Summer is the time when most start feeling the need to travel. Most start planning their trips and getaways as the weather gets hotter and the daylight hours longer. If you’ve been thinking about visiting a new country this summer, you might wonder which destination would be the best. There are so many options out there that it’ll be challenging to choose just one. Take everything into consideration, including the number of people you travel with, your budget, and what you’d like to do on the trip.
Here are some of the best places you can visit around the world.
France
When you think of visiting France, going to Paris is most likely the first thing that comes to mind. But there are many other beautiful locations the country has to offer. The country’s southern region is well-known for its picturesque sights and fresh produce, making it one of the ideal places for families. Nice and Marseille are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The former hosts the Marc Chagall National Museum, Castle Hill, the Promenade des Anglais and the old town, with unique architecture, cobblestone streets, shops selling local, artisanal products, including textiles, food products and soaps, as well as outdoor eateries.
In Marseille, there’s the Old Port, the Calanques National Park, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, Palais Longchamp and Marseille Cathedral. The Fort Saint-Jean, dating back to the 1660s, is currently the site of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, the first of its kind located outside of Paris.
Japan
Like France, Japan is known for its large cities and urban landscapes. If you want to expand your knowledge of the country and enjoy something special, consider visiting the rural areas. They’re the ones that will allow you to truly immerse yourself into the culture. The trip to Japan can be lengthy, so you want to ensure you’re well-prepared beforehand. Before embarking on your journey, look up the JFK parking options. The most affordable spots are generally the ones that provide off-site parking.
The mountain village of Shirakawa, located in Ono District, is a World Heritage Site alongside Gokayama in Toyama. There are approximately 588 households, with under 2,000 inhabitants, making it the perfect place for tourists looking to spend calm and quiet moments away from home. The region is well-known for a style of vernacular architecture known as minka. These traditional houses, known as gassho-zukuri have thick thatched roofs created to withstand heavy snowfall.
Hokkaido, in the north of Japan, is a popular winter destination for tourists wanting to ski. However, for those visiting during the summer, Biei is an unmissable destination. The Patchwork Road, located in this area, gets its name from the seemingly endless checkered plains. The flower gardens of Shikisai-no-oka, the tree of the parent and child and the tree of philosophy make Biei an ideal spot if you want to spend time in nature. Riding a bicycle is the best way to explore it. The good news is that you can rent one from one of the shops near the tourist information center.
Ine is located around 130 kilometers north of Kyoto, around the Wakasa Bay. Some call it the “Venice of Japan” due to its many waterfront buildings. There are also region-specific wooden boathouses known as funaya. Of the approximately 200, some operate as accommodation for guests. You can take the sea taxi, managed by local fishermen, for a personalized experience.
Switzerland
Switzerland is widely-recognizable among the general public for its lofty mountain landscapes, chocolate, cheese fondue and clocks. But is there anything to do if you travel during the summer so that snowboarding wouldn’t be an option? Absolutely, you’ll just have to do a little research beforehand. If you travel from the LAX Airport, make sure to look for LAX parking before. Since the airport is so busy, you’ll have to secure a good spot quickly.
Stein am Rhein, a historic town in Schaffhausen, retains much of its medieval look. The city gates are preserved, and the town has many medieval-era houses, many of which are painted with complex frescoes. The entire old town area has been pedestrianized so you can walk through Stein am Rhein and discover its beauties at your own pace. The Hohenklingen Castle, St. Georg Monastery, Rhine Promenade, Marktbrunnen, Untertor and Town Hall are just a few beautiful landmarks in Stein am Rhein.
The region is well-known for its historic sites, including the town of Schaffhausen, the canton’s capital. It features similar old houses decorated with sculptures and paintings, the 16th-century fortress of Munot, and the Rhine Falls, the most powerful waterfall in Switzerland. Neukirch, dating back in records as far back as 850, has also been designated a site of national significance.
Lauterbrunnen, situated in the Interlaken-Oberhasli district of the canton of Bern, will get you to marvel at the beauty of the Swiss Alps. You can see the Staubbach Falls, which drop nearly 300 meters from a hanging valley. You can use the cable car and get a complete panorama of the village. Wengen is another beautiful mountain village. It became popular among tourists in the 19th century. Yet, it has existed since at least 1268, although its original name has been lost. Wengen has several local myths discussing the existence of the Pfeifende Lurch, German for “whistling amphibian.”
Italy
No summer destination list is ever complete without mentioning Italy. For many, it is the quintessential summer destination. Sicily, the home of Mount Etna, offers eclectic historical landmarks, including Byzantine mosaics and Greek temples, as well as some of the most amazing beaches in the world. The local cuisine reflects the many cultural influences that have shaped the area for millennia, including Greek, Arab, Jewish, Spanish and North African.
Maccu, a soup made from fava beans and fennel, pasta with sea urchin, sardines, and the Pasta alla Norma, with fried eggplant, ricotta and basil, cassata, granita and Tarocco blood oranges, are among the most popular dishes you can sample in Sicily.
When you set out to spend your summer holidays abroad, you must do your research beforehand to ensure you find the best spot for you.
