Shawna Levet12 places you have to see to believe
If you have clients who have always wanted to travel to some of the world’s most popular destinations but hate large crowds, we have some fun ideas!
Here are 12 destinations you’re clients will love and some bonus tips on how to save and enjoy a unique experience while you are there!
1. Australia
➡️ Try this: Lake Hillier
This bright, candy-pink lake will make you feel like you’ve traveled into a world imagined by Dr. Seuss. Lake Hillier is located off the coast of Western Australia on Middle Island.
➡️ Australia on a budget
Check out the free Art Gallery of NSW to browse their collection of Australian, Aboriginal, European, Asian, and contemporary art. Or head to the St. Kilda Pier in Melbourne to enjoy some penguin-watching.
2. Austria
➡️ Try this:
Linguaphiles should tour the Esperanto Museum of Vienna, a small museum dedicated to the constructed language of Esperanto. Founded in 1927, the exhibit contains thousands of books, documents, and manuscripts in Esperanto and other such invented languages.
➡️ Austria on a budget
For a quick but interesting experience stop by and take a picture of “The Republic of Kugelmugel,” a micronation contained entirely within an odd spherical building. Make sure you read up on the unusual backstory of Kugelmugel before you go!
3. China
➡️ Try this:
It’s not too early to start thinking about your travel for next winter — especially if you’d like to travel during a larger festival such as this annual Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China. This dazzling celebration of ice sculptures attracts thousands of visitors from around the globe each year.
➡️ China on a budget
The capital city of Beijing is packed full of history and culture. Check out this list of museums, parks, and historic sites to add to your list.
4. Egypt
➡️ Try this:
River cruising is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to vacation. A cruise along the Nile is a luxurious and unique way to immerse yourself in the history of this incredible country.
➡️ Egypt on a budget
While many of the stops on your Egypt itinerary will be best enjoyed with a tour guide, it’s ok to spend some time on your own too! The Corniche is a 10-mile waterfront promenade in Alexandria is a beautiful, leisurely walk to enjoy in your free time.
5. France
➡️ Try this:
If you’ve seen the views of France on foot, boat, or even climbed the Eiffel Tower, maybe it’s time to enjoy from the air? A hot air balloon ride over France is an experience you should definitely add to your list.
➡️ France on a budget
Yes, there are plenty of ways to spend your money while in Paris. But it’s also the perfect city to wander with no plans — and wandering is free! Here are 5 idyllic places in Paris to start your own self-guided tour.
6. Germany
➡️ Try this:
Germany is full of stories, fairy tales, and legends. If you love literature, you might love to take a “fairy tale tour” or, for a simpler stop on your itinerary, visit Castle Frankenstein, which overlooks the city of Darmstadt.
➡️ Germany on a budget
Sometimes a simple road trip with scenic views is all you need to unwind. Drive through the Rhineland Palatinate, Germany’s oldest scenic drive and second-largest wine region. If you’re there during September, you might visit Bad Dürkheim for the 600-year-old Wurstmarkt festival (literally translating to sausage market).
7. Italy
➡️ Try this:
Enjoy the gorgeous views of the Mediterranean from a Snav ferry. Check out the many schedules and routing options here.
➡️ Italy on a budget
If you’re looking for a lower cost boat experience, try this! For just €15.00 you can rent a rowboat and experience the tranquil, clear waters of Lago di Braies, also known as “The Pearl of the Dolomite Lakes.” Rowboat rentals are available through September.
8. Japan
➡️ Try this:
Foodies! Put Japan at the top of your must-visit destinations. Tokyo is packed full of amazing dining options. For a truly fascinating experience, check out the restaurant Ninja Shinjuku, which serves a magic show along with prized wagyu beef.
➡️ Japan on a budget
If you’re disappointed about missing Japan’s infamous cherry blossom season this year, give the autumn colors a chance! Did you know that Japan is a popular destination for viewing fall foliage? The changing and viewing of the leaves in Japan is referred to as koyo or momijigari. Check out this guide to viewing Japan’s incredible fall foliage.
9. Mexico
➡️ Try this:
If you’re intrigued by the quiet serenity of life underwater, check out Mexico’s Underwater Museum. Serving as both a tourist attraction and a conservation project, this art piece includes 500 submerged sculptures in the ocean near Cancun.
➡️ Mexico on a budget
La Ciudadela, the traditional artisan’s market in Mexico City, is a wonderful place to simply browse stalls or pick up a few delightful souvenirs.
10. Spain
➡️ Try this:
The 1950s and 60s were big for Western films. And one surprisingly popular film location? Spain! Some of these filming locations have been turned into theme parks, including Mini Hollywood, now called Oasys. Check out the many attractions of Oasys here.
➡️ Spain on a budget
Many of Spain’s museums offer free days for visitors. You can visit Museo del Prado from 6 – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, or 5 – 7 p.m. on Sunday. The Reina Sofia is free on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 – 9 p.m. It is also on Sundays from 1:30 – 7 p.m.
11. Turkey
➡️ Try this:
For an unbeatable experience, head to the town of Göreme. This town is famous for its fairy chimney rock formations. You can even spend the night in one of these caves, some of which have been cozily decorated into charming hotels.
➡️ Turkey on a budget
For the budget-conscious traveler who is also seeking a cave sleeping experience, take a look at the Falcon Cave Suites. Also charming, but starting around $25 per night!
12. The United Kingdom
➡️ Try this:
The beautiful and whimsical Gnome Reserve & Wild Flower Garden is located in the small town of West Putford in Devon, England. This garden contains approximately 250 species of wildflowers, grasses, and ferns and… you guessed it… over 2,000 gnomes!
➡️ The UK on a budget
For free, but incredible views of Edinburgh, take a hike up Arthur’s seat. The climb up this extinct volcano will take about 2 hours roundtrip.
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