Planning your next vacation is always fun, and it can be helpful to have a look at what other holidaymakers are thinking of doing. You never know, you might stumble upon your perfect bucket list destination thanks to someone else’s recommendations. It’s a great way to explore parts of the world you’ve never even heard of.
The British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands were hit hard by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, suffering damage that saw them losing 90% of their tourism. But they’ve made good use of the intervening years and, thanks to the extensive hotel restorations and subsequent reopenings, are finally bouncing bag. And they remain as cheery as they ever were, with pearlescent bays aplenty filled with shimmering shoals of fluorescent fish.
Oil Nut Bay was the first venue to relaunch early last year after adding a batch of two-bedroomed villas and suspended private pools that are accessible only via boat or helicopter to their 300-acre spread on Virgin Gorda’s eastern tip. Similarily select, the privately-owned Guana Island boasts seven butterscotch beaches across its 850 acres but hosts a maximum of 35 guests.
The Frisian Islands in Denmark
Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands share the Frisian Islands and they are linked to each country by the Wadden Sea. They’re as tantalising as they are tiny and provide a natural fringe barrier between the Frisian coastline’s shallow waters and the icy depths of the North Sea.
You won’t need to spend all your bonus money, wins from NZ betting sites, or yearly savings once you’re there, either, thanks to the best way to get around being a Wadlopen, or mud walking, tour. It’s possible when the sea retreats, leaving you to walk at what is usually the bottom of the ocean! But it’s not as easy as it sounds, so be prepared. The activity has been dubbed horizontal alpinism because of how challenging it is.
Foodies are easily rewarded here, too, with the Denmark Oyster Festival being a yearly highlight. Each October chefs from all over the country come together and you’ll be able to enjoy the superlative local produce on offer in any of the many islands’ restaurants.
Panama
Eco-retreats are to thank for putting this idyllic isthmus back in the spotlight. From coffee farms and forests of clouds to the ruins of ancient Spanish fortifications and islands that remain free of footprints, Panama has most certainly got the goods.
It’s a playground for adventure-lovers, with snorkelling and diving possible in some of the most amazing places on earth. You can surf, sail, or kayak across the 2 000 miles of coast and relax and rejuvenate on any of the many islands that make up this delightful country.
Rijeka, Croatia
This seaside citadel is a must for music lovers thanks to the shipbuilding port’s fame for its pioneering punk-rock heritage. In an unremarkable street just a few blocks down from the Governor’s Palace, for example. you’ll spot a discreet plaque marking what was once Husar, the first-ever rock ‘n’ club in Croatia and possibly the first of its kind anywhere in Communist-controlled Europe.
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