Holiday travel has taken a hit these past couple of years. But travel is back on the cards this year and Musafir.com brings you a list of the top travel destinations this summer. Read on for our top picks and be sure to get planning.
Bishkek: Bishkek – is a capital of Kyrgyz Republic. With the population of one million people, Bishkek is one of the main and largest cities in Central Asia. Located in the very north of the country on the southern slopes of Tian Shan Mountains.
Ala-Archa National Park is one the most picturesque sights of Bishkek surroundings. Here, in the narrow valley of Ala-Archa river you may see a concentration of wonderful, stunning landscapes, waterfalls and amazing rocks. Here is unexpectedly rich flora and fauna, so that many people suppose this region to be a symbol of Kyrgyz mountain range (Ala-Too).
The Burana Tower is located within a large archaeological and architectural complex near Tokmok, 80 km to the east of Bishkek. The unique minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town Balasagun, the capital of the mighty Karakhanid Empire. Once near the tower stood a mosque and a minaret which was used to call people to pray. The height of the tower is about 25 m, while in the Middle Ages, it was more than 40 m. It is assumed that a part of the tower was destroyed by an earthquake in the 15th century. You can climb the stairs to the top of Burana, where you’ll be able to enjoy a wonderful view of the surrounding valley.
Chunkurchak is a unique place that best addresses the meaning of the word “jailoo”, where eye catches the fantastic valley, snow-capped peaks of the majestic mountains, which are visible on the horizon. Running a mountain river at the foot of the mountain slopes located interspersed with alpine meadows and forest belts of juniper, pine, larch, birch, rowan and numerous species of shrubs.
Serbia: Warm, welcoming and a hell of a lot of fun – everything you never heard about Serbia is true. Exuding a feisty mix of elan and inat (national trait of rebellious defiance), this country doesn’t do ‘mild’: Belgrade rivals Berlin as a party destination, the northern town of Novi Sad hosts the epic EXIT festival.
Kalemegdan Park with a spectacular view onto the confluence of the Sava into the Danube
Viminacium archaeological site with fascinating Roman remains. Explore the remains of its mausoleum, amphitheatre, and baths. Hear about the ancient city, the capital of the Roman province Moesia Superior and the military camp located in this area during the Roman era.
Golubac Fortress located at the entrance to the Iron Gate, the longest gorge in Europe. Explore the visitor center, walk along the Danube River, and enjoy beautiful views.
Serbia’s oldest national park, Fruška Gora is an 80km stretch of rolling hills where cloistered life has endured since monasteries were built between the 15th and 18th centuries to safeguard Serbian culture from the Turks.
Turkey: is surrounded with a wide range of culinary masterpieces. Try the Turkish cuisine, a proud of heritage of the Ottoman culture, and taste flavours that you will cherish forever.
Grand Bazaar, a massive, bustling complex to find clothing, decorative furnishings, food, and more.
You can visit historical monuments, like the Tomb of Sultan Ahmet I, the Firuz Aga Mosque, and the exterior of the Tomb of Mehmed II
On can enjoy the sightseeing of Izmit Gulf – where they can visit Turkish delights factory, then ascend the Uludag-Olympos Mountain and stop on the way for visit to a natural honey shop. One can also visit the wonderful Inkaya tree that’s more than 600 years old and green valley on the mountain to enjoy the landscape.
Top attractions of the city: Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret), and ancient city walls dating back to the second century. Old Town with its narrow stony streets is also a great place to explore a considerable number of boutiques, art galleries, and interesting museums. And don’t forget to buy some memorable souvenirs from the authentic shops before leaving Kaleici.
Kenya: From thrilling safaris to dining under the starlit sky, the jungles of Kenya are perfect to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy exciting safari trips at the Maasai Mara game reserve where you will see the “big five”- the lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo, and can capture shots of the amazing wildlife in their natural habitat. You have to see it to believe it!
Lake Naivasha stands at the highest elevation of the lakes within the Rift Valley and is also the purest. It is also home to a variety of wildlife including over 400 different species of birds and a sizable population of hippos. The rich flora around the lake attracts a variety of animals that include buffalos, antelopes, giraffes, warthogs and monkeys.
Masai Mara National Reserve. The enormous reserve is part of the vast Serengeti plains famously known for its spectacular great wildebeest migrations and its home for the big five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino. En-route, you can have a stopover at Narok for a break, before you proceed to the park
Nairobi is the only city with a game park; this combined with the Nairobi River that runs through the city and the city scrapers has earned it its name ‘The Green City in the Sun’.
Thailand: Pristine beaches, elegant temples, authentic Thai cuisine, and bustling bazaars are some of the highlights of the Far Eastern country of Thailand. Let your senses explode in this exotic country as you discover its many charms.
Kata Viewpoint : Also known as Three-Beach Viewpoint as once you reach its peak perched in the south of Kata Beach, in front of you is the breathtaking view of beautiful Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches as well as the deep blue Andaman sea. The viewpoint is located along the ring road, half-way between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach.
Chalong Temple: is the most famous and sacred temple in Phuket as it was the residence of a respected monk Luang Po Cham, who took part helping people during the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of King Rama V.
Cashew Nut Factory: is a must for cashew nut lovers.The Cashew nut is a native produce that is grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand.
Shopping at Jewelry shop & handicraft shop: would be complete picking up a bagful of wonderful Thai handicrafts to take back as gifts or souvenirs.
Switzerland: A mountainous Central European country, home to numerous lakes, villages and the high peaks of the Alps.
One of the city’s most famous landmarks is the Chapel Bridge, built in the 14th century. History buffs will enjoy the Swiss Transport Museum with extensive exhibits on all forms of transport, including air and space travel, railroad locomotives, and a Planetarium.
Lake Geneva, Europe’s largest Alpine Lake, straddles the Swiss/French border, and laps at the shores of some of Switzerland’s most popular cities.
St. Moritz Dorf sits on a sunny terrace overlooking the Lake of St. Moritz. The other part of town, lakeside St. Moritz Bad on the valley floor, is a health resort with less expensive lodging. Winter sports run the gamut, from skiing, snowboarding, skating, and bobsledding to tobogganing.
Spanning 150 meters, the Rhine Falls (Rheinfall) at Schaffhausen are the largest falls in Central Europe. The best time to visit is during June and July when the mountain snow melts, and the falls swell in volume to spill over a 21-meter-high ledge of Jurassic limestone.
Lucerne flanked by majestic mountains and old city walls, Lucerne is the quintessential Swiss town.
France: in Western Europe, encompasses medieval cities, alpine villages and Mediterranean beaches. Paris, its capital, is famed for its fashion houses, classical art museums including the Louvre and monuments like the Eiffel Tower. The country is also renowned for its wines and sophisticated cuisine.
Notre Dame Cathedral is the most popular tourist attraction. Visitors also might want to try Verveine, green liquor flavoured with verbena.
Eiffel Tower in Paris is the most famous tourist place in France. Paris is a significant hub of art, culture, architecture, food, and fashion. It is also the capital city and one of the most charming tourist places in France.
Bordeaux in France at its charming best during a stunning sunset. A 5 and half hours’ drive from Paris, this picturesque city of Bordeaux is a perfect to unwind and rejuvenate. Famed as a wine growing region, Bordeaux is one of the lively cities and among the important places to visit in France.
Located at the confluence of Rhone and Saone Rivers, Lyon is the third largest city and one of the popular tourist places in France.
Located at Marne-la-Vallee, Disneyland Paris is a world-famous theme park and an enchanted kingdom both for the adults and kids.
Georgia: From its green valleys spread with vineyards to its old churches and watchtowers perched in fantastic mountain scenery, Georgia is one of the most beautiful countries in Eastern Europe.
Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia lies on the banks of the Mtkvari river and is known for its historical structures, museums and art galleries. Tiflis avenue is an art centre and a gallery that showcases a variety of Georgian artists. If you are an art lover, you simply cannot miss attending one of the art exhibitions that are held at the avenue quite regularly.
Visit the main attractions of the city such as Old Tbilisi, Meydan, sulphur baths, Metekhi plateau , synagogues, mosques , glass bridges of peace, and Samba.
On the church of Saint Trinity on top of mountain Gergeti, you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenes and panorama.
Explore the eastern part of Georgia – the place of grapes and winery. Enjoy the amazing view of Alazani valley and Signagi, known as the city of love.
Armenia: is an increasingly popular destination; it has mountainous landscapes populated with deep gorges, sparkling lakes, and gushing rivers, the scenery is stunning wherever you go. As such, there is loads of great hiking to be had.
Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world founded approximately in 782 BC and you can see a lot of the history of the city at the Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve.
Set among some absolutely jaw-dropping scenery, the Khor Virap Monastery is well worth a visit.
One of the most popular national parks and reserves in Armenia is the Khosrov Forest State Reserve. The protected area is where travelers can embark on scenic hikes, camping adventures, historical sites, some of the most famous waterfalls in Armenia, and witness the unique wildlife in Khosrov Forest.
The largest lake in the whole of the Caucasus, Lake Sevan’s tranquil waters seemingly stretch off into the distance forever. It is a popular holiday destination
The 13th-century monastery is one of the most popular tourist sites in the country- Sporting some beautiful facades that are full of elaborate carvings and motifs, Noravank is a delight to visit.
Albania: on Southeastern Europe’s Balkan Peninsula, is a small country is the perfect place for nature lovers and beachgoers alike The country has many castles and archaeological sites.
Often called the Thailand of Albania, Shala River is a hidden gem that is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country.
The Blue Eye of Theth is often shadowed by its better-known southern counterpart, but it is a magnificent blue-green pool hidden in the northern Albanian Alps
Perhaps one of the most well-known destinations in Albania, many tourists from around the globe flock to the Blue Eye of Saranda, a spring with chilly waters and an arresting blue color that bubbles forth from a deep pool.
Grunas Waterfall is a popular tourist spot in the National Park of Theth. Beyond just the waterfall, the area is rich in places to explore, such as the cold-water sources of Okol, the caves of Birrat me Rrathë (Round Holes), and Mount Arapi.