Baecation Ideas: Underrated Destinations

We’ve talked about vacation ideas for those that just want to relax, and for city lovers. Last week, we moved on to ideas for adventure & nature lovers! Now we’re wrapping it up with some awesome but underrated destinations. Remember that these ideas are for solo travelers, couples, friends, and foes (ok maybe not).

 

Croatia – Europe:

I left Croatia this time last year wishing I had a few more days. Croatia is not as popular as many other European countries but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Croatia is nestled between Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia, and the Adriatic Sea. Do historic cities, waterfalls and national parks, great food, and sailing sound like a great combination? Then Croatia is for you! While Croatia is becoming increasingly popular (additional buzz from the world cup too), it is still a great bang for your buck compared to similar destinations in Europe. As a bonus, Game of Thrones (GOT) fans would love visiting several locations all around but especially in Dubrovnik

Tips:

• GOT fans should do a GOT walking tour in Dubrovnik
• Visit more than one place in Croatia (Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, and Kornica Island are examples)
• Renting a car is a great way to see this country (I wish I did)
• Save the last few days for sailing!
• You can easily do a day trip to Montenegro and/or Bosnia & Herzegovina from Dubrovnik

When to Visit: Similar to other European destinations, the very beginning or end of summer is best! You can visit Croatia with a Schengen visa if you (like me) require a visa).

 

Turkey – Europe:

I went to Turkey in 2010 before it was ‘cool’ to go to Turkey; this was where my wanderlust became full blown. One thing that’s striking about this country is that there’s something for EVERYONE and your money will go a decent way here. Shopaholics can spend days in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar shopping for everything from spices to gold, from scarves to carpets! My scarf obsession was initiated in this Bazaar 8 years ago!

Tips:

Looking for history? Visit the Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, said to have changed the history of architecture. Check out the Goreme Open Air Museum and Kaymakli underground city in Cappadocia. Visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus and stand in places where Saint Paul spoke.

Looking for unique landscapes – two words: Cappadocia and Pammukale! While you’re at it, stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia, where else in the world can you do this?

Looking for Relaxation? The blue lagoon at Oludeniz is idyllic but there are several bays within easy reach. Whether you’d like water-sports or quiet and remote beaches, there’s something for you in Oludeniz. Bodrum is another great coastal city with a beautiful harbor. From Bodrum, you can take a 45-minute ferry ride to Kos (Greece) and spend the day in Greece.

 

Kenya- East Africa

Kenya is popular as a safari destination, but there’s so much more to it. After spending 10 days in Kenya earlier this year, I decided that I need to return. For safaris, there are hundreds of companies to work with and several parks to choose. I went with Bonfire adventures and visited Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, and Maasai Mara. I’d still like to visit Amboseli, Tsavo, and Abedare national parks.

Tips:

A trip to Kenya is not complete without some time spent on its coast. Along Kenya’s coast the options are plentiful: Mombasa, Waitamu, Malindi, and Lamu are great options to kick back on a beach after a safari.

Spend some time in Nairobi, visit Nairobi National Park, visit a Maasai Market, Enjoy Kenyan cuisine (go beyond Carnivore), Drink Kenyan tea and try a Tusker (beer). Hop on a matatu (public bus), and practice a few Kiswahili words.

Plan a visit to a tea plantation or to a Rose farm (Kenya is one of the world’s largest exporters of flowers). Look out for a blog post on my time in Kenya before the year runs out!

 

Best Time to Visit: Best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from June to October. To see the wildebeest migration, plan your trip in the July/August timeframe. However, you can see wildlife year-round at different parks.

 

Portugal – Europe:

Another European destination on the list! Check out Lisbon first and take a day trip out to Sintra or Cascais. While in Lisbon, visit Belem Tower; take in a Fado show in Alfama. Then, rent a car and drive to Porto where Port wine comes from. Tired of the city life? Head over to the Algarve and laze about on a beach or two. Portugal will not remain underrated for much longer.

Tips:

• In Lisbon, do a walking tour to get to know the city, and get on the funicular
• Find a bar with a rooftop and take in the city views
• Definitely stay in an Airbnb (great value for money)
• Consider Lisbon or Porto for layovers as TAP Air offers free layovers to encourage tourism!
• Foodies will love Lisbon. We did not have a bad meal all over Portugal
• Lisbon’s nightlife is lit! Check out the small bars that line up the Barrio Alto neighborhood. The crowds spill out into the cobbled stone streets until the early hours of the morning. Dance Kizomba and everything else in between as you sip on $5 Mojitos
• Some beaches allow for nudity, plan accordingly or check before you go
• I’d love to return to check out Madeira and the Azores

 

Blog Post on Portugal: See here for images from my week in Portugal reuniting with my travel buddies from Germany, and the USA. Unrelated fun fact: one morning in Lagos Portugal, we woke up to news of Brexit. My chest hurt L!

 

I have enjoyed sharing these vacation ideas series, and I hope you’ve learnt a little more about some destinations. The world is big and it was challenging to narrow it down to the options here. Are there any underrated destinations you expected but aren’t on the list? If you have questions about any of the places I’ve visited but aren’t on the list, feel free to send me an email.

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Till next week,

Ms. Heels