We’re approaching week four of the coronavirus quarantine in New York, and we’re already itching to get away from it all. Nor are we the only ones: a TripScout survey found that 90 percent of travelers still intended to take a trip in the year 2020, and a recent article in Forbes showed that 58 percent of Americans plan to travel between the months of May and September. However, Forbes also predicts that those trips will be short, domestic and close to home.
The New York Transatlantic editors put together a list of places that we’d like to travel once the quarantine ends.
Albanian Riviera
I spent five days on the Albanian Riviera last summer and it just wasn’t enough time. This photo was taken on one of my last nights in Himarë, a charming small town on the coast of the Ionian Sea. This destination may be a little off the beaten trail for some, but many have started to find this well-kept secret, as evidenced by the new hostels and restaurants I was told had sprung up last summer. The beaches here are rocky, like many on the Ionian coast, but I didn’t mind when I was swimming in crystal blue water mostly on my own, minus a few Albanian families who had also come to relax by the water. I think Himarë is the perfect Meditteranean getaway, and definitely beats Greece in price. I can’t wait to go back, sip some wine by the water and let my worries fade away with the sunset.
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
As a Czech, I’m sad to say that I’ve never been to Karlovy Vary to experience the historic royal spas. Only a quick day trip from Prague, Karlovy Vary’s pastel villas and mineral waters are not far away. Despite what many may think when they hear “spa town,” there aren’t actually many hot tubs to swim in — you’re meant to drink the warm water to receive its healing and medicinal properties. But there are still plenty of hotels and resorts offering spa treatments as well. The city also has its own famous reputation playing host to the annual Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and James Bond was seen staying in the Grandhotel Pupp in the film “Casino Royal”, which was meant to act as the Hotel Splendide in Montenegro. What a treat it will be to savor the sulfurous spring waters and nibble on Oplatky, or sugary spa wafers.
Katerina Barton
Lake Como, Italy
Book nerd that I am, I’ve wanted to visit Lake Como ever since I studied one of the classics of Italian literature, Manzoni’s The Betrothed. (FYI, this book should be on your list of literature to read during a plague). The Betrothed is the story of a young couple trying to get married, but their plans are nearly foiled when a powerful baron decides that he’s in love with the woman, and does everything he can to try and marry her himself. The story opens with a beautiful description of Lake Como. Lake Como is in the Lombardy region in Italy’s north, and it has supposedly attracted artists and musicians for years. It’s a big resort area, but when I think about going, I imagine walking in solitude along the lake.
The Mastic Villages, Greece
These towns on the island of Chios in Greece have a fascinating history. The island is known for cultivating sap from the mastic trees, and the sap is so valuable that the towns were built expressly to keep invaders out. The streets are narrow and the houses double as fortresses. One of the towns, Pyrgí, is known for the elaborate geometric designs that cover its buildings—I remember seeing a photograph of these houses when I was 13 and being captivated. I’d love to go in August, when a lot of festivals are celebrated on the beaches and in the squares, including the Festival of the Fisherman, which, according to what I’ve read, includes a morning fishing contest and fish soup.
Emilia Otte
Amsterdam, Netherlands
In October of 2018, I went on a four-day-weekend trip to Amsterdam with a friend of mine. My dream has always been to rent a bike and ride through Amsterdam – along the water, over its many bridges, stopping to look at iconic buildings, and then have coffee at a cafe in one of its beautiful hidden side streets. Sadly, I didn’t get to do this while we were there, so I promised myself I’d be back, this time in the spring or summer when the weather is better for biking. The picture above was taken on a bridge in the middle of the city — as you can see the biking culture is big over there, and the architecture is just beautiful. I did see one of Amsterdam’s most famous architectural gems — the Central Station. Amsterdam also has an amazing variety of museums. I got to see the Anne Frank House, which is definitely a must-see. The next time I go, I want to visit Vondelpark, which has an open air theatre and is situated close to the Museumplein (which is where many of the museums are located). I can’t wait for my perfect day in Amsterdam— riding a bike, strolling through a museum, and enjoying an open air show in Vondelpark.
Photos: By Susanne Schweitzer
Lisbon, Portugal
Growing up in Germany, I had the chance to visit many different places in Europe. One place I always wanted to see, but haven’t had the opportunity to go to so far, is Lisbon. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is one of the oldest cities in the world, which is part of what gives it its special charm. Although the city’s transportation system has been updated, visitors can still enjoy rides in one of the antique streetcars on tram line 28. It takes passengers past some of Lisbon’s most popular sights, and you can stay on and go all the way up to the hilltop to São Jorge Castle. São Jorge Castle was built back when Lisbon was under Moorish rule. After the Moors were driven out in 1147, the castle was used as a royal residence until the early 16th century. Nowadays it hosts a museum with archeological exhibits, and the view of Lisbon you get from the castle is supposed to be breathtaking. Besides sightseeing and taking in the Portuguese culture, Lisbon is also a great place to enjoy the beach and the ocean. One of Lisbon’s hidden gems is the Ribeira do Cavalo Beach, which can only be reached via boat, or through a 20-minute hike through a national park.
Susanne Schweitzer
Feature Photo: A beach outside Lisbon. WikiCommons.
Be First to Comment