Happy New Year, Travelers! If you started the year already thinking about the destinations of the coming trips, here is an overview of the 10 top destinations to visit in 2018, which promise authentic and engaging experiences in contact with nature, culture and local traditions. Inq this roundup, created in collaboration with the experts of CartOrange, there are emerging destinations, still little jokes from mass tourism, but also countries to be rediscovered along alternative routes or perhaps on the occasion of international events. Your choice!
Index of Article
1. South Africa: the nature and wines you do not expect
South Africa top destination 2018 because it offers very different experiences, from sighting the fauna to food and wine tastings. In South Africa you can explore different natural environments.
The Stony Point Nature Reserve hosts one of the largest African penguins in the world and along the way you can see whales approaching the coast (June to November). In Hermanus, a town nestled between the mountains and the sea, you can also admire from the ground the Southern Franciscan whales, which approach the coast in the months of southern winter.
Not only, the surroundings of Cape Town reserve surprises to wine lovers. The Elgin Valley, with its family-run wineries and its "Farm Stall", typical retail outlets for local farms, is an ideal place for a food and wine experience.
2. Bali (Indonesia): sport and traditions in contact with locals
It is among the trend destinations of 2018 for the possibility of making active tourism but at the same time relaxing. Many of the experiences to be missed: trekking/cycling between the rice and the rural villages of Bali; horseback riding along the volcanic beaches of Saba; rafting in the Ayung valley and panoramic lunch in Ubud with a view of the the most beautiful laughs of the world (Jatiluwih). Indonesia is a country of great culture and tradition that will fascinate those who are interested in the authentic life of local people.
3. Thailand: romance in the foreground
It is in this top ten especially for its "accessible luxury". The Thailand is in fact the destination perfect for a romantic trip. On the beaches of Koh Samui you can enjoy romantic dinners on the beach, spend boat days discovering beautiful seabeds and unspoilt nature, making cruises at sunset and wellness treatments, not to mention urban luxury Bangkok.
Among the experiences not to be missed, the diving at Hat Yai Island, accessible from the coast of Trang, where there are incredible underwater caves; exploring the mysterious interiors is an unforgettable emotion, with stalactites looming more than 30 meters.
4. Canada: pristine nature and alternative carnival
The right destination for those looking for unspoilt nature but also wants to discover a country with a high wellness index. The two faces of Canada in fact guarantee different types of experiences, especially in contact with the fauna of the parks, such as excursions in Zodiac from Tofino with sighting of bears and cetaceans, and in contact with the locals, such as the visit of the Sucrerie between Montreal and Quebec.
Unlike what you might think, it is an interesting destination not only in summer. In this regard, one not to be missed is the Quebec City winter carnival that takes place from 1954, from the end of January to the middle of February: an opportunity to have fun with night parades, sled races driven by dogs, rafting and canoe on the snow, ice fishing, snowmobile competitions, gala evenings with costume dances and much more.
5. Iceland: film landscapes and relaxation in hot springs
Considered for years off the beatest routes, it is experiencing a moment of great discovery by tourists, but still remains the ideal destination for those who want a holiday away from civilization, in contact with nature and almost "lunar" landscapes, set of numerous films and TV series, starting from Game of Thrones.
But it is not only a hostile environment for extreme travelers: you can find relaxation in the many thermal baths fed by hot springs, relax in charming thermal baths and enjoy the city life of Rejkjavik, one of the most lively in Europe.
6. Namibia: in the desert, under the stars
It appears between African destinations because safe and accessible. It offers a lot from a naturalistic point of view and high level hospitality in structures such as Sussusvlei Desert Lodge, near the Namib desert, one of the best lodges in the world for services but also attention to detail: from furniture to quality of the kitchen as well as the extreme professionalism of the staff.
A dozen bungalows on the mountain and overlooking the desert are built in local stone and perfectly integrated in the landscape.
Inside the lodge the desert is always present thanks to the large windows. Also above the roof there is a large skylight to be able to admire at night the starry sky which, in this area of Namibia, is particularly fascinating, so that inside the structure there is even an astronomical observatory.
7. Vietnam: perfumes, colors and street food
The Vietnam is the emerging destination of 2018 for gastronomy, pristine nature and welcoming populations. We leave from Hanoi, the ideal city to enjoy the most varied kinds of street food eating like the locals along the streets of the city, strolling through the streets of the old town, full of lucky shops, scooters, street vendors, colors, sounds and inviting scents.
Other experiences that combine gastronomy and culture are the excursions to the floating markets, such as Cai Rang, or the bike ride to Cai Thia, with lunch at home of a villager.
8. Russia: a country to explore
Russia is a fascinating and unknown destination to many, tipping up for the imminent World Cup 2018. In addition to Western Russia with classical destinations – St. Petersburg, Moscow and the Golden Ring – there are almost unexplored, silent and mystic landscapes, such as Lake Bajkal, where the waves are frozen in motion, but also the unspoilt areas of Carelia, Altay and Krasnoyarsk.
Vladivostok, with its coloured houses that contrast with a ever fiery light and a dark atmosphere, is reached thanks to an unforgettable journey along the Transiberiana.
9. Aruba: a concentrate of different experiences
Aruba is an island with many faces: one Caribbean side with Eagle Beach, quiet and uncrowded beach, and one colonial side with the capital Oranjestad. The westernmost part of the island offers all comforts with imposing hotels, equipped beaches and an important shopping area, while the wildest part, not suitable for bathing, is instead perfect for adventures in nature.
10. Malta: a culture
Between the top destinations 2018 Malta, where it is located La Valletta, European Capital of Culture 2018. Many events will animate the Mediterranean island throughout the year, from music, theatre, art and literature.
Unmissable moments are the Carnival of February, the Malta International Music Festival between April and May and the Valletta Green Festival, when the San .orġ Square will turn into an open-air greenhouse.
There will be weeks dedicated to various themes to moving the city, including fashion, rock, jazz, art. But there is also the opportunity to stay in tranquility: the island of Gozo offers the most beautiful sea and a characteristic and authentic atmosphere.
