Your vacation time gives you a chance to see a part of the world that is very different from your own. There’s never been a better time to hit the road and start exploring. But where should you go?
International tourism has already reached 80% of its pre-pandemic levels this year, and demand for summer travel continues to be high.
If you have a dream vacation in mind, you should book it before availability is drastically reduced. Not sure where to visit? Here is some inspiration.
Experts from CNN have chosen these as four of the top travel destinations in the world right now:
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania, and the entire center of this spectacular city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It boasts Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings and still maintains its medieval street plan. There’s nothing better than getting lost in its meandering streets and exploring the hidden, unexpected gems that you find.
Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Palace of the Grand Dukes and the gothic St Anne’s Church.
Its old-world charm is one of the main draws of a trip to Vilnius, but there are other attractions too.
Travelers can shop for traditional crafts, such as Baltic amber jewelry and hand-embroidered linens. The flavors of Lithuania are exceptional, with plenty of seasonal produce incorporated into the dishes.
The city’s Soviet past is also fascinating, and the Museum of Genocide Victims is a stark, shocking insight into the recent history of Vilnius.
Manaus, Brazil
Manaus is a vibrant and fun destination in the heart of Brazil, brimming with life and color. Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, this unique destination is every bit as exciting as you would expect.
The pink opera house, constructed in 1896, is a cultural hub in the city. You’ll also find noisy and chaotic street markets here that are well worth exploring.
Outside of the city center, visitors here can enjoy long hikes through the jungle, embracing the natural rainforest environment and going off-grid.
The opportunity to share space with jaguars, pumas and giant armadillos is a true adrenaline rush.
Perhaps one of the best things about visiting Manaus is the people who live here. The locals are welcoming and friendly to visitors and are always happy to chat or offer help when needed.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Thessaloniki is a port city in Greece, located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea.
History buffs will love it here because of the evidence of Roman, Ottoman, and Byzantine history that still remains in the area.
The ruins of the Roman Emperor Galerius’ palace are particularly worthy of exploration. And the good news is Thessaloniki is an easy city to explore on foot, making getting around incredibly simple.
Although the city is mostly famous for its historical attractions and active nightlife scene, thanks to the many bars and cafes, those looking for a more relaxing vacation will also find some beautiful beaches surrounding the town.
While Thessaloniki is an incredible vacation destination in its own right, it also makes a great base for exploring the surrounding region.
If you want to spend your summer in Greece, then there is no better place to be.
Bogota, Colombia
Though it is not one of the most popular Colombian vacation destinations, Bogota is the capital of Colombia, and the city combines modern elements with traditional Colombian heritage.
The first thing you’ll notice about Bogota is the color. Everywhere is incredibly vibrant. Even walls and buildings are a riot of color because graffiti is legal in the country, meaning that creative street art is actively encouraged at every corner.
Bogota also has a very pleasant climate: because it is located at such a high altitude, it doesn’t get the same balmy heat that other parts of the country do.
Whether you’re looking for history and heritage, arts and gastronomy, or simply want to relax and soak up a completely different culture, Bogota has it all.
