It’s time to start planning summer vacations, and with so many interesting places to go, how do you choose? If you’re looking for somewhere a little less crowded and less known but just as culturally rich and engaging, here are some suggestions that will leave your coworkers impressed with how worldly you are!
Grenada
Nicknamed Spice Island, Grenada has managed to slip under the radar year after year, and yet it has everything you could possibly want for a tropical getaway: spacious beaches, rainforests, vibrant local culture, and tantalizing cuisine with local flavor. Largely unaffected by the 2017 hurricane season, Grenada is ready for this year’s tourists, offering high-end resorts such as the brand-new Silversands Hotel and the renovated Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. With JetBlue flying daily from New York and as a port of call for thirty-three new cruise ships, Grenada is accessible for anyone looking for a beach get-away.
Uzbekistan
What may seem like a lesser-known country somewhere in Central Asia was once a crucial stop on the Silk Road. Because of those frequent travelers, Uzbekistan became very rich in culture, and it offers plenty of fascinating things to explore to this day. For the history fiend or art lover, there are mosques and harems all over to admire. The nation has been taking steps in reforming their government and policies as well. Not only is Uzbekistan looking to improve its relationship with its neighbors, but they are also looking to make their country more accessible to anyone who wants to visit, with a potential stop on the Trans-Asian Railway and a rail link to the Persian Gulf. For the more adventurous vacationer, Uzbekistan could be your next travel destination.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh has attracted artists (including Yves Saint Laurent and Mick Jagger) from all over the world ever since the 1960s, but has since slowed down a bit in terms of tourism. That is about to change with the revitalization the city is receiving in terms of new art and designs. The 1:54 Contemporary African Art festival is geared to begin in February, and while it’s been open since October, the new YSL Museum promises to be spectacular. With famed hotels such as Ma Mamounia and Royal Mansour (complete with a brand-new pool and cabanas), you’ll find a comfortable place to come home to at the end of your day.
Archipelago Sea, Finland
With 25,000 miles of shoreline, this is one of the world’s largest archipelagos. It’s still a well-kept secret that’s popular among the native Finns, some of whom even own some of the islands within the sea. It’s now easier than ever to get there via transatlantic flights on Norwegian Air, and you won’t go hungry thanks to Finland’s medieval capital Turku, where there are lots of great food and drinks to try. There’s a glamour to these islands, picturesque and perfect if you’re taking a hike or bike ride around them. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale; it’ll be hard to leave!