7 places you wish you could travel to this summer

Morogoro, Tanzania

Photo Credit: Elle Farrell-KingsleyThis mountainous region of Southern Tanzania offers breathtaking views, friendly locals and a variety of interesting wildlife. Morogoro is home to two national parks, where visitors can see nature in all its natural glory, and the climate is a dry heat — meaning 40°C is completely breathable and pleasant.  

Local cuisine is greatly varied, from Tanzanian staple Chipsi Mayai (a chip omelette) for 20p or so, grilled goat skewers for 40p, and various rice/maize options. Swahili, the local language, is reasonably easy to pick up, and a little will go a long way.  Every Tanzanian encountered was incredibly friendly, and a lot are excited to try and practice their English. 

One additional charm is its abundance of stars in the night sky. There are more stars than the sky, and it's a beauty that, sadly, no camera could pick up.

(Also never had a mango, until you’ve had a Tanzanian street mango with chilli salt)Photo credit: Elle Farrell-Kingsley

Utrecht, Netherlands

Photo by Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash

P.s, Utrecht also does better macarons than the French.

Bomba, Italy

Photo credit: Claire JennsI feel so lucky to have stayed in this small rural town in Italy. At a manageable 3-hour drive from Rome, Bomba has a population of only 800 people and is situated at the foot of Mount Pallano. It boasts original architecture from the 14th century, a nearby lake and is 25km away from the beach. The town feels ancient and unspoiled by hordes of tourists but it still has basic amenities like a cornershop, a bank and a pharmacy. You’ll need a car to make it there as it’s quite remote, but Bomba is so worth the journey. 

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Photo by Adli Wahid on Unsplash

I lived in Thailand’s major northern city for two years, and it’s the main place I recommend to travellers who are headed to the country. Chiang Mai strikes the perfect balance between being a city with lots to see and do, but not being as fast-paced as Thailand’s capital city Bangkok. Specific spots I would recommend visiting are Doi Inthanon which is Thailand’s highest peak, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Night Safari. The street food in the city centre is also a must, and if you visit in either April or November you’ll get to experience the national holidays of Songkran and Loy Krathong. 

Paris, France

Chris Karidis on Unsplash

St Elizabeth, Jamaica 

Photo by Yves Alarie on Unsplash

Jamaica is one of the most influential islands that has ever existed – cultivating the best music, athletes and food for the global. This holiday destination has so much to offer and although I can admit I have never been a tourist, knowing more about the rural, less glamorous life, it never falls short of beauty. St Elizabeth is a parish that would be considered the countryside; it consists of red dirt, Lovers Leap and is close to the infamous Negril Beach. If you want something beyond the fast paced Kingston and Montego Bay, find yourself engulfed in both sunshine and culture, understanding what it really means to be an island native in the process, St Elizabeth is the place. 

Canada

The place to go if you want the American feel without the pretense, Canada is a beautiful country that is friendly, overflowing with history, and dependent on when you travel, caters to every weather need. Vancouver, Toronto and Ontario were the places I experienced whilst finishing a USA road trip to Canada, which was a surreal experience within itself. Canada felt like the more mature sister to the USA and I loved every minute. The food, the tourist attractions, the cleanliness and the weather combined created an amazing holiday destination. Do be aware of the racoons though, they are vicious and our equivalent of a London pigeon – ruthless creatures.