I was delighted to receive a pack of brochures from one of my favourite tour operators last week. There was a time, twenty years ago, when hundreds of brochures used to arrive every week and it was a challenge to know where to store them! These days, a brochure is more of a rarity as so much is now exclusively online. You can’t beat a good quality brochure, though. I used to take a selection round to my clients and the best ones would sit proudly on their coffee tables to be fingered through with a coffee or a glass of wine in hand.
The brochure I received is a work of art, with stunning photography. I have been fascinated reading through it, as many of the destinations are unusual, such as Moldovia, Romania, Albania, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Taiwan, South Korea, and Papua New Guinea. I knew a little about some of these places, but I have certainly learned a lot more from my brochure and it has really whet my appetite to visit some of them.
However, I wanted to focus on the part of the brochure that is advertising summer holidays in Nordic countries. I recently visited Western Sweden (please see my previous blog) and I found out that the Nordic countries are experiencing a huge surge of bookings from people who want to avoid the searing summer heat in many European countries. Scandinavia and the other Baltics are the perfect places to do this. It does still get warm in the summer, definitely warm enough to enjoy the plethora of outdoor activities on offer. From hiking and biking, horseback riding, zip lining, canoeing, kayaking to swimming in the lakes (never actually warm, but invigorating!). If you’ve never been, you’ll be amazed at the wide-open spaces. Hundreds of miles of unspoilt forest with barely a building in sight! And fresh, fresh air!
How about a summer break in South Iceland, where you can explore Pinvellir National Park and the Geysir geothermal field, the Gullfoss waterfall and bathe in the beautiful Blue Lagoon? Or do a family fly-drive?
Or maybe watch towering icebergs and whales in Greenland?
Finland is the land of a thousand lakes and in summer, you can relax and unwind, maybe do a bit of paddle boarding and wild swimming and view families of brown bears?
How exotic does a trip to Svalbard in Norway sound? Stunning summer scenery and you can sail along the fjords and maybe spot whales, seals, and a polar bear?
Sweden has an impressive coastline with picturesque towns and a vibrant summer scene. Wonderful seafood as well! Or just head into the wild and soak up the peace of the forest. Abundant opportunities for hiking and other sports abound.
All the above countries have fascinating cities to explore, buzzing with cafes, restaurants, and museums. They all have stunning accommodation, too, from individual properties to amazing hotels.
But isn’t it expensive, I get asked? Not necessarily, if you know where to look. Mainland Europe gets hotter and pricier each year, so I believe that heading north is the answer right now.
Contact me for more ideas and information.
Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!
by net effect