Top 10 Travel Destinations for 2017

The end of the year is in sight, which can only mean one thing… we’re already planning our holidays for 2017!

If you’re in need of a little wanderlust inspiration, the experts at Flight Centre have rounded up ten of the hottest destinations for the upcoming twelve months; these hotspots will shake up your holiday hit-list.

New year, new adventures – we like the sound of that! 

Nha Trang, Vietnam

The vibe here is fun and laid-back, which is why Nha Trang has rapidly become Vietnam’s beach resort capital. While there is plenty of action to been joyed in and out of the water, there’s nothing quite like simply lounging theday away on a sun bed (cocktail optional).

Once a quiet sleeping village, this popularresort town is home to one of the most beautiful bays in the world – think pristine beaches, turquoise waters and fantastic scuba dives. Find your inner zen at the ancient Po Nagar Cham Towers, a series of stunning intricately-carved Buddhist temples, before heading for a mud bath in Nha Trang’s famed hot springs andhitting the town for a delicious fresh seafood feast.

Okinawa, Japan

Say Konichiwa to a whole new side of Japan in the shape of Okinawa, with China Eastern offering direct flights to Naha.

Closer to Taiwan than Tokyo, this series of islands has its own laidback charm, with a sub-tropical climate that promotes a wonderful array of flora and fauna; snorkelling and diving opportunities abound, with manta rays, hammerhead sharks and stunning coral reefs all waiting to be discovered. Captivating elements of Okinawa’s past – including the magnificent Shuri Castle and fascinating exhibits at the Prefectural Museum – sit alongside incredible beaches, tranquil gardens and out-of-this-world jungle treks, making this a sunshine getaway with something for everyone.

Lisbon & Porto, Portugal

If you’re ticking off your European bucket list,Portugal is the latest hipster hotspot dujour. This creative and cultural hub is an exciting blend of old and new with a sun-soaked Mediterranean climate to boot.

Come discover the azulejo-tiled delights of the country’s capital Lisbon, with its scenic hillsides, stunning architecture, vibrant markets and enthralling museums. Portugal’s second biggest city, Porto, is just as captivating, with spectacular baroque churches and lively tavernas waiting around every cobble-stoned corner. Foodies rejoice – Portuguese cuisine is divine and a freshly baked pata negra (egg tart) is a must-eat… if you manage to stop at only one, that is!

Palawan, Philippines

If you’re in need of a blissed-out beach getawaythat doesn’t feel like the whole of the world is there with you, Palawan is the place to be.

Often voted the best beaches in the Philippines, this island idyll plays host to alluring aquamarine waters, soft white sands, secret lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs – the kind of tropical paradise youthought only existed in your imagination. Go diving amongst WWII shipwrecks inthe awe-inspiring Coron reefs, befriend amazing exotic creatures in the wildlife sanctuaries or get the adrenaline pumping with a kayaking adventure.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Turn your Europe-bound Ethihad Airways’ stopover into something more special with a stay in Abu Dhabi.

This is a city that isn’t afraid to do things by halves – where the malls are bigger, the towers higher and the hotels blingier! Sprawling malls and bustling markets provide plenty of shopping opportunities, but there’s definitely more to Abu Dhabi – including the sweeping Corniche waterfront and striking Sheikh Zayed Mosque. For something totally different, have a flutter at the camel races or brave a rollercoaster ride on the dunes with a desert safari.

Java & Komodo Island, Indonesia

Comprising over 17,500 islands, each with itsown distinct climate and culture, there’s far more to Indonesia than Bali’sfamous beaches.

Culture vultures should add Central Javanesetemple Borobudur to their relic Rolodex; this ninth-century UNESCO World Heritage site is every bit as compelling as Angkor Wat, but far more serene. Speaking of roads less travelled, East Java’s Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park boasts Indonesia’s only sand sea, alongside Mount Bromo, an active volcano within the famous Pacific Basin “Ring of Fire”. Finally, Komodo Island is home to the not only the eponymous “Dragon” (actuallythe world’s largest lizard), but also some of the world’s best diving.

Nepal 

Nestled up on the world’s rooftop, Nepal offers visitors an experience that is literally breathtaking, due to both its stunning scenery and its high altitude.

Home to eight of the world’s ten tallest mountains, including Everest itself, pack your hiking boots for a trek led by one of Nepal’s famously fearless and knowledgeable Ghurka guides. Nepal is a culturally rich country, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lumbinī is known as Buddha’s birthplace, remaining an important pilgrimage site to this day.

Hawaii, USA

Aloha! Rightly famous for its jaw-dropping sunsets, rugged island landscape and pristine beaches, gorgeous Hawaii is all your wildest travel dreams come true.

This isolated archipelago has been a US statesince 1959, but proudly retains its own distinct culture. Whether you’re looking to sharpen up your surfing skills, relax on a family bucket-and-spadebeach break, get romantic on your honeymoon or test your limits with some adrenaline-soaked activities (shark diving and zip-lining, anyone?), Hawaii has all you need and then some. 

Luang Prabang, Laos

Shhh, let's keep this one a secret! A country relatively untouched by the modern world, Laos is just about as close as you'll get to an escape from contemporary life.

Luang Prabang’s well-preserved traditional architecture sits cheek-by-jowl with its French colonial buildings, resulting in a serene and atmospheric city stroll. Make time for a day of temple hopping, taking inthe iconic bird-shaped roof of Wat Xieng Thong. Set an early alarm and catch sunrise at Mount Phousi, before breakfasting on the freshest fruit of your life from Luang Prabang’s vibrant morning market.

Tel Aviv, Israel

With the news that Cathay Pacific is launching direct flights from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv in 2017, we have yet another dynamic destination for our European bucket list. Fly from China to Hong Kong and then to one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East, this vibrant metropolis boasts a sun-soaked coastline, hip and happening artscene and gourmet delights galore.

Top of the Tel Aviv to-do list is a free walking tour around the city’s incredible Bauhaus architecture, which has earned it the nickname of the “White City”, not to mention UNESCO World Heritage status. Balmy beaches should satisfy your inner sun-seeker,w hilst the abundance of galleries, museums, cafés and boutiques mean this is a city best explored on foot… you never know what charming new place you’ll stumble upon next.

… And one for the diary, Palau

If ten destinations aren’t enough to sate your wanderlust, then the eleventh may! This far-flung archipelago in the western Pacific is accessible from China via connecting flights in Japan, Korea or Taiwan.

Still very much off the beaten path in travel terms, Palau merges Japanese, Micronesian and Melanesian influences into its own unique cultural blend, and visitors who make the journey are rewarded with unforgettable flora and fauna. Head to Jellyfish Lake – without the threat of predators, the lake’s jellyfish population have evolvedwithout stings, making this the most memorable swim of your life.

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