All lottery players imagine winning a jackpot, and for many, a dream vacation is high on their list of things to do if they win. Where would you travel to if you were not limited by the price tag? Here is a rundown of ten of the most exciting and exotic holiday destinations.
The Maldives
Nestled in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives are a group of 1,192 small islands, 197 of which are inhabited. Before you visit, you can create your own customized itinerary based on what you want to see there. If you love the ocean, you may want to take a snorkeling tour of the reef with a marine biologist, or you may want to relax with an underwater massage. Don’t forget, the Maldives is a world-class surfing destination. History buffs will not be disappointed; the islands are home to several historic sites, such as the Grand Friday Mosque, Medhu Ziyaaraiy Shrine, Thoddoo Buddhist Temple, and the Kongannu Cemetery. Travelers who love to soak up local culture can enjoy traditional Boduberu folk music and dancing. And a trip to the Maldives wouldn’t be complete without feasting on local dishes like fresh fish, lobster, fried yams, and stuffed dough, all cooked with an authentic blend of herbs and spices.
Must see/do: 3 point snorkeling tour, whale submarine tour, parasailing
Lapland, Finland
Lapland is located in the northernmost region of Finland, bordering Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the Baltic Sea. Winter outdoor activities are the main attractions of this country. When you arrive, you will experience a world covered in almost two feet of ice and snow. You can explore the landscape in all kinds of ways, from skiing to tobogganing, on snowshoes or a snowmobile; you can even take a husky sleigh ride. The stunning vistas include frozen waterfalls and rivers, rising falls, and snow-capped forests. Dine in the Finnish tradition on creamy salmon soup, Karelian pasties, sautéed reindeer, and blood dumpling soup. Make sure you visit between August and April to experience the wonder of the dazzling Northern Lights.
Must see/do: Kemi Snow Castle, smoke saunas, and ice swimming, Cathedral
Seychelles
The Seychelles archipelago comprises 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa. This breathtaking location is home to nature preserves, coral reefs, sun-kissed beaches as well as a host of rare animals, including giant tortoises. Mahé is the place to visit if you want access to island hopping. If you get tired of soaking up the sun on the beach, Mahé is also home to the capital, Victoria. There, you’ll find the Victoria Botanical Gardens, the National Museum of History, and the bustling Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market, which is full of fresh local produce, souvenirs, and handicrafts. You’ll never be bored in the Seychelles. The islands host an array of casinos, bars, and cafés where you can sample local dishes like octopus and smoked fish salad, bonito curry, and breadfruit fish balls. When you’re done eating, relax on a sailboat trip and do some fishing.
Must see/do: Anse Lazio beach, Beau Vallon, Curieuse Island Tortoise Sanctuary
St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a luxury alpine resort town in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley. It has hosted the Winter Olympics twice and is renowned for its superior skiing opportunities, fine dining, and high-end hotels. There’s more to St. Moritz than ski slopes. If you love the outdoors, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery, which includes 25 mountain lakes, extensive forests, and alpine glaciers. If you visit during the summer months, you can enjoy climbing, hiking, tennis, horseback riding, golf, and sailing. To make the most of the view you can take the funicular from St. Moritz Dorf, where it ascends 2.1 kilometers to Corviglia. If it’s entertainment you’re after, you won’t be disappointed. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from, including Bailando live music bar, La Gondola restaurant, and Pianobar. While you’re there, try some of the great cuisine, such as smoked salmon and caviar, truffle pizza, Gruyère cheese fondue, and wild-boar sausage.
Must see/do: Segantini Museum, Casino St. Moritz, White Turf Horse Racing
Dubai
Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is known for its ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, and buzzing nightlife. One of the first things you’ll notice is the astounding Burj Khalifa. At 830 meters tall, the tower is the world’s tallest building. The skyscraper is home to hotels, residences, corporate suits, and an array of shopping and dining facilities. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary to do, Dubai has plenty to offer. Why not try a desert safari, a camel ride across the dunes, or a Dubai harbor yacht tour? There’s plenty of fine dining to be had with favorite dishes such as stuffed camel, luqaymat, and chicken saloona. When in Dubai, you must spend some time shopping. As well as Burj Khalifa, you can shop till you drop at the Dubai Mall, Burjuman Centre, and Ibn Battuta Mall. If you’re in the mood for sightseeing, check out the Burj Khalifa observatory deck, the Dubai Aquarium and underwater zoo, and the Dubai Fountain.
Must see/do: Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Dubai Museum
Crete, The Greek Islands
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete, is located south of the Greek mainland. The picturesque island is home to many ancient ruins, bustling cities, and sun-soaked beaches. There’s so much to do on the island that you may not want to leave. Explore the Bronze Age ruins at the Palace of Knossos, peruse the world’s finest collection of Minoan art at Heraklion Archeological Museum, or explore craggy coves and sandy beaches on the protected island of Elafonisi. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to try something new, there are lots of delicious local dishes to choose from, including spanakopita, souvlaki, saganaki, moussaka, dolmades, and avgolemono. There’s plenty to do at night - dance your heart out at Club Sensation or the Cameo Club, catch a movie at the Open Air Movie Theater Attikon, or dine at the Colombo Kitchen and Bar.
Must see/do: Samaria Gorge, Frangokastello, Spinalonga Island
Cairo, Egypt
Set on the River Nile, Cairo is Egypt’s sprawling capital city. At the heart of the city, you’ll find Tahrir Square, home to the Egyptian Museum of Cairo, which houses the world's oldest collection of Pharaonic monuments and art. There, you can peruse many exhibitions, including royal mummies and King Tutankhamun artifacts. When you’re feeling hungry, you can try some of the local dishes like stuffed squab, kofta, kebab, and stuffed pigeon. Cairo has plenty of nightlife, including the Cairo Jazz Club, the Crimson Bar And Grill, and the Amici Bar. If you want to try something a little different, check out the Golden Pharaoh Dinner Cruise. Take a trip 8 miles southwest of Cairo to Giza, where you can tour the pyramid complex, which includes the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx.
Must see/do: Al-Azhar Park, Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Hanging Church
Havana, Cuba
Havana is Cuba’s capital city. Full of colorful 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture, the heart of the city, Old Havana has plenty to see and do. If you’re a fan of architecture, visit the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, which is a fort and maritime museum, the National Capitol Building, and the baroque Catedral de San Cristóbal and Plaza Vieja. Foodies will enjoy dining on roast suckling pig, a classic Cuban sandwich, guava-basted ribs, and fried sweet plantains. If it’s nightlife you’re craving, enjoy live song and dance performances at the open-air nightclub Tropicana. If you’re in the mood for jazz, you can’t beat La Zorra y el Cuervo. El Floridita is famous for its cocktails and live bands.
Must see/do: Salsa dancing lessons, Morro Castle, Street Art in Fusterlandia
Tokyo, Japan
In Japan’s busy capital, you’ll find the perfect blend of the ultra-modern and the traditional. You’ll see glass and metal skyscrapers and historic temples. There’s so much to see. If you want a taste of traditional Japan, visit the Sensoji Buddhist Temple, the tranquil Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the Meiji Shrine. When you’re ready for a taste of the modern, you might want to try The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, where you can see the latest in Japanese robot technology, The National Art Center for Contemporary Art, or get a taste of the future at Miraikan, The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. Whether or not you’re familiar with Japanese food, you must try some of their traditional dishes. Gucci Osteria, Tinc Gana, and Kanda are some of the top restaurants in the city.
Must see/do: teamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum, Sumo Wrestling, Drive a Mario Kart
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is a small island northwest of Tahiti. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, so there are plenty of diving and snorkeling opportunities. It has breathtaking scenery, with pristine white sand beaches lined with coconut trees. You can stay in a relaxing over-water bungalow with full amenities. When you’re done soaking up the sun, you can rent a jet ski and have fun on the crystal clear waters, quad bike through the islands, or take an exotic nature tour. The delights of local cuisine include sushi, rotisserie pork, mahi mahi, and papaya puree. When it comes to Bora Bora nightlife, you won’t be disappointed. If you want to meet the locals, visit Fare Manuia and enjoy drinks and pizza. During your stay, you’ll catch at least one Polynesian dance night where you can relax with drinks while you watch the show.
Must see/do: Full-day Bora Bora lagoon cruise, Coral Gardens, Shark and Stingray Feeding
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, which is located in Western Europe, bordering Germany, Belgium, France, and the North Sea. The city has an elaborate canal system with gables houses dating back to the 17th century. Amsterdam is famous for its museum district, which is home to the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art, the Van Gogh Museum, the Diamond Museum, the Melkweg Culture Center, and many more museums, galleries, and shopping venues. There’s no shortage of nightlife in Amsterdam. OT301 is an iconic nightclub; other dance venues include Radion, Canvas, and Club NYX. Dutch dining treats to look out for include Bitterballen meatballs, herring sandwiches, and mini pancakes.
Must see/do: Take a canal tour, Anne Frank House, The Heineken Experience
