Monday, June 13, 2011

Where to go in July

Have some free time this July but don’t know what to do with it? Check out these top destinations from Lonely Planet Magazine’s ‘Perfect Trips for 2010′ (January 2010 issue):

Indonesia

The wet season long gone, July is the best time to explore Indonesia. Start atBorobudur in Java, a lush region of paddy fields, swaying palms and the country’s most remarkable Buddhist monument (indonesiatourism.com).
View of Indonesia's Kedu Plain from the upper terraces of Borobudur, a colossal pyramid, circa 750-850 AD. View of Indonesia's Kedu Plain from the upper terraces of Borobudur, a colossal pyramid, circa 750-850 AD.

Rwanda

When even David Attenborough wells up at the memory, you can be sure that the experience of coming face to face with a gorilla is pretty mind-blowing. July is the midpoint of Rwanda’s dry season, and so the ideal time to search the 
Mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla gorilla beringei) in Rwanda's Parc National des Volcans.
rainforests that veil the defunct volcanoes of the Parc National des Volcans for traces of our hairy-backed cousins (rwandatourism.com).

Norway

The midnight sun casts its glow over the Arctic Ocean, viewed from Nordkapp (North Cape), Europe's northernmost point.

The midnight sun casts its glow over the Arctic Ocean, viewed from Nordkapp (North Cape), Europe's northernmost point.

After a winter of near constant darkness, Norway really begins to see the light in July. Clamber up to the northernmost point of continental Europe, Knivskjellodden, to enjoy the midnight sun at what feels like the world’s end, or head for the energetic cultural hotspot of Tromsø for a social scene that lasts all night (visitnorway.com).

Canada

The evening view from Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada. The evening view from Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada.

The depth of Canada’s big freeze in winter is matched by its agreeability come summer. Vancouver in July is at its best, with pleasant temperatures. Check out the sea-to-sky vistas of Stanley Park and kayak along the city’s shoreline (tourismvancouver.com).

Where to Avoid: Mali

Boys playing in a mud puddle, Timbuktu, Mali. Boys playing in a mud puddle, Timbuktu, Mali.

Rain measured in feet, not inches. Crashing thunderstorms. Miles of thick, sludgy mud. It’s Africa, Jim, but not as we know it. Or at least not like it looked in the brochures. To avoid disappointment, it’s worth steering clear of a soggy Mali this month.

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