The world is full of many exciting countries with fascinating activities and new experiences. Many countries from Europe to Australia are definitely worth traveling to with family, friends, or even to tour alone.
These are the top five countries to travel to.
1. ITALY
Located in Europe, Italy has something new to explore in every corner.
Italy contains legendary cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan and Verona. The most popular key destinations in these cities are the Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, is located in the center of Rome. In the past, it has been used for gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of battles, and dramas about mythology. The partial ruin of the Colosseum is due to earthquakes and stone robbers, but it is still a symbol of Imperial Rome.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a free standing bell tower in the city of Pisa. It is the third oldest structure in the city’s Cathedral Square. On tours at the Leaning Tower of Pisa, people learn the history and see beautiful art. The tower is famous for its four degree tilt, making the leaning side of the tower a meter lower than the other side.
Italy is also filled with some of the most beautiful art around the world, including Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” “David” and Sistine Chapel ceiling.
Freshman Ava Palmer says, “If I could do my entire Italian vacation again, I’d do it in a heart beat. I saw the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more landmarks. My favorite thing about the vacation was seeing all the artwork and eating the food.”
San Miniato, Todi and Levantine are the best food cities in Italy. Signature dishes that are served are pasta, pizza, arancini, and lasagne.
The general climate for Italy varies based on the specific location of the city. In Northern Italy, rain is expected throughout the year and is the coolest part of the country. In contrast, Central Italy is usually temperate, dry in the summer, and foggy in the mornings. Lastly, Southern Italy is the “boot” of the country and is the warmest area. With the sea breezes, there is a comfortable climate even though there is a 70 percent chance of humidity in the summer.
2. AUSTRALIA
Australia, which is the largest Oceania country in the world, is the next travel must.
Some of Australia’s most interesting activities to take part in are hot air ballon rides, scenic flights, camel riding, and adventurous tours. While on these adventures, you can explore the country’s popular cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Australia contains many landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Heart Reef and Port Arthur. The Sydney Opera House is the most iconic building in Australia with a unique structure. Heart Reef is home to the best underwater viewing for scuba diving and snorkeling. Port Arthur is a historical museum with restored buildings, factories and more.
The best foods to try while visiting Australia are pavlova, wallaby, Tim Tams, and seafood dishes like oysters.
Australia is considered one of the driest continents on earth, but the climate altars due to the country’s size. The south has wet winters and dry summers, but in the north the weather is warm, no matter the season.
3. THAILAND
Thailand, located in South-East Asia offers visitors safaris, sea caves and National Parks. The Chiang Mai City Safari is a one-day tour that shows the daily life of Thai citizens, including markets, temples and ancient ruins. A popular sea cave is located at Phang Nga Bay, which features limestone cliffs and canoeing. At the Khao Sok National Park, tourists visit the tropical rainforest and explore the different living organisms, as well as travel along rivers.
Thailand is home to five world heritages with many different landmarks such as the Giant Swing, the Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace.
Some delicious foods are the rice, coconut ice cream and diverse curries.
The coconut ice cream is refreshing to have in Thailand’s annual tropical temperature. It has three seasons being hot, cool and rainy. The best time to go is from November through March since that is the cool season.
4. SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is the southernmost country in Africa, and there are many reasons to visit, including the wildlife, food and history. Tourists usually visit Kruger National Park, wine lands and mountain ranges. Several activities include tours, shark diving, biking, dolphin watching, and helicopter rides
Elephants, lions and buffalos can be seen in over 20 national reserves or parks.
Freshman Nikolette Bova says, “Our senior trip is to South Africa. The main reason I want to go is to see the wildlife right in front of me, which would be amazing!”
The most common food is a barbecue food with top class wine.
The history will start with the San and Khoi people who were the first living in South Africa. Tours allow people to see the dramatic journey the local people had to deal with to get to where they are now.
The climate of South Africa is sunny and dry, but is often affected by surrounding oceans and high altitudes.
5. MEXICO
The cuisine of Mexico varies on region, but tamales, tacos and chocolates are the most popular.
The diverse beaches are great places to relax and cool off. Cancun and Playa del Carmen are the most famous beaches in Mexico, and are on the top of most tourist’s lists of places to explore. At the Sea of Cortez, known as The Aquarium of the World, tourists can see 40 percent of the world’s marine mammal life. There is also cliff jumping, spas, scuba diving and tours.
To connect with the history, tourists visit Mayan ruins like Chichén Itzá, Uxmal and Tulum. Chichén Itzá is the largest tourist Mayan ruin, which features the Kukulkan Pyramid. Uxmal is composed of about 150 acres of extraordinary jungle land and the Magician’s Pyramid with an atypical structure. Tulum is where the Conquistadors and Mayans first met.
The main seasons are dry or rainy, with the rainy season running from May to October, which is the most visited time.
Traveling the world will broaden people’s cultural education and give them the opportunity to explore beautiful places around the world.
Which of these places would you want to travel to and why?