Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 04:30 pm
The time has come again to begin planning your summer vacation. And while it can be tempting to return to the same places each year, this time of year is also an opportunity to discover somewhere new. From the islands of Finland to sub-tropical southern china, these unusual vacation destinations are sure to inspire wanderlust in us all.
Helsinki, Finland
Situated on a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is a harbour city with a history and contemporary culture that’s largely defined by its coastal setting. In fact, many would be surprised to discover that Helsinki consists of around 330 islands. Here, the city’s many inlets and bays come alive each summer with a host of outdoor activities and events. And to top it off, there are thriving arts and dining scenes, too. Hop between the city’s museums and galleries, grab a coffee in Art Nouveau surrounds, and take a boat between the islands.
Travel to Helsinki on Cossack Explorer, Capitals of the North and Best of Finland, Russia and The Baltic States.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia’s capital city is divided by the winding Ljubljanica River, with an abundance of outdoor green spaces – even being named the Green Capital of Europe by the European Commission in 2016 – and an old town where the city’s history is displayed through its Baroque architecture. As a university town, Ljubljana has a vibrant eating and drinking scene, and plenty of culture to uncover from galleries and museums to historic houses and churches. In summer, people make the most of the leafy outdoors by boating on the river and whiling away time in the outdoor riverside cafes.
Travel to Ljubljana on Highlights of Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, Highlights of Eastern Europe and The Balkans and Venice.
Santiago de Compostela, Spain
As the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region, Santiago de Compostela is best known for being the end point of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail, where the city’s cathedral is of particular significance to pilgrims from across the world. Narrow stone streets lead the way to the atmospheric squares, ancient churches and monasteries that make the old town a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lively tapas bars to seek out as well. The city is also an ideal base for exploring Galicia further; head to the nearby inlets of Rías Baixas for views across the Galician coast.
Travel to Santiago de Compostela on the Northern Spain trip.
Otavalo, Ecuador
In its remote setting in the northern province of Imbabura, the indigenous town of Otavalo lies amidst the Imbabura, Cotacachi and Mojanda volcanoes. For hundreds of years – as early as Pre-Incan times – Ecuadorians have made the journey here for what is thought to be one of the best markets in the Andes. And to this day, it’s still considered the place to pick up traditional local crafts. In addition to offering visitors an insight into indigenous life, and the chance to pick up an authentic souvenir, Otavalo is a convenient base for making the most of the Andean surroundings.
Travel to Otavalo on the Secrets of Ecuador trip.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Just off Scotland’s northwest coast, the Isle of Skye is the largest island in the Inner Hebrides archipelago. In its remote setting, the island exhibits a wild landscape encompassing a rugged coastline of cliffs and bays, and a dramatic mountainous interior. In addition to the villages set amidst the island’s tranquil lochs and windswept moors, there are ancient castles to explore, too.
Travel to the Isle of Skye on Best of Scotland, Highland Trail inspired by Outlander, Scotsland’s Highlands, Islands and Cities, Best of Britain, Britain and Ireland Panorama, Celtic Filmscapes, Best of Ireland and Scotland and Britain and Ireland Grandeur.
Guilin, China
This verdant green city in sub-tropical southern China has drawn in tourists from as early as the late 1940s due to its extraordinary geography. Guilin is centred around the Li River, which flows between limestone karsts from its source, the 2,141-metre Cat Mountain, with the two lakes, Cedar and Banyan, acting as a reminder of the Tang Dynasty moat that was once there. Today, visitors can set out on boat trips through this unique scenery, and get out to see the nearby rice paddies, including the famous Longsheng rice terraces that were developed around 800 years ago.
Travel to Giulin on Secrets of Hong Kong and Mainland China, Treasures of China and Classic China.
Hakone, Japan
Situated to the west of Tokyo, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is visited primarily for its exceptional Mount Fuji views. The hot spring town of Hakone lies within this region, making it the ideal place to be based for further exploration. The town lies on the shores of Lake Ashi, which has a spectacular backdrop of the famous mountain; take a boat across this lake, before taking time out in Hakone’s natural hot springs.
Travel to Hakone on Splendours of Japan, Splendours of Japan with Hiroshima and Samurai Discovery.
Image credits: Cover photo of Guilin © iStock / aphotostory. Helsinki © iStock / scanrail. Ljubljana © iStock / kasto80. Santiago de Compostela © iStock / Tusea. Peguche Waterfall outside Otavalo © iStock / brendanvanson. Isle of Skye © iStock / lightkey. Guilin © iStock / martinhosmart. Hakone © iStock / 44kawa.