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.
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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.
Slovenia
As an emerging travel destination that remains unspoiled by visitors, Slovenia’s charming medieval cities make it a fabulous place to experience. Its capital city of Ljubljanica is tucked within an alpine valley and is surely one of the most picturesque in all of Europe.
This walkable, laid-back and slightly quirky town is home to a magnificent hilltop castle which hosts an interactive museum of Slovenian history and a tower with awe-inspiring views. Meanwhile the cobblestone streets are lined with welcoming cafes, trendy bars, art galleries and museums.
Lake Bled, one of Europe’s best kept secrets, is less than an hour’s drive from the capital city. Surrounded by alpine mountains, it looks as if it stepped right out of the pages of a fairy tale.
Located on a tiny isle in the center of the glacial blue waters is Bled Castle, which calls photographers from around the world to capture it at sunrise, when the first rays of sunshine break through the morning sky.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
A former Yugoslavian state, Bosnia-Herzegovina doesn’t get a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t deserving of some. Travelers are just beginning to discover its charms, especially in its cosmopolitan cities such as Sarajevo.
Nestled in the Miljacka River valley and surrounded by the mountains which played host to the 1984 winter Olympics, it’s considered a true link between east and west. The town is renowned for its warm and hospitable people, as well as a fledgling music, arts and dining scene.
In the historic town of Mostar, which spans a deep valley of the Neretva River, visitors can watch daring locals jump off Stari Most Bridge. Then let the hours slip away as you gaze up at beautiful old Turkish houses and enjoy a refreshing swim in the nearby Kravice waterfalls.
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Poland
Poland is one of Europe’s most underrated travel destinations, yet it’s affordable and offers everything from a vibrant culture and gorgeous natural sights, to fantastic shopping and magnificent architecture. Explore Gdansk and you can experience one of the country’s oldest cities with a history that dates back over a thousand years.
One of the most important seaports on the Baltic, it’s an intriguing historic center with excellent museums as well as beautiful beaches that are spread across the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. You can even try your luck at fossil hunting on them, taking home amber as one of the best free souvenirs around.
The Azores, Portugal
Few have even heard of, let alone visited the Azores. But these spectacular nine volcanic islands that are dotted across the mid-Atlantic are considered to be among the world’s greatest whale watching destinations, with nearly a third of all known cetaceans recorded in the waters that surround the archipelago.
Its mild climate makes the islands and ideal destination for outdoor lovers, especially those who like to hike, with an extensive array of trails from gentle strolls along coastal paths and crater lakes to challenging treks to the peak of volcanic Mount Pico. The craggy landscape is also filled with underground caves, some of which house tranquil pools and waterfalls.
Cuba
Cuba has seen a significant increase in tourists since travel restrictions have been loosened for Americans, and many believe there will be dramatic changes in the near future after the death of President Fidel Castro.
If you’d like to see Havana as it is now, with its streets looking as if they’ve remained in the 1950s, and classic Chevys and Fords cruising around and parked in front of the colonial facades and vast columned palaces, make it a point to go in 2017.
This historic seaport pulsates with African and Caribbean rhythms in its clubs and its cuisine. While pickings were once very slim, top chefs have been opening a number of outstanding upscale restaurants.
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South Korea
South Korea has been a popular destination for foodies and fashion aficionados, but in 2017 it’s set to become much hotter.
For one, there’s the pulsing capital of Seoul, the country’s lively business and cultural hub where skyscrapers tower over Buddhist temples. For another, there’s incredible natural scenery such as the beautiful beaches of Jeju Island.
Not to mention the cherry blossom season that can rival even Japan’s. With all these in mind, there’s no question that South Korea would make for an unforgettable trip.
Georgia
Georgia (the country, not the state) is known for its excellent and somewhat surprising wine scene, but it offers a lot more than great vino.
Tusheti, in particular, which only opened to visitors following the dissolution of the USSR and the Rose Revolution of 2003, has become a hip place for creative types, with an exciting art, music and food scene. It’s also a paradise for hikers.
Nestled deep in the Caucasus Mountains, you’ll see villages clinging to precariously steep slopes, multiple stone shrines, mountaintop castles and centuries-old defensive towers.
Iceland
In recent years, Iceland has become one of the hottest travel destinations on the planet. Much of this is thanks to being thrust into the spotlight by films such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, as well as television hits such as Game of Thrones.
With the low-cost airline Wow Air recently offering new routes from the U.S., including San Francisco and Los Angeles in 2016 and Pittsburgh in 2017, experiencing this spectacular country’s legendary hot springs, glaciers, waterfalls, volcanoes and geysers is now more affordable than ever.
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Colombia
After the recent signing of the peace accord ending Colombia’s 52 year war with the FARC guerrilla army, Colombia has been attracting more and more tourists to visit its exciting cities and gorgeous coastline.
Cartagena in particular is an impressive coastal colonial city with powdery beaches and vibrant coral reefs. It’s also become a center where historic homes have been transformed into upscale restaurants and boutique hotels.