As nearly 54% of Americans tend to finish their years off with unused vacation time, there’s no time like the present to take the vacation you’ve always wanted. If you’re like most people, putting it off will only lead to you failing to take a vacation at all. While you spend your days dreaming about the best vacation spots, you could be planning that trip right now.
Taking a vacation is a great way to do more than bond with your family. While those connections are fulfilling and important, a vacation can also be good for your health. Taking time away from stressful work situations allows your body and mind the chance to reset and reach a level of calm you can’t when you’re surrounded by work.
If you’re wondering where the best vacation spots are, you should check out these 10 popular destinations.
1. Paris, France
Paris has been one of the top tourist destinations for hundreds of years now. With its long history of fantastic art and architecture, you’ll have weeks worth of things to do and see just in that realm.
You’ll have to make time to eat fantastic foods, take in the cafe culture, and grab a glass of wine in the evening.
If you like shopping, you’ll find some of the biggest international brands hosting flagship stores here. Take a few breaks during the day for a coffee or snack and just enjoy the people watching.
2. New York City
New York is the equivalent of Paris in the United States. It’s got some beautiful architecture, classic iconic landmarks, and some of the best museums in the world.
There are free things to do indoors and outside. Take a long meandering walk from Columbus Circle to Harlem via Central Park. Go out to Brooklyn for the botanical gardens follows by an adventure through the nightlife there.
You could wander for weeks and never get bored.
3. Rome, Italy
If you’re a history buff, Rome is one of the top places to visit outside of Cairo or the Middle East. Rome has some of the oldest buildings and monuments in the western world. They’re the type of thing that everyone has to see once in their life.
You can enjoy some of the best food and most beautiful vistas in Europe. It’s one of the best vacation spots because it’s got so much to offer.
4. Cancun, Mexico
While it’s long been a hot spring break destination, it’s a great place to visit during the off-season. There are inexpensive luxury accommodations to enjoy and plenty to eat and drink.
Go for the partying and stay for the sunsets. It’s a great place to see whether you’re young or old. Reset your work and life balance with an afternoon doing absolutely nothing on the beach.
5. London, England
If you like a great mix of cosmopolitan cultures and have already been to New York, this is a great place for the modern culture lover. You can see all of the old historic royal landmarks while enjoying a curry or a falafel from one of the many great restaurants in the city.
Enjoy an afternoon drink between museums and tours and meet a few of the locals. Once you venture off of the beaten path, you’ll find there are lots of friendly people who like to share a pint with an American.
6. Miami, Florida
If you’re a fan of beaches, art, and Cuban culture, Miami is the place to be. It’s become a major player in the art world and now offers fantastic contemporary art. With plenty of late-night music and dance spots, you can pack your days with fun cultural experiences.
Don’t forget to take in some of the local cuisines while you’re there.
7. Galapagos
Located in the Pacific Ocean and governed by Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands is where Darwin made major discoveries around his evolutionary theories. The amount of beautiful wildlife you won’t see anywhere else in the world makes it a must-see destination for anyone.
For people who love a good birdwatching adventure, you’ll see some extra special feathered friends fluttering from tree to tree. Every nature lover should go here at some point.
You’ll also see amazing giant tortoises, sea lions, and iguanas of all kinds. It’s a warm aquatic paradise with exotic fish, sharks, and all kinds of beach creatures. don’t forget to bring a camera or two.
8. San Francisco, California
If you’re a culture vulture, this is the city for you. San Francisco, once the heart of the hippie revolution, has some of the best bookstores in the country. Every single restaurant looks like an art gallery and there’s constant music from street performers.
Take a romantic streetcar adventure and check out Golden Gate Park. If you want a unique history, take a ferry to check out Alcatraz.
9. Amsterdam, Holland
Whether or not you want to visit for those special things that are legal in Amsterdam, but not in most American cities, there’s a lot to see in Amsterdam. The canals that run through the city give it an extra special character. The unique style of architecture makes the whole city feel adorable.
You can drink at some of the oldest pubs in the west or spend the day biking around between landmarks.
10. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is considered one of the most modern cities in the world. If there’s an urban design idea soon to take hold, you can bet it started in Tokyo first. They’ve got a great public transit system, lots of food, a stellar nightlife, and a bustling aura that gives you plenty to take in if you can find a bench to sit down on.
The Best Vacation Spots Will Fit Your Style
Some people like to leave their monotonous suburb to take in the chaos of a big city. Other people prefer to leave the city and see a quiet mountain. The best vacation spots will leave you feeling refreshed for your return to your normal life.
If you’re planning on booking your trip for the summer, check out our list of destinations for a trip during warm weather.
