When you think of going on a vacation, you probably imagine spending time on a secluded and quiet beach with a sea breeze blowing, the waves crashing against the shore, and the sun glistening on the water and the sand. While there is nothing wrong with turning your vacation into time in tropical paradise with days full of nothing but relaxing on the beach, swimming, and admiring the beautiful horizon before you, there are other types of vacations that are just as rejuvenating, relaxing, and rewarding as a week on the beach.
If you’re not a big fan of beaches or if you’re looking to switch up this year’s vacation with something new, consider visiting a location, especially one outside of the United States, that is landlocked. Here are seven countries that you should consider visiting if you are looking to set out on a beachless vacation:
Austria
Austria is probably best known for being home to the two cities of Vienna and Salzburg. In Austria you will find that the small country is one of the best places to take a vacation as the city is rich in culture as well as things to do. Here during your vacation you can visit the Schonbrunn Palace, Mozart’s House, and the Mirabell Garden & Castle. Spend some time at the Swarovski Crystal to see the variety of shapes and designs that crystals can be made into. For outdoor activities vacationers can visit the Mur River, go hiking in Innsbruck, or take a trip to the city’s countryside.
Belarus
Though Belarus is not a country that you hear much about, it makes a great place to vacation since it is surely not anywhere you’ve ever been before. Imagine the stories you’d be able to tell friends and family! In Belarus there are plenty of museums that are worth visiting including the Dudutki Open Air Museum as well as the Chagall Museum. For even more tastes of history, be sure to check out the St. Efrasinnia Monastery and the St. Sophia Cathedral & Museum. For an unforgettable experience, take a trip to the Belavezha Wood where you’ll find rare animals as well as scenic hikes that include views of swamps, marshland, flora, and much more.
Hungary
Hungary is another country that you don’t hear many people talking about, but there are plenty of tourist attractions, land marks, and natural wonders here so you know that your vacation will be worthwhile. Take a walk on the wild-side by exploring the Caves of Aggtelek as well as the Baradla Cave where guided tours are available to take you into some of the most mysterious places in Hungary. For another unforgettable experience, find yourself at the Gellért Soaking where you can literally take a bath inside of a cathedral. There are separate sections for men and women but all of the water used is high in magnesium, calcium, and hydrogen carbonate, the perfect mixture to ease achy joints and encourage blood circulation.
Czech Republic
Though not the first country to come to mind when considering your next vacation location, the Czech Republic is truly a great place to live if you want to surround yourself in the country’s history while learning new things and making memories of a lifetime. One of the most famous tourist attractions in Czech Republic is the Charles Bridge which is 500m-long and by the afternoon, the bridge is often jam-packed and full of an abundance of people. For historical attractions, check out the Cathedral of St Barbara and the Estates Theatre. If you want to get in touch with the natural side of Czech Republic, check out the Letná Gardens & Terrace which offers picture-perfect views of the rest of the city. Depending on the season, you may find an open-beer garden here as well.
Bolivia
Bolivia is not only appealing to the eyes with its post-card perfect horizon, rolling hills, and meadows, the country can also appeal to your other senses, such as your sense of taste. To give your taste buds a treat they deserve, when in Bolivia, be sure to visit the Mercado Cancha Calatayud Cochabamba, which is the largest market town in the country. The main market in the town is La Cancha, which is known for being crowded and a bit chaotic and at the market you will find anything and everything. Religious or not, another highlight of Bolivia is the Cristo de la Concordia statue which depicts an image of Jesus. Another great site to see is the Salar de Uyuni which is the largest salt flat that was once a prehistoric salt lake.
Switzerland
For an active vacation that is full of adventure and fun, Switzerland is the place to go. The country is home to plenty of wide open space, including 48,300km of marked trails that are surrounded by nothing but nature’s beauty, fresh clean air, and wonderful landscapes. Here you can go tramping as well as hiking on the various trails and natural paths. In the summer visitors can walk along the ski fields and in the winter hitting the slopes is a must. Aside from this, spending time at Interlaken is another way to stay active and find your daring side. Here you can water-ski and go to sky-diving. Spend one of your days just wondering around the cities in Switzerland, eating the local food, and soaking in the atmosphere. Bern and Graubuden are two great places to spend some time.
Paraguay
The capital of Paraguay, Asuncion, is a great place to spend some of your vacation days while in the country. Asuncion is home to all sorts of tourist attractions and fun things to do including various clubs and restaurants along with plazas. You’ll also find a botanical garden and zoo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Lake Ypacarai, and the Palacio de Lopez. Spend time learning about the historical and artistic part of Paraguay by visiting the Museo del Barro as well as the Jakob Unger Museum. If you want to explore the land of Paraguay, make efforts to take part in a tour of the Gran Chaco which is home to dry forest, savannah, and scrubland. Here you’ll see nature like you’ve never seen it before.
