Whether you’re recovering from an incredible festive holiday, or experiencing FOMO because your staycation wasn’t as exciting as you thought it would be, now is the time to start planning your 2018 travel adventures so you can get the most out of our suggested holiday hot spots. First, you need to pick the type of holiday you’re after: a tour for your tastebuds, an adventure, a sun-the-day-away holiday or something off the beaten track; once you’ve decided read on to find out which destination could be the one for you in 2018.
Top 5 Foodie Destinations
Experiencing cuisines from all over the world is something any foodie would dream of doing, so you can imagine how difficult it was to settle on only five foodie hot spots! That said, these locations all make the list with good reason. While Rome is our top pick, pretty much anywhere in Italy is worth a visit if you’re after authentic pizza, pasta or smooth and creamy gelato. Tokyo is famed for its light, fresh, expertly prepared food and boasts a whopping 304 Michelin-starred restaurants (more than any other city in the world, including Paris who only has 134), making it the recognised “food capital of the world” in the culinary industry. Of course, when it comes to authentic pastries Paris is the go-to, especially if you can secure a spot in front of the Eiffel Tower while enjoying a buttery, flakey croissant. Bangkok and Hanoi make the list for their adventurous use of flavours and the aromas that will carry you from street to street and market to market.
Top 5 Adventure Destinations
- Bali, Indonesia
- Dubai, UAE
- Victoria Falls, Zambia
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Sydney, Australia
Adrenaline junkies, these are our top recommendations for you! These destinations are home to an array of activities, whether you choose to undertake Bali’s incredible trek with Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, or visit one of the most extreme water parks in the world in Dubai (also home to the world’s fastest roller coaster), you can be assured your heart will be kept racing and your adrenaline spiking! Zambia offers the unmatched sight of the Victoria Falls—where you can even sit on the edge under the supervision of an advisor in the Devil’s Pool. Enjoy paragliding and hang gliding over the gorgeous city of Rio De Janeiro, offering the best view of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Sydney offers an exciting range of extreme activities too, such as Canyoning nearby in the Blue Mountains and on the South Coast, or shark diving at the Sea Life Sanctuary (to name a few).
Top 5 Beach Holiday Destinations
- Mauritius, Indian Ocean
- Seychelles, Indian Ocean
- Phuket, Thailand
- Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Inhambane, Mozambique
These locations all have one thing in common: picturesque beaches covered in soft, white sand and surrounded by sparkling, clear waters. Mauritius and Seychelles serve up a typical island holiday, and are top-suggestions for anyone who’s looking for the ultimate in relaxation given how laidback everything feels when you’re on the island. Phuket offers the perks of not only gorgeous beaches but also another foodie destination, giving tourists the opportunity to spend the days on the beach and nights at the market. Zanzibar and Inhambane bring something new to the table, offering not only a typical beach holiday, but also the option to enjoy safaris at any of the nearby national parks.
Top 5 Unique Destinations
- Jaipur, India
- Bariloche, Argentina
- New Orleans, USA
- Lima, Peru
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jaipur, also known as “The Pink City”, offers dozens of tucked away curiosities to last a lifetime! The most recent attraction is the Jal Mahal, a “Water Palace” that has been lovingly restored over the past six years and allows visitors to take boat trips to gardens of unparallelled beauty. Architecture, forts and the incredible festivals you can expect earn Jaipur a spot on the list.
Bariloche is surrounded by endless mountains and lakes, offering the contrasts of snow-capped mountains and lush forests as the perfect backdrop to any picture. Most excitingly, perhaps, is its famous artisanal chocolate (there’s even Havana’s Chocolate Museum and a chocolate festival in Easter). Craft beer, adventures and incredible tours are also what await.
New Orleans offers an entirely different appeal to the likes of other famous American cities such as New York City or the prestigious Washington DC, such as the opportunity to enjoy an eerie swamp tour, visit one of the best WWII museums in the world, and explore some of the most authentic jazz bars you’ll ever experience. It’s also home to some of the world’s best comfort food and will surely give your Instagram feed some ammo for great food pictures.
Lima, the “City of Kings”, serves up gorgeous architecture, incredible surf spots, a vibey nightlife and delicious Peruvian food. Home to two of the world’s top ten restaurants and famed chef Virgilio Martínez, 2017’s winner of the Chef’s Choice Award (and therefore officially the best chef in the world), you can only imagine the delicious food you’ll be able to enjoy in this gem. The nightlife is also a draw for anyone who enjoys a good time, especially when you’re dancing the night away with the energetic Peruvians who sure know how to party.
Amsterdam is the perfect spot for history lovers. New Rijksmuseum , Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, some of the world's most gorgeous 17th and 18th century architecture and much more are what await. Amsterdam is also famed for its legendary nightlife, the shopping opportunities for anyone after some retail therapy, and of course the picturesque bike-rides that have become somewhat of a cliche. For wary travellers, it is also in the top fifteen safest cities in the world to visit and offers countless free activities to enjoy.
The only question that remains for 2018 is, which of these phenomenal hot-spots will you be crossing off of your Bucket List this year? Contact one of our Travel Experts today to set up your unforgettable holiday.
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