Where Should You Summer Vacation?

The land of vices, including an alarming amount of drugs and plastic surgery. But don't be too quick to judge. Sure, the city can be a little dirty, and a little concerning in many ways, but it has good bones! Plus, there's good news: you can stay away from all that, and visit gorgeous places like the Golden Gate Bridge or the Japanese Tea Garden. Do something iconic, like scheduling an Alcatraz tour, but do it in advance, because it's booked for months ahead of time. Or better yet, one of the many coffee shops around, all serving some amazing coffee. There's plenty to do in the city proper as well, with shopping, mouth-watering bistros and high-end restaurants, as well as bars that make a mean cocktail. It's a gorgeous place, especially if you can find some higher ground to look at it all. Just prepare for some cultural shock: some residents love to dress a little inappropriately!

Don't believe everything you hear, the rain in Seattle is more of a mist, enough to go without an umbrella most of the time. And surprisingly, the weather only makes your hair look that much better, which is really very strange! But welcome, right? And no sunburn! You can explore local pubs and bars, the music museum, the Space Needle (and even eat up there, overlooking the city lights at night), or just stop into a hole in the wall for some live music. There's world-class tattoo shops here too, so if you've been looking to get retouched, or get something new, this place is it. The coffee here is amazing, so don't limit yourself to big chains: the best to offer is in the coffee shops you've never heard of. Finally, this place has every store, hobby store, and entertainment you could think of, so go out and explore!

You don't care about the conveniences of big cities, or even the forested areas that promise you'll get away from it all. No, you only care about sand, the ocean, palm trees, hammocks, maybe a good book, and an amazing drink poured into a pineapple. You only care about the tropical place where life stand still and your deadlines melt away. Fiji is where you go when you don't want to keep checking your phone. It's relaxing, it feels exclusive, and even if it's busy certain times of year, it's gloriously refreshing to get away from it all.

Buy spices in bulk and save money. Explore marketplaces and find all sorts of curiosities. Taste cuisine you've never even heard of before. This is Morocco, and here, life is very different. If you decide you want to be an adventurer and explore this place, make sure to 1) bring a translator/guide, 2) learn at least a few words in their native tongue, and 3) never follow the man who promises to get you a nice price on an authentic Persian rug. Ever. Just stick to the path, rejoice in the excitement of it all, and channel your inner explorer.

Ah, Paris. It's changed a lot lately, but Paris will forever be the land of pain au chocolat, tarte tatin, and macaron. Stop into a little bakery to rejoice in the little pastries and coffee, walk along the gorgeous old world paths, visit the Louvre, take a dinner cruise along the Seine River, and don't forget to walk through the catacombs! This is the best summer vacation for lovers, hopeless romantics, and people who feel lost in life, but in dire need to relinquish control.

Did you know that Denmark consistently gets voted the happiest place in the world? More specifically, Copenhagen? It's a great place where people are happy, mind their own business, and never brag about themselves. Who would have thought? Not only is it full of gorgeous views, it's also clean and entertaining. Stop into some of the best restaurants known to mankind, ride a bike through corridors that could only exist in a story book, visit Rosenborg Castle. Or the Tivoli Gardens! If you want to go on rides, check out Dyrehavsbakken.