I personally reviewed the recommendations of travel experts and influencers to create a list of destinations to consider.
MALTA
Valetta, Malta's capital has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2018. A packed calendar of events will add to it's charm. Malta’s average year-round temperature is 20 degrees Celsius, rising up to 27 degrees Celsius in July and August. Temples, cuisine influenced by Sicilian food, the waterfront and great nightlife. Viewed as an underrated destination, I suggest you visit now before everyone else does!
NEW ORLEANS
"New Orleans is sinking man and I don't want to swim." Sorry couldn't resist! Topping the NY Times list and on pretty much every other list, the city is celebrating its tricentennial this year, and there are events planned throughout the year to mark the important date. Influences from Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa and indigenous peoples have created a vibrant city. Diversity is expressed beautifully through music, food and much more...
COLOMBIA
The civil war is finally over and Colombia one of South America's best kept secret is bound to become a hot spot! Foreign tourism has risen 250 percent during the past decade and deservedly so. I speak from personal experience! Explore colourful Caribbean cities, pretty colonial towns, verdant coffee plantations and mysterious ancient ruins. With a rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Caribbean influences, cities that are embracing modernization with luxe hotel chains opening up, a solid foodie scene, eco resorts, gorgeous beaches and adventurous hikes there is something for everyone here. Go. Now!
THE CARIBBEAN
Support the communities beaten down by 2017’s hurricanes across the Caribbean Islands. Socially responsible tourism is on the upswing. Experts believe there’ll be a movement aimed at supporting these beloved destinations that depend upon tourism. White sand beaches, a bewitching turquoise sea, hit-the-spot rum cocktails and temperatures hovering blissfully around 26°C. If you haven't booked your winter getaway yet, now is the time to find a well-priced Caribbean holiday and to support the region as it recovers.
GEORGIA
Georgia the country, not the state, was found on multiple lists. Experience Old Tbilisi’s authentic charms while you can, as development is quickly reshaping the cityscape of Georgia's capital city. You will definitely want to experience some of the traditional Georgian experiences such as 24 hour sulphur baths, tasty khinkali (spiced meat dumplings) and local hospitality that is legendary. Lonely Planet claims that Georgian immigration officials are so welcoming they often offer visitors glasses of red wine when they arrive in the country. Yes, please!
SRI LANKA
Oft overshadowed by its beguiling neighbour India, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of beautiful ancient monuments, colourful religious sites, awe-inspiring scenery and impressive wildlife. There a multitude of choices from the Cultural Triangle where treasure-filled caves battle for attention with ingenious rock fortresses, to the central highlands where tea pickers dot the verdant landscapes, to tropical beaches and safari adventures in national parks where elephants and leopard roam. Again this is a place I suggest you discover before everyone else does.
ANTARCTICA
While everyone else is filling cruise ships to Alaska you should go in the opposite direction and visit a place so extreme and remote that it barely feels like it's part of Earth at all. And it's exactly this otherworldliness that appeals to the adventurous souls that visit. Wildlife, monstrous glaciers Zodiac cruises through huge icebergs, museums and even polar swimming. More eco-friendly transportation is becoming available and you're guaranteed to meet other people as interesting as yourself on a trip like this. One of the most untouched and unusual places left in the world this is a journey that will get you mad props!
CHILE
This is the country that got the coveted top spot on Lonely Planet's 2018 list. Dream destinations occupy every inch of Chile’s extended land. Travellers have their choice, from the dry-bone Atacama Desert in the north, the snow-capped Andes to the east, the wild Patagonia in the south and the vast Pacific Ocean to the west. Adventure-seekers, Chile has got you covered! With 11 MILLION acres just converted into national parks the epic Route of Parks aims to save the wild beauty of Patagonia. Not just diverse landscapes, there is a delicious and colourful national culture, some of the world’s best wines to sample and friendly hospitality. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it?!
SLOVENIA
You may have noticed I prefer the less-travelled gems. That was once Croatia, but now it's a popular tourist destination. Instead visit neighbouring Slovenia. An inviting mix of Europe’s best: gorgeous wine country, breathtaking lakes and alpine meadows, ancient Mediterranean port towns, castles and caves, and the fairy-tale capital of Ljubljana. This is the place I see on travel bloggers Insta accounts, however it also made luxury travel expert Virtuoso's list. Foodies take note of Slovenia’s culinary scene. With more than 20 gastronomic regions, some 170 traditional dishes reflecting its cultural fusion with neighboring Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria, and its richly textured rebula wine, this tiny central European country is primed to be the next big thing for foodies. Yum yum!
SOUTH KOREA
South Korea is preparing to host the Winter Olympics, but folks in the know have been talking up this destination even before PyeongChang got the bid. South Korea is rich in culture, with temples dotting the landscape like exotic flowers and festivals that celebrate everything from books and music to ginger, kimchi, and soybeans. Each city has a different feel, from a NY city vibe to more laid back. About 70 percent of South Korea is made up of mountains, making it an ideal location for getting your hike on. Bukhansan National Park, outside of Seoul, is a popular destination. And then of course there is the food...from high end to street food, you will want to eat all the things! South Korea is bound to be a popular destination this year, so get in on the action.
Namibia
Sharing borders with South Africa, Botswana, and Angola, Namibia is yet another unique overlooked gem. It has some of the most varied scenery in the world, and with a sparse population of under 2.5 million, it is almost entirely untouched. It is often said that the Namibia Desert is the oldest in the entire world, and among it are miles of picturesque burnt red sand dunes, cracked dirt bordered by distant purple mountains, and wildlife that will come right up to campsites. One of the best places in the world to see the stars, miles of coastline with great surf, amazing rock formations and National Parks worth exploring and expansive game parks in the north. Is it time for you to see the big five?!
CANADA
The grand finale. Of course I am putting our majestic country on this list! And it was on many others. And I'm not just talking Toronto or Vancouver, though of course Toronto was found on a couple lists. Saskatoon was the only Canadian city to make the NY times list. As did Quebec City, Halifax and the Rockies. But there is so much more. A new national park in Labrador. G Adventures has added Churchill tours; their only Canadian tour. I know someone who took an epic kayaking trip in the Yukon. The Montreal foodie scene. There are some amazing immersive Indigenous tourism experiences. Canada was named number 1 by Lonely Planet last year; discover the unparalleled adventures to be found in our own backyard.
There you have it, my travel picks for 2018. If you would like more information on these or any other destinations, please contact me at sblock@ttand.com or visit my website shariblock.thetravelagentnextdoor.com . Happy travels!
Credits:
Created with images by Annie Spratt - "Planning for the weekend" • Marcel Fuentes - "Summer Evening" • dronepicr - "Beautiful Hotel Colombo Sri Lanka" • MemoryCatcher - "emperor penguins antarctic life" • Miguel Vera - "Atardecer en el Valle de la Luna / Sunset in the "Valley of the Moon"" • ivabalk - "ljubljana city slovenia" • Joshua_seajw92 - "pond water tree" • manuzoli - "namibia namib outdoors" • Rachel Pfuetzner - "untitled image"