Best bucket list holidays - Part I
One thing this lockdown period has taught us, is not to take our outdoor freedom and travel for granted. From sipping rum punch in Jamaica to exploring Cypriot culture in Cyprus, we have put together some of our favourite destinations around the world you need to visit after coronavirus travel restrictions have been lifted. It is time you go on that holiday you’ve been lusting over!
Cyprus
Cyprus is well known for its sandy beaches and gorgeous glistening seas. But did you know that Cyprus is also the birthplace of the famous goddess, Aphrodite?
You can expect to find a georgeous coastal and mountainous landscape, with an array of beautiful, quaint villages, a prominent café culture and people that are wonderfully friendly and welcoming. Cyprus hotspots such as Ayia Napa are known to be quite touristy. However, for a more authentic trip, we recommend a visit to Nicosia.
Where to go?
Nicosia or Limassol
Nicosia
#FLODown: As the capital of Cyprus, Nicosia is home to fantastic galleries, glorious architecture, and of course the best of Cypriot coffee. Many people may not know that Nicosia is actually both in Turkey and in Cyprus; it is split into two by a green line that extends right across the city with checkpoints along the route. If you want to visit the Turkish side of Nicosia you will need to bring your passport with you!
Café culture is massive in Cyprus so don’t miss out on an opportunity to indulge in some Greek coffee and baklava. We recommend Giagia Victoria, a Greek Cypriot café next to the buffer zone that serves authentic Greek coffee alongside delicious Greek pastries and treats.
Must See?
The Cyprus Museum, one of the oldest and largest archaelogical museums in Cyprus, it is home to a long list of artefacts well worth seeing!
#FLOFavourite: Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios Musuem
This hidden gem in Nicosia is a completely unassuming structure that offers a wealth of history and style (it’s extremely instagrammable). Situated in the neighbourhood of Saint Antonis, the structure was built in 1793 and was once home to the Dragoman of Cyprus, Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios, the official interrupter for the Divan of the Sultan. The structure is a example of architecture from the last century of Ottoman rule and is a protected building. Today, it stands as a museum with a very affordable entry fee of just €2.50.
The building is designed in the shape of the Greek letter Pi, and the house itself is surrounded by a garden that features a fountain and private bath houses. The interior is truly spectacular and well worth a visit.
If you get a moment nip to Limassol a 45-minute ride from Nicosia for generous coastline and a buzzing nightlife!
Jamaica
Jamaica is a Caribbean Island famous for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, reggae music, rum punch and the friendly hospitable locals. The laid-back attitude of the people and the island life is contagious!
Where to go?
Montego Bay or Negril
Montego Bay
#FLODown: Located on the northwest shores of Jamaica, Montego Bay is a prime tourist location offering white sands, glistening crystal clear waters and all of the rest and relaxation you would expect of an island break. However, if you’re looking for a bit of excitement then why not head to the hip strip, where you’ll find great bars like Margaritaville and you can dance the night away! MoBay as referred to by the locals, is a beautiful slice of Jamaica that is full of life – and lots of traffic.
Must See?
A highlight of the island is watching the sun set on Doctors Cave Beach.
The S Hotel, which is located on Montego Bays hip strip is well worth a visit – it even has a glass-enclosed infinity Pool and a Sky Bar.
Tracks & Records, is a seriously cool restaurant that belongs to Usain Bolt. This restaurant serves up some of the best in Jamaican food. Our favourites are bammy (a Jamaican flatbread) and Jerk Chicken.
Greenwood Great House, is a former sugar planation. A visit to the house will present you with a full picture of the disturbing history of slavery and an insight into the historic sugar industry.
#FLOFavourite:
Luminous Lagoon
Image: The Staycay Jamaica
Located 45 minutes or so from Montego Bay and situated along the marshlands of Trelawny, the lagoon is one of four luminous lagoons in the world. You may not have heard the name of this lagoon before, but you’ve most definitely seen pictures – it glows in the dark.
There are evening tours departing from the Glistening Waters Marina that will take you on a 45-minute tour of the lagoon, where you will get to swim in the lagoon and appreciate the luminous glow of the water.
This natural phenomenon is a must see in Jamaica! Visit the Glistening Waters website or the Staycay Jamaica to plan your trip.
Sugar Mill Restaurant
Image: Sugar Mill Restaurant
The Sugar Mill is one of Jamaica’s finest restaurants and offers up some quintessentially Jamaican cuisine. With absolutely impeccable service and a beautiful, chic interior, this restaurant is a dreamy location for a special dinner. It is a bit more expensive than other establishments that you will find in the area, but it is definitely worth every penny.
The restaurant is located at the luxurious Half Moon Resort. It is spread over 400-acres of land and offers two miles of wonderful white sand beach.
Negril
Similar to MoBay, Negirl offers white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, reggae and cocktails in the sun, however a highlight of Negril is the fantastic seven-mile beach; Seven-miles of uninterrupted beautiful white sand beach and deep blue ocean. We recommend hiring a boat and sailing up the stretch of the seven-miles, and stop at Margaritaville to cool off!
#FLOFavourite: Rick’s Cafe
A trip to Negril would not be complete without visiting Rick’s Café. Located at the top of a 35 foot cliff, Rick’s Café is a bar and restaurant where people also frequently cliff jump. It offers some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views on the island and is the perfect location to watch the sunset. Although the cliff jumpers make it look very easy, it is a very steep drop and definitely not for the faint hearted! Note, there are some lower level cliffs if you are looking for less of a thrill.
Czech Republic
The Czech republic is a country rich in history and culture. From quaint medieval villages, UNESCO world heritage castles, to breath-taking mountainous landscapes it really is a fantastic country for interrailing!
A tourist hotspot in the Czech Republic is Prague, and aside from the fact that it’s the capital of the country its not surprising why it’s such a popular destination.
Where to visit?
Prague
Prague
#FLODown: Prague is a fantastically affordable city to visit, with a bit of something for everyone. Most people associate Prague with the beautiful Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most significant cultural venues in Prague. Beyond these wonderful structures, you can find a budding art scene, which includes the sculptured works of native David Cerny. Cerny’s most famous works, ‘Crawling Babies’ can be found located in Kampa Park outside of the Kampa Museum and is free to view every day.
If you want to find some great location to dine out in Prague, read up on our favourite places to eat in Prague.
#FLOFavourite:
Two of our favourite spots in Prague are the John Lennon Wall and the Baroque library at Klementinum.
The John Lennon Wall first appeared in Prague as a commemoration to the life of John Lennon and a symbol of peace and freedom. To many, the wall represents a resistance to Communism. Interestingly, this is the only place in Prague where graffiti is legal.
This is quite possibly the most beautiful library in the world! The Baroque Library Hall was first opened in 1722, and it is one of the largest and oldest libraries in Europe. It holds over 200,00 books and a collection of globes created by the Jesuits. Although you cannot enter the library or touch anything inside, there is a small area provided for visitors to view the beautiful interiors and get a few snaps.
