Yes, my fellow victims, the dreaded midterms season has come upon us. It’s that time of year again when the Melville Library’s North Reading Room is filled to the brim with SBU students desperately trying to recall information they have learned over the past four weeks. Often during such long periods of studying, students may find their minds drifting from the integral rules they’re supposed to be memorizing to the next exotic vacation they daydream about taking. Ok, ok, maybe that’s just me. But for fellow travel lovers who can relate, here are my top five favorite places to visit:
1. Prague, Czech Republic
From the Gothic Charles Bridge (best viewed at dawn) to the contemporary Dancing House to the breathtaking array of red-roofed buildings the city is so well-known for, Prague offers a wide variety of architectural styles. As you walk along the Vltava river surrounded by local music and colorful scenery, you simply cannot help but forget all your worries and somehow feel completely content.
2.. Budapest, Hungary
Hike up the Gellert Hill to the Liberty Statue (which was ironically erected when Hungary was “liberated” from Nazi occupation yet brought under control of the Soviets), treat yourself to a thermal bath in the “City of Baths,” or take a dinner cruise along the Danube River for a breathtaking view of the Budapest Parliament at night…there is seemingly no end to what you can do in the capital city. A stay longer than three days is required to truly enjoy all that Budapest has to offer.
3. Patmos, Greece
Sure, when people think of the Greek Islands, Santorini is considered an absolute must. The backdrop of orange skies and white chalk houses make it the optimal site for photoshoots. And which teenage gal wouldn’t want to visit the village of Oia, where Alexis Bedel meets her dreamy Greek lover in the ultimate chick flick The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants? But if you’re simply looking for a remote getaway to soak up some wonderful scenery, Patmos is the place to be. The underrated holy island offers truly picturesque views minus the often overwhelming hustle and bustle of Santorini crowds.
4. Jaipur, Rajasthan
This Indian city is the perfect place to stock up on some unique resham-embroidered kurtis and explore the nirvana of road side gol gappas and bhel puri. And of course, who wouldn’t want to ride a camel or elephant in the tourist village of Chokhi Dhani?
5. Geneva, Switzerland
Genevian shop owners present customers with never-ending samples of Swiss chocolate delights that melt into a paradise for your taste buds. Geneva is the “chocolate heaven” of Europe!
Whether you’re planning for a vacation this upcoming winter break or waiting until you are no longer a broke college student who can’t afford to travel, these cities are ones I definitely recommend visiting someday!