Has it been a while since you had a vacation with your closest friends? Life has a tendency to get in the way of things, doesn’t it? Many of us talk about taking a vacation together, even if it’s just for a few days, but we never get around to it. Work, partner and family seem to leave us with very little free time, sometimes not even to go out for drinks on the weekends. So a well deserved vacation.
Make 2012 memorable by booking a nice getaway with your dearest friends. You don’t have to go far and you don’t have to go long, but the memories you will come back with will be worth it. See what offers you can find to travel to some of the main destinations of the year.
Destinations
Big destinations for 2012 include the Croatian seaside resorts of Dubrovnik, Split and Pula. The Balkan country is ideal for a beach getaway. Many cheap airlines have launched flights that connect it with the main European cities. It is a very affordable option in terms of accommodation. Vacation rentals are widely available.
Mountain-loving groups would enjoy a trip to Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains, where the hiking trails seem endless. It is a great destination to witness some of Europe’s splendid outdoor scenery. Poprad is a bustling tourist town with many historical features still intact.
City-loving ladies will feel right at home in Slovenia’s beloved capital, Ljubljana. The cute city is located in a deep valley, surrounded by lush green hills. The Ljubljanica River runs through the center of the city and its banks are lined with affordable bars, cafes and restaurants.
activity ideas
Summer is the best time to spend as much time outdoors as possible, even if it means having a cocktail in the city center.
Try your hand at some water sports like kitesurfing or water skiing. On dry land, go for a walk or bike ride. Many European cities now have easy-to-use bike hire schemes, and there’s no better way to discover new places.
Visitors to any European destination must try the local cuisine. In Croatia, seafood is popular and is best enjoyed freshly grilled. Another popular delicacy is “chevapchichi”, a spicy grilled meat dish.
Slovaks like their meatballs or “knedliki” which come plain or stuffed, and accompanied by different sauces. Slovenians really like their cakes.
Nightlife is lively no matter where you go in the summer, as long as you haven’t chosen a destination known for its peace and quiet. Just venture out to the bars in town and ask the staff for tips on good clubs and where the locals go to avoid tourist traps.
what clothes to pack
If you’re only going for a few days, you can get away with traveling with just carry-on luggage. This makes transfers very easy and can shorten your trip. It’s amazing how much you can pack into a small suitcase if you need to.
The key is to bring versatile womenswear that can take you from day to night with just a few simple adjustments. And remember to bring wrinkle-proof clothing.
A few simple jersey dresses are a traveling girl’s best friend. The stretchy material is comfortable for traveling and exploring, and the style can be dressed up or down. If you choose solid colored dresses, just a few simple accessories like a colorful shawl and dangling earrings are enough to liven them up for a night of dinner and dancing.
For cooler weather and to avoid having to squeeze your pants into your small bag, bring pantyhose and leggings to wear with your dresses.
Summer tends to be hot across Europe, so a few light cardigans should suffice. Pack a longer wrap cardigan that you can snuggle into if need be.
Bring two pairs of shoes so you have something to wear for active times of day when hiking or biking, and one pair to wear at night. Light sneakers and a pair of dainty leather sandals should do the trick.
