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Money No Object? HERE ARE THE TOP PLACES AROUND THE WORLD TO VISIT THIS SPRING KATHERINE DECKER • COLLEGE TIMES
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ith the weather starting to rise and Spring Break just around the corner, it is the perfect time to start planning your next vacation. When the world is your oyster for just over a week, it may be tricky to decide what the best destination for you is; so here are the top five places to visit in the world.
NEW YORK CITY
EUROPE NYC New York City, the According to Maria Laura Big Apple, is home to Boldini Creal, a travel speBroadway musicals, cialist of 18 years at Zicasso, slices of pizza the size no matter the time of year of your face and the the European capitals are alStatue of Liberty, all ways popular but especially things that every first during the spring and sumtimer to the city must mer seasons. Her top trip for experience. The most first time travelers is to “pick populated city and the one country and try to see top destination in the all of it!” She does not recUnited States, it is filled ommend “country hopping,” with famous museums, because it is important to like the Metropolitan see as much of the country’s Museum of Art, where culture that you can. tickets cost as little as $12. Take the subway to SoHo for all your shopPARIS ping needs from highKnown as the end boutiques to every city of lights and PARIS chain store you could home of the Eifimagine. New York City fel Tower, Paris has anything and everything for any should definitely be on tourist. every traveler’s bucket list. Filled with world-famous museums, exquiCANCUN site cuisine and centuries Cancun, one of the top destinaold architecture, Paris is tions for anyone visiting Mexico, is the perfect place to be filled with snorkeling, fun nightlife this spring. Walk among destinations and ziplining. With a the oh-so-chic Parisians great beachfront to the Caribbean, and snack on macarons you can spend your day drinking margaritas and laying out in the sun. while shopping the biggest designers on the Cancun is also famous for the Maya Champs-Élysées. Take city of Chichen Itza, with it’s amazing pyramid and structures that date a day trip to Versailles Palace, the former residence of King back to the fifth century. Head over Louis XIV. Whether you are a fashto the Mercado 28, a huge shopping ionista or a coffee enthusiast, Paris center in Downtown Cancun, and has many things to offer for every find the perfect travel gifts that are handcrafted by the people of Mexico. voyager. “Paris is popular for everyone,” End your trip with some nice sunset says Creal, who adds that going to sailing to seal the deal. the EIffel EUROPE Tower and Notre Dame is something that everyone must see. She notes that a cruise
along the Seine gives the best views and that if you go during the summer the weather can range from the 70s to the 80s. Creal says the best time to go see the city of lights is in June, when the weather is the nicest for exploring.
ROME Rome, the center of the Roman Empire that ruled all of Europe for centuries, is an architect’s dream come true. Whether it’s visiting the Colosseum or making a wish at the Trevi Fountain, Rome is the place to be in 2020. Rome is also known for its delicious cuisine and as the birthplace of pizza. Creal says that when visiting Rome it is important to try all of the pasta, pizza and gelato you can. She also mentions that coffee is a huge part of Italian culture and definitely a must when in Rome. Other places in the area, besides Rome, that Creal recommends seeing are Vinise and the Greek Islands. Of course, when in Rome, do as the Romans.
LONDON
She says it is important to have an idea of what you are going to spend, but know that things happen and you may need to spend more on unexpected plans. It is always best to prepare for anything, even when it comes to the cost of traveling. As always, wherever you travel, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Creal recommends hiding your passport and making copies of it just in case something unexpected happens. For a woman, she believes the smartest way to travel is to buy a crossbody bag that has zippers and to keep your purse with you at all times. She says it is also important to walk in groups and avoid dark alleys at night, especially if you are alone. Creal mentions that traveling is the best time to use your “street smart”
ROME
skills. Creal also recommends traveling with people who are like you. “If you are a night owl, travel with a night ow. Someone who is like you— has the same interest—will make traveling easier,” she notes. “When traveling it is important to be open minded. Tours cancel and new things come up that you weren’t expecting,” Creal says. She says it is important to remember that not everything you planned will happen, so prepare for a rainy day or a canceled tour and be open to anything that comes your way. So, whether you decide to scuba dive in the Caribbean or try your luck with eating snails, all of these destinations are calling your name this year. CT
London’s calling, and this is the year to travel to see the one and only Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, the home of Queen Elizabeth II. England also has a version of ChinaTown that is just at the east end of London. Take a tour in a double-decker bus that passes by Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and even the London Eye. Have a pick-me-up at one of London’s tea rooms for afternoon tea, finger LONDON sandwiches and scones. Try some fish and chips or a proper English breakfast and see just how far our English language has changed from its roots. Creal compares traveling to renovating a house.
ECOLLEGETIMES.COM | MARCH 2020 5
