It’s safe to say many of us are looking forward to the new year. A fresh start, new goals and the chance to get back to that travel bucket list that has been mostly untouched this year. Why not give it a refresh? Here are some destinations you may have overlooked but certainly deserve your consideration for their unforgettable views and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World and one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites, the Lost City of Petra hides behind Southern Jordan’s pink sandstone cliffs. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this ancient city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea, was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt, and Syria-Phoenicia.
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The Seychelles are a group of island paradises situated in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa. Enjoy the enchanting beaches and convenient island hopping for the ultimate getaway. Anse Lazio is a beach situated in the northwest of Praslin Island, Seychelles, considered by Lonely Planet to be the “best beach on Praslin”, and one of the “best in the archipelago”. The crystal blue waters and soft sand beaches are truly unforgettable.
The nation of Bhutan, tucked between China and India in the Himalayas, has some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world. Buddhist culture permeates from every corner of this magical place that was cut off for centuries from the outside world to avoid foreign influences. While there, you can visit underground meditation caves, cliffside monasteries, and walk across one of Bhutan’s longest suspension bridges, Punakha.
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The Cinque Terra consists of five stunning villages nestled into seaside cliffs on the western coast of Italy: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Train is the best way to travel between the villages where you will also get to watch the magical Italian landscape pass by. With a host of churches, castles and even a National Park, there is more to do here than just gawk at the villages’ remarkable beauty.
An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is the perfect island escape. Of course, the pristine beaches should be your first stop, but it’s also worth checking out the botanical gardens, Plastic Bottle Village, and the Dolphin Bay Preserve. Many accommodations including homes are located over the water, offering water-lovers the ideal opportunity to dive in whenever the mood hits them.
