We have all see the hot lists for 2018, but this is a list to inspire you to travel to the not as well known destinations in 2018.
Contiki has put together a list of 2018’s Emerging Destinations, including epic experiences perfect for well-travelled Aussies looking for something new.
It reminds travellers that there is still time to make 2018 travel plans to visit some of the most unique destinations around the world.
Late last year, Contiki revealed the impact travel has on young people through an extensive research project, The Power of Travel, and also asked 1,800 Aussie’s where they want to jet-set to in 2018.
Jasper, Canada
See – Maligne Lake. With its startling blue water, this is one of the most photographed places in the world and for good reason
Do – Ride the rapids on a white-water rafting trip
Eat – Poutine! A hearty dish of French fries, fresh cheese curds, and brown gravy.
Uyuni, Bolivia
See – The eerie, derelict Great Train Graveyard
Do – Create your own unique and fun photos at the largest salt flats in the world
Eat – Snack on as many baked salteñas filled with meat, vegies and olives as you can
Bath, England
See – The ancient Roman baths
Do – Go boating down the River Avon to see Bath from the waterways
Eat – Hit the pubs! Traditional English fare doesn’t get any better than from a ye olde pub
Pondicherry, Southern India
See – The colourful and charming streets of this French colonial settlement
Do – Head to the beached for a spot of surfing
Eat – Try French inspired pastries from Eat My Cake, a not for profit café that supports local women
Geiranger Fjord, Norway
See – Boyabreen Glacier
Do – Depending on your skill level, hike up one of the many mountains and walkways in the area
Eat – Besides the obvious choice, salmon… our pick is Norwegian waffles – heart shaped and served as a snack, they can be topped with jam, brunost (tastes like a deeply savoury dulche de leche) or both!
Austin, Texas
See – the stunning vista of Lady Bird Lake (BYO bike!)
Do – Take a dip in the natural swimming hole, Hamilton Pool or spring fed Barton Springs Pool
Eat – You haven’t lived until you’ve feasted on Texas BBQ
Isle of Skye, Scotland
See – The pastel houses that fringe the coastline of the island like marshmallows
Do – Visit the seaside town of Portree and hike Ben Tianavaig
Eat – Cullen Skink, a tasty rich fish broth found all over the highlands and best served with a seaside view
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
See – The beachside town Sayulita
Do – Jungle Ziplining on Mexico’s longest and fastest lines
Eat – Tacos from one of the many street trucks
Kona, Hawaii
See – The stunning Punalu’u black sand beach
Do – Go wildlife snorkelling by day and sunset cruise by night
Eat – Poke Bowl. This ‘new’ food trend has been served in the Hawaiian Islands for centuries
Khao Sok, Thailand
See –Take in the majestic limestone mountains rising hundreds of meters above the turquoise waters by boat
Do – Spend the night in a floating river hut over Cheow Larn Lake
Eat – The unique ‘dry’ curry, Kua Kling
Sorrento, Italy
See – Mt Vesuvius (don’t worry, the volcano is dormant)
Do – Watch the sunset over the sea while sipping local wine
Eat – Renowned for its seafood, a Sorrento specialty would have to be Spaghetti e Vongole (spaghetti with clams)
French Riviera, France
See – Find a spot by the sapphire waters and take in all the glamour of locals and visitors alike
Do – Shop for lavender and honey at the local markets
Eat – Croissants and snails… but not together
Rotorua, New Zealand
See – The epic geothermal mud pools
Do – Treat yo’self to a hot spring spa or muddy beauty treatment
Eat – A traditional Hāngi dinner where food is cooked in a pit oven using heated rocks
Tokyo, Japan
See – Costume spotting with Harajuku Girls
Do – Refresh your inner child and MariKart your way through the streets of Tokyo in Mario carts and costumes
Eat – Somewhere totes kawaii like a Unicorn or Sailor Moon Cafe
Granada, Spain
See – The winding streets of the Albaicín
Do – Visit the Alhambra hilltop fort, the views and Moorish design is next level
Eat – Tapas of course, but for a real treat try the ice cream at Heladería Los Italianos
Selfoss, Iceland
See – Epic waterfalls, black beaches and the famous Selfoss geyser
Do – Rent a bike and explore the small town, bonus points for every pony you spot!
Eat – Hot dogs, Icelandic people LOVE hot dogs
Lake Titicaca, Peru
See – The floating Uros Islands
Do – Ride in style on a traditional reed boat
Eat – Cuy, also known as guinea pig. It’s a traditional dish in Peru and worth a try.
Algarve, Portugal
See – The crystal waters of Lagos
Do – Head to the Benagil sea cave by boat to explore and swim on the stunning sunlit dome
Eat – Fresh olives, seafood and one of Portugal’s divine orange wines
Budapest, Hungary
See – The Fisherman’s Bastion, a stunning, all white, neo-Gothic building with soaring towers
Do – Rest your weary bones in the Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Eat – Chicken Paprikash, as the name suggest it’s heavy on paprika but also heavy on that warm fuzzy comfort feeling
Marrakech, Morocco
See – The Bahia Palace, an ornate 19th century palace with plenty of Insta-worthy Moroccan tiled walls
Do – Practice your bartering in the bustling and vibrant souks
Eat – A slow-cooked, zesty tagine washed down with some mint tea
How many of these destinations have you seen and where is next for you?
