zone in the world. The drop is as high as 18,000 feet and allows you to plummet into the tropical air and experience a bird's eye view of Diamond Head Volcano, Pearl Harbor and marine life in the vast Pacific.

 

Seville, Spain

If you are looking for a spectacular European leap, sign up to skydive in Seville, Spain where you will be dropped at 15,000 feet, the highest altitude in Europe. If 15,000 feet is a little too daunting, you can opt for 10,000 feet which is also less expensive.

by Molly Nelson, Contributing Author

Got the winter blahs? With the weather taking a nosedive, escaping the biting cold is probably at the top of your to-do list. Deciding between a beach vacation or snow adventure is one of the hardest decisions you'll have to make this fall. I often daydream about a magical place to simultaneously ski and get a tan with a mai tai, but unfortunately I have yet to find this version of heaven on earth so it's one or the other. Here are some things to consider when planning your perfect winter break.

Know Your Audience

Only you know the personalities of who you're going with- whether it be alone, the fam or a significant other. With shortened kid's attention spans, lying on the beach may bore them. Be prepared to spend a bit of money to engage in water sports like jet skis, wave runners, and para sailing to keep them interested. All the running around may not end up being as peaceful and relaxing as you anticipate.

On the other hand, in a ski area such as Colorado will they complain about the cold? Or will they embrace the challenge to fly down the slopes? The earlier on you learn, the sooner you can start doing tricks and the better you'll get. 

When You Are Going

Prices may vary greatly based on tourist and holiday season. The Caribbean and Mexico are much pricier in the winter because everyone wants to flee the temps. Right before Christmas is peak travel season, so consider basing your destination on where you can get a cheap flight. Keep an eye out for deals; as there are always good sales on Expedia, Priceline, Travelzoo and the like if you're flexible on accommodations.

If money's not an issue, escape the crowds by choosing a lesser known island or mountain. Montana and Utah have some of the best skiing in the country without the hype of Vail or Aspen. Likewise, more remote islands like St. Vincent and St. Barth are less touristy than closer flights to the Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico.

 Which Appeals to You More

Is a steamy ski lodge with a cup of cocoa and a hot tub your idea of romance, or is the hammock at the pool more your style? Not sure? Without letting your mind wander too much close your eyes. What do you see? What says escape from reality more- adrenaline pumping activities that get your heart racing or a massage on sun kissed sands with not a care in the world.

Still can't decide? If all else fails, flip a coin. Or the more fun way to choose a destination, throw a dart at a map.

Pearl of the Orient, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Ceylon and Serendib: all names referring to an island country full of rich culture, history, beautiful countryside and Buddhist traditions. Discover Sri Lanka attractions and their Asian allure.

National Museum

Are you drawn to ancient artifacts, antiques, archeological artifacts and cultural history? Take a stroll through Sri Lanka's National Museum located in the country's largest city Columbo. Established in 1877, the National Museum exhibits 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts and the regalia of Kanyan Kings dating as far back as the 17^th century.

 

Anuradhapura

Uncover more of Sri Lanka's history by visiting the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura located in the jungle 130 miles (205 km) north of Columbo.  Hire a bicycle or travel using a 'Tuk-tuck' through the ruined palaces and monasteries, carvings, sculptures, and dagobas (domes built to enshrine sacred relics). 

 

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

Witnessing a herd of about 60 elephants roam freely over 25 acres of abundant forest is really quite magical. The famous attraction, known as the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is situated in the countryside on the hills of Kegalle on the way to Kandy. Visitors are welcome to assist in feeding the baby elephants before their led to their daily baths.

Beaches

Sri Lanka is known for its divine southern beaches. Enjoy the amicable ocean between the months of October and April when the monsoon has moved on. Hikkaduwa is a popular spot for scuba diving because of its plentiful array of coral and tropical fish. Also, make sure to visit Kudawella which is known for a blow hole which throws large columns of water into the air when the ocean waves break on the rocks.

 

Sacred Tooth of Buddha

Delada Meligaway or Temple of the Sacred Tooth, is located in Kandy, a city full of Buddhist history.  The golden-roofed octagonal temple was built between 1687 and 1707 and legend has it the incisor was stolen from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre.  It was taken to Sri Lanka and hidden in Princess Hemamli's hair. The temple is connected to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) which originally was used as a prison and now holds a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts.

 

by Molly Nelson, Contributing Author