With the weather turning cold and the days getting darker earlier, it’s no surprise that the genies are dreaming of places to visit outside of Chicago. Although we love our city and all that it offers, we find that the perfect way to get through these dreary days and how much we miss Summertime Chi is to daydream about our favorite destinations.
So it’s time to kick the bucket list. Here are the top three things to do in each of our #1 bucket list locations:
Greece – Anthony, Ashleigh, & Taryn
Oia, Santorini
Take a walk in Oia, the most famous village of the island of Santorini. This comes as no surprise with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and of course, its dreamy sunsets. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, you can take the 2.5-hour hike from Fira to Oia so you can pass through some other beautiful villages along the way.
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Mykonos
This glamorous island has perfect weather nearly all year round. Mykonos has luxury accommodations, beaches for everyone, and is the perfect island to simply set out on foot and stroll through the winding alleyways.
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Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Also known as the Shipwreck beach and for being one of the most photographed beaches of Greece, Navagio Beach is a sight for sore eyes. Most commonly recognized by the wrecked ship that is stranded on it, this beach is surrounded by high steep cliffs and is only reachable by boats. This is the perfect day excursion.
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South Africa – Violet
Table Mountain, Cape Town
Table Mountain is South Africa’s most iconic landmark for a reason. This flat-topped mountain is the perfect location to overlook the city of Cape Town. Visitors can take a cable car up or hike to the top to enjoy the city + ocean view below.
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Bloukrans Bridge, Tsitsikamma
Feeling adventurous? Bloukrans Bridge is not for the faint of heart. At 709 feet high, this is the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee over the Bloukrans River. 1,2,3… Would you take the leap?
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Lion Sands, Sabi Sands
For those who have jungle fever, you can stay in a tree house located in the middle of the Savana. You can sleep under the stars and wake up to the wildlife.
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Nice, France – Lizz
Promenade Des Anglais
The Promenade stretches across the coastline and is the perfect place to take a stroll or ride a bike while taking in the beautiful views of the sea and Baie des Anges. It is one of the most iconic French boulevards.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjO2WrmAdjU/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Vieux (Old Town)
Stroll through the vibrant cobblestone streets of Old Town and take in the views of the pastel-hued buildings, eat at beautiful cafés, and chat with locals.
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Castle Hill
Climb the stairs to the top of Castle Hill to get one of the best vantage points to see Nice. Step-by-step you will get to enjoy and admire the gorgeous views of the city, the beaches, and the bay.
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Thailand – Janelle
Elephant Sanctuary
You can’t go to Thailand without engaging with the country’s most revered animal. The best way to do this is to spend your time hanging out at one of the numerous elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Look here for ethical places to spend your time with these gentle giants.
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Damnoen Saduak, Ratchaburi Floating Market
There are several floating markets in Thailand, but this one is the biggest and most famous. A visit to this huge market will give you a real insight into how things were many years ago. It is filled with boats selling all sorts of foods and fruits.
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Phang Nga Bay
In Phang Nga Bay, there are so many caves, mangroves, and lagoons to explore. Relax in the serenity of the calm sea while visiting this area of Phuket.
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Safari in Africa – Jacqui
Kruger National Park Safari
This is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Its high density of wild animals includes the Big 5: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalos. You can do tours, day trips, or stay at one of the safari lodges.
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Sanctuary Makanyane Safari Lodge
This lodge is located in the Madikwe Game Reserve and overlooks the Marico River. It is an all-inclusive lodge that has open lounges, an outdoor sleeping deck, and indoor and outdoor showers. It also has game drives and guided walks available for its guests.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BphHDfRBW2Q/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Giraffe Manor
This is not exactly a safari but is still a pretty awesome experience in Nairobi, Kenya. This lodge allows you to have breakfast with giraffes. They sometimes will poke their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpoK3r4H1o5/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Bali, Indonesia – Liz
Kelingking Beach
Take in the views of the jaw-dropping scenery at Kelingking Beach. You’ve probably seen this Tyrannosaurus Rex cliff shape all over Instagram.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp4NzvWF2W1/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Lempuyang Temple
Just keep climbing! 👣 1,700 steps later you will reach the top & it will be worth it to see the view of Mount Agung in the distance. The Lempuyang Temple is one of the most sacred temples in Bali.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpjj9OXh4Tx/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Aling Aling Waterfall
If you love an adrenaline rush, Aling Aling is the perfect waterfall to try. You can jump from the top into the water below or if that is too much for you, you can soak in the beautiful view from up above.
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What is your dream destination? Let us know in the comments below.
