TravelCarl ThompsonJune 10, 2021Travel, Travel after lockdown, Hawaii, Amalfi, Greece, Greek Islands, Switzerland, Bali, New YorkComment

My Top 6 Travel Destinations after Lockdown

TravelCarl ThompsonJune 10, 2021Travel, Travel after lockdown, Hawaii, Amalfi, Greece, Greek Islands, Switzerland, Bali, New YorkComment

Coming soon to a lifetime near you; travel. Here's hoping. With a lot of false dawns and empty promises, many of us have been resorting to buying material possessions once more over life experiences. But when the borders open up again and the traffic lights system has finally done one, I'll be earmarking some of these following travel destinations after Lockdown. Who's coming?

HAWAII

And why not? A quick Google check informs me that an average round trip will cost £693. The most popular route is from London to Honolulu. It's a place that renowned for having consistently good weather. I'm not that into surfing after unsuccessfully trying it in Jericoacoara in Brazil, but I do enjoy mojito's in hammocks. The white sandy beaches, the jaw-dropping vistas from the mountains and steep valleys, is really something to experience. (So I'm told). If it looks anything like Pierce Brosnan's Instagram photos then deal me in.

THE ITALIAN AMALFI COAST

A quick bit of research - one night in Amalfi in a 4 star hotel will set you back just over 400 sheets including flight. Take my money now!! Of course it's expensive, known for having michelin star restaurants and what not. However, take a ferry across to the adjacent island Ischia, equally good food, with a nice stretch of beach and a lot cheaper. Hike into the mountains, reach the peak and visit the thermal spas. (It's a volcanic island you see).

THE GREEK ISLANDS

It just sounds good doesn't it? Where you off to Torquay? No the Greek Islands, don't wait up. Again very accessible price wise. For just over 400 sheets I'm looking at all inclusive hotels and even resort bungalows for less.

I'm wanting to go to a place that revels in the party atmosphere. I've spent long enough distancing myself from mates, elbow pumping, etc. It has a perfect blend of history and sun-kissed beaches. Bring it on.

SWITZERLAND

I have to get over to Piz Gloria in Switzerland. A quick check on Expedia and all resorts and hotels are booked out in Murren, Lauterbrunnen which is the name of the town at the foot of the mountain. Skiing season I guess. The name may be familiar to Bond fans as Piz Gloria was where they filmed On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The revolving restaurant there and the sky deck overlooks some of the most incredible scenery.

Failing that Lake Lugano is beautiful, the wines are so good there that the Swiss don’t export them. The greedy gits just drink them and don’t let Johnny Foreigner sample the goods unless they come to visit. Lucerne is a short train ride from Zurich, and Baden isn’t too far off. They have the thermal spas. Having worked in Zug, Lucerne and Geneva for years, I would love to head back to the laidback life of Lucerne which transports you back years and is overlooked by the imposing mount Pilatus.

BALI

I'm certainly needing my Bali fix. The food, the weather, the hospitality, the training camps, Bali has it all. I've written extensively about Bali and whether you're looking at the Gili Islands or thinking of hiring a motorbike then you'll find all you need to know in my previous posts. Failing that, drop me a line and I'll help out. Currently no flights heading out that way from what I can tell.

NEW YORK

Currently looking at hotels in New York for under £600 a night including flights. Museums are opening up I hear. Would love to visit the SpyScape Museum and MOMA (Museum of Modern Art). Guggenheim is decent, you would have seen the elliptical stairwell in Mr Popper's Penguins. (The penguins all fly round the inside of the building like a water slide).

It is expensive to eat in New York, the tipping system is bananas. That scene in Reservoir Dogs is a reality here.