Ten great places to put on your bucket list

As the global Covid vaccination drive continues to gather momentum, you might be thinking about visiting new and exciting places once the borders open and travel is back on. Seeff rounds up ten great places to visit.

1. Portugal
Portugal offers fabulous architecture, history, the second-highest density of Blue Flag beaches and a low cost of living. It also has great food, more sunshine than anywhere else in Europe, some of the best beaches and golf in Europe, excellent infrastructure, and a large English-speaking population. It is renowned for its salt cod, grilled sardines and Port. Aside from Lisbon, popular areas include The Algarve, Porto, Madeira and more.

2. Mexico
Mexico is a vibrant and colourful country located at the southern portion of North America. It has warm year-round temperatures and boasts two coastlines full of magnificent beaches. It offers a low cost of living. Popular tourist areas include Cancun and Cabo.

3. Ecuador
Ecuador straddles the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands. The cost of living is low and the country has a pleasant climate. It is a small country but offers a wide variety of things to see and do, from visiting the big city, hiking in the mountains, and hitting the beaches.

4. Panama
Panama is located on the isthmus linking Central and South America. The Panama Canal, a famous feat of human engineering, cuts through its centre and links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route. The country is regarded as the world’s best offshore haven. It is blessed with beautiful islands, ample coastline beaches, mountain retreats, and colonial towns. The Panama hat is an icon of Panama. It keeps the sun off your face in an incredibly stylish fashion, as well as being a perfect souvenir.

5. Belize
Belize is located on the eastern coast of Central America, with Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Offshore, the massive Belize Barrier Reef, dotted with hundreds of low-lying islands called cayes, hosts rich marine life. English is the official language. Belize was once the heart of the Maya Empire and is famous for its white-sand Caribbean beaches and clear, unpolluted waters.

6. Hungary
Hungary’s capital, Budapest, is one of Europe’s loveliest and most affordable capitals. It is one of the oldest countries in Europe, dating back to 895. Throughout the years, Hungary has seen its fair share of war and occupation by various groups such as the Mongols, Turks, Germans and Soviets. There’s plenty to entertain visitors from live opera to rock concerts, lush parks and intricate castles to unique museums.

7. France
France should be on every bucket list. The country has a well-established transportation system with trains, metros, taxis and buses. France is the good life defined. The food, the wine, the art, the shopping, the history and much more. It boasts the most beautiful and romantic city on Earth plus the best of country living and dramatic Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. On top of all this, France is home to the world’s best health care, the world’s best infrastructure, top international schools, and, in some regions, zero crime and a wonderfully relaxed way of life.

8. Malta
Malta epitomises the Mediterranean lifestyle. English is one of the official languages which makes communication easy. The rugged coastline boasts dramatic cliffs and tiny coves dotted with ancient forts and quaint fishing harbours. Inland, stone walls separate fields cut into strips of olives, wheat, and potatoes. Wine production is also popular, and vines hang heavy with grapes all over the island. It also offers easy access to Italy.

9. Greece
Greece has the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and a unique geography full of islands and peninsulas. It is the cradle of Western civilization, birthplace of democracy, western philosophy, western literature, political science, major scientific and mathematical principles, western drama, and the Olympics. Greek people are regarded as some of the friendliest and often too keen to assist tourists especially in the tourist hot spots and on the islands.

10. Italy
Italy is one of the most culturally rich countries in Europe and offers a quintessential “Old World” lifestyle. The cities and old towns are charming, and the countryside an absolute must for any visitor. Even excluding the big cities like Rome, there is enough here to keep visitors busy. The hospitality and food is spectacular and there are so many tourist areas and attractions that you probably need a month or repeat visits.