Is 2018 the year you finally take that trip across the world? Whether you’re booking flights or just dreaming, these destinations will take you across oceans, far from Ottawa. We’re giving you our input on Lonely Planet’s ranking of the top 10 countries to visit in 2018:
Mauritius
It’s all about blue: clear blue skies, sapphire blue waters, emerald blue Crater Lake. Rich in culture due to the country’s history, you will love the Mauritius’ cuisine which is a mix of European heritage, African tradition and Asian kick. Spend the day on the beach, or trail up Le Morne Brabant to look at the waves crashing off the Indian Ocean; it’s a little bit of paradise.
Portugal
Though we already mentioned Portugal as one of the top places to celebrate the New Year, a lot still has to be said about the country. Fan of seafood? Go to Lisbon and get a taste of their specialties like bacalhau (dried and salted cod fish) which can be prepared hundreds of different ways. Want to feel like royals? Go see Sintra-Vila — visiting the Castle’s gardens will take you all the way back to the 18th century.
Chile
On the southern edge of South America, Chile borders the Pacific Ocean. I would be heading first to Arica, a northern city known for its surfing beaches. Then on to see some of the world’s oldest known mummies down in Aazpa Valley. Take the time to experience Parcque Nacional Toress del Paine and go beyond the forests and rivers to find the blue glacier. While you’re in that part of the world why not see Easter Island (a little more secluded and expensive), where rest the familiar Moai statues.
New Zealand
New Zealand is well known for being the place where they filmed Lord of the Rings. Between the ancient rock formations and glacial fjords, New Zealand is a geographical gem. Less crowded than many of these other destinations, it is peaceful and a breath of fresh air; great for those who love outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and caving. You’ll also find a wide variety of activities to learn more about the Maori culture (Polynesian people of New Zealand).
South Korea
Feeling playful? The Winter Olympic and Paralympic games are taking place in February in PyeongChang, drawing the world’s attention to South Korea. K-pop (Korean Pop) is also poised to take over North American culture. You might remember the famous hit “Gangnam Style”; whether or not it was your favorite song, you’ll want to check out the unique music scene. The urban architecture of South Korea’s capital, Seoul, is the country’s concrete jungle, with futuristic-looking complexes like the Some Sevit “floating Islands”.
We hope this overview inspires your travels in this year. Don’t be satisfied with just running on fumes; fly high!
