5 Must See Travel Destinations

Having survived a global pandemic this long, there’s a good chance you’ve found a new appreciation for exploring the world beyond your neighborhood. If that’s the case, then you’re in luck because we’ve got great vacation destinations far away that are worth the trip.

5. Hallstatt, Austria

This once-quiet place has quickly become one of the most popular places to check out for travelers checking out Europe. Nestled neatly between a beautiful lake and a breathtaking mountainside, Austria’s oldest town is a great place to take in some fresh air. Keep in mind that this quiet mountain town is small — you could literally jog from one end to the other in a reasonable time — so don’t expect this to be the centerpiece of your Eurotrip. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in attraction. First, go high with the World Heritage Skywalk; a platform sitting 1,150 feet above Hallstatt, offering panoramic views of the entire Dachstein Salzkammergut region. Next, go low at The Hallstatt Ossuary — also called Charnel House or the Bone House. Within this small room, more than 2,100 skulls and other human bones are neatly stacked along the walls, painted with roses, wreaths, and crosses. If you’d prefer the help of a professional, consider booking a 2-hour guided photo tour to ensure that you go home with the best photos you could imagine.

4. Patagonia

No, not the outdoorsy clothing line certain people flock to. A journey to this South American beauty will take you to the ends of the earth. Making up about 400,000 miles of natural wonder across Chile and Argentina, the southernmost tip of South America encompasses many of the things that make this planet naturally beautiful. Travelers can check out glaciers on kayaks, or take a boat tour for additional warmth. Adventurers can also explore the landscape via horseback, following in the footsteps of early pioneers who first traversed the land. And for an exotic, cruelty-free animal encounter, whale-spotting is common along the coast.

3. Cook Islands

If you’re looking for the chance to truly get in touch with mother nature, then the Polynesian paradise that is the Cook Islands is the place to go. Floating peacefully between Hawaii and New Zealand, time practically slows down as you escape the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Visitors can plunge into crystal clear waters and explore the vibrant marine life including Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Angelfish, Puffers, Boxfish, Bluefin Trevally, schools of Convict Tang, Moray Eels, and even the occasional turtle. Immerse yourself in the culture by visiting the Saturday morning Punanga Nui Markets in Rarotonga, a social hub of the island, where tourists and locals can mix and mingle over local produce, and take in performances from local musicians and dancers.

2. Laos

For most Texans, our knowledge base about Laos starts and ends with King of the Hill — it’s where Hank’s neighbor Kahn Souphanousinphone is from — but there’s much more to this hidden gem. Outdoor thrill seekers will appreciate the opportunities here to hike, climb, zip-line and even hot air balloon rides. The famed Gibbon Experience is a must for the adventurous explorer, and best of all there are many budget-friendly activities. In Northern Laos, Luang Prabang offers guests the chance to visit more than 30 temples as well as the opportunity to participate in the ritual of giving alms to monks, and exploring French colonial architecture.

1. Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

Right here in the U.S., the Apostle Islands are a group of 21 islands off the coast of Wisconsin on Lake Superior. This destination offers year-round adventure. In the warmer months, they’re great for camping and kayaking, but for those willing to brave the cold, winter is where you can reap true reward. In the winter, the lake freezes solid, making it possible to walk around and explore. During this time, many of the caves will be filled with frozen icicles and waterfalls frozen into columns and curtains. Don’t worry, island hopping isn’t the only attraction around. If you setup base in Bayfield, you’ll have access to a variety of orchards for picturesque scenes and some of the best fruit in the country.