TOP 5 PLACES TO TRAVEL IN 2017

As we are heading into 2017.  We have been hearing that most people's New Year resolutions is to travel more. Here are a few of the destinations that we think will be very popular in 2017. Click the images to find out more. Enjoy! :-)

(1) CANADA

Get ready to explore cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa. They all have something unique to offer and there is something for everyone. In 2017, it will be Canada’s 150th birthday. So there will be festivities all year long. In addition to the celebrations, there will be free Discovery passes that will give anyone (especially tourists) free entry into all of the national parks in 2017. This will give visitors the opportunity to explore Canada’s various habitats. Also, its National Heritage sites will be free to all. Canada is truly a budget friendly destination. These are just a few of the perks that will be available to tourists visiting in 2017. 

(2) JAPAN

If you want to party and explore different cultures and interests, Japan is the place to be in 2017. There are so many festivals happening in Japan. You won’t have to wait until spring and summer for the partying to start. In January there will be The Internet Cat Video Festival, the Ice Waterfall Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival and many more. There’s also an opportunity to see a sumo tournament, which is held at the prestigious Ryogoku kokugikan. There are also a lot of attractions such as the Todai-ji Temple, the Fushimi Inari taisha shrine and many more. 

(3) CUBA

In recent months many restrictions have been lifted, and an increasing number of people now have the opportunity to visit Cuba. For the first time in 50 years it will be easier for Americans to go and legally spend money there. It is amazing that Cuba has come a long way. It is now a new frontier in tourism open to learn from and explore.

Cuba has relatively been untouched by globalisation and the country gives you the feeling of stepping into a time capsule surrounded by old cars from the 1950s and old buildings. Cuba is home to nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are so many things to see and do, such as The Malecón, Old Havana, Varadero Beach, Playa Paraiso just to name a few. You can even visit the home of Ernest Hemingway, which is now a Museum. 

(4) BOTSWANA

Botswana is the destination to visit if you want to get up close and personal with nature and rare wildlife. You should visit the Savute Reserve (Choba National Park) and see the elephants chilling and doing their thing. You can also check out the Rhinos at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. After that, you can get a history lesson at the Three Chief Statues Monument in Gaborone. Also by stepping into a dugout canoe you can explore the Okavango Delta and every now and then you will a see a hippo.

Botswana has a reputation for offering a luxurious experience for its visitors, so it's definitely a great place to check out in 2017.

(5) PORTUGAL

In recent months Portugal has increasingly become a popular holiday destination for tourists and it shows no signs of slowing down. It has the perfect blend of adventure, amazing beaches and vibrant cities. Portugal is also known for its delicious wine. It also has a reputation for providing affordable luxury for its visitors. According to the US News Rankings, Lisbon is one of the least expensive cities on the European continent, so this means you can explore without worrying too much about your pockets.  Places to check out are Algarve, The Azores and many more.  At this rate Portugal is definitely going to be even more popular in 2017.

Top 3 places to visit in October

Turkey - Antalya

Turkey is increasingly becoming one of the hotspots for early autumn. Antalya specifically is enjoying being known as a popular destination. If you are not quite ready to accept the cold oncoming autumn weather you can delay it by visiting Antalya and enjoying its average temperature of 21 degrees. It is recommended that you check out Perge, which is the closest Roman ruin to Antalya. You can also get lost in history by also visiting Aspendos, Termessos and Side.

Near the resort of Side is Manavgat waterfalls. This is an amazing place to spend the day relaxing and capturing some epic selfies. There are plenty of garden cafes that provide refreshments and there are gift shops that are open all the time. If you want to see more of nature’s wonderful waterfalls, head to the bigger Duden waterfalls within the city of Antalya. It is truly a wonderful resort city that has more than enough to offer so you can enjoy your trip.

Italy - Rome

Rome has never failed to deliver; we think it will always remain a tourist hotspot no matter what time of the year it is. During the October months the weather in Rome is very mild, and the average sea temperature is about 22 degrees, which is warm enough to have a lovely dip in the ocean during your holiday.

When in Rome, do what the Romans do. Get lost in enjoying the food, culture and art. Check out the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj for amazing artwork. Check out the Colosseum and the other tourist attractions such as The Sistine Chapel, Piazza Navona, Trevi Fountain and many more all within the city. During this time of the year it will not be crowded, so you will be able to gain easy access to the popular tourist attractions with minimal waiting time and fuss.

USA - New Orleans

New Orleans is the place to be in October. The city is awash with cultural offerings and of course plenty of festivals. Also, the weather during this time is at 26 degrees. So it will still feel like you are right in the middle of summer.

From the 1st - 2nd October the Treme Fall Festival takes place. All weekend you can enjoy the local music and food of the celebrated New Orleans neighbourhood. The festival is a donation-based event, created to raise money for the local community. 

Hell Yes Fest takes place on 6th - 16th October. It is a huge comedy event in New Orleans, featuring well known comics such as Sarah Silverman, Nick Swardson, Alice Wetterlund and many more. 

The Voodoo Music and Arts Experience happens on the 28th - 30th October. It is the last huge music festival of the year. The Weeknd, G-Eazy, Lost Kings and many more will be performing. It is set to be another epic one!

There is also the New Orleans Film Festival, which takes place from the 12th - 20th October. They will also be celebrating their 27th Year Anniversary so it set to be a huge one. Be sure to catch a flight and head out to New Orleans.