Saturday, June 20, 2015
Destinations To Visit This Summer (15 Picture)
1 Nice
Sometimes, a summer vacation can be the cure for anything that ails, but if you're stuck without options outside of Paris, Rome and Sydney, where's a traveler to go? Fortunately, the world is full of hidden treasures and tiny jewels enclosed in the Caribbean Seas, Europe and even North America. Nice, France is one of them as the gem of the French Riviera beckons beach-goers with its pebble waterfronts, pastel-coloured architecture and a bevy of palm trees that are always caught in a breeze.If scenery is your thing, Old Town's full of baroque churches, Place Massena features modern sculptures and Cimiez is highlighted by ancient Roman Ruins which are worth exploring. On a less serious note, Nice also has a reputation for extravagant partying. It has a thing for the Euro-chic and vibrant nightlife along the Riviera which is perched on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. If you do need a come-down from the highs of the destination, then Nice's museums, shops and sidewalks are worth indulging as they're only a short train ride away. Just know that a trip over requires your credit card as you're bound to rack up purchases alongside the celebs that call the southeast coast of France home.
Make no mistake, San Francisco has year-round appeal but its most recent
edge is really turning heads. It's a city that shines in the summer
with comfortable temperatures, colorful views of hill-sloped
neighborhoods. It's often referred to as Los Angeles' more refined
northern cousin but San Francisco is a cool spot with big-city buzz and
small-town charm. The arts scene isn't flamboyant as much as it is
tasteful, and there's a pretty good chance – like a really good chance –
that you're a fan of a musician or a band from the Bay Area. Visitors
will also follow crowds to the Mission District, The Haight, The Castro
and the tourist-loving Fisherman's Warf area which offers personal views
of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
With the sights, world-class cuisine and cozy cafes, there's no shortage of things to do to stay busy during your trip, just make sure to book ahead for the summer season. Sun-seekers are constantly booking weekends off to visit San Francisco and June, July and August remain the cities busiest months. If you're looking for a California beach experience, it also wouldn't hurt to check out Southern California – San Diego, in particular.
With the sights, world-class cuisine and cozy cafes, there's no shortage of things to do to stay busy during your trip, just make sure to book ahead for the summer season. Sun-seekers are constantly booking weekends off to visit San Francisco and June, July and August remain the cities busiest months. If you're looking for a California beach experience, it also wouldn't hurt to check out Southern California – San Diego, in particular.
Tropical storm threats be gone, Aruba is located outside of the
hurricane belt which makes it a great island spot to trek across before
fall invades the year. As history shows, the Spanish colonists who
settled in Aruba and its sister islands of Bonaire and Curacao nicknamed
the trio in 1513 as the “Islas Inutiles”, also known as the “Useless
Islands”. Centuries later, they couldn't have been more wrong. The
southern Caribbean cluster experiences minimal rainfall which attracts a
large group of beach enthusiasts every year. And with its exceptional
underwater visibility, divers also visit in bunches to explore buried
shipwrecks and study a large mass of beautiful coral reefs.
Pricey hotels and stingy airfares have made Aruba an exclusive spot but that's not exactly the case for Palm Beach. It's attracted everyone from college kids to honeymooners to baby boomers who race and fight each other for their own shady spot underneath a divi-divi tree. The colonists may have disregarded Aruba for its long-term future but its certainly being taken advantage of now. It's just up to you to join in on the fun!
Pricey hotels and stingy airfares have made Aruba an exclusive spot but that's not exactly the case for Palm Beach. It's attracted everyone from college kids to honeymooners to baby boomers who race and fight each other for their own shady spot underneath a divi-divi tree. The colonists may have disregarded Aruba for its long-term future but its certainly being taken advantage of now. It's just up to you to join in on the fun!
Unless you've been living under a rock - or a very remote corner in
Nevada - then you likely know that Las Vegas is turning into an even
bigger getaway. But in case you're tired of testing your luck at one of
Vegas' world-famous casinos, then you definitely want to plan a trip to
its Neva neighbor Reno. “America's Biggest Little City” is a re-surging
destination and it's because its grown to offering visitors a broad
spectrum of entertainment. Compared to the past, there's now a very
lively arts scene that lines downtown's Truckee River Walk and boasts
dozens of independent galleries, boutiques, restaurants and more. Reno
is also reclaiming its title as the “Gateway To Nevada Adventure” with
ski resorts around Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains hiking
trails.
Despite the city's adventurous side, it still remains a hangout for gambling first and foremost. It's not quite Sin City but it offers the basics with an army of slot machines and table games, not to mention all-you-can-eat buffets and scandalous cabaret shows that clutter downtown's Virginia Avenue. Travel tip: Reno's all about deals and more deals, and their hotels offer incredible discounts and packages so make sure to call ahead before you book so you can get your hands on any discounts.
Despite the city's adventurous side, it still remains a hangout for gambling first and foremost. It's not quite Sin City but it offers the basics with an army of slot machines and table games, not to mention all-you-can-eat buffets and scandalous cabaret shows that clutter downtown's Virginia Avenue. Travel tip: Reno's all about deals and more deals, and their hotels offer incredible discounts and packages so make sure to call ahead before you book so you can get your hands on any discounts.
If you don't want to be one of those travel lovers that always flocks to
the beach, then head to Munich, Germany for a less cliché summer
stopover. It's the most expensive city in the country but it is also
very quaint thanks to a dual personality that visitors find extremely
charming. The unofficial European capital of publishing and technology
hosts the Bavarian Alps and the River Isar which give the city a hint of
natural beauty. Munich's streets are also lined with man-made marvels
that include designer retail shops, shiny BMW outlets and a strip of
restaurants and bars that will keep you busy from sunrise to sunrise.
Instead of searching for exotic estates, you can also spend some of your time at the pinnacle of Bavarian culture by touring medieval locales, art galleries, historic streets and the notorious beer gardens. Munchen plays host to the country's 200-year-old bonanza called Oktoberfest but let it be noted you can bring-your-own-food to a lot of the city's biergartens which allows you to create your own picnic. Munich is also a great jumping-off point thanks to its advanced transport system. Punctuality is prized in the European city and its the main reason why buses and trains are rarely late. It's also a pretty good reason to take mini trips to Zurich, Vienna and Prague.
Instead of searching for exotic estates, you can also spend some of your time at the pinnacle of Bavarian culture by touring medieval locales, art galleries, historic streets and the notorious beer gardens. Munchen plays host to the country's 200-year-old bonanza called Oktoberfest but let it be noted you can bring-your-own-food to a lot of the city's biergartens which allows you to create your own picnic. Munich is also a great jumping-off point thanks to its advanced transport system. Punctuality is prized in the European city and its the main reason why buses and trains are rarely late. It's also a pretty good reason to take mini trips to Zurich, Vienna and Prague.
It may be the most obscure choice on this list but this summer is the
perfect time to explore the Vineyard's way of life. It's designed for an
easy-going crowd with relaxing walks on the beach, quaint fishing
expeditions and scrumptious goods at local stops like The Black Dog
Bakery. The triangle-shaped island – which sits just eight miles off the
coast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts – has been a secret hideaway for the
rich and famous for years and “Hollywood East” has continued to earn
quite the reputation. Its most famous visitors? Reese Witherspoon, David
Letterman and Bill Murray are just some of the many but the laid-back
atmosphere is what really rules the roost.
Martha's Vineyard is full of expensive summer homes and exquisite dining but low-key towns like Chilmark, Vineyard Haven and Menemesha offer casual experiences and let you swap your stilettos for sandals. If you just want to keep things simple, opting for a bike ride to explore the smaller parts of the island can also help you experience the Vineyard at its best.
Martha's Vineyard is full of expensive summer homes and exquisite dining but low-key towns like Chilmark, Vineyard Haven and Menemesha offer casual experiences and let you swap your stilettos for sandals. If you just want to keep things simple, opting for a bike ride to explore the smaller parts of the island can also help you experience the Vineyard at its best.
With a population count close to 900,000 people, there truly isn't a bad
time to book a vacation to Fiji. However, locals will tell you that
summertime is the best season year-round as its full of constant
sunshine and 80-degree temperatures which is perfect for building
sandcastles and getting your tan on. July and August tend to draw huge
crowds but its well worth the trip with its turquoise waters and
gorgeous resorts, and the set of 333 islands is perfect for a wide array
of lovebirds.
Even the hit television show “The Bachelorette” filmed one of its seasons in the depths of Fiji and likely because its a place for adventurers like surfers and divers, and those who appreciate coral reefs and geographical wonders like archipelagos. Because its more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand's North Island in the South Pacific Ocean, its a stop that presents a comforting sense of seclusion, letting you sip Fiji Bitter Beer in peace and watch the sun take a nap below the horizon. Local customs are also a must for those going for the first time as watching fire traditions and indulging in traditional food and drink can be addictive. Just make sure to stick to a few islands at a time. Island-hopping can rack up transportation costs and keep you busy and restless.
Even the hit television show “The Bachelorette” filmed one of its seasons in the depths of Fiji and likely because its a place for adventurers like surfers and divers, and those who appreciate coral reefs and geographical wonders like archipelagos. Because its more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand's North Island in the South Pacific Ocean, its a stop that presents a comforting sense of seclusion, letting you sip Fiji Bitter Beer in peace and watch the sun take a nap below the horizon. Local customs are also a must for those going for the first time as watching fire traditions and indulging in traditional food and drink can be addictive. Just make sure to stick to a few islands at a time. Island-hopping can rack up transportation costs and keep you busy and restless.
Biloxi, Mississippi is well known for its Southern charm and its an
attribute that many can't compete with. This affordable retreat is a
delightful summer getaway and it can be relatively cheap if you don't
gamble away your savings at the Beau Rivage Casino. Biloxi is a
perfectly placed playground of the South as the aforementioned is one of
the many casinos that line the Beach Boulevard.
It's not all high stakes though as Ship Island is a family-friendly environment and the historic Beauvoir grounds can pique the interest of the most casual Civil War enthusiast. Although the city is still recovering from the wreck of Hurricane Katrina, the spirit of Biloxi is resilient as local businesses flourish and local artist displays at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum Of Art are musts. For some fun in the sun, visitors can take the ferry around and stretch out over the still-elegant Gulf beaches. Mississippi may not be the brightest or most popular spot in the United States but its overflowing with culture, and if you're in a tight bind for Air Miles, it can easily entertain guests for less in the summer!
It's not all high stakes though as Ship Island is a family-friendly environment and the historic Beauvoir grounds can pique the interest of the most casual Civil War enthusiast. Although the city is still recovering from the wreck of Hurricane Katrina, the spirit of Biloxi is resilient as local businesses flourish and local artist displays at the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum Of Art are musts. For some fun in the sun, visitors can take the ferry around and stretch out over the still-elegant Gulf beaches. Mississippi may not be the brightest or most popular spot in the United States but its overflowing with culture, and if you're in a tight bind for Air Miles, it can easily entertain guests for less in the summer!
As travel sites will note, Mykonos is the center of all sailing. The
Greek island between Tinos, Syros, Paros and Naxos, benefits from the
summer season as the Mediterranean island turns into Greece's biggest
party mecca. It draws travelers from around the world as the bars, clubs
and beach parties aren't sparse and stay alive well into the early
hours of the morning. It's also a great example of the architecture of
ancient cities with cube-shaped buildings, winding roads and beautiful
churches that give the island a sense of tradition.
Mykonos' biggest draw is their silky sand beaches as visitors often come to see them and embrace the nude concept. The attitude also par-lays to the Psarou and Paradise beaches which always get an early start and don't clear out until the last person leaves the following day. Stores cater to wealthy clients but if you're a fan of daytime sights, there's the Ccladic-style buildings of Chora, the windmills of Kato Myli and the ornate temples of Delos. These sites help tourists discover the perfect Greek mix of sophistication and relaxation and don't pressure you to bring back an expensive souvenir to your homeland.
Mykonos' biggest draw is their silky sand beaches as visitors often come to see them and embrace the nude concept. The attitude also par-lays to the Psarou and Paradise beaches which always get an early start and don't clear out until the last person leaves the following day. Stores cater to wealthy clients but if you're a fan of daytime sights, there's the Ccladic-style buildings of Chora, the windmills of Kato Myli and the ornate temples of Delos. These sites help tourists discover the perfect Greek mix of sophistication and relaxation and don't pressure you to bring back an expensive souvenir to your homeland.
10 Seattle
Brimming with culture, Seattle, WA is one of America's most unique
destinations and is surprisingly a prime go-to in the summer. When the
sun is out and the temperatures are comfortable, it's hard not to join
the other prevalent tourists to explore the city's laid-back attitude
and its diverse neighborhoods. Weather aside, Seattle's home to some of
the country's best coffee and a thriving arts and music scene, but its
also pungent with an interesting history and exciting outdoor
activities.
The city rests between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and taking advantage of the water bodies is a major feat to check off the check-list. Some of the most popular outdoor pursuits include kayaking, hiking, camping and getting a good look of the nearby Olympic Mountains and the gigantic Mount Rainier. If you find yourself as traveler that's pretty okay with the weather – Seattle actually sees less annual precipitation than New York or Boston – then dining downtown should keep you occupied. If not, it doesn't hurt to add a few days to your trip to make a secondary journey to Portland, Spokane or Vancouver.
The city rests between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and taking advantage of the water bodies is a major feat to check off the check-list. Some of the most popular outdoor pursuits include kayaking, hiking, camping and getting a good look of the nearby Olympic Mountains and the gigantic Mount Rainier. If you find yourself as traveler that's pretty okay with the weather – Seattle actually sees less annual precipitation than New York or Boston – then dining downtown should keep you occupied. If not, it doesn't hurt to add a few days to your trip to make a secondary journey to Portland, Spokane or Vancouver.
Next to Barcelona, Paris and London, Lisbon is an overshadowed
destination that's actually one of the most affordable European spots to
visit any time of the year. The city specializes in ensuring tourists
embrace its laid-back charm and it's a feat they accomplish through
scenery. Its perched atop multiple hills with alleyways winding in and
out between faded limestone buildings and St. George's Cathedral often
peeks out to the skyline, presenting an old-world atmosphere to a modern
city.
But there's a lot more to Lisbon than just holding hands with village life and enjoying the view via a coffee shop. Outgoing crowds can explore the Fado clubs in Alfamato, graze at the Cascais beaches and even cheer on bullfighters at the Praca de Touros Camp Pequeno. The best way to enjoy it all is by getting a Lisboa Card. These cards offer free use of the city's entire public transportation system and offers free and reduced prices to some of its major attractions. It also goes hand in hand with staying in a pensao, which is like a guesthouse with separated rooms and an adjoining bathroom you can share with neighbors. The concept may not seem too appeasing but their rates are reasonable compared to pricey hotels and such guesthouses are located to Lisbon's most popular attractions.
But there's a lot more to Lisbon than just holding hands with village life and enjoying the view via a coffee shop. Outgoing crowds can explore the Fado clubs in Alfamato, graze at the Cascais beaches and even cheer on bullfighters at the Praca de Touros Camp Pequeno. The best way to enjoy it all is by getting a Lisboa Card. These cards offer free use of the city's entire public transportation system and offers free and reduced prices to some of its major attractions. It also goes hand in hand with staying in a pensao, which is like a guesthouse with separated rooms and an adjoining bathroom you can share with neighbors. The concept may not seem too appeasing but their rates are reasonable compared to pricey hotels and such guesthouses are located to Lisbon's most popular attractions.
Like most attractions in the Americas, this Caribbean metropolis can
help create one unforgettable urban adventure. Santo Domingo is located
in the heart of the Dominican Republic, and its population of 2.9
million people (as of 2010), has made it a hotspot full of entertaining
attractions and affordable hotels. The best part is, you're bound to
leave with a smile on your face and your pockets full of cash!
The capital city is one of the largest in the Caribbean, providing sights like the Alcazar de Colon for art aficionados and the Malecon for night-owls who want to part take in a late-night meringue or bachata dance session. Due to its storied past, the city is also full of historic sites such as the first church (Catedral Primada de America), the first stronghold (Fortaleza Ozama) and the oldest street (Calle Las Damas in the Americas. Santo Domingo is also very hospitable unlike other popular destinations. Store prices are set but the price of just about everything from a street vendor can be negotiated with a little bit of the local language.
The metropolis is also home to a few cruise ships that can help you spend a few days exploring Santo Domingo from afar. It may seem like a very tourist-y thing to say but the highlights are mesmerizing!
The capital city is one of the largest in the Caribbean, providing sights like the Alcazar de Colon for art aficionados and the Malecon for night-owls who want to part take in a late-night meringue or bachata dance session. Due to its storied past, the city is also full of historic sites such as the first church (Catedral Primada de America), the first stronghold (Fortaleza Ozama) and the oldest street (Calle Las Damas in the Americas. Santo Domingo is also very hospitable unlike other popular destinations. Store prices are set but the price of just about everything from a street vendor can be negotiated with a little bit of the local language.
The metropolis is also home to a few cruise ships that can help you spend a few days exploring Santo Domingo from afar. It may seem like a very tourist-y thing to say but the highlights are mesmerizing!
It sounds odd but it's true – the Caribbean doesn't see a lot of traffic
during the summer months as travelers prefer to head there in the
winter, not when their variation of summer is in full effect with a
slight chance of tropical storms. This usually brings about a few great
travel deals during the summer and that also applies to islands outside
of the hurricane belt. Trinidad & Tobago is one of those
destinaitons and it just so happens to be clustered with remarkable
beaches that keep islanders and tourists intrigued. Trinidad is the
larger of the two and it's always bustling with commerce and diversity
as the oasis of Creole culture just so happens to be the birthplace of
the steel drum, the limbo and a variety of Central and South American
fruits. Tobago is just northeast of its neighboring island and is rich
in natural wonders and numerous activities for hobbyists who enjoy scuba
diving and UV rays.
That's not to say Trinidad doesn't have its fair share of beaches. They line almost every side of the island and they range from desolate to festive to romantic with the three primary spots being Mayaro Bay, Maracas and Blanchisseuse. Trinidad is also known for its flora and fauna – its national flower is the Chaconia – but in late February, the island brings out the glitter to celebrate one of the best Carnival parties in the Caribbean.
That's not to say Trinidad doesn't have its fair share of beaches. They line almost every side of the island and they range from desolate to festive to romantic with the three primary spots being Mayaro Bay, Maracas and Blanchisseuse. Trinidad is also known for its flora and fauna – its national flower is the Chaconia – but in late February, the island brings out the glitter to celebrate one of the best Carnival parties in the Caribbean.
With the harsh winter finally over, Montreal blossoms to become a slice
of European culture without the extensive flight and multiple transfers
and delays. The Quebec city is full of fascinating historic sites,
multiple shopping venues, world-class eateries and a pulsating nightlife
environment. To be honest, there's only one term that truly describes
Montreal, and it's multi-faceted.
The city blends the structure of the Old and New Worlds with 18th-century buildings bumping into 21st-century skylines. Retro houses now provide a home to innovative restos and a multitude of flags signal various districts with emblems from Portugal, India and France. If you have a weakness for the arts, then seeking refuge in the natural sanctuary Mont-Royal or the city's best museums will keep you occupied, but if you're a foodie, then getting your paws on a Montreal-style bagel or other marketplace goods will probably be your best bet. Most Montrealers would advise to visit the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal as you can hit up a few historic cathedrals and grab a fresh cappuccino from a traditional French cafe from the boulevard of Saint-Laurent. In fact, the Canadian outpost is a very walkable city – and attractions such as St. Joseph's Oratory and Parc Jean-Drapeau are also worth visiting – but if you ever grow wear, the public transportation is quite cheap and convenient.
The city blends the structure of the Old and New Worlds with 18th-century buildings bumping into 21st-century skylines. Retro houses now provide a home to innovative restos and a multitude of flags signal various districts with emblems from Portugal, India and France. If you have a weakness for the arts, then seeking refuge in the natural sanctuary Mont-Royal or the city's best museums will keep you occupied, but if you're a foodie, then getting your paws on a Montreal-style bagel or other marketplace goods will probably be your best bet. Most Montrealers would advise to visit the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Montreal as you can hit up a few historic cathedrals and grab a fresh cappuccino from a traditional French cafe from the boulevard of Saint-Laurent. In fact, the Canadian outpost is a very walkable city – and attractions such as St. Joseph's Oratory and Parc Jean-Drapeau are also worth visiting – but if you ever grow wear, the public transportation is quite cheap and convenient.
You've heard people talk about Maui before. The second-largest of the
Hawaiian Islands is peppered with multi-coloured beaches, unbelievable
scenery and five-star resorts, making it a getaway with a lot to love.
Those looking for a little R&R can find peace at a tranquil spa or
the beach side while adventurers can go whale-watching, hiking through
the Haleakala National Park or take a road trip on the winding road to
Hana. Regardless, Maui is full of attractions as its stacked with surf
spots, volcanoes and enough spiritual experiences to keep vacationers
coming back to the same destination for years to come.
Every Hawaiian island offers something different and Maui provides a luxurious tourist-friendly experience designed for families, couples and solo runs. Just don't fall for the popular (and authentic) Old Lahaina Luau. Tickets for it are nearly $100 per adult and you're almost better off covering the island by car and taking in the diverse terrain. Take one step off your incoming flight, inhale the smooth ocean breeze and just try say the words “I want to go home”.
Every Hawaiian island offers something different and Maui provides a luxurious tourist-friendly experience designed for families, couples and solo runs. Just don't fall for the popular (and authentic) Old Lahaina Luau. Tickets for it are nearly $100 per adult and you're almost better off covering the island by car and taking in the diverse terrain. Take one step off your incoming flight, inhale the smooth ocean breeze and just try say the words “I want to go home”.
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