We often picture a holiday as one spent at sea or at the beach… Palm trees swaying with the wind, ice cold martini in hand, a good book in another, and the smell of the sea air wafting in on the warm tropical breeze. Don’t try denying it – the beach is the ideal setting that really comes to mind!
But sometimes you just need a change of holiday pace… and we know for a fact that there’s nothing quite like an escape to a foreign city, where you can get lost in history, immerse yourself in new cultures, delight your taste buds in some great cuisines, and just grab a new travel experience worth remembering.
Start planning your escape with our guide of the 5 top cities that should be on your bucket list!
- New York
There’s a reason why New York is called the city that never sleeps: and that’s because no matter what time of day it is, you’ll find restaurants open, shows to see, and something “happening” right where you are. Get to see iconic and dizzying sights such as the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, grab a cup of joe or a slice of New York pizza and take a walk around Central Park, celebrate Christmas at the Rockefeller Center, hit Times Square or watch a Broadway show, have fun with the kids at Coney Island, or take it all in with sweeping views from the High Line.
Also known as one of the best shopping destinations in the world, NYC is where you can find every major fashion mogul and up-and-coming creators, alongside some of the most hard-to-find and anywhere-but-here shops in the world. Shopping there can be extremely dizzying, with big names such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, New York Vintage, and Bloomingdales set to dominate your holiday.
Every time you visit, there’s something new to discover – and thus, New York merits first spot on our list!
- Rome
Second up, old meets new when you visit Rome, one of the most recognizable cities on Earth. Where else in the world can you sip wine in a piazza as you admire the ancient ruins from times gone by just across the street? One minute, you’ll be standing in awe, bearing witness to the grandiosity of the Colosseum… and in the next, you’ll find yourself admiring the beauty of Michelangelo’s iconic painted ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. You can also discover some historic tombs at the Pantheon, temples & squares at the Roman Forum, and galleries of art masterpieces at the Vatican Museum.
If you want a soulful and spiritual retreat, with some gelato-while-riding-a-Vespa type of fun, then Rome is the place to be. Come December, you can also get a taste of Italy’s Christmas markets where a wide range of wares, decorations, clothes, traditional food and hot drinks, as well as some souvenirs that complete the holiday experience. We say its time for Viva La Dolce Vita!
- Paris
Ah yes. The City of Love… Sounds romantic from the get-go, right? That’s because it is.
Paris is THE place to experience Valentine’s day all year long. It’s like the romance and love just LIVES here. It can be found in museums, restaurants, and even in hidden nooks and crannies of the streets, buildings, bridges, cathedrals – need we say more. Some notable and iconic sights include the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris, Arc de Triomph, Champs-Elysees… and we’re just scratching the surface!
Shopping? Yes, of course! This world fashion capital is home to designer labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. Make the most out of your travel by going on a shopping spree during Couture Week. It is here where major stores slash their rates to unbelievable prices. Couture Week happens in January, but the off-peak travel season in August can also offer great finds, and beautiful Christmas Markets start in early December trough to late January to set you up for an amazing, traditional shopping experience. Is Paris ideal for your first, second or third honeymoon? Try it out for yourself!
- Sydney
We LOVE loving our own, and there’s no city in the world quite like Sydney. From the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge through to the heritage of the Rocks area all carry distinctive designs that beckon you to Australia. Exploring further within this unique harbour city you’ll find lovely beachfronts, such as world-renowned Bondi Beach, and verdant parks meeting the modern skyline, creating a concrete jungle of undeniable beauty and brimming energy. For cruises heading to Sydney, this is but a jumping off point to discover the wide brown land of Australia, however many will choose to lose themselves in Sydney’s urban maze first, to explore areas filled with world-class restaurants, bars, enjoy the theatre and sporting events like no other, and party the night away amidst the sparkling harbour lights. What a city!
Where to go? There’s Hyde Park’s sprawling lawns and picnic spots, perfect for taking a break from the goings-on of the central business district. You can also visit George Street to get a better view of the Queen Victoria Building, the Sydney Town Hall, and St. Andrew’s Cathedral – all providing a great glimpse in the history of this dazzling city. Head down to The Rocks for a taste of the nightlife, take the kids to world-famous Taronga Zoo for close-up encounters with unique Aussie wildlife for an experience you won’t soon forget. Cuddle a koala? Sure can!
- Singapore
This modern megalopolis stands at the pinnacle of city-building and urban design, as Singapore takes you to the home of state-of-the-art road, great infrastructure, and mass-transit systems. But what really excites us about this gem in Southeast Asia is its potpourri of cultures and cuisine, renowned street food, and world-class shopping.
We recommend you try some hawker food, much of which is held in high esteem by some of the world’s most respected chefs. Visit Gardens by the Bay for a sprawling park experience, complete with botanical discoveries and epic Supertrees that light up at night. Kids will definitely enjoy the various flora and fauna at Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, while a more cultured and sophisticated exploration awaits at the Asian Civilisation Museum. For those who can’t wait to get their feet wet, Sentosa Island is home to fun-filled theme parks, aquariums, and zip-lines to keep everyone busy and active all day. Singapore is known as a shopping mecca for the rest of the world, where you can shop on Orchard Road for high-street brands and local boutique flair. Plus, don’t forget to take a selfie at the Singapore Merlion!
Have you found a reason to go? Pack your bags and call our Travel Solution Specialists - simply call Discover365 on 0800 587 3484 NOW!
Written by Jackie Hamilton and Kevin Montalbo