Surrounded by the frigid waters of the North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, English Channel and Irish Sea, the beaches in the U.K. aren’t quite as warm as those in the sun-drenched Mediterranean. However, there are plenty of stunning gems to be found, particularly along the eastern coastline.
As the days grow shorter, the temperatures drop and kids get ready to go back to school (hopefully), take time out of your busy schedule for one last summer trip. Let the warmth of the sun relax you on the beach or visit a castle that you’ve been dying to see.
With a wonderfully eclectic mashup of Dutch, French and Flemish influences, Belgium is a fantastic melting pot. From delicious foods such as “gaufres” (waffles) and frites, complex and rich brews to unique cultural traditions, there is so much to discover.
There is a tiny city on a tiny island in a very big ocean. Sardinia’s capital, Cagliari, is only 33 square miles, a blip on the radar when compared to the major Italian cities like Rome, nearly 500 square miles.
There’s never a better time than right now to go to Cassis, France. Located on the French Riviera, Cassis perches on the Mediterranean Sea and is famous for its limestone cliffs, glistening waters, pebble beaches and astounding cuisine.
Before the outbreak of COVID–19, my husband and I spent five days traveling across the island of Sicily. While we typically like to plan each day of any trip, the small geographic size, low costs and many sights allowed us to drive across the whole island without a concrete plan in mind.
Rugged coastlines with pristine sandy alcoves and crystalline turquoise water lapping at the shore. A description worthy of almost any city lining the Mediterranean. However, these scenic spots are actually located in the English Channel, just off the coast of Normandy, France.
Built around the 11th century, these villages were, at one time, accessible only by boat or footpath. Hiking between them is still the best way to discover the lemon trees, olive groves and clusters of multicolored houses in this region.
If you grew up in a land-locked state as I did, a day at the beach meant piling into the station wagon without air conditioning and driving at least six hours in the sweltering Texas heat.
Peacefully resting the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and the coast of North Africa is Malta. While the island is currently a prime place to vacation, this wasn’t always true. Malta’s history has been plagued with sieges, wars and various rulers.
If you grew up in a land-locked state as I did, a day at the beach meant piling into the station wagon without air conditioning and driving at least six hours in the sweltering Texas heat.
As swimsuits and tank tops replace scarves and sweaters on store shelves, I find myself lost in daydreams that include tan lines, frosty beverages and sand-sprinkled toes more and more often. Summer is so close I can almost smell the sunscreen and taste the sea salt in the air.
Known as the second-smallest country in the world, Monaco is a glitzy city-state that is bordered by France. What lacks in size makes up for in glamour, yachts and history.
Between hiking through mountains and kayaking on pristine lakes, Germany has no shortages of outdoor activities. Its beautiful nature is the reason the term the “great outdoors” was invented.
