So many places, so little time. Why waste it on package holidays and theme cruises? The world is full of exciting destinations, places where travelers can have game-changing experiences and life-affirming adventures. There are hot spots for nature lovers and beach bums, culture lovers and adrenaline seekers. Here are four exciting destinations that will whet the appetite of any traveler with wanderlust.
Kenya
Safaris can be one of the most exciting adventures you can take while traveling. Kenya Airways recently started offering direct flights from New York’s JFJ, making an up-close experience with giraffes, rhinos, and elephants that much easier. The Fairmont Mara Safari Club is one of the best safari operations in Kenya and a Top 20 Luxury resort by Travel & Leisure magazine. It offers both game drives and balloon safaris over the Masai Mara plains.
The Faroe Islands
It was very popular to travel to Iceland back in 2015, but now times have changed. The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago 200 miles north-northwest from the United Kingdom, is an “un-destination,” a middle of nowhere location famous for its natural beauty, preservation of nature and quirky, Nordic sensibility. It’s like Iceland without the crowds and tour buses. It’s also famous for having more sheep than people. Small villages, windswept beaches and stark mountains make the Faroe Island one of Europe’s best-kept secrets
Oakland, California
According to National Geographic, Oakland is one of the world’s most exciting travel destinations in 2019. The East Bay city is famous for its vibrant neighborhoods and multicultural food scene, and in 2017 chef James Syhabout earned the city its first Michelin star with Commis, a small, refined restaurant specializing in seasonal cuisine. Jack London Square and Temescal Alley have recently been revitalized, quickly becoming the go-to districts for nightlife, dining and shopping.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Once a part of the Eastern bloc, Lithuania is the southernmost and biggest of the Baltic States. Since Lithuania joined the European Union in 2004, Vilnius, the capital, has experienced a youthful renaissance. It’s a city on the move, full of tech start-ups, warehouse-style music venues and art festivals. But the city’s claim to fame is its 13th century Old Town, where Medieval streets snake beside fairytale-like churches, and underground beer halls are famous for selling the cheapest beer Europe.