With each new year, people all over the world optimistically set their resolutions for the twelve months ahead. From establishing fitness routines to setting money-saving objectives, most tend to boil down to becoming better versions of ourselves. For some of us, one of those goals is to travel more, and with a bank of replenished vacation days, now is the perfect time to start narrowing down where to go in 2018.
While hot spots like Iceland and Thailand may have blown up your Instagram feed in 2017, this year will be all about discovering the world’s newest up-and-coming destinations—and trust us, there are plenty of incredible contenders. From reinvented capitals to secluded island getaways, here are the top under-the-radar destinations for 2018.
Aysén, Patagonia
While thrill-seekers may have already added Patagonia to their bucket lists, thanks to famous features like Perito Moreno Glacier and Torres del Paine National Park, chances are they haven’t yet heard of Aysén. Described as the region’s final frontier, this remote land is sparsely populated and still very much unexplored. Adventurers will appreciate the area's dramatic landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, staggering fjords, and temperate rain forests. Splendidly isolated, going off the grid is no challenge and countless adventures await. For those interested in a curated experience, Upscape offers expert itineraries, including trekking the Aysén Glacier Trail, horseback riding along the Andean mountains, or kayaking the Exploradores Valley’s challenging rivers.
Tallinn, Estonia
Those looking to embark on a European escape to someplace other than tried-and-true staples like London, Paris, and Rome will be enchanted by Tallinn. Estonia’s capital city looks as if it were plucked from the pages of a fairytale, effortlessly blending both the old and the new. Stroll past towering gothic architecture along the cobblestoned streets of Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 13th century, which is lined with picturesque cafés and boutiques. This year happens to mark Tallinn’s 100th anniversary of its original independence declaration from the Russian Empire, so visitors can expect plenty of celebrations throughout 2018. Needless to say, this Baltic beauty will be worth checking out in the months ahead.
Luang Prabang, Laos
In a world constantly on the move, Luang Prabang offers a refreshing respite, proving that the art of slow travel is still alive and well. More tranquil than its neighbors like Vietnam and Cambodia, Luang Prabang sits cozily in a valley where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Here, French-colonial architecture stands side-by-side with ornate Buddhist temples and an assemblage of new luxury hotels and resorts. The upcoming Rosewood Luang Prabang (slated to open its doors midyear) is already making headlines for its tantalising pavilion-style villas and luxury tents. Nearby Vientiane’s Wattay International Airport is also completing a terminal expansion to accommodate more global visitors than ever before, perfectly positioning this lush oasis to become Southeast Asia’s next rising star.
Pichilemu, Chile
Once considered a sleepy surf town in central Chile, the city of Pichilemu is proving to offer much more beyond its expansive dark sand beaches and idyllic surfing conditions. For example, visual artists such as Macarena Irarrazaval, Beatriz Hagel, and Florencia Onetto are elevating Pichilemu as an up-and-coming art destination for locals and tourists alike. Culinary innovators like Gustavo Moreno Marquez and Javiera Valenzuela Concha of Raíces Lab are also catching the eye of gastronomes by creating sustainable menus from locally-foraged ingredients. But to partake in Pichilemu’s surfing legacy, book a stay at Hotel Alaia in Punta de Lobos where you can take lessons from a pro and hang loose in their superb surf-themed oceanfront suites.
Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
The Carolinas are undeniably having a moment, with cultural hubs like Asheville and Charleston drawing attention from travellers around the globe. But this year, South Carolina’s Lowcountry is on the rise, with Palmetto Bluff taking centre stage. Steeped in history, rich biodiversity, and 32 miles of quiet coastline, this destination is considered by locals to be one of the best-kept secrets in the South. For true Southern hospitality, check into Montage Palmetto Bluff, where you can spend your days on their Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, at the Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, or on an offshore fishing excursion. Its romantic laidback luxury will make any visitor feel right at home.
Comporta, Portugal
This summer, get familiar with Comporta. Comprised of a small cluster of villages on Portugal’s Troia Peninsula, this coastal getaway offers a relaxing reprieve from the country’s more popular sites such as Lisbon and Cartagena. Whitewashed buildings with terracotta roofs lend to its carefree ambiance, and pristine beaches are bordered by rolling sand dunes, twisted cork trees, and vibrant rice fields. There aren’t a ton of hotels or restaurants, which adds to Comporta’s charisma, but Black Tomato offers curated experiences and will set you up at the Sublime Comporta, a serene and chic retreat with just 14 rooms and villas. Step back in time and treat yourself to a well-deserved dose of summer escapism.
Botswana, Africa
Landlocked Botswana’s landscape is defined by the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, and offers some of the most spectacular safaris on earth. Only two million inhabitants call Botswana home, making it one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. But here, animals roam and rule, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, and more. It’s the ultimate playground for nature lovers. Wilderness Safaris’ brand new Qorokwe Camp opened last month with eight elegant tented suites and offers outstanding game viewing year round, and their flagship Mombo Camp within Moremi Game Reserve is currently being rebuilt, set to reopen in March 2018.
Cork, Ireland
Cork City is giving Dublin a run for its money. The youthful city has been reinventing itself over the past couple of years and is ready to steal the spotlight once and for all. Waterfront views, historic churches, and friendly locals make Cork a favourite spot for in-the-know travellers, but it’s their evolving culinary scene that’s set to position the city as a must-see destination for 2018. Although fiercely rooted in Irish heritage, inventive eateries and pubs in the revitalised city centre are bringing a welcome diversity to Cork. Check out popular spots like The Rocket Man Food Co., Miyazaki, and Tequila Jack’s to get a taste.
Tasmania, Australia
While the land down under has long enticed the international jet set, Tasmania is gaining esteem as the next cultural powerhouse. The isolated island state’s capital of Hobart is undergoing a gastronomic renaissance, with Australian chefs launching new endeavours highlighting the region’s world-class produce. But the real draw is Tasmania’s breathtaking rugged wilderness. Big Five Tours & Expeditions’ new Trekking Tasmania & Maria Island itinerary brings intrepid travellers on an unforgettable multi-day journey along weathered coastline, staggering mountains, and untouched beaches. To explore by sea, don’t miss Coral Expeditions’ weeklong Pristine Tasmania adventure where you can witness the pink granite peaks of Freycinet National Park, cruise through Wineglass Bay, and spot fur seals basking on jagged cliffs.
Garzón, Uruguay
Although it’s one of the smallest members of South America, the country is teeming with things to do for every type of traveler. The rural region of Garzón (nicknamed Uruguay’s Little Tuscany) is located in the heart of Maldonado, just a 30-minute drive inland from the upscale José Ignacio seaside sanctuary. Once a ghost town, its city centre got a second wind after celebrated Argentine chef Francis Mallmann opened his restaurant-hotel hybrid, El Garzón. Today, a slew of galleries, such as Galería Pueblo Garzón, display a collection of local works and artists from around the world. But its newest lure lies in the burgeoning wine region, with Bodega Garzón producing some of the top Tannat red and Albariño white wines in the world. Discover the highlights of this up-and-coming gem on DuVine’s South America Golden Riviera bike tour.
Talkeetna, Alaska
Anyone in search of the weird but wonderful should set their sights on America’s largest state in 2018. Situated smack-dab in the middle of Anchorage and Mount Denali is the small village of Talkeetna. A gateway to Alaska’s famed Denali National Park, adventurers will be flocking to this eccentric destination for its rich array of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, rafting, and flightseeing. In town, expect to come across a healthy mix of brewpubs and weed dispensaries sprinkled in with quirky artist studios and shops selling locally made handicrafts. For stellar views of Denali, snag a room at the rustic Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge. Summertime is your best bet in terms of weather, but you can beat the crowds by planning a winter jaunt for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Malawi, Africa
The country of Malawi is another African escape full of transformative experiences. Although completely blocked-in by neighbouring Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique, undisturbed Malawi offers sprawling national parks paired with endless stretches of white-sand coastline, thanks to snorkelling hot spot Lake Malawi. This September will mark the triumphant return of the Lake of Stars Festival, a unique three-day celebration combining music, arts, and culture. If another one of your New Years resolutions was to give back in 2018, you can check it off your list by booking Black Tomato’s new Malawi experience in partnership with Charity: Water. A portion of all proceeds will go back to the nonprofit, which delivers clean drinking water to communities around the world.
Bhutan, Asia
Chances are your backpacking days are long behind you, and the idea of sharing a hostel with a handful of shoestring-budget travellers probably sounds more like a nightmare than a once-in-a-lifetime rite of passage. Enter the vibrant beauty of Bhutan, a surprising destination where peace and prosperity thrive, and Gross National Happiness is weighed more heavily than GDP. Visitors pay a minimum tariff of $250 USD per day, which may seem steep, but the fee is all-inclusive, covering your accommodation, transportation, food, and an official guide. As the last great Himalayan kingdom, Buddhist culture permeates all aspects of life. Join Nomadic Expeditions’ new Quick Escape itinerary to witness its abundant wildlife, the bustling capital of Thimpu, and majestic cliff side monasteries like Tiger’s Nest.
