As Americans, we are well familiar with our European ancestry as a nation. We know all about King George of England, Christopher Columbus from Spain, and the French roots down in Louisiana. But there’s more to European influences in the New World other than the US. From Canada to the Caribbean, South America to the Virgin Islands, Europe still maintains a strong cultural influence in the western hemisphere.

During my travels over the last year, I’ve been focusing on Europe and European-influenced destinations. In the last 12 months alone, my wife and I have traversed Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, London, Rome, Athens, and several other exciting cities on the continent. We’ve also explored locations closer to home that still retain a heavy European culture. From Vancouver to the Dominican Republic, this side of the globe still sings the glories of Europe’s golden age of imperialism and exploration.

Surprisingly, two of our favorite unexpected European-influenced destinations are Argentina and Aruba. Both countries have an illustrious history stemming from the Old World and are still major tourist hot spots for both American and European travelers. If you’re looking for a new twist on these hidden treasures, I suggest booking your next trip to either of these locations. Ideal for luxury, family, or group trips, both Argentina and Aruba offer discerning travelers an exciting fusion of European sophistication and New World energy. You won’t want to miss these bucket list travel destinations!

Iguazu Falls Argentina

ARGENTINA

While most Americans typically identify South America with Spanish discovery, Argentina has quite a different backstory. Settled by Germans, Swiss, Italians, French, Portuguese, and Spanish, Argentina is a melting pot of European and Latin cultures. Vespas vroom through the streets of Buenos Aires, hotels feature elegant French and Italian décor, and Patagonia boasts of Swiss chalets amid a picturesque mountain backdrop. To visit Argentina is to explore Europe through a new lens.

As an expert in the industry, I recommend travelers begin their journey in the capital city. Bursting with energy while dancing to bohemian rhythms, Buenos Aires offers a multi-cultural experience full of bright colors and subdued elegance. For luxury accommodations, book your stay at the Park Hyatt, a remodeled Parisian-styled palace in the upscale Recoleta neighborhood. As an added bonus, the Park Hyatt also offers private or group tours of the city with walking, driving, half-day, or full-day options.

Like other major metropolitan cities, Buenos Aires is divided into various districts, each with its own history, subculture, and particular flair. Be sure to check out La Boca--an old Italian immigrant district--for sidewalk artists, local boutiques, restaurants, and brightly colored buildings. Drink an afternoon espresso in trendy Palermo or enjoy some vintage shopping in Italian-infused San Telmo. (We came across an outdoor fountain that could have passed as an artifact from The Borghese Gardens in Rome!) Replete with romantic architecture, artistic energy, and scores of bistros and cafes, it is no wonder Buenos Aires is often referred to as the Paris of South America.

After you’ve toured the capital and eaten your fill of medialunas (Argentina’s twist on the French croissant), take a journey down to Patagonia, the nation’s southern countryside. Here, you will enjoy a slower pace of life, Swiss chalets, rugged mountains, crystal lakes, and open fields. For a rustic, luxurious lodge experience, stay at Llao Llao and take in some of the most beautiful views of Patagonia from your own private balcony. Then journey into German and Swiss inspired Bariloche for shopping, dining, and espresso. And be sure to come hungry for chocolate, because downtown Bariloche is the chocolate capital of the world! Thanks to the dozens of chocolate stores lining the streets, this town will delight your taste buds with confectionary treats from across the globe.

If you’re searching for a new and inspiring location that celebrates a classical European heritage, add Argentina to your list. You’ll want to come here again and again!

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Flamingo on Renaissance Island, Aruba

Beach Boardwalk in Aruba

ARUBA

Now for some beach fun, check out Aruba, a small Caribbean island in the Dutch Antilles. Located 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a former Dutch colony with strong ties to the European continent. Although not often frequented by Midwestern American travelers, this tiny island nation is a popular tourist destination for East Coasters and Europeans.

When visiting Aruba, travelers can choose from several beautiful beaches and luxurious hotel properties. I recommend the Renaissance Ocean Suites (which has its own private Flamingo island) and the Ritz Carlton. Each property has excellent customer service, access to pristine beaches, and family-friendly activities.

To experience a taste of Europe, first try the Dutch pancakes that can be enjoyed as either a sweet or savory dish. Since these are a common menu item throughout the island, you can try a few different variations throughout your visit. (My favorite was the chocolate and strawberry served at the Dutch Pancake House in Oranjestad!) You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to practice your Dutch, although English is widely spoken and understood here. And if you’re looking for some Dutch-inspired gifts to take home, you’ll have no problem finding trinkets imported from the continent. A combination of American franchises, European customs, and Caribbean traditions, Aruba is ideal for the culture-seeking beach enthusiast.

And for travelers who are concerned about circumventing storms south of the US: Thanks to its location in the ABC islands, Aruba is actually out of the hurricane path! If you want to bypass the storm-prone islands of the Caribbean, Aruba is always a safe choice.

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While the world is full of so many beautiful, vibrant cultures and histories, Europe still stands as one of the most sought-after destinations for the elite traveler. If you’re searching for a new twist on something old yet loved, explore Europe’s gems on this side of the Atlantic. With places like Argentina and Aruba, the Europe-loving traveler will discover a whole new world of options just waiting to be explored!

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