Are you going on holiday soon? Then have you selected a destination and booked a hotel? Or, has the thought not crossed your mind, given that the holidays are not here yet? It should.
According to Savannah Collins from Interhome.co.uk, travel during Christmas time will increase holiday stress levels if you don’t plan ahead and get everything booked months in advance. So get moving.
And for inspiration, here are five interesting holiday destinations you’ll love:
1. Palermo, Italy
One word defines Palermo on the Italian Island of Sicily – culture. During its 2,700-year-old history, this coastal city has been home to the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Jews, Normans, Spaniards, and Britons.
And each culture has left its mark on the local history, architecture, and cuisine. As a result, you can visit a Moorish palace, a Norman cathedral, a ruined Greek temple, a Roman theater, or a medieval catacomb without going too far from the city. No wonder Palermo was named Italy’s cultural capital in 2018.
2. Cairo, Egypt
Throughout history, Egypt has fascinated travellers with its immense treasures, ancient mummies, and great monuments. And Cairo, the Egyptian capital, is the place to see the best of them. The city’s Egyptian Museum of Antiquities houses everything from ancient manuscripts to King Tutankhamun’s golden sarcophagus.
And about 10 kilometers from downtown Cairo, you’ll find the country’s greatest and most famous monuments, the Great Pyramids, in the middle of the Giza plain. It’s here that the Egyptian government is building an even bigger Museum that should open any time now. As an advice, if you are looking for the journey of a lifetime while exploring Cairo and the other wonderful cities, consider spending at least 10 days in Egypt.
3. Cusco, Peru
The ancient Incas left an 18,000-mile road network stretching across much of South America. This great trail, which is also the largest World Heritage site, converges at Cusco, the ancient seat of the Inca Empire.
Here, you’ll find massive Inca temples, pyramids, and fortresses as well as Spanish cathedrals. And located just 74 kilometers away, the 500-year-old ruins of Machu Picchu rest between tall mountains, only a short hike from the train and the bus station.
4. Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos, a mountainous country in the Far East, is famous for its tough terrain, unspoiled jungles, and beautiful river-cut canyons. Unsurprisingly, adventurous backpackers form the bulk of the tourists coming here. And although most of them pass through the capital Vientiane, they don’t stay there for long, despite the city’s laid-back charm.
Instead, they head to the equally-welcoming Luang Prabang, once the seat of the Lao Empire. This century-old city overflows with Lao architecture, culture, and tradition. And with the government investing heavily in road, air, and river transport, Luang Prabang is more accessible than before. So now, you too can join the hardy backpackers, and visit here.
5. New Orleans, United States of America
New Orleans has carved a reputation for itself as America’s party capital. With great year-round weather and 130 festivals every year, or eleven every month, it’s easy to see why. The most famous of these are Mardi Gras, and Jazz Fest, and Summer Fest. The city even has a Voodoo festival if you’re interested in the macabre.
To avoid the stress and the rush that comes with the holiday season, plan your trip early. Start by picking one of the great destinations listed above, and then book a hotel and a flight. Finally, get your travel documents in order.