Ten Vacation Spots on Stephen Zimmer’s Mind

Here we are in August, and I find myself longing for one of those true vacations that I haven’t had in many years. The kind where you just get a way to a really exciting and fun destination, and forget about work for awhile. I’m in the midst of a wonderful blog tour showcasing Rayden Valkyrie right now, but I still would love a vacation. This post is on the fun side, but it gives you my top ten vacation destinations today!

My Top Ten Vacation Spots

Rayden Valkyrie travels extensively, and her adventures take her to many distant lands and across oceans. She is not shy about encountering new people and cultures, and always has an eye open to learning new things and gleaning wisdom wherever her road leads.

In a similar manner, I value travel and going to a variety of places in the world. You learn from your experiences, and traveling affords you unique opportunities that simply cannot be attained otherwise.

I figured I would choose some places I have been to, and some that I have not, and include reasons why each of my selections made the list.

Here are the places that are foremost on my mind, in no particular order, if I were to be given to opportunity to visit ten places in the coming year.

Great Smoky Mountains: I have loved the Smoky Mountains since I was a young child. My parents would take almost yearly trips there, and the mountains always stoked my imagination. From the mists in the morning to the glittering waterfalls and majestic overlooks, the Smoky Mountains have always been treasure trove for inspiration and ideas. It will always be on my top ten list in terms of destinations, as it is a place I could never get tired of visiting.

Alaska: I have been to Alaska once, taking a trip with my mother and sister that involved a cruise up the inner passage and then a trip inland. The scenery was breathtaking and the small towns I visited all had a magic of their own. From flora to fauna, Alaska is filled with sights and experiences, and I would love to go back.

Germany: Germany is a major part of my heritage, on my father’s side, and I have had a lifelong interest in the lore and history of the land. I would love to have the chance to explore Germany in person, and visit places like the Black Forest or even modern music festivals like Wacken. It is a land steeped with history and is the homeland of many of my own ancestors, and it would be a tremendous experience to visit there.

Tokyo, Japan: I have always wanted to visit Japan, another country whose history, myths and legends, and people fascinate me. While I have a great desire to explore temples, castles and the countryside of the islands of Japan, I have long wanted to experience a night in Tokyo. I think it would be a one-of-a-kind experience to walk in the heart of Tokyo at midnight.

Caribbean: I have been to the Caribbean multiple times on trips with my mother and sister in previous years, and found the islands there to be absolutely magical. From the clear turquoise waters, to the sandy beaches, lush foliage, and bright skies, they had an atmosphere like no other place I have ever been. My favorite island was Dominica, and I definitely want to spend some more time within the islands as soon as I am able to.

The United Kingdom: I remember my trip to England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland very fondly, and have long wanted to return. Exploring medieval castles for the first time in my life was truly magical, and the countryside was as rich in history and lore as it was beautiful to the eyes. This region is definitely a place I want to revisit, and expand my explorations within.

Norway: I love Viking history and over the years have poured over countless pictures of Norway and its majestic fjords. In working on the Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart TV Pilot, I got to know a couple of very talented actresses from Norway (Sol Geirsdottir and Marita Tathariel Svensson), and loved hearing about the kinds of places there. It is also the home of my favorite seafood company, King Oscar Seafood! I would love to have a chance to visit Norway.

Greece: My parents went to Greece multiple times for Cancer Research meetings that my dad attended during his years of research at the University of Kentucky. They brought back amazing video footage and photos of the places they had been, and it was mind-boggling to think of the history behind everything they visited. From Greek mythology, to the development of democracy, to the philosophers of Greece and its place at the foundation of Western Civilization, Greece would be a profound and inspiring place to visit for sure!

Russia: Covering 11 time zones, Russia is a country like no other in terms of size and reach, spanning both Europe and Asia. The diversity of its geography is incredible, and it is a land whose history has had tremendous impact on the development of many civilizations, and later nations. Further, the Archangel Islands in the north of Russia is the region from where Russian Blue cats are from, which is what my amazing cat Dubious is! I would like to spend a great deal of time in Russia to explore its cities and the range of geographical settings it offers.

New Zealand: I have to admit, the primary reason I desire to visit New Zealand is because it has been the location for several of my most favorite films, including the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I would love to visit the islands in person to see the fascinating locations with my own eyes. It would be, without question, and amazing experience to immerse into both Middle Earth and a new country at the same time!

So there you have it, the top ten vacation destinations for me today! I hope you enjoyed my picks!

About the author: Stephen Zimmer is an award-winning author and filmmaker based out of Lexington Kentucky. His works include the Rayden Valkyrie novels (Sword and Sorcery), the Rising Dawn Saga (Cross Genre), the Fires in Eden Series (Epic Fantasy), the Hellscapes short story collections (Horror), the Chronicles of Ave short story collections (Fantasy), and the Harvey and Solomon Tales (Steampunk).

Stephen’s visual work includes the feature film Shadows Light, shorts films such as The Sirens and Swordbearer, and the forthcoming Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart TV Pilot.

Stephen is a proud Kentucky Colonel who also enjoys the realms of music, martial arts, good bourbons, and spending time with family.

Book Synopsis for Thunder Horizon: A deadly menace stalks the shadows of the lands to the north, stirring the winds of war. Farther south, the power of the Teveren Empire spreads with every passing day, empowered by dark sorcery. Formidable legions bent on conquest are on the march, slavery and subjugation following in their wake.

Within the rising maelstrom, Rayden Valkyrie has returned to the Gessa, to stand with the tribe that once took her into their care as a child. No amount of jewels or coin can sway her, nor can the great power of her adversaries intimidate her.

With a sword blade in her right hand and axe in her left, Rayden confronts foes both supernatural and of flesh and blood. Horrific revelations and tremendous risks loom; some that will see Rayden’s survival in the gravest of peril.

Even if Rayden and the Gessa survive the trials plaguing their lands, the thunder of an even darker storm booms across the far horizon.

Thunder Horizon is the second book in the Dark Sun Dawn Trilogy.

Book Synopsis for Heart of a Lion: Rayden Valkyrie. She walks alone, serving no king, emperor, or master. Forged in the fires of tragedy, she has no place she truly calls home.

A deadly warrior wielding both blade and axe, Rayden is the bane of the wicked and corrupt. To many others, she is the most loyal and dedicated of friends, an ally who is unyielding in the most dangerous of circumstances.

The people of the far southern lands she has just aided claim that she has the heart of a lion. For Rayden, a long journey to the lands of the far northern tribes who adopted her as a child beckons, with an ocean lying in between.

Her path will lead her once more into the center of a maelstrom, one involving a rising empire that is said to be making use of the darkest kinds of sorcery to grow its power. Making new friends and discoveries amid tremendous peril, Rayden makes her way to the north.

Monstrous beasts, supernatural powers, and the bloody specter of war have been a part of her world for a long time and this journey will be no different. Rayden chooses the battles that she will fight, whether she takes up the cause of one individual or an entire people.

Both friends and enemies alike will swiftly learn that the people of the far southern lands spoke truly. Rayden Valkyrie has the heart of a lion.

Heart of a Lion is Book One of the Dark Sun Dawn Trilogy.

Teaser Trailer Link for Rayden Valkyrie: Saga of a Lionheart TV Pilot: