17 must-see places to visit in 2017

2017 is going to be your year and do you know why? Because we have put together the ULTIMATE travel bucket list to help you fall back in love with the world again. We have hand-selected these incredible destinations for you to immerse yourself with their diverse landscapes, ancient traditions, buzzing cities and beaches to die for. There’s something on this glorious list for everyone.

Your passport will thank us for it, get planning!

1. Philippines

Welcome to the untouched Philippines. With the crystal clear waters of Boracay Island, Big Lagoon in El Nido rivaling Maya Bay in Thailand, ‘as good as they sound’ Chocolate Hills, mud-karting and waterfall restaurants this is a country full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered, so get there before everybody else does!

2. Canada

With its cultural, East Coast hipster cities like Toronto and Quebec, Canada has an abundance of festivals, amazing restaurants and some of the coolest bars in North America! Head West to Vancouver and Whistler and you’ll discover an adventure playground with National Parks, the Canadian Rockies and incredible skiing at your fingertips. Looks like Canada is giving the USA a run for its money this year.

3. South Korea

South Korea is a cosmopolitan metropolis which is quickly becoming one of the fastest and richest developing nations in the world. With the most incredible nightlife, like the ‘Noraebangs’ (karaoke rooms where you can sing the night away), white sandy beaches such as Sokcho Beach and Cherry Blossoms Festivals showcasing Korean culture. Head East this year and you’ll discover a tucked away corner of Oriental Asia!

4. Antarctica

Travel to the end of the Earth with us in 2017 and discover somewhere completely untouched. A trip on the MS Expedition can be truly life changing, become your own Attenborough, spot penguins in the wild, witness the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) and check out the impressive Elephant Seal! A trip to Antarctica will never be forgotten.

5. South Africa

This is a country full of surprises, Cape Town on the southern most tip of South Africa is jam-packed with history, culture and some of the best wine in the entire world! Follow the Garden Route from Mossel Bay up to Port Elizabeth for some incredible coastline views. Learn about the recent tragic history of the country at the Apartheid museum in Johannesburg and check out the Kruger National Park and get ready to spot the ‘Big 5’ – What are they? You’ll find out if you go!

6. Iran

Forget all that you think you know about Iran and get ready to meet an extremely colorful, beautiful and historical country. Discover the ancient capital at Persepolis, the old alleys and rooftops in Yazd and the tranquil Eram garden in Shiraz. Stumble upon bustling bazaars, relaxing tea houses, impressive mountain ranges and explore a country you wouldn’t normally in 2017.

7. Belize

A mix of Central American jungle and Caribbean seas, Belize may be small but it certainly has the best of both worlds! Dive the second longest reef in the world home to over 100 different types of coral, national parks with over 570 species of birds, climb ancient Mayan temples, snorkel with sharks in Caye Caulker and become a drum master with local musicians. Belize is where it’s at.

8. Croatia

Croatia is a country full of rustic charm. Explore the old city walls of Dubrovnik and feel like your conquering King’s Landing. Find paradise at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, party the night away with the rich & famous on Hvar Island or embark on a kayak adventure to the jewel in the Adriatic sea, Mljet Island. Make 2017 the year you fell in love with Croatia.

9. Vietnam

Good morning Vietnam! One of the most buzzing countries in the world from Hanoi down to Ho Chi Minh you’ll find jungles, beaches, mountains, rice paddies, hill-tribe villages and crazy cities. Float around Halong Bay’s emerald waters and discover thousands of limestone islands. And oh my we forgot to mention the food, THE FOOD! Pho is a tasty noodle soup and Bánh mì is a french inspired, Vietnamese sandwich full of meats. You won’t taste anything else like it. What are you waiting for?

10. Japan

Japan is a country where old and new sit comfortably side by side. You’ll find mysterious Geisha, Samurai and tranquil gardens alongside skyscrapers, modern technology and bullet trains. A culture steeped in tradition yet completely in touch with modern day. Feel the buzz in Tokyo, taste fresh sushi, find your zen in the temples of Kyoto, jump on a bullet train and discover Mount Fuji. Now is the time to see Japan.

11. Bali

Get a taste for island life on beautiful Bali, head to the backpacker hub Kuta for all things surf and party! Visit Pura Tanah Lot, a stunning sea temple for that all-important sunset snap. Ubud has a tranquil atmosphere; take part in a local cooking class or traditional Balinese spa, oh and don’t forget to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest sanctuary! Bali we love you.

12. Finland

100 years since Finland was founded in 1917, these guys are going to be celebrating their centennial hard. This is the year to visit, with open air concerts, communal cooking nights and sauna evenings. They’ve even got a new national park and everything! The country is also hosting the World Figure Skating Championships and Nordic World Ski Championships – so 2017 is definitely the year to visit!

13. Bolivia

Welcome to the rugged, complex and diverse country of Bolivia. Its landscape and nature are like nowhere else on the planet. Take a jeep tour across the magnificent salt flats at Uyuni and experience an alien world dotted with cacti and train wrecks. Follow Inca trails from the Andes into the Amazon and stay with locals on the beautiful Lake Titicaca. Are you ready for Bolivia?

14. Nepal

Nepal is an adventurer’s playground with Everest as its backdrop and the steamy jungles of the Indian plains. This dramatic country has so much to offer. Gaining strength in leaps and bounds after the 2015 earthquakes, Nepal is well-equipped for the independent traveler. Discover time-old traditions, ancient temples and elaborate shrines in the capital of Kathmandu. Head to Durbur Square for some of the country’s best festivals. Grab your hiking boots and trek one of the most infamous mountains in the world or check out Chitwan safari park and spot rhinos and tigers!

15. Fiji

Heaven on Earth. A three hour flight from Australia, Fiji is a beach bum’s paradise! It’s made up of about 322 palm fringed islands and crystal clear coral waters. But it’s not all beaches, the locals are super friendly, the cities are vibrant and there are picturesque orchid gardens to explore. Try your hand at water sports like jet-skiing, kayaking and wind-surfing off the Mamanuca islands. Make a little time for paradise in the new year.

16. Bermuda

Discover British charm on a tropical island. With its pastel-colored houses and lush greenery it has a real mix of English, African, Portuguese and West Indian influences. Small in size but packed with museums, art galleries and old forts, the island has plenty to offer. Not only is Bermuda one of the world’s top diving destinations due to being ringed by coral reefs but in 2017 it will be hosting the America’s Cup sailing competition.

17. Myanmar

Myanmar has finally opened its doors to the rest of the world, so it’s time to take a peak and see what it’s all about. Visit the Buddhist Pagodas in Myanmar’s largest city Yangon, the Shwedagon Paya, a dramatic golden temple draws thousands of visitors every year. Serene Lake Inle is home to traditional floating villages and fishing communities, it’s a chance to see centuries of old tradition. Bagan dates back over 1000 years and is home to 2,000 Buddhist monuments spreading over 26 miles and is completely breath taking! Now has never been a better time to visit Myanmar.

Make 2017 your year, tick these off your bucket list and start your adventure NOW!

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