Your New Year’s resolution? Get out of your comfort zone
With a new year comes new opportunities to see the world. This year, ditch the tourist traps and get ahead of the curve by visiting these destinations, touted by industry insiders as the next big things in international travel
PLANNING your next big holiday is one of the joys of travel, but where do we even begin? Destination trends come and go, but whether you are a daydreamer or a high roller, it is always better to catch a trend before the crowd gets there first — so make 2018 the year of travel and choose from these 10 destinations to get the ball rolling. dotted around the diminutive nation, as well as luxurious new openings, such as Amankora in Bumthang. The country has only been developing tourism since 1974 — and just 287 visitors showed up that year.
Portugal’s volcanic archipelago is now served by more flights than ever. And while Sintra and the Algarve are impressive enough destinations, places like São Miguel Island are a hybrid of worlds, blending European culture with South American exoticism on the cobbled streets of Ponta Delgada and UNESCO’s Angra do Heroismo, a charming 18th century city. There is also oodles of nature across the nine main islands, with geothermal hot springs, incredible flora and whale watching at Faial or Pico, 1,643km west of Lisbon. near Hurghada, is built along the shore and on small islands. It is known for its lagoons, coral reefs and sandy beaches. It is a kitesurf paradise and the bustling Abu Tig Marina is decked with vibrant restaurants and bars. Literally translating to “The Lagoon,” the dedicated tourist resort dates back to 1989 and boasts 18 hotels — one for every hole on the golf course designed by Gene Bates and Fred Couples.
One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, Yerevan dates back to the 8th century BCE and with the growth of the Armenian economy, tourism is now a delight. Gourmet restaurants, shops, and street cafés were not commonplace during the Soviet era, but the capital city now blends the aesthetics of its past with modern sensibilities — all for a snip of the price of many European alternatives. From the dancing fountains of the Republic Square to the ruins of the Urartian city of Erebuni, Yerevan has charm galore.
While millions are pinning Zanzibar on their Pinterest boards, there are alternative options along Africa’s east coast that deliver just as much for your money. With Arab and Portuguese forts, medieval towns and the deserted ruins of Swahili, the island of Lamu is dripping with heritage.
Expect well-appointed, authentic townhouse accommodations, serene beaches, sleepy markets and surprises around every corner in the narrow streets of Lamu Town. Unlike other Swahili settlements which have been abandoned along the East African coast, Lamu has continuously been inhabited for over 700 years and it is no wonder UNESCO has named it a Heritage Site.