Written by Amélie Van Hoecke
What does summer stand for? Traveling, sunsets, remote beaches, cocktails, …
What does summer stand for when we are still officially in a pandemic? PCR tests, covid passport, mouth masks…
We should not be too negative as traveling was still possible and we were able to spread our wings again and explore (some) places with (some) restrictions.
Among our wolves we noticed this wanderlust as well, find out what we were up to this summer and get inspired for an upcoming trip!
Discover the Southern Coast of England with Sophie
The Sussex County tends not to be on many people their holiday destination wish list, but what is not to love about the impressive English coastal scenery? The largest city in the county is Brighton. You can immerse in the city its rich history and visit the many alternative shops and cafes. As it is still a beachside resort, the area is ideal for watersports. Did you know that the water temperature of the English Channel near the coast of Brighton is actually quite warm? You can compare it to the Mediterranean see, so together with the wind makes it the perfect sport for windsurfing and sailing.
More inland, there are plenty of picturesque villages worth a visit. Arundel is a must do, a visit to the Arundel Castle will bring you right back to the medieval Victorian England. Lastly, you cannot travel to England without a visit to a traditional English pub, so enjoy the tradition and have some fish and chips together with a pint.
Drink Porto in Portugal with Isabelle
Northern Portugal is less known by tourists than the Algarve or Lisbon, however not less worth traveling to. Porto is a great city to explore but do not forget to cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Gaia to visit one of the many port wine houses. They all offer tours where you can learn how port wine is made, and don't worry the tours end with a tasting session!
After enjoying the Portuguese food and drinking culture it is time for some exercise in the form of hiking. Driving 1h30 to the north you will find yourself in Peneda-Gerês National Park, a green oasis in the mountains full of beautiful hiking trails. The Sete Lagoas trail or seven lagoons trail is a must do as it takes you to 7 small pools of crystal-clear blue water whee you take a swim. Starting from Xertelo village it is a 10 km loop where you will pass by the lagoons halfway. Do not forget to bring your swimwear and a towel to enjoy the unique experience.
Explore the Northern Germany with Anna
If you enjoy nature and do not want to travel too far, then head over to the Northern part of Germany and let yourself be surprised by the things the area has to offer. The historic town of Hitzacker is a true gem with its half-timbered houses that will make you feel like you are living in a fairy tale. If a stroll through a cute German village does not relax you, then you can spoil yourself with a spa treatment as the area is home to some of the best wellness retreats.
Next on the list is a trek on horseback through the wetland’s nature reserve of Lüneburg. You can treat yourself to a copious lunch in a restaurant with the horses hitching next to you.
Sunbathing and swimming in one of the many natural lakes in Germany, with no one else around is not uncommon. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a personal paradise when on holidays?
Appreciating our little beautiful Belgium with Vincent
In the line of last year’s trend, a staycation is still popular this summer. Staying in Belgium can be a great decision (not only for your wallet)! You simply throw some clothes in the trunk, and you are ready to leave for a road trip through our country. A stay in the lovely Bruges is always a good idea. In normal times you would have unintendedly photobombed thousands of other tourists, but now the city is rather calm and ideal for walks and picnics. The Minnewater park is the perfect spot to spread your picnic blanket. Next up, a visit to the seaside as you are close anyways. Feel the sand between your toes and enjoy some Belgian ‘dolce far niente’. Lastly, you can embark on the ‘long’ trip across the country to the South of Belgian. Soak up the nature during some trail running and enjoy a BBQ along the river.
Curious for more adventures? Read here how 2 wolves took their ID.3 to go on a road trip over the summer!