Four exciting destinations to indulge in an international city break

Credit: Felipe Prieto – Unsplash

As tourism steadily returns to normalcy, more and more prospective visitors contemplate faraway destinations to escape their daily routines. In 2021 already, reports showed that almost half of all US travelers were looking forward to an international trip. However, taking an extended vacation abroad is not always an option. City trips, therefore, strike the perfect balance between a shorter yet invigorating stay. So, where might your urban wanderlust take you next? Check out these four destinations to add to your bucket list of international city breaks.

Dubai, UAE

Dubai is fast becoming the world’s go-to destination for an unparalleled urban experience. According to research by Premier Inn, the emirate is now the world’s most coveted city break, topping the search trends in over twenty countries. Often labeled the City of the Future, Dubai is pushing the boundaries of architecture. Photographers may have a field day snapping shots of iconic skyscraping buildings such as the Burj Khalifa before embarking on a futuristic journey within the boldly-designed Museum of the Future. 

A dream come true for an entertainment-oriented holiday break, Dubai also boasts as many lavish hotels where you can get an Oceanfront hotel booking as upscale restaurants and shopping venues. Outdoor adventurers are not left behind, as popular day trips may include desert safaris on camelbacks. The emirate’s shoreline proves an equally gorgeous alternative to let off some steam on the beach. And making the trip to Dubai from Florida has been made easier by direct flights from Miami.

Lisbon, Portugal

For a budget-friendly European trip, you may head to southern Europe instead of costlier tourist magnets like London and Paris. Coming in a close second to Athens, Lisbon offers the best value in Europe for a long weekend break. Besides its affordable prices, the Portuguese capital has long been a destination of choice for its year-round sunny climate. But Lisbon is more than just sunshine and warm weather. 

With its Moorish castle looming over steep, cobbled streets, the historic Alfama district is a great start for travelers to delve into the city’s past. Monasteries, museums, and ancient mansions covered in colorful azulejos then line up down to Lisbon’s central neighborhoods, where visitors may grab a tasty egg tart to-go or stop to listen to some fado music. Further down the Tagus River, the Belém area boasts some more architectural gems and a pretty promenade to enjoy waterfront views.

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok attracts over 20 million tourists each year, and the appeal of the Thai capital works its magic on all types of travelers. Culture vultures come to gaze at the city’s golden-laced palaces and temples, from the Giant Buddha of Wat Pho to the riverside wonder of Wat Arun. As for cultural excursions, the UNESCO-listed Siamese ruins of Ayutthaya are a stone’s throw away. Bangkok is just as renowned for its foodie culture, with food stalls a prominent feature of Thai culinary tradition. 

The City of Angels also stands as a global party hub. Nightlife is proverbially wild and eclectic, ranging from night markets to ladyboy shows and Muay Thai matches with the support of Muay Thai Shop.

Gamblers may regret the lack of late-night spins of the wheel, though. But online casinos, known in Thailand as คาสิโนออนไลน์, offer a safe alternative to the absence of land-based gambling venues. Top websites include thousands of exhilarating table games and machine slots. Lofty bonuses like free spins and no deposit offers allow users to try as many games as they’d like, risking no money. And with most platforms being mobile-friendly, players can gamble away anytime during their trip.

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Flying halfway across the world might be tempting to go big on your next city break. Still, other destinations may fit the bill for Floridians looking to hit closer to home. A mere three-hour-long flight away from Miami, Cartagena is one of Latin America’s undisputed gems. In north-western Colombia, the city sits on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Thus, several islands like Barú and Tierra Bomba are close enough for a beachcation. 

Yet, Cartagena de Indias alone deserves the trip. Founded in 1533, this walled city has preserved many traces of its early Spanish heritage. Visitors may tour the historic center to discover churches, fortresses, and Andalusian-style palaces, with the romantic option to go around in a horse-drawn carriage. Cartagena’s charming hotels in renovated colonial mansions are about as popular with couples yearning for an intimate getaway.

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