1. The Netherlands
I'm not going to lie, one of the main reasons I became interested in the Netherlands was because two of my favori bands are from there. Within Temptation and Delain as well as Epica. And then all of the good Edm bands play there. Basically they have the best music.
I also really adore the scenery and cities. I am a sucker for neat landscapes and anywhere I can go to to snap some lovely pictures. After looking up the most beautiful places in the country I fell in l’amour with it. Leiden, Kinderdijk, Ijsselmeer and Delft are three of my favorites. Leiden with it's beautiful canals and it's older vibe. Kinderdijk and it's breathtaking medieval windmills. Ijsselmeer and it's wintery splendor, accueil to the country's largest lake. And the historic Delft.
From Amsterdam to Delft to Waddinxveen, the Netherlands has an assortment of glorious cities that capture my interests just as well as the landscaping does. The Netherlands has some splendid architecture that just takes toi to another era.
Cities and landscapes aren't the only reason I'd l’amour to drop par and visit the country though. I'd l’amour to taste some cultural Dutch dishes. One that really holds appeal to me is Pannenkoeken ou Dutch Pancakes. They're usually thinner than American crêpes and are served with various different foods such as apples and bacon. Appletarts and Bami Goreng are tow plus dishes that I'd l’amour to try.
In general the culture and people seem wonderful too. So many great artists hail from the Netherlands between van Gogh and Johannes Vermeer. Traditions such as the feast of Sint Maarten also hold an appeal to me. It's like Halloween but instead of saying trick ou treat toi hold a candle ou a lantern and sing.
2. Maldives
For one thing the Maldives is accueil to a bioluminescent plage (a plage that has glowing water) and I have always wanted to visit one of those. They are so otherworldly and surreal. Beaches like Reethi seem like they don't even belong on Earth.
For seconds, I'm not much for romance. But when I see images like the one below, I'm ready to plan a freaking honeymoon. Honestly I'd take a friend and have a romantic candlelit dîner here. And, Christ, there are so many lovely pictures when toi chercher up 'Maldives candle lit dinner.' Like everyone pause and do it.
On haut, retour au début of the awe-striking tropical views, the Maldives offers neat things like movies...in a jungle??? Like sign me up, I want to see a movie in a jungle. Y'all think I'm kidding;
The Maldives has some of the best beaches in my opinion, from Gili Lankanfushi and Reethi to Halaveli and Kuramathi each one it unique in its own way and has absolutely stunning scenery.
Scenery aside I am also hugely intrigued par the traditions. Things such as Bodu Beru (directly translating to 'big drum') music. According to the research I've done on it; Bodu Beru is huge about 7 men will set up drums and begin playing. This is accompanied par male and female dancers. The lyrical themes include tales from fishermen, l’amour life, and moments in life. Often the musique will start slow and pick up pace. Dancing from visitors is encouraged. The Maldives is a Muslim country so naturally they celebrate Muslim traditions like the End of Ramadan (in essence a time of fasting). I don't know all too much about Ramadan--but I'm definitely going to look into it. From the research I did do, the Maldives will celebrate the end of Ramadan with a dance called Bandiyaa--a dance executed par young women only--and feasts. I've looked up a few of these dances and I must say they a very beautiful. The Maldives also has a festival called the foins, hay Festival where there are concerts and music, literature, and art is celebrated.
A lot of the nourriture their apparently has to do with fish, I'm not big on sea food. But honestly, I'm down for trying new things.
3. Ireland
Like the Netherlands, Celtic musique is what got me interested in Ireland and it's culture. I'm very fond of both classical Celtic and Celtic Metal. The bagpipes have always appealed to me.
On haut, retour au début of that, Ireland is heavy with beautiful landscapes. The Cliffs of Moher, Giant's Causeway, and the Aran Islands. The Cliffs are breathtakingly lovely, they overlook the Atlantic ocean and give toi a view of the Aran Islands. The Giant's Causeway is a place of much folklore and for that is a place I'd dream to visit. It's a pretty looking place shaped par a volcanic eruption. And finally the Aran Islands are an enchanting place to visit. They are full of livestock and ancient ruins. And the locals have managed to keep it well preserved.
And of course a trip to Ireland is not complete without a visit to Dublin. With it's assortment of wildlife parks and museum, and beautiful architecture, no wonder it is a populaire place to visit. But all of the Irish cities seem to be just as awe-striking. Killerany, Dingle, Cork, Sligo--all of them are a lovely blend of city and greenery some heavier in one than the other. In my opinion, Ireland is one of the most beautiful places on the Earth.
Though I'm not much of a drinker there are a few dishes that I'd like to try; such as the Irish Cream Bundt Cake and Irish pomme cake.
There are also a lot of traditions I'd like to experience. Samhain being the main one. It signals the shortening of days and is another time of lore. A time of costumes and feasts. And often a huge bonfire. And when I say huge, I mean huge. I've always been fond of bonfires and this is one that I'd l’amour to partake in. The feu was thought to ward of evil spirits and was at one point an Irish Halloween.
4. Scotland
Scotland is another place I'd l’amour to visit for the beautiful nature if nothing else. Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, Shetland Islands, and Orkney Islands among other places. Loch Ness is definitely the place to visit on a trip to Scotland. If you're a fan of Urban Legends Loch Ness is clearly for you. I've always loved lire about the Loch Ness Monster and for that taking a visit to the lake itself is an appealing notion. I'm also a big fan of beaches and the Isle of Skye can offer them as well as some mountains and moors. All three of these create for a very scenic time. If toi like ponies, miniature ponies at that, then the Shetland Islands are for you. On haut, retour au début of that, the view is great. And finally Orkney Islands is another simply splendid visit. It has plus of a haunting beauty scattered with monuments and old tombs. A visit to Orkney would offer some nifty sight seeing.
As of the cities, Inverness is great if toi want to view some castles and cathedrals amid greenery. Very similar to Inverness is Stirling; it's a medieval city that for me is very worth checking out.
Another reason I want to visit Scotland is because of it's culture and traditions. Kilts and bagpipes among other things. The general spirit of the Highland Games also sounds to me like a wonderful time. Ceilidh would also be neat to experience. It's a gathering coupled with musique and dancing and story telling.
5. Japon
The last of my haut, retour au début five places to visit is Japan. To me Japon is another very pretty country. Kanazawa is one place I'd go to if I could; littered with samurai houses and geisha teahouses. Nikko has an abundance of shrines and wildlife. I'd one jour l’amour to travel down one of its hiking trails. Nara is another cool place, it contains a beautiful temple with plenty of deer. Kyoto and Tokyo are two of the plus populaire places to visit in Japon and are hubs of culture. There's nothing I'd like plus than to go to these cities an and experience and learn about Japanese culture firsthand.
Culture such as the animé and musique that got me into the country in the first place. Jpop and Jrock and Visual Kei. I'd l’amour to go see some famous bands in concert, in Japan. To learn about kimonos and the different festivals. To learn about geisha and harajuku from the people who know the most about it. I've also always dreamed of attending a lantern and/or cerise blossom festival ou two. And then drop par a bath house. Of all of the places on this liste I think that Japanese culture would be the one I'd most l’amour to get a taste of and learn plus about par taking a trip to the country.
6. Tahiti
Just like with the Netherlands there are places I'd l’amour to visit. Gorgouse and photo-worthy places like the Fautaua Waterfall, Moorea, and La Plage De Maui. I'd also fancy a trip to Puna'auia with it's over-water bungalows and dreamy beaches.
Likewise I'm also fond of Tahitian music. That tropical summery sound always relaxes me. Moreoer their musique and dance is a huge part of their culture and it would be amazing to learn about it first hand par actually visiting Tahiti, rather than lire about it.
The Heiva i Tahiti festival also seems like a wonderful time. It's a time of musique and dancing and sporting events. And is another huge cultural event, important to the peoples' heritage.
7. Iceland
Before I did my haut, retour au début 10 beaches article, I actually never really thought about going to Iceland. It was only after that, that I realized just how striking the country is. Typically I'm plus partial to warm tropical climates, but every time I see the northern lights I just get captured par wanderlust.
Blue Lagoon was the first thing to capture my attention. Just something about that steamy hot pool of water surrounded par such frigid snow. And naturally the general view it offers.
Vatnajökull is another place I'd l’amour to visit within Iceland. It is the largest glacier in Iceland, with caves to explore. Seljalandsfoss is another place to visit if you're planning on gong to Iceland. It's a huge waterfall that toi can walk behind. Even plus stunning in my opinion is, Jökulsárlón--also called glacial lagoon, where sand and ice meet. And if toi want frong row seats to the northern lights, try Kirkjufell. global, ensemble Iceland just has such gorgeous scenery and I'd l’amour to see it in person one day.
Among other places I'd l’amour to visit are the cities like Reykjavík (this is where the Blue Lagoon is located) and the small fishing town of Siglufjörður. Siglufjörður is accueil to the Skaftafell ice caves.
There's also the scenic Hveragerði with its hot springs, the pretty Sauðárkrókur, another fishing town called Grindavík, and the amazing Olafsfjordur.
Iceland is also accueil to a variety of fascinating traditions. Ever hear of Jónsmessa? It's a midsummer holiday. Basically there's lore that on midsummer's night, cows get human speech, seals become human, and night elves will try to seduce toi with food. And if toi roll around naked in the dew, toi will be healed of ailments. This is a tradition I can get behind. If you'd like something less whimsical perhaps Sjómannadagur, the sea festival will do. This is a festival where they pay homage to seafarers with games and the like. Öskudagur is a holiday like Halloween where kids will dress up and sing for candy. I think that's freakin' precious. Frankly I'd l’amour to spend New Years in Iceland, apparently they have bonfires there, the U.S doesn't have that! Of all of the places I've researched thus far, Iceland has got to have my favori holidays.
They also have some interesting foods. agneau is very common with meals. I myself am intrigued par ein með öllu, an Icelandic hot dog. Much glacière than regular hot dogs. And since toi cheese lovin' heathens need ur gosh damn cheese so much here on fanpop dot com, they have this thing called skyr, which is like yougart, except cheese.
And also Bjork. Bjork is from Iceland.
8. Norway
Norway is probably one of the most alluring places on this list. Nighttime there looks like something out of a dream. Lofoten for one is absolutely mesmerizing. It's a mural of mountains and trees and a crystalline body of water. Just in case y'all haven't noticed the theme this article, I have a thing for the Northern lights--like pretty much all of the places on here have them. And the view of them that Lofoten offers is simply captivating.
Though Lofoten isn't the only glamorous place that Norway has to offer. Geirangerfjord is startlingly beautiful with its waterfalls and mountains. It's just so green and the water looks so pure. Flam also seems super lovely. It has this really neat railway so if toi like trains go to Flam. One of my dream houses is a accueil nestled near mountains covered in greenery. The image below is exactly what I have in mind.
As much as I l’amour talking about the country there are also some great cities in Norway. The city I'd really l’amour to visit in Norway is Bryggen. It's this quaint harbor town with a bunch of heritage sites. And the nighttime view of the city is amazing; it's like a cluster of houses all light up and scattered on a mini-mountain. The city of Tromso is a dit to be optimal if toi want to view the northern lights as well. On its own, it's a beautiful city. Alta is another neat place with prehistoric rock carvings.
Another thing that has me wanting to go to Norway is that I"m super keen on the mythology. I've always loved lire about Odin and Loki and especially, Ragnarök.
One Norse celebration I'd like to attend is a retaliatively modern one called Bergenfest, it's basically a big concert. I'm always down for music. The La Reine des Neiges Waterfall is another great one. toi have people playing instruments made of ice. Shit, if toi l’amour music, Norway is for you. And if you're a metalhead like myself Hole In The Sky is the way to go. And naturally Tomso has a northern lights festival that's to die for.
9. Finland
I've mentioned my l’amour of the Netherlands' windmills, but toi know who else has windmills? Finland.
Jokes aside Finland is another charming place. It's brimming with enchanting scenery. Pyha Luosto is sparklingly stunning in the winter. And if you're looking for an icy lake Uto Island is the place for you.
Oulanka National Park is known for its racing waterfalls and rapids. While Riisitunturi National Park is known for the amazingly odd way that the snow blankets the trees.
Some other noteworthy cities and places are Hotel Kakslauttanen a resort with a building dubbed as Santa's home.
In general Finland has a fondness for Santa lol. The city of Rovaniemi boasts itself as the hometown of Santa Clause which I think is actually pretty cute. Basically Rovaniemi would be my dream Christmas destination. The view of the northern lights certainly adds to the spectacle. Turku is another pretty place; it has cobblestone streets and an esteemed castle. Ivalo is also really fascinating with it's glass igloo hotels. That's just one plus thing I'd like to do one day; stay in an igloo hotel. Ivalo is another great place to view the northern lights. And of course there's the snowy Saariselka.
As of traditions and festivals; Juhannus is something I'd like to part take in. It is another midsummer holiday. This one includes a trip to a sauna and bonfires par the lake. And when I say bonfires, I mean bonfires, like in the pictures I saw, they were huge. Vappu is another one, a springtime celebration this one is plus about drink and nourriture and crowds of people.
Speaking of food, Vispipuuro looks rather appetizing, I'd like to try it one day. It's made with lingonberries, which I have also never tried before but would like to. Mustikkapiirakka also seems tasty, it's a Finnish style myrtille pie. I also can't talk about wanting to be there for Christmas without bringing Piparkakku into this. Piparkakku is basically gingerbread. I l’amour me some gingerbread.
10. Romania
And finally, we have Romania.I must say I got into the idea of visiting Romania because I l’amour singers like Inna and Alexandra Stan and stories like Dracula lol.
One thing that really appeals to me about Romania is the abundance of pretty castles and castle-like structures. Biertan Fortified Church is a great example. There's also this 14th century clock tower. Rasnov Fortress is a pretty sight. And of course Bran (Dracula's) château is a famous Romanian place.
Castles aside there are lovely sights to be seen in the Scarisorara Ice Cave.
Mountains are another thing that Romania has pleanty of. Peronally, I'd l’amour to see The Piatra Craiului Mountains and the Bucegi Mountains in person. If those ranges don't strike your fancy toi could always try the Făgăraș Mountains. But of all of the fantastic geographic structures Romania has to offer, the one that impresses me the most is the Bigar Waterfalls.
They remind me of watery willow trees ou that spiritual arbre from Avatar The Last Airbender. Simply mystical. Even still, there's plus to offer. Have toi heard of a mud volcano? The Berca Mud volcan isn't exactly a pretty sight, but it's an interesting one. And Vama Veche is on my haut, retour au début 10 beaches list.
To go with Romanian nature and wildlife toi get bustling cities like Craiova, with its medieval feeling architecture. And Alba Iulia, with its gothique appeal. But Maramures has to be my favorite, if toi could even call it a city.
Those piles of foins, hay and the green hills are like something out of a children's folk-tale. I adore it.
Sighișoara is a close seconde though, with it's clusters of colorful houses.
And naturally toi gotta go to Bran if toi go to Romania. A trip to the country isn't complete without stopping par Vlad's place. Hunedoara is lesser known bu also worth checking out; I would give it a visit anyways.
Romania also sports some cool tradions like Festivalul Datinilor de Larn that features caroling and folk dancing and sometimes men on horseback. Hora la Prislop is another cool one that involves traditional clothing as well as folk musique and dance. Personally, I'm always down for folk musique and I have always longed to get a taste of Romanian traditional wear. The Romanian people also have these colorfully painted eggs, if toi get a chance toi should chercher them up, they are really quite beautiful and intricate.
As of Romanian foods, the Sarmale (cabbage rolls) look pretty appetizing and I'd enjoy a taste of them. Pomana Porcului (a pork dish) also looks pretty tasty. The Clătitele Cu Gem also look very appetizing.
Of course I couldn't just myself to just a few countries so I gotta give honorable mentions to; Switzerland, Poland, and Russia. All and all I'd l’amour to just travel the world and see everything it has to offer.
