If you are looking for a little inspiration as you head into the biggest travel season of the year, you have come to the right place. With so many incredible places in the world, it can be difficult to choose. Get your Bublup folders ready for some travel planning; from popular classics to lesser-known gems, here are 10 must-visit destinations for this year and a few recommendations in each city to help get you started.Â
Amsterdam
The Netherlands’ capital city is a very popular travel destination and with good reason. If you’re into flower fields, picturesque canals, museums, windmills, cheese, and scenic bicycle rides, Amsterdam is about as close to living in a postcard as it gets. The city itself isn’t terribly large, and with well-connected public transportation, it’s really easy to hop on a train and visit other parts of the country.Â
5 musts:
- Book a canal cruise with Friendship Amsterdam
- Stroll through Vondelpark
- Visit the Albert Cuypmarket
- Visit the Rijksmuseum
- Take a day trip to Zaanse Schans
Best time to go? April/May or September/October to avoid the insanely high tourist season!
Bangkok
The Thai capital is an absolute assault on the senses but in the best way possible. Bangkok is often a love or hate city, but you will love it as long as you know where to go. The city is home to some incredible rooftop bars, heaping plates of authentic food for $1, extremely kind people, awe-inspiring temples, and a beautiful river at its center, perfect for cruising in the warm evenings.
5 musts:
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Arun
- Take a tuk-tuk ride anywhere
- Enjoy a Chao Phraya River cruise
- Experience the Mahanakhon SkyWalk
- Indulge in some street food Â
Best time to go? November to March when the heat and humidity is down. It’s the perfect cold-weather break!
Cape Town
Pull out your bucket list and add Cape Town, South Africa, to it immediately. Cape Town is an incredible place where the city, sea, and mountains collide. A place where you will never run out of things to do. You can discover African wildlife, pristine beaches, delicious food, stunning landscapes, and all at an affordable price. While there are endless things to do in Cape Town, there are a few must-sees that you simply can’t miss.
5 musts:
- Hike Lion’s Head Mountain
- Explore colorful Bo-Kaap
- Soak up the sun at Clifton Beach
- Stop and smell the flowers at Kirstenbosch Gardens
- Take a ferry to Robben Island
Check out this Bublup Roll for even more recommendations!
Best time to go? Shoulder season: March to May or September to November for better prices and less tourists!
Copenhagen
If you’re into gorgeous European cities that offer a little bit of everything, Denmark’s capital city is a real treat. Copenhagen is a bit on the pricey side, but worth it for its colorful buildings and dazzling waterways, palaces and castles, amazing food, and sustainability efforts. Like to get around on a bicycle? Copenhagen is the perfect city for biking, and a lot less intense than, say, Amsterdam.
5 musts:
- Visit the free viewing tower at Christiansborg Palace
- Eat a burger at Gasoline Grill or a hotdog at DØP
- Wander around colorful Nyhavn
- Have some fun at Tivoli Gardens
- Enjoy speakeasy vibes at Curfew Bar
Best time to go? March to May for less crowds or between June and August for the best weather!
Florence
What is a travel destination list without a little bit of Italy? Florence is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Seeing the Duomo for the first time is almost indescribable. If it’s art, architecture, great weather, and mouthwatering food you’re after, bump Florence to the top of your list.
5 musts:
- Visit David at the Galleria dell’Accademia
- Grab a Neopolitan pizza at Gusto
- Take a stroll on Ponte Vecchio
- Climb to the top of the Duomo
- Enjoy some gelato at Perche No
Best time to go? We’ll tell you the best time NOT to go: summer. It is stifling hot! Instead, opt for April/May or September/October.
Gdansk
We did say some lesser-known gems, and this Polish city is one of them! Visually, it’s a bit like Amsterdam (if Amsterdam were painted with the colors of the rainbow) and can be found along the Baltic coast. It’s beautiful, incredibly affordable, and full of great comfort food.
5 musts:
- Take a stroll down Mariacka Street
- Climb to the top of St. Mary’s Church
- Have a meal by the water on the Long Embankment Street
- Try the pierogies at Pierogarnia Mandu
- Visit the nearby beaches, such as Jelitkowo or Stogi
Best time to go? Gdansk is cold but very charming around the winter holidays. It’s good to visit any time of year, but even at its hottest in July, it only reaches about 73°F.
Lisbon
You truly cannot go wrong with Lisbon. The city is absolutely beautiful, albeit a bit grungy, which actually lends to its charm. Colorful tiles decorate buildings and walls, trams clang about the streets, and you’re sure to get a workout with all of the hills. It’s quite affordable compared to other European cities and is the perfect base for exploring amazing beaches and fairytale towns.Â
5 musts:
- Get lost in the LX FactoryÂ
- Take a scenic ride on Tram 28
- Try a traditional pastel de nata at Pastéis de BelémÂ
- Visit Time Out Market for a lively meal
- Take a day trip to Sintra for amazing castles
Best time to go? As is the running theme here, for better prices and less crowds, visit March to May or September to November.
London
England’s capital city deserves as many trips as possible- it is absolutely chock-full of history, culture, charm, and best of all, sugary scones. (Don’t forget the jam and clotted cream.) It’s definitely not the most affordable option on the list, but if the idea of free museums, cozy pubs, friendly people, and amazing transportation tickles your fancy, London must be in your near future.
5 musts:
- Visit the FREE Natural History MuseumÂ
- Enjoy a high tea, preferably at Sketch
- Visit the famous street market on Portobello Road
- Reserve a ticket to the free Sky Garden for incredible views
- Take a stroll through Leadenhall Market for Harry Potter vibes
Best time to go? Any time. April and May are flower-filled and less crowded, the holiday season is magical, and the weather is best in summer.
NYC
Who doesn’t dream of exploring the Big Apple? (Ask any non-American, and this is usually their first stop!). In New York City, the world is your oyster. If you’re looking for high-energy, world-famous restaurants, amazing attractions, shopping, and incredible top-of-the-world views, then this is your spot. Â
5 musts:
- Take a walk in Central ParkÂ
- Visit the beautiful Morgan Library
- Book a ticket for Summit One Vanderbilt
- Feast your eyes on Times Square
- Get your party on at House of Yes
Best time to go? New York City is another city that is great to visit any time of year. You’ll find mild temps and blooms in the spring, warmer weather and lively vibes in the summer, lovely foliage in the fall, and incredible holiday displays in the winter. You choose!
Paros
When you think of Greek islands, you probably think of Santorini or Mykonos. But have you ever considered Paros? It’s certainly up and coming, so head over before it becomes the new place to be. It’s not too big nor too small, which means you can get a good feel for the whole island in a couple of days. The best thing to do is rent a car and explore the many beautiful beaches and adorable towns.
5 musts:
- Visit Naoussa and have a meal by the water
- Explore the villages of Marpissa, Lefkes, and ProdromosÂ
- Sunbathe at Santa Maria Beach
- Try your hand at kitesurfing
- Take the short ferry to neighboring Antiparos for an afternoon
Best time to go? If you love the sun, summer is best, but September is ideal for better prices and less crowds.
In Summary
Choosing your next travel destination is no easy task, but these tried and true recommendations are a great place to start. When you’re ready to start planning your trip, keep things as stress-free as possible by making a Bublup folder. Invite your travel companions and enjoy one central hub for your documents, reservations, plane tickets, notes, and more! Happy travels!
