While you might be challenged to pinpoint Malta on a map, it’s definitely one for the bucket list. Situated between North Africa and Italy, this English-speaking EU Member State is the perfect place to spend a holiday vacation. Not only does it enjoy gorgeous weather all year round, but it’s steeped in history and intrigue. You can visit the fortified harbor cities of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Birgu, and the capital of Valletta. It’s also worth visiting Mdina, ‘The Silent City’ which dates from the medieval period and is also home to the ruins of a Roman villa.

The country is also known for its gambling. It’s home to several stunning land-based casinos, one of which is set among the fortifications of an ancient city. These are open and welcoming to tourists, but Malta is also renowned for its online gambling, with the Malta Gaming Authority being a respected commissioning body for online gambling. The country is also home to various sites, which offer a range of slot game favorites from the top providers, such as Evolution, Blueprint, and NetEnt. The beauty of this is that you can sit on one of Malta’s stunning beaches or islands, and still play slot games from the comfort of your phone. What better way to relax and unwind while taking time out.

Malta has been used as a location for many big Hollywood movies such as Gladiator, Troy, Assassin’s Creed, By the Sea, Popeye, Munich, World War Z, and the Game of Thrones series. You can take yourself around the island, hunting out the locations that were used in a variety of the world’s most famous movies and shows.

Be sure and eat the ultimate Maltese street food, pastizzi, and these other 12 foods you must try in Malta.

You might not have considered Albania as a possible holiday destination, but not only is it open for US visitors - it’s also a gorgeous Balkan and Mediterranean country. Perched on the edge of the Adriatic and part of the Ionian Sea, Albania enjoys hundreds of kilometers of unspoiled beaches, rugged hiking trails, stunning mountainous scenery, and fascinating history. Home to hundreds of castles, a mini Acropolis, and a host of beautiful lakes, Albania is one of Europe’s hidden gems. 

The capital Tirana is cosmopolitan and vibrant with the highest ratio of cafes and bars per capita on the continent. You can shop, soak up the history and Balkan culture, take a cable car ride, or just sit back and enjoy Albanian coffee (which is super strong) and watch the world go by. Furthermore, the country is extremely safe. Street crime and harassment are almost unheard of and Albanians have sworn an ancient oath to respect and protect any guest. 

You can also travel to the north of the country and visit Mrizi i Zanave, a world-famous restaurant serving up traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist. While in the region, you can check out traditional fabric weaving studios like Artistike Zadrima, handmade silver filigree workshops, and even soap factories where the products are made with locally grown herbs like sage and lavender. 

But if you prefer something a bit more glitzy, Albania is home to two super-luxurious casinos that are situated in five-star resorts. This means you can hit the spa, dine on fine food, enjoy the pool, and then visit the casino in the evening while donning your best attire.

A bit closer to home than Albania and Malta, Barbados is open for business in 2021. Famed for its white sandy beaches, aquamarine waters, and laid-back vibe, it is known as one of the top holiday destinations in the world. But if beaches aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other things you can do.

For those that love gambling, while Barbados doesn't have casinos, it does have lots of other options. Slot machines are everywhere and are super popular with locals and tourists alike. You can also take part in fun lotteries that give you the chance to win various jackpots. Additionally, you can try your luck on the horses, something that is really popular with the local population! 

Barbados is great for horseback riding and exploring caves. In terms of the latter, Harrison’s Cave is full of waterfalls, pools, and beautiful rock formations just dying to be explored. It’s also worth getting out of the resort (the best of which is the Fairmont Royal Pavilion) and checking out some local cuisine. Broasted chicken, mangos and coconut, spicy and salty fish cakes, and plenty of rum punch is a great way to spend the day.

You should also be sure to visit Bridgetown which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating from 1628, the capital is home to more than 100,000. While there, you must visit the Nidhe Israel Synagogue, the various churches, the Barbados Museum, the Cheapside Market, and the harbor!