Stumped for places to go on your next vacation? Here are the top eight and a list of activities you can do while you’re there, based on 2018 Tourism Report from the World Tourism Organization.
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Germany
Number of international tourists in 2017: 37.5 million
Popular stops:
–East Side Gallery. Located in Berlin, the East Side Gallery contains graffitied segments of the Berlin Wall–101 panels, to be exact–totaling around 4,300 feet. The panels were painted by artists in 1990 to commemorate the demolition of the Wall.
–Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle, which was home to King Ludwig II of Bavaria, has more than 1.4 million visitors annually and is said to be the inspiration behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland.
Trips we take to Germany:
Switzerland / Germany
Munich: Oktoberfest
German Christmas Markets
NEW:Grand European Adventure
NEW: 2022 Passion Play/Oktoberfest
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United Kingdom
Number of international tourists in 2017: 37.7 million
Popular stops:
–The City of London. The most cosmopolitan city in Europe (world?) and home to everything English and everything related to Windsor monarchy. And home to one of the best theater districts anywhere.
–Loch Ness. This Scottish Highlands lake is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Loch Ness is one of the largest and deepest expanses of water in the UK, with steep banks plunging to a depth of over 800 feet. It’s also the largest in a string of lochs (a.k.a. lakes) along the Great Glen.
–Snowdonia, Gwynedd, Wales. Go hiking through Snowdonia National Park or take a tour of the park on a vintage steam railway.
Trips we take to the UK:
Scotland / Ireland
NEW:Grand European Adventure
CITY BREAK: London
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Mexico
Number of international tourists in 2017: 39.3 million
Popular attractions:
–Cancun. A popular Spring Break destination for college students.
–Coahuila. Located in northern Mexico, Coahuila is home to the oldest winery in the Americas.
–Chichen Itza. A large Mayan archaeological site, Chichen Itza is home to El Castillo (The Castle), a pyramid that rises 79 feet above the Main Plaza. Its four sides have 91 stairs each. Along with the step on the top platform, the pyramid has a total of 365 steps.
–Agua Azul Waterfalls. These impressive waterfalls in southern Mexico get their name from the high mineral content found in the water, which gives it a bright blue hue. FYI, Agua Azul in English means “Blue Water.”
Trips we take to Mexico:
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Italy
Number of international tourists in 2017: 58.3 million
Popular spots:
–Vatican City. Technically, another country inside the city of Rome. Most visited destination in all of Europe.
–Venice. Built over 100 small islands, you’ll need to ride in a gondola to explore this city. While many canals connect the city, you can also take a stroll across the famous Bridge of Sighs. Other sights include Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica.
–Pompeii. Although a volcano erupted and buried this ancient Roman city, the site is still preserved. Pompeii is one of Italy’s most popular tourist attractions. In fact, nearly 2.5 million people visit every year.
Trips we take to Italy:
Authentic Italy
Spring Break – Italy
NEW:Grand European Adventure
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China
Number of international tourists in 2017: 60.7 million
Popular attractions:
–Anhui. This 900-year-old ancient village of Hongcun boasts distinctive architecture, a striking mountain backdrop and a tranquil vibe, making it a source of inspiration for art students over the years.
–Singing Sand Bay. This 110-meter-high sand dune, also known as Yinken Sand Bay, is located in Inner Mongolia. It’s been said that the wind there sings in soft whispers.
–Mount Wuyi. This major landmark in southeast China was the setting for the development and spread of neo-Confucianism. Mount Wuyi is also home to Nine Bend River, which tourists like to travel along on a bamboo raft.
Trips we take to China:
NEW: Best of Authentic China
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United States
Number of international tourists in 2017: 75.9 million
Popular tourist attractions:
–Statue of Liberty. A gift from France, the Statue of Liberty, also known as Lady Liberty, represents freedom and was the first landmark many immigrants saw when they came to the United States. FUN FACT: The original name of the Statue of Liberty was “Liberty Enlightening the World.”
–Atlantic City, New Jersey. Take a stroll down the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the first boardwalk in America. Along the way, you can sample the boardwalk’s famous saltwater taffy. Or, you can try your luck at one of the area’s many casinos. FUN FACT: The boardwalk opened in 1870 to help hotel owners keep sand out of their lobbies.
–Liberty Bell. Located in Pennsylvania, historians believe this symbol of American independence was rung to mark the public reading of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. These words are inscribed on the bell: “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” FUN FACT: Pennsylvania is spelled with only one “n” on the bell. It was one of several acceptable spellings of the state at the time.
Trips we take to the U.S.A.:
New England – Coming Soon!
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Spain
Number of international tourists in 2017: 81.8 million
Popular tourist attractions:
–Madrid. If you’re a party animal, then this capital city is for you! Other features include stunning parks and some of the best art institutions in Europe.
–Barcelona. If you want to take in lots of culture, Barcelona is the place for you. You can explore whimsical architecture, museums (including the Picasso Museum), and centuries-old neighborhoods.
–Canary Islands. Located off the northwestern coast of Africa, this cluster of islands is one of Spain’s premier beach destinations.
Trips we take to Spain:
Spain / Portugal
NEW:Grand European Adventure
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France
Number of international tourists in 2017: 86.9 million
Popular attractions:
–Eiffel Tower. Located in one of Paris’ public parks, this iron tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel to be used as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair.
–Louvre Museum. Located in Paris along the Seine River, this is the world’s largest museum. It covers an area of 782,910 square feet and houses over 35,000 pieces dating all the way back to prehistoric times. Famous exhibits include the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. FUN FACT: Nearly 9 million people visit the Louvre each year, making it the second most visited museum in the world.
–Palace of Versailles. This palace was built in 1623. It served as the royal court from 1682 to 1789. It is 721,182 square feet and has 700 rooms, 1,250 fireplaces, 67 staircases, and over 2,000 windows. Tourists like to visit the main palace and the gardens, as well as catch an evening opera.
Trips we take to France:
CITY BREAK: Paris
NEW:Grand European Adventure
So, go ahead and take advantage of planning your 2022 tour now. To help you better budget for 2022 tour, sign up before July 31, 2021 at save on future travel by paying 2021 tour rates.
