The 5 Best Destinations If You Want To Take A Historical Vacation
Were you someone who looked forward to history class in school? Does the thought of researching places and people who influenced our past thrill you? Do you gravitate towards museums and historical sites of interest when you're on vacation? Understanding our history is a powerful way to connect with ourselves, according to All Women's Talk. Learning about how people have evolved through time can also be inspirational.
Whether your interest lies in understanding the complicated history of corsets or you're more slanted towards learning about the archeological wonders of diverse civilizations, taking a vacation to a historical destination is a great way to feed your appetite for history. According to Roaming Historian, visiting places of historical importance is a way to feel less alone in this big world. By opening our eyes to the realities other people have lived through, we can find meaning and connection in their struggles. It's also a great form of collecting stories of a bygone era which you can share with friends and family once you return.
Whatever your motivation, you're sure to find this list of the five best destinations to travel to if you want a historical vacation useful.
Machu Picchu, Peru
If you're interested in seeing one of the few well-preserved remains of the Inca civilization from the 16th century that is also a testament to their engineering prowess at a time when modern machinery wasn't available, Machu Picchu located on the slopes of the Andes in Peru would certainly be worth your while, per National Geographic. This UNESCO World Heritage site draws millions of people all year round, although the official peak months are July and August, according to Travel + Leisure. Although the site's exact purpose still remains a mystery, there are some theories that the elaborate dry stone walls and breathtaking buildings located here could have been a ceremonial site or military stronghold, reports National Geographic. You won't be short of spectacular panoramic views if you visit Machu Picchu (via Inspired Vacations).
Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England
This destination from 2,600 BC might be marketed as a cliched touristy hotspot, but that doesn't in any way take away from the actual wonders you'll see and experience if you visit Stonehenge located on Salisbury Plain (via City Wonders). It's a wonderful spot to add to your list of places to see before this year ends, especially if traveling more was one of your new year's resolutions. The creators of the towering stone formations remain unknown to this day (although there are theories behind why the place was created and by whom, one being a wizard named Merlin) and this is precisely what adds to the fascination of the place, per Aletuité. What's the fun in traveling back in time without a touch of mystery? This makes Stonehenge one of the best destinations for a historical vacation.
Easter Island, Chile
Another historical destination which is an ideal vacation spot for history buffs is Easter Island, located off Chile's west coast in the South Pacific Ocean (via History). The main allure on the island, which is called Rapa Nui by its inhabitants, are the 15 large moai statues whose origins remain a mystery, per BBC. This isn't all you'll see. The remote beaches of the island are great to explore in tranquil silence, and you can also check out some of the interesting caves on the island as well — the larger Te Pahu caves that have a story behind their formation or the smaller Ana Kai Tangata caves with paintings inside them. Since the island has a isolated feel to it, you may want to bring along a fellow history buff, especially if you don't enjoy vacationing alone.
Giza, Egypt
The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are a source of interest to archeologists and world travelers alike, per Culture Trip. Built as tombs for the pharaohs of Egypt around 5,000 years ago, the three pyramids within the Giza complex consist of the Great Pyramid, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure, per Earth Trekkers. Winter is a good time to visit the pyramids so you're not beaten down by the heat. It's also recommended that you get there in the early hours of the day, especially if you want to avoid big crowds of touring visitors, per Third Eye Traveller.
St. Augustine, Florida
Florida isn't only home to one of five most vegan-friendly cities in the U.S., it is also the state that houses the nation's oldest city – St. Augustine, according to Southern Living. Known as The Ancient City, St. Augustine makes a great historical destination for a history enthusiast because of both obvious and not-so-obvious reasons. One of those reason is the old fort of Castillo de San Marcos, which was used by the Spanish as a stronghold is one of the city's best attractions, per How Does She. Fort Mose Historic State Park which is the venue of the "first free African settlement in North America" is another site of significance, together with the Ponce de Leon's Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park (via Southern Living).