I was watching my twitter feeds this week and it struck me how many people were making “Travel Goals” outlining places they want to see and passport stamps they want to get this year. It got me thinking: where are some places you can’t go because they are so ultra-exclusive (and you’re not in that club); we don’t know about them (they aren’t on any travel websites); or they are closed to the general public and virtually impossible to get into. So after doing some searches, I found that one of my followers (@Leonardodm) had compiled such a list. The ones I selected I thought would have made for great off-site venues for some of my travel programs …..
- Mezhgorye – This is a closed town in Russia which is believed to house people working on the highly secret Mount Yamantow. It’s suspected by the United States of being a large secret nuclear facility. They have said it’s a mining site for Russian treasures, a food storage area and a bunker for leaders … Event planners for years have taken over “Western Towns” to hold evening events; can you imagine the themes you could come up with in Mezhgorye?
- Club 33 – Did you know Disneyland has its own version of a speakeasy? Well, Club 33 would be that place. With its 14-year waiting list, this club is located in the heart of New Orleans Square and is maintained as a secret feature of the theme park. And it is always open to sell libations. What in the world! I have been to Disney a thousand times and with my years in this industry I could have waited the 14 years to get my VIP pass. If I had only known …
- RAF Menwith Hill – This is a British military base with connections to the global ECHELON spy network. It contains an extensive satellite ground station and is believed to be involved in commercial espionage; it filters all telephone and radio communications in the nations that host it. Event planners could take their “Evening Under the Stars” night to the next level at a venue like this one!
I guess I never really pondered places I couldn’t go so I will end with places I want to go in 2010: sailing in Spain, exploring Asia and visiting a Caribbean island for sun and fun. Actually, my first trip of the year will be later this month; I am heading to Vegas to see the new CityCenter . I am staying at Aria and will be seeing the new Elvis show. I am looking forward to seeing what Vegas feels is the next “big thing” in a city that’s motto is “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” I will keep that in mind …
