Can’t decide where to vacation this summer? Avondale Travel reveals its most requested destinations.
Perhaps the most difficult decision when planning a vacation is where to go. With almost 200 countries to choose from (sorry, no interplanetary travel at this time) and the ability to explore virtually every corner of the world via computer, choosing where to vacation can be daunting if not impossible. At Avondale Travel, we’ll help you narrow down a destination and also tailor vacation itineraries specifically for you, making your trip full of one-of-a-kind experiences you will never forget.
To get you started on your planning journey, here are our clients’ three most popular international countries to visit — and one often overlooked hotspot that doesn’t require leaving North America.
Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque in Gordes, France.
Photo by Gildo Cancelli
France
As the most visited country in the world, France is a no-brainer vacation destination for travelers of all ages and all interests. From the bright lights of Paris to the picture-perfect countryside towns of Loire Valley and Comar, France checks all the boxes for a perfect getaway — romance, adventure, history, culture, cuisine and so much more, La France, as the French refer to it, is also one of the most requested vacation destinations by Avondale Travel clients.
Clients rave about the French food, the wine, the picturesque scenery, the culture and its … how do you say? … je ne sais quoi. Our knowledge of unique sites and attractions, like a mobile dining experience where guests enjoy a five-course meal while touring Paris aboard an open glass bus with a panoramic view, can make the trip of a lifetime even more magnifique.
Colorful Manarola Buildings in Liguria, Italy.
Photo by Chait Goli
Italy
The birthplace of the Roman Empire encompasses some of the oldest and most historically significant architectural sites including the Colosseum, Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica. Just outside Rome is Vatican City (the smallest country in the world, for the record), home to the pope and the Sistine Chapel with its breathtaking frescoes by Michelangelo (ask one of our experienced agents about scheduling a private tour). Another popular activity in the area is touring Rome by golf cart (or as they say in Italian, “golf cart”).
And what would a trip to Italia be without at least one wine experience: whether it’s a personalized tour of a vineyard and wine tasting in Florence or a sip from a fountain of free-flowing, local red wine in Caldari di Ortona? Or how about hiking or skiing in the Italian Alps; gliding through the canals of Venice; shopping in Milan; exploring the preserved ruins of Pompeii; or experiencing the magic of opera where it was born centuries ago?
The Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Switzerland
Many people associate Switzerland with chocolate, cheese, watches and don’t forget “Heidi.” They wouldn’t be wrong, of course, as the country is world-renowned for all of the above. But Switzerland is much more than that.
Often referred to as “the Playground of Europe,” Switzerland is an outdoor lover’s paradise. The Swiss Alps, while only 15% of the entire range, contain some of the most famous mountains in the world including the Matterhorn and Jungfrau. Also making up the diverse countryside are hilly pastures, glacial valleys and more than 1,500 lakes. Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery provides the perfect backdrop for a panoramic rail tour through Zürich, Lucerne, Montreux and St. Moritz, to name a few, and our travel experts can help customize the excursion of a lifetime specifically for you.
Exploring the beaches of Tulum.
Photo by Viviana Ceballos
Mexico
It’s easy to overlook as a travel destination since it’s right on our doorstep. But anyone who dismisses Mexico as a vacation spot simply because it’s “right here” is missing out on cultural, historical and adventurous experiences not found anywhere else.
Riviera Maya encompasses an 80-mile stretch of the coastline along the Caribbean Sea, and includes hotspots like Cancun and Isla Mujeres, while crystal blue waters, coral reefs and cenotes provide the perfect settings for diving, snorkeling and spelunking. Or just relax on white sandy beaches.
Tulum, located on the Yucatan Peninsula, combines natural wonders, like the dense jungles of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and a subterranean river and Gran Cenote at LabnaHa Eco Park, with ancient Mayan ruins found throughout the town. Feeling adventurous? Let our travel experts plan an afternoon riding ATVs across the dunes followed by a picnic on the beach or a tour of authentic mezcalarias. Dining options are plentiful and run the gamut from beachfront shacks to Michelin-starred restaurants.
Ready to start planning? Contact us for more information and potential perks!
