There is nothing quite like enjoying a picnic with a loved one on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  Alfresco dining in beautiful surroundings not only makes everything taste that much better, but it is a way to escape the routine of everyday life, turn off the TV, and get out there in the fresh air for an afternoon of fun.

We are huge picnic / barbecue fans, and no matter where we travel in the world, we always find a perfect spot to set up ‘camp’ for the afternoon, open a bottle of local wine, and enjoy a selection of delicious treats purchased at the local markets or stores.

From mountaintops and glaciers to riverbanks and hot springs, we have picnicked them all, and so here is our list of 5 Perfect Places to Picnic in 2012.

Perito Moreno – Argentina

Visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina remains one of the highlights of our journey around the world.  A simply breathtaking display of nature, it is a ‘must see’ for anyone visiting the area, but rather than heading for the snack bar, why not pack a bottle of Malbec, 2 glasses, a selection of Argentine cheeses and some fresh bread as we did?  The bench in front of the glacier is possibly the best place in the world to have a picnic!

Queenstown – New Zealand

The top of Bob’s Peak in Queenstown is an amazing place to have a picnic.  There is the Skyline Gondola for those who are looking for the easy route; alternatively, one can walk up, as we did, to enjoy the amazing views over the town.  Prepared for picnickers, there are plenty of tables and benches where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the magnificent vistas.

Lions Head Mountain – Cape Town

Most visitors to Cape Town make their way up Table Mountain to enjoy the views of the city below, but if you want something slightly less touristy, the neighbouring Lions Head Mountain is a great choice.  There is no cable car here, but the hike is relatively easy, and there are plenty of little nooks and crannies to stop on the way to enjoy a picnic.

Bregenzer Ach – Vorarlberg, Austria

Running from the Austrian Alps to the Lake of Constance below, the Bregenzer Ach is a long winding river with through valleys, villages and the small towns of the region.  The low water level creates fantastic riverside banks where one can light up a fire and barbecue in style.

Langley Park – Perth, Australia

The Australians know how to picnic and dine alfresco, and they offer some of the most amazing parks where you are actually allowed to stand on the grass!  The Western Australian Symphony Orchestra just happened to be playing their Symphony in the City concert when we visited Perth, making our picnic in Langley Park even more special.

If you are heading out for a picnic today, let us know your favourite spots so we can add them to our “to do” list!