The end of year seasonal holiday brings with it some well-loved festivities that we wouldn’t encounter at any other time of year. We love this season, but we also love planning our vacation for next year. If you’re longing for a warmer climate and a change of scene, these are going to be the hottest vacation destinations for 2017.
1. The Azores, Portugal. Heading up Lonely Planet’s hottest travel destinations or 2017, the Azores is in a prime location for America and Europe and isn’t too busy. It’s a natural area with volcanoes, little villages, hot springs, craters and cliffs and an abundance of tropical nature. The Azores have seen a 31% increase in tourism over the last 12 months, and it’s only set to grow – so if you’re interested in going. You should go now.
2. Guatemala
Guatemala is rich with archaeological must-see sights such as Tikal or Copán, just off the Honduran border, though smaller remains of Mayan buildings can be observed all over Guatemala. From volcanoes to lakes and mountain tops, Guatemala has impressive natural landscapes fit for any active adventurer. Jungle trekking, water rafting, and cave exploration are just some of the activities that await. Cobblestone streets and picturesque buildings aren’t hard to come by, so with the combination of stunning natural and man-made scenery you won’t be short of capturing the best snaps.
3. The Philippines
There’s a lot to love about this Southeast Asian island nation beauty, from its huge metropolis to its emerald green rice fields. But if there is one thing that is treasured in abundance about The Philippines, it’s the beaches. Palawan has been ranked number 1 for two years running according to Condé Nast Traveler’s ‘The 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World’ list, which claims that the beaches of El Nido offer the finest white beaches and sea water that is so blue it makes the Caribbean Sea seem inadequate. So whether you’re looking to swim with sharks in Bicol, take a dip in the natural lagoon of Miniloc, or relax under the plentiful coconut trees, The Philippines is the place to be.
4. South Africa
From landscape, languages to food, the Rainbow Nation of South Africa is a vast travel destination which rightly pulls on the heart strings of many travelers. With a coast that is spread over 1,500 miles, the Kalahari Desert in the north and the popular vineyards of the southwest, South Africa has diverse geography. Travelers looking to explore European-style cityscapes, cultural activities, the finest restaurants and beaches could look no further than Cape Town, but if it’s the vast expanses of safari wilderness you’re after head north to Mpumalanga to quench your adventurous desires.
5. Papua New Guinea
Just north of Australia lies the eastern half of the world’s second largest island, Papua New Guinea. For many, the island has been dubbed as an explorer’s paradise, with 80% of Papua New Guinea’s natives living in rural areas with little to no access to modern facilities, travelers ready to experience this Island are in for a real adventure. Discovering tropical fjords, trekking the Kokoda Track, getting to grips with the fascinating tribal culture it accommodates and exploring the mountainous terrains and jungles, will ensure that your trip to Papua New Guinea is packed with the type of ventures that will leave you awe-inspired.
Discovering tropical fjords, trekking the Kokoda Track, getting to grips with the fascinating tribal culture it accommodates and exploring the mountainous terrains and jungles, will ensure that your trip to Papua New Guinea is packed with the type of ventures that will leave you awe-inspired.
6. French Polynesia
Located in the South Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia is comprised of more than a hundred idyllic islands which have been divided into five different island groups. Moorea, Tahiti, and Bora Bora are to name just a few of the treasured landscapes located in The Society Islands of French Polynesia. With moss-green mountain peaks and turquoise lagoons, the islands of French Polynesia promise the dream-like experience of laid-back island culture.
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