Expert Article- draft***

 

Catch Flights Not Feelings…

A travel guide for Summer 2024 based on your current relationship status. 

By Sophia Lee Anderson

So summer might be 3 months away, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead, don’t leave your trip plans to the last minute like you do with your summer body. Planning a trip is like going to the supermarket; overwhelming, stressful, and just too many options. Let me put you on to some of my favorite places across the world. By the end of this article you are going to get the hot or cuffed girl summer you deserve. 

I am definitely not a relationship expert whatsoever, but my carbon footprint can account for my extensive traveling experience. I’ve taken over 50 flights during my gap year, so I would consider myself a pretty reliable source, and you can trust summer 2024 in my hands. Are you newly single? situationship? (we’ve all been there) relationship? Or just seeking some self love, there's a place for everyone.

Single and ready to mingle: Miami, Florida. 

Let me just preface this by saying, if your crush is going to Miami…I hate to break it to you, they probably don't like you. Miami is the place to go if you want to be absolutely feral, it’s like Disneyland but for horny drunk people. I went to Miami 3 times last year to visit my best friend, so I've absorbed the local knowledge at this point. I'll tell you exactly what you need to do, to sleep all day and stay up all night.

The Perfect Day:

• Wake up, in South Beach in an AIRBNB with all your besties.
• Breakfast at Bebitos Cafe.
• Tan and nap at the Faena Beach Club, make sure to order a coconut. (you need hydration for the night ahead of you.)
• Dinner at Komodo. Must orders: Passionfruit sake, Wagyu tacos, Komodo Chicken Salad.
• Out on the town.... you are going to start your night off at Mynt Lounge, maybe meet some eligible bachelors/bachelorettes. However the nights not gonna end there, a right of passage is to end up at Space Miami until you see the sun rise. 
• You look at your phone...its...8am...time for bed. 

Single and self care: Koh Samui, Thailand.

Finals are over, the school year is catching up to you, burnt out and exhausted, you need some serious R&R. Koh Samui, Thailand is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been too. Beaches, warm weather, good food, and massages are going to turn you back into your old self. Sometimes your just so over relationships, and the best thing to do is be alone. Make some fire playlists, buy a good book, and don't forget sunscreen (I made that mistake). 

The Perfect Day:

• Wake up, grab a quick breakfast, and head straight to the beach. 
• Read a book, listen to a podcast, journal.
• When the Thai sun kicks in and it's just too hot, you're gonna head to Fisherman's Village.
• Grab some street food (I recommend the Banana Pancakes)
• Next up, this is a must!! You're going to get a Thai Deep Tissue massage. It's life-changing.
• If your in your "Eat, Pray, Love" era, there are some beautiful Buddhist temples I would highly recommend visiting. 
• The best way to end your day is scarfing down some authentic Thai food (Pad Sa Ew & Mango Sticky Rice)

Situationship territory: London, United Kingdom.

Are you in a situationship? All you can think about going into summer, is that person who you were "kind of dating" last semester. I know London may seem like such a basic suggestion, but it is truly one of my favorite places on the planet. This city is so overstimulating in the best way possible, you are gonna have no time to think about that person back home who isn't texting you back. Instead you are going to eat some of the best food, go shopping, meet cool people from all over the world, and immerse yourself in one of the best cities.

The Perfect Day:

• Wake up in an AIRBNB in either, SOHO or Convent Garden.
• Brunch at the Black Penny, order a full english breakfast...obviously.
• Take the train to Portobello Road, eat some street food and go shopping.
• Take the bus on over to the London Eye for a touristy activity. (great place for some people watching)
• Dinner at Dishoom, must orders: Cheese Naan, Okra Fries, and Chicken Tikka.
• Follow it up with some drinks at The Escapologist. 
• You can choose to end your night there, but if your situationship isn't texting you back, and you're feeling impulsive. I would recommend going to The Box, I can't even describe this place but it is an experience you will never forget. 

Relationship: Cape Town, South Africa.

So, you're in love (*eyeroll*) I may be slightly salty, but I'm gonna help you out anyway. Being from South Africa, I can wholeheartedly say this city is seriously underrated. It's like Malibu, CA on steroids. Every time I go home I am constantly taken aback by how beautiful it is, how great the food is, and how affordable it is. It's a great place to go with someone you love wether that be a platonic partner or a romantic one. So many scenic drives, amazing hikes, good shopping, and miscellaneous activities you will never get bored. 

The Perfect Day:

• Places to stay: Scarborough, Fish Hoek, Kalk Bay, Nordhoek.
• Breakfast at Olympia Cafe, breakfast croissant & frozen coffee, can't go wrong. 
• Walk around, and go shopping (amazing antique stores!!)
• Maybe take a couples cold plunge, at one of the oceanside natural pools. 
• For lunch, take the scenic drive up to Babylonstoren, for a romantic wine tasting.
• To watch the sunset, make sure to stop at Boulders Beach and see the adorable penguins. 
• Dinner at the Cape Town Waterfront is a perfect way to end the night.