8 destinations you must visit
The 2018 list spans five continents, giving travelers a chance to explore new cities, try new foods, embrace new cultures and gain new perspectives
Travel experts across the globe publish much-anticipated lists that aim to excite readers about upcoming travel trends. Here is a 2018 list that spans five continents and urges travelers to explore new cities, try new foods, embrace new cultures and gain new perspectives.
While there are thousands of destinations around the world that are worthy of traveling to, the following eight places feel particularly pertinent in 2018.
Chile
For years, travelers have overlooked Chile in favor of neighboring countries like Argentina and Peru. But in 2018, Chile stands poised to become a chart-topper.
This long, skinny slice of South America packs a powerful punch, with an up-andcoming cosmopolitan capital in Santiago, quirky charms in Valparaiso, excellent wine in the Maipo Valley and diverse landscapes across the Atacama Desert, Chilean Patagonia and Easter Island.
Thanks to the 2017 expansion of Teniente Julio Gallardo Airport in Puerto Natales, travelers can now reach one of Chile’s most popular destinations, Torres del Paine National Park, more easily.
Latam offers a seasonal service (December to March) between Santiago and Puerto Natales, a tiny city about a onehour drive from Torres del Paine. This significantly cuts down the travel time — the only other significant airport in the region is located in Punta Arenas, a whopping four-hour drive from the national park.
Traveling around Chile can be tricky, considering popular destinations like the Atacama Desert and Patagonia are located on opposite sides of the country.
Flying is the most convenient way to get around, but flights are not cheap. Buses are more wallet-friendly, and Chile’s bus system is efficient, but bus journeys can easily take 17 to 36 hours.
Montenegro
Montenegro, a tiny nation that shares a border with Croatia, offers an authentic Balkan experience with smaller crowds than its wildly popular neighbor.
The country’s coastline is its best feature, and its swerving coastal roads and mountainmeets-ocean scenery create the perfect backdrop for a road trip. Sleepy seaside towns along the Bay of Kotor are home to mom-and-pop eateries and quaint hotels, while the walled city of Kotor offers views of the quintessential red rooftops of the Adriatic.
Further south, the popular resort town of Budva is known for its sandy beaches and happening nightlife.
In the summer of 2018, hotel enthusiasts are anticipating the opening of The Chedi Lustica Bay, GHM’s second luxury hotel in Europe.
Nashville, the US
Music City has long been popular with country music fans — it’s home to iconic sites like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Grand Ole Opry. But, Tennessee’s capital is making a name for itself with its thriving art and food scenes as well.
Nashville is home to a variety of contemporary art galleries and is known for its beautiful street art, including the I Believe in Nashville mural in the 12 South neighborhood, and artist Kelsey Montague’s WhatLiftsYou wings in the Gulch. In October 2018, Nashville will further solidify its presence in the art world by hosting Art Nashville, an international art fair a la Art Basel Miami and Expo Chicago.
Art and music aside, Nashville’s emerging food scene is reason enough to visit in 2018. The city’s most iconic dish, hot chicken, is becoming so popular, imitations are popping up on restaurant menus across the country.
Madagascar
When travel experts lament the effects of global climate change, destinations like the Maldives, Alaska and the Great Barrier Reef immediately come to mind. But climate change is also rapidly affecting Madagascar, the world’s fourth-largest island and one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
Increased cyclone activity across the Indian Ocean is threatening the island’s ecosystems, rising ocean temperatures are affecting endemic coral and fish species and increasing and decreasing rainfall on different parts of the island are leading to severe flooding and drought. Deforestation is also causing the rapid extinction of Madagascar’s most famous animal species, the ring-tailed lemur.
But climate change shouldn’t deter travelers from visiting Madagascar.
Visiting the country can serve as an educational opportunity for travelers who want to understand the devastating effects of global warming and irresponsible human actions. Many tour providers already add eco-conscious elements to their itineraries, which focus on education, preservation, and giving back to local communities. Some can’t-miss experiences in Madagascar include swimming and snorkeling around Nosy Be, spotting lemurs in Ranomafana National Park, admiring the rocky landscapes of Isalo National Park and taking a sunset stroll along the Avenue of the Baobabs.
South Korea
The 2018 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Pyeongchang, a mountainous region in northeastern South Korea. As of Dec 6, Gangneung, South Korea, was Airbnb’s top trending destination, with a 2,175 percent increase in bookings over the course of the last year.
For those unfamiliar with the Olympic schedule, Gangneung will host all of 2018’s ice events. But if you can’t make it to Pyeongchang for the Olympics, South Korea hopes to welcome an influx of visitors after the February games.
Seoul, South Korea’s buzzing capital, is a starting point for international travelers, and the city is a good blend of the ancient and modern. Dynastic palaces sprawl across leafy parks, while skyscrapers rise above the clouds in Gangnam. The South Korean obsession with K-pop is infectious, and tourists can join in the fun with K-pop tours that include hologram concerts and dance lessons.
Abu Dhabi, the UAE
After 10 years of planning and nearly $2 billion in costs, the Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrated its grand opening on Nov 11. Now, lovers of art and architecture are racing to the United Arab Emirates’ capital to see its newest feat of modern design — the product of French architect, Jean Nouvel.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s slogan, “see humanity in a new light”, draws attention to the museum’s mission to emphasize the commonalities and celebrate the differences between Eastern and Western art.
Throughout the museum’s 12 galleries, visitors might encounter a Madonna and Child engraving next to a statue of Shiva, or a Japanese woodblock print next to an English pastel.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first major installment of a larger cultural complex known as Saadiyat Island. The manmade island is the future home of the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a performing arts center designed by Zaha Hadid.
While in Abu Dhabi, travelers can also check out the city’s other notable architectural wonder — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — which was rated the world’s second-best landmark in TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Bhutan
Known for its landscapes and ancient Buddhist monasteries, Bhutan is an emerging destination on many savvy travelers’ radars. It’s no easy feat getting to the country, but dedicated travelers will be rewarded with incomparable Himalayan scenery and a spiritually rich culture that is both enigmatic and endearing.
Bhutan has one international airport in Paro, which is often ranked as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, thanks to its location in the middle of a steep, narrow valley.
Bhutan’s two national airlines (Drukair and Bhutan Airlines) are the only air carriers permitted to transport international travelers in and out of the country. Direct flights to Paro are only available from a handful of Asian cities, including Bangkok, Delhi and Singapore.
All visitors must book their trip through a Bhutanese tour operator, which handles all mandatory visa arrangements, but costs a minimum of $250 per day.
So what makes Bhutan worth all the pre-arrival trouble? Travelers say Paro Taktsang alone is worth the hassle. Known as the Tiger’s Nest, Paro Taktsang is a 17th-century Buddhist monastery that sits precariously on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the upper Paro Valley.
For adventure enthusiasts, Bhutan’s Himalayan treks are unparalleled. Lodging options across Bhutan range from budget-friendly to luxurious.
Haiti
Modern travelers, particularly millennials, are changing the look of Caribbean vacations. No longer wholly satisfied by infinity pools and frozen cocktails, travelers are seeking intriguing history and cultural appeal alongside secluded sandy beaches.
Haiti, with its frenetic cities, untouched beaches and sprawling green mountainsides, is ready to take the stage. Though Haiti isn’t quite polished, the country’s imperfections are part of its appeal.
Oyster.com hotel investigator Micah Rubin visited Haiti in 2016. “A huge plus of traveling there is feeling like you’re in a destination waiting to be discovered,” he says.
“For me, as a traveler, I want an authentic experience that’s a little rough around the edges. In Haiti, it’s possible and rewarding to meet locals and learn more about their lives and culture.”