VACATION SPOT OF THE WEEK...

England... "Oright" :)

  From the Roman remains of Hadrian's Wall to London's incomparable theater scene, England is full of astounding variety. In the cities, streets buzz day and night, filled with tempting shops and restaurants, and some of the finest museums in the world. After dark, cutting edge clubs, top class performing arts and formidable live music provide a string of nights to remember. Next day, you're deep in the English country side or enjoying a classic seaside resort. There really is something for everyone, whether you're eight or eighty, going solo or traveling with your friends, your kids or your grandma. 

(information from Lonely Planet)

Essential Experiences

  1. Experience the world class theatre in Yorkshire's Deep South

  2. See unusual sculptures in Grizedale Forest

  3. Follow the celebrity chefs to Dorset

EAT...

   Soor plooms: acid-bright and acid-tasting, these Scottish boiled sweets are not for the fainthearted

   Bedfordshire Clanger: dumplings filled with savory filling at one end, and sweet filling at the other.. it's like main course and dessert in one package.

DRINK...

  Of course, tea :)

  

VACATION HOT SPOT OF THE WEEK...

Aruba

      Aruba... even the name of it sounds fun and tropical. I decided to go a little mainstream this week and go somewhere that people vacation in all the time, maybe even people in this class. Aruba is part of the Netherlands and the official language is Dutch. It has the most of sunny days than any other Caribbean island, and temperatures are about 82 degrees year-round. Aruba is great for honeymoons (voted one of the World's Top Honeymoon Destination by Brides Magazine), family vacations, weddings and more. Beautiful scenery everywhere you go and beautiful blue waters make Aruba a definite hot spot for vacations :)

Essential Experiences...
 1) Visit Aruba's butterfly farm and observe the beautiful and colorful butterflies from all over the world.
 2) Explore the fascinating caves on the coast, including Huliba Cave which is also known as the Tunnel of Love because of the heart shaped opening at it's entrance.
 3) Visit the abandoned gold mills where adventurers once traveled through

While you're there...
 Eat: Local dish gouda-glazed keshi yena, a filled cheese shell, resembling lasagna.
 Drink: Go to Eduardo's Beach Shack and get a fruity (healthy) smoothie or a veggie juice. Some drinks include protein shakes, ice cold coconut water, and acai bowls.

Vacation Spot of the Week...

THAILAND

   So I wanted to do more of a tropical place this week, but also somewhere in Asia, since I haven't done any cool countries from there yet. Then I remembered Thailand, which all I have seen of has been on The Bachelor. So obviously if that romantic show goes on dates there, there must be some beautiful little vacation spots. Plus my favorite couple ever got engaged there :)

  Filled with many different atmospheres, Thailand has it all. From exotic and tropical, to cultural and historic, Thailand could entertain just about anybody.

Best Times to Visit:
   You'll love Thailand year round, unless you are not a rain person, then you probably don't want to visit from June to August

Essential Experiences:
  1) Exploring all things exotic in Thailand's beautiful crystal clear and turquoise waters
  2) Dancing under the full moon to thumping electronic beats on Ko Pha-Ngan
  3) Hanging out in the delightful Chiang Mai

 

While you are there...
 Taste miang kham, a traditional coconut, ginger, lime, peanuts and dried shrimp appetizer.
  Drink sugar cane juice

Vacation Spot of the Week...

ICELAND "Ská!" (Cheers :))

       I like to find places that aren't too mainstream, and in my opinion, Iceland definitely isn't. The only reason why Iceland came to mind when I was decided which vacation spot of the week to write about was because, one, I read about it in Pretty Little Liars in middle school, and two, Iceland is beautiful. So enjoy :)

       Though its name is very misleading, Iceland is filled with spans of green hills and mountains, and has 800 hot springs, 10,000 waterfalls, 35 active volcanoes. It also has the beautiful and well known Northern Lights, along with Europe's largest glacier. 

       Culture is something that Iceland is very proud of, especially the fact that they still speak the ancient language of the vikings. Painting and literature flourished here, along with woodcarvings, manuscript illumination, and folk music. 

      On to something that I find the most interesting, the types of animals that call Iceland their home! The one I found the most exciting was.... reindeer :) Yes, reindeer are not just fictional holiday creatures for those of you who don't know (I didn't know this until tenth grade). There are about 3000 wild reindeer just roaming around Eastern Iceland.
   Best Time to Travel: Early June to end of August , when the country defrosts :)

   Essential Experiences:
1) Swimming in the burning-hot waters of the geothermal field at Nesjavellir

2) Dogsledding on the icecaps

3) Enjoying Iceland's unlimited nightlife

While You're There:
1) Eat pönnukökur (sweet Icelandic pancakes)

2) Drink kaffi (coffee)

   VACATION SPOT OF THE WEEK...

                                Buenos Días Spain 

Spain has a great artistic history! Some of the world's best artists and have come from Spain, and it contains amazing museums and galleries. This country is filled with old buildings, from Roman aqueducts to Gothic Cathedrals! You can't go far without finding a medieval castle; there is one is almost every village!! With endless places to explore, I had no choice but to add it as the "Vacation Spot of the Week." Enjoy some more fun facts about traveling here below :) Adios 

Best Time to Travel - May, June, and September

Essential Experiences - 

   1)Visiting the wonderful Museo Guggenheim in Bilbao 

   2) Exploring the beautiful architecture of Gaudi's Parc Guell in Barcelona

   3) Driving around the alpine country-side of Navarran Pyrenees

While you're there, you must...

EAT home-cooked paella, a heavy white bean based stew

              

                    

                   VACATION SPOT OF THE WEEK....

                                                Walt Disney World - Orlando, Florida

              Personally one of my favorite spots to vacation, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is one of the most popular places to vacation for families, or any age actually. Whether you are going just to relax at one of the more than 25 resort hotels, or going to spend the day at the six parks, Disney World has something for everyone. 
The first time I went to Walt Disney World was in 2006, when I was nine years old. It was an amazing experience and I've gone back with my family every year since. Though not really a place to relax per say, if you want to see all your childhood movies come to life, Walt Disney World is the spot for you

Make sure you check out...

MAGIC KINGDOM 
 - Space Mountain               
 - Cinderella's Castle
 - Splash Mountain
 - Pirates of the Caribbean 
ANIMAL KINGDOM
 - Expedition Everest
 - Dinosaur
 - Kali River Rapids
 - Pizzafari
 EPCOT
 - Soarin'
 - Spaceship Earth
 - Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria

                                 Introduction to my Blog...

                                                Vacation Hot Spots

         Culture has always been something very interesting to me, along with traveling. Though I have never left United States, I know of so many amazing countries and cities that would be great to explore. This blog will consist of, in my opinion, the best places to travel to and why they would make great vacation spots.

-Natalie :)