7 IDEAS FOR YOUR EUROPE TRIPS - 2023 travel bucket list

    Two months ago I started thinking about my goals for 2023 and to be honest, I didn't have too many things in mind. The only thing I knew was that I wanted to finish my obligations regarding my studies by July and to have around 20 countries visited at the end of the year. I can say that I am doing very well, as I have already finished half of the exams and I have two new countries booked and two more planned. We are on the right track!

     In keeping with that state of mind I've been in since the beginning of this year, I want to share with you today my list of places or countries I want to visit in 2023.

1. Milan and Lake Como, Italy

If you are not a fan of fashion, Milan is probably not a city that will delight you, it's true, but a great advantage of Milan is that from there you can easily reach Lake Como, the real gem of the north of Italy! Lake Como is famous for its beautiful, luxurious villas of famous people and as the dream wedding destination of many couples. It is characterized by authentic Italian villages, delicious food, and amazing gardens. When you are on Como, be sure to visit the gardens of several villas, you will be delighted! This will be my first trip after winter and I'm really looking forward to spending the first warm days here.

2. Amsterdam, Neatherlands

Amsterdam is a city that my friend and I have been dreaming about since we were 17, and due to travel restrictions and later obligations regarding our studies, we couldn't go. If everything goes well, we have agreed to spend the Easter holidays in this wonderful city. It is known as a very free-spirited city, but also home to fairy-tale architecture, numerous canals, tulips and museums of history and art. I am especially looking forward to visiting the amazing museum of the somewhat controversial, but my favorite, artist Van Gogh. It is a very unique setting that you should not miss if you come to Amsterdam.

3. Belgium

The country of democracy, chocolate and waffles! As a child of hilly terrain, I especially love the lowlands and delight in the plains, so it's no wonder where my attraction to the Benelux countries comes from. Belgium is known for its Renaissance art, medieval cities and very aesthetically pleasing architecture. I am particularly interested in the cities of Brussels, Ghent and Antwerp, characterized by their medieval buildings, Flemish Renaissance architecture, and of course, sweets!

4. Istanbul, Turkey

At the beginning of the summer, I have planned a trip to Turkey, primarily Istanbul, with a visit to some other places, and then a vacation on the beaches a little further south. Istanbul is one of the most impressive cities, the gateway between Europe and Asia and the seat of magnificent Ottoman history, but also an indicator of the influence of other cultures. What Istanbul has in terms of culture and history, hardly any other city has, and that's why Istanbul is a real treasure of the old continent! In this city, you should visit numerous tourist attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque or my favorite, Dolmabahce Palace, but you should also try some of the local specialties such as baklava with pistachios.

5. Puglia, Italy

Italy is a country that I have been obsessed with for some time and where I want to celebrate my birthday. I am particularly impressed by the south of Italy, since I feel that people are unfairly neglecting it. I really want to visit the surroundings of Bari, and I am especially delighted with the small town of Alberobello. I think it's a great pity that not so much is known about this place and that its beauty and uniqueness are neglected because of the north and center of the country, which, without any doubt, certainly really deserved their fame. Alberobello is famous for its white houses with conical roofs, which were built with the intention that they could get demolished in a second as if they did not exist, when the governors come to collect taxes. Very interesting story, isn't it?

6. Campania, Italy

Campania is a region in Italy that includes places like Naples and the Amalfi Coast. I would like to visit the city of Naples, which intrigues me a lot and which I see as the embodiment of two sides of Italy - the shiny and Instagramable side and the poor and dirty side. In addition, I would like to go along the Amalfi coast and see the famous island of Capri, but also fulfill my great wish from childhood and see Pompeii, the ancient Roman city that is buried under meters of ash from the Vesuvius volcano. A castle on the edge of Naples, the Castle of Casareta is also another wonderful thing hidden in Campania. It rivals Belvedere, Versailles and other European castles, yet is very underrated!

7. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the countries with the most beautiful landscapes, when it comes to mainland Europe. It is known primarily for its mountains and lakes, and then for chocolate, cheese, watches, banks and neutrality. I think that a train ride through the Swiss countryside is a special and unrepeatable experience, and that's exactly what I would like to experience this year. As far as cities are concerned, I would like to see Zurich and Lucerne, and besides that, I also really want to see the waterfalls on the Rhine. I had the opportunity to try Swiss chocolate and I can't wait to go back!

    Have you already planned where you will travel in 2023 or will you decide on it spontaneously? Which destinations would you like to visit or have already visited on my list? If you have, do you have any recommendations? Thanks for reading!