With the craziness of the pandemic came the crazy idea that plane tickets could cost less than $300 to some of the most popular travel destinations in the world. As people boarded up their windows and locked their doors, the travel gurus of the world dreamt about all the amazing places in the world they could head to for a fraction of the price. Which got me thinking, where are some of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich destinations I would fly to in a heartbeat if the price wasn’t holding me back?
GREECE The capital of Santorini has been screaming my name ever since I tuned into the notorious film, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”. As Lena is swept off her feet, literally, and the man of her dreams proves his love, my preteen self couldn’t imagine visiting anywhere else at the first opportunity I got. Fira is home to breathtaking architecture and colorful, picture-perfect views. Just a few kilometers away is the infamous Oia and surrounding glorious beaches. All just outside of the dreamy Santorini. Dancing in the streets eating nothing but the best food cooked from local ingredients. Instagram would look good, but the relationship with the land would outlast the feeling of approval from friends.
FRANCE Joie de vivre… French culture surely encompasses the joy of living with their welcoming hospitality, luxurious cuisine, and prestigious art. Channeling my inner Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn, the beautiful coast of the French Riviera is picture-perfect. With plentiful Michelin star dining and tropical beaches, a good tan and a full belly are not to be missed out on. Travelers can admire the culture and history of a variety of museums such as the Musee Matisse, Musee Massena, and many more. What better way to wash away your stress than with sunshine and some of the finest wine.
COSTA RICA Emerging into the turquoise seas, exploring hundreds of active volcanoes, and sitting out on the pink sands is just a few of many self-care opportunities in the beauty of the rainforest. The sky’s the limit with outdoor adventures from river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, zip-lining, and coming face to face with the most exotic wildlife. The vibrant environment mixes flawlessly with the vibrant blend of cultures and heritages. Snacking on the natural cuisine on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, the views are breathtaking and the country never sleeps.
