7 Cool Countries to Visit ...

Photo Credit: together8 ~~ IN & OUT~

I’d like to see the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and the amazing architecture of Antoni Gaudi. The latest work of Gaudi is La Sagrada Familia. It reminds me of the dribble castles I used to make with my son when we’d be at the beach. Also, what better place to see Flamenco dancing than in Spain where it began, as well as enjoy Spain’s national dish; paella.

Photo Credit: Darrell Neo (Busy)

The only reason I haven’t gone to Japan yet is the flight. I detest flying and can’t imagine being on a plane for the amount of time necessary to make it to this island in the Pacific. Despite the long flight, I just might have to suck it up and visit Japan some day. I want to see the Imperial Palace, Mt. Fuji, Hakone National Park, a sumo wrestling match, and the Kodo Drum Festival. My best friend was stationed in Japan for 3 years when she served in the Air Force and she absolutely loved it and the people who live there.

Photo Credit: angus clyne

My mom and I did some extensive traveling all over Scotland one summer. We visited museums, castles, art galleries, saw the train that is featured in the Harry Potter movies, toured whisky distilleries, visited the town where golf began, and strolled through gorgeous botanical gardens. There are tons of beaches to explore and many little towns with great historical sites to visit. I know there are a number of things that we could have done while visiting Scotland, but we just didn’t have the time to cram everything in.

Photo Credit: tapperoa

I remember learning about Nepal when I got into rock climbing. Mt. Everest is located in Nepal, which is a popular site for hardcore climbers. The landscape in general is breathtaking. Gosainkunda is a famous place for religious pilgrimages to be taken to. There is a lake in the center and high mountains all around the north and east side of the lake. Thousands of people flock to this site yearly to bathe in the lake for religious reasons. Nepal is also filled with gorgeous temples that I think contain some of the most amazing architecture to be seen.

Photo Credit: -yury-

The assortments of odd animals that are native to Australia are what draw me to this large island in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The Sydney Opera House is a commonly known landmark that many people want to see and is considered to be one of the wonders of the world. Melbourne contains tons of architecture created in a Victorian style. There are also plenty of museums, art galleries, gardens, and parks to be visited in Melbourne. I think the Great Barrier Reef is something that should be explored when going to Australia. Scuba divers flock to this area to see the world’s largest coral reef up close and personal.

Photo Credit: 5ERG10

The Santorini architecture is what usually comes to mind when people mention the country of Greece. The whitewashed homes and blue domes perched on cliffs over clear blue water is a breathtaking sight to see. The color turquoise blue is also added for many accents around the doors and windows. Secluded beaches and quaint coves are great for spending some quiet time alone or with that special someone. Greece seems like a very romantic place to be. No wonder so many couples get married and spend their honeymoon in Greece!

Photo Credit: ystenes

I thought Norway was fantastic. The people were friendly and very jovial. There is so much to do that I recommend renting a car. Public transportation is another option, but it’s much quicker to rent a car. Tunnels are bored through the many steep mountains around Norway for vehicles to get from city to city quicker and waterfalls are a common site. A number of museums have Viking artifacts and tons of information on the colorful past of Norway. Be sure to take a cruise down one of the many fjords if you get the chance. The scenery is mind-boggling!

These 7 cool countries to visit each have something that drew me towards them. There are so many parts of the world that I know I won’t make it to in my lifetime. Thankfully there are plenty of movies, books, and photographs that allow people to explore other countries without ever leaving home. What countries would you like to visit someday? Is there one you’ve been to that you would like to see again?

Top Photo Credit: Nino H