These nearby destinations let you see even more on one vacation!
Going on vacation is always a treat: time away from work, new experiences, new sights, delicious food, and fun. How could it get any better than that? What about a “2-for-1 travel deal”? Neighboring destinations can really expand your fun!
If you’ve got time to treat yourself to a little longer vacation, here are some of the best spots where you can double down:
Sharing a similar coastline, New England and Canada make for an excellent 2-for-1 trip—especially if you’re traveling by sea! Make your way up the eastern seaboard and you’ll find all sorts of can’t-miss attractions!
Starting off in Boston lets you appreciate bustling city life. Catch major attractions like the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, or a baseball game at Fenway Park just 2 miles from downtown. And as one of the oldest American cities, Boston is home to “ancient” attractions like the Old Statehouse building that survived the revolution.
Head North to Portland Maine and you’ll find a port with a renowned food scene that punches well above its weight. As an emerging food city, there’s more to enjoy than fresh lobster—but don’t leave without trying a lobster roll!—like specialized breweries, oysters, donuts, and even excellent Vietnamese cuisine.
When you reach our northern neighbor, there’s plenty more to see. Near Halifax Nova Scotia, the famous Peggy’s Cove lighthouse is a picturesque stop on a rocky peninsula. The massive Bay of Fundy also boasts incredible formations of the Hopewell Rocks. And in St. John, you can see the churning waters of the “reversing falls” before strolling past colorful waterfront homes on your way to seafood and delicious international fare along the harbor.
Australia & New Zealand
On the other side of the world, making the trek to Australia is worth a spot on your bucket list, especially because it’s near New Zealand!
One of the best-known attractions in the Land Down Under is the Australian national animal: Kangaroos. But there are other wild animals you’ll have to see there, like the cute koala, the famously odd duck billed platypus, and the ferocious predators Australian crocodiles.
There are endless opportunities for exploration near Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef which spans more than 134,000 square miles with colorful corals and vibrant fish species. And surfers will find plenty to love about Australia’s coastline, but especially at “Surfer’s Paradise” beach south of Brisbane.
But just across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is home to one of the best places to travel in 2022: Auckland. Since the city is between two harbors, it’s no surprise ferries can take you to top attractions like the lava caves on Rangitoto Island.
And like Australia, New Zealand has a thriving wine industry. Be sure to sample some local pinot noirs in town after taking in panoramic views from the iconic Sky Tower.
British isles
What’s better than a 2-for-1 vacation? How about a 5-for-1!
If you’re headed to the British Isles, you can see England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—all under the same head of state—as well as their neighbor Ireland on the same trip. Or whichever calls to you most. The history and culture of these places converge, but each has their own unique draws.
In Dublin, Ireland for example you can visit the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral named after the country’s most famous saint, or the Guinness Brewery where you can learn to pour a pint from the experts.
Neighboring Northern Ireland is a separate country (and part of the United Kingdom). There’s plenty of history in the capital of Belfast, such as the Titanic Museum, but the Giant’s Causeway is truly a unique sight: thousands of interlocking columns reach into the North Channel towards Scotland.
And speaking of, Edinburgh Scotland is a must-stop to see castles. In town, Edinburgh Castle sits high on a rock and can be seen from miles, and another called Stirling Castle sits on an extinct volcano!
Wales has Snowdonia National Park, that’s unique not just for its rare beauty, but since it covers more than 10% of the country!
And last but not least, London, England is home to some of the world’s most famous architecture, like Buckingham Palace, Elizabeth Tower (which houses the bell named “Big Ben”) and the seat of government in the Palace of Westminster.
