Journey Far and Wide This Year: Top 12 Travel Destinations for 2017
Where Will 2017 Take You?
It’s a new year with practically endless possibilities, which means deciding where to go can be an overwhelming task.
Where do you go for a relaxing escape, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a little of both? No matter what your travel themed New Year’s resolutions might be, these are the places to fulfill those goals and make it a year to remember.
You’re sure to find the ideal spot to make your dreams come true among these top travel destinations for 2017.
Canada
Canada is a vast, diverse country with a myriad of fantastic travel destinations. From the ruggedly beautiful British Columbia on the west coast to the remote wilds of Newfoundland in the east and everything in between, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes and unique attractions.
This nation offers something for everyone no matter what the season, and often at a much lower cost than many other places thanks to the weakened Canadian dollar.
Canada also happens to be celebrating its 150th birthday in 2017, which means there will be even more to do. There’s set to be a wealth of festivals and events, particularly in Ottawa where 12 months worth of activities are being hosted.
Imagine 3,855,100 square miles of spectacular scenery that stretches across soaring mountains, magnificent coastlines, spacious prairies and even Arctic tundra. Anticipate vibrant cities, friendly people and a wide range of things to do for all types of travelers.
It’s no wonder Canada was named Lonely Planet’s number one travel destination for 2017.
Guatemala
Guatemala has long been overlooked by travelers, primarily due to crime and corruption. However, things changed dramatically in this Central American country when its former president Otto Perez Melina was jailed and its new president Jimmy Morales took the helm in January 2016.
This cheap vacation destination offers plenty of bucket list worthy attractions, including ancient ruins such as Tikal, stunning natural sights such as Lake Atitlan, and charming colonial towns such as Antigua. Antigua is safe and particularly alluring with its cobbled streets lined with towering cathedrals, brightly-hued storefronts and tree-lined parks.
And since the country still tends to attract few visitors, you’re unlikely to have to bump elbows with hordes of tourists.
There's a reason these are considered the best road trips — on these drives you'll be privy to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Ireland
Admittedly, there is never a bad year to visit Ireland, but because the country has been featured recently in numerous Star Wars scenes, it’s a good idea to visit in 2017 to avoid battling what could be even bigger crowds of tourists in future.
The Force Awakens, for example, showcased Skellig Michael, a little island that hosts the ruins of an ancient monastery off the Country Kerry coast, in some of the final shots of the film. Since the film’s release, hotels and B&B’s in the region have seen a dramatic increase in bookings.
Since Episode VIII, opening at the end of 2017, will contain shots from County Kerry and other locations throughout the Emerald Isle, you can expect an even greater rise in the number of visitors to the area in 2018.
If you can, head here in May or between mid-September and early October as the weather tends to be pleasant around these times, but there are fewer tourists and more accommodation options. You can even rent a car and drive along the Ring of Kerry, one of the best road trips in Europe.
