by Lauren Bailey Roach
After agonizingly long months of in-home activities and a lack of connection to the outside world, it is finally time to start planning your post-COVID-19 vacation. Whether you prefer, snow, sun, or tropical rain, this list of ten travel destinations is sure to contain your next holiday haven.
GORGES DU VERDON, FRANCE
The river canyons of Southern France are known to obtain some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Turquoise waters, lush greenery, and limestone rocks will surround you as you kayak down the 15-mile stretch of the Verdon River.
The dark brown tail feathers and creamy white heads of griffon vultures will provide a stark contrast against the azure-blue sky, sure to amaze you as you peacefully bird-watch in the warm weather of the summer months. Choose your stay between many of the country’s famous cities, including Cannes, Nice, Contignac, and Valensole. After an adventurous day of hiking and rafting, relax in the many villages that offer shopping, swimming, and strolling through lavender fields.
Source: Verdon Secret
ICELAND
The Land of Ice and Fire offers stunning natural attractions that vary from ice-blue glaciers to red-hot lava-filled volcanoes. From mid-May to late July, the sun shines endlessly, bringing daylight to the country for 24 hours a day. From September to mid-April, the northern lights shine bright shades of green, blue, and pink across the night sky. Enjoy your day by whale watching, snorkeling, and horse-back riding. In the evening, you can relax in the waters of the Blue Lagoon, one of the world’s 25 wonders.
Source: Guide to Iceland
SOUTHERN NAMIBIA, AFRICA
If safari adventures are your cup of tea, take a trip to Namibia, a South African country with beaches that line the Atlantic Ocean. The inner-desert landscapes offer many exciting outdoor activities to participate in, including hiking through the Fish River Canyon, canoeing on the Orange River, and spotting exotic wildlife. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, dik-diks, springbok antelopes, and African buffalo are a few of the wide range of species that live in this region.
Source: Better Places Travel
BELIZE BARRIER REEF
Spanning 185 miles of the country’s coastline, the Belize Barrier Reef is the Northern Hemisphere’s largest reef system. Marine biologists claim that while only 10% of the underwater species have been identified, thousands are still waiting to be discovered. Some of the most intriguing and beautiful species include the loggerhead sea turtle, red lionfish, queen angelfish, and yellow stingray. The Barrier Reef is the perfect destination for those who want to sunbathe on a tropical beach and snorkel in translucent teal waters.
Source: Blue World Journeys
FLORENCE, ITALY
Florence is the perfect travel destination for anyone interested in art, history, architecture, and European culture. Michelangelo’s David, Masaccio’s Holy Trinity, and Brunelleschi’s Dome of the Duomo are three ever-famous works created during the culturally rich Renaissance era that are still displayed today.
Food fanatics will enjoy the delicious, fresh-made meals of pappardelle al cinghiale, crostini, tagliere, and schiacciata alla Fiorentina. Those who prefer drinks will be impressed by the wide variety of local vineyards, which serve ruby-red Chianti Classico, made up of approximately 80% Sangiovese grapes.
Source: Florencetown
KAUAI, HAWAII
The Garden Island is the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaii chain. Ethereal waterfalls and luscious rainforests will delight all travelers who are looking to explore a tropical destination. Thrill-seekers and ‘relaxationers’ alike will be elated with the vast amount of island activities that await them. While the adventurous enjoy ziplining, kayaking, surfing, and scuba diving, the serene can explore museums, farmers’ markets, shopping centers, and historic landmarks.
Source: X Days in Y
EDAM, NETHERLANDS
If your ideal getaway is hunkering down into the calming environment of a traditional Dutch village, plan a trip to Edam. 15th-century churches, 17th-century architecture, and 18th-century cheese shops will ease your mind and take you back in time to the serene lifestyles of fishermen and street marketers. Cobblestone streets, bridges, and canals offer views of the beautiful countryside and historic landmarks. This small town has a population of a little over 7,000 and has been preserved in time by its quaint atmosphere.
Source: Rick Stevens Europe
IQUITOS, PERU
Your arrival to the vibrant city will be by air or river, as Iquitos is the world’s largest metropolis that cannot be reached by road. Located near the upper region of the Amazon rainforest, you will want to book your stay in a jungle lodge, where they offer wildlife watching, forest tours, and boat trips. Pink dolphins, three-toed sloths, and macaws will take your breath away as you walk across a 1,600 ft canopy walkway. Popular attractions like The Butterfly Farm, Belen Market, and La Isla de Los Monos will emphasize the values of Amazonian living.
Source: Tour the Tropics
TOKYO, JAPAN
From traditional culture to modern life, this unique city offers excitement to visitors of all interests. The Tokyo National Museum features over 110,000 Japanese artifacts. The outer gardens of the Imperial Palace bloom cherry blossom trees and allow relaxing strolls through the green parks. Harajuku promotes trendy clothing, street art, cosplay fashion, and dessert carts with delicious bubble tea. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden welcomes meditation, leisure, and appreciation of natural scenery. With so many things to do, you cannot feel out of place in this capital city.
Source: Urban Adventures
ANDERMATT, SWITZERLAND
If snow is more your style, consider taking a trip to Andermatt, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The village contains the SkiArena Andermatt Sedrun, one of the largest ski resorts in Switzerland. Here you will see mountain lakes, glaciers, valleys, and cozy villages tucked away into the rolling hills of snow. Aside from skiing, hiking, and snowshoeing, you should check out the Glacier Express, Valley Museum Ursern, and Uela Spa. Andermatt offers a large diversity of sport and leisure activities, as well as a rich history of Swiss culture and baroque-style architecture.
Source: Daily Mail