Want to know where the action is in 2012? No worries! (Yes, it truly is my most overused phrase.) I’ve got you covered with ten handpicked travel destinations that are sure to spark your interest.
Where: London, UK
What: Summer Olympics 2012
When To Go: July 27- August 12
This one’s kind of a no-brainer, but my list of hotspots for 2012 would be incomplete without mentioning the Summer Olympics in London this year. The city’s poured millions into getting ready for the event, including the construction of a brand new stadium by noted sports architecture firm Populous. But it’s not like you need an excuse to visit the historic and fascinating city of London; as Samuel Johnson once wrote, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”
Special Tip for the Divine Traveler: Every hotel room in the city has probably been booked by now, so seek alternate lodgings in the form of modern vacation rentals or backyard campgrounds.
Where: Lviv, Ukraine
What: Beer Feast/Euro 2012
When to Go: June 10-12
The Ukraine is emerging from many decades in the shadow of Russia and expects a sharp increase in tourism in 2012 due to the UEFA European Football Championship (known colloquially as Euro 2012). Picturesque, historic Lviv is a city in the Western Ukraine that’s been called the “little Paris” of the country because of the European influences that have shaped its unique culture. Along with hosting a few Euro 2012 soccer matches, Lviv is throwing an international beer fest with vendors from all over Europe, special exhibits, theatrical performances, and tasting sessions for beer enthusiasts.
Special Tip for the Divine Traveler: While in Lviv, check out the historic city center, a UNESCO Heritage Site
Where: San Francisco
What: The Golden Gate Festival
When To Go: May 26-27
The justly adored and famed Golden Gate Bridge is celebrating seventy-five years of connecting the gorgeous city of San Francisco to the beautiful environs of Marin County with a two day festival held right in the city. Live music performances, movie screenings, bike rides, photo exhibitions, and organized tours are all on the schedule for the fest, which will be held along the San Francisco waterfront, stretching from Pier 39 to Fort Point. Check out more at the Golden Gate Festival’s website.
Special Tip for the Divine Traveler: Consider staying in the East Bay and BARTing into San Francisco to cut down on inevitable parking hassles/tickets.
Where: Belfast, Northern Ireland
What: The Titanic Experience
When To Go: From April 2012 onwards
This Northern Irish city will be catering to the Titanic historians from March 31st onwards with the opening of the Titanic Experience, a brand new educational center and museum dedicated to the ill-fated ocean liner that was built in Belfast. The museum is contained in an architecturally stunning building constructed on the banks of the River Lagan, where the Titanic first set sail. Visitors to the Titanic Experience will get a cohesive experience encompassing the historical and narratives that have sprung up around this storied ship, as well as the chance to see the Titanic as it is now thanks to a state-of-the-art Ocean Exploration Center.
Special Tip for the Divine Traveler: Those with time to spare should take a daytrip to Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder of balsalt columns caused by an ancient volcanic eruption that figures in Irish mythology.
Where: Venlo, Netherlands
What: Floriade 2012
When To Go: April 5th-October 7th
Floriade is a very cool international gardening and horticulture festival that only happens once every ten years. 2012 is one of those years! This year’s Floriade has the theme “Be part of the theatre in nature; get closer to the quality of life.” Organizers are busy setting up tons of wonderful events that will appeal to adults and children alike, including live music and performances, film screenings, light shows, and acrobatic displays; and, of course, miles and miles of beautiful flowers. The center of Floriade will be the Floriade Harvest Show, a mix of dance, music, and theater performed by artists from Africa and Latin America, that will run Tuesday through Sunday throughout the duration of the festival. Floriade 2012 is not to be missed by anyone who just wants to stop and smell the flowers.
