Shira Anthony's Top 5 Dream Vacation Spots

I love to set my stories in exotic locations. So here are my top 5 dream vacation spots, one of which I've been to, the rest of which I dream of:

1. Japan: I've been a huge fan of Japanese anime and it continues to inspire my writing, so a trip to Japan's in my top five dream vacation spots. I especially love Japanese folklore--in fact, the main character in my upcoming Dreamspun Beyond title, Finder's Keeper, is based on the Japanese fox spirit, or kitsune. How cool would it be to explore some of that folklore up close and personal?

2. The Caribbean: Okay, so I've traveled quite a bit in the Caribbean, to islands like St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, the Virgin Islands, and the Turks & Caicos, among others. But every time I'm there, I fall in love again with the weather, the amazing beaches, and scuba diving the incredible reefs.

3. Australia: What always amazed me reading about Australia was that, like the US, there are so many facets to this incredible country: deserts, beaches, forests, you name it. I want to explore them all, and I want to dive the Great Barrier Reef!

4. New Zealand: Here's where I admit, once more, that I'm a total geek. I want to go to New Zealand because of the Lord of the Rings movies. I want to see those incredible panoramic views with my own two eyes and maybe bump in to Gandalf while I'm at it. Or Aragorn. Just sayin'.

5. Tahiti: What can I say? It's truly my romantic fantasy come to life. Crystal clear water, little thatched hotel rooms that look like they're floating, huge volcanic mountains, and pristine water. Add to that a sexy man, and you have a perfect setting for romance, real or fictional. I'm going to get there someday!

What are your top dream vacation spots?