Are you planning to travel next year, or have you already made the decision? This year will be more successful in obtaining passport stamps than the previous year and it will bring you even greater and more exciting adventures.
You can’t find these destinations in any travel guide. Why not travel to them?
London, New York and Bangkok were among the most visited cities in the past, and they are likely to continue climbing in the future. You can find a more memorable travel experience if you are looking for something different than the usual tourist destinations.
These are 10 places you should not miss next year.
1. Herdade da Comporta, Portugal
This is the new Croatia. However, it doesn’t have the crowded beaches. Herdade da Comporta consists of several beach villages on the west coast of Portugal, about an hour drive from Lisbon. There are seven hamlets in the area: Pego (Carvalhal), Brejos Torre, Possanco and Carrasqueira. It is a popular spot for small groups from all over Europe. There are now a few hotels being built.
2. Anguilla, Caribbean
Anguilla is a great place to unwind and relax in a peaceful setting. This Caribbean island is quiet and peaceful, with no direct flights to the US and no port that cruise ships can access. It is very quiet, and there are luxurious retreats along the beaches that offer a peaceful haven for a few hours or weeks.
3. Lombok, Indonesia
Beautiful Bali without the crowds. Lombok is ideal for surfing, snorkelling or simply relaxing at the beautiful beaches. There are also amazing waterfalls and volcanoes to see. Lombok is an ideal place to learn about the Indonesian culture. The Lombok native culture is rich and the natural beauty has remained the same for hundreds of centuries.
4. Rangiroa in French Polynesia
Rangiroa, commonly known as Rangi by locals, is one of the largest atolls anywhere in the world. It has a lagoon that is so large it could hold the entire island Tahiti within it. Rangi, the Tuamotus archipelago’s ‘big city,’ is home to paved roads, shops and resorts as well as internet access and gourmet restaurants. It is also home to some of the best diving spots in the area, with rich marine life right off shore.
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
With the majestic mountains surrounding them, the Lofoten Islands in Norway will take your breath away. You can do many things in the area’s diverse landscape, including hiking, skiing and ocean-rafting. Lofoten is also connected to the Viking Age. You can visit the Lofotr Viking Museum and experience the Viking Age in its entirety.
6. Ladakh, India
Ladakh, although it is in the disputed Kashmir region (the border between India and China), is extremely beautiful and one of the most secure areas in the region. The beautiful Pangong Tso lake is lined with majestic mountains. Ladakh has very simple life and is not for those who want luxury or easy travel. Road access can be difficult and requires you to cross high passes that close from October to May.
7. Luzon, Philippines
Luzon is both the largest and most populous of the Philippines’ islands. You will find stunning mountains, volcanoes bubbling and lush tropical rainforests here. While the Philippines north is more religiously and ethnically diverse, the south is known for its breathtaking scenery.
8. Oaxaca (Mexico)
The Sierra Norte Mountains, in the Oaxaca Region in Mexico is a great place to go if you are looking for a culturally rich hike. The Sierra Norte Mountains is a biodiversity hotspot. They are home to the Zapotec indigenous Zapotec people who will gladly take you into their villages and share their way of living. You can also go rafting in the turquoise river or to Oaxaca’s coastline to see sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and humpback whales.
9. Sossusvlei, Namib Desert Namibia
Many people associate Africa with safaris and beach holidays. So why not try hopping in the desert dunes of Namibia? These dunes are known for being the largest in Africa and provide a variety of activities.
10. Bilbao, Spain
Instead of visiting Madrid, explore Bilboa this year, Spain’s capital for modern architecture. The Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry and the Isozaki Atea, two stunning 23-story residential towers made of glass designed by Arata Isozaki (Japanese architect) are some highlights. You can still enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine in one of the many restaurants, even though Bilboa has a more modern feel than other parts of Spain.
