2020 was the year where we didn’t quite get to travel as much as we wanted to. Instead, vacations were either non-existent or confined to somewhere near where we live. Many of us didn’t get to experience the joy and trepidation of heading to the airport, flying somewhere completely new, and experiencing a plethora of different cultures and traditions. Suitcases lay forlorn under the bed or in the closet and our passports slowly gathered dust. Yet this travel slump won’t last forever. And once it is over we are going to want to make up for all of the travelings we have missed out on. This is why it is a good idea to get planning now.
Think of all the places you might have intended to visit last year and didn’t get to or the sort of vacation you are looking to get out of your next trip. Do you want somewhere that you can immerse yourself in a totally new culture? Trying out the food, heading to museums or galleries, and discovering new customs? Or do you want somewhere you can lie on a beach and sip cocktails under the blazing sunshine? Did you want more of a sporting holiday where you can ski, hike or take part in water sports? These are all things you will need to consider before booking. You might want somewhere that you can combine a few different things – it is up to you!
If you are debating where to go for a vacation once you can travel again, we have put together a list of five places you need to travel to once we can again. If you are looking to buy a car for your trip, be sure to look at an auto loan calculator to ensure you get the best price.
ST MORITZ, SWITZERLAND
One of the wealthiest places in Europe, St Moritz in Switzerland is a destination that has it all. Visit in the spring or summer and you can enjoy picturesque, toy-town looking buildings and some of the most beautiful scenery you will ever encounter. You can head up the mountains where you can either take the cable car or go for a hike. If you like shopping, there is plenty of beautiful designer shops to discover in St Moritz as well as water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. If you are looking to go in winter, their ski season is one of the most famous in the world. Be sure to take a camera as there will be so many different places you will want to take photos of! Look the weather up before you go too as it can differ greatly throughout the year.
ORLANDO, FLORIDA
Orlando Florida is a place that has to be on your bucket list if you have yet to visit. It is a great destination packed with things to do and has great weather too. Be sure to head to Orlando Universal Resort if you are after some thrill-seeking – particularly for any Harry Potter fans! For families, Disney might be more your thing and this is a drive down the road. You could stay in one of the many resort hotels or find somewhere private to stay such as a villa with its own private pool, depending on how many of you are going and the sort of vibe you are after. There are many other things to do during your trip to Florida, including sailing in a hot air balloon with Orlando balloon rides, which is a must for any bucket list. You can visit the outlet shops for a bargain, or head to Gatorland for a glimpse of some Alligators!
LONDON, UK
If you have never visited London then there is no time like the present to start planning your vacation. It is a stunning, historic city with something to do for everyone, no matter who you visit with. There are a myriad of museums and art galleries to visit, as well as attractions such as the London Eye and dinner boat cruises down the Thames. Be sure to visit Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament too! There are a whole host of fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes to visit, as well as many hotels to stay in. From cool, boutique stays to luxury and opulent historic hotels it has it all. London is also a short train ride away from many other brilliant Uk destinations such as the seafront city of Brighton and the rolling countryside of Sussex, as well as Windsor with the famous castle, ice cream parlors, and beautiful boat rides down the river.
REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
If you are after a totally different break, Reykjavik in Iceland is an ideal choice. Beautifully romantic and cozy, it has everything you could want from a vacation. A place of stunning natural beauty, Iceland has many mystical landscapes with snow-covered volcanoes, mountains, ice fields, and frozen lakes that are stunning to the eye and to photograph too. Another reason Iceland is perfect to travel to is that you might get a chance to witness the Northern Lights. While you are not guaranteed to always see them, the longer you can spend in Iceland the better chance you have to see this natural phenomenon. On your trip make sure you head to the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. Ideal for exfoliating and nourishing the skin, bathe in hot springs with waterfalls that pour hot water. There are many amazing places to stay too, including heated igloo pods under the stars, cozy lodges, and hotels. It is worth renting a car for your trip as many places need to be driven to and their public transport isn’t the best.
BORDEAUX, FRANCE
If it is wine and history that you are into, Bordeaux in France is a really effortless choice for your next vacation. It is a beautiful destination filled with vineyards making the red wine they are famous for. On your trip be sure to visit some of the many wineries for a tasting and dinner and to speak to the locals who have many interesting stories to tell. There is also plenty of history with old towns to wander, chateaus to visit and beautiful old hotels to stay in. The food is also incredible, with a number of smaller bistros and Michelin-starred places to eat that you really don’t want to miss out on. Bordeaux has many great shops, warm summers, and plenty of culture that is just waiting to be soaked up. It is somewhere that you will never be disappointed and will wonder just why you didn’t travel here sooner. If you have time, why not extend your trip to a road trip and go to a few other places in Europe? It is very easy to drive between France and Spain, so you could turn it into a real discovery vacation.
These are just a few of the top places that you need to travel to once we can again. Be sure to get your itinerary planned before you go and do everything that you want to do while you are there. We are sure to appreciate travel much more once we are able to travel to places freely again, so be ready to take advantage of the freedom you feel. Eat the food, do the excursions, head off the beaten path, and take as many photos as you can. We’re not talking staged Instagram pics, we’re talking about the real, raw, and beautiful photos that aren’t planned and are just in the moment. What is the first place you want to go once we can travel again? Let me know in the comments below!