Written by Victoria Mihaylova
At merely just 16 years old, I have travelled nearly all around the world, from New York to London to the Canary Islands. I have encountered a variety of rich cultures, people, cuisine and breathtaking views. I feel so humbled and thankful for all the places I have been able to experience.
Lately, given our uncertain times I have had the opportunity to put into perspective, now more than ever, how beneficial and crucial travelling is for the mind, body and soul.
Taking a vacation acts as a release mechanism for stress, anxiety and depression. It promotes not only mental health as well as physical well being and emotional stability. Once you are able to get away from your daily, busy life bustling with bus noises, pollution, work overload and the repeating environment, you can truly appreciate the world for what it really is. A scenic landscape, filled with calming winds, golden sun and a delicate assortment of gastronomy. Wound up in a foreign land you can explore new interests, put life goals into perspective, prioritize yourself and your family.
I speak from experience when I say that my mental and physical health has gotten poor, limiting outdoor activity and travel due to the current lockdown. With some restrictions and bans lifted as the situation progresses, I have high hopes that I will soon find myself on a 7 hour plane ride to the ultimate holiday destination. I assume that myself along with many of you need a change of scenery to improve our overall well being which is why I have compiled a list of must-see travel destinations, why you should go there and what to do once you land based on my personal experience.
Cuba
Cuba, photo by Victoria
An inexpensive paradise, Cuba is a living museum with colourful architecture while offering crystal clear waters and authentic experiences. The locals are friendly and will most likely gift you beautiful hand made crafts such as seashell necklaces and palm tree hats!
For those that love history, the best place to stay in Cuba would be Havana or Santiago de Cuba. These towns are frozen in time, providing an insight into 1959 genuine cars while still being able to tour updated museums such as Fundacion Alejo Carpentier.
As for beach lovers, an ideal location is Cayo Santa Maria. Adorned with colourful hotels, glistening waters and a calm ocean breeze, this part of Cuba will forever stay in your heart. Whether it's renting a catamaran, swimming with dolphins, a horse riding excursion or simply snorkeling at various coral reefs, you will constantly find yourself busy, suntanned and craving for more. Strangely enough, the “a la carte” dinners in the hotels are ones that I find offer the best Cuban cuisine. Empanadas, Boliche and fried plantains are my ultimate favourite meals to name a few. Regardless of your choice of stay, Cuba will not leave you unsatisfied and as a big bonus flights start at only $350!
2. New York City
New York, photo by Victoria
At only 470 miles from Toronto, every nook and cranny in New York is filled with anything and everything imaginable. From world wide gastronomy, to $1 pizzas, to museums and designer stores, New York is a must on my bucket list for sure. I personally fell in love with the street food, the magnificent architecture but most of all, the friendly faces of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds in New York City. Mostly a city for extroverts, “The Big Apple” is the place of your dreams. Filled with bustling shops, sidewalks and restaurants, even living in the city for 5 years, you will not discover every corner of it. That's why I suggest starting your tour in the middle, from Times Square, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and work your way out of the city towards the Statue of Liberty. The Empire State Building and the Flat Iron offer breathtaking views of the cityscape while strolling in the Upper East Side, you will likely find yourself peering into designer shops and sniffing your way to posh restaurants in Madison Square Garden. As for those who are less social, enjoying a pastry in Central Park or wandering along the quiet corridors of The Tenement Museum will put you most at ease. Being an extrovert myself and a big dreamer, living in New York City has been a goal of mine ever since I first visited when I was 10.
3. France
France, photo from Unsplash
Scattered with glamorous cities, picturesque villages and spectacular beaches, France is an eye catcher from wherever it is looked at. France was the host of many pivotal moments in history and as a result it is charmed with hundreds of museums and historical artifacts. Being a world leader in the fashion industry, exceptional fine dining and stunning art it is no shock that nearly 2.7 million passengers fly to France everyday.
Of course visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and Champs-Elysees which are all located in Paris are a must see, but the smaller towns and countryside is truly magical. The coastal town of Nice is perfect for walks along the Promenade des Anglais, swimming under waterfalls in Parc de la Colline du Château and picking fresh produce in Cours Saleya Market. France is known to be the world's biggest producer of lavender, that being said, Luberon is encapsulated with scents of lavender and lined with chocolate shops to satisfy any sweet tooth. I found the cutest hidden vintage shop in Marseille where I bought an authentic leather jacket for only 50 Euros! France is arguably the ultimate travel destination.
4. United Arab Emirates
United Arab Emirates, photo from Unsplash
U.A.E. is filled with colorful mosques, preeminent buildings and luxurious hotels given it is on the expensive side of vacations. Dubai hosts the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and the biggest shopping mall in the world. It is a place that managed to modernize so quickly but never lost its roots and holds dozens of sacred religious mosques. Sharjah is the place to visit if you are interested in nature, the Sharjah Natural History Museum is located here, where visitors can educate themselves on the flora and fauna of the Arabian desert. Ras Al Khaimah is the place to go for those who can afford their own private beach and swimming pools in front of their high end resort! The endless beaches offer snorkeling in the brightest blue water imaginable and abandoned houses in Jazirat Al-Hamra said to be haunted, offer an adrenaline rush to thrill seekers. The United Arab Emirates is a country that exploded with high-end life but never managed to lose its identity and culture.
5. Montenegro
Montenegro, photo from Unsplash
The finest foods of the Mediterranean paired with a stunning view make Montenegro a sensational country to visit in the Balkans. Budva is pulsating with lights and shiny super-yachts by night but by day, Budva becomes a quaint historic landmark with beaches, markets and a gallery of modern art. I would recommend the Pod Volat restaurant located in Podgorica. There I ate a full course meal which consisted of Cufte, Moussaka, Bajadera and Baklava for only 16 Euros. It was t
he most delicious and well flavoured meal I have ever had. For people who love adventure, I could not advise a better place to visit than the Tara Canyon. It is one of the world's deepest and largest canyons surrounded by dense pine forests and clear water lakes. White-water rafting, jeep safaris, zip lining and walking the 150 meter-high bridge are just a few of the activities made available to thrill-seekers. I love the Balkans and I have to be biased and say that even though big cities are my dream, I would spend every minute of every day of every summer here in Montenegro. It is a beautiful and pleasant country that will stay with me forever.
Travelling is the best way to let off some steam and find who you really are. Do some soul searching, focus on your goals and let go of your daily stress eating at you back home. Your vacation should be relaxing and enjoyable. I have tried to pick out cheap yet full of experience trips that were my favourite. Hopefully, with the list I have created and the itinerary, your next adventure will be finding your way to your hotel room and not your way to the classroom! Enjoy life while you can.
About the Author
Victoria Mihaylova is a grade 12 student at East York Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Canada. She has a passion for writing and sharing her tips and tricks with the world. She is especially interested in travel, mental and physical health, personal growth and have hopes to one day work as a doctor. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the world and using this platform as a creative outlet.
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