Tag Archives: international travel

The 7 Most Beautiful Forests in the World

Forests are wind-blocking, sound-muffling, toxin-pulling powerhouses: they gobble up carbon dioxide, turning it into twisted trunks, knobby knees, and braided branches.  Three trillion trees strong, forests cover almost a third of the Earth’s surface. They also tie 1.6 billion people and 4.3 million species together—and we often don’t appreciate them until they’re teetering on the brink of extinction. Ready to rewild and reconnect with the natural world? Try immersing yourself among ethereal green bamboo, umbrella-shaped Dragon blood trees, or J-shaped pines. From Colombia to Namibia, these are seven of the world’s most beautiful forests.

 

Cocora Valley

Quindío, Colombia

In the rolling green foothills of the cloud-capped Andes, there’s a valley where 200-foot wax palms tower like the Truffula Trees in Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.  Slender, shag-topped, sturdy, and wax-covered: Cocora Valley’s wax palms—Colombia’s national tree and the world’s tallest palms—scratch the wispy underbellies of rain clouds. During the Monsoon Season, they bend, almost to the point of being horizontal to the ground, but never break, spinning like floral pinwheels above muddy fields of grazing cows and horses.

Dragon’s Blood Forest

Socotra, Yemen

With their umbrella-shaped crowns, straight trunks, and deep-red resin, Socotra’s prehistoric Dragon blood trees look like something straight out of John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids. After breaking through beds of limestone and granite, the 32-foot-tall trees channel sea mist, drizzle, and fog into their tightly-gnarled limbs and wax-covered leaves. Then they sprout small, fragrant, white flowers which, over five months, produce berries that turn from pale green to pitch black to neon orange, oozing “blood” as they ripen.

Crooked Forest

Gryfino, Poland

In West Pomerania, Poland, there’s a forest of pine trees that’s become famous because of one little “twist”: all 400 of the trees that were planted there, sometime around 1930, buckle out 90 degrees, creating bark-covered potbellies that drag just above the earth, oddly, all pointing in the same direction—north. No one is certain exactly how or why the trees were bent, but the Crooked Forest is generally thought to be the result of human intervention. The most common theory suggests that farmers manipulated the trees when they were 7-to-10-years-old to create naturally bent timber for furniture or ships. Others blame strong snowstorms, gravitational pull, or Nazi tanks.

No one knows why these trees all bend in the same manner. . While we were strolling around we ran into a man who said he had been working in this park for 15 years and he thinks furniture makers trained the trees so they could be later harvested into benches and sleds. . One thing is for certain he told us – over the years the number of crooked trees has diminished and one day this will just look like any other forest. . So go out and explore now because you never know if it will still be there tomorrow… . . . #crookedforest #poland #polska #polandsights #polandways #polandphotos #igerspoland #europe #ig_europe #nikon #travelphotography #sheisnotlost #beautifuldestinations #beautifulplaces #nationalpark #travelstoke #optoutside #artofvisuals #aov #natgeotravel #bucketlist #dametraveler #traveltheglobe #instatravel #travelgram #passionpassort #darlingescapes #sorel #wanderingwheatleys

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Rockefeller Forest

Weott, California

The Rockefeller forest—located in Humboldt Redwoods State Park, which is almost twice the size of San Francisco—has the largest remaining contiguous old-growth coastal redwoods in the world.  While the average redwood in Rockefeller forest is roughly 600 to 800 years old, it’s widely known for having trees of all ages. There are “dog hairs”, young, thin redwood trees that cover the ground in patches, and 2,000-year-old redwoods that are covered with spider webs that almost look like beards and have so-called “goose pens”, which are burnt-out caverns in the base of the trees that are as big as playhouses. Oldest of all are the decaying stumps, who shallow-roots were ripped from the fertile earth by high-winds. Rockefeller’s most-famous fallen redwood is the Dyerville Giant.  Weighing in at 1 million pounds and standing 362 feet high—that’s two feet taller than Niagara Falls and comparable to a 30-story building—it was considered the tallest tree in the forest before its fall in 1991.

Have you ever wondered what the roots of a massive redwood tree look like? A few huge specimens from the Saddler Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park were blown over in a violent windstorm many years ago and they now lay horizontal, exposing their huge undersides. . Check out the new category “Giant Tree” on my website for pictures of enormous trees from California and Washington State! http://www.lucascometto.com/#/giant-tree/ . . #tree #hugetree #giant #forest #redwood #SaddlerGrove #HumboldtRedwoods #HumboldtRedwoodsStatePark #RedwoodNationalPark #coastredwood #California #championtree #natgeo #nationalgeographic #awesome_earthpix #picoftheday #wanderlust #earthoffical #wow_planet #ourplanetdaily #earthfocus #awesomeearth #nakedplanet #fantastic_earth #igworldclub #discoverglobe #earthfever

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The Amazon

Named after the female warriors of Greek mythology,  the Amazon is itself a place of nearly mythical status.  The largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering a size approximately equal to the lower 48 United States, it spans across eight rapidly-developing countries: Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, and Suriname.

Considered “the lungs of the world”, the Amazon supplies 20 percent of the world’s oxygen, stabilizing the levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It’s also home to 10 percent of the world’s known species. However, if you’re expecting to see scarlet macaws perching at the top of every tree and pink river dolphins peeking over your canoe, you’re going to be disappointed. In fact, the Amazon’s true beauty lies in the little things: listening to the otherworldly cry of Howler monkeys, swinging in hammocks, and canoeing on the world’s largest river.

 

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Kyoto, Japan

One of Kyoto’s top attractions and one of Japan’s most recognizable landmarks, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove has seemingly-endless emerald stalks. They’re so thick that the city’s noise completely disappears. All that remains is the creaking sound of the wind blowing through bamboo—a sound designated by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.

Let’s play bamboozle! 🎋#guessthetvshow

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The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove’s main path, located between Tenryuji Temple and Okouchi Sanso Garden, is only 1,640 feet, but it accommodates pedestrians, bicyclists, and rickshaw rides. Admittedly, on weekends, national holidays, and Kyoto Hanatouro, camera-clutching foreigners and the city’s best artisans, who handcraft bamboo baskets, coasters, and chopstick sets, pack in like sardines. Though, the slight-suffocating crowds are well worth it, because on sunny, breezy days, you can experience komorebi: a Japanese word used to describe soft, dappled light as it filters through leaves and branches.

 

Deadvlei

Sossusvlei, Namibia

Cradled between the tallest sand dunes on Earth—some 1,312 feet high, which is almost as lofty as the Empire State Building—there’s a forest where nothing has bloomed since the First Crusade. Deadvlei, which means “the place where everything ends”, was once a fertile desert claypan.  However, some 1,000 years ago, it began drying up after encroaching sand dunes cut it off from the Tsauchab River. The camel thorn trees that lived within the marsh eventually died, and even though a millennium has passed, they’ve yet to decompose. Set against a striking blue sky, fiery-red hills, and bleached white clay, these carbon-black, mummified trees are hauntingly beautiful.

See Northern Ireland through Ancient Eyes in Belfast

Ireland’s low, viridescent plains and astronomical coastal mountains are cherished by locals and regular visitors of the peculiar island nation. While the largest island is well-known for landmarks such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Cliffs of Moher, and the Blarney Stone, the lesser known Northern Ireland offers an experience beyond a typical study abroad excursion. Just a short drive from the main island, Northern Ireland offers a candid European getaway.

Belfast, the county’s capital, is now an impressive cosmopolitan destination with a growing population and enigmatic allure. You’ll find culturally conscious, award-winning restaurants, art, and theaters. It’s the birthplace of the famously destitute Titanic, and Jonathan Swift’s inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat, Belfast is cool year round, with temperatures rarely reaching 80 degrees during its hottest months. It’s also home to Titanic Studios, where Game of Thrones is shot. Treat yourself to authentic Irish countryside and cuisine in Belfast for truly unparalleled stories.

 

Titanic Memorial Garden

Titanic Memorial Garden

This two-tier grassy terrace pays tribute to the 1,512 men, women, and children who lost their lives during the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Featuring fifteen bronze plaques, this collection of names is the first time in history all who perished are memorialized in one place, including crew members, postal workers, and musicians. The garden features a collection of whites, silvers, and blues, the colors of ice and water, to encourage reflection and healing.

 

Belfast Castle Estate

Belfast Castle and Gardens

No trip to Northern Ireland is complete without a tour of traditional architecture. Built in the 12th century and recently remodeled, Belfast Castle and the region surrounding it, locally known as Cave Hill, are thought to be the inspiration for Gulliver’s Travels. Cave Hill Visitor Centre gives visitors a historical look at the castle and its contributions to Belfast throughout the years.

 

The Belfast Baking Company

Need to bring something to the office? Visiting a friend? We’ve got you covered, grab a box of 4 for £6!

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When traveling abroad, supporting local businesses, rather than international chains, is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture. With more than 100 years of baking expertise, Belfast Baking Company offers freshly made baked goods for on the go. Just a short walk from the Titanic Memorial Gardens, the smell of rosemary and potato bread permeate the block with mouthwatering buttery aromas.

 

Cafe Conor

For both modern and traditional European and Asian cuisine, Cafe Conor is open seven days a week with handmade ingredients and aesthetic. The restaurant, refurbished from a 1940s art gallery, features everything from pasta to Satay chicken and remains one of Belfast‘s most popular eateries.

 

Apartment Bar

City views 🏙🌆

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Capturing sleek, modern ambience in the city’s center, Apartment and Zak’s Restaurant is Belfast’s Little Manhattan. Overlooking Belfast City Hall and a parade of city lights, the bar offers award-winning cocktails with a splash of sophistication and classic dishes for doing dinner in style.

Window on Wildlife

Nature lovers will have a field day at Belfast’s coveted wildlife reserve. Home to more than a hundred species of birds and other wildlife in the heart of the Belfast Harbour Estate, the reserve offers trained staff to help guide your viewing experience.

 

One Week in Cuba: 8 Tips for US Travelers

Traveling to Cuba as an American citizen was nearly impossible from 1960 to 2015, but with relations between the two countries easing, traveling there is now feasible (and legal)! I recently spent six days traveling throughout the western part of the country with two friends. Here are my travel tips for Americans heading to the island.

 

Do your research ahead of time

You don’t need to go with a tour group or stay in a tourist-only all-inclusive resort, as long as you spend a small amount of time and effort doing some research and planning ahead of time. There are quite a few Americans now sharing their experiences and tips on traveling to the island, so make sure to read up on these before you go.

I watched The Cuba Libre Story, a documentary on Cuban history before my trip, and I recommend anyone traveling there do the same. It really helped me understand the history of the country and context of Cuban-American relations. The Lonely Planet’s Cuba guidebook was an essential pre-trip research tool, as well as vital to have on-hand while our group traveled throughout the island.

havana cuba

I strongly recommend learning some traveler’s Spanish and keeping a phrasebook with you as well—the Cubans we met who interact with tourists frequently were pretty fluent in English, but my high school Spanish knowledge came in handy several times!

It’s also important to understand some of the political issues and context of traveling in a socialist country – don’t ask Cubans for their political opinions, for example. Be discreet about photographing state propaganda (which is everywhere) and never take photos of military or police personnel. Cuba is not a free and democratic society, and Americans need to keep that in mind while traveling there.

cuba souvenirs

You can legally bring back up to $400 worth of Cuban goods, including up to $100 worth of cigars, so souvenirs are permitted. I brought back a liter of rum, 30 cigars, a pound of coffee, a CD, and tourist souvenirs like magnets and a classic Cuban straw hat.

 

Plan and book your travel wisely

Booking airline tickets to Cuba is now as easy as with any other destination, although you need to obtain a visa, which is good for a maximum of 30 days. If you purchase your flight well in advance of your trip, you will be contacted by an authorized Travel Service Provider and can pre-purchase a visa to be shipped to you before departure. I purchased my visa at my last point of departure in the U.S. which is required to get a ‘Cuba Ready’ stamp on your boarding pass pre-flight. You must keep your visa with you at all times and it must be turned over as part of the customs process leaving the country – you will not be permitted to leave the country without it!

beth rubins cuba trip

As there are only 12 categories of travel to Cuba that are authorized by the U.S. State Department, you can’t legally travel as a tourist just yet. Our group picked “Education/People-to-people exchanges” as our reason for traveling, which we selected while checking in at the airport. After that, nobody asked us our reasons for being in-country, but you technically could be asked at customs coming back into the U.S., or after your trip.

Flight and visa costs vary by airline and provider, however my roundtrip flight was less than $350 and visa was $100 at the airport, so it’s an inexpensive foreign trip for most Americans. (If I had purchased my visa in advance, it would have cost only $50!)

 

Bring cash – but not US dollars

American-issued credit and debit cards do not work at all in Cuba, and the economy is overwhelmingly cash-driven. Bring Euros, Canadian dollars, or British pounds to exchange and save the 10% extra exchange fee that is tacked on to American currency. I budgeted roughly $135 per day, which allowed me to cover all of my costs, including transportation, room and board, activities, and souvenirs. I recommend bringing more cash than you think you need, as once you’re in the country you have no options to get more money. The currency there (Cuban Convertible Peso or CUC) is tied to the American dollar, which makes figuring out your spending habits much easier: $1 USD = 1 CUC.

 

Stay in Casas Particulares

There are some hotels in Cuba, but by far the better and cheaper mode of accommodation is to stay in casas particulares. These are private homes licensed by the government that offer a bed and breakfast-style stay. They run anywhere from 15-50 CUC per night, depending on occupancy, location, and amenities. Many include breakfast at an additional cost (5 CUC per day). Our group relied on casa particular recommendations that were listed in the Lonely Planet’s Cuba guidebook and had wonderful experiences everywhere we stayed!

 

Decide on your mode of transportation

As our group had three people traveling together, taking private taxis and/or colectivo taxis (filling up a car with joint fares all going in generally the same direction) was a good option for us most of the trip. The flashy 1950’s cars in Havana are the most expensive taxis, with colectivos, cocotaxis and foot taxis being cheaper options. Discuss rates for your destination ahead of time.

taxi cuba

All taxis to and from the airport will cost a flat 25 CUC. Your casa particular host(s) can arrange taxis for you (another reason they are a great option for accommodations). There are also bus options for transportation between cities, and trains, although these take the longest and are the least recommended form of travel. Rental cars are extremely expensive and only a good option if you are traveling very long distances.

Be aware that you may have to ask around and/or be flexible to catch taxis from different locations if you want to get the lowest price. For example, when we first arrived at the airport, we were quoted between 170-250 CUC total for a private taxi from Havana to Viñales Valley. After traveling from the airport into the city to the bus station, we were able to negotiate the same trip by private taxi for 60 CUC total.

 

Unplug

Internet is available in Cuba, but it is restricted and expensive, and only available in certain public locations. We took the opportunity to completely disconnect, and that was one of the best parts of the trip! We informed our families and friends we would be off the grid for the duration of the trip and to contact us only in case of emergency. Once per day we would turn our cell phones off airplane mode for a few minutes to see if any voicemails or texts had been sent—and then got right back to the business of vacationing! I downloaded some offline maps and guide apps (I recommend Maps.me and Triposo Cuba) prior to leaving the U.S., which all came in handy.

horseback riding cuba

 

Explore beyond Havana

We arrived in Havana and immediately struck out west to Piñar del Rio province, to the Viñales Valley. In Viñales, we spent a day touring the valley via horseback, stopping to visit a tobacco farm and learn about cigar production, a coffee farm where liquor is also produced from small guavas, and hiked through one of the valley’s many limestone caves.

beth rubins cuba trip

We enjoyed the spectacular sunsets over the area’s mogotes (mountains) from restaurants overlooking the sweeping valley, sipped delicious rum drinks at touristy bars, and danced the night away at Centro Cultural Polo Montañez. One day we took a harrowing 2-hour taxi ride on a crumbling and pothole-filled road (interrupted by a stop for a short ziplining adventure), which brought us further west to Cayo Jutías, where we spent the day lazing on the stunning tropical white sand beach and snorkeling on the offshore coral reef.

beach cuba

Experiencing life in the rural, smaller towns and provinces of Cuba is an essential part of understanding the country, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to strike out beyond the urban and touristy heart of Havana.

making cigars cuba

 

In Havana

Havana is the country’s most populated city, with over 2 million residents. Its three distinct central neighborhoods make up the heart of the city: La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), Centro Habana (Central Havana), and Vedado. There are thousands of Casas Particulares in these three neighborhoods, and all are walkable. A tour of the city via private guided taxi, open-top bus, or walking group can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout and history.

classic cars in cuba havana

Our group stuck to exploring on foot, spending a little over two days simply wandering around. Havana offers a huge range of tourist-friendly activities, restaurants, bars & nightclubs, but my can’t-miss recommendations include:

-Tour the four historic plazas that make up the core of Habana Vieja

-Observe the crowds (at least from a distance) at two of Hemingway’s favorite drinking spots: La Bodeguita del Medio and El Floridita

-Catch an ocean sunset from anywhere along the 8km stretch of the Malecón

-Grab a drink and enjoy live music at night in Plaza Vieja, or anywhere it’s offered

-Experience Havana’s living room: walk along the Malecón at night (preferably a Friday or Saturday night). Cubans hang out and socialize along the seawall, and that is truly a “you had to be there” experience!

International Trips You Can Take with Your Tax Return

Tax season is one of the best and worst times of the year. Getting a return is like winning the lottery – a small lottery – but still money dropped right back into your bank account.

A wonderful way to use that money is to go on that international trip you’ve always wanted. It’s an often overlooked option, as international travel is known as being pretty pricy. But if you know where to look, you can easily get abroad for $2,000 or less per person. Here are some top international locales you can travel to using your tax return this year.

 

Mexico City, Mexico

One of the best ways to go abroad and keep it cheap is to visit a neighboring country. Currently flights to Mexico City are popping up around $400 per person round trip on Expedia.com. Hotels can go as low as $55 per night on the daily deals.

mexico city mx
House of Tiles (Casa de los Azulejos), Mexico City, Mexico

The area boasts many natural sites and ecotourism draws. There’s the National Museum of Anthropology and Palacio de Bellas Artes (a famous art museum), too. There’s even Chapultepec Castle, which is filled with royal relics.

 

Florence, Italy

The airfare for this art and culture destination is running around $1,000 for a round trip ticket, while hotels are averaging around $200 per night. Your best bet for finding inexpensive lodging is using options like AirBnB.com.

Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence, Italy

But while it is one of the more pricey options on the list, Florence has stunning vistas, and the city itself is perfect for roaming and taking in the food and culture. The city even calls itself an “open air museum”, perfect for getting away for several days and exploring another culture.

 

Corfu, Greece

With Greece’s financial crisis, it has risen as a popular place to go on the cheap. Round trip airfare is currently sitting around $700 – not bad for flying halfway across the world! Meanwhile, hotels are super cheap, many going for far less than $100 per night.

Agios Georgios Church, Corfu, Greece
Agios Georgios Church, Corfu, Greece

Even better, you’re getting out into the seat of Western culture. There are castles, historic temples devoted to Greek gods, archeological sites like the Palaeopolis, and stunning churches to visit.

 

Nova Scotia, Canada

Hotels for this area run in the $100 per night range, with some deals going even lower. Meanwhile, flights can be in the $300-450 range, depending on what part of the country you are in.

Nova Scotia, Canada
Nova Scotia, Canada

Nova Scotia is a gorgeous area with tons of natural attractions. The location is a key area for activities like whale watching, food and wine tours, museums, beaches, and lighthouse tours.

 

Hamburg, Germany

Flights to this central European locale are currently around $800 per ticket round trip. Meanwhile, you can find hotels deals for as low as $100 per night.

Hamburg city hall (Rathaus)
Hamburg city hall (Rathaus), Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg refers to itself as the “maritime capital of the north.” Stunning architecture sits right along waterways where you can take canoe and kayak excursions. The area is famous for its sightseeing boat trips and trade centers.

 

St. Lucia, Caribbean

Lower-end flights to this Caribbean escape are popping up in the $600 range. Hotels can be pricey, at up to $800 per night for spa and beach resorts, but you can find hotel deals for as low as $75 a night. This city is located on a small island just south of Puerto Rico. It’s the perfect place to get away if you want some luxurious island time in an unspoiled region.

Halcyon Beach in St Lucia in the eastern Caribbean Sea
Halcyon Beach, St Lucia

Check out the rainforest areas for hikes, pristine beaches, and waterfalls. There’s horseback riding along the coast, and the area is known for activities like fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving.

 

Lima, Peru

Flights to Lima can be around $500-600 per ticket at the moment. Hotels can be found for deals as low as $43 per night, though many average around $100 per night.

Boat driver waits on passenegers in Lima, Peru
Boat driver waits on passenegers in Lima, Peru

Peru is a wonderful place for culture and history. It’s famous for the Inca site of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Lima itself is a hotbed for great food, through which you can experience the culture of the area.

 

Copenhagen,  Denmark

Hotels in Copenhagen can run around $200 per night on average on Expedia, though they can get down to around $150. Flights can be in the $600-800 range.

The Gefion Fountain and St. Alban's Church, a large fountain on the harbour front in Copenhagen, Denmark
The Gefion Fountain and St. Alban’s Church in Copenhagen, Denmark

The city offers sightseeing tours, and is home to tons of history in the form of sculptures, castles, and palaces. There’s even a famous amusement park, Tivoli Gardens.

 

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

This one’s cheating, but if you want to feel like you’re traveling abroad without messing around with passports, consider visiting this U.S. territory to the east of Puerto Rico. It’s a popular vacation spot, so hotel prices can be around $500 per night, but there are more modest lodgings in the $100-200 per night range. Flights are going for around $500-600 round trip.

St. John, US. Virgin Islands
St. John, US. Virgin Islands

This is a true tropical island paradise – pristine blue waters sit along lush green backdrops and 60 percent of the land area is preserved national park, so it’s the perfect place to get out into nature.

 

Cambodia

If you’re looking to go to Asia, Cambodia has become a bit famous for the budget conscious as it’s a place where the US dollar can stretch pretty far.  Flights to Cambodia can run around $1,100 at the cheapest, but for hotels, you’re looking at less than $50 per night at many places.

Bayon temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Bayon temple in Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Located between Thailand and Vietnam, this gorgeous country boasts white sand beaches, archeological sites, and unique religious art.

 

Sunshine Coast, South Africa

Airfare to this area of South Africa runs around $800-1,000 at some of the lowest rates, but hotels in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa can run for $40-100 per night.

Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa

This region encompasses a good bit of the Eastern Cape coastline. Here you’ll have your beaches, as well as access to classic African wildlife watching at Addo Elephant National Park, not to mention multiple other reserves nearby.

 

Negril, Jamaica

Jamaica is a great place to go if you’re in a tropical mood. Not as mainstream or built-up as a place like Hawaii, Jamaica runs in a more economical category. Flights are currently popping up around $600 per ticket round trip, and hotels can be found in the $200 per night range, sometimes below.

Negril, Jamaica
Negril, Jamaica

Negril is on the western coast of Jamaica, and is known for its expansive beach areas. It also boasts some top entertainment with festivals, cafes, and music.

 

Dublin, Ireland

If you’d like to visit the U.K., but London seems on the expensive side, try Ireland. Airfare can run around $700 per ticket round trip, and hotels can go for around $100-200 per night.

Dublin, Ireland
Dublin, Ireland

In Dublin you can see the heart of Irish culture, like Trinity College and the National Museum of Ireland: Decorative Arts & History. The scenic town is full of culture, traditional Irish music, and life at its many pubs. There are also plenty of day trips you can take to see the more natural areas, like Giant’s Causeway along the scenic coast, and it’s a great destination for road trips.

 

*Hotel and airfare prices were found on Expedia.com for May 2017, and may be subject to change.