How to decide which country to visit

So, how do you decide which country to visit? Why would you visit a specific country? What country will best suit you and offer you the things you love?

Let’s explore…and get a few good reasons to visit each country…

France | Germany | Greece | Italy | South Africa | Hungary

While there may be some shared cultural or historical influences between some of these countries, they are each distinct and diverse in their own right.

France vs Germany

Greece vs Italy

South Africa vs Hungary

France - The country of love and romance

What to expect: In France you’ll find unbelievably beautiful valleys, and villages, each with its own unique character and charm. These can range from quaint medieval villages with narrow streets and stone houses to seaside villages with beautiful views and a fabulous atmosphere.

France boasts a diverse landscape, from Brittany’s rugged coast to Provence’s lavender fields. The French Alps offer skiing and snowboarding in the winter, while the French Riviera offers sun, sand, and sea in the summer.

French cuisine is famous around the world and for good reason! From croissants and baguettes to cheese, wine, and pastries, France offers a wide range of delicious culinary experiences.

Like to make something French at home? Try our Far Breton Recipe…

If you love fashion and shopping, Paris is the place to visit. It is known as one of the world’s fashion capitals, and there are plenty of opportunities for shopping in the city’s chic boutiques and department stores.

France is known for its world-class museums and art galleries, including the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. It’s also home to numerous iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Palace of Versailles.

Discover the best things to do and places to see in Paris: Read more…

Include a visit to Disneyland in Paris: Read more…

France also has a rich history, from the Gallo-Roman period to the French Revolution and beyond. There are many historic sites to visit, including ancient ruins, medieval castles, and battlefields.

Overall, France offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in art and culture, food and wine, history, natural beauty, or fashion and shopping.

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

Want to know where to stay in Paris? Read more…

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Visit the region of Provence: Read more…

Christmas in Germany

Overall, Germany offers visitors a wide range of experiences, whether you’re interested in history and culture, natural beauty, food and drink, festivals and events, or technology and industry. They have it all.

Germany is known for its festivals and events, including the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, the Christmas markets in many cities, and various cultural festivals throughout the year.

OUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN GERMANY: Read more…

Breathtaking beauty

Germany as a country, offers breathtaking natural scenery, from the Bavarian Alps to the Black Forest. There are many parks and hiking trails to explore and beautiful lakes and rivers you will just love.

Oberammergau – the perfect place to visit over Easter. Read more…

Food & Drink

Try the food. German cuisine is hearty and delicious, with specialties such as sausages, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. Germany is also famous for its beer, with many different styles and varieties to sample.

Things to do

The country has a rich cultural heritage and a complex history. There are many museums, historic sites, and landmarks to visit, including the Berlin Wall, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Neuschwanstein Castle. Additionally, Germany is home to numerous world-renowned cultural institutions, such as the Berlin Philharmonic and the Bavarian State Opera.

Technology

Around the world, Germany is seen as a leader in technology and industry, and there are many opportunities to visit cutting-edge companies and research institutions. For example, the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart offers a fascinating look at the history of the automobile.

Discover Oberammergau

Discover Monschau

Greece - Island vacations

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Greece is its stunning beaches and islands, which offer crystal-clear waters, white sand, and picturesque towns. Popular island destinations include Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, among many others, and that is exactly what Greece is famous for. However, it is also famous for its food.

Greek cuisine is healthy, fresh, and delicious, with specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki. Try their wine and spirits, including ouzo and raki while you’re there.

Make your own Greek Loukoumades at home: Try our recipe…

Greece is home to breathtaking natural scenery, from the dramatic cliffs of Meteora to the stunning gorges of Samaria. There are many national parks, forests, and nature reserves to explore, as well as opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities.

Greeks are known for their warmth and hospitality, and visitors to the country often feel welcome and at home. The country has a rich tradition of hospitality and is famous for its friendly locals.

Overall, Greece offers visitors a wide range of experiences and great hospitality.

It is the romantic destination many can only dream of, but it is also home to some of the world’s most iconic historical sites, including the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The country is also famous for its mythology, philosophy, and literature, making it a popular destination for those interested in ancient history and culture.

Find incredible things to do worldwide. Book now!

Italy - Full of surprises

Italy is a country full of surprises, with a wide variety of stunning landscapes around every corner. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alps in the north, to the rolling hills of Tuscany and the colorful cliffside towns of the Amalfi Coast in the south, Italy has something to offer every kind of traveler. The rugged coastline of Sardinia and the crystal-clear waters of the Aeolian Islands in the Mediterranean are also not to be missed. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to soak up some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, Italy has it all.

Italy is home to many iconic and much-loved landmarks, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the canals of Venice. There are also many ancient ruins and historic sites to explore, such as Pompeii and Herculaneum. It is the country of gelato, pizza, jaw-dropping coastlines, and lemons.

This is where you’ll find the rugged coastline of the Amalfi Coast as well as the rolling hills of Tuscany. Explore, picturesque towns and visit the most beautiful small villages.

Italy is another country known for its warmth and hospitality, and visitors to the country often feel welcome and at home. It is famous for its friendly locals.

The Italian cuisine is widely known and loved. Try pizza, pasta, and gelato as well as Limoncello while you’re here. Do some wine tasting, visit olive groves, and walk amongst lemon trees.

Try our Tiramisu recipe:

Italy is home to some of the world’s greatest art and architecture, from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. The country is also famous for its opera, fashion, and design, making it a popular destination for those interested in the arts.

Fall in love with Portofino Read more…

Once you visit Italy, you’ll fall in love with the country and its spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the west, the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south.

South Africa - Land of Incredible Beauty

South Africa offers breathtaking natural scenery, from the rugged coastline of the Western Cape to the majestic mountains of the Drakensberg. There are many national parks, beaches, and hiking trails to explore, as well as opportunities for numerous outdoor activities like surfing and whale watching. It’s a country of amazing sunsets and extraordinary beauty.

South Africa has a complex history, and visitors can learn about the country’s struggle against apartheid and its journey toward democracy. The country is also home to many museums and landmarks, such as Robben Island and the Apartheid Museum. The ‘Mother City’ – Cape Town has many examples of beautiful historic architecture and the famous Table Mountain offers beautiful views over the city and Robben Island.

One of the best reasons to visit is the wildlife. South Africa is home to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos. Visitors can go on safari tours and wildlife reserves to see these animals up close. Spot the big 5 in their natural habitat: African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, African lion, and the Rhinoceros (black or white)

On your itinerary, when visiting South Africa, should be a Safari experience. However, the country is also a popular destination for adventure sports, with opportunities for bungee jumping, skydiving, and shark cage diving, among others.

While taking the time to enjoy exceptional sunsets and beautiful beaches in South Africa, also make time to enjoy the local cuisine which is diverse and flavorful, with influences from many different cultures. The country is also known for its wine, with many different regions and varieties to sample. When visiting the Western Cape Province you must go on a wine tour and enjoy a day out in the winelands.

The Top 10 things to eat while in South Africa, is: Melktert, Koeksisters, Bobotie, Boerewors, Biltong and Droëwors, Bunny chow, Vetkoek, Chakalaka, and Malva pudding.

Make your own South African rusks at home: Microwave Buttermilk Rusk Recipe

Although not a true and authentic South African recipe (the real origin of Mac and Cheese is not known), you can also try Macaroni and Cheese Soup…

Hungary and South Africa may seem like unlikely travel destinations to pair together, but both countries have a lot to offer visitors looking for unique and unforgettable experiences. While Hungary is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and thermal baths, South Africa is a land of incredible natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture.

Hungary - Land of history and Architecture

Hungary has a rich history, and visitors can explore historic sites such as the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the famous Parliament Building in Budapest. The country is also known for its beautiful architecture, including Art Nouveau buildings and historic churches.

Hungary offers beautiful natural scenery, from the rolling hills of the countryside to the stunning Lake Balaton. Visitors can explore national parks and nature reserves, as well as the Danube River and the many thermal springs throughout the country.

It is famous for its thermal baths, which are said to have healing properties. The city of Budapest alone has over 100 thermal springs, and visitors can relax in beautiful bathhouses such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath or Gellért Thermal Bath.

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with specialties such as goulash, chimney cake, and pálinka (a fruit brandy), which you must try while you’re there. The country is also known for its wines, with many different varieties to try.

If you’re visiting in summertime, you can attend one of the many festivals and events including the Budapest Wine Festival, Budapest International Documentary Festival, and the Budapest Summer Festival. There are also many traditional folk festivals and cultural events to enjoy.

Although it is a landlocked country, Hungary offers visitors a wide range of experiences, history, and architecture that will keep you busy in between festivals.

Top things to eat while you’re in Hungary: Goulash (Gulyás), Lángos, Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), Chicken Paprikash (Paprikás Csirke), and Somlói Galuska.