The Top 10 Destinations for 2017
There is no shortage of amazing travel opportunities in this hyper-globalized and fast-changing world. But not to worry, PKT has done the work for you and rooted out the best for you to explore in 2017. As you can see, there’s a ton to cover, so get your passports ready. The world is waiting.
1. Myanmar (formerly Burma)
This lesser known, but soon to be very well known Southeast
Asian gem should be at the top of everyone’s list for a few reasons. It still has the aura of Thailand did 25 years
ago before it was overrun by travelers.
It’s on the verge of becoming mainstream and as foreign investors look
to develop hotels to keep up with demand.
The people are friendly and welcoming – you’re likely to be approached
with a warm smile and a “Hello – what’s your name?” The ancient temples in Bagan are out of a
movie scene. Add a hot-air balloon to
the mix, and it’s magic in Myanmar.
2. Australia + New Zealand
Australia has been on many “must visit” lists for a long
time, so you may be wondering why it made the list this year. Three words – Great. Barrier. Reef. This gigantic natural wonder is literally
dying. Up to 50% mortality in the reef
from coral bleaching has been found by divers off Cape York, Australia’s
northeast tip. The Australian government
announced that death among the many organisms that construct the reef’s
structure likely linked to rising temperatures in the ocean. Unfortunately, this is part of a global trend
– about 12% of the world’s reefs have bleached.
Make sure you don’t miss it.
New Zealand already extremely popular, but apparently we
haven’t seen anything yet. In the last 4
years, this bursting island nation has seen visitor growth on an insane
level. Before it gets overrun and even
more expensive, make sure you visit.
There is something everyone, whether it’s nature, culture, active
adventures, or just pure relaxation.
There the number of luxury
properties as well as budget-friendly alternatives. Just don’t wait any longer.
3. Sri Lanka
Watch out world, Sri Lanka is ready for its close-up. After years of a sad and debilitating civil
war, peace has found its way to this pearl shaped island nation. It is off the beaten path but also not that
far a flight from any of the major gateways from India, making it a nice side
trip for those visiting India. The sweet
and spicy cuisine will have you hooked – it’s always fresh, inviting,
challengingly-SPICY, and very cheap.
Wildlife lovers will be happy to know that the country is home to
approximately 5,000 elephants. It’s one
time you won’t mind traffic due to letting one of these magnificent beasts
cross the road. Add in the fact that
the island is littered with adventurous, amazing, and affordable
accommodations, and you will find that there is a hotel or resort worthy of
whatever your idea of a holiday is. Stay
in a treetop overlooking the Yala National Park? Check.
Prefer to wake up to a view of a waterfall at Ramboda Falls? Got you covered there too.
4. Cuba
If there is one place that needs to be visited as soon as
possible, it’s Cuba. Recently opening
its doors to Americans, it will soon be over-run by travelers who have been
waiting for decades to explore all this beautiful island nation has to offer. Havana is a pulsing center of history,
culture, music, and warm and welcoming Cuban people. There are no direct flights from LAX and EWR,
so getting there has never been easier.
Importantly, President-Elect Trump’s position on the changes that
President Obama made with regard to the ability to travel to Cuba is
unknown. It is possible that he may once
again impose more strict travel restrictions, making it difficult to visit the
Pearl of the Caribbean. Visit as soon as
you can.
5. Uganda
With its sprawling savannas, dense misty forests,
snow-peaked mountains, and glassy lakes, one comes to understand why Uganda is
known as the “Pearl of Africa”. Uganda
is home to half of all the world’s mountain gorillas, but there are a number of
other astounding attractions for those who are lucky enough to make it
here. Once devastated by a dark past
under the Lord’s Resistance Army and Idi Amin, Uganda is now widely regarded as
one of Africa’s safest destinations. Be
it trekking volcanoes, wildlife safaris, or white-water rafting, Uganda and
it’s lovely terrain has you covered.
Tracking mountain gorillas is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime experience
and while it might set you back a few bucks, nothing will prepare you for the
rush of seeing a baby gorilla somersaulting to entertain you. And the awe of staring a silverback gorilla
is one that will surely stay in your heart long after you’ve left the Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest.
6. Patagonia
The Edge of The World - a dramatic, vast, and remote
wilderness with rugged ice fields, luminous lakes, jagged mountains, and
emerald forests, Patagonia is awe-inspiring on several levels. Home to Torres del Paine National Park, which
some call the most stunning in the world, Patagonia is the world’s ultimate
playground for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Fortunately for explorers of this terrain,
the landscape has registered the very little human impact. You won’t see many other humans besides
fellow hikers, a few local gauchos, and trekkers. Patagonia will, at times, feel like you have
the entire place to yourself. It is one
of the world’s best-kept secrets – discover it yourself.
7. Peru
A distinct fusion of ancient and modern, Peru welcomes all
to its glory with open arms and Incan hearts (no, of course not real ones
;)). The highlight of all highlights is,
of course, Machu Picchu – but this is a country of over 5,000 years of history
and civilizations. Downtown Lima is a
bustling metropolis but just hours away are huge sand dunes and the Pacific
Ocean’s crashing waves. Need some
adventure on your Peruvian journey? This
vast country will not disappoint – hiking, trekking, bike trails, and
paragliding all abound. But the true
adventure enthusiasts should make their way to the Amazon jungle to try to
catch a glimpse of the once-endangered Blue Macaw. Ancient civilizations that set the stage for
many of our modern technological advances can be seen dotted around Peru. But keep in mind, this is a big place… take
it in small pieces and truly savor the true Peru.
8. South Africa
The Rainbow Nation is all about diversity. Whether it’s the diversity of its people or
landscape, South Africa is home to a country that shares cultures from Africa,
Europe, and Asia. It’s a melting pot
that’s a delight for the senses. The
minute your feet hit the sands of South Africa, you might not ever want to
leave. If you’re a believer in the
“variety is the spice of life”, then the cuisine and drinks will not be a let
down for you. Diversity in South Africa
is epitomized by the menus in the restaurants.
Indian food, African food, Dutch food, and Malay food will all find
their way into your stomach via many of Cape Town’s numerous bistros and cafes
that are home to world-class chefs. It
hasn’t been all easy for South Africa however, and coming here and not learning
about its history would be to miss a very important part of what makes the
country and its people who they are today.
Last but not least, South Africa is home to the world-famous Kruger
National Park, as well as many other private game reserves that present great
opportunities to see the Big Five.
9. Russia
Negative news headlines aside, Russia is a magnificent
country that should be seen up close and personal. Home to the largest city in Europe, and also
the largest country in the world by size, Russia is a country that is
guaranteed to intrigue and amaze, for all the right reasons. Moscow will captivate you with the legendary
St. Basil’s Cathedral and its beautiful onion domes and candy-shop colors. Peter the Great was the founder of St.
Petersburg and its history are haunting.
In its heyday, St. Petersburg was hailed as the “Venice of the North,”
and its architectural beauty will leave you awestruck. Peter’s successors continued to improve upon
their base (which was once nothing more than swampland) by importing famous
European architects to impose their visions of palaces and cathedrals to the
city. For art lovers, the Hermitage is
waiting for you. Home to Picassos, Da
Vincis, and Egyptian mummies, it can easily be explored for days on end. Go ahead, take a look behind the once-called
“Iron Curtain” – we think you’ll love what you see.
10. Iceland
The Land of Ice and Fire is one of the hottest (and coolest)
places to travel to now. And with good
reason. This island nation is much more
than just a cold place with glaciers. It is one of the best places in the world
to behold the amazing wonder that is the Northern Lights. While they make look like magic, the
scientific explanation for aurora borealis is that highly charged electrons
from solar wind blitz the upper atmosphere.
Probably easier to just call it magic.
And yes, it is called Iceland for a reason. There are more than 4,500 miles of glacier,
accompanied by volcanoes, drifting iceberg, beaches of black lava, and steaming
geysers. Last, but certainly not least,
is the legendary Blue Lagoon. This
serene and all natural geothermal spa will leave you relaxed, rejuvenated, and
ready to take on all that Iceland has to offer.
And it is A LOT. Get there before
the hordes of travelers do.