Slovenia is one of our top spots to visit in 2018. And why not, when you can play in the stunning outdoors of places like Lake Bohinj in the alpine region of the country.
By John Roberts
In my home, it's never too early to be looking ahead when it comes to travel planning. And as the end of the year approaches, that means we are eagerly looking at where we want to go in 2018.
Let's take a look at In The Loop Travel's top travel hot spots for 2018, as well as one spot I think you should consider avoiding.
Our seven top travel destinations . . .
In my home, it's never too early to be looking ahead when it comes to travel planning. And as the end of the year approaches, that means we are eagerly looking at where we want to go in 2018.
Let's take a look at In The Loop Travel's top travel hot spots for 2018, as well as one spot I think you should consider avoiding.
Our seven top travel destinations . . .
Portugal
Why: With a flight time of under seven hours from the Northeast, you can reach Lisbon with little hassle. The capital city and the rest of Portugal offer an amazing array of things to explore, from historical sites to getting outdoors for active adventures. The country has more than 1,100 miles of coastline, with diverse geography. There are five major rivers. The north features mountains, and the south is warmer and drier. Overall, prices are extremely affordable for meals and lodging when compared with the United States or the rest of Europe.
We recommend: Visit the historic village of Sintra, take a cruise on the Douro River or hike and bike in Peneda-Geres National Park in the northern region. Also, check out Cascais, Madeira Island, Porto and Funchal.
We recommend: Visit the historic village of Sintra, take a cruise on the Douro River or hike and bike in Peneda-Geres National Park in the northern region. Also, check out Cascais, Madeira Island, Porto and Funchal.
Slovenia
Why: This former Communist bloc nation now stands alone and shines. It has a bounty of beautiful natural attractions and makes for an affordable and uncrowded destination to enjoy.
We recommend: The capital city of Ljubljana, which is surrounded by natural parks and is full of buildings featuring interesting and well-preserved examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Also, consider Piran, a seaside town known as the Slovenian Venice. Be sure to visit Lake Bled, a stunningly picturesque destination with Bled Castle and a host of spa resorts.
We recommend: The capital city of Ljubljana, which is surrounded by natural parks and is full of buildings featuring interesting and well-preserved examples of Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Also, consider Piran, a seaside town known as the Slovenian Venice. Be sure to visit Lake Bled, a stunningly picturesque destination with Bled Castle and a host of spa resorts.
Iceland
Why: Iceland has been on our minds for a couple years and also apparently those of many others, too. I'm sure you have a friend who has been to Iceland in recent years and raves about it. Get there while flights are still cheap. The island nation is a surprisingly short flight away from the U.S. East Coast (less than 6 hours). You're going to love the chances to commune with nature and to see the Northern Lights.
We recommend: Rent a car and see as much as possible. Try a Golden Circle route. Iceland is a rugged land of black sand beaches, hot springs, lagoons and waterfalls. Bring your hiking gear and get outside for all-day activities. Make sure to see Gullfoss Falls, the Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park.
We recommend: Rent a car and see as much as possible. Try a Golden Circle route. Iceland is a rugged land of black sand beaches, hot springs, lagoons and waterfalls. Bring your hiking gear and get outside for all-day activities. Make sure to see Gullfoss Falls, the Blue Lagoon and Thingvellir National Park.
Montenegro
Why: We love this spot for the mountain hiking opportunities and its charming UNESCO Heritage site village of Kotor, which sits like a fairytale spot at the end of Europe's southernmost fjord.
We recommend: Hike up to St. John's Fortress, which looms over Kotor. Enjoy the views of the long fjord and surrounding hills. Then, return to the tiny Old Town below for a meal and refreshing beer. Montenegro is filled with rugged mountains and Medieval villages. Here are the best spots for a good hike: Prokletije National Park, Lovcen National Park and Durmitor National Park (around the village of Zabljak). Also, check out the unusual cliffside Ostrog Monastery, which is carved out of a cave in the side of the giant rock Ostroska Greda.
We recommend: Hike up to St. John's Fortress, which looms over Kotor. Enjoy the views of the long fjord and surrounding hills. Then, return to the tiny Old Town below for a meal and refreshing beer. Montenegro is filled with rugged mountains and Medieval villages. Here are the best spots for a good hike: Prokletije National Park, Lovcen National Park and Durmitor National Park (around the village of Zabljak). Also, check out the unusual cliffside Ostrog Monastery, which is carved out of a cave in the side of the giant rock Ostroska Greda.
The Caribbean
Why: This has been our favorite destination for many years because we savor the sunshine, watersports and so many other things to enjoy in the outdoors among the laid-back vibe and cultural experiences. This is on our hot spot list for 2018 because we expect travelers to make an effort to get to this region to give a boost to the islands that were devastated by a series of horrific hurricanes in 2017.
We recommend: Book a cruise that visits Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rica, the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Antigua. Tourism dollars are vital to helping life return to normal for people in the affected areas. The islands that have been hit hardest have begun reopening for visitors, and we can help accelerate the pace of recovery by planning to go back ASAP.
We recommend: Book a cruise that visits Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rica, the Virgin Islands, St. Maarten and Antigua. Tourism dollars are vital to helping life return to normal for people in the affected areas. The islands that have been hit hardest have begun reopening for visitors, and we can help accelerate the pace of recovery by planning to go back ASAP.
Vietnam
Why: This jewel of Southeast Asia is cheap and offers a wide variety of incredible travel experiences, from cultural interaction, coffee, street food, museums and historical war sites.
We recommend: Visit Ho Chi Minh City to discover the buzzing streets and its museums and food. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay and the thousands of limestone islets that poke from its waters. Book a cruise on the Mekong River to fully immerse yourself into the culture and farming and fishing lifestyles of the villages along this vital natural resource.
We recommend: Visit Ho Chi Minh City to discover the buzzing streets and its museums and food. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay and the thousands of limestone islets that poke from its waters. Book a cruise on the Mekong River to fully immerse yourself into the culture and farming and fishing lifestyles of the villages along this vital natural resource.
Arctic Zones
Why: The Arctic and Antarctica are as fascinating as they are difficult to reach. With the polar regions increasingly melting, now is the time to go to see pristine wilderness and wildlife, such as polar bears, penguins and seals in their natural habitats.
We recommend: The best way to see these destinations is with expert guides on an expedition cruise. These remote places cover more than 10 percent of the Earth's surface and are a delight for true adventurers. Only 35,000 people a year travel to these regions, but that number is on the rise. So, go soon to see them is their most peaceful state.
We recommend: The best way to see these destinations is with expert guides on an expedition cruise. These remote places cover more than 10 percent of the Earth's surface and are a delight for true adventurers. Only 35,000 people a year travel to these regions, but that number is on the rise. So, go soon to see them is their most peaceful state.
Avoid Egypt
Why: It's complicated. I loved my trip to Egypt, and I would like for everyone to get to experience the cradle of civilization and land of the pyramids and pharaohs at least once.
But recent violence and new governmental campaigns make it impossible for me to recommend going any time soon. The U.S. State Department has updated its travel warnings for the country because of threats from terrorists and violent political opposition groups.
These threats are part of the equation for this region of the world nowadays. That is understood. Much of the recent violence in Egypt has occurred in the Western Desert and Sinai Peninsula, and the main tourist areas have tight security, especially in tourist zones.
But the more troubling thing to me is the movement in the country to crack down on protections for members of the nation's LGBT community. The climate has become increasingly hostile. Egypt has seen an overall erosion of personal freedoms, as well as hostile hate campaigns and rhetoric coming from members of government and religious institutions.
This makes the country a highly unattractive place to want to spend your time and precious tourist dollars.
-----------------------------------------------
Now it's your turn. Please comment below with some of the places you want to go to in 2018.
What other countries should make the Hot Spot List?
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
JR
But recent violence and new governmental campaigns make it impossible for me to recommend going any time soon. The U.S. State Department has updated its travel warnings for the country because of threats from terrorists and violent political opposition groups.
These threats are part of the equation for this region of the world nowadays. That is understood. Much of the recent violence in Egypt has occurred in the Western Desert and Sinai Peninsula, and the main tourist areas have tight security, especially in tourist zones.
But the more troubling thing to me is the movement in the country to crack down on protections for members of the nation's LGBT community. The climate has become increasingly hostile. Egypt has seen an overall erosion of personal freedoms, as well as hostile hate campaigns and rhetoric coming from members of government and religious institutions.
This makes the country a highly unattractive place to want to spend your time and precious tourist dollars.
-----------------------------------------------
Now it's your turn. Please comment below with some of the places you want to go to in 2018.
What other countries should make the Hot Spot List?
Thanks for reading, and happy travels!
JR
RSS Feed