Summer is for vacation, and vacation is whatever you want it to be. At least, that’s our new mantra. Many of the more adventurous are used to traveling around the globe for business or pleasure. On the pleasure end of it, you might expect a bevy of fun-oriented activities on a typical getaway: parasailing, snorkeling, museum hopping, or even wine tasting. Then there are more niche forms of tourism, like medical tourism, wellness retreats, and ecotourism—trips with purpose.
But…back to fun. While tea might not be everyone’s *cup of tea*, it definitely is our idea of fun. So, why not combine the two things we love most: tea and trips abroad? If holidays are meant to be enjoyed, then integrating a tea-forward destination is the way to maximize your time off if you’re a true travel lover and tea connoisseur. While you can get your fix almost anywhere—hot, or perhaps iced—there are certain destinations that simply *scream* tea.
We’ve put together a list of the top 7 cities and regions that can provide not just tea, but an all-around tea experience, from nature to culture to actual sip. Without further ado:
1. Taipei, Taiwan
The vibrant city in Taiwan is home to some of the most incredible tea farms in the world. In Taipei, the Taiwanese capital, you can find everything from guided trips to tea plantations to local tea tours within the city limits, in addition to tastings and inside access to other cultural traditions. Taiwan is also said to be the birthplace of bubble tea, a kitschy cousin of traditional brewed tea.
2. Assam, India
Why not visit the origin instead of just tasting it from afar? Literally synonymous with one of the most essential tea types, Assam is a hilly and lush resort city in northeastern India that’s all about tea. See the beautiful tea gardens, valleys, industrial production, and more. The rural terrain plus the beautiful, balmy weather, and endless fresh tea, will make you want to extend your ticket for good.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Known for their rich tea culture, and specifically for touareg tea, the Moroccans are experts in this area. Typical add-ins include honey and fresh mint—and believe us, you’ll never go without once you start that habit. Visit a traditional guesthouse, known as a riad, to get the full experience—full spread of delicious local food included.
4. London, United Kingdom
Afternoon tea, anyone? You’ve come to the right destination. From the famous (and quite formal) afternoon tea at Harrods to the more modern and funky Sketch, there is no shortage of options to partake in one of the most prestigious tea rituals in the world (and who doesn’t love a cute little cucumber sandwich)? While black tea (English Breakfast, Irish Breakfast or Earl Grey) drunk from white china, with milk, is the typical preference, the British have definitely evolved their tea tastes, and have mastered almost every kind of brew.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
As a colony of Portugal, Brazil adopted many of the European tea traditions that emerged by way of the Silk Road, and put its own tropical twist on them. The most famous national drink in Brazil (aside from the infamous cachaca) is Brazilian mate, also known as yerba mate. This super-beverage is gently brewed in warm water and can be re-made multiple times with the same leaves. Locals are a fan of its bitter and vegetal taste, which can be enjoyed hot or cold, from the beach to the mountaintops.
6. Istanbul, Turkey
For a classic Middle Eastern-meets-Central Asian approach to tea, look no further than Istanbul, Turkey. Dotted with traditional tea houses along the Bosphorus strait, this city has piping hot, freshly brewed black tea available at every turn. Typically, the Turkish drink out of a small glass cup, known as a fincan, to check for color (must be extra-dark) and pour the tea out from high up to create a bubbly surface. And although that’s a cup full of caffeine, you can find Turks drinking cups in a row, day or night, preferably over a game of backgammon.
7. Uji, Japan
Known worldwide for its high-quality teas, Uji, Japan is perhaps the most underrated tea-centric destination. Among temples, shrines, famous rivers and other natural and manmade destinations, Uji is indeed famous for its green tea—one of many such locales in Japan (Kyoto, anyone?). The highest quality green tea also means the highest quality matcha—a personal favorite at Heavenly Tea Leaves. Uji delivers on this front and many more.
Just perusing this enough to get the mouth-watering, and perhaps trigger a plane ticket purchase or two. There are plenty of reasons to love travel, from an enlightened mind to pure physical relaxation. But when you get to get your passion or hobby into the mix (like tea!), the trip automatically levels up.
