There will always be travelers who will push the envelope of what’s “hip” to do and where is “hot” to travel. Likewise, there will always be others who like to go once a destination has been established as a must-see spot.
Every year, in the autumn, Lonely Planet releases an extensive list of places to travel in the new year. As they’ve grown, the list has grown. This year, it comprises ten regions, ten countries, and ten cities to visit in 2016. This traveler has narrowed that list down to five unusual places to travel in 2016!!
1. botswana
Botswana tops this years list not just because of it’s incredible animal diversity. Botswana overcame intense poverty to become one of Africa’s most stable economies. They offer free antiretroviral drugs, have a healthy (And fairly non-corrupt) tourism industry, and are in the process of upgrading all of their international airports and adding direct flights. Fly from London for around £680 or from New York for around $1700.
2. palau
Palau makes this list thanks to it’s marine ecodiversity and coral reefs. Palau has long been on divers’ lists of places to explore the underworld and it’s finally coming into its own. They’ve taken an almost unprecedented step in preserving their marine life by making 100% of their oceans into a marine sanctuary. They’re also charting a course toward independence. Go for the rich marine life, the uninhabited Rock Islands, and the bizarre Jellyfish Lake. Fly from London from £930 or from New York for around $2700.
3. transylvania
Transylvania is a region in Romania made famous thanks to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But these charming mountain towns have boomed recently in part due to an influx of artists and start-up cafes and breweries. Be sure to get away from the cities for some bear viewing or skiing. The Carpathian Mountains boast exquisite chalets where you’ll want to cozy up. Fly from London for around £68 (Ryanair) or New York from $580.
4. uruguay
Much like Botswana, Uruguay has blossomed into a democratic, stable South American economy – they’re known as the “Switzerland of South America”. Explore Montevideo’s centre by bike or on foot; it’s super easy to get around. Or, head to the coast for pristine beaches, sexy nightlife, and remote surfing villages. Uruguay is expected to welcome over 3 million tourists in the next year or so, and that number will only grow. Fly from London for around £645 or New York from $1200.
5. greenland
Iceland is so 2014. This year’s hottest destination for Northern Light viewing is Greenland. Forget what you know about the country and focus on this: for a country (ahem, technically a Danish territory) with the lowest population density, they have a booming tourism industry. Travelers can have “iceberg adventures,” whale watching tours, or dogsledding outings. Fly from Copenhagen direct to Kangerlussuaq or check an airliner for flights to and from Nuuk.
And there you have it: five unusual places to travel in 2016. Where will you be going?
