Were you looking to embark on a new adventure and must-travel places in 2016? Countless destinations worldwide are worth exploring, but a few stand out as must-visit locations. From Bali’s stunning beaches to Havana’s historic streets, there’s something for everyone on this list of top travel destinations. For those looking for a more rugged experience, Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders will leave a lasting impression. Or, if you’re seeking a cosmopolitan escape, consider a trip to Tokyo, a bustling metropolis with a unique blend of modern and traditional culture. Whatever your travel preferences, make 2016 the year you explore one of these incredible destinations.
The bucket list is sorted.
01. Normandy, France
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The stunning landscape of Normandy demands exploration this coming year. With the 2016 Tour de France launching from the picturesque Mont-St-Michel and the Triannual Impressionist Festival taking place across the region, the area will be even more cultured than usual, and its old-world architecture and charming scenery will be as captivating as ever.
02. Faroe Islands, Denmark
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This Danish archipelago is a natural northern wonderland come to life. Made up of 18 tiny islands, the Faroe area is a remote and stunning natural wonder. Still, it’s also connected enough to offer high-end foodie dining, unique and trendy fashion, and access to Scandi music festivals.
03. Zion Park, Utah, USA
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We named Utah their top pick for world travel in 2016, and a look at the arresting views in Zion National Park is a pretty good indicator of why. Utah’s unique landscape offers snowy mountains, sandy beaches, and everything in between, so no matter what time of year you book for, you’re bound to have the adventure of a lifetime.
04. Puerta Princesa, Philippines
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The untouched beauty of Puerta Princesa’s beaches is beyond description. Stunning swimming holes and tranquil beaches are the norm on the Philippines’ coast, and rumor has it the food is to die for, too.
05. Havana, Cuba
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Following the downfall of its US embargo, Cuba’s tourism industry has swelled, allowing travelers with an eye for luxury and adventure to experience the city’s capital in an exciting period of growth. It’s no secret that Cuban food is to die for, but the country also offers stellar nightlife and gorgeous beaches.
06. Vilnius, Lithuania
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Lithuania might not immediately come to mind for the perfect getaway, but the diverse country is incredibly underrated. The stunning architecture and history, impressive forests, beautiful beaches, and unique food are only some of what the nation has to offer, and it can all be easily accessed from Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
07. Stratford-upon-Avon, England
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This paragon of British history will commemorate its most prominent celebrity, William Shakespeare, on the 400th anniversary of his death. The charming riverside city perfectly escapes London’s busier hubs, blending Elizabethan history with a modern foodie culture and top-notch theatre from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
08. Sicily, Italy
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Sicily’s Mediterranean charm and laid-back culture make it a prime holiday spot. The area has recently developed a reputation for its superb wine so that you can count on a good time.
09. Bavaria, Germany
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Of course, Bavaria is best visited in the autumn for Oktoberfest, especially this year, when Germany’s Beer Purity Law celebrates its 500th anniversary. But Germany’s stunning and historic region is a bucket-list location year round, with its gorgeous mountains and magical castles.
10. Kathmandu, Nepal
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If you want to travel with a conscience this year, Nepal is the best place to put your money where your mouth is. The country’s economy relies heavily on tourism (and with stunning natural landscapes and impressive cultural centers, who could blame it?). It is now rebuilding after the devastation of last year’s earthquake.
11. Fez, Morocco
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Fez is Morocco’s oldest imperial city, and today, it blends old-world charm with modern luxury for the ideal holiday experience. Fez el-Bali, the city’s oldest quarter, is a fantastic peek into Morocco’s medieval history, and its winding and crumbling alleyways are painfully Instagram-worthy.
12. Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
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This year marks the centennial of the USA’s National Parks Services, so there’s no better time to see one of the country’s most beautiful reserves. Acadia is a natural escape, nestled at the top of the New England coast. It’s a perfect spot for outdoorsy types, but coastal towns like Camden and Portland are great places to stay for more domestic fare.
13. Taipei, Taiwan
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2016’s World Design Capitol is the perfect alternative to pricier Tokyo and Hong Kong. The futuristic city is a treat for the eyes, and throughout 2016, it will highlight the city’s best architecture. Taipei also has a unique café culture, hosting many eateries featuring cats and dogs for guests to befriend regularly.
14. St Helena
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St Helena offers one of the world’s most remote island getaways. Only recently accessible by commercial plane, the island, once the site of exile for Napoleon Bonaparte, is perfect for travelers who need an accurate and complete escape.
15. Abu Dhabi, UAE
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Suppose you’re craving luxury with a bit of adventure. In that case, the capital of the United Arab Emirates offers a high-end holiday with touches of ancient history woven throughout its urban landscape. The city is home to stunning mosques and outposts of some of Europe’s best museums, including the Louvre and Guggenheim.
16. Guam
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For a new twist on the classic tropical paradise, head to the Western Pacific Beaches of Guam. This year, the island will host a stunning festival of Pacific Arts so that you can fit a bit of culture between the sea, sand, and sun.
17. Quito, Ecuador
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For the most dramatic views of your life, travel to Ecuador’s captivating capital city of Quito, the highest-elevated capital city in the world and the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18. San Sebastian, Spain
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As one of this year’s two European Capitals of Culture, San Sebastian offers a beachy contrast to its sister city, Wroclaw. Famous for its incredible landscape and stunning beaches, not to mention its tasty tapas culture, San Sebastian is a must for a relaxing holiday.
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