If You Like This, You’ll Like That: A Europe & Africa Travel Matchmaking Guide
Ever describe your dream trip to a friend and watch their eyes light up because they know exactly the place you’re talking about, even if they’ve never been there? That’s the idea behind this guide to the best European and African destinations for every kind of traveler. Instead of ranking destinations or picking a “best of” for the summer, we matched the way you like to travel with the places that were basically built for it.
Beach lover with a taste for boutiques. Wine enthusiast who wants mornings that stretch out slow. Safari dreamer who still wants a great spa at the end of the day. Wherever you fall, there’s a match below. Let’s find yours.
If You Like the Beach and Shopping, You’ll Like Mykonos, Greece
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Mykonos Town does something most beach destinations can’t quite pull off: it makes the shopping just as good as the sand. Wander the narrow, whitewashed streets of Little Venice and you’ll find boutiques stocked with Greek designers, linen everything, and jewelry you won’t see back home. The beach clubs pick up right where the shopping leaves off. Think daybeds, DJ sets that start in the afternoon and don’t quit, and a see-and-be-seen energy that makes an afternoon feel like an event.
It’s the kind of place where the day naturally splits into two great halves, browsing in the morning and beach club in the afternoon, without ever feeling like you’re rushing between them.
If You Like Wine Country and Slow Mornings, You’ll Like the Douro Valley, Portugal
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The Douro is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world, and it shows in the best way. Terraced vineyards climb the hillsides in every direction, family-run quintas open their doors for tastings, and the river moves slowly enough that you will too. This isn’t a destination that rewards a packed itinerary.
Mornings here start late and unhurried, usually with coffee on a terrace overlooking the valley. It’s a trip built for people who consider a good glass of port and a long lunch to be a full day well spent.
If You Like Safaris but Also Want Five-Star Spa Days, You’ll Like Sabi Sands, South Africa
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Sabi Sands is one of the best places on earth to see the Big Five up close, with private game drives led by guides who know the land and the animals intimately. But what sets it apart is what happens after the drive. Lodges here don’t skimp on comfort. Plunge pools overlooking the bush, spa treatments with a view of the horizon, and dinners that rival any city restaurant.
It’s proof that a safari doesn’t have to mean roughing it. You can chase leopards in the morning and get a massage by golden hour.
If You Like Old-World Glamour and People-Watching, You’ll Like Lake Como, Italy
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Como has been the backdrop for old money and new money alike for centuries, and it hasn’t lost a bit of its shine. Villas line the water, boats shuttle between towns, and the lakeside promenades are made for slow strolls with an espresso in hand. This is a place to dress a little nicer for dinner, just because everyone else will be too.
If your idea of a good vacation includes a spritz at golden hour and watching the world go by from a café table, Como delivers that in spades.
If You Like Interior Design and Finding Unique Pieces, You’ll Like Marrakech, Morocco
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Marrakech’s medina is a maze in the best possible way. Wander through it and you’ll stumble on hand-loomed textiles, brass lanterns, ceramics, and rugs that no big-box store will ever carry. Riad courtyards throughout the city double as a masterclass in layered, textural design, the kind of spaces that make you want to redo your living room the second you get home.
Mint tea breaks are practically mandatory, and negotiating in the souks is half the fun. This is a trip for anyone who’d rather bring home a story and a one-of-a-kind find than a souvenir shop trinket.
If You Like Dramatic Coastlines and Cliffside Dinners, You’ll Like the Amalfi Coast, Italy
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Few coastlines anywhere match the drama of the Amalfi. Towns are stacked into cliffsides, lemon groves cling to impossible slopes, and the water below is the kind of blue that looks edited even when it isn’t. Getting around often means a boat, since some of the best beaches are only reachable from the water.
Dinner here comes with a view that does most of the talking. Reserve a table on a terrace at sunset and you’ll understand why this coastline has been drawing travelers for generations.
If You Like Castles and Countryside, You’ll Like the Cotswolds, England
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The Cotswolds look almost too picturesque to be real. Honey-colored stone villages, gardens that seem professionally staged year-round, and castles and manor houses around every bend. It’s the England of postcards, but somehow it holds up in person.
Afternoon tea is a given, and the pace favors long countryside walks between villages over a packed sightseeing list. This is a trip for travelers who want charm without the crowds of a major city.
If You Like a European Capital That Still Surprises You, You’ll Like Lisbon, Portugal
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Lisbon has spent the last several years becoming one of Europe’s most exciting food and culture cities, and it still doesn’t feel like it’s been fully discovered. Tiled facades cover buildings on nearly every street, old trams climb the city’s steep hills, and the restaurant scene is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
It has the energy of a major European capital without losing its neighborhood feel. Perfect for travelers who want culture and a great meal, without a destination that feels overrun.
Ready to Find Your Match?
Whichever pairing spoke to you, the good news is you don’t have to choose just one. That’s where we come in. Set up a call with our team and we’ll help you build an itinerary around exactly the kind of trip you love, whether that’s beach clubs and boutiques, quiet vineyard mornings, or a combination of both! Book a call with us and let’s start planning your next trip.
