Whenever I hear the word summer, my mind immediately goes to the Caribbean and parts of Latin American. However, let’s face it, I have access to paradise all year round. Despite my personal preference for my vacation, all eyes are on Europe this summer. Depending on your budget and advance planning, you can have a good time in Europe. Travel sites like Booking and Expedia offer great deals with proper planning. In fact, there are even last-minute deals.
A European vacation sounds “Bougie.” However, it can be very affordable if you plan correctly. With advanced planning, you can use your miles, as well as the right travel sites like Booking and Google Flights. Consider flying to a destination that gets you to multiple countries with affordable airfares. For this reason, our top spot for summer 2024 is Italy.
Italy
Filled with prehistoric charm, pasta, pizza, and wines, Italy is more affordable than other parts of Europe, and there are lots more to do there. For example, you can land in Rome and hop on a train to Florence, Tivoli, Amalfi Coast, and Naples. There is so much to do in Rome alone , like a visit to the Trevi Fountain, Vatican City, the Colosseum, and the list goes on. Food is quite affordable with a wide array of restaurants. If you are allergic to shellfish, you are in luck, as they have a wide array of meats. If you are from the Caribbean and you love eating ox-tails, well, this is a popular choice on the menu of many of the restaurants in Rome. There are great deals on well maintained apartments around Vatican City, so you don’t have to pay high hotel rates. Overall, Italy offers the opportunity to take a nomadic vacation with easy access to multiple cities via train or a rental car.
Playa del Carmen
My next choice for a friendlier budget is Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Mexico offers a great time for less money. “Earn in US dollars or pounds sterling and spend in pesos.” As you know, Mexico is a huge country. What parts of Mexico would be a great choice this summer? Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta are our top choices. There is so much to love about Playa del Carmen. This city is ideally located between Cancun and Tulum in Mexico (two other favorite spots). You can access Playa del Carmen via Cancun International and Tulum International Airports. Unlike Tulum and other spots in Mexico, Playa del Carmen delivers immediate access to great beaches, nightlife, and modern architecture with a Mexican twist. Not to mention the highly sought-after 5th Avenue area. Hotel and Airbnb rates are best during the summer. This destination is filled with affordable luxury and modern shopping malls. If you are hesitant to fly, you can choose a cruise, and that way, you would be able to see multiple destinations in Mexico at a fraction of the cost. While vacationing in Playa del Carmen, you can still drive to nearby cities like Tulum and Playa Mujeres and visit nearby island Isla Mujeres via ferry.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is another favorite destination in Mexico. It is closer to the Pacific side of Mexico. However, it is still very accessible to the east coast of the United States by air travel and cruise. It is famously known for the movie “The Night of The Iguana,” starring movie stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. They both owned property in Vallarta, as it is affectionately called. Today, both their properties have been converted into beautiful hotels. For us, Vallarta gets the top spot for the best food destination in Mexico. The cuisine is off the charts.
There are areas in Vallarta that offer contemporary hotels and beaches if that is what you want, but our favorite location is the “Romantic District,” otherwise known as “Zona Romántica” located in the southern part of the downtown area.The walkability, the cobblestone streets, the entertainment, is definitely a vibe. The place is very safe with people walking about at any hour of day and night. Food, hotel and Uber are all very affordable.
Spain
Our next spot is Barcelona, Spain. When we think of Spain, immediately what comes to mind is our favorite Spanish cuisine, paella, and lovely beaches. However, like many parts of Europe, Spain is full of history, loads of charm, and character. It is also the home of the Sagrada Familia, otherwise known as the unfinished basilica and second most famous after Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. This magnificant piece of historic architecture commands the attention of all as it stands majestically in the city of Barcelona. Like Madrid, Barcelona has a higher cost of living, and great hotels come at a premium. However, there are many other cities in Spain like Valencia, Marbella, and others that offer a more affordable luxury vacation on a budget.
London
London remains my favorite summer vacation spot in Europe. It is the city that takes you to everywhere else affordably by train or plane. There is so much to be done in London alone. If you are into sightseeing, then you can visit Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the British museum, The Chard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Covenant Garden, or perhaps take a cruise on the River Thames and much more. London has it all! You can never be bored. There is always something to do. Another favorite spot of ours is Borough Market. This food market is a vast representation of the diverse cultural cuisines from people from around the world who choose to call London home. It is the largest international street food market you will find in the city.
Jamaica
If you are not sure where to spend your hard earn money for a Caribbean summer or winter vacation, but you are craving a luxurious all-inclusive vacation, we got you. “Yeah, man, Jamaica, no problem.” White sand beaches, jerk chicken and pork, and the best customer service. Jamaica is your destination. Your areas of choice should be Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, and Portland. What we love about vacationing in Jamaica is that you do not have to leave your resort if you don’t need to. Choosing the right resort or luxury villa is key. Jamaica offers multiple daily flights from various parts of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. It is accessible, affordable, and fun. For day trips, you might want to consider Dunns River Falls, Rio Grande Rafting, Dolphin Cove, and Blue Whole.
Whatever you decide to vacation this summer, be safe and have fun. It is important to take a break and press reset.You deserve it! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog and follow me on Instagram @Basiapowell and @Basia_homes
Cheers
Basia aka Legend Agent 👠❤️👑
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