Image above by Joe from Pixabay

In keeping with the name of our site and the fact that summer is coming to an end, I thought I’d inflame your wanderlust and highlight some destinations known for their golden hues, whether it’s sandy beaches, golden architecture, or iconic sunsets. Here, in no particular order, are a few that embody the allure of the lustrous metal.

• Santorini, Greece, and it’s Golden sunsets over the Aegean Sea:

Image by nadajj64 from Pixabay

Santorini is know for beautiful sunsets, where the sky turns into a stunning palette of gold, orange, and pink hues. One of the best spots to experience sunsets is the village of Oia, where a visitor can take in local activities like enjoying a seaside dinner or a sunset cruise.

• Jaipur, India: The Pink City with a Golden Glow

Image by Hitesh Sharma from Pixabay

Jaipur is the capital and largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Nicknamed the Pink City because of the predominant color of most of the buildings in the older parts of the city, it has many attractions for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Explore regal palaces and forts, like the Hawa Mahal and the Amber Fort, which reflect a golden hue during sunrise and sunset. Learn of the city’s rich history, vibrant markets, and luxurious stays that make visitors feel like royalty.

• Sahara Desert, Morocco:

Image by Wolfgang_Hasselmann from Pixabay

Dive into the mesmerizing beauty of the Sahara Desert, with its vast golden dunes that stretch endlessly under the sun. Or join one of the numerous camel treks and stay in luxury desert camps, where you can spend the night stargazing under the clear desert sky.

• Kyoto, Japan: Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji)

Image by Marie Wakefield from Pixabay

Another worthwhile destination is the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. It is a Zen temple covered in gold leaf and set against a tranquil pond with lush gardens. Originally the home of a powerful statesman, it was purchased by a shogun and transformed into the Kinkaku-ji complex in 1397. The name kinkaku, or Golden Pavilion, comes from the gold leaf that covers the temple. If you go, be sure you visit at the best times for capturing its radiant reflection.

• Cappadocia, Turkey: Golden Skies with Hot Air Balloons

Image by Robert from Pixabay

Cappadocia is famous for its famous hot air balloon rides at sunrise, where the sky fills with colorful balloons floating with a backdrop of golden light and unique rock formations. Visit between June and August, the best time of year to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience. The area is also known for its underground city, which was rediscovered by a resident who, during renovations on his house, found a strange room that served as a hidden access to a vast, self contained settlement built by early Christians seeking to escape the persecution and torture they were subjected to by the Roman government.

Have I piqued your curiosity? Then don’t waste a moment, call a travel agent and book a vacation to these or other fascinating destinations. Find your own “glimmer of gold” as you travel to far-off or local destinations. I would suggest booking during off-peak times to avoid crowds and truly soak in the beauty of these golden locations, but whenever you choose to travel, enjoy yourself.