Traveling the World in June? Here are 5 Recommended Stops!

Malolo Island Resort Fiji
Photo by Roderick Eime

London
Photo by Phil Fiddyment

Swiss Alps
Photo by Artur Swaszewski
Rio
Photo by Janice Waltzer
Capri, Italy
Photo by Jimmy Mallinson

Amazing International Trips to Take in May

Bimini, Bahamas

Bimini
Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Lower risk of rain mixed with warmer weather draws people to the Caribbean during May. Bimini is a laidback island with less tourists than other locations in the Bahamas, such as Nassau. It is fitting for someone looking to snorkel on the gorgeous beach of Honeymoon Harbour during the day and clubbing at night! Tourists typically rent golf carts or bikes for traveling around the island, and jet skis and small private boats for recreation. You could get a glass-bottom kayak as well, to ride along the mangrove creeks or book an excursion to swim with the dolphins, which I highly recommend doing in the Bahamas!

Vienna, Austria

Vienna
Photo by Luca Sartoni

The climate in Vienna in May is milder than the summertime and less rainy than April. Each year, during Mother’s Day weekend, this place hosts the Genuss-Festival Food Fair, which has gourmet Austrian food and wine. Or, you could just grab your wine from Cobenzl Winery, which provides visitors with pretty views of the city. At the end of the month is the Steffl Kirtagthe Fair with 50+ food, drink, and craft vendors, and the International Music Festival too!

Venice, Italy

Venice
Photo by Luca Sartoni

The fifth month of the year is reportedly one of the greatest to visit Venice, because of the ample sunshine and a good opportunity for sight-seeing or riding in a gondola under the Bridge of Sighs. Those interested in architecture may want to attend the International Architecture Exhibition, which takes place at this time. The most popular attractions in the city are the St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Riva delgi Schiavoni promenade, or the Venetian Lagoon.

Provence, France

Gordes
Photo by Julian Fong

Spring is a wonderful season to explore Provence, either walking or cycling. In late May, you can encounter the bright lavender fields as they start flourishing. Or, being the historic center for soap-making in France, L’Occitane de Provence allows visitors to book a tour of their factory and gardens. Other than that, visitors may go paragliding at La Roque-Esclapon, white water rafting in the Gorges du Verdon or hiking at Parc National des Calanques.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen
Photo by Luca Sartoni

Again, a pleasant climate along with less visitors is why Copenhagen is an attractive choice for May. For those who love the sight of beautiful, blooming flowers, Tivoli Gardens and Bakken, as well as, the Tulip Festival are available for tourists to visit. At the beginning of the month, the Copenhagen Salsa Festival is celebrated, and at the end of the month, the Copenhagen Carnival is an end-of-the-month event with 120 bands and 2,000 dancers!

Are you considering one of these destinations for your May vacation? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

U.S. Destinations to Check Out in May

Denver, Colorado

Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park – Photo by Mark Collins

Denver, Colorado is at the top of my list because I am visiting there this upcoming May. The reason I chose this month to go is becaue, unlike mid-July, it is not too hot, and the prices for travel are slightly lower. A few of the locations that I plan to visit include Red Rocks Ampitheater, Golden Gate Canyon, Emerald Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Pavilions, Idaho Springs, Cherokee’s Castle, 88 Drive-In, and the Beacon RiNo nightclub.

Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores Alabama Beach
Photo by John Tuggle

An average of 76 degrees makes for the perfect time to attend the Hangout Music Festival, the Hot Air Balloon Festival, or take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico. Kayaking, bicycling, hiking, riding segways, or golfing are some popular outdoor activities there as well. A one-of-a-kind attraction to try would be Alligator Alley, where you are able to hold a baby alligator!

Springdale, Utah

Zion National Park
Zion National Park – Photo by G. Lamar

Visiting this region in the month of May would be preferred for those who enjoy hiking. That way, the excessively hot temperatures in the middle of summer can be avoided. Around that area are major sights including Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. A few hours east of those are Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. You can also stargaze at Natural Bridges National Monument!

Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island colors
Photo by Ines Hegedus-Garcia

Typically with 80 degrees weather in May and smaller crowds, Marco Island is a fantastic pick! Kayaking on Ten Thousand Lakes, strolling along the pretty beaches that are known for shell-finding, going to world-class golf courses, fishing, and riding on waverunners through mangrove islands are just a few things to do while you’re vacationing there.

Manhattan, New York

Manhattan
Photo by Samuel Loannidis

Looking for a good time to stroll through the massive city of New York? May would be your best bet with the daily climate being approximately 70 degrees. For picnics in Central Park, you can go to Cherry Hill by the Bow Bridge or Great Lawn. Washington Square Park will have the blooming cherry blossoms at this time. On some nights, The Rooftop Film Club on top of the Skylawn Embassy Suites will present outdoor movies. Or you can make your way to the Little Island at Pier 54. The Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, the VOLTA Art Fair, and Japan Day are all celebrations that take place in New York during May. The possibilities there are nearly endless!

Thanks for the read!

-xo, Nicole (:

U.S. Destinations to Escape to in April

Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Photo by Domenico Convertini

Not yet too hot, Vegas is a good spot to go, with the afternoons typically being in the 70s, and sometimes getting up to the 80s by the end of April. The streets are less crowded, giving the opportunity to better explore the Neon Museum, take a ride on the gondola at the Venetian, the High Roller, and the Fremont Street Experience. Right outside the city, you can hike through the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Nashville, Tennessee

When I fly to Nashville for a long weekend trip in the beginning of April, the weather was about as good as it could get! The average being 70 degrees at that time and closer to 75 at the end of the month makes it perfect for strolling along Broadway and hitting all the country bars! Being a Luke Bryan fan, his bar, Luke’s 32 Bridge, was one of my favorites. I also really liked Ole Red, owned by Blake Shelton, because of the city and sunset views on the rooftop. The Grand Ole Opry, the Johnny Cash Museum, and Country Music Hall of Fame are good for when you need break from drinking!

Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta GA
Photo by Jonathan Geiger

The average daily high temperature in Atlanta in April is 71 degrees, which is nice if you want to attend the Georgia Renaissance Festival, Monster Jam, the Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, Illumine, or the Inman Park Festival and Tour of Homes! For rainy days, good options could be Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience, DIGATL: Atlanta’s First Digital Art Gallery, or the Trap Music Museum.

Orlando, Florida

During the month of April, Orlando weather is warm, yet not too hot, and the crowds aren’t too bad. If visiting Disney World, you will get to enjoy the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival, or the Universal Mardi Gras International Flavors of Carnival at Universal Studios. At the Promenade Plaza Stage, local and regional bands will be performing Tuesday through Sunday. And, Megacon is occuring from the end of March to the beginning of April!

Grand Canyon, Arizona

Grand Canyon South Rim
Photo by G. Lamar

Being in the 60s, April is one of the better times to take a hike at the Grand Canyon. Though you may want to skip the first week, due to the spring break crowds. Most days during this month have a low chance of rain and clear skies. Bright Angel Trailhead to Indian Garden Campground and Rim Trail to Trail of Time are popular hikes in the South Rim. Meanwhile, North Kaibab Trail to Roaring Springs and Widforss Trailhead are recommended hikes for the North Rim.

Which of these places is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

Thanks for the read,

-xo, Nicole (:

Need a Spring Vacation? Here Are 5 Excellent U.S. Locations for March!

San Diego, California

San Diego, CA
Photo by Brian Roberts

Fewer crowds combined with 60 degree weather in March should draw you to San Diego, also named America’s Finest City. It’s a nice time to sit on the beach and bask in the sun, or get a glimpse of the green foliage and spring time flowers blooming. For EDM festival goers, you may want to try out the CRSSD Festival at the beginning of the month. If that’s not your style, you could also give the Spring Busker Festival a whirl. There, you would witness professionals from across the country displaying their unique talents from sword swallowing to knife throwing. Not to forget the San Diego Zoo, which has been acclaimed by many visitors as the best!

Miami, Florida

Having personally visited Miami in March, I can say that it is an amazing time to go! The weather is beautiful with clear skies and a daily average of 75 degrees. For my stay, I relaxed on the beach, went on a boat ride, made a trip to Barton G. for dinner, Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, the Superblue museum in Wynwood, and rode around in a slingshot, which was one of the highlights of the trip. Of course I stopped into one of the nightclubs, since Miami is known for that, as well as for hosting Ultra Music Festival, and Jazz in the Gardens Music Fest, which both take place in March.

U.S. Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands: St. John's
Photo by Reinhard Link

St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix is right around 78 degrees at this time of year with low chance of rain, making it spectacular for swimming in the ocean. Tourists on those islands like participating in snorkeling, hiking, fishing, golfing, ziplining, parasailing, boat rides, and kayaking too!

Fairbanks, Alaska

The Aurora over #chenasprings, outside of fairbanks ak
Chena Springs – Photo by Kodachron

Fairbanks, Alaska may be frigid in March, but it is said to be the best time to marvel at the aurora borealis in the Borealis Basecamp igloos with transparent roofs. It can be seen on most nights when the sky is dark and clear. Polar bears and moose are also more likely to be seen on guided wildlife tours during the spring. The Chena Hot Springs is an excellent spot for seeing ice sculptures or taking a soak. Ice fishing is also an option, for those that it may interest.

Dallas, Texas

Dallas sunrise
Photo by Maciej Kraus

During the day, Dallas will reach an average of 71 degrees, while at night, it will drop to around 48 degrees. If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you may want to attend the Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, the North Texas Irish Festival, or grab a drink at one of the pubs! For basketball fans, March Madness will be returning to the American Airlines Center in Dallas for the regional round of the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Championship at the end of March. And, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is where you can check out for the Dallas Blooms Spring!

Where would you visit in March? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

Top International Spots for February

Tromso, Norway

northern lights, norway
Photo by Claudia Regina

The downside in Tromso, Norway at this time of year is that the temperature is approximately 21 degrees every day. BUT if you always wanted the chance to view the glorious northern lights in an ice dome, winter is the best time for doing so. Tourists also love snow shoe hiking, polar boat cruises, and stopping by the Library of Tromso or the Arctic Cathedral.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka
Photo by Sergei Gussev

82 degrees along with low chance of rain is a wonderful climate to experience during the second month of the year. Here in Colombo, Sri Lanka, you will enjoy that while exploring the beaches along the coast, the tropical rainforests, the ancient ruins at Sigiriya The Ancient Rock Fortress, the colonial-style buildings, Pettah Floating Market, Fort Colombo, and Beira Lake!

St. Barts, Caribbean

Villa MAG   Villa Rental St Barts
Photo by Robert Brown

You may wanna go to this beautiful Caribbean island during dry season, aka in February. The white sand beaches, water sports, high end shops and boutiques, the nature reserve, and hiking spots are just some of the activities that St. Barts has to offer!

Rotorua, New Zealand

Steaming 'Champagne Pool', New Zealand
Photo by Arran Bee

The weather during this month in Rotorua, New Zealand, is in the 60’s and 70’s, making it a marvelous time to swing by here. This city’s hot springs and bubbling mud pools mixed with the magical forests, mountainous settings, waterfalls, world-class mountain biking trails, and wildlife parks, as well as the Maori culture make it a unique destination!

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa
Photo by Brent Newhall

With an average temperature of 73 degrees, why would you NOT want to go to Cape Town, South Africa? It is especially appealing if you’re looking for an array of mountains, shopping markets, beaches, and wilderness. All kinds of tours are available there for purchase too, like the Cape Winelands Bikes and Wines Tour, Cape Winelands Photographic Tour, and the Cape Malay Cooking and Bo-Kaap Tour, to name a few.

Which one would you be the most interested in going to? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

Which U.S. Cities To Stop In This February

Leavenworth, Washington

Leavenworth, Washington
Photo by Amy Meredith

This is a pretty spot to travel to in the winter due to the snowfall. Leavenworth is a Bavarian-themed city approximately 2.5 hours from Seattle. Popular activities include skiing, snow tubing, snowmobiling, visiting a reindeer farm, enjoying the hot springs, riding in a horse-drawn sleigh, viewing the Christmas lights that are hung until February, and walking around the German Christmas Market.

The Florida Keys

Key West Sunset (3)
Key West – Photo by R Boed

Personally, escaping the cold by traveling to a warm destination is my dream. If it’s the same for you, the Florida Keys is an incredible choice. The daily average temperature down there is 71 degrees. In addition, the Annual Old Days Art Festival takes place at the end of the month, with nearly 25,000 visitors and over 100 artists. It is also a nice time to explore the historic treasures and watering holes of the islands. And you can’t forget about stepping foot on the gorgeous beaches, or even taking a swim in the ocean.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Photo by Domenico Convertini

If you want to celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans, you have to go in February. Here, you can attend parades, picnics, listen to music, and of course, party! And the best part is that it’s not too cold during this month. You could also spend Valentine’s Day here, at a romantic restaurant or taking a riverboat cruise.

Austin, Texas

Downtown Austin, Texas at Night
Photo by Ken Lund

Austin, Texas is a good place to stop at during the second month of the year, as it is less crowded, the rates for accommodations are cheaper, and the weather is typically pleasant. This city engulfs a variety of interests such as fitness, food, history, music, and art. A few things for you to participate in could be the marathons, exploring museums, distilleries, ice skating, film festivals, or a drive-in movie.

Breckenridge, Colorado

View from a slope
Photo by Jarrod Doll

This is the perfect time for hitting the slopes on the fully open terrain in Breckenridge, Colorado. You can partake in pretty much any of the winter sports here as well. Not to forget the museums, live music, the outdoor sculptures, yoga, the large historic district, and drinking at one of the several bars in the town.

Honolulu, Hawaii

View of Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay – Photo by Daniel Ramirez

Though Hawaii is wonderful to travel to year-round, February is less busy than other months, the rainfall is minimal, and the temperature is usually between 68-79 degrees every day. It is still a nice time for snorkeling, hiking, surfing, mountain tubing, surfing, and festivals.

Are you thinking about traveling to one of these destinations soon? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (: