This summer it’s time to get a fresh perspective on the world around you! For many, the idea of summer brings memories of camping trips, family reunions at the lake, hiking and other fun summertime adventures. If you have a family, summer is often one of the more flexible times to break away from school, sports, work, and the usual family routine and set out on the perfect vacation. If you’re looking for a little inspiration, I’ve put together five summer vacation destinations that are open and welcoming travelers with great enthusiasm.
Breathtaking Iceland – The Land of Fire & Ice
Iceland is one of the most incredible adventure destinations in the world and a popular spot for nature lovers. It’s a country of extreme geological contrasts. It is often called the Land of Ice and Fire, a land where volcanoes and geothermal heat have made their mark on the landscape, along with the many glaciers and lagoons, fjords and geysers, a land of pristine and unspoiled nature.
Iceland is the land of light and darkness…long summer days with just about 24 hours of sunshine (Imagine that!!) and short winter days with only a few hours of daylight.
It’s the unspoiled nature, the majestic Northern lights, the sun in the midnight sky, the geothermal areas where the geysers rule supreme, the massive icebergs on a glacial lagoon, the endless stretches of black sandy beaches, the volcanos, waterfalls and the abundant adventure that make this destination so desirable!
As of early April, Iceland is open for travelers who have a certificate of full vaccination against COVID or a certificate of previous COVID infection.
Are you ready to see, to witness or to experience something new, and unique?
I’m ready to pull out my winter gear and head there in the fall so I can see the main attraction – the Northern Lights!
Adventure in Croatia – the Land of a Thousand Islands!
Croatia is breathtaking! It’s home to a beautiful coastline on the Adriatic Sea, UNESCO-listed old towns of Dubrovnik, Split and other towns and cities from the Greek, Roman, Venetian and Ottoman eras, stunning lakes and forests, picturesque national parks, a fascinating history, exceptional wine and delicious sea-to-table cuisine.
Being a coastal country, it is a place for water sports like boating, sailing, kayaking or diving. It’s a great way to admire the coastline from the water.
One of the many crown jewels of Croatia are the Dalmatian Islands, known for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and beautiful vineyards and olive groves. And even if it’s not pretty beaches you seek, stone castles, magnificent waterfalls, UNESCO sites, and fabulous hiking await travelers of all kinds!
Africa – The Happiest Place on Earth
Usually, the number one reason for travelers to visit Africa is to embark on a safari or to climb Kilimanjaro, and while Africa certainly does have some of the most prolific wildlife viewing opportunities and one of the seven summits, there are so many more reasons to visit Africa.
As the second biggest continent in the world, Africa is jam-packed with some of the world’s biggest things:
- The largest desert in the world, the Sahara Desert.
- The longest river in the world is the Nile River, which I crossed when I was in Uganda last November. The water level was so high due to large amount of rain that it was intense…raging and flowing rapidly beneath the bridge where we crossed the river.
- It’s home to the largest living animal, the African elephant, which can weigh up to 7 tons.
- You’ll also find four of the five fastest land animals in the world here – the cheetah (70 mph), wildebeest, lion, and Thomson’s gazelle (all about 50 mph).
- The world’s largest wildlife migration on Earth takes place in The Serengeti in Tanzania, with over 750,000 zebras marching ahead of 1.2 million wildebeest as they cross this amazing landscape.
- There’s the highest freestanding mountain in the world (and one of the Seven Summits), Mount Kilimanjaro.
Africa is a magnificent country…diverse in color, with valleys, tropical rainforests, brilliant wildlife and an abundance of birds, all on a truly vast scale. It’s also home to the world’s best gorilla and chimpanzee encounters too!
Africa is a destination that is worthy of experiencing sooner than later!
Costa Rica – Lush Rainforest and Abundant Wildlife
Costa Rica is the perfect combination of relaxation, adventure, culture, fine cuisine and wildlife. The jungles are incredible. The beaches are sparkly. The forests are lush. The waterfalls cascade through the cliffs and mountains. The volcanoes are active, and biodiversity is spectacular.
Costa Rica has an astonishing diversity of unreal places to visit. This beautiful country is a traveler’s eco-touristic paradise, where sloths s-l-o-w-l-y make their way through forest canopies and monkeys swing through trees. BEWARE…LOL!
National Geographic describes Costa Rica as ‘the most biologically intense place on the planet’ and you will notice this when you visit this amazing country.
It’s not hard to fall in love with Costa Rica’s relaxed Pura Vida philosophy. It’s not just a catchphrase, it’s a way of life.
Greece – Stunning and Romantic
Greece is not only stunning, but it is relaxing and romantic. From the whitewashed building of Oia in Santorini to the mosaic labyrinth of Chios — Greece has a surprise at every turn. There are over 6,000 islands, islets and atolls and 227 are inhabited.
Greece is known for its rich history, dramatic landscape, delicious cuisine, white sand beaches, turquoise Mediterranean waters and sunsets that will make your jaw drop. It’s a destination rivaled by few others for pure romance.
Greece is a fascinating destination with more than a lifetime’s worth of places to explore.
I can’t wait to explore the Greek Isles. Who wants to come with me?
Let’s put HOPE on your calendar!
In May, I’ll be heading to St. John, US VI to explore the beautiful beaches, the surrounding islands and to go hiking in the Virgin Island National Park.
In June, I will be biking through the mountainous regions of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio near Bogota, Colombia! We will be exploring coffee plantations, local wood workshops, a sheep farm and staying with local families. What an adventure!
In early July, I’m off to the picturesque island of Turks & Caicos with a small group of Travel Advisors. I’m looking forward to visiting several resorts so I can match my clients with the perfect choice while in this beautiful Caribbean destination.
In late July, I will be cruising down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans on the American Countess, a beautiful new paddlewheel ship with American Queen Steamboat Company!
I personally can’t wait to travel to these places! The memories will forever be a part of my travel experiences!
As you get ready to travel, remember to take care, wash your hands and stay healthy!
