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I never stop dreaming about my next destination, but there is something about the end of a year to really get those thoughts organized. I don’t know about you, but each month creeps up on me so suddenly, and ofttimes I’m making last minute reservations when there really is no excuse for it. As a teacher, I know all of my days off for the whole year. Maybe the one resolution I should make is to be a better planner.
Anyway, I was thinking…Depending on your resource (because somehow they are all different), I only have a few countries left to visit on the European continent. I haven’t been to: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kosovo, Russia, San Marino or Ukraine. Granted, some of these are not so easy to get to, because of visas or you know…unrest. But, a girl’s got to have goals.
As I start to plan where to go, I asked some travel bloggers to chime in with their thoughts. I’m not sure how much it has helped, because they all make great arguments for the places they have written about. Can I ask you a favor? Can you help me out? Read the posts and look at the amazing photos below. Then in the comments tell me which countries I should go to, and which ones I need to get to first. Please!
Where would you go in 2016?
Albania – Giulia from Blocal Travel Blog
The thing I liked the most about Albania is the genuineness of the place: secluded beaches, unspoiled nature, fresh food and easy-going people. I especially loved the crystal blue sea and the abandoned stone houses scattered throughout the country. It is the perfect place to relax and step outside from our hectic routines.
Armenia – Kach from Two Monkeys Travel
Azerbaijan – Edna from Expat Edna
Belarus – Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi
As the last dictatorship in Europe, acquiring a Belarus visa is not straightforward making you appreciate your time that little bit more. I really liked how there were no touts asking me anything due to the lack of tourism, though this did make it harder to accomplish basic things from time to time.
Check out what else Jub has to say about this mysterious country! http://www.tikitouringkiwi.com/sensational-guide-getting-started-belarus/
Belarus from Kamila of Kami and the Rest of the World
Estonia – Sharon from Where’s Sharon
Estonia This tiny country tucked away in Northern Europe is full of surprises – the main one being just how gorgeous the Old Town of Tallinn is. This medieval Old Town is definitely one of the most beautiful in Europe and worth a visit to Estonia in itself. There’s also Estonia’s Soviet past to explore, lots of natural attractions and an interesting culture.
Sharon has written a really great Tallinn guide here, check it out! http://www.wheressharon.com/europe-with-kids/what-to-do-in-tallin-guide/
Estonia – Lance and Laura from TravelAddicts
Estonians love nature and Estonia is a natural wonderland. One of the highlights is the Konnu Suursoo bog, which is part of the Pohja-Korvemaa Nature Reserve. Many people visit Tallinn or resorts on the coast, but there’s a lot of beauty to explore in Estonia.
Check out Lance and Laura’s post on Estonia: http://www.traveladdicts.net/2015/07/bog-walking-estonia.html
Finland – Inma from A World to Travel
Georgia – Kirsty from Kathmandu and Beyond
We were struck by Georgia’s diversity. For a small country, it packs a punch in terms of things to do, from the Black Sea coast to snowy mountains peaks. As well as some great hiking, we loved exploring the ancient Orthodox monasteries we found dotted all over the country. And, last, but not least, the warmth of the people contributed hugely to our happy memories of Georgia.
Check out much more on Kirsty’s site: www.kathmanduandbeyond.com
Georgia from Jub of Tiki Touring Kiwi
Georgia has a great variety of activities, whether you like the beach, mountains or would rather drink wine in the wine region.
Georgia post link: http://www.tikitouringkiwi.com/georgia-wine/
Kosovo from Stefania of Every Steph
When I visited Kosovo last summer during a Balkans roadtrip, I didn’t have particular expectations, but it turned out to be my favourite country in the region.
Pristina, the capital, is not the prettiest city, but very interesting from a historical point of view; they say Kosovo is the best country for a macchiato outside of Italy, so just sit down at a cafè for some people watching.
A day-trip to the Mirusha waterfalls is worth it to escape the heat!
It was Prizren though, the second largest city in Kosovo, the place I fell in love with: Prizren retains a delightful village feel, life goes on slowly and the glimpse of the city from the fortress at sunset time is oh so pretty!
Check out much more on Stefania’s blog: Every Steph – Green & Glamourous travel blog
Russia from Stuart of Am I Nearly There Yet?
Russia from Stefan of Nomadic Boys
Ukraine from Kirsty of Kathmandu and Beyond
Ukraine from Kamila of Kami and the Rest of the World
Weren’t those some great posts, and certainly inspiration for me to get planning! Tell me in the comments below which stood out to you as must-sees…and soon!
This is a wonderful list, sets me dreaming of places yet to visit.
Right now the Finland pic is luring me.
Indrani, Yes, We are excited to see what happens!
Lots of Eastern European/Caucasus destinations which is refreshing. We spent much of last year in the Balkans and are going back in a few months. This time we want to explore Albania and Macedonia. I’m really curious also about Armenia & Georgia, hardly anyone goes and I love mountainous countries.
Really interesting post.
Frank (bbqboy)
Thanks Frank, We’re hoping to go to Armenia and Georgia in April, so stay tuned for more!
We have been wanting to go to Georgia. Most people don’t know that the country produces some pretty good wine and is pretty liveable. Did you notice that all these destinations are from eastern Europe and western Asia?
Linda, LOL, yes…because I really want to finish off the continent of Europe!
The Georgian wine growing region is stunning. I ended up at a small wine festival even! And yea, very tasty! Hopefully they start promoting it world wide more and more.
Jub, I can’t wait. I’ve booked Georgia!
Interesting ideas!
Thanks Tanja, Let’s see what we can get done!
Corinne, how did it you manage to find the posts about all of these places (some rarely get a visit!). I have been to several on your list (mostly by reason of my birth in one of the Soviet Republics- Moldova- have you actually been???I am impressed!). For me, Finland and Georgia sound most interesting, and Russia if you could manage visa and get sufficiently prepared:)
Victoria, I have been to Moldova! I loved it. They all sound fascinating to me….thus the conundrum!
Corinne, you just gave me some great ideas for traveling next year. My bucket list is becoming very long. Georgia looks particularly appealing. is it really so beautiful?
Anda, That’s what they say! I’ll let you know once I get there.
All fascinating countries. Only lacking Azerbaijan here – really should make that happen in 2016. All the best for the new year and happy travels 🙂
Sophie, You lucky girl! Yes, go to Azerbaijan! I want to read all about it.
Happy New Year!
Muza-chan, Thank you and Happy New Year to you as well!
I’m hoping to visit Finland soon to stay in one of their glass igloos and see the Northern Lights but I love all these suggestions – here’s to a 2016 filled with many travel adventures!
Suze, Cheers! We’ll see where 2016 takes us!
Well, you know I am going to tell you to put Russia up there close to the top of your list, and we can help you with the visa. I do not plan on doing the Trans-Siberian railway at all – I am too fond of comfort in my travels. But you can also satisfy your train-craving on the fast train or the overnight train to St. Petersburg.
We lived in Armenia for three years, and although it is not a place I would necessarily live in again by choice, it is a beautiful country with the friendliest people. I think it is easier to get around now, than it once was, and one thing you could do is to combine it with a trip to Georgia. We used to drive to Tblisi for weekends – the only place you CAN drive to from Yerevan. There are some fabulous old churches in both places, and some really nice places to stay in the most amazing locations. There is a really good travel office in Yerevan. I pulled up the map just to remind myself, and immediately began to list the places I loved visiting – Lake Sevan, Dilidjan, Hor Virap with its unparalleled views of Ararat, concerts in the city, Tufenkian hotel near the Georgian border…it is worth visiting. Just don’t eat the street meat!
Anthony lived in Belarus for three years, and he loved it. I can ask him for more details if you decide to go there.
I think Finland should be up there. I’d love to go myself to experience the clean-ness and the mountains. I am not a skiier, but it seems there are many other things to do there.
I know that whatever you do, there will be fabulous photos. Happy new year to you and Jim!
Anne, Wow! You are always such a wealth of great travel info. I will definitely ask you more questions as we plan. We’re thinking Georgia with a side trip to Yerevan in spring! Moscow is definitely on the list for soon and while you guys are still there. Happy, happy 2016!
Sadly I have not visited any of these yet. While I have been interested in traveling to some of these countries for a while (mostly Finland and Estonia), this post has made me consider some new destinations for my future travels.
Matilda, Well, maybe I’ll see you there! Happy 2016 travels!
Love it Corinne! Thanks for featuring us 🙂
Stu, Thanks for contributing! Happy 2016 travels!
I absolutely love how you did the collaborative post. If this really is your wish list for 2016, I hope you get to all of them. I have only been to Russia on the list – and my advise – go for longer than we did. The visa is such a pain to get, we would probably not go back.
Rhonda, Yes! These are all on my list, but I’m not sure I can get to all of them in 2016, as much as I would love to!
Definitely a tough choice! I haven’t been to any of these yet but they all look great, especially Albania and Georgia!
Kacy, I know…so many choices….
I vote Georgia, but for a purely personal reason: the book I (was) writing takes place at/around Mt Elbrus, near Georgia, and it would be great to see actual photos of the landscape view
Peggy, Yes, Georgia is high on the list!
Lovely post – delighted to be a part of it 🙂
Stefan, Thanks for contributing!