Get the most out of your holiday by visiting two countries in 24 hours. JANIE MEDBURY investigates.
Inter-country day trips are an ideal way to holiday for those who are time-limited, or who simply want to pack as much as possible into each day. Read on to discover our top two favourite inter-country pairings.
Vancouver, Canada – Seattle, USA
The short distance between Vancouver, Canada and Seattle in Washington State makes it easy to combine two iconic cities into one memorable day. While both destinations offer a mild climate and relaxed atmosphere, each have their unique charms.
Kick off your two-in-one holiday in the largest city in British Columbia, where the mountains meet the sea.
For a birds-eye view of the incredible landscape, head north of Lions Gate Bridge to take the Skyride aerial tramway. You will be elevated around 4,100 feet and presented with unbeatable views over Capilano Lake and the scenic mountain range.
Next, head into Downtown Vancouver, where the city’s landmarks are equally impressive as its natural landscape. Visit Canada Place, which sits on the waterfront and is flanked by cruise ship terminals on both sides. The unique structure houses a world trade centre and a convention centre featuring arts and cultural exhibits, as well as a multisensory flight simulator. For breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, head up to the Vancouver Observation deck at the top of 28-floor-tall Harbour Centre building – be sure to enjoy lunch at the tower’s revolving restaurant for a unique dining experience.
In the afternoon, it’s time to depart Canada and make your way to the USA. For an especially exciting trip, jump on a Harbor Air Seaplanes flight and enjoy the panoramic views as you depart the coastal city.
Alternatively, you can drive from Vancouver to Seattle in around two-and-a-half-hours – it’s a relatively straightforward route, just be sure to allow extra time to get through the border crossing.
Enclosed by evergreen forests, it’s no wonder they call Seattle the ‘Emerald City’. With a network of hiking trails just a stone’s throw from the outskirts of the city, and a plethora of green spaces and city parks, Seattle is a haven for nature lovers. Stroll through Volunteer Park on Capitol Hill, which has a botanical garden and museum, as well as picnic spaces and play areas for kids. Next, rent a kayak or an electric boat to take out onto the scenic Lake Union.
Don’t forget to check out the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the futuristic Space Needle, and Pike Place Market, one of the oldest farmer’s markets still operating in the US, where you will find local goods sourced directly from the farmers, antiques, collectibles, and small restaurants.
Tarifa, Spain – Tangier, Morocco
Imagine spending your morning exploring old town Tarifa in Spain, followed by an afternoon relaxing on the pristine sands of one of Morocco’s best beaches.
With less than two hours’ distance between the two destinations, it is possible to experience the best of both worlds in just one day. Located in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, the vibrant Spanish town of Tarifa will be your starting point for the day’s adventures.
A stroll through the Puerta de Jerez, one of only four medieval arched entrances remaining, will lead you into the old town, where you can get lost among the cobbled lanes that weave between whitewashed walls. Along the way, discover the quirky cafes and tapas bars – the langoustine salad at El Lola is a must-try – and admire the hauntingly beautiful abandoned buildings.
Next, check out the Castillo de Guzmán El Bueno, a 13th century castle built to defend the town from invaders. The unusual oblong-shaped structure is perched high on a ledge by the sea, where it overlooks the entire city.
Wrap up your exploration by heading over to the charming central square, Plaza de Santa Maria, which is also known as ‘Little Frog Square’ thanks to its unusual star-shaped fountain featuring eight ceramic frogs.
Around midday, it’s time to head to Tangier, a Moroccan port city on the Strait of Gibralta. Simply jump on one of the ferries from the Tarifa port, which run multiple times a day. Known as the place where Africa meets Europe, Tangier is replete with a two-and-a-half millennia old history. It is also home to several unspoilt, quiet beaches – our pick is Dalia Beach.
The small, isolated beach is the perfect place to relax in tranquillity under the sun. This little slice of paradise is known for its calm, turquoise waters as well as the blue wooden fisherman boats that line the shore.
You will also find a beach library, which houses a number of valuable books, and spaces for children with games suitable for all ages.
After your jaunt on the beach, choose one of the many surrounding restaurants to enjoy a sunset dinner – Restaurant L’Ocean offers up unrivalled view of the beach and scrumptious Mediterranean cuisine.
