December 5, 2023
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    Where to go this summer: Top 10 destinations

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    (CNN) – It looks like this summer will be a travel season to remember, especially after the Covid-stricken summers of 2020 and 2021.

    “Not only are we seeing huge enthusiasm for travel, but we’re also expecting some amazing new summer experiences, events and offers,” said Carol Ann Hughes Wood, director of marketing for Embark Beyond, a New York-based luxury travel agency.

    New York, Disney World, and the United Kingdom, which celebrate the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, are all witnessing great things.

    “The excitement this summer of getting out and experiencing the world, both near and far from home, certainly seems unprecedented,” she added.

    Andrew Steinberg, luxury travel agent for the Ovation Travel Group, said summer travel bookings are like “open portals. People have been trapped inside for too long, watching things online. Netflix subscription numbers are down now — people want experiences, to touch and feel.” Real life again.”

    Here are some of the many experiences in destinations around the world that can make traveling again this summer:

    Australia

    During winter, the weather in the northern part of Australia is mild enough for outdoor activities.

    destinations like Cairns, the gateway to the tropical north of Queensland; the coastal village of Port Douglas; Hamilton Island will be temperate enough to swim and experience the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Another must see here: The Whitsundays, an archipelago of 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland, right next to a reef.
    Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where the large red sandstone monolith formerly known as Ayers Rock is located, is also a great place this time of year.
    Singapore's green space, with a view of Kent Ridge Park, provides a natural escape from the hustle and bustle.

    Singapore’s green space, with a view of Kent Ridge Park, provides a natural escape from the hustle and bustle.

    Aquarius / Adobe Stock

    Singapore

    Singapore is one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries, consisting of one main island and more than 60 smaller islands off the coast of the Malay Peninsula.
    Don’t let its size deter you – countless activities await. The city is home to the island of Pulau Ubin, where diverse habitats and a variety of wildlife can be explored; and Southern Ridges, a 6.2-mile stretch of open green space that stretches over the hills of Singapore’s most famous parks and gardens.
    Wellness treatments and massages can be found at the Deverana Spa at Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore.

    The dining and drinking options are endless, from the 49 restaurants cited on the 2021 Singapore Michelin Star list in Singapore to the many hawker centers serving inexpensive local food.

    The beachfront resort of Eilat is a big attraction in Israel.

    The beachfront resort of Eilat is a big attraction in Israel.

    sergei_fish13 / Adobe Stock

    Israel

    A land sacred to many of the world’s religions, Israel offers many wonderful attractions.

    These include the seaside resort of Eilat on the Red Sea. Dead Sea; And the mountainous fortress of Masada, the stronghold of the Jews in their war against the Romans.

    Other things to see in this small country, roughly the same size as New Jersey, are the holy city of Jerusalem; Tel Aviv, a bustling and cosmopolitan Mediterranean city. and the Sea of ​​Galilee, the site of the New Testament Bible story about Jesus walking on water.

    Israel is known for its plentiful breakfasts, which include everything from vegetable salads, hummus, cheese and fish to eggs, bread and pastries.

    And for a particularly diverse array of cuisines, there’s Tel Aviv, a melting pot of immigrants from dozens of countries. The five-star David Kempinski Tel Aviv, a new beachfront hotel that opened on the city’s boardwalk this spring, has received high ratings.
    Navagio Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world.

    Navagio Beach on the Greek island of Zakynthos is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the world.

    Sumra / Adobe Stock

    Greece

    With few restrictions and an increasing number of direct flights to Greece from the United States, this country, and especially its islands, is especially attractive this summer.

    Santorini and Mykonos often top travel bucket lists, while Crete, the largest Greek island, can be paired with either. Zakynthos has some amazing Greek beaches, while the Peloponnese peninsula is famous for its ancient ruins and modern wineries on the mainland.

    New hotels in Mykonos worth visiting include the Kalesma Mykonos and Cali Mykonos, which are set to open in July. Katie Link, Greek travel specialist at Embark Beyond, warns travelers to be careful not to sell hotels here on fake websites.
    In Provence, Mercantour National Park sparkles by day and magical by night. It is part of the new Dark Sky Reserve in France.

    In Provence, Mercantour National Park sparkles by day and magical by night. It is part of the new Dark Sky Reserve in France.

    Avraham Kushnerov / Adobe Stock

    France

    This always popular European country offers a variety of attractions and adventures this summer outside of the capital, Paris. Next month in Marseille, the Cosquer Mediterranée is a complete replica of the prehistoric Cosquer Cave, decorated with paintings and reliefs.
    A screen in Piccadilly Circus on Friday displays the countdown to the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

    A screen in Piccadilly Circus on Friday displays the countdown to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

    Alberto Bezzali/AFP

    Great Britain

    The celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee, which began in February, continues through early fall. Special events on June 2 will include the Queen’s Birthday Parade in London and the lighting of beacons at Buckingham Palace and across the UK.

    The Tower of London plants a colorful field of millions of flowers, the first permanent transformation of its moat into a new landscape. There will also be special exhibitions of the Queen’s portraits, her coronation gown and her robe, and the costumes she wore to celebrate her silver, gold and diamond jubilee, respectively, at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Holyrood House Palace in Edinburgh. .

    Objects showcasing the Queen’s love for animals and the great outdoors will also be on display at her Sandringham country home.

    Baru Volcano National Park in Chiriqui Province is amazing in Panama.

    Baru Volcano National Park in Chiriqui Province is amazing in Panama.

    Sam / Adobe Stock

    Panama

    One of the most famous attractions of this Central American country is, of course, the Panama Canal, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and built in the early 20th century to reduce the travel time of ships between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

    Nature lovers will enjoy Baru Volcano National Park in Chiriqui Province. The volcano is the 12th highest peak in Central America and is described as the only place in the world where, on a clear day, you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans at the same time.

    And in Coiba National Park, off the Pacific coast of the Gulf of Chiriqui, visitors can find tremendous biodiversity, as well as world-class diving. They may want to stay here at Islas Secas, an eco-resort on a private island.
    Great Lakes cruises often stop at the charming Mackinac Island, Michigan.

    Great Lakes cruises often stop at the charming Mackinac Island, Michigan.

    Craig Zerby / Adobe Stock

    great lakes

    This month Viking River Cruises is launching a new expedition ship, the Octantis, the company’s first ship dedicated to adventure cruises.

    It will seat 378 passengers and feature lectures and fitness centers; outdoor terrace; spa; pools. modern and classic scandinavian design; a laboratory where passengers can participate in the ship’s scientific research; Four restaurants and two submarines, each with six seats.

    Great Lakes itineraries, sailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Milwaukee, which are still available to book at press time will sail in late May and late June and in early and mid September.

    Walt Disney World

    This legendary destination – whose 50th anniversary celebration that began last October will run until March 2023 – offers many new attractions.

    The Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a two-night immersive adventure where travelers can live a “customized experience and journey further into a Star Wars adventure” than they ever dreamed possible.

    After arriving at the Walt Disney World Resort station, they’ll climb to the launch pad and meet the 100-cabin Starcruiser Halcyon, where they can interact with characters and dine on exotic Hungarian cuisine. Travelers can also use a lightsaber; explore ship bridge, systems and controls; visit his engineering room; And take an exclusive transportation to the planet Batu.

    Also launching this month at Epcot’s World Discovery is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, a 360-degree coaster that invites visitors to participate in an “intergalactic chase through space and time with Guardians of the Galaxy.”

    Central Park in New York has always been a quiet spot in the city. New hotels are opening as travelers return.

    Central Park in New York has always been a quiet spot in the city. New hotels are opening as travelers return.

    Irina / Adobe Stock

    New York

    As always, the Big Apple welcomes visitors with new hotels. The Hard Rock Hotel New York opened on West 48th Street in Midtown Manhattan last month, which honors the recording studios and music shops that once lined this street by offering live music in all public spaces.

    It also offers a bar and lounge on the 34th floor; a New York Yankee-style steakhouse; Rock store and guest curated playlists.

    Also downtown, on Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, will be the luxury Aman New York, which opens August 2, an 83-suite hotel in the iconic Crown Building. This will include Italian and Japanese restaurants. a jazz club garden terrace wine library with live performances; and a 24,800-square-foot spa with a 65-foot indoor pool.
    Also slated to open in August, Barrière Fouquet’s New York, which will blend “Parisian panache with cool Tribeca,” will also open in August. The building will feature 97 rooms and suites in a French Art Deco design. outpost of Fouquet’s Historic French Brasserie; Spa, rooftop terrace and viewing room.
    The Wall Street Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel, will open next month and is located in the early 20th century Beaux Arts Tontine building.
    A trip to Montreal should include one of the city's most famous cakes.

    A trip to Montreal should include one of the city’s most famous cakes.

    JHVEPhoto / Adobe Stock

    Montreal

    The calendar of the 2022 Summer Festival in Montreal is “full of the maximum,” says this Quebec City website.

    Among its festivals is the Go Velo Festival for cyclists. The three-week Montreal Fringe Festival; Moral Festival of International Graffiti Artists; A fireworks festival with the participation of six international fireworks companies; Jazz Festival is an outdoor circus festival. Montreal Pride and Fashion and Design Festival.

    It’s also a city that shares its cakes, so visitors will want to leave time open in the busy festival schedule to sample them. Among the top suppliers are competing bread makers St-Viateur Bagel and Fairmount Bagel.

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