European selection
With so many countries making up Europe it made sense to be more selective and also the fact that much of my European travels were in the days when I took VHS video, so not a good enough quality to show here. But hopefully where I did take photographs, it gives you an flavour of what to expect.
(Please click on the photographs for more information)
Europe
Malta
I do love a holiday where there is lots of diversity and where you feel you can really get to grips with a country on a single trip. Everywhere in Malta can be reached in a day if you hire a car so with one of the most impressive collections of prehistoric temples in the world and the supporting stories of the Knights Templar and the WW2 siege to see and explore.
There's plenty to immerse yourself in and reflect on while relaxing on warm evenings by a quayside having dinner. Although the starkness of the landscape may not be to everyone's taste, the whole package certainly got my vote.
Montenegro
Many people's experiences of Montenegro will be a cruise stop off at the UNESCO town Koto while enjoying the fjord-like qualities of the surrounding bay or as in my case a day trip by hire car from Dubrovnik. The boat trip to the Church of Our Lady of the Rocks in Kotor inner bay is another popular trip.
The Netherlands
While Amsterdam will steal the attention of most visitors' a spring visit to the bulb fields will be pleasing to the eye even for the non-horticulturally orientated people while the 18 windmills of Kinderdijk are a photographer's dream.
Poland - Kraków
Possibly the most popular destination in Poland, the former capital was spared the bombing of the last war so leaving the city with a rich intact heritage. With Auschwitz-Birkenau a common day trip and the story of the Jewish population so well told in the former Jewish District of Kazimierz and Schindler's Factory in the Kraków area, this also has to be seen as an education. Consider a December visit with the market square full of Christmas cheer.
Portugal - Lisbon & Madeira
When it comes to maritime history, Portugal is one of the main players as reflected in the monuments in the capital city of Lisbon, another great city for a long weekend. The island of Madeira is often described as a green oasis in the Atlantic and is popular for walkers and those who appreciate dramatic natural scenery augmented by a sub-tropical climate.
Russia - Moscow & St. Petersburg
Although only 23% of Russia lies in Europe, its two stand out cities are European which in turn have played a part in shaping European history. Most prefer St Petersburg with its cultural riches where even during the communist era the once Imperial palaces were restored to their pre-WW2 status. I have to say I was quite taken by the vibe of Moscow with evening walks in the pedestrian areas and rock bands playing outside subway stations.
Spain - Barcelona
Often voted the most popular place for a weekend break in Europe, it's not hard to see why. For some, it will turn into a homage to Gaudi as they seek out his creations dotted around the city. How many will return once the Sagrada Família is finally completed? I think there may be one here!
Ukraine - Kiev & Chernobyl
Once I realised that you could tour the abandoned city of Pripyat in the Chernobyl restricted zone, this destination shot straight to my number one. If you can manage it, do the two-day tour as I would imagine a one day tour will leave you wanting more?
Nearby Kiev is full of communist-era interest as well as religious sites of international importance. Getting around the city is easy by subway or Uber and having a Chicken Kiev in Kiev seemed a travel milestone reached!
It's a long day out from Kiev but a visit to the ballistic missile base at Pobuzke and a chance to press that button will appeal to some!
UK - The Orkneys
Having been born and bred in the UK, there are just too many areas I could add, but if I had to pick one of the less obvious it has to be the Orkneys. Its pedigree as regards prehistoric monuments is truly phenomenal. To this, you can add abandoned Brochs, sea cliffs, and wildlife and, jumping to the relatively near past, the military establishments of the two world wars. There are lots to seek out here but as ever with the northern isles, you need to keep your fingers crossed for good weather.
