What is about the sun that just makes everything feel so much more alive and magical; in winter we don’t really mind skipping gym or huddling in our homes, underneath mountains of blankets because the sun has left us. In contrast, when the summer months have returned; I know that I am not alone in feeling the odd pang of guilt when I am not out and about in the sun, working on my tan. Hence, since I’m sure those of you who are currently in the Northern Hemisphere are feeling amped for the summer vibes; I wanted to share with you a sort of a bucket list for the 2018 summer months. Let’s get into it.
Amsterdam
So this place has more to offer than bicycles and clogs, the city hikes up to a whole other level in the summer and yes, many more people climb onto bicycles during this time. You too will be able to ride freely around the city with bike rentals around every corner and roads catering primarily to cyclists, however should you grow tired of peddling throughout the blocks then why not hop on to a boat and roam the city through the canals? You can sail out to Pampus Island and check out the historical gem of the old fort or if history isn’t your thing why not go to the Vondel Park Open-Air Cinema where live music performances, physical theatre, dance and cinematic delights are held only during summer.
Morocco
If doing something straight out of the tourist bible isn’t your thing why not look farther off the beaten track and head on over to Morocco? Cross off a ton of things right out of your bucket list, from riding a camel or meeting goats that climb trees to exploring a former refugee camp that is now a hub for tourism. Otherwise you can visit the largest film studios in the world, Atlas Studios, or just say that you had a night or two in Casablanca. Either way your street cred is sure to rise a whole bunch of notches with this trip.
Czech Republic
Beer? Check. Endless music festivals? Check. Close to the rest of Europe? Check. Has one of the most beautiful cities in the world? Also, check. It seems that the Czech Republic just can’t get it wrong. If you are nauseated by the idea of the crowds that will inevitably be swarming Berlin then why not try out Prague, as it is in a central enough location that a train or short flight can connect you to wherever other city you would like to explore. Also, there are endless castles to explore.
Peru
Finally, I’m pretty sure that at some point in your life you have made a promise to yourself, someone or just the general air surrounding you that you would climb Machu Picchu, well I think it’s about time that you did it. Peru in the summer is spectacular, there is so much more to do than climb Machu Picchu, you can traverse the Amazon rainforest, see the unexplained Nazca lines or even go sand boarding in Huacachina.
Enjoy summer, and don’t experience the guilt of staying indoors.