A MUST TRY: TWO GREAT UNDER-THE-RADAR SUMMER VACATION DESTINATIONS.

Recently I have been thinking how much we limit ourselves in our own experiences and explorations. We tend to do the same things, meet with the same people, go to the exact same places that we have already been thousands of times. And all this just because it feels familiar and safe, and we don’t have to leave our comfort zone and plan or think too much. But in its nature travelling is all about the adventure. It’s about craving for brand new experiences, places, faces…

It’s August: that time of the year when everybody is going away for their holidays. The people that choose to spend the entire summer vacation at the seaside are more than the ones that acknowledge that there are so many other wonderful ways to spend their summer days. In fact the mountain or the more culture-related vacations can be as pleasing and relaxing, if not even more, as the ones related to the sea.

This article comes as a reminder that summer is so much more than going to the seaside. Don’t limit yourselves by spending your entire vacation laying on the beach, doing nothing and sweating under the sun (not to mention how much the sun ruins your skin and steals the healthy young glow from you). Do something new! Go somewhere new! See something new! Explore the beauties of the world. Why not going here:

The Scottish Highlands

Scotland is a highly underestimated country by the travellers. Because of its cold, windy, rainy weather a lot of people choose not to spend their summer vacation here. Those who do, however, are the real winners as they have the chance to explore this marvellous country that is nothing less than a living, breathing fairytale.

Which route to take:

The Highlands really are the Scotland of your imagination: dreamy and endlessly lush green. The Highlands area is a stunning region of ancient landscapes and magnificent mountains and lakes with a fascinating history. I highly recommend you to rent a car and take the trip from the capital: Edinburgh, to the Glencoe area with an overnight (or more) stop at the picturesque village Ballachulish. Situated on either side of Loch Leven and surrounded by some of the most dramatic and beautiful scenery in Scotland, Ballachulish is the perfect base for exploring the amazing landscape of Glencoe. The village offers a variety of thrilling indoor and outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, sailing, fishing, biking, golf and skiing. The scenery that you can witness here is absolutely breathtaking and I promise that it is nothing like you have seen before. On your way to Ballachulish make a few stops: the Doune Castle for a cultural experience and the Deanston Whiskey Distillery for a tour around the distillery and some truly delightful whiskey tasting experience. If you have enough days do not miss to make the trip from Ballachulish to Eilean Donan Castle: Scotland’s most magical castle, and stop for an afternoon tea at the Inverlochy Castle.

 

 

 

Lake Como, Italy

It is still a water related vacation: you can enjoy water skiing, swimming and lying under the sun. Yet, it is not the boring seaside experience. It is elegant and truly mind-blowing in terms of marvellous scenery to be seen. Not to mention that you can actually see George Clooney drinking his morning ristretto at a local café.

Which route to take:

Rent a car from the Linate Airport and make your way to Cernobbio. Take a few days to explore this charming little town. Indulge into some clubbing by the lido; take a boat trip or have a refreshing morning swim. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Villa Erba and to have a romantic afternoon walk at the Il Giardino della Valle. You can either choose to spend your whole vacation in Cernobbio or you could travel in the area and explore different towns around the lake. Bellagio, Tremezzo and Menaggio are worth spending some days at. A useful note: Be prepared to spend quite a lot of money for this summer Italian affair as the Lake Como area is extremely expensive compared to the rest of the country.