Five vacations for chocolate lovers

Have you ever dreamed of a vacation where you can immerse yourself in your passion for chocolate? Is your idea of luxury tasting your way through some of the world's most decadent and delicious confections? If so, you need to consider one of our five, top travel destinations for chocolate aficionados. From the traditional chocolate of Switzerland and Belgium to chocolate plantations in Peru, we have something for every taste and budget.

Where to travel if you love chocolate

1. Switzerland

Arguably the chocolate capital of the world, Switzerland is home to top chocolate names like Lindt, Tobler and Cailler. While most of the ingredients are grown in other parts of the world, the Swiss are experts at creating delectable, creamy chocolate candy. Visitors can take the elegant, vintage chocolate train through the Swiss countryside from Montreux with a stop to tour the Cailler chocolate factory in Broc. Another not-to-be-missed stop for Swiss chocolate lovers is Blondel's in Lausanne, one of the top chocolate emporiums in Switzerland. Make sure to try the hand-made chocolate Champagne truffles.

2. Belgium

The "bon-bon" was invented in Belgium, and Belgian chocolate is almost as well-known as Swiss chocolate. In fact, the country boasts more than 500 chocolate purveyors, and the Grand Place in Brussels is a virtual emporium of chocolate candy, hot chocolate and other savory products. There is also a museum of cocoa and chocolate in Brussels. You also don't want to miss the Grand Sablon in Brussels, a one-stop chocolate marketplace featuring no fewer than eight chocolate companies.

3. Hershey, Pennsylvania

Imagine an entire town created around chocolate. That's what you will find in Hershey, the home of the chocolate bar that bears its name. Dubbed "the Sweetest Place on Earth," Hershey features street lamps shaped like chocolate kisses, a chocolate museum and the Hershey Chocolate company tour. There's even a chocolate theme park, Hershey Park.

4. Lima, Peru

This part of South America may be less well-known than its European counterparts, but some of the best chocolates in the world are crafted here in the shadow of the Andes Mountain. In Peru, you can tour a cacao plantation, explore the Chocolate Museum in Lima and sample everything from the signature Mayan hot chocolate of the region to chocolate lollipops dipped in steamed milk.

5. St. Lucia

The eastern Caribbean island of St. Lucia is home to the Chocolate Hotel Boucan, where you can immerse yourself in all things chocolate. The hotel grows its own cacao plantation, offers a special chocolate menu and even features chocolate spa treatments.

If you've ever longed to sample some of the world's best chocolates, make it a plan this year to visit Switzerland, Belgium or Lima. Your taste buds will thank you.

By Sajda Latif