Image Credit: Flickr User Bryan Allison
One of Peter’s favorite stories to come from the 2012 Games is Michael Phelps‘ retirement plans. Not one to let our most decorated Olympian travel the world without any guidance, Peter took to his Travel Detective Blog to offer up some gold-medal worthy activities and destinations.
The 2012 Olympics game concluded on Sunday, making Michael Phelps officially the most decorated Olympian of all time with 22 medals. Now that Phelps is also officially retired, what does he want to do? Not surprisingly, he said his first choice is travel. Unlike past the Super Bowl winners he isn’t going to Disney World, and given some of his past recreational experiences he might want to avoid Woody Harrelson’s place in Hawaii or anywhere in Humboldt County, California.
So here’s just a few, more appropriate post-Olympic vacation ideas for Michael Phelps.
1) Word is out that Phelps has already booked his first trip: a “brocation” or “mancation” if you will, with his close guy friends to the Maldives. Yes, the Maldives are known for being expensive and exclusive, but they wouldn’t be my first choice for a get away with the guys.
I vote something more active and adventurous. Golf, skiing and fishing are the go-to actives, but for the exceptional athlete looking for a bucket-list worthy adventure check out Chile, which hosts the Patagonian Expedition Race. The race is more like a 10-day travel event where you trek, mountain bike and climb through the stunning landscape off Cape Horn.
2) If his bros are getting to check out one of the world’s more expensive destinations in the Maldives, it seems right that his current girlfriend, cocktail waitress Megan Rossee, should also have the chance to experience a bit of how the 1 percent travel. And it doesn’t really get more 1 percent than Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. I’ve been there and trust me, the private beaches, personal chef, 31 staffers, 14 luxury guest rooms won’t disappoint.
Image Credit: Michael Phelps Foundation
3) Phelps has said that golf is also on his agenda and every serious golfer dreams of visiting the Old Course in St Andrews in Scotland. Phelps may very well receive preferential treatment, but he would normally need to book almost a year in advance to play the course during the summer months. It’s easier in the winter, but then of course that is the Scottish winter. He might also consider Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand. And for something completely different, Phelps should head to China to Mission Hills in Haikou on Hainan Island, where black volcanic rock surrounds the course, which requires heightened strategy and accuracy to play through.
4) Phelps hasn’t mentioned the need for pool on his trip, but let’s face it, he can’t stay out of the water forever, so how about a real pool scene? The Roosevelt in Hollywood is a staple that keeps the party going with the Tropicana Bar until 2am every night. But for something even crazier, there is always Las Vegas and the sometimes topless party scene at the Mandalay Bay. And if you’re looking for a 24-7 party, my pick is The Standard Spa in Miami Beach. Although he should be warned. no one really swims in these pools…the real competition there is to just find a place to stand in the water.
What destinations do you think should be on Michael Phelps’ bucket list? Sound off in the comments.
For more travel ideas and related content, check out:
- Our London 2012 Olympic coverage
- Adventure Travel & Sports archives
- The Water Sports archives
- Peter’s Travel Tip on Swimming Vacations
By Peter Greenberg for PeterGreenberg.com
