By Nikki Bayley
The 44th President of the USA, Barack Obama is a true citizen of the world, his father was from Kenya, his mother from Kansas and he was bought up in Honolulu and Jakarta! We’ve been inspired to follow in his footsteps with a few suggestions of destinations that hold special memories for him!
Visit because: President Obama stayed here recently, following in the footsteps of previous celebrity guests such as Princess Diana and Ronald Regan. As a growing lad, he lived in Hawaii from the age of 10 with his maternal grandparents, attending the Punahou School until 1979. He wrote that, “Hawaii offered… a basis for the values that I hold most dear".
You'll love: Surfing at Sandy Beach, where Obama honed his surfer skills. You can meet the dolphins at the hotel’s very own dolphin encounter lagoon and hop on the complementary bicycles to explore the beautiful island further.
Visit because: Obama moved here to the windy city after four years studying in New York. If you’re looking for romance, this is where he met his wife Michelle when he was employed as a summer associate at a Chicago law firm; they had their first kiss after a Baskin Robbins chocolate ice cream!
You'll love: Taking a stroll through Palmer Park. Obama would plan strategy both here and at Macarthur’s, a diner on West Madison Street. Obama reportedly loves their great value - and you’ll get plenty of change with dinner and two sides for just $6.99!
Visit because: Barack and Michelle spent several months in Bali in the early 90s as they needed a peaceful sanctuary, where there were no phones, so he could find the inspiration to finish his first book, 'Dreams from My Father'.
You'll love: Watching the sun rise and set from the perfect white sand beach and visiting the ancient temples. Finding that perfect balance between mind and body with the healing powers of a traditional Balinese massage.
Visit because: Obama’s father grew up in Nyanza Province; he started off life as a goat herder before leaving to study in Hawaii and Harvard. Many of Obama’s family still live there, including his grandma, Mama Sarah. Obama last visited the country in 2006 where he also spent time in Nairobi, where you too can experience the trip of a lifetime.
You'll love: Visiting Mount Kenya and seeing the legendary majesty of the Masai Mara where you’ll be able to see the ‘Big Five’. Meeting chimpanzees in the Sweetwaters Sanctuary!
Visit because: Before his inauguration Obama retraced the steps of Lincoln, travelling from Philadelphia to Washington D.C by train - and so can you! Enjoy three nights in New York, where Obama studied at Columbia University before travelling to Philadelphia for two nights where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Finally travel to Washington for two nights, where the Obama family will be spending the next 4 years!
You'll love: Being able to watch the wonderful scenery from the train; travelling by Amtrak is a great way to see the country and meet the people.
Nikki Bayley is a freelance travel writer. She writes regularly for the Daily Express and Sunday Mirror. Her favourite cities are San Sebastian, Mexico City and San Francisco.