Have you been busy with your job or handling a bunch of school assignments you couldn’t even complete without asking, ‘write my essay‘ or missing out on the fun? Well, it is time that you put aside your books, turn off the work chat notifications, and catch up.

Forget about your boss or teachers; forget about waking up for classes early in the morning, rewriting research papers to get an A, and composing reports. Be sure you will find something to your taste whether you prefer an activity holiday or not. However, if you simply need a place with a nice climate where you’d like to work or study, there is something for you, too. Let’s dive in!

Costa Rica

For those who don’t want to cross the ocean to see something beautiful in summer without experiencing a heatstroke, Costa Rica is one of the best choices. June is a rainy month, but the rest of the summer is perfect: the temperature is 22-24°C, with rare peaks of 29°C at most. If you like hiking and surfing, it is definitely for you!

However, there is one thing to mind: Costa Rica has six volcanoes that are currently active and 61 more that are dormant. So, before choosing the city to stay in, consider at least the presence of those that are still active.

Places to go:

• Monteverde and the Cloud Forests
• Tamarindo Beach
• Diamante Eco Adventure Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Tortuguero National Park
• Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Loja

Another destination with a moderate climate is located in South America but also not too far from Costa Rica, and that’s Loja, Ecuador. It is very close to the equator, which means that the changes in the daylight are barely noticeable. So, you may even consider moving here if you are susceptible to seasonal fluctuations. Here, the highest average in summer is 22°C.

Places to go:

• Loja City Gate
• The Río Malacatos
• Botanical Garden
• Podocarpus National Park

Santa Barbara

If you don’t want to leave the US, there is an option for you. Santa Barbara’s climate is known for low humidity levels and an average temperature of 24°C. At the same time, there is an ocean, sun, and a number of excellent beaches to visit.

Places to go:

• Summerland Beach
• Shoreline Park
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
• Ganna Walska Lotusland
• Arroyo Burro County Beach Park (highly recommended if you have a dog)

Riga

Now, let’s move to Europe. Riga is a perfect travel destination where you can also concentrate on your work or complete a serious project you struggle to focus on. The city is very quiet and calming. Expect 20-22°C here in summer and really few people to see outside during any season. That is actually good because you will be able to enjoy the city’s top spots and avoid crowds or standing in long queues.

Places to go:

• Museum of Video Games – remember old Sega games, Nintendo, and amusing arcade machines? If you are among the ones who spent their childhood playing (or dreaming of) those, this place is a chance to go back in time (or finally try playing various games)!
• Mežaparks – you can spend a whole day there wandering around the parks and woods with amazing sceneries.
• National Library – a must-see even if there are no exhibitions that are usually held on the first floor.
• Vermane Garden – plan to stay there at least for one hour to enjoy the beauty of every walkway you are going to pass.
• Miit Coffee – a cozy cafe with a beautiful courtyard, quite unusual desserts, and amazing coffee.
• Mazā Terapija – highly recommended if you are a fan of vegan food.
• Stabu Mākonis – a sophisticated bar with a wide selection of cocktails.
• Krokodils Bar – amazing interior and cheap cocktails.
• Boar BBQ – is located right next to the place above and serves huge portions of tasty food.
• Kūkotava – a coffee shop and bakery that will drive you mad with its selection of desserts and aromas of the food cooked right in front of you.
• Mr. Fox – in case you long for some not-fried food.

…but basically, you can just walk out and enjoy the views. Wherever you go while staying in the Old Town, you are guaranteed to see amazing historical sights, nice parks, and museums.

Liguria

Now, let’s dwell on the places with specific microclimates. While Italy, in general, is not the coolest place to visit in summer, there are several exceptions to the rule. Liguria and Lake Como are among them. The Liguria region is the place you usually imagine when told about coastal parts of Italy – with those colorful houses and numerous villages in the mountains.

The top places to go would be:

• Genoa – if you adore Italian architecture, the city is the best choice for you
• Portofino
• Doria Castle
• Basilica di Santa Margherita

Lake Como

Amazing architecture and museums like the Palace of Fears await you here. 26°C at most is the middle ground for those who adore sunbathing but dislike high temperatures. The lakeside towns are mostly mountainous, so hiking fans are welcome here, too.

Places to go:

• Villa Carlotta
• Basilica di Sant’Abbondio
• Bellagio
• Menaggio
• Lecco

Asturias

Now, if you like a rather cold climate, this region of Spain is definitely for you. Even the water is too cold here to swim. Yet, it doesn’t stop some surfers. The average of 20°C is perfect for rock climbers and hikers. So, it’s a must-visit region for lovers of sports tourism.

Places to go:

• Los Picos de Europa National Park
• Mirador del Fitu – a breathtaking spot with a panoramic view
• El Fartuquin – one of the best restaurants where you can taste authentic local food
• Jardín Botánico Atlántico – a host to around 2 000 species and 30 000 plants in total

Brittany

If you are into surfing or simply love nature, there is a sweet spot in France for you. Brittany offers you 22°C and a dry climate despite numerous water bodies. The number of historical sights is huge, so it’s hard to name all of those that are worthy of your attention. Yet, these are probably the most recommended places to go:

• Nantes (port, History Museum of Nantes, Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, Rue Crébillon, château gardens, Bouffay district)
• Perros Guirec (for the fans of lovely beaches and spas)
• Pink Granite Coast
• Carnac (Circuit des Alignements, Tumulus Saint-Michel, Musée de Préhistoire de Carnac)
• Josselin (Château de Josselin with its Doll and Toy Museum and picturesque gardens)
• Ushant Island (the fauna is amazing here, and the Lampaul village has magnificent beaches)
• La Baule (for the fans of windsurfing and sailing)

Summing Up

See? Even the pickiest travelers can find something suitable in summer. There is no need to sit in a stuffy room, spend the whole three months near an air conditioner, or go to typical hot areas near the sea just because most people do that. So, choose the place you consider the most worthy of your attention, and don’t sweat it!

The post 8 Places With Moderate Climates to Visit This Summer appeared first on 203Challenges.

While researching what to see and do in and around Larnaca, Cyprus, I came across the exciting information that flamingos fly over to this Mediterranean island for the winter. As a dweller of a non-flamingo country, I felt my pulse skyrocket, and leggy pink birds turned into the main theme of my trip to Cyprus.

Here’s a quick guide on how to see greater flamingos in Cyprus, along with some other useful information and interesting facts.

When to see flamingos in Cyprus:

Between November and March.

Where to see flamingos in Cyprus:

#1 The Salt Lake in Larnaca

Cycling at Larnaca Salt Lake, Cyprus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Larnaca Salt Lake is located just off the main road to Larnaca Airport and is easily accessible from the city through a beautiful park area. There are paths, benches, and observation decks following the lake’s banks. Bring a packed lunch and enjoy the sun and the views.

How to make it better: Hire bikes from the beach and ride to the lake through the beautiful Patticheio Park. Don’t ride too close to the lake – the mud is extremely sticky and you’ll have a lot of trouble cleaning your bike (as I did!).

Fun fact: Once, the salt obtained from the lake was one of the major exports of Cyrpus. It used to be carried by donkeys and piled in enormous heaps on the banks of the lake until the end of the 1980s.

#2 Limassol (Akrotiri) Salt Lake

Flamingos sometimes hang around at Akrotiri Lake near Limassol, even after winter has passed.

Another favorite flamingo haunt is Limassol Salt Lake, also known as Akrotiri Lake. It is the biggest lake in Cyprus, although it remains remarkably shallow; its deepest spot is only 3 feet (1 meter) in winter, while in summer it’s all dust and a shining white salt crust. Between 2,000 and 20,000 flamingos call it home from November to March. Akrotiri is the only lake in Cyprus that enjoys the company of (at least a few) flamingos all year round, because it doesn’t completely dry up in summer.

Fun fact: Two years in a row – in 2015 and 2016 – there was a black flamingo visiting Akrotiri Lake, so keep your eyes open for this unusual guest.

#3 Oroklini Lake

Watching flamingos at Oroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Watching flamingos at Oeroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Watching flamingos at Oeroklini Lake, Cyrpus | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

This was pure chance; just half a mile from our seaside hotel near the village of Oroklini, 10 mi (15 km) from the center of Larnaca we came across a roadside observation hideout, where we could admire Oroklini Lake’s feathered inhabitants without disturbing them.

How to make it better: Plan to visit the lake shortly before sunset. The soft light and the bright colors of the sky set the perfect background for flamingo-spotting.

What else you should know:

The salt lakes are protected areas – don’t litter, chase the birds for a selfie or interrupt their life in any other way.

Bring your long-focus lens to shoot better images.

Pin it to your flamingo board, because everyone needs a little pink in their life:

The post Where to see flamingos in Cyprus: a nature lover’s guide appeared first on 203Challenges.

You see a person or a place for the first time and you are instantly hooked. There`re butterflies in your stomach and you can`t stop the sudden happiness overload that keeps a rather stupid smile on your face. 

Don`t know the feeling? In case you`ve never experienced such a blissful moment, don`t worry. Pack your luggage and book a trip to Italy`s dazzling Como lake. Soak up the atmosphere and fall in love…thoroughly and irreversibly. You won`t regret it.

At a glance

Lake Como (Lago di Como) is one of the region`s four major glacial lakes – the other three being Maggiore, Lugano, and Garda. 

Shaped like an upside-down Y, Como is set in the majestic Prealpine foothills, offering a peek into the authentic Italian splendor. Whatever your soul craves, the region can give it to you – from narrow cobblestoned streets, elegant little villages, and luxurious villas to the picture-like images of deep blue waters surrounded by the snowy Alpine peaks, towering in the background.

Not to mention the fact that the classic Italian pizza, the exquisite gelato, and the strong espresso taste even better with a view.

Take me to a paradise-like spot

Como that is bearing the lake`s name will charm you with its elegant cafes and awe-inspiring architecture. Pay a visit to the splendid Romanesque cathedral (the Duomo), dedicated to Santa Maria Maggiore that impresses with its spectacular cupola and imposing front facade. 

Bellagio, which has been called the most beautiful town in Italy, has earned its reputation for a reason. Stroll around its picturesque cobbled lanes, encompassed with lime trees and blooming oleanders. 

Pause for a while and take a look at the crystal-clear waters of the beautiful Como lake that shows through the green leaves. If that`s not enough, supplement the heart-melting sight with a rich and creamy chocolate gelato. I don`t know about you, but for me, that`s as close as it can get to paradise.

Cadenabbia is another must-see spot that has been a favorite travel destination of the British since the 19th century. The name seems to originate from a contraction of “Ca`dei Nauli” that can be translated as “House of the boatmen”. 

The legend says that the boatmen (Nauli) transporting commodities from Lecco and Como used to stop at Cadenabbia`s popular tavern for rest and some good food. Don`t miss a chance to do the same – refuel yourself with a premium meal and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the mountains that are graciously descending to meet the lake`s slopes.

Getting there

If you`re landing at the Milan Malpensa airport or the Milan Linate Airport, you can either rent a car or use the public transport. 

By car

Milan Malpensa: Take the A36 motorway. Continue for around 15 kilometers, and turn right on the A9 motorway to Como/Chiasso.

Milan Linate: Head to Milan and take the A51 motorway, and then take the A9 motorway to Como/Chiasso.

If you want to explore the region and visit Bellagio and Cadenabbia, as well as other towns and villas, renting a car is the best option. But bear in mind that the roads are narrow and not suitable for inexperienced drivers.

By public transport

Milan Malpensa: You can take the Malpensa Express, leaving from Terminal 1 and reaching the Saronno train station. Then, you have to change with a train heading to Como Lago.

Milan Linate: Take a bus to Milan central station and then take a train to Como. 

The post The Como Lake: Love at first sight appeared first on 203Challenges.