Top 10 Places to Travel in 2018
The new year is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start planning and booking your upcoming travel plans! Below, discover the top 10 places around the world to travel in 2018.
1. Western Ukraine
Why: Experience the heart of quintessential Ukrainian culture.
The highlight of Western Ukraine is Lviv, a sparkling gem of a city known for its romantic architecture, lively cafe scenes, storied history, and deep Ukrainian pride. Venture to the nearby Carpathian Mountains for panoramic views and unforgettable adventures.
Stay: The luxurious Leopolis Hotel, located right in the historical heart of Lviv.
2. Bahia, Brazil
Why: Dance to the rhythm of drums on palm-fringed beaches.
Bahia is the heart and soul of Afro-Brazilian culture - where colorful colonial architecture and Catholic churches meet African heritage and tropical landscapes. The gorgeous capital city of Salvador is a popular destination, but escape south to Itacaré to get truly off the beaten path.
Fun Fact: Bahia is the birthplace of samba music and dance.
3. Taichung, Taiwan
Why: Dive deep into Taiwan’s cultural center.
History, art, science and tradition collide in Taichung. Home to an abundance of museums and exhibitions, Taichung is a place to get your hands dirty while uncovering the city’s rich history and culture. Don’t miss Rainbow Village, a colorful and kitschy handpainted settlement.
Eat: Slurp down beef noodles, soup dumplings and bubble tea at Feng Chia Night Market.
4. Astana, Kazakhstan
Why: Discover one of the world’s most unusual capital cities.
Rising up from the flat, endless Kazakh Steppe is a glittering, ultra-modern city that is finally beginning to attract international attention: Astana. Eager to move on from the city’s Soviet past, rich investors have funneled billions of oil dollars into constructing fantastical, futuristic buildings.
Stay: Rub elbows with Astana’s most VIP visitors at the Rixos President Hotel.
5. Guanajuato, Mexico
Why: Get lost in a maze of colorful colonial streets.
Situated in a gorge in central Mexico, this old silver-mining city boasts colorful buildings that have been stacked up the sides of the surrounding hillsides and cliffs. Navigate the winding alleyways and steep hills while seeking out shady plazas and picturesque vistas.
Fun Fact: Renowned painter Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato; you can visit the house he was born in, which now houses an excellent museum.
6. Yangshuo, China
Why: Gaze upon otherworldly landscapes along the Li River.
A small mountain town encircled by breathtaking karst mountains, Yangshuo is best known for its unforgettable natural scenery. Boat down the meandering Li River, hike in the surrounding hills, visit nearby temples, or simply sip coffee or beer in sleepy cafes overlooking the river.
Eat: Yangshuo’s speciality dish is “beer fish” - freshwater fish (typically carp) braised with beer. Careful, it’s very spicy!
7. Zanzibar Archipelago
Why: Explore Africa’s tropical “Spice Islands”.
A semi-autonomous region off the coast of Tanzania, the Zanzibar Archipelago blends the distinct cultures of Africa and the Indian Ocean. Engage your senses on a spice tour, snorkel in pristine tropical waters, and meander the historic streets of Stone Town.
Stay: Located on Pemba Island, Manta Resort boasts luxurious seafront villas as well as their incredible Underwater Room.
8. Alentejo Coast, Portugal
Why: Take it easy on Portugal’s sleepiest stretch of coastline.
Hidden in plain sight just north of the ever-popular Algarve, the Alentejo coast is one of Portugal’s least developed regions. The rolling hills of the countryside meet the rocky cliffs, empty beaches and sleepy fishing villages along the coast.
Fun Fact: Despite being one of Portugal’s largest regions, it is home to only 7% of the population.
9. Santiago, Chile
Why: Feel the pulse of the city as you explore its vibrant streets.
A city of 7 million, Santiago wears its heart on its sleeve...or rather, on its streets. The city’s graffiti art and public murals are like nowhere else on the planet, with entire neighborhood blocks and open-air galleries dedicated to the craft.
Eat: Santiago’s most famous market, Mercado Central, serves the best seafood in the city.
10. Tallinn, Estonia
Why: Get acquainted with one of Europe’s most affordable fairytale towns.
When it comes to classic European charm, Estonia’s capital city has it all: quaint buildings with colorful facades, cobblestone paved plazas, and a compact size that makes strolling and soaking it all in easy as can be.
Fun Fact: Estonia has the biggest collection of folk songs in the world.