Are you looking to take your passion for coffee to the next level? Is your wanderlust itching to experience new scenes (and find some great coffee beans while you’re there)? What could be better than combining your favourite drink with a great travel experience? If you’re looking for the perfect vacation, coffee included, then consider one of these beautiful destinations. Adventure, excitement, and plenty of caffeinated beverages await you!
Ethiopia: Addis Ababa
Ethiopia is known by many as the birthplace of coffee, so what better place to start your caffeinated pilgrimage? Coffee and the natively-grown coffee beans are an integral part of Ethiopian culture, and authentic coffee ceremonies are a lynchpin of local hospitality. Don’t expect this to be quick- the ceremony can go on for hours as everyone relaxes, chats, and enjoys the many intriguing traditions around it!
Additionally, Ethiopia offers a startlingly beautiful landscape and amazing wildlife experiences. From the verdant rainforested highlands to the otherworldly Danakil Depression, where ancient volcanic activity created a surreal landscape that’s hard to believe even as it unfolds before you, the natural diversity is astounding. Pair that with enchanting archaeological and historical sights and a rich mosaic of languages, cultures, and traditions, and there’s plenty to enjoy.
Austria: Vienna
Viennese coffee houses are havens of elegance and culture, where time stands still. Steeped in history and just a touch of romance, this is more than just a place to try out new coffee beans; they’re beloved cultural institutions and an authentic slice of Viennese history all in one.
Enjoy a gooey traditional pastry while sipping iconic coffees like the creamy Melange. Made with equal parts espresso and steamed milk, topped with yet more frothy milk, it’s an experience every coffee lover needs under their belt. Kick back and relax as elegantly dressed waiters catapult you into the past and tinkling chandeliers hang overhead. Maybe you’ll find your inner writer or philosopher while you’re here!
Enjoy everything from breathtaking alpine vistas to historic city centres, fascinating museums packed with artistic treasures, delicious food, and vibrant festivals nearly year-round.
Columbia: The Coffee Cultural Landscape
Curious to know more about coffee plantations and what makes them tick? Try the Coffee Cultural Landscape in Columbia, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and unpack everything there is to know about modern coffee production. Sprawling over 1,200 exquisite square kilometres of the Andes mountains, you can meet generations of coffee cultivators, surrounded by the terraced hillsides that sustain them. Learn more about the journey of cultivating, harvesting, and processing coffee beans, and find some new favourites to take home, too.
Don’t forget to enjoy the bright houses and cobbled streets that lend Columbia its distinctive charm. The whole region is rich in fascinating diversity and tropical treats, too.
Photo: pexels.com
USA: Seattle
The birthplace of global coffee giant Starbucks, Seattle is a haven for coffee aficionados. From iconic coffee shops to artisan roasters, the city’s caffeinated culture is thriving, and it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in all things coffee. Don’t forget to take home some of your favourite coffee beans to share!
But Seattle is much more than coffee. Enjoy its vibrant arts scene, visit the iconic Space Needle, or enjoy a dip into local culture and history at the Museum of Pop Culture and the Seattle Art Museum. Nestled between the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had. Or shop ‘til you drop at historic Pike Place Market, and take your loved ones a treat home to memorialise the experience.
Vietnam: Hanoi
Famous for its egg coffee and strong drip coffees, Hanoi is vibrant and unique. Haven’t encountered egg coffee yet? It’s better known as “cà phê trứng” in Vietnamese. Despite the name, this is a tasty drink where beaten egg yolks and condensed milk are blended into a frothy cream. It’s then poured over a shot of strong-brewed Vietnamese Robusta coffee beans- more of a dessert than a drink, but absolutely delicious all the same! Today it’s considered a traditional and nostalgic Vietnamese treat and it’s often enjoyed in cosy cafes perfect for travellers, particularly in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Vietnam’s natural beauty is captivating, from the breathtaking limestone formations of Ha Long Bay to the terraced rice fields of Sapa. The Mekong Delta’s labyrinthine waterways and floating markets offer you a captivating glimpse into traditional riverine life. Don’t forget to enjoy the ancient temples, historic sites, and the haunting Cu Chi Tunnels while you’re here!
While each of these destinations is iconic for vibrant coffee culture and unique cultural experiences, they’re far from the only destinations coffee lovers can enjoy. From São Paulo, Brazil to Kona in Hawaii and the exceptional Turkish coffee houses of Istanbul, the love of coffee is a global experience- and it is waiting for you! Whether you want to explore the origins of coffee, immerse yourself in local coffee rituals, find exciting new coffee beans to take home, or taste innovative coffee creations, each of these vibrant travel destinations has something special to offer coffee lovers just like you.
