2018 - 5 Must-See Luxury Travel Destinations
- Emily DeFranco
- Dec 15, 2018
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 23, 2024
This article was featured in Dekad's 2018 3rd quarter edition.
What do the Swis Alps; Antigua and Barbuda; Madagascar; Park City, Utah; and Coron Palawan have in common? Not much besides the fact that they should all be on your travel bucket list. This is a perfect list if you’re looking for a get-away thats a little different than you’re run-of-the-mill resort on a sunny Florida coast. You’ll never be bored in these exotic and domestic destinations and you’re sure to bring home the best stories and photos you’ve ever shared.
Swis Alps
When you think about the Swiss Alps you probably have visions of snowy mountains and skiing for days. The Alps cover 65% of Switzerland's total 15,940 square mile surface area, making it one of the most alpine countries. This mountain range is situated south of the Swiss Plateau and north of the national border. You shouldn’t even consider visiting this destination if you don’t plan a trip to these famous mountains. The ways to access them are plentiful: there are cable cars, funiculars and cogwheel trains throughout the country that allow everyone to enjoy the high alpine scenery. A top recommendation would definitely be the Jungfraujoch which is an alpine attraction and viewing point, at an altitude of 3454 m. in the heart of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage property "Jungfrau - Aletsch - Bietschhorn.” The cogwheel train is the only way to get there and the train station is the highest one in Europe. When you arrive a lift takes you 117 m. further up to the Sphinx observatory where you can enjoy a 360° view both from the terrace and from the comfort of a building with panoramic windows.
Once you’ve made it this far there are many attraction for any type of traveler. If you’re looking to be inspired by these impressive surroundings, there are several exhibitions and informative multimedia shows. The Alpine Sensation is a moving walkway with images, light and music, connecting the hall below the Sphinx observatory to the Ice Palace which houses many ice sculptures to admire. In Summer you can go sledging, skiing or snowboarding in the Snow Fun Park and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hike across the glacier to the Mönchsjoch hut in about an hour. For our foodie travelers there are multiple cultural and fine dining restaurants and yes of course, chocolate. Be sure to visit Lindt Swiss Chocolate Heaven, where you can learn about the history of chocolate and how it's made and pick up tasty souvenirs you will be tempted to polish off before you get back on the train down.
Antigua & Barbuda
For our more tropical traveler, you’ve got to make this island a priority on your itinerary. This beautiful paradise moves to the beat of steel drums and boasts enough beaches to try a new one ever day for a year and not have to repeat, giving it the nickname “Land of 365 Beaches.” Antigua and Barbuda is a country in the West Indies in the Americas, lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands with a total population of about 82,000.
You’ll want to get out on the beautiful water right away and there are many ways to do this. Do your research to choose a few of the hundreds of beaches you want to visit and then fill in your days with extra excursions to really get a taste of the local flavor. One of the top recommended activities is the Antigua reef rider tours. This self-driving 10-foot boat is compact enough to access the smallest and shallowest lagoons, teeming with marine life. Slip on the provided mask, fins, and snorkel to dive in and see the wrasse, stingrays, lobster, and parrotfish that inhabit the reef. For the most elegant visitor, the Excellence Power Catamaran is a perfect full-day excursion where you’ll spend the day exploring the beautiful Caribbean Sea on this tour from St. John’s. Hop aboard the luxury catamaran and visit key landmarks like the Pillars of Hercules, Jumby Bay, Great Bird Island, and Devil’s Bridge. Swim and snorkel around the pristine waters of Green Island before enjoying a delicious lunch and open bar onboard. Soak up the Caribbean sun and admire the coastal views throughout the day. These islands are teeming with wildlife and love to show it off to tourists. Plan a visit to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary or the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary for hours of family fun. These islands love to celebrate their rich culture with museums so be sure to add a few like Gilly Gobinet Art or the Admiral’s House Museum to your list.
Madagascar
Officially the Republic of Madagascar, this is an island country in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. Madagascar is a biodiversity hotspot; over 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth making this country a hotspot for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Along the west coast, Tsingy de Bemaraha Strict Nature Reserve is home to impressive geological structures and a variety of endangered species. More than 328 miles of forests make up this UNESCO World Heritage site, where 11 kinds of lemurs, 17 types of reptiles, 6 bird species and more reside. But the standout here is the park's towering gray limestone pinnacles, which stand up to 300 feet tall. Another highlight for nature lovers is Avenue of the Baobabs, an 853-foot-long stretch of giant baobab trees believed to be up to 800 years old where tourists note is one of the best attractions to snap photos. Next on our list, Isalo National Park woos visitors with its vertical rock walls, lush vegetation and picturesque waterfalls. Throughout this tropical paradise, travelers can hunt for reptiles and primates – there are more than 50 species living here – while strolling along 10 walking, hiking and bike trails. Some paths even lead to natural swimming pools, where you can cool off while taking in your surroundings.
Don’t worry, if you’ve tackled a few of these adventurous attractions and are in need of a good beach day you can head to The Three Bays. Made up of three bays, Sakalava, Pigeon and Dune, this area features pristine beaches to relax on with activities like swimming, hiking, windsurfing, kitesurfing and of course, pristine photoshoots!
Coron Palawan
If you haven’t heard of this destination before, Caron Palawan is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the most recent census, it has a population of 51,803 people. Coron is often listed as one of the top tourist places in the Philippines and the Palawan was recently named the most beautiful island in the world.
For most, the main draw to Coron, is a fleet of 12 well-preserved sunken Japanese World War II warships from the 1940’s in 20-35 meters of water where you can scuba dive to explore this historically magnificent scene. For more stunning scenery, visit Kayangan Lake, one of the clearest lakes in all of Asia and one of the most photographed places in all of the Philippines. While you’re here, don’t miss the bamboo raft rides!
After a busy day of exploring and diving make sure to relax in the Maquinit Springs where the water in the springs is a warm and cozy at just over 100 degrees F. More into beaches? Check out Malcapuya Beach where, with only a select few hotels nearby, you’ll have the white sands and turquoise waters mainly to yourself. To round out any vacation day you need the perfect meal—try a local favorite like Brujita Bar and Restaurant for delicious and authentic Filipino-Asian Fusion cuisine.
Park City, Utah
You don’t always have to leave the country looking for unique travel destinations. Park City, Utah is a tourist hot spot mainly attributed to the Sundance Film Festival and the two major ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort both of which were the major locations for ski and snowboarding events at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
If you're into thrills, try the Utah Olympic Park bobsled ride aptly called "The Comet,” one of the longest slides in the world at over 3,000 feet. In addition, the Park City Mountain Resort Alpine Coaster is an elevated track featuring toboggan-style cars that take you through almost a full mile of scenic curves, bends, twists and loops.
If you are looking for a scenic drive near Park City, you can't beat Guardsman Pass, which connects Park City to Brighton and Salt Lake. The road surface is paved much of the way, but the middle portion is maintained gravel, which travels through forests and valleys to the summit area between Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Park City Resort area and is a popular wildlife and wildflower viewing area. Another worthwhile scenic drive is Provo Canyon, just a short 20 minutes from Park City. The Provo River is a fly-fisherman's paradise, which runs adjacent to this scenic byway with vertical cliffs of limestone defining the canyon walls. For an opportunity to view looming peaks, catch boaters and wind and kits surfers at Deer Creek Reservoir, and experience Bridal Veil Falls, look no further than Provo Canyon Scenic Byway. The Falls are well worth a stop, plunging 607 feet over limestone terraces where you can admire them from a roadside overlook
Off the slopes and out of nature you can enrich your mind by immersing yourself in local culture by treating yourself to world-class theater, performing artists, premier film festivals, free outdoor concerts, and a town full of art galleries.
Sources:
Dekad Lifestyle Magazine: 2018 Fourth Quarter Edition
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