Top Up and Coming Destinations in Europe
If you’re looking for a new destination in Europe, Travel Leaders Group’s most recent survey of travel trends revealed which emerging European destinations are being booked most often by the travel company’s expert agents throughout North America. In order, they are:
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Croatia. Shaped something like a boomerang with one arm along the Adriatic Sea and one extending inland, Croatia’s natural beauty and historic sites are attracting more visitors each year. To help visitors organize a tour, the Croatia Tourist Board identified eight distinct tourist regions, including the Dalmatian Coast, featuring Dubrovnik and its beautiful Old Town (often featured in the HBO drama “Game of Thrones”; the heart-shaped peninsula of Istria, dotted with medieval towns; and the mountains and plains of the Slavonia region.
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Iceland. It’s close to the Arctic Circle, but Iceland’s name is a bit misleading. About 10% of the island nation is covered by ice, and you may be surprised by the mildness of the climate. Summer is the best time to visit, for the weather and the fact that the sun sets only briefly, creating long days for touring glaciers and geysers, hot springs, steep fjords, lava fields and tumbling waterfalls. With Delta Air Lines offering summer flights, it’s no wonder that Iceland has become a truly “cool” destination.
Turkey. Turkey literally forms a land bridge from Eastern Europe to Western Asia. There are wonderful things to do and see all over Turkey, including the bustling markets of Istanbul and Izmir; the beaches of the Turquoise Coast; trekking in the forested mountains along the Black Sea; skiing in the eastern mountains; and marveling at the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia.
Czech Republic. Nestled between Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Austria, this small nation has an eventful past, having been part of several empires and kingdoms before a German occupation during World War II. Today, the country is peaceful, and visitors delight in the many beautiful castles, fortresses, churches and monasteries, as well as ski resorts, vineyards, spa towns and the picturesque city of Prague.
Portugal. Portugal occupies most of the Iberian Peninsula’s Atlantic coast – Spain cover the rest – and packs an amazing variety of landscapes into its 350-mile length. The northern mountains are covered with terraced vineyards; two-thirds of the way down the coast lie the whitewashed limestone buildings of Lisbon; and in the far south are the glamorous beaches and golf courses of the Algarve region.
To explore any of these emerging destinations before more of your fellow travelers discover them, talk with your travel professional.
