5 Places to Travel This Summer

Counting down the days until your summer holiday? It's easy to daydream, but when it comes to actually choosing where to go, the possibilities can be overwhelming. Outdated and ill-formed guides are no one's friend! Here are the five best places to travel now, this year, in the summer of 2012.

5: Bali, Indonesia

A long-time favorite of neighboring Asian countries, Bali is steadily gaining popularity throughout the world due to its gleaming beaches and bustling commerce. It's the perfect spot for a summer getaway - fun, sand, and shopping all rolled into one - and best of all, thanks to current exchange rates, it won't even come close to breaking the bank.


4: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Everything they say about Rio is true... except it's even better than the stories. Do you want to spend the day under blue skies and white sand beaches? Dance the night away under the city lights? How about seeing it all from a mountaintop cable car? Rio is a city of thrills and adventure, and there's nothing stopping you from claiming a piece as your own. There's no time like the present!


3: Chang Mai, Thailand
While many tourists flock to the flashier cities like Bangkok, the truth is that Chang Mai, Thailand is just as busy - and just as entertaining. Clubs, cafes, and galleries dominate this city of lights, and if you time your holiday right you might even catch some summer festivals like the Chinese Mooncake Celebration. And don't forget to wash down the experience with some Sang Som (Thai rum)!


2: Levi, Finland

Looking for something a little different during your summer holiday? Try Levi, Finland, where the skiing is plentiful and the snow goes on for miles. It doesn't matter if you're an experienced pro or just an eager beginner - they have slopes for everyone's skill set, and cozy resorts waiting for your return with hot cocoa and warm jumpers. Just because the rest of the world is at a beach doesn't mean you have to be, too.


1: London, England

Host of the 2012 Summer Olympics, London is THE place to be this season. The city is putting its best face forward as the world watches, so it's a prime time to descend and take advantage of the fun, the celebration, and the general bustle of a major tourist city. Just be careful - don't have so much fun you don't want to leave!

Thinking of Travelling This Year?

Get inspired with my top 10 suggestions for international travel. These are not your typical travel destinations, not by a long shot! “Escape” doesn’t always have to mean “nap” after all, and “safe” doesn’t ever have to mean “boring”.

10. THE UNITED STATES
No kidding! If budgets are tight don’t ignore the call of the fifty states that surround us. From Washington State, to Washington DC, affordable vacations abound.

9. CANADA
Canada is a wonderful place for the timid to start. Explore Canada by train. The nostalgia of rail travel wrapped up in a glitteringly modern train makes for a memorable journey through North American splendor.

8. MEXICO
I can’t let you off the hook without reminding you that Mexico is a treasure. There is more to this beautiful place than churros and chimineas. Make good use of the bus network, visit the ancient temples, and fall in love with Frida.

7. CHINA
Guided tours abound and will be the most comfortable option for most Americans. These tours, while often a little frenzied, will take their guests to many important locations that might have never considered; with access that might never have been granted or even asked for.

6. ENGLAND
With some reliable rain gear, a backpacker will have access to a tremendous variety of national parks, disarming villages, and (let’s face it) pubs! Away from the larger metropolitan areas, you’ll find pick pocketing to be less of a problem, but constant vigilance is your best carry-on.

5. AUSTRIA
Sound of Music fans will be swallowed up in fond memories, and history buffs will swoon! A friendly nation offering rich foods, confections, and scenery (OMG the scenery!), visitors are also drawn to the salt mines, Ferris wheels, and heart-stopping art collections of this English-friendly gem.

4. EUROPE BY EURRAIL
Love Europe? Can’t decide? Backpackers rejoice in the time-honoured tradition of the Eurrail pass. Travel where you want, when you want from 15 days to 3 months. Visit Stockholm, Madrid and Montenegro if you’ve got the time! Keep your schedule loose and your luggage light!

3. NORWAY
Check out the Hurtigruten cruises along the Coast of Norway. This is a twelve day journey that covers over 1,200 miles of breathtaking fjords. This is a perfect solution for the adventurer who just can’t stomach another train.

2. ICELAND
Exotic, rugged, fierce and friendly, Iceland is a gem! Foodies delight in the exceptional fish and lamb dishes. Adventure seekers need seek no further as guided tours and easy to read maps are rarely out of reach. The cities boast friendly accommodation and the vast expanses of wilderness offer thrilling solitude.

1. GHANNA
Greenbugadventures.com is a great place to start when investigating a safe and ethical way to see Africa while also leaving a legacy of goodness behind. Ghanna, in particular, offers adventures for all tastes. Study up on the taboos for this conservative but friendly nation, and you’ll be rewarded with friendships and memories for the rest of your life.

Planning Your Summer Holidays in America? Check Out My Top Places To Visit.

Many people love to travel in the summer months, because of optimal road conditions and gorgeous weather. There are many wonderful and exciting cities in America that are popular destination hotspots every year.

Orlando, Florida
Of course Florida has Walt Disney World, but there are also many other fun attractions in Orlando to see. Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and an abundance of shopping malls and golf courses, make this city a top summer location.

Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
The beautiful and tranquil beaches of Martha’s Vineyard provide excellent opportunities for swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing. The Island has plenty of areas for bicycling and taking in the sights and scenery.

Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and it does not disappoint. Watersports are extremely popular during the summer months, because of the mild summer temperatures. Some popular lakes are Lake Minnetonka and Lake Calhoun, which offer canoeing and windsurfing.

Miami, Florida
With the magnificent coastline off the Atlantic Ocean, and the vibrant nightlife on South Beach, Miami is a summer playground to many. Designer boutiques and upscale shops offer plenty of options for swimwear and party clothes.

5. South Padre Island, Texas
The warm and inviting gulf waters, boating and fishing make South Padre Island, a popular summer destination. After a day of fishing, some of the restaurants will even cook the fish that you caught!

Destin, Florida
White sandy beaches and world class resorts attract many visitors to this beautiful destination every year. Many people come to Destin, just to lie out on the beach, read a book, and erase their cares away.

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Grabbing a bike and cycling around Amsterdam, is a wonderful way to get around and take in the city. During the summer, the Holland Festival hosts many dance, music and theatre events.

Montreal, Quebec, Canada
There are many outlets in the city that provide ways to discover the culture of Montreal. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Montréal Museum of Archaeology and History, are just a few of many museums in the area.

Nashville, Tennessee
Novelty shops, music themed restaurants, and street performers all line Broadway Avenue in down