Where to Travel in 2018
Hey Everyone! Guess what? We made it! It’s 2018, which means we have a whole new year of adventures ahead of us. But the world is a huge place, so how do you choose where to travel in 2018?
I’ve narrowed down the whole world into this quick list of the 6 hottest 2018 destinations. These picks are based on what I’ve seen in the world of travel bloggers, worldwide instagrammers, the internets, pinterest, travel magazines, and recommendations from family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers. If you call that science, then I guess this was a scientific study.
Where to travel in 2018
Traveling is a way to expand your world, change your perspective, build your skills, and enrich yourself. In a way, anywhere you go could offer these aspects, but in some places it’s just easier to achieve the unexpected.
But where should you go to expand your mental horizons, see amazing sights, flip convention on its head, and squeeze every drop out of value out of your hard-earned vacation time? Well, once you’ve packed, sorted out your finances, locked in the best travel credit card, and topped-off your tank of wanderlust, you might want to check out one (or all!) of these places:
Japan
Japan is a country with such a deep history, it’s hard to overstate. While it’s not the oldest culture on Earth, it’s surely one of the most interesting. From zen Buddhism to the Edo samurai period, if you’re looking for a wonderful peek into a culture that truly preserves its historical roots, then this could be the place for you. While I haven’t been to Japan yet, my tickets are already booked!
If you’re coming from the west, Japan looks like a place that will turn your conventional thinking on its head. Attending tea ceremonies, meditating (and staying!) at a monastery, enjoying the tradition attire and local foods of the ryokan (guest houses), dipping in an onsen (hot spring), and walking around the historical neighborhoods of Kyoto seems almost meditative.
While much of Japan is steeped in serene beauty, the cities also have a lot to offer. From Tokyo dome baseball, sumo wrestling matches, sushi rolling classes, night markets, karaoke bars, the action is seemingly endless.
Canada
Canada might not make everyone’s list, but the country is massive and offers an amazing array of activities and amenities. Since it is so close to the United states, you can save on airfare and put those funds toward your stay. In the west, Vancouver and Edmonton are vibrant cities, and Banff and Jasper National Parks have awe-inspiring views, and endless activities. Yellowknife is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights.
In the East, Quebec City will transport you to France in the village of old Quebec, and Montreal’s vibrant downtown and nightlife is only a short drive from the border. Further east, Prince Edward Island and St John’s will not disappoint with picturesque views, lighthouses and whale watching.
Canada also has a vibrant music scene – including a fun Folk Fest and Jazz Fest in Montreal. The country also is home to some of the most friendly and wonderful people, as well as some of the most quaint, picturesque towns imaginable. You might even think about visiting in the winter months to celebrate the art of cold hardiness – no one does winter quite like the Canadians!
If you’re feeling extra-adventuruous, hop on the trans-canadian railway and experience everything Canada has to offer, getting on and off as you ride across the country.
Morocco
Morocco has been hot for a few years now, but lately tourism to the country seems to be getting a little more adventurous. Once you leave the main cities of Fes, Casablanca, and Marrakesh, you’ll find cities like Chefchaouen (the blue city) that I had never heard of until all the famous instagrammers seemed to end up there in 2017. I’d expect Chefchaouen will be one of the more visited places in Morocco in 2018.
South Africa
I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about South Africa lately: It’s beautiful / foreign, but familiar / close to world-class safaris in Botswana and Victoria falls. This seems like a place that could really get you out of your comfort zone, without the language-barrier. With endless adventures, one-of-a-kind views, and exotic wildlife, no wonder this has been popping up all over – I predict it will be one of the major hot spots of 2018.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a little off the beaten path, as it’s pretty far from us here in the northern hemisphere. But after a long flight, it sounds like you’ll be in for a real reward. With world-class hiking and views so spectacular you must be at the end of the world, certain adventure awaits in Patagonia. I haven’t heard much buzz about it until recently and that might just be a matter of circumstance, but this seems like a place that should be on everyone’s bucket list, and there’s no better time than 2018 to travel there.
The Azores
The Azores are a tiny chain of islands in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. They are a 4.5 hour direct flight from Boston or Providence, and only 2 hours from Lisbon, Portugal. It amazes me that this perfect stopover location hasn’t been fully “discovered” by North America yet. It’s commonly known as “the Hawaii of Europe” and with good reason. These nine little volcanic islands offer beautiful black beaches, mountains, jungles, deserts and flowers everywhere! And lots of cows. The islands are full of hikes, have well-maintained roads and signage, and is one of the cleanest places I’ve visited. It also feels very safe, and seems like a great place for a solo-traveler to explore.
Whenever someone asks me “where should I go on vacation?” The answer is always the Azores. Though it does depend on the time of the year: While it never gets cold in the Azores (always between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit) The winter months are full of rain so you should plan your visit between May and October.
Have you been to any of these places? Share you travel tips in the comments below!
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