Every new year begins with new expectations, new ideas and new excitement. For me, it starts with where I plan to visit that coming year. I always find the planning part of a new destination the most exciting, researching what there is to do, where we will go, what there is to see, I think it’s just the thrill of the unknown.
It appears I am not alone. There are many people who love travelling as much as me and make a list of where they will visit, so I thought I would my travel blogger friends, “what’s on your 2018 travel wish list”.
Some very interesting and exciting destinations have now been brought to my attention!
It appears I am not alone. There are many people who love travelling as much as me and make a list of where they will visit, so I thought I would my travel blogger friends, “what’s on your 2018 travel wish list”.
Some very interesting and exciting destinations have now been brought to my attention!
Visiting Uluru by Tracy of Tracy’s Travels in Time
Since we moved to Australia to live last August there has been one destination at the top of my must-visit list and that is ULURU.
The image of Uluru is one which for me represents Australia. And while the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are also images one conjours up when thinking of Australia Uluru is not man-made and new but an ancient natural landmark and is, for indigenous Australians, a sacred place.
This huge sandstone monolith is in the heart of the Northern Territories Red Centre with the nearest town Alice Spring a mere 450 km away!
The rock is believed to have started forming around 550 million years ago and is found within the Uluru-Kata National Park. Another natural phenomenon which you can see at the park are the Olgas which are 36 red-rock domes.
I cannot wait to see this beautiful natural structure and we have trips planned at sunrise and sunset. I am also excited to be able to see the Field of Light art installation which has been extended for another few years – imagine 50000 slender stems with frosted glass spheres lighting the darkness around Uluru.
This for me is the trip of a lifetime and possibly the only time we will go as it is not cheap. I’m sure it will be the highlight of our travels in 2018!
Since we moved to Australia to live last August there has been one destination at the top of my must-visit list and that is ULURU.
The image of Uluru is one which for me represents Australia. And while the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge are also images one conjours up when thinking of Australia Uluru is not man-made and new but an ancient natural landmark and is, for indigenous Australians, a sacred place.
This huge sandstone monolith is in the heart of the Northern Territories Red Centre with the nearest town Alice Spring a mere 450 km away!
The rock is believed to have started forming around 550 million years ago and is found within the Uluru-Kata National Park. Another natural phenomenon which you can see at the park are the Olgas which are 36 red-rock domes.
I cannot wait to see this beautiful natural structure and we have trips planned at sunrise and sunset. I am also excited to be able to see the Field of Light art installation which has been extended for another few years – imagine 50000 slender stems with frosted glass spheres lighting the darkness around Uluru.
This for me is the trip of a lifetime and possibly the only time we will go as it is not cheap. I’m sure it will be the highlight of our travels in 2018!
Georgia by David from Travelsewhere
This year I decided that I was going to visit somewhere I’ve been wanting to go for years now – Georgia. No, not one of the southern United States, but instead the former Soviet nation on the edge of Europe. While I actually want to visit that whole region, Georgia has been the focus of my desires. I’ve had friends who have visited and they’ve only had great things to say. Some were even gifted bottles of Georgian wine on arrival at immigration!
It’s not just free wine though that has me planning a visit to Georgia in spring. As someone who can’t get enough of Europe, I’m extremely curious to see what its like in a country that borders Europe, Asia and the Middle East. I’m also quite the history buff and find the former Soviet republics remarkably fascinating. The capital Tbilisi is probably my most anticipated part of Georgia right now. Essentially, it seems like my kind of destination.
My plan at this stage, if you can call it that, is to visit Georgia as part of a trip through the Caucasus nations. I’ve got nothing booked at this stage and only a vague idea of when and where I want to go, but have no doubt that this will be my next big trip. I really can’t wait!
Budapest by Carole of Paul and Carole Love to Travel
Budapest in Hungary has been on our radar for a few years now, reviews and feedback from friends has always been positive. Just under a three hour flight from England we are planning a long weekend in the summer.
First stop will be getting on the Hop on Hop off bus and a tram journey, so that we can start exploring, it looks a stunning city and to get the best views we will be heading to Castle Hill, Fisherman’s Wharf and attempting the climb up Gellert Hill. A dinner cruise sounds a good option too to see the city lit up at night.
Our friends have recommended a Segway tour as a great way to get to know the city but not sure about that particularly if we have been in the ruin bars, which is definitely high on our to do list. The ruin bars we want to visit are Szimpla Kert, Instant and Fogus Haz, as well as serving beer, and apparently being as cheap as chips, they sound like a lot of fun.
We will also be heading to the Szechyenyi Thermal Baths, relaxing in the pool and if brave enough play chess with the locals, so we better brush up on our chess skills before we go!
Finishing off our trip we will go shopping at the Central Market Hall for some souvenirs and maybe a bottle of Palinka!
All in all Budapest looks an incredible city to explore and we look forward be heading there in 2018.
Raja Ampat by Angie of Feet Do Travel
The islands of Raja Ampat in the far east Indonesia Province of West Papua were first brought to my attention over a year ago when we were discussing “elite diving destinations”. When I was told it’s difficult to reach and expensive, I made it my mission to go … but I wanted to do Raja Ampat on a budget!
So we are going! After months of intense research and planning, finally everything came together and we booked a week’s diving in one of the world’s most biodiverse areas. I have high expectations of what I will see; I’ve heard stories of large numbers of manta rays, pristine coral structures and so many fish they block out the sun, I am super excited to see this for myself. The reason I love to dive is for fish – and lots of them, therefore Diving Raja Ampat is definitely for me.
Photographs on the internet show breath-taking scenery and there is a particular viewpoint at Piaynomo which is on my must-see wish list. As petrol prices are ridiculously high and the only means of getting around is by boat, I honestly don’t know if I will get there. We shall see.
I also want to find out more about their culture; on the island of Arborek you can watch traditional tribal children dancing and singing. I have also read that the jungles are filled with birds of paradise and I would truly love to see hornbills and cockatoos flying freely above me.
I have high hopes for Raja Ampat. I will keep everything crossed that this remote destination can meet my expectations… I would hate to be disappointed!
Dreaming of Venice by Carmen of Pack Your Baguios
Ahhhh, Venice, Italy! The ultimate romantic destination! June 2018, my hubby (Joe) and I are finally going to see if Venice lives up to the dreamy hype.
Venice has been on my bucket list, and we accepted the invitation from my brother and sister-in-law to journey on their celebratory 30th wedding anniversary. Since they have traveled to Venice before we have an instant travel guide (the photo was taken by him on their last trip). As my brother is an accomplished painter we also have the unique opportunity to gaze upon the sites of Northern Italy through his artistic lens. We’ll be spending 10 days in northern Italy. Starting in Milan, going to Lake Como and Verona, then ending with 4 days in Venice.
Maybe not unique, I actually enjoy hanging around my brother and share a sense of humor, organization and view ourselves as “outsiders”. We have had memorable adventures in Brazil as our first trip out of the country while in college. I really don’t understand families that don’t like to be around each other. I know they exist, but that has never been my experience.
I consider myself very lucky that I get to spend time this summer with family in Venice!
Alaska is on this 1AdventureTraveler's 2018 Wish-List
An Alaskan Cruise is on my bucket-list for 2018. I would love to immerse myself in the native cultures plus see inlets and glaciers, mountains, and regions rich in wildlife especially the marine variety. I’ve heard positive reviews from fellow travelers about Alaska so thought this would be a great vacation location to visit this year. Now I need to decide; a travel adventure or a cruise vacation? I researched cruise lines, answered the important questions and am now ready for this to hopefully happen. The important questions one needs to ask are: When should I go? Where do I want to go? How big a ship?
So, excited I choose the Viking Cruise Alaska & the Inside Passage for 11 days. This cruise starts in Vancouver, Canada ends in Seward, Alaska. I have sailed with Viking Cruises to China and Vietnam. Love how their ships are laid out, educational guided tours, friendliness of the crew, tasty food, comfy cabins, and their excursions offered. #
An Alaskan Scenic Cruise into the inland passage with port of calls like Sitka, Juneau, Skagway, Yakutat Bay to see the Hubbard Glacier and so much more sounds fun. Chunks of old ice falling off and crashing into the water sounds thrilling. If that does not excite you then think of the abundance of wildlife and lush forests. Check back later to see if this 1AdventureTraveler traveled to Alaska this year.
Photo credit - Lebanon Tourism
Beirut by Shona of Paraphernalia
It’s always exciting to begin a new year planning our travel destinations. 2018’s list is as long as it’s ever been.
Beirut has been on the list for years. Sadly it has had to be scrapped in the past for one reason or other. Not so this year, however, as it’s our first cab off the rank at the end of January.
Beirut’s fascination covers our ethos of #eat #drink #explore #shop & #stay.
From high end restaurants to hole in the wall establishments in the family for generations, Beirut is a definite foodie destination.
The ancient wine regions, rooftop cocktail bars and exclusive secret bars wet the whistle and traditional arak loosens tongues.
Archaeological museums, the seaside Corniche and contemporary art & design precincts provide much to explore in the city, while Beirut’s close proximity to many historical locations make it a great base to explore from.
Byblos, considered the oldest city on earth, is a 40 minute drive from central Beirut. The Beqaa Wine Valley is just under 2 hours and Tripoli 75 minutes. All 3 easily done in day trips or just for a seafood grill 10 minutes from Byblos overlooking the sea.
Local souks to international brands deliver on retail therapy and meticulously restored and renovated warehouses and mansions provide luxury accommodation at reasonable rates.
Beirut’s tumultuous 5,000 year history mixed with its present contemporary, urban vibe is calling us and we think Beirut will certainly be added to the list of places we love….
Albania by James of Only By Land
The country top of my list to visit in 2018 is Albania. I want to go there because I’m on a mission to visit every country in the world and I haven’t visited Albania yet.
Before researching Albania I had only heard of it from the movies “Taken” and “War Dogs”! After researching the country, I discovered it is home to the largest and highest lake in the Blakans. In addition to the lakes of Albania, I will definitely check out the capital city, Tirana.
Croatia by Ruth of Tanama Tales
Don’t get me wrong! I love cities. I get a buzz when I am surrounded by an urban sprawl bursting with imposing architecture, fun museums, colorful markets and diverse restaurants. However, lately, my body and soul are gravitating toward the outdoors. When my husband asks me where I want to go, my answer is along the following lines: “It doesn’t really matter as long as I am surrounded by nature.”
With that in mind, this year I am making plans to visit Croatia. The country has a coastline of 2,522 miles (4,058 kilometers), over a thousand islands, mountains, forested highlands, caves, rivers and much more. In other words, this place is a playground for nature’s lovers.
My trip will start at the capital Zagreb and, from there, I will visit the terraced, turquoise lakes of Plitvice National Park. After that, I will spend a couple of days at Split. Once I explore a bit of the city, I want to move on to the picture-perfect coves of Korčula and the unique landscape of Omiš. Dubrovnik cannot be absent from any Croatia itinerary. I have a desire to sail the Elaphiti Islands, walk the city walls and ride the cable car to the top of Srd Hill.
I have heard the countries surrounding Croatia are gorgeous too. I do not discard the idea of making a day trip or two in order to fill my camera’s memory card with even more natural features.
Climbing Kilimanjaro by Kreete of Adventurous Tails
The tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro rises more than 5100m (17,000 feet) out of the arid plains below. The surreal glaciated terrain of the mountain summons 25,000 mountain lovers each year. Part of the Seven Summits aka the seven highest points on each continent - I have chosen Kilimanjaro to be the first of the famous seven I climb.
I love being outdoors, in the nature with my pack on - there is freedom in it. Everyday life will be left behind and my mind is free to experience, explore and endure. Pushing myself harder when training and reaching the goals I have set for myself is what ultimately has led me on this mountain climbing path.
I hope to take on Mount Kilimanjaro in August/September this year. For every summit attempt, I will be fundraising for a cause close to my heart. For Kilimanjaro, I am fundraising to help save and protect African elephants. My goal of $5000 will be donated to David Sheldrik’s Wildlife Trust in Kenya during my trip to Africa.
I am selling handmade elephant themed jewellery and beautiful watches on my blog and local markets with all funds going to charity. I have also recently set up a fundraising page for people that appreciate the need to save the elephants whose numbers are declining as you read this article. As you reach the end of this entertaining piece, one elephant will be dead. In fact, one elephant is killed every 15 minutes. Let’s do what we can to help!
Climbing Kilimanjaro by Kreete of Adventurous Tails
The tallest mountain on the continent of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro rises more than 5100m (17,000 feet) out of the arid plains below. The surreal glaciated terrain of the mountain summons 25,000 mountain lovers each year. Part of the Seven Summits aka the seven highest points on each continent - I have chosen Kilimanjaro to be the first of the famous seven I climb.
I love being outdoors, in the nature with my pack on - there is freedom in it. Everyday life will be left behind and my mind is free to experience, explore and endure. Pushing myself harder when training and reaching the goals I have set for myself is what ultimately has led me on this mountain climbing path.
I hope to take on Mount Kilimanjaro in August/September this year. For every summit attempt, I will be fundraising for a cause close to my heart. For Kilimanjaro, I am fundraising to help save and protect African elephants. My goal of $5000 will be donated to David Sheldrik’s Wildlife Trust in Kenya during my trip to Africa.
I am selling handmade elephant themed jewellery and beautiful watches on my blog and local markets with all funds going to charity. I have also recently set up a fundraising page for people that appreciate the need to save the elephants whose numbers are declining as you read this article. As you reach the end of this entertaining piece, one elephant will be dead. In fact, one elephant is killed every 15 minutes. Let’s do what we can to help!
Where would you like to visit this year? Has your list grown bigger from these inspirational destinations? Tell us in the comments section below, we want to know!
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