Congratulations – you’ve finally decided to take a (well-deserved) vacation. But where to choose?
Well, that all depends on what you’re looking for. According to Booking.com research on 2018 travel trends, 82% of travellers are looking to cross one of their dream destinations off their travel bucket list this year.
But how do you choose which one to cross off?
Maybe you’re looking to experience a location you’ve already been but do it a bit differently this time. About a third of travellers (34%) will consider a holiday for 2018 that they experienced as a child.
That narrows it down a bit, though there’s still so many to choose from.
Tap into what you’re passionate about to make the decision easier. Are you a music lover, a sports enthusiast, a foodie, artistic? Choosing a destination that’s culture-heavy will have something for just about everyone.
If you’ve passed your early twenties and you’re looking to focus less on the booze cruises and more on the destination – you’ve come to the right place. Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, has curated a list of 5 spots around the world you absolutely need to experience for their arts and culture scenes.
Los Angeles, United States of America
The list begins with one that won’t give you the biggest culture-shock. It’s a city filled with everything that could possibly fall under the category ‘arts’. Although it is popularly known for its film industry, L.A has a ton of experiences awaiting your arrival. Whether you’re coming solo, with a friend, or with a group – you’re bound to find something for everyone with hundreds of arts and culture attractions to choose from. But let’s start with some of the neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. Check out Downtown L.A. for some of the best art museums in the world: namely MOCA and The Broad, a contemporary art museum that’s created a ton of buzz – oh, and it’s free.
If you’re a movie lover or have a guilty pleasure for Disney, you’ll want to check out the Walt Disney Concert Hall which was opened to commemorate Walt Disney’s commitment to the arts.
Venice Beach is perfect for creative and artistic types. It should probably be number one on your L.A. to-do list. Even if you’re not looking for art inspo, you’ll enjoy what surrounds you during your Sunday afternoon explorations.
Check out Galleries of Abbot Kinney Blvd for a vibrant collection of boutiques, restaurants and bars only a few blocks from Venice Beach. The list of adventures here could go on, but let’s move on to …
There’s so much culture here, it’s hard to know where to end (and where to begin). You’ll want to get both an authentic and touristy experience, making sure you check out some of the attractions this amazing city is known for, like the Antoni Gaudi – one of the most unique architects in the world, known for one of the most exceptional architectural styles you will ever see. Check out some of the things he built like churches, homes and more.
Barcelona also has some of the finest art museums, incredible designer shopping – and have you heard about the magic fountain?
You probably remember experiencing Barcelona when you went on your post-grad Euro-trip, but it’s time to return for a, well – more meaningful experience.
One of the oldest cities in the world and the centre of three of the largest religions in the world: Judaism, Islam and Christianity.
While cultural history may embody this great city, there’s also some incredible Israeli and European art at spots like the Rockefeller Museum. And while you’re here, be sure to check out the holocaust museum for one of the best holocaust memorials in the world, Yad Vashem.
You’ll be so in awe at the architecture and art you’ll see in this city, you’ll feel like you’re in a time machine just by looking at some of these buildings.
If you’ve never been to Israel, you may want to get a guide for a few hours so you can learn about the city’s incredible past.
If you really want to test your cultural boundaries, you’ll enjoy some of the best food in the world for fairly cheap. Dubai also has a reputation for its fine dining, so you may want to splurge one or two nights on some of the more expensive meals.
There’s a lot you can do to learn more about the culture in this great city, which Booking.com’s Passion Search tool can help you with. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a must-do. This high-end marketplace is where you’ll find incense, hookahs, luxury textiles, homewares and more. 31% of Canadian travelers want to update their home because they like interior design that reminds them of their travels, so this may be the place to find that perfect new living room art.
Arts … Culture … Action. You’ll only need a few days in Florence to understand the exceptional culture and history that exists here. And the sites you’ll see won’t disappoint either.
In 2018, 60% of travellers plan to post on social media each day, and Florence will surely provide you with no shortage of photos to fill up your Instagram feed. Check out the Florence Duomo whose exterior has that wow-factor your social media platforms need. And for an even better photo, do the dome climb for a panorama of the entire city.
Which city do you want to travel to this spring? Let us know in the comments.
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