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With most of us stuck at home for the past few months, dreams of escaping everyday life have never been more prevalent. I am on numerous text chains with friends and family that all have some mention of a desire to get away from it all. Maybe it’s lounging on white sand with the sound of soft waves in the distance with girlfriends? Maybe it’s traveling with your best friends you haven’t gotten to see much as a family? Maybe it’s escaping everything and everyone and traveling with a bunch of strangers?
Inevitably, the very first question that comes up in these dreams of grandeur- where should we go? Anywhere + Everywhere is a option 🙂 However, if the entire world sounds a little too overwhelming to narrow down, here are a few options for any travel vibe.
Current Mood: Have Added Teacher and Chef to my Resume Recently and Now Need to Do Nothing
St. Lucia: If your relaxation goals include a wellness slant, take a look at BodyHoliday, an all-inclusive resort that includes a daily (yes, daily) 50-minute spa treatment along with a whole host of activities or go for total indulgence at Boucan by Hotel Chocolat, the ultimate foodie resort set on a working cocoa plantation.Porto, Portugal: Sit back and relax in one of the many cafes in this charming port town. For a little more relaxation, take a short trip to the Douro Valley, the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Spend your day touring and a night pampering yourself at the Six Senses Douro Valley, the region’s first full-service resort with an excellent spa and movies under the stars.Sedona, AZ: Luxury and wellness abound alongside enchanting natural landscapes. Sightseeing and spa’ing is all you have to do while you’re here. Stay at the Amara Resort and Spa and watch the sunset with a margarita from their SaltRock Southwest Kitchen.
Current Mood: Have Binged Every Show on Netflix and Need Some Adventure
Iceland: Hiking, caving, snowmobiling across glaciers, super jeep tours across rugged terrain, Iceland has all the excitement you can find in a single destination. I highly recommend staying at the Thingholt, an intimate boutique hotel right off Reykjavík’s main shopping street.Jordan: Canyon through the Wadi Mujib, float in the Dead Sea, go glamping in the Wadi Rum desert and explore the ruins of Petra as you adventure through the ancient world. Luxury desert tents and ecolodges add to the fun in this unexpected destination.Costa Rica: Hiking, canopy ziplining, lava field trekking, surfing- what adventurous activity can’t you do in Costa Rica? Stay in a private villa while you at the luxurious Nayara Springs while you hike and then head down to the beach for a surf camp at Kalon Surf Resort to experience the best of both.
Current Mood: Have Stared at the Same Faces for 3 Months and Need A Change in Scenery
Bali: While this small island has skyrocketed in popularity the last few years, it is still a culturally rich escape that is definitely worth a visit. Something about just being in Bali makes you feel more spiritual. Waterfalls, rice fields, sunsets and temples galore are all you need to restore your soul.Cartagena: I’ve written about this city a lot on this blog. It has really captured my heart in a way that not everywhere does. Being in it awakens all five senses- the vibrant colors, the champeta music emanating from bars and the smells and tastes of amazing Colombia cuisine. A lot of people still picture Colombia in its past, like a scene from Narcos , but those people couldn’t be more wrong.Vietnam: With landscapes as savory as bite of banh mi or a fresh Vietnamese roll, Vietnam has something for everyone. Explore the limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, visit the lantern-filled streets of Hoi Ann, and the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh. Tip: to truly see the wonders of Ha Long Bay, see it from the water on an overnight boat cruise.
Current Mood: Have Been in a Perpetual State of Sadness for the World and Need to Volunteer
Service Trips: There are several tour operators that specialize in service tourism. Love Volunteers and Projects Abroad both get rave reviews and have a variety of options to choose from. I’m looking forward to booking a 1 week volunteer opportunity with one of these next year.
Current Mood: Have Been so Consumed with Daily Life and Want to Reconnect with Family (Edited: For those of us with elementary-age kids, I know you’re skipping right over this one…just save it for when 2020 is a distant memory)
Anna Maria Island, FL: We spent a great month exploring this hidden gem of Florida, tucked between Tampa and Sarasota. White sand beaches, turquoise waters, a plethora of family-friendly accommodation options, and ice cream shops galore make this a great, easy family escape.Switzerland: Gorgeous landscapes and simple to traverse via train, you can combine a few different trips in one. Spend a few days enjoying the sights and sounds of one Zurich or the French influence in Geneva, and a few days adventuring in the Swiss Alps. For a true unique experience, spend a night in a modern day igloo at Whitepod, where the family pods come with free access to the resort’s private escape game.Ireland: Start with pubs and parks in Dublin, then venture to western Ireland for a stay at Ashford Castle, for an enchanting castle adventure with amenities and activities for every age. I can’t wait to try the falconry experience with my son!
Hopefully, this post inspires you to add ones of these destinations to your list or to keep growing your own. I’m not sure when we’ll be able to travel without worry again, but until then, I’ll just keep growing my list and sharing what I find (or you can always just tag along on mine)!
