Where to go on vacation? This is a question that almost everyone asks themselves every year. There are so many beautiful places to visit in the world that it’s hard to decide on one. Some are looking for inspiration on Instagram, others passionately read travel guides and blogs, others only go where their friends recommend them.
A wide selection in the network of holiday connections does not make decisions easier. LOT’s summer offer includes more than 20 European and long-distance destinations. In 2022, we can fly again, incl. to Croatia, Greece, Italy, Spain, the Balkans and the USA. New routes to Mumbai, Cairo, Sareyev, Baku and Pristina have recently been launched.
To help you out, I chose four destinations that I think are particularly worth visiting: two places perfect for a city break, one Greek island and a famous city in the south of the USA.
The first step in making a decision is to analyze our expectations and possibilities. Are you looking for adventure or relaxation? Do you like package holidays or on your own? Do you care about a low-budget trip, is the price irrelevant? Where we go depends on the answers to these questions. For example, if you only have a few days’ vacation, a short city break in Europe might be better. If you have a larger budget and a large number of vacation days, maybe you will be interested in traveling overseas?
Rhodes – the island of the sun
No wonder Rhodes is called the Island of the Sun. Sandy beaches, picturesque bays and 300 sunny days a year. What more could you want? We have beautiful weather here almost all year round. However, this magical island is associated not only with the sun.
The name Rhodes in Ancient Greek means a hibiscus rose. While strolling along the picturesque streets of the island, we can feel its scent floating in the air, thanks to which it has become a symbol and showcase of the island over the years. The long and wide beaches, bathed in the sun, provide great conditions not only for relaxation, but also for practicing all kinds of water sports. Every fan of windsurfing and other similar activities will find something for themselves here.
Tour enthusiasts will also have a lot to discover here. During the turbulent history, many invaders came to Rhodes. To this day, you can admire the mass of monuments they left behind that enrich the landscape of the island. The Old Town was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List for a reason. The island also has a wide range of entertainment, and the capital is also teeming with life at night. So it will be an ideal holiday destination also for people who want to have fun until the morning.
Discovering the island in sunny weather and the cooling sea breeze is an adventure worth experiencing. Add to this the richness of Greek cuisine, numerous taverns offering delicious seafood, the possibility of drinking local wine with a view of the setting sun and a perfect Greek holiday guaranteed!
Milan – the capital of fashion (not only for the weekend)
We all know Milan as the world capital of fashion and the most important economic and financial center in Italy. Interestingly, it is also one of the richest cities in Europe.
Fashion lovers will appreciate the fact that the most famous brands, such as Prada, Armani or Fendi, present their collections here, and the most beautiful models in the world can be admired on the catwalks in Milan. Milan is full of exclusive boutiques, but also places important to the entire history of art. Here we can see, for example, the famous “Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.
A unique advantage of Milan is its location. The city is located in Lombardy on the northwest edge of the Po plain, which makes it a great base for exploring other famous Italian towns. While in Milan, we can also visit the nearby Bergamo, Turin, relax on Lake Como, or go to the Alps. So Milan can be the perfect start for a great Italian holiday at any time of the year.
The places you must visit in Milan are above all an icon of the city: the Cathedral of the Birth of St. Maria. This Gothic marble cathedral is one of the most famous buildings not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. Right behind it, the famous Victor Emmanuel II Gallery, which is one of the most beautiful shopping malls in the world. You will surely know its characteristic glass dome and picturesque floor.
There are also many places in the city where you can taste Italian cuisine. From pasta, through pizza, homemade cheese, cold cuts and steaks, ending with the world’s best ice cream and Italian coffee.
Madrid – the royal city of Spain
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. It is worth visiting it while discovering the central part of the country, especially since it is very picturesquely situated. It is situated in the Castilian Highlands at the foot of the Sierra de Guadarrama on the Manzanares River.
In addition to the famous museums, bustling streets, shops, restaurants and amazing nightlife, Madrid also shows its second face. On the one hand, the city delights with its monuments located in a charming quiet. There are numerous family bars with a centuries-old tradition where the locals meet for a drink. On the other hand, we have neighborhoods with a variety of styles, with interesting cultural centers that provide an alternative to the typical tourist routes and city center.
The city will be an ideal destination for football and architecture fans. This is where the headquarters of football clubs such as Atletico and Real are located. Architecture fans, on the other hand, will appreciate that Madrid is a city of art, with an abundance of top-class museums. Here we will find magnificent squares, impressive parks and modern buildings.
Madrid has a peculiar character that is hard to match. He is welcoming and extremely diverse. It is also undoubtedly one of the most interesting cities in Europe, where it is worth spending even a short weekend. My suggestion: this year I was flying to Madrid for a longer trip to Andalusia. Madrid is a great base for all over Spain!
Miami – an idea for a longer vacation
Associated with the wealth and luxury of Miami, it is the largest and most famous city in Florida. Two images reign there: the blue surface of the Atlantic and huge skyscrapers towering over the azure water.
Miami is, above all, a city of enormous contrasts. Modern skyscrapers reaching the sky in the business district, private islands, yachts for several hundred thousand dollars, as well as gigantic villas of stars and millionaires not only from the United States. On the other hand, we have heavenly beaches – places to relax, but also poorer districts of immigrants from South America.
The most famous place is Miami Beach with numerous hotels and various restaurants, as well as Ocean Drive, which is the street where lovers of nightlife meet. The Florida Keys, i.e. a series of islands connected by bridges, also deserve special attention. Take advantage of the city’s multi-layered structure and see everything it has to offer. One of the most interesting places will be Little Havana, inhabited mainly by immigrants from Cuba. Colorful, full of Cuban salsa rhythms and delicious food, it will surely be remembered for a long time.
Miami is also a paradise for people who practice water sports and enjoy a blissful rest, but also for those who want to see something more. The latter should be interested in a stroll through the historic Art Deco district of South Beach, with its characteristic pastel architecture. This is a great opportunity to learn about the history of the area and buy souvenirs. The Wynwood arts district, full of colorful murals and graffiti, is also noteworthy. An ideal place for everyone who wants to bring interesting photos from their travels against the background of works by local artists.
When visiting Miami, you should be vigilant. The city is one of the favorite holiday destinations of celebrities from around the world. So you can meet many of your idols there.
What to remember when planning a trip on your own?
Traveling on your own is an amazing adventure. There are a few things to keep in mind before you go. First of all, insurance is very important. When it comes to European destinations, it is worth getting an EHIC before leaving. What is it and why is it so important? The European Health Insurance Card is an EU document that confirms our right to treatment in any EU or EFTA country. Treatment takes place under the same conditions as citizens, so it is also worth buying additional travel insurance. The best ones that take into account the threats that may occur in a given country (epidemics, viruses, malaria threat, etc.), as well as the type of rest and activities that we will perform during our vacation (water sports, scooter riding, swimming, etc.).
Before each trip, it is still worth checking the entry requirements of a given country, as well as returning to the country from which we are leaving. The restrictions can change dynamically, so you need to keep your finger on the pulse and check for changes regularly before leaving. I recommend using reliable sources, for example from government websites. We will find out whether to enter a given country, you need, for example: a passport, visa, residence card or vaccination certificate, as well as what documents you need to fill in before departure and what to take with you on the plane.
You should check whether a Covid-19 test should be performed before and after entering a given country. Let’s also not forget to check the restrictions in force in the place where we are going – where you have to wear masks, whether all places that interest us are open to tourists, etc.
I also recommend that you plan more or less what you want to see, where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, what to experience in a given place, what to bring a souvenir. If you make a detailed plan before you leave, you will avoid wasting time being there. This is especially important if you only plan a short city break.
I am waiting for your inspirations and holiday plans!
