Have you planned your vacations for 2018 yet? It’s time to get your travel plans in order: 2018 is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative. As travelers across the US become increasingly comfortable traveling to exotic places, you don’t want to vacation in your usual, familiar cities.
If you’re ready for adventure in 2018, plan your next vacation to one of the year’s hottest destinations. As more and more airlines offer service to and from new corners of the world, this year you’ll be able to go farther than you ever expected. From far-flung spots across the globe to nearby cities experiencing exciting renaissances, this is the year to try travel destinations beyond your comfort zone.
These are the 5 best places to visit during your 2018 travels. Check out these emerging spots for yourself, and book your trip today.
1. La Paz, Bolivia
While South America has long been a popular vacation spot, Bolivia is a rising international destination. Forget climbing Machu Picchu in Peru–La Paz, Bolivia is where everyone will want to be in 2018.
Considered the “capital of cool” by frequent travelers like The Points Guy, La Paz is the highest capital city in the entire world. You can explore the city and even see some of the rainforest from an aerial tram, soaring above the landscape below. With new fine dining destinations and hot spots like a hotel crafted out of salt, there’s a lot to see for the very first time in this Bolivian city.
2. Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Cambodia was one of the most popular international vacation spots in 2017, and it’s poised to be one of the top destinations again in 2018. Travel to this faraway country, and you’ll get the chance to experience an entirely new world for less. Affordable and an exceptional value for your money, Cambodia is the perfect place for lavish travel on a budget.
Visit the capital of the country, Phnom Penh, and you can stay in some of Cambodia’s newest hotels. With quieter beaches than Thailand and Vietnam, you can relax by the water and travel the city by bus for lively nights out. River cruises, historic landmarks, and luxury resorts: it’s all available in Cambodia.
3. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most loved tropical vacation destinations year after year. Yet in 2018, it’s going to be easier than ever before to travel to the island of Oahu. With low-cost airline Southwest making its first regular flights to Honolulu, you’ll no longer need to spend $600 or more on a round-trip flight from the US mainland.
Head to Honolulu and you’ll discover a bustling city with vibrant day and night life. With resorts, hotels, and beach clubs lining the shores of the city, you can spend your days in the sand and your nights at some of the state’s best restaurants. Want to check out other Hawaiian locales? It’s easy and affordable to island hop, either with a quick flight or boat ride.
4. Valletta, Malta
You might be familiar with Greece’s picturesque islands and sparkling seas. In 2018, Greece is old news: savvy travelers are heading to Malta instead. This small Mediterranean island is capturing the world’s attention for the first time, and it’s an incredible spot to visit.
The capital of the nation, Valletta, is recognized as Europe’s Capital of Culture for 2018, with UNESCO calling it the place to vacation this year. Cultural events, like festivals and feasts, are planned for every month of the year–and the excitement doesn’t stop there. Malta is home to countless archaeological sites to explore, and features some of Europe’s most incredible scuba diving sites. If it’s beautiful beaches and new culture you want to see, Valletta is the place.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana
Don’t want to leave the US but still need a stellar vacation? Head to New Orleans in Louisiana and you’ll have a truly one-of-a-kind trip in 2018. This year, the storied Mardi Gras city is celebrating its 300th anniversary and all kinds of events are planned.
The city that was never expected to rebound from Hurricane Katrina is lively and exciting today. With historical events, such as the Tall Ships of America and the Historic New Orleans Collection celebrations, and dramatic city redesign, such as a French Quarter bike path, you can see New Orleans in an entirely new way. Everything is new in New Orleans once again, and it’s definitely a city to revisit.
Book Your 2018 Travel Today
Ready to dive in to one of these incredible destinations–or maybe more than one? Now is the time to book your flights, hotels, and adventures in these top 2018 vacation destinations.
Because these vacation locations are expected to explode in popularity, you’ll have the best success if you book now. Don’t wait until summer arrives and these destinations are already sold out. Travel becomes more expensive the longer you wait. Compare your options and your choices now. Research these exciting cities, and figure out what you want to explore most of all. With the right research, you can put together the perfect 2018 vacation.
