Let's face it; you need a vacation. Life is short, and it is crucial to take time to enjoy the world and all its wonders. From cocktails on a sunny beach, exploring every inch of a cultural site, or hiking through a jungle, there are countless destinations to choose from. Our experiences shape our lives, and new ones keep us young.
01 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
A beach vacation is perfect when you need to turn your brain off and relax. Punta Cana is full of resorts that offer all-inclusive packages. The bottomless drinks, delicious seafood, and stunning beaches will make you feel like you have awoken in paradise. We recommend traveling to the Dominican from March to May. While it is warm all year long, avoid hurricane season from June to November. Entertain yourself throughout the week by booking a few excursions. Our top picks are swimming with the dolphins, driving an ATV on the beach and taking a zip line through the jungle. Or, take a boat tour to a nearby island where you can snorkel. These excursions usually are between 4-8 hours, and their prices range from $100-$200 per person.
02 Tulum, Mexico
For a different type of beach vacation, we recommend Tulum. Tulum is a gorgeous town on the Carribean coastline of Mexico. This part of Mexico has very few all-inclusive resorts which means there are fewer tourists, allowing you to have a more authentic experience. We recommend staying at a Boutique Hotel or booking an Airbnb. Tulum is also an amazing culinary experience. Your options include everything from vegan restaurants, amazing street food, to Michelin star restaurants. While you are there, we recommend you see the ancient ruins which are considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Book this vacation from November to March, avoiding hurricane season from June to October. There is a spike of tourists from January to March.
03 New York City, USA
If a busy city and a packed itinerary is your idea of a good time, head to the big apple. We aren't going to list the typical tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty or Times Square. Instead, we suggest you go off the beaten path. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Go on a pizza tour that takes you through all the best pizza places in NYC. Take in a Broadway show or visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If you like comedy shows, the Comedy Cellar often has big stars drop in for a mike night. Or, experience a different side of the city and go to a drag show! If you want to try something active that allows you to see a lot at once, rent bikes and tour around Central Park! Weather in NYC can be tricky and the tourists overwhelming; visit during April-June or September-November to avoid crowds and unbearable heat.
04 Valencia, Spain
For those wanting a truly unique experience, La Tomatina held in Valencia Spain, should be at the top of your list. La Tomatina is a giant tomato fight that takes over the streets of Spain for one day only. La Tomatina is held on the last Wednesday in August. The end of August into September is a great time to travel to Spain as the heat is more bearable compared to early summer months. Of course, once that day is over, there is much more the city has to offer. We recommend that you check out Malvarrosa Beach for a day of relaxation and delicious tapas overlooking the water. Do some shopping at the famous Central Market which hosts over 400 small traders. Spend some time taking in Valencia's stunning architecture, museums, and cathedrals. Rice is a staple in the Spanish diet, so make sure to try a paella dish.
05 Tokyo, Japan
If you want to immerse yourself in a cultural experience unlike any other, go to Tokyo. Tokyo is a magnificent city with something for everyone. Some of the things we insist you put on your to-do list include attending an authentic sumo wrestling match and experiencing the famous Shibuya crosswalk. The food is, of course, a significant part of your trip to Tokyo. You must try fresh sushi, ramen, wagyu beef, and Japanese desserts. Check out unique businesses like animal cafes (owls or hedgehog cafes are both an option), the Maid Cafe and the Robot Restaurant. If you are going to go to Japan, you should try to go during the cherry blossom season. When the cherry blossoms are in bloom, Japan turns into a pink paradise. For Tokyo, the cherry blossom season is from late March to early April.
06 Vietnam
The country of Vietnam may look small but don't let that fool you. Vietnam has a lot of different experiences to offer people of all ages. Our top pick is for you to take in Ha Long Bay in Northern Vietnam. Take a boat cruise through the bay and experience the beautiful waters and tiny islands. We also suggest you take a hiking tour through the rice fields and explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels. Vietnam is incredibly affordable with a 4-star hotel being as cheap as $30-$40 per night. There is an extensive train route throughout the country that makes traveling from city to city incredibly easy. It is best to travel to Vietnam from the months of February-April or August-October to avoid rainfall or extreme heat.
07 Cape Town, South Africa
If you are looking for the trip that you'll remember for a lifetime, South Africa is where you'll want to go. South Africa is a large country with a lot to explore. We suggest you start with Cape Town. You absolutely must take a safari tour. These can range from a few hours to several days. You will not regret making a safari a top priority for your trip. We also recommend you check out Table Mountain in Cape Town for its spectacular views. You can conclude your trip by visiting the many wineries that are a short drive away from Cape Town. The best time to travel to Cape Town is between October to April.
08 Peru
For those who want an active vacation, we recommend checking out Machu Picchu in Peru. Machu Picchu tours range from 5 to 10 days in length. We encourage you to choose this destination soon as the local government is beginning to limit the number of tourists allowed on the site per day to preserve the landscape. However, Peru has a lot more to offer beyond Machu Picchu. You can take a tour to explore the Amazon Rainforest. And, if you are up for an 18-hour bus ride, you can check out the Rainbow Mountains. It is best to travel to Peru between May to September, during the dry season.
09 London, England
For those who enjoy a swanky vacation spent dressed up with fancy cocktails, London is the place for you. A trip to London wouldn't be complete without a ride on the massive Ferris wheel called the London Eye. Harry Potter fans will want to check out Platform 9 & 3/4 to experience their childhood coming to life. Spend your nights at internationally renown restaurants and rooftop bars. And make your way out to the Theatre District to see a show at one of London's fabulous theatres. The best time to travel to London in May to September for ideal weather conditions. However, keep in mind that this is also the busiest season, so be prepared for large groups of tourists throughout the city.
10 Dubrovnik, Croatia
Can't decide between a beach vacation and an adventure holiday? Then Croatia is the place for you. Spend your time hopping to nearby islands on day-long excursions. Spend days walking around Dubrovnik taking in the architecture. Explore one of the country's many national parks. End your trip relaxing on the beaches and driving along the coastline to visit the numerous wineries. The best time to travel to Croatia is May-June and September-October for pleasant weather.
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