Now the festive season is over and 2018 has arrived, many of us are starting to plan our next holiday to take the edge of what is traditionally a very bleak month indeed. For those seeking destination inspiration, ten countries have been tipped by experts and analysts to top our take-a-break bucket lists this year. With the help of G Adventures, here are 10 IDEAL travel destinations for 2018.
SRI LANKA
The ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is having a moment in the sun and Sri Lanka aims to double its number of tourists to five million by 2020 as part of its development strategy. From rain forests to mountains and endless beaches of perfect white sand, this island country boasts a varied ecosystem and biodiversity rarely matched across the globe, and with stunning vistas to boot. Foodies will love the cuisine here; it has a beautiful amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences, exploiting spice and heady aromatics. The island makes the most of being one with a diet heavy on the sea’s bounty. There really is no other cuisine like it. We also think it’s the ideal honeymoon destination.
COLOMBIA
You’ve probably heard that it’s the ideal time to go to Colombia already, so get there soon, before everyone else catches on! Well it’s no wonder that everyone’s reaction is the same when you mention the country. A high-profile 12-year peace treaty, a Nobel Peace Prize for its President, and national investments in marketing the country overseas have all combined to boost Colombia’s reputation as a great place to visit, slowly shedding it of its bad boy image. Inbound tourism has rocketed more than 250 per cent in the past 10 years, outpacing tourism to all other South American countries.
RUSSIA
The world’s largest country will be firmly in the media spotlight in 2018 as it plays host to the world’s largest single sporting event – the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Russian Embassy has rolled out the welcome mat, waiving visa fees to fans attending the World Cup. Simon Reeve recently travelled across Russia with the BBC, and beyond the football it’s a culturally and culinary rich destination. Making up over a seventh of the earth’s entire land mass, there is so much to see and do in this diverse country; Moscow’s Vodka Museum being a particular favourite of IDEAL’s.
KYRGYZSTAN
Kyrgyzstan is benefitting from investment in tourism by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The focus is on immersive culinary experiences and active trips, with more than 2,500km of newly marked treks being developed throughout the country. 2018 will also see Kyrgyzstan host 40 nations in the biennial World Nomad Games, a championship of traditional nomadic sports and culture, with competitions in eagle hunting, stick wrestling, and horseback battles. Even Genghis Khan would have been impressed.
PORTUGAL
The 2018 hosts of Eurovision have had a record-breaking year in 2017 as travellers seek affordable European destinations with fewer crowds, quality food and wine, and perceived security. Portugal is a destination that contains all the right ingredients for the perfect holiday, be it a long weekend or a short vacation.
MOROCCO
Foreign tourist arrivals to the Morocco rose more than 13 per cent during the first 8 months of 2017 versus the same period in 2016, bringing eight million visitors.The opening of the new Yves Saint Laurent museum in October this year has also helped propel publicity for Marrakech, one of the country’s main hubs. .
HAWAII
Hawaii is a tropical destination spot like no other, and luckily for us the Hawaii Tourism Authority is granting US$3.5m to local community tourism and conservation groups in 2018. This will got towards promoting the Pacific Island state’s cultural and natural heritage, and to set the islands up as leaders in sustainable tourism. Say aloha to a thriving culture like no other and a jaw-droppingly, mind-blowingly beautiful island
BOLIVIA
With its new US$150 million, 119-mile Tupiza-Atocha-Uyuni highway set to open in mid-2018, connecting the Eastern and Western ranges of the Bolivian Andes, travel to and from the famed salt flats will become more accessible. Come here to learn about indigenous culture and traditional quinoa production.
EGYPT
Despite the tragic terror incident in North Sinai over the weekend – in an area far removed from any tourist activity – 2018 is still set to be a popular year for travel to Egypt. The new Grand Egyptian Museum prepares to open in late-2018 as the world’s largest archaeological museum. The attraction is expected to attract a lot of attention, which will hopefully contribute to Egypt’s tourism comeback. Egypt’s tourism revenues jumped by 170 per cent in the first half of 2017. See it now, before the crowds return.
OMAN
Rounding out the top 10 destinations for adventure in 2018 is the ‘Switzerland’ of the Middle East. From desert safaris and extraordinary desert camps to dazzling mosques and palaces, this Arabian country should be on your bucket list.