Written by Ava, Emily, and Lukesh Edited by Ava and Emily
With Winter Break approaching, many families are looking to get away from work and school. Going on a nice vacation is an easy way to relax and refresh your mind. Many countries are open for travel, and many people are taking the opportunity. In this article we’ll be exploring popular places to travel to, and why they’re so memorable.
Japan Japan is popular for its amazing nature and culinary delights, so it’s no wonder why it is such a popular travel destination. If you go to Japan you will soon find yourself immersed in the eye-catching scenery of Mount Fuji or perhaps the wonderful food. If you want a slow-paced trip to Mount Fuji you should visit Fuji Five Lake. It has beautiful scenery all around including a nice view of Mount Fuji, a pretty navy blue lake, and luscious trees surrounding it. If you are feeling more adventurous, then climbing the mountain may be better for you. The views are better afar, but it is very rewarding seeing the beautiful views from up top on a clear day.
After your trip to Mount Fuji you will be hungry, so why not go to a fancy sushi restaurant. While there are many other sushi restaurants in Japan, Kiyota Hanare and Sushi Masuda in Tokyo are worth trying, and aren’t too far from the mountain. Although sushi first originated in China, it is now a traditional Japanese dish. From california rolls to king crab rolls there are too many delicious types to try. If you’re looking to travel to Japan right now, you won’t be so successful. Unfortunately, Japan has suspended entry of all foreign visitors due to the spread of the new coronavirus variant. We aren’t sure when Japan will reopen but hopefully it will be open for travel once the omicron variant is controlled.
Hawaii Hawaii is a popular travel destination due to its wonderful beaches and rich culture. The most popular major island of the six is Oahu. If you go to Oahu you need to go to Waikiki Beach for its amazing views and multitude of activities. You could snorkel, go on a boat to see wildlife, swim around in the teal blue waters, lay down on the beach and more. Hawaiian culture is all around Oahu too.
There are many dinner luau deals in Oahu, including the Paradise Cove Luau and the Ka Moana Luau which are super fun. They can get a bit pricey, but it is worth it to see the wonders of hula dancing and experience the delicious traditional Hawaiian cuisine. If you want to travel to Hawaii, you must have a negative Covid test within 24-hours of the departure time of international flights to the US.
France
There are plenty of reasons why France is one of the most popular spots to travel, the main reasons being the delicious food and the stunning Eiffel Tower. French cuisine is very extravagant and exquisite. One of the most popular dishes in France is Coq au vin, which literally means “rooster in wine”. It consists of chicken braised with wine, lardons, mushrooms, and garlic. Another popular dish is Cassoulet. It is a slow-cooked casserole with meat, pork skin, and white beans. Most of these can be found in many
restaurants in France. One of the main tourist spots in France is the Eiffel Tower. We recommend visiting the Eiffel tower at one in the morning because that is when the Eiffel
Tower will light up and shoot out beacon lights. However, some underrated tourist spots include Annecy and Avignon, both small towns with amazing views. All these combined make France a great place to travel during the holidays. If you're considering traveling to France, you must present a negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or antigen test upon arrival issued no less than 48 hours before travel. If you’re tested positive you must quarantine in a hotel accepted by the French health authorities.
Spain
Even with the pandemic still going on, people are still traveling to Spain. It’s so popular because of its leisure options, exquisite cuisine, and popular culture. If you’re looking to travel to Spain, you definitely won’t find yourself stuck in a hotel room. Popular spots in Spain vary from places like Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. All three have wonderful beaches and tourist shops. You’ll find that there’s much to do like learn about Spain’s history and culture, as well as spending quality time with the family. There are many popular dishes to try in Spain. One of the most popular is paella valenciana (pah-eh-yah bah-lehn-syah-nah). While there are many other versions of paella in Spain, paella valenciana is a traditional version of Valencia's signature rice dish. It includes saffron-scented rice cooked with rabbit, chicken, snails, and beans. Another well-known dish in Spain is flan. This sweet dessert has many names (crème caramel, flan, and caramel custard) either way, this dish will surely sweeten your taste buds. Restaurants to try include the three Michelin-starred Quique Dacosta (located in Denia, Spain) and the El Pachuco (located in Barcelona, Spain) for casual
dining. Another reason to visit Spain is because of its culture. Popular flamenco music and dance are two main parts. If you enjoy music, then flamenco and celtic music are worth listening to while in Spain. However, if you want to spend your holiday vacation in Spain, a negative Covid test for all travelers from high-risk countries is required as well
as a self-isolation for ten days after arrival.
Conclusion
Most of us have been stuck in our house for a while due to quarantine, so this year during the holidays why not travel to somewhere extraordinary. Japan, Hawaii, France, and Spain are all truly memorable places to visit, so if you happen to have spare time and money to travel somewhere, you will not be disappointed by going to any of these places.
Want to win a Grand Prize? Take this form, and if you get all questions correct, come see Mr. Algarmi in C1! Take it soon, because there are only a few winners! https://forms.gle/gLFg34ZGNaM64q1u5
Comments