Most people know where they want to travel. It comes often from personal interests; family history, general curiosity yet some with the travel bug will follow wonder to the ends of the earth just to say they did. Then there are those who love the suggestion of where others have been or those just needing recommendations. So no matter where you are as a traveler, here are some amazing places to visit across the Globe.
IRELAND- THE IRISH ISLANDS
Off the coast of Ireland there are a host of beautiful islands, most still retain their old way of life and all are equally breathtaking. Whether it is Skellig Michael, an old Monastic Settlement or Garnish Island that is filled with beautiful gardens, the views are stunning and just a 10 minute boat ride from the coast of Glengarriff. The Aran Islands, composed of Inis More, Inis Meain and Inis Oirr are just off of the Bay of Galway and Doolin. These islands are filled with ancient forts and churches all surrounded by white sand beaches and the best fishing in all of the islands. If you want to explore, Blasket Island is uninhabited and filled with wild and remote landscapes. Omey Island is home to The Holy Well of Felchin and many abandoned villages. Tory Island, Inisbofin and Clare Island are filled with hills, beaches and plenty of ocean. Ireland is a must and top of the list for any Bucket List. Be sure and see Dublin, Belfast, Waterford and the Cliffs of Mohr while in country.
LONDON, ENGLAND
As the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is a 21st-century city with a history dating back to Roman times. At the city’s center is the Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is a full time church and the site of the British monarch coronations. Just across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the entire city. Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London with Tower Bridge are all must sees. Take a walk around Kensington Gardens and Palace and walk on toward Harrods’s for tea and shopping. Don’t forget to visit the famous Piccadilly Circus and see a show on the West End. The Nottinghill Market, the museums and the many choice hotels and eateries make this city a must see.
ITALY
If you are looking for romance, food and history, this country has it all. Italy is one of the most beautiful, romantic places in the world. Whether you travel to historic Rom or travel the beautiful Tuscany, Italy offers the beauty of the coast and city life. It is as if time stands still as you tour Naples, Milan, Pompeii, Venice, Umbria, Verona and so much more! You can enjoy wine making, food from home cooks and the finest chefs across the country. And lodging does not disappoint with offerings in old mansions and modern hotels. It is a dream waiting to happen.
PARIS, FRANCE
There is so much to experience in Paris! No matter what your focus is, food, art, fashion or history, Paris offers it all. Enjoy the Musee d’Orsay, Musee Rodin or the Louvre for fine art. Stroll the Palais Royal Gardens or Luxembourg Gardens. Enjoy the Ille Saint-Louis for food, shopping and beautiful streetscapes among old Paris mansions. You can ride a boat down the Siene, visit Notre Dame Cathedral, shop on the Rue Saint-Honore and The Marais and shop the antiques and thrift shops at the Marche Aux Puces De Saint-Quen. Of course the must see Eiffel Tower is required of all visits to Paris. The Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable graves such as Chopin, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrison. You can also climb to Montmartre and visit Basilique Du Sacre’-Coeur followed by a stroll down Avenue Des Champs-Elysees to see the Arc De Triomphe. From the beautiful corner cafes, watch the sun set into a beautiful rose color that blankets the city. In the mornings, the city smells of pastries, perfume and flowers as Parisians start their day. What is not to love?
AUSTRALIA –GO DOWN UNDER
Australia is filled with all kinds of wonder. From the beautiful Sydney to the heights of Mount Mitchell, you can experience both land and sea. The Great Barrier Reef, Kangaroo Island, Daintree Rainforest, the Twelve Apostles, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu National Park, are just a few of the many things that Australia has to offer. On your travels there you can go into the country and stay in authentic settlement houses or stay in the city at the finest of hotels. There is wildlife and nightlife all in a day’s time. This country offers a bit of it all.
GREECE – THE ISLANDS OF WONDER
Ancient sun-bleached ruins pierce blue skies as the Aegean laps at the endless coastline. Greek Culture is alive with passionate music, inspired cuisine and thrill seeking activities. Step into the ring where the Olympians first competed and climb the steps of stone to Meteora’s Monasteries perched atop towering rocks. Contemplate the Oracle’s insights from the Grandeur of Delphi and watch a starlit drama in the ancient outdoor theatres. You can wonder along the cobbled Byzantine Footpaths and meander through the Olive Groves, idyllic villages and petrified forests. Days melt from one to the next under wide open skies and seas speckled with islands.
ISRAEL-THE HOLY LAND
No matter the reason for the journey, it is a once in a lifetime experience to travel the Land of the Bible. There are the sites of faith, such as The Tomb of Jesus, the Jordan River, the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, the Mount of Beatitudes, the Way of Suffering, the Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and much more. Travelers can also visit Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial and Museum. It is important while in Israel to enjoy the customs and the food, it is overall essential to your full experience.
KENYA- ELEGANCE AND ADVENTURE IN AFRICA
Kenya has it all. From coastline, to safari to city life, there is a sense of modern and ancient life mixed together. You can have a once in a lifetime experience of lodging at Giraffe Manor near Nairobi, where giraffes roam freely and are a part of your stay. Visit the Gedi Ruins on the Kenyan Coast, watch elephants and African wildlife at the Conservatories or in their natural habitat with a guide. Shopping in the Massai Marketplace is intriguing with both native and modern merchandise. You can view Mount Kilimanjaro, swim at Deani Beach and visit Lake Victoria. There are caves to explore, a National Park to visit, and hikes into the bush. While there, enjoy a trip to the exotic Mombasa and enjoy fine dining in Nairobi. They say it feels like you are in a movie while in Africa, and that sounds good to us!
WORLD CRUISE – A WAY TO SEE IT ALL
And if one country at a time is too slow for you, the wonder of a world cruise is an option. You can enjoy multiple cities in ports of call across the continents all while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a cruise ship. There are a variety of destinations to choose from that cruise lines across the globe offer. You have the amenities of the cruise ship and the diverse cultures of every port of call. Some of these cruises last for months at a time, so it is a commitment, but what a story you would have to tell!
And this is just a beginning. If you are planning a trip, let us help! We can book flights, ground transport and accommodations for your Bucket List. Call us today at 800-800-2519!