We recently chose our top destinations for the upcoming year in travel. The list is divided into 4 segments and includes something for every travel style – from urban destinations to cultural and foodie hotspots, to places ripe for exploration and adventure, and locations that are maybe new on your radar. You’ll find the complete list here; “Part 1, Top Urban Destinations,” here; “Part 2, Top Cultural and Foodie Hot Spots here; and “Part 3, Top Places Exploration and Adventure,” here.
Our final focus is on places that may be new on your radar. These 7 fascinating destinations made our list: Ljubljana, Slovenia; Pantelleria, Italy; Busan, South Korea; Nepal; Abu Dhabi; Kazakhstan; and Nordeney, Germany. And, we picked two to watch—St. Helena and Houston, Texas. Here’s why these are worth your attention.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The medieval fortress, Ljubljana Castle, stands watch over the city center where a funicular transports tourists up for a closer look. And the emerald-green Ljubljana River flows through the heart of the city. This is Ljubljana: Slovenia’s capital and largest city.
It’s green here—and not just in Tivoli City Park where formal gardens, paved pathways, and grassy picnic areas await. Ljubljana was given the Green Capital of Europe Award by the European Commission in 2016, as it’s one of world’s most sustainable cities. In 2017, it was ranked on the global list of the top 100 sustainable destinations for the third time.
With the river at its heart, picturesque bridges add to the ambience of the city. Dating back to the 13th-century, Cobbler’s Bridge is the oldest among them. Triple Bridge is a series of three bridges connecting Ljubljana’s medieval town with the modern city. And the pedestrian friendly Art Nouveau Dragon Bridge is lined with dragon statues.
Be sure to set aside time to explore the surrounding countryside of Central Slovenia where you’ll find a wealth of natural beauty, excellent cuisine, and cultural experiences like Velika Planina—one of Europe’s few surviving high mountain villages where the culture of traditional Alpine herdsmen is still alive.
Pantelleria, Italy
Located between Sicily and Tunisia, the island of Pantelleria is the “black pearl of the Mediterranean,” relatively undiscovered by the throngs of tourists visiting Italy each year. Characterized by its rugged volcanic outcrop, Pantelleria is a thing of beauty with terraced slopes, jagged lava stone, and dwarf vines. Take a boat excursion and snorkel at one of the island’s dazzling secluded coves, like Balata dei Turchi, Cala Tramontana, or Cala Levante.
With its proximity to Tunisia (roughly 40 miles), you’ll find a heavy North African influence throughout the island. Flat houses crowned with white-domes blend into the landscape. And the cuisine includes couscous, pine nuts, dried fruits, honey, and spices found in typical North African dishes.
You won’t find designer shops here, but you might find a designer. Gorgio Armani has a villa here, and in recent years, the island has been discovered by other celebrities, including Sting and Madonna. You’ll also find peace and serenity in the therapeutic mud baths of Specchio di Venere. This heart-shaped lake in a volcanic crater is fed by rainwater, and its hot springs display ever-changing colors of emerald, turquoise, and deep blue. Embrace the ritual of slathering on the mineral rich mud then rinsing off in the soothing waters.
Busan, South Korea
Rugged mountain ranges crisscrossing Busan define its geography. Known for its beaches, mountains, and temples, this bustling port city is decidedly urban but with a more laid-back vibe than Seoul. The splendid Beomeo-sa Temple, a Buddhist shrine founded in 678 A.D., is emblematic of Busan’s beautiful architecture. The temple is at the base of Geumjeong Mountain which provides a spectacular backdrop.
The popular Haeundae Beach is home to Folk Square. The center focuses on teaching Korean culture, including traditional old Korean games: Tug-of-war, anyone? Several festivals are held in the area including the Busan International Film Festival, which attracted 300 films from 75 countries in 2017.
If you love seafood, Busan’s largest fish market will entice you to linger for hours, assuming you can handle the smell of fish. It begins outside the main building where narrow alleyways lined with rickety carts and decades-old stalls display an unexpected variety. The seafood spectacle continues inside as vendors offer Busan favorites—crabs and eels—alongside nearly every other sea creature. After making your purchase, the fishmonger will direct you to a second-floor seating area where your fish will be prepared.
Nepal
Shaken to its core in the horrific 2015 earthquake, Nepal has been steadily recovering and is eager to welcome visitors back. Explore its landscapes of lush fertile farmland, snow covered mountains, and untouched natural forests. The Nepalese are also eager to share their country’s uniquely diverse culture.
In Nepal, two of the world’s oldest religions combine: Hinduism and Buddhism. With a history dating back thousands of years, Nepal is home to some of the oldest religious sites. And Nepal is the only place in the world where you can get a glimpse of a living goddess.
Visit the Kumari Ghar at Basantapur where the Goddess Kumari resides. And if you time your visit for late August or early September, you can join in the country’s most vibrant festival—Indra Jatra, where the Kumari is paraded across the city in her golden palanquin.
Home to the snow-capped Himalayas and the towering giant, Mount Everest, Nepal is perhaps best known for trekking, and there are plenty of well-established trails in the Everest and Annapurna areas. But don’t worry, you don’t have to tackle Everest or Annapurna to enjoy trekking here. There are trails suitable for a variety of fitness levels—even treks suitable for families with children.
Abu Dhabi
Just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat Island (Happiness Island) is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a world class leisure, residential, business, and cultural hub of global proportions. The island will include the first outpost of the Louvre outside of Paris, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and the Zayed National Museum.
Abu Dhabi’s top attraction is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque where Moroccan, Persian, and Arab influences are present in the sensational edifice of domes, minarets, and reflecting pools. The mosque has the capacity for 41,000 worshipers, and non-Muslim visitors are welcome. Another must-see is the Emirates Palace, a $3 billion hotel with an abundance of gold leaf and marble.
Shopping is plentiful, and if amusement parks are your thing, Abu Dhabi has some thrillers. Check out Ferrari World where you can ride the world’s fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of almost 150 mph in less than five seconds.
Kazakhstan
Located in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country in the world, and the world’s largest landlocked country. It has been a historical crossroads and home to numerous different peoples, states, and empires throughout history. The result is an authentic, unique culture of its own.
For nature and animal lovers, Kazakhstan is a bucket list destination. An estimated 122 mammal species, 500 bird species, and 107 species of fish inhabit this country, which is also home to more than 6000 species of plants. To preserve these, a network of parks and nature reserves has been established. Aksu Zhabagly Nature Preserve is one of the most well-known, and it’s the habitat of the snow leopard (along with other rare animals).
Think tulips came from Holland? Think again. Aksu Zhabagly is also known as the “Kingdom of Tulips” and is believed to be the place where these beloved flowers originated—long before they were introduced in Holland.
Kazakhstan has a range of high, middle, and low mountains bathed in an abundance of natural beauty which attracts trekkers from all over the world. Its largest city, Almaty, sits at the foot of Tien Shan Mountain, the highest of the mountains with a peak at roughly 23,000 feet (should you wish to give that trek a try)!
Nordeney, Germany
Referred to as the “Queen of the North” by the Germans, Nordeney is relatively undiscovered—at least for non-Germans. It’s location in the far north explains why: a flight to Hamburg, a four-hour train to Norddeich Mole, and 45 minutes on a ferry are required to reach the second largest of seven populated East Frisian Islands.
But once you arrive, you’ll be richly rewarded for your efforts. Michelin starred restaurants, white sand beaches, World Heritage listed nature with unique bird life, tidal flats, and award-winning spas await—along with more than 100 historical buildings scattered throughout.
The biggest reasons Germans happily make the trek to Norderney is simple: Thalasso. Norderny is home to one of Europe’s largest Thalasso Centers. Thalasso is a therapy style based on the healing powers of water, salt, air, silt, and algae—all found in abundance on Norderney and in the surrounding Wadden Sea. With over 86,000 square feet, the Badehaus offers sea water pools of varying temperatures, water slides, and rain showers (and was awarded “Best Public Bath” by the European Health & Spa Awards 2015). Perhaps it’s time to visit this Queen of the North.
And now, the ones to watch:
Saint Helena
It’s the most remote island in the world; a volcanic outcrop encompassing 47 square miles. The tiny isolated British island of Saint Helena isn’t easy to reach. Access required a five-night voyage by sea from Cape Town. But recently, Saint Helena welcomed its first scheduled commercial flight to the island’s first airport, so the door to Saint Helena has been opened. Stay tuned.
Houston, Texas
Early in 2017, all eyes were on Houston, Texas as the city hosting the Super Bowl. Later in the year all eyes were on it again as Hurricane Harvey brought widespread flooding and devastation.
Houston suffered. But, as America’s fourth largest city, Houston is still a thriving metropolis with an array of world class museums, a fabulous zoo, restaurants of every variety, and of course, cowboys. Harvey wasn’t welcome, but you are. Keep an eye on it. Houston will be back and bigger than ever—of course it will, it’s Texas.
