Kaplan Summer Travel Destinations
With 45 schools spanning across the world in eight different countries, Kaplan students are never short of things to do in their schools’ destinations. From festivals to carnivals and everything in between, here’s a highlight of the best things to see and do in the busiest and most popular Kaplan destinations this summer.
For all music fans visiting London in July, Wireless Festival is a must visit. With live performances from artists such as Drake, Rita Ora, Avicii and Nicki Minaj, the festival brings the world’s biggest R&B acts to one stadium. With fair rides, silent discos and a vast selection of food, Wireless Festival is a treat for any urban music fan.
If you’re visiting London in August, the Notting hill Carnival is not to be missed. A two day celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture and traditions takes place over August Bank Holiday Weekend where street dancers, banjo players and live DJ’s take over the streets of London in Europe’s biggest street party. With great food and live music, Notting hill’s carnival offers something for everyone of all ages.
No trip to London would be complete without a double decker tour of the city. From the comfort of an open topped double decker bus, sit back and enjoy as the infamous red bus whizzes through the city, taking in sights such as Big Ben, The Tower Of London, Houses of Parliament, Hyde Park and Trafalgar Square.
As the weather heats up across the U.K, Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival becomes a hugely popular destination in August, and attracts tourists from all over the U.K. As the world’s largest art festival taking place over a course of three weeks, the festival offers a choice of over 49,000 performances in over 300 venues within Edinburgh. With everything from cabaret, comedy, dance, exhibitions to theatre, book readings and pop up venues, the festival is guaranteed to have something for everyone.
Anyone that has visited Cambridge will tell you that it’s one of the most peaceful and beautiful cities to visit in the summer. One the best things to do whilst visiting Cambridge is to take a walking tour of the historical city and absorb the sights of the medieval University colleges, such as Kings College and Trinity College. If you don’t fancy seeing the city by foot, take a boat tour of the city on the River Cam, where you can go ‘punting’ around the city in flat bottomed boats called punts. Punting tours are an excellent way of seeing the city, and an even better way to relax on a lazy summer afternoon.
For all of those that are spending the summer state-side, the USA is full of activities to keep you occupied. For the out-doorsy types, New York is the perfect summer attraction. From the big name museums, galleries and famous architectural landmarks, to the numerous parks, rivers and even beaches, New York really is the city that never sleeps. Central Park is the ultimate travel destination for anyone visiting new York during the summer. From picnics on the grass, horse and carriage rides or boat rides through down the river; central park is the perfect place for a tranquil and peaceful day in the sun.
For those that aren’t afraid of heights, the Top Of The Rock Observation Deck is a great way to see the cities views. Offering a view of the city from the 70th floor, Top of the Rock boasts views of the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the array of skyscrapers.
Brooklyn Bridge is another must see attraction for tourists in New York this summer. With the option to walk it, drive it or even bike it, the bridge offers beautiful views of New York’s boroughs. If you want to experience the bridge like a true New Yorker, order yourself take-away pizza from Grimaldi’s, and find a spot on the bridge and gaze across the city while eating what many locals consider to be the best pizza in New York…
Famous for its beautiful weather, long summer nights and endless beaches, L.A is the perfect summer retreat. If visiting beautiful beaches are on your to-do list, then head to Santa Monica beach, where you can choose between sunbathing, surfing, playing a game of volleyball, bike riding, or even rollerblading on the pier. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot some dolphins in the sea.
While L.A is renowned for its beaches, it’s also infamous for the Hollywood sign and the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. In the heart of Hollywood the options are limitless, with visitors having the choice between visiting famous tourist attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds, Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip. There’s even the chance to enjoy a guided tour of movie stars homes on the Tours of Hollywood, which offers a tour of top stars homes, such as Jennifer Anniston, Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Elvis Presley. With Disney Land also nearby, L.A really has something for everyone.
Often referred to as the ‘party’ state of America, Miami is the perfect place for party animals seeking a good time. The clear blue water and white sandy beaches of South Beach are an idealistic sunbathing spot, while Lincoln Road offers a funky mix of restaurants, boutiques and galleries that makes Miami a great day time destination for non-sun worshippers. As the sun goes down Miami comes alive with crowds of people ready to hit the town, with locals and tourists alike heading to the quirky Ocean Drive, where visitors will have their pick of the best bars and clubs.
From the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge to the history of its cable cars and Alcatraz prison, San Francisco is very popular with Kaplan students, and a great city to explore during the summer months.
As the most famous bridge in the world, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge is a bucket list must-do for anyone visiting San Francisco. With a reputation for being one of the most photographed things in the world, take a stroll across the bridge and get your picture taken as the sun begins to set.
Fancy buying yourself a ride on a designated historic landmark? Take a ride on the historic and iconic cable cars, where you’ll enjoy a unique tour of the city including sights such as the Bay, Fisherman’s Wharf and Alcatraz Island.
Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is another must-see attraction for anyone visiting San Francisco. Located on an island in the middle of San Francisco bay, some of America’s most notorious criminals were imprisoned there, including Al Capone. A tour of Alcatraz offers an insight into the history surrounding the prison, and the audio cell house tour offers chilling accounts of inmate riots and escape attempts.
Whether you’re enjoying the sunny climate of Los Angeles, or soaking up the local history in Cambridge, all of the previously mentioned cities make great travel destinations to explore, and even greater destinations to study in.