Here are our top favorite destinations for 2018.
1. OSAKA, JAPAN: ZEN AND SERENITY
While considered a quieter suburb compared to its sister cities, Tokyo and Kyoto, Osaka becomes an exciting respite that spurs to life once you step into its fold. Be mesmerized by the neon lights of Dotonbori, the warm, sumptuous aromas of thick ramen and takoyaki wafting through the streets, and the stylish elite of anime-looking characters making their way to the nearest pachinko parlor.
Also known as Japan’s water metropolis, Osaka is home to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the world’s second-largest aquarium tank; Universal Studios Japan; and the Umeda Sky Building, which proudly features twin skyscrapers connected by the Floating Garden Observatory. Here, revel in the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city. From any height — at the top of the tower or on the ground, mingling with the people as they weave their way through the busy Shinsaibashi shopping district — you’ll discover that there is so much more than meets the eye here at Osaka.
2. NORWAY: NIGHT OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
In Norway, at the edge of the world, watch as the night sky comes alive with the dancing Northern Lights. Take a seat and be thoroughly entertained as the aurora borealis, a unique celestial phenomenon, paints the sky in a beautiful wash of emerald, sapphire, ruby and other mesmerizing hues. To experience this stunning sight firsthand opens you to believing — and thanking — the Divine.
3. MAURITIUS: LIFE’S A BEACH
While Seychelles and Maldives have captured the hearts of many beach-bound, sun worshippers, another island nation in the Indian Ocean (often overlooked) aims to woo you with its lovely secrets.
Mauritius, the “new” luxury beach destination, is famous for pampering its guests, with luxurious suites that boast royal views of the cerulean waters and powder-white beaches. Even the most well-traveled jetsetters cannot escape its enchantment. No ordinary beach destination, Mauritius, can stretch hours into days, allowing you to fully enjoy every minute of your well-deserved vacation.
4. JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA: GREAT ESCAPE
Captured in Korean films as the ideal place to escape from your woes, Jeju Island more than lives up to its reputation. The biggest island just off South Korea, also known as the “Land of the Morning Calm,” Jeju is wrapped in romantic mystery.
On the island, find the dormant volcano, Mt. Yeongjusan, meaning “mountain high enough to pull the galaxy,” which stands 1,950 meters above sea level. Climb its peak and be rewarded by the fantastic views of the crater lake and the intense blue of the surrounding seas that embrace the island. From Jeju’s highest peak, go down deep into its underbelly, into the Manjan Cave whose passage ways were formed centuries ago by cooling lava.
5. SOUTH AFRICA: WILD THINGS
Feel the primal power and energy of the land the moment you step foot on the golden savannah. Here, in South Africa, get a thrill observing the diverse wildlife — from hippos lazily grazing by the Limpopo River to gazelles gracefully leaping through the desert bush, and the prides of lions stretched out under the shade and heat of the African Sun. A day at the Kalahari Desert or the Kruger National Park — filled with more amazing animals such as zebras, giraffes and leopards — makes for a more than memorable adventure.
6. NEW ZEALAND: JOURNEY TO MIDDLE EARTH
New Zealand is another worldly beauty. For many of us, our eyes were first opened to the splendid scenes of this island country through the Lord of the Rings movie franchise, which brought to life the myth and fantasy of the books. With its majestic mountains, golden plains and enchanting valleys that stretch for miles, New Zealand brings truth to its name as “Home of Middle Earth.” Here, mere mortals can catch a glimpse of heaven and live in it, too.
7. ALASKAN CRUISE: ICY RETREAT
For a different type of sight-seeing tour, discover the winter wonderland that is Alaska onboard a cruise ship, which takes you through the vast tundra and taiga forests of the Denali National Park. From majestic, glacier-capped mountains to the dramatic wilderness and alpine lakes, Alaska will have you appreciating the cold by warming you up with fond memories of this cool retreat.