Having grown up in a family that loves to travel, it’s often difficult to be away from that lifestyle. Being a college graduate and soon-to-be mom is exciting, but ultimately means that all the savings are aimed towards a future family and not traveling. It’s true that traveling is an experience that is far beyond description, and it’s never too late to start traveling now. From my own experiences, here are seven places that I have crossed off my own bucket list and highly recommend for the next time you plan a trip.
1. Paris, France
Paris is the French city of fashion and romance. Recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world, it is a place full of cultural influences and historical meaning.
Besides the gourmet french food and small bakeries filled with croissants and chocolate-filled eclairs, there is so much to see and explore.
You need more than three days in the city to fully appreciate it and see all the monuments. Eat a croissant in a small café and take a day to shop on the Champs De Lysee. Take a walk along the river Seine, browse the artwork in the Louvre, climb the steps of the Eiffel Tower and take a moment to look at the city. Paris is beautiful and definitely worth the visit.
2. Stuttgart, Germany
This German city is, in my opinion, often overlooked by other well-known German destinations such as Frankfurt and Munich. It is, however, a city that deserves more recognition. As the home of both the Porsche and Mercedes Benz, it is also one of the cheaper vacations spots in Germany and is filled with an array of various and exciting cultures. In my opinion, you will walk away with enough cultural fulfilment and understanding of the German culture and history after one visit.
Downtown Stuttgart, a place for shopping and experiencing a variety of international foods, is one of the main attractions. If shopping isn't what you want to do, take a couple days to explore the hiking trails and historical sights such as Schloss Solitude and Neues Schloss. Don't forget to stop by a beer garden and order some traditional schnitzel and spaetzle.
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Having only been to Prague during the colder months, mostly in November, I've been able to see the beginning of Christmas markets and holiday celebrations. Walking through the center square in Prague is an experience surrounded by historical buildings and an assortment of warm foods, including the trdelnick, a traditional pastry that is covered with cinnamon and served hot.
The city itself is filled with a unique history. Be sure to see the Charles Bridge, an iconic 14th-century structure with views of the city landscape, the 600-year-old astronomical clock, and the St. Vitus Cathedral which is the home of national treasures. Those are only a few of the many buildings that hold a significant meaning. Take a day to simply walk through the city and the old town square and look around to really appreciate what's around you.
4. Seoul, South Korea
I only lived in Seoul for little over a year, but it earned a spot on my top cities list. I learned a lot about Asian culture just by spending time out of the apartment and in the city. In fact, taking the subway and train is a wonderful way to fully incorporate yourself into a country simply because you are among locals and around traditional settings.
With several temples and religious structures around the city, it is easy to be pulled into the culture by the beautiful gardens and architecture. The small and crowded streets smell like traditional foods such as bulgogi, marinated beef, and kimchi, a traditional side dish made of vegetables with a variety of spicy seasonings. There are stores lining the walkways that sell a variety of things, from cute keychains to souvenir shirts and mugs. The food is delicious and the people are kind, what more could you want?
5. Venice, Italy
This city is floating on water and is a beautiful place to see. Local shops and restaurants line the canals, offering tourists hand-made glass souvenirs and traditional pasta dishes. Gondolas float underneath the bridges, right under the pedestrians feet, giving visitors a unique view of a city from the water.
Along with several historical sights such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, Venice also offers a different variety of entertainment, such as wine-tastings, cooking classes, art galleries, river cruises, and participation in traditional Carnivale celebrations.
When I was younger, we would go to St. Paul's Square to feed the pigeons, which resulted in birds covering my arms and head.
If you want to experience Italian culture and have a fun time doing so, Venice is the place for you.
6. New York City, New York
The Big Apple is the right place to go for a vacation in the city. With towering skyscrapers and crowded streets, New York City is a combination of cultures and history.
After seeing the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial and the World Trade Center, the Brooklyn Bridge, Reichers Island, Lincoln Center, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Central Park and Coney Island, I was able to really see New York City as a historical center.
Even if you're not looking to visit the more historical sights, this city is the perfect place to shop and dine. Filled with a strong variety of cultural foods, New York City is a place for people to learn about more countries and cultures than just that of the Eastern United States. If you need a weekend away, consider going to New York City and taking a break by breathing in the city air.
7. San Diego, California
After visiting several Californian cities, I can honestly say that San Diego is my favorite.
There are also several places to visit, such as the U.S.S Midway, the Catholic Missions, and the Mormon Battalion site. The city and downtown area are beautiful, and it is always fun to eat the good food there. In my experience, it was less crowded than LA and one of my cheaper vacation choices.
However, my main purpose in California is always the beach. If you are a fan of surfing, swimming, paddle boarding, snorkeling and other water activities--San Diego is where you want to be. I love the weather, I love the beaches and I love the food, what more is there to say?
