It’s that time of the year when you start pondering over your travel plans for the year 2017. How about a romantic escapade; a journey into the past; a nature trail; a hiking expedition; an adventurous trip or why not a bit of everything this year? Let’s look at some of best destinations to visit in 2017. (Some of these might already be on your bucket list, they’re definitely on ours! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION about our upcoming trips!)
ITALY
Italy is already on the list of best travel destinations for most travellers. Pleasant weather, extraordinary food, scenic countryside, fabulous wine, and rich history make it a brilliant country to visit. To be able to walk through the Colosseum where great Roman leaders like Caeser watched gladiators and champions test each other, is truly an unparalleled experience .
You can also take advantage of the opportunity to see famous old paintings, visit beautiful churches, and interesting monuments. Relish the romantic vibe of Venice, the exotic vineyards of Tuscany, stunning views of Cinque Terre, and laidback lifestyle of Southern Italy. There is plenty waiting for you here.
We’re definitely heading to Italy this year. CLICK HERE to stay updated about our Italy trips.
France
France will never cease to amaze you. Whether you are relishing life at a chateau in the Loire valley, cycling around Provence, sunbathing in the French Riviera, gorging on food in Lyon or simply enjoying city life in Paris, you’ll find a variety of travel experiences here.
While most countries have an on and off season, France can be visited at any time of the year. Skiing enthusiasts can enjoy one of the many ski resorts during winter; springtime is for those wanting to enjoy the countryside; beaches are buzzing with activity during the summer and fall is the best time for a quiet holiday.
Sweden
Sweden is perfect for those who’d like a whiff of fresh air in 2017.
Be it skiing in a resort, tracking a reindeer, sleeping in igloos made of ice, catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights, driving your own dog sled, catching fish from frozen lakes, trying your hand at snowmobiling, experiencing Sami culture, or shopping at traditional markets, there is a plethora of unique adventures in this country.
You just have to make a trip to Stockholm to take walks along the coast or simply sit in one of the bars and enjoy a beer as you overhear the Swedes talking about life, sports, and music. CLICK HERE TO STAY UPDATED ABOUT OUR UPCOMING TRIPS.
Vietnam
Whether you are a backpacker; a seasoned traveler; travelling with family or friends; or a young couple, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in Vietnam. Rich culture, stunning landscapes, peaceful beaches, modest countryside, mouth-watering food or whatever the experience you seek, there is no better place than here. (Intrigued already? Join one of our exclusive group trips to Vietnam for a travel experience like no other. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION).
The mountains of the north, the delta of the south, and the beaches make for perfect stops along the way. No matter where your route takes you, you will be able to experience both the chaos of the bigger cities and the calmness of the smaller towns. But no matter where you are, you will be welcomed with smiles and kind words from the Vietnamese.
The key to travelling to Vietnam is to have ample time and soak in the essence of local life at your leisure, so don’t forget to sit back and sip on a hot cup of civet coffee.
Our travellers love Vietnam. CLICK HERE to read why so many of them are full of praise for this country.
South Africa
Infused with vibrant culture and with wildlife at its doorstep, South Africa offers a rare blend of modernity, culture, wild spaces and wildlife like nowhere else in the world.
Be it visiting cities like Cape Town; exploring the Drakensberg Mountains; roaming around a game reserve; enjoying world class spa facilities; teeing off on a phenomenal golf course; watching whales play peek a boo; sampling award-winning wines, South Africa is a destination of choice for those looking for an exciting and memorable holiday.
Apart from being a very affordable destination with numerous accommodation options, it has plenty of sunshine throughout the year so you are not restricted to travelling at a certain time of the year.
Jordan
Spectacular!! That’s the word for Jordan. But no words can truly describe the feeling of intrigue, inspiration, peace and romance that comes with a trip to Jordan.
The incredible archaeological ruins of the likes of Petra will leave you awestruck. Exploring its natural beauty is one of the best aspects of traveling to Jordan. Unravel the mystery of the Dead Sea, Red Sea, and Wadi Rum. It’s an absolute must-see for history buffs. (We’ve got several group trips to Jordan already in our calendar! CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON PRICE, DATES and EARLY-BIRD DISCOUNTS)
Should you choose to be extremely outdoorsy there are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing, skydiving, snorkeling, hot air ballooning, camping and camel riding? Experience the desert landscape as you hike through valleys and hidden oases of Wadi Rum. It doesn’t have to be totally adrenaline pumping either. There is ample room to relax and soak up the natural beauty.
CLICK HERE to read what our women travellers to Jordan have to say about their experience.
Kenya
Ever dreamed of lazy afternoons out on a beach with just a book and a beer in hand, soaking up the sun and looking far into the horizon. That’s exactly what you can do on a holiday in Kenya.
Kenya is like a huge melting pot of endless fun and adventure set amidst awe-inspiring mountain ranges, white sandy beaches, lush green savannahs, soothing hot springs, untouched forests and barren deserts. It’s arguably one of the best places to go in 2017.
Experience strong virtues of traditional African culture in a way that you’ve never done before. Get up close with wildebeests and exotic wildlife at Maasai Mara. Give yourself an opportunity to see the “Big Five” at one of the many gaming reserves aboard a hot air balloon. Witness the best-preserved Swahili settlement in Kenya’s oldest living city.
Taiwan
If you’re still unsure about where to travel in 2017, we definitely recommend Taiwan. This modest island of contrasts is one of the best under-the-radar destinations that you should visit before everyone else gets clued in.
The country has a little bit of everything, from visually stunning temples to amazing natural hot springs and packed nightclubs to busy shopping districts. A visit to the world’s only accessible seawater hot spring, the Sunrise Spring on Green Island this year will surely make you feel on top of the world. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll find delectable traditional meals of seafood with sweet potatoes, taro root and green vegetables in luxury restaurants and the roadside stands will have everything from fish ball soup and taro ice cream.
Rwanda
It’s an understatement to say that getting to see endangered mountain gorillas in real life and up close is one of the most thrilling adventures you’ll go on. The Land of Thousand Hills, Rwanda provides travellers with this rare opportunity.
While gorilla tours allure travellerss to this part of the world, the reformed city of Kigali, freshwater lake of Kivu and signature Rwandan cuisine, are also a big draw. A riverboat cruise along the Akagera National Park is something to watch out for if you do plan a trip to Rwanda in 2017 as it is set to become another “Big Five” destination.
It would be a crime to spend less than a week exploring the pristine forests and national parks of Rwanda.
(P.S. We’re going to Rwanda this year! CLICK HERE to keep an eye on our upcoming trips!)
China
Want to start the year 2017 with an exotic travel experience? Head to China.
Be ready to be exposed to rich Chinese culture, marvel at diverse architectural feats and immerse yourself in the spectacular natural beauty of this great country. You never know what new experience you are going to encounter every day.
One experience that you definitely should not miss is visiting pandas, one of the cutest and most iconic creatures on the planet.
Well, it’s never too easy to zero in on a destination that fulfills all your desires. At least now you have the list of best destinations to visit in 2017. Just pick one, and make this year one of the best. Now, get planning!
We’re going to Vietnam, Rwanda, Jordan, Italy and South Africa this year, amongst many many other countries!! CLICK HERE to view our current trips and upcoming trips! Plus, if you SIGN UP, you’ll be the first to hear about exclusive early-bird discounts and offers!
This post was written by Lakshmi Subramanian, a freelance travel writer who loves to explore new places and try out new things. Her dream is to travel around the world with just a backpack and an SLR. She is also passionate about dance, photography, and cooking. She is a proud mother of Dhruv, a 6-year-old karate champion, and dance enthusiast.
Featured image source: XRO Studios