Every year brings an opportunity to explore a place you have not been to before. It means exploring new cultures, sights, traditions and cuisines and off course the world itself. If you want to make the most of your vacation time this year, now is just the right time to start planning. Whether you want to travel with family or friends or want to plan an amazing honeymoon, you must check out these hottest travel destinations.
Reefs of Australia
To see why this place is at number one on this list you must see BBC’s documentary ‘The Great Barrier Reef’. The Australian reef is a 1,400 mile string of islands and coral reefs with pockets of small islands along the Queensland coast. At four hours drive from the main islands is the Lady Elliot Island; visitors can see giant manta rays and spend the night at one of the island’s resorts. If you would like to camp in the outdoors and instead of staying at a resort you could camp at Lady Musgrave Island, which makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations too if you want a secluded spot away from all the hustle and bustle yet want some adventure on your honeymoon.
You can also head further north-west if you want more privacy. Here you can enjoy surfing, fishing, snorkeling and turtle watching in complete seclusion as very few tourists head here and is still one of the unexplored areas. If you head there don’t forget to check out the whale swim trips, camp sites and trails. Tour operators offer a three day trip for this area.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France produces the biggest volumes of fine wines in the world; it can most certainly be called the world’s wine capital. Wild boulevards and buildings representing neoclassicism era are sprawled across banks of river Garonne, which itself is a sight to behold. You will feel transformed into another era with the peace and tranquility the region has to offer.
In mid-June the opening of La Cite du Vin, a modern museum which honors the evolution of fine wines throughout history is expected. The museum is a curved glass building which depicts wine flowing through flutes. It’s a ten story building which aims to unshackle wine from its elitist, stifling status quo. The museum will have magic binoculars, through which tourists can view some of the world’s finest vineyards, holographic images of wine experts who give advice about the taste and preservation of vintage wines. There is a restaurant on the top of the museum and boat rides for visitors too. If you are planning you vacation sometime around June and love vintage vines, you know where to head.
Rio de Janirio
When Brazil hosted the 2014 Football World Cup, the world couldn’t get enough of Rio’s scenic beauty and now as it gets ready to host the 2016 Olympic Games it will be another chance to see the city’s beautiful natural landscape and its rich culture. Rowing matches are to be held at the Lagoa Lake which is surrounded by imposing black mountains. The roads in city’s rain forested hills will be the cycling racing tracks and the beautiful white sand Copacabana beach is the chosen sight for volleyball matches. Hands down we are about to witness one of the most photogenic Olympics ever.
Away from all the happenings, in the Old port district a museum dedicated to climate change has opened up. The ‘Museum of Tomorrow’ is designed by Santiago Calatrava, and talks about what changes mankind should make to preserve nature. The elegantly designed building is included in a must-see place for visitors. However, in the Olympic season you will find everything very expensive and it will be impossible to find hotel rooms and flights. The good news is that Brazil’s currency fell sharply in the last one year, so you can plan your vacation accordingly and enjoy the beauty of the place.
Bora Bora – The French Polynesia
Bora Bora, has been voted the number one destination by honeymooners consecutively for the last two years. This little gateway to heaven is made up of endless shore lines with white sand and crystal clear water with lagoons, waterfalls and a rocky backcountry all amalgamated in one place.
The French Polynesia is not just popular among honeymooners but anyone who wants peace and tranquility should visit the place. There are private huts with views of turquoise lagoon and you can also stay at small lodgings or guest houses if you want to experience the culture and cuisine. If you are a bit of an adventurist you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking or even take helicopter rides for touring the amazing black pearl farms.
Costa Rica
If you want to observe wildlife closely, enjoy the white sand beaches, go trekking in rainforests and would like to see a volcano or two in the meantime Costa Rica is the place to go. Although you might have to take a long flight but the moment you land in the country you will know it was worth every minute. Park Manuel Antonio is the perfect place to go trekking and spot wildlife. Tour operators such as National Geographic are introducing 14 day exploration trips in which you can visit the rain forestation projects and visit the sea turtle conservancy.
The country’s quarter of the landmass is protected thanks to the sustainability policies of the government. You will find most of the natural beauty of the area is preserved. The beaches offer surfing and snorkeling. You can also go for trekking and bewildered by the endemic species of the region. The good thing about Costa Rica is that the region never sees any extreme weathers and is accessible all year round.
All the places listed in this article have something unique to offer. Make sure you check the weather situation and any events, festivals or openings in that area before finalizing your trip so you can make the most of it.
