With spring well and truly on its way and the snow and cold beginning to dissipate in many parts of the world, you may be starting to think about the coming summer months and all the fun and frivolity to be had. If you’re planning a great summer getaway with the family, now’s the time to start thinking about it. Have you ever wondered about travelling to those long lost countries that no longer exist and what parts of them you should visit today on a summer holiday with you and your sweetie? Have a look at these top Azure Collection destinations to choose from, some ‘old lost countries’ and others not.

Tanzania

This gorgeous African country isn’t technically a lost country, although it’s name has changed over the years. Formerly known as Tanganyika, Tanzania is one of the most visited on the continent, and for good reason. With its rugged mountains, vast Serengeti plains, Mount Kilimanjaro and island of Zanzibar, you’ll find you never stop in Tanzania. Welcoming locals greet you with “Mambo” or “Jambo” and you can be sure to find something to enjoy somewhere in the borders of this bustling and colourful nation. Whether it’s kicking back on the powder white beaches of Zanzibar or going on a luxury safari in one of the many nature reserves, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or visiting the birthplace of Queen’s Freddie Mercury in Stone Town, you will be sure to fall in love with Tanzania over and over again.

Canada

Canada is a lost country? Not in itself, but from 1907 to 1949 the Dominion of Newfoundland was actually its own self governing entity before becoming a part of the country of Canada. Newfoundland is probably one of the most unique provinces in Canada today due to the fact it’s retained much of its own culture thanks to being a self governing body for much of the 20th century. Home to the oldest English colony in North America, Cupids, it’s an excellent place for those who want to explore the history of colonisation of the continent. The capital, St John’s, is a great place to mingle with the extremely friendly and welcoming locals – so friendly in fact that you might even get invited to a barbecue or two.

On the Avalon Peninsula and near to Bonavista you can sometimes catch a glimpse of an iceberg or three in the springtime. Sometimes they stop off for a day or two in the bays of small cove towns where the locals will go ‘iceberg harvesting’, a tradition where locals will fish broken iceberg ice from the sea for use year round in their drinks. In fact, it’s such a time honoured tradition that Iceberg Vodka, a Canadian liquor corporation, uses iceberg water in their different vodkas and rums. There’s also Iceberg beer available, made by the Quidi Vidi Brewery in St John’s.

Don’t miss: L’Anse Aux Meadows, way up in the tip of the island near St Anthony. A picturesque drive, L’Anse Aux Meadows is believed to be the oldest viking settlement in North America.

Czechoslovakia

Czechoslovakia, a ‘lost country’ was its own governing nation after it split from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918 after the fall of the Empire following the First World War. Following a period of control by Nazi Germany and the Soviets, eventually the country peacefully divided in 1993 into the Czech Republic (now sometimes known as Czechia) and Slovakia. For those who want to visit either, you’re in for a treat of all the senses as both countries boast immaculate scenery, amazing locally brewed beers, and mouthwatering food, much of which has been influenced by surrounding countries including Austria, Germany and Poland.

The capital cities, Bratislava of Slovakia and Prague of the Czech Republic are both ideal spots for anyone to start their adventures. With typical European town squares featuring impressive architecture and history, they make great places to get lost amid back alleys with lots of opportunity to stumble across unexpected surprises. For the nature lover, both countries are home to amazing natural areas such as the spa town of Karlovy Vary in the Czech Republic or the Tatras Mountains in Slovakia.

So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday, something a bit more upscale and cosmopolitan or a real adrenaline-pumping adventure, these suggestions will truly give you something to ponder while you think about your next preferred holiday. Enjoy!