Credit: Felipe Prieto – Unsplash
With tourism steadily returning to normal, more and more potential visitors are considering remote destinations to escape their daily routines. Already in 2021, reports showed that nearly half of all American travelers were looking forward to an international trip. However, taking an extended vacation abroad is not always an option. Thus, city trips strike the perfect balance between a shorter yet refreshing stay. So, where might your urban wanderlust take you next? Check out these four destinations to add to your bucket list of international city breaks.
Dubai United Arab Emirates
Dubai is fast becoming the world’s favorite destination for an unparalleled urban experience. According to research by Premier Inn, the emirate is now the most desirable city in the world, topping search trends in more than twenty countries. Often called the city of the future, Dubai is pushing the boundaries of architecture. Photographers might spend a field day capturing shots of iconic skyscraper buildings like the Burj Khalifa before embarking on a futuristic journey inside the boldly designed Museum of the Future.
A dream come true for a leisure vacation, Dubai also boasts of many luxury hotels such as fine dining and shopping venues. Outdoor adventurers are not left behind, as popular day trips may include camel-back desert safaris. The emirate’s coastline proves to be an equally great alternative to letting off some steam on the beach. The trip to Dubai from Florida is made even easier with direct flights from Miami.
Lisbon, Portugal
For a budget-friendly European trip, you can head to Southern Europe instead of the more expensive tourist attractions like London and Paris. Second only to Athens, Lisbon offers the best value in Europe for a long weekend break. Besides its affordable prices, the Portuguese capital has long been a favorite destination for its year-round sunny climate. But Lisbon is more than just sunshine and warm weather.
With a Moorish castle looming over the steep, cobbled streets, the Alfama Historic District is a great start for travelers to delve into the city’s past. Monasteries, museums, and ancient palaces covered in colorful azulejos line up Lisbon’s central neighbourhoods, where visitors can nibble on a delicious eggnog or stop to listen to some fado music. Below the Tagus River, the region of Belém boasts some architectural gems and a lovely promenade to take in the views of the waterfront.
Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok attracts more than 20 million tourists every year, and the allure of the Thai capital charms all kinds of travelers. Culture vultures marvel at the city’s golden palaces and temples, from the giant Buddha statue at Wat Pho to the river marvel at Wat Arun. As for cultural excursions, the UNESCO-listed Siamese ruins of Ayutthaya are just a stone’s throw away. Bangkok is known for its foodie culture, with food stalls a prominent feature of Thai culinary traditions.
The City of Angels also stands as a global party hub. The nightlife is wild and eclectic as the saying goes, from night markets to ladybug shows and Muay Thai matches. Gamers may regret not spinning the wheel late at night. But online casinos, known in Thailand as คา สิโน ออนไลน์, offer a safe alternative to the absence of land-based gambling venues. The best websites include thousands of exhilarating table games and slots machines. Huge bonuses such as free spins and no deposit offers allow users to try as many games as they want, without risking any money. And with most platforms being mobile friendly, players can gamble at any time during their journey.
Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
It can be tempting to fly halfway around the world to be big on your next city vacation. However, other destinations may fit the bill for Floridians looking to get closer to home. Just a three-hour flight from Miami, Cartagena is one of Latin America’s undisputed gems. In northwest Colombia, the city is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Thus, many islands such as Barú and Tierra Bomba are close enough to the shore.
However, Cartagena de Indias alone is worth a visit. This walled city, founded in 1533, has retained many traces of its early Spanish heritage. Visitors can wander through the historic center to discover Andalusian-style churches, forts, and palaces, with the romantic option of a ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Charming hotels in Cartagena in restored colonial mansions are popular with couples craving an intimate getaway.
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