With travel bans in place due to the outbreak of COVID-19, exploring most of the places featured on your Pinterest “Travel” board is off the table right now. However, if you’re a serious jet setter, travelling is probably one of the first things on your post-quarantine to-do list. Once it’s safe to hop on a plane again, here are the countries we definitely want to visit!
This Scandinavian country is known for its breathtaking lakes, endless forests, snow-capped mountains, and the thousands of islands which make up its geography. Sweden boasts a rich history and is one of the most progressive countries in the world, making it an ideal destination if you’re looking to go on lots of hikes and exist with nature.
The best time to visit Sweden is during the summer, when temperatures are warmer and daylight lasts longer. If you’re interested in doing some hiking or walking around its cities (most notably Stockholm, the country’s capital known for its impressive nightlife scene), you’ve got to get to Sweden between June and August.
Also, because of how far north it’s located, certain parts of Sweden experience what’s called a “midnight sun” during this time of year, where there are 24 hours of sunlight. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping mask!
Considered a gateway between Europe and Asia, Turkey is one of the most unique, culturally-rich countries in the world. And if you’re interested in Islamic culture specifically, Turkey is one of the safest places you can visit to get the full experience.
Hagia Sophia, a cathedral-turned-mosque, is one of Turkey’s main attractions. Located in its capital city of Istanbul, the byzantine-style basilica is most famous for its stunning and impressive dome, which overlooks the sea. But if architecture doesn’t do it for you, the capital city is a culinary epicenter and has tons of other fun things to do.
Travelling in Turkey is most accessible in the spring and fall months, when its weather is generally mild. Visiting the country in the summer or winter is a risk, as the prior is unbearably hot while the latter is gloomy and cold.
Japan is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. And luckily, there’s really no “bad” time to go, making it a great trip any time of year. Between the springtime cherry blossoms to changing colors in the fall and winter, Japan offers so many opportunities to connect with nature, and its one-of-a-kind culture is something you won’t experience any where else.
The food in Japan is also untouchable, and has gained considerable respect internationally in the past few decades. If you like seafood, travelling to this island country is something you seriously need to consider as soon as travel restrictions ease. And let’s face it: sushi and sashimi were invented there, so when you return home to your favorite sushi place, beware of considerably higher standards!
Whether you’re looking for a busy weekend in a bustling city or a leisurely getaway exploring the Iberian coast, Portugal is a European country with so much to offer. For history buffs and wine enthusiasts alike, Portugal really has something to offer everyone, and it’s somewhere you need to go as soon as you can!
In the summer, Portugal is the ultimate travel destination for beach bums who love to take their time and enjoy a good meal of seafood or tapas. If you want to avoid tourists, though, winter months are a better choice, as tourism dies down, yet there is still a ton to do.
If you want a travel experience full of sensory experiences or are craving a good adventure, Morocco is the place for you. The Northern African country is known for being colorful, eye-opening, and full of different cultures that travelers won’t find anywhere else.
From independent backpacking trips to organized tours, there are so many different ways to experience this coastal nation. Luckily, most of its major cities are connected by public transportation, making it a pretty seamless trip to take without a tour guide. But there’s nothing like visiting the vastly beautiful nation with someone who knows the land and the people who live there, so taking a guided tour is probably your best.
Get ready to visit lots of markets and eat tons of tagine, a delicious Moroccan staple! But don’t forget to pack sunscreen, because Morocco is hot and sunny pretty much year round.
The UK is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK has plenty of travel choices built into it, each of which will give you a completely different experience. Plus, it’s easy to visit more than one place in the same trip, so you’ll definitely find the travel you’re looking for along the way!
England is probably the UK’s most popular country to visit because it’s home to the major travel-hub that is London, but tourists can also visit academic cities, Oxford and Cambridge, or catch a tour of the ancient wonder Stonehenge. And while Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland might seem like less likely destinations, they still have lots to offer – including tons of natural and architectural wonders!
Tiny and definitely a more unusual travel option, Slovenia is an unexpected gem that will make you ask yourself why it wasn’t on your radar sooner. And once travel restrictions ease, you totally need to visit this charming country.
Tucked between Central Europe and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is easy to access from popular hubs like Croatia and Italy, the perfect destination for off-the-beaten-path travelers. It’s most known for its stunning lakes and forests, its most famous being Lake Bled – a mountain resort which touts a medieval castle along with a sweeping mountain panorama that’s reflected by the most pristine lake you’ve ever seen. Tourists commonly enjoy sitting on the lake’s docks, watching swans and ducks swim by as they enjoy traditional Slovenian pastries. What’s better than that?
Slovenia is a wonderful destination for anyone, since it features both leisurely, luxurious resort towns as well as more rugged, exploration opportunities.
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