It’s a brand new year, which means there are 365 days (or a few less) for you to full with your favourite activities. While many people are sitting down and writing resolutions, I’m browsing travel blogs and Lonely Planet to figure out where I want to head to next. I love choosing my destinations for the new year in the early days of January as that gives me tons of time to save and to map out exactly where I’ll go. If you’re not sure where to go this year and craving a new adventure, check out these top travel destinations for 2018.
Peru:
Of all the places in South America, I personally feel that Peru is one of the best destinations to visit. Peru holidays offer so much natural beauty and adventure, and Peruvian people are so friendly! I spent a few days staying in an eco-lodge in the middle of the Amazon jungle and it was one of the greatest adventures I’ve ever been on. I saw tons of wild animals, caught some piranhas, saw a tarantula on a tree, and even saw some of the world-famous pink dolphins swimming and jumping in the Amazon river. Iquitos is a super interesting city in Peru because the only way to access it is by boat or by plane. It’s a great base if you want to visit the Amazon but the truth is there’s a lot more to Peru: there’s the famous Macchu Picchu which is one of those bucket list destinations. There’s also the freshest, most delicious ceviche in Peru that you’ll ever taste. If you’re a surfer, why not head to Chicama in Peru? Often regarded as one of the biggest waves in the world, ensuring that even beginners can get a few moves in before the wave crashes.
Guatemala:
Can you imagine walking around a beautiful colonial city that’s lined by three volcanoes? It’s almost like walking in a postcard, but Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited and that’s exactly why I live there. Within the town, you can enjoy some of the world’s best coffee, take a coffee farm tour, hike up two of the volcanoes and eat your around this very walkable town. The markets are amazing and filled with wonderful souvenirs. Just a few hours away is the stunning Lake Atitlan, which is often regarded as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The sunsets are absolutely amazing and if you can visit in November you’ll be spoiled with both excellent weather and striking sunsets. In the North, there’s also Semuc Champey which is a series of beautiful pools, and the ruins of Tikal. Guatemala is also one of the best places in the world to learn Spanish as Guatemalans speak with a relatively neutral accent and somewhat slow. You’ll be able to work with a private teacher for less than you’d pay for a group class in many other parts of Latin America.
Japan:
While any time of the year is a wonderful time to visit Japan, during the last weeks of March and almost all the way through April something special happens in Japan: the cherry trees go into full bloom. Japan has numerous stunning gardens that seem to come to live with white and pink blooms, making for some incredible photos. Because there’s the high-speed train network, it’s super easy to get around and explore a number of cities even on a tighter schedule. Head to Kyoto and visit some of the most famous temples namely Kiyomizudera, Kinkakuji, and Ginkakuji. Do a day trip to Mt Fuji and fill your memory card up with stunning photos. If you visit during the cooler months, don’t fret and head to Onsen – the outdoor spas. If you’re traveling with children, don’t fret Japan is extremely family friendly and there’s also the Disneyland in Tokyo which is regarded as one of the best parks in the world!
New Zealand:
I may be a little biased as this is my home country, but New Zealand really has a lot to offer the traveler. most of the beauty is in the South Island, but it’s really the perfect holiday destination to rent a car and travel around. Head to Queenstown and Wanaka to enjoy some of the best lakeside towns in New Zealand. Queenstown is the home of extreme sports so whatever you fancy you’ll be able to find here, from skydiving, bungy jumping and even white water rafting. Christchurch is usually the base for international flights into the South Island, but unfortunately, due to a large earthquake in 2011, it is still a recovering city. The drive from Christchurch to the West Coast is absolutely stunning and you should be sure to visit the Glow Worm Caves on the West Coast if you’ve not seen these amazing little creatures before. Further up there are beautiful bays located around Nelson and Picton, and from Picton you can take a ferry (with your rental car) up to Wellington the hippiest city in New Zealand. In the North Island, Rotorua is kind of the Queenstown of the North, with a lot of cultural activities and extreme sports available here. The Bay of Islands is one of my favorite places in all of New Zealand, with beautiful beaches and cute small towns dotted around.
Spain:
I’ve been lucky enough to travel around Europe and there’s nowhere, in my opinion, that offers quite the diversity that Spain does. If you’re after beach towns, well you can head to Barcelona, Malaga, Valencia but my favorite of them all is San Sebastian. A small town located in Northern Spain, it’s close proximity to France ensures that this town feels a little fancy. The beach is literally footsteps away from the city center and there’s a beautiful hill with lookout point that you can hike up. It’s easily my favorite town in all of Spain! If you’re looking for big cities, Spain has a few to choose from but Madrid is hands down my favorite. There’s an efficient metro system which makes it super easy and affordable to get around, as well as nightlife that is one of the best. You’ll see adults of all ages, right up into their 70s and 80s making their way to churro shops at four, five or even six in the morning on a weekend after a big night out. Granada is a lovely town located in the South that has a wonderful historical center. There’s also the Alhambra, one of the most beautiful complexes I’ve ever had the fortune to visit. It can be extremely crowded so please be sure to book your ticket in advance, so you’re not standing in the heat waiting around. In Granada you’ll be happy to learn that many of the bars offer free tapas with drinks, making it fun and easy to bar hop around all evening.
No matter where you choose to go in 2018, if you choose any of these locations from my list I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful vacation!
