Have you ticked off at least one of places to visit in your travel bucket list yet? Or are you still finalizing it because there are so many places to go to and you are having a hard time to decide? If it’s the latter, we can definitely help you with that.
Here are our top picks for the best places to visit right now!
1. Tokyo, Japan
Being ultramodern, Tokyo is one of the busiest cities in the world, yet it was able to preserve its traditional and historical characteristics. If you are planning to visit Asia this year, Tokyo should be number one on your list. There are so many things to do aside from trying out authentic Japanese cuisine.
You can wander around the city and end up in old temples and shrines, or you could end up in Tokyo Disneyland or Disney Sea. Whether you are a group of adult travelers interested in immersing yourself in the Japanese culture or you are travelling with your family, there’s no scarcity of things to do in Japan’s capital. This is also the perfect year to visit, since the country is preparing for Olympics 2020.
2. Reykjavik, Iceland
If you have caught yourself looking at the photographs of Northern Lights longingly for a couple of times, this might be the best year to finally book that flight to Iceland and see this beautiful phenomenon for real.
Sure, it’s going to be biting cold, but as soon as the skies dance like fairies with the green light, you will surely realize the trip is all worth it. Reykjavik also has geothermal spas and hot springs that are worthy spending a day in.
3. Banff, Canada
If you are a huge fan of national parks, then Canada is a must-visit country for you this year. There is no shortage of national parks in Canada. The best one is Banff National Park located in Alberta. This is a haven for outdoorsy travelers.
You can spend your days kayaking, hiking, or skiing here. The park is so huge and so beautiful that it attracts over four million guests each year. If you visit in fall, you might be able to catch the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival.
4. Palawan, Philippines
Been dreaming of beach therapy lately? Palawan Islands in the Philippines can give you all the vitamin sea you need. Palawan has one of the clearest and bluest waters you will ever swim in. There is never a day when you won’t see any tourist hopping on a boat on their way to island hopping activities in El Nido or Coron. After you swim or free dive to your heart’s content, you can have a sumptuous lunch of fresh seafood deliciously prepared on the boat.
The waters of Palawan are abundant, so there is no shortage of fresh seafood every day. The great thing is everything is super affordable in Palawan, so having a fantastic vacation won’t cost you an arm and a leg. During your island tours, watch out for the Nestle ice cream boat. Yes, there is a little blue boat that tours from one island to another carrying your favorite ice cream flavors. Spending time here is definitely a treat.
5. Botum Sakor National Park, Cambodia
Cambodia, the home of the famous Angkor Wat, and is also famous for Botum Sakor National Park. This is the biggest national park in the country that houses the Southwest Elephant Corridor. This contains the largest population of Asian elephants, crocodiles, and different species of birds.
If you are looking for some serene time with nature, camping for a night here is a popular activity. In order to cover a lot of area during your visit, make sure to get a tour guide and rent a boat.
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is the home city of the popular Little Mermaid statue which was created by sculptor Edvard Eriksen in 1913 as a tribute to Hans Christian Andersen. Aside from this famous landmark, tourists flock in the city because of Tivoli Gardens.
This theme park offers everything that you would want from a theme park, which makes it perfect for families with kids. Once you have had your fill of roller coasters and carrousels, you can check out the New Harbor and hop on to some of the old wooden ships. The colorful houses along the banks of the canal makes a good background for your vacation photos. You can also see Hans Christian Andersen’s house here.
7. PyeongChang, South Korea
The best time to visit PyeongChang is during winter in South Korea. This is the perfect place to be for skiing and snowboarding. Lessons for beginners are also available, so you won’t have to worry if you haven’t tried snow sports before.
After a day of snow adventures, you can relax and enjoy the best Korean barbecue, soju, and karaoke.Korean food is one of the best in Asia. Since the Winter Olympic Games this year will be held here, the place is full of buzz all year long.
8. Solta, Croatia
You probably have travelled via Uber a couple of times, but have you traveled via UberBOAT before? Yes, it’s a thing in Solta, Croatia. With about 1,200 islands, you can do island hopping all weekend via UberBOAT, expensive yachts, or public ferries.
You can fill your vacation days with afternoon strolls on the pebbly beaches, swimming in turquoise waters, or sampling local wines from the medieval villages. It’s important not to miss the beautiful sunsets of Solta before heading to the beach clubs and seaside bars and participating in the local vibrant nightlife.
9. Marrakech, Morocco
Known as the gateway to culture, Marrakech is a perfect place for an art and culture appreciation trip. Head over to Jemaa el-Fna and be entertained by snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, and such. Of course, your trip to Morocco won’t be complete without a little food trip; lamb heads and fresh orange juice are a common sight in the street food stalls.
Shopping in Marrakech is made more exciting by the old medina souks where you can find locally made bags, fabrics, and ceramics to name a few. If you are interested in how some of these pieces are made, visit one of the tanneries in the cities. After a day full of sightseeing and shopping, you might want to visit a hammam (local bath house) and relax. If you are up for it, a masseur can you give a traditional body scrub.
10. Giza, Egypt
If you have been putting off that plan to go to Egypt and visit the pyramids, this might be the best year to finally go see it. The ancient pyramids of Egypt are scattered all over the country, but the most popular ones are in Giza.
Giza is also popular for the Great Sphinx and Giza Plateau. The Grand Egyptian Museum, also known as Giza Museum, has opened which would be the perfect place to learn about Egyptian history and culture. You can also visit Ramses Wissa Wassef Art Center and explore an exhibit that is dedicated to the creativity of the young villagers of Egypt.
11. Yunnan, China
Yunnan Province in China borders the neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Myanmar, Tibet, and Laos. On your visit, you would be welcomed by the mystical rice terraces. Rice is in almost every meal in Asia, and China has one of the biggest rice puddles and rice terraces.
Something that you should also not miss on your visit is the enchanting Blue Moon Valley. You would also find the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan. This was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Below this magnificent gorge is the mighty Yangtze River, which plays a huge part in Chinese history.
12. Perth, Australia
You might have been to Melbourne and Sydney before, but if you haven’t been to Perth, you definitely have to come back. Perth is constantly blooming as a city and as a tourist capital. New hotels are popping up, and the facilities are geared towards making your vacation more memorable than ever. There are a hundred of things you can do in daytime, but there’s even more when the sun sets.
During daytime, you can enjoy swimming in the pristine ocean and do water activities from ocean cycling to whale spotting. You can also head over to Kings Park and join guided walks and appreciate the natural beauty of Australia. If you are a fan of penguins, Penguin Island is just a 45-minute drive from Perth. Take time to appreciate and enjoy the fun brought by penguins, dolphins, sealions, seabirds, and even stingrays. Before sunset, head over to Burns Beach and join a couple of families enjoying their picnic while waiting for the sunset. Perth’s sunset is as beautiful and as magical as beach sunsets should be.
