Thinking of treating yourself to a remarkable holiday in 2017? Us too! Make this year stand out on the travel calendar, choose your poison (Cities? Beaches? Mountains?) and start planning the trip of a lifetime to one of these magnificent destinations.
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal SkylinePortugal’s made a strong comeback lately as a top travel destination and the capital city of Lisbon has since been dubbed the “new Berlin.” The must-sees in this cool city include Castelo de São Jorge, the Belém Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, the Lisboa Story Centre, Rossio Square and the vibrant shops and cafes of the Praça do Comércio.
2. Algarrobo, Chile
Algarrobo beach in Chile, South AmericaThis Chilean resort town, where beach and forests come together, sits just half an hour from San Antonio and two hours from Santiago. But it’s really known for one thing – its massive 20-acre swimming pool right by the ocean. It’s the second-biggest in the world, only coming in behind the Citystars Sharm El Sheikh lagoon in Egypt. />
3. Kauai Island, U.S.
Aerial landscape view of cliffs and green valley, KauaiIf you want to disappear deep into the lush forests of Hawaii, put Kauai on your list. This destination showed up on National Geographic’s Best Trips of 2017 list, and it’s not hard to see why. Coastal sea cliffs, paradisiacal waterfalls and the dropping canyons of the Napali Coast make this place like no other on Earth.
4. Pokhara, Nepal
The journey of a lifetime can be had in Nepal, and all without busting the budget. You can find yourself scouring incredible snowcapped mountains or getting lost in colourful cities like Kathmandu. If you crave a bit of both, head for Pokhara. This lakeside city offers gorgeous views, delicious food, plenty of watersports and the advantage of being the gateway to the treks of the Annapurna range.
5. Kakslauttanen, Finland
For those planning a year-end trip, we recommend setting your sights on the winter wonderland of Finland. The Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort is famed for its glass igloos that let you glimpse the stars and the Northern Lights (visible from August to April). During the daytime, there’s no end to amazing experiences, from skiing to husky safaris to mountain treks.
6. Seoul, South Korea
Another one of National Geographic’s 2017 stars, Seoul is a fantastic hotspot for that Korean travel fix. This dazzling city is an endless swirl of lights, shopping and street food, not to mention breathtaking monuments like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Eight Gates of Seoul. Go during one of the city’s many light festivals (Lighting Festival, Lantern Festival) to truly see this destination dazzle.
7. Wolwedans, Namibia
Namibia is set to be a wonderful place to go in 2017, and not just for the wildlife. At Wolwedans in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, you can top-off your safari with a little bit of luxury living. Lodges and camps set out on the dunes make this spot unforgettably calming and everything from outdoor massages to hot air balloon flights and scenic drives are available.
8. Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua is just a 2.5-hour drive from Auckland and the destination is riddled with hot spring pools, some more commercial than others. It’s easy to come across resorts and complexes that offer hot spring access, but for those who love being out in nature, try Kerosene Creek, which comes complete with its own little waterfall.
9. St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
Welcome to 305 kilometres of ski runs and 87 lifts and cable cars at St. Anton am Arlberg, famed for its alpine skiing. This is the perfect holiday destination if you’re a snow sports lover or if you’ve ever wanted to learn (just book a lesson!). And the mountain views will stay with you for a lifetime. The town itself offers a range of accommodation and getting in by train is easy from nearby cities like Zurich and Munich.
10. Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia
This gorgeous archipelago in French Polynesia consists of 77 remote islands and atolls, making it a dream destination for diving, snorkelling and marine life enthusiasts. Top spots to visit here include Rangiroa, Fakarava, and Tikehau and you’ll find a good handful of low-key resorts in the area. Lagoon swimming and casual cycling are popular things to do, too.