Cancun is a lively beach city on the Caribbean side of Mexico filled with white sandy beaches. The city is also known for its many tourist spots such as the El Meco Archaeological site, the Temple of Scorpion, El Castillo, and La Isla Shopping Village. Cancun is not as widely well-known as other international cities (unless you’re American and grew up watching MTV Spring Break – did I just date myself?) But there are a few logistics that you need to know before you go to this breathtaking city.
Just about every traveler dreams of going on a European vacation at least once in their lifetime. And Italy often figures prominently in many of these highly sought-after itineraries.
Much like Spain and Greece, this boot-shaped nation is hundreds of years old and boasts a long and colorful history. The latter has, in turn, resulted in centuries’ worth of breathtaking architecture, art, and sculpture — and of course, one of the most celebrated cuisines in the world.
So, if you happen to find yourself en route to one of the most coveted travel destinations in the world, what should you do first?
Walk Around the Trastevere Neighborhood
Rome might be off-putting to some, what with its overpriced tourist traps and scam artists that seem to be lurking around every corner. If Italy’s capital city makes you feel the need for some extra room to walk, run, or even hop around in, look no further than the old Trastevere neighborhood.
Located a bit further from the capital’s bustling city center, this old neighborhood’s relatively quiet cobblestone streets are a nice reprieve from its tourist-oriented counterparts. Once you’ve gotten your fill of undisturbed brisk walking or even jogging, you can even stop in at one of the local eateries for a cheap but yummy bite.
Climb Florence’s Most Famous Building
If you have a taste for heights (and the adrenaline rush that often comes with scaling them), and you aren’t the least bit claustrophobic, go all the way up to the top of the Duomo in Florence.
The climb up this dome-shaped structure will not only get your spirits rising (pun unintended), but it will also give you a splendid, all-encompassing view of the city dubbed “Rome’s little sister.” As a bonus, you’ll also get a glimpse of the wonderful feats of architecture and engineering that went into building this structure on your way up.
Drive the Amalfi Coast
Channel your inner-daredevil and go for a drive along the Amalfi coast. Italians have quite a reputation for being among the world’s most reckless drivers and nowhere is this more apparent than on the treacherous road snaking its way along the Italian coastline.
If you’re brave enough, you can rent a car and attempt to navigate your way around this rather dangerous highway. If you actually value your life (but still would like to experience that roller-coaster like thrill of riding in a vehicle that appears to go over the edge in any minute), you can also hitch a ride with a local and then hang on for dear life, while enjoying the view of the picturesque coast, of course.
Pizza in Napoli
Grab an honest-to-goodness slice of Neapolitan pizza in its birthplace. Naples is widely credited as the very birthplace of the bread and tomato-sauce combo that has captured the hearts of people all over the world. It would be a crying shame to visit Italy and not sample this delicacy in the way that it was meant to be eaten.
Besides, after all that traveling, you’re sure to need all that extra energy that only a slice of pizza dripping with cheese and carbohydrates can provide.
With its numerous islands dotting the picturesque blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Greece undoubtedly ranks high on many aspiring world travelers’ must-visit lists. Not only is this Southern European country the site of one of the world’s earliest civilizations, but it is also a veritable treasure trove of bays, cliffs, and caves for the adrenaline junkie in you.
After all, the best way to get a glorious, olive-toned tan on a Greek vacation is to sample all the adventurous delights that this ancient island nation has to offer.
So, how do you make the most out of your sojourn into these islands?
Start your day right, with a cup of joe at the nearest kafedaki, that is. These traditional Greek cafés are sure to be a welcome change from your usual neighborhood coffee shop chain. Knock back a cup (or two) of Greek coffee with a bit (metrio) or a whole lot (glyko) of sugar, or if you’re feeling particularly brave, take your daily dose of caffeine straight orsketo, as the locals would say.
Scale the iconic, pale white cliffs of Santorini. Some first-time travelers like to take a camel up this renowned resort town’s sloping alleys and streets, but if you’re fit enough, you can do that on foot. The glorious sunset that you’ll catch at the tip of this little island is more than worth the trip, and the view is certainly better than anything you can get on a postcard.
Go sailing. There is no better way to see the Greek islands than while skimming the azure waves of the surrounding oceans towards them in a yacht. The Cyclades are a popular option for this activity, and you can charter your own yacht (preferably with an experienced guide lest you get lost) for island-hopping. You are sure to find each island to be as distinctly beautiful from the last one, from the dainty, jewel-like Sifnos to the rugged and rustic Serifos.
Stop for a long lunch. No Greek vacation is complete without partaking of that glorious Hellenic tradition that is the “long lunch.” After a busy morning hitting the islands on your yacht, make a pit stop in Crete or Corfu. Sit down at a local seafood tavern and feast on authentic small dishes or mezedhes like grilled octopus, meatballs, zucchini balls, and heaps of that tangy fish roe dip called taramasalata. Make sure you take refreshing shots of the Greek anise-flavored liquor known as ouzo between bites. Do this all al fresco for best results and repeat as needed (or desired) throughout your vacation.
Go kite-surfing on the beach. Greece is nothing if not famous for its beaches (well, they are also known for their mythology and civilization, but that’s not really why you’re going there, is it?), so be sure to get your fill of typical summer activities like scuba diving, beach volleyball, or just plain sunbathing. If you want to try something different, the island of Paros is perfect for kitesurfing.
Traveling to France always meant going to see the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe or the Louvre. It’s almost always expected of any traveler to have their picture taken in these famous landmarks. But if you’re looking for something to do outside the City of Love, why not go on an adventure travel expedition in France?
A tour of the old chateaus around the Loire Valley should be a great adventure for people who are interested in historical landmarks and old architectural structures. There are walking tours that can take you from one chateau to another so that you can see what it is like inside. Some of these walking tours include wine and food tasting. You can sample some of France most delectable cuisines as you discover the beauty that the Loire Valley offers.
For people seeking a more sports oriented adventure expedition, the French Alps is the place to go. Skiing, hiking, snowboarding and mountain climbing are just some of the many activities that the French Alps has to offer. You can trek around the mountains and the woods to see the beauty of Mother Nature up close or you can marvel at the pristine snow-capped mountain views as you sip your hot cocoa from the many hotels that abound in the area. You can also just relax, make snow angels and enjoy the beautiful snowy surroundings that the French Alps is famous for.
Another great adventure travel expedition that France is known for is the French Riviera tour. The French Riviera (Cote d’Azur) lies along the coastline of southeastern France. Here you will find Saint Tropez and Cannes. The picturesque views of the villages and houses sitting high off the cliffs will make you think of beautiful coastline paintings and simple life on the coast. The French Riviera tours offer a view of the luxurious beaches and quaint surrounding villages that make it one of France’s most famous destinations.
A culinary tour of France is not to be missed especially for foodies. This type of adventure traveling gives you a tour of the best places to eat in France. These gastronomic tours will take your taste buds to an incredible food adventure as you sample French cuisines and pair them with some of France’s finest wines. Bordeaux and Provence are some of the best places to go on food adventure trips in France.
For budget conscious adventure travelers, Nice is a nice place to go. You can soak up some sun in this southern seaside town as you browse through markets and souvenir shops for trinkets and things you can bring home.
Think out of the box and go on adventure travel destinations in France. Soak in the beautiful countryside and seaside locations in France and get more from your vacation. Veer away from doing the touristy things, unless it is your first time in France, and find out what other adventures France has to offer. Go to the paths not usually taken and discover the beauty of France.