Are you planning to travel next year, or have you already made the decision? This year will be more successful in obtaining passport stamps than the previous year and it will bring you even greater and more exciting adventures.
You can’t find these destinations in any travel guide. Why not travel to them?
London, New York and Bangkok were among the most visited cities in the past, and they are likely to continue climbing in the future.
You can find a more memorable travel experience if you look beyond the popular tourist destinations. Instead, explore lesser-known places.
These are 10 places you should not miss next year.
1. Herdade da Comporta, Portugal
This is the new Croatia. However, it doesn’t have the crowded beaches. Herdade da Comporta consists of several beach villages on the west coast of Portugal, about an hour drive from Lisbon. There are seven hamlets in the area: Pego (Carvalhal), Brejos Torre, Possanco and Carrasqueira. It is a popular spot for small groups from all over Europe. There are now a few hotels being built.
2. Anguilla, Caribbean
Anguilla is a great place to unwind and relax in a peaceful setting. This Caribbean island is quiet and peaceful, with no direct flights to the US and no port that cruise ships can access. It is very quiet, and there are luxurious retreats along the beaches that offer a peaceful haven for a few hours or weeks.
3. Lombok, Indonesia
Beautiful Bali without the crowds. Lombok is a great place to surf, snorkel, or simply relax on beautiful beaches. There are also amazing waterfalls and volcanoes to see. Lombok is an excellent place to learn about the Indonesian culture. The Lombok landscape and way of life have remained unchanged for hundreds years, making it a great place to engage with them.
4. Rangiroa in French Polynesia
Rangiroa, commonly known as Rangi by locals, is one of the largest atolls around the globe. It has a lagoon that is so large it could hold the entire island of Tahiti within it. Rangi, the Tuamotus archipelago’s ‘big city,’ is home to paved roads, shops and resorts as well as internet access. It is also home to some of the best diving spots in the area, with rich marine life right off shore.
5. Lofoten Islands, Norway
With the majestic mountains surrounding, you will be awestruck by Norway’s Lofoten Islands. You can do many things in the area, including hiking, fishing, surfing, and ocean rafting. Lofoten has strong connections to the Viking Age. You can also experience the Viking Age at the Lofotr Viking Museum.
6. Ladakh, India
Ladakh, although it is in the disputed Kashmir region (the border between India and China), is one of the most beautiful areas in the region. The beautiful Pangong Tso lake is lined with majestic mountains. Ladakh has very simple life and is not for those who want luxury or easy travel. Road access can be difficult and requires you to cross high passes that close from October to May.
7. Luzon, Philippines
Luzon is both the largest and most populous of the Philippines’ islands. You will find stunning mountains, volcanoes bubbling and lush tropical rainforests here. While the north is more religiously and ethnically diverse, the south is famous for its breathtaking scenery.
8. Oaxaca (Mexico)
The Sierra Norte Mountains, in the Oaxaca Region of Mexico, is a great place to go on a culturally rich hiking adventure. The Sierra Norte Mountains is a biodiversity hotspot. They are home to the Zapotec indigenous Zapotec people who will gladly welcome you to their village and share their way of living. You can also go rafting in the turquoise river or charter a boat to Oaxaca’s coast and watch for humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles.
9. Sossusvlei, Namib Desert Namibia
Many people associate Africa with safaris and beach holidays. Why not try hopping in the Namibian desert dunes? These sand dunes, often called the largest in the world offer a variety of activities.
10. Bilbao, Spain
Instead of visiting Madrid, explore Bilboa this year, Spain’s capital for modern architecture. The Guggenheim Museum by Frank Gehry and the Isozaki Atea, two stunning 23-story residential towers made of glass designed by Arata Isozaki (Japanese architect) are some highlights. You can still enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine in one of the many restaurants, even though Bilboa has a more modern feel than other parts of Spain.
