We all have a bucket list of amazing destinations we want to tick off. Right?! (Say it with me!)
If you haven’t already got your itineraries sorted, it’s time to make a few New Year’s travel resolutions. To wrap up 2015 and get the new year travel plans pumping, here are some incredible spots we recommend for 2016:
Okinawa, Japan
It’s probably one of the most beautiful places in Japan and offers travellers a gorgeous natural contrast to the country’s bustling, neon-lit cities.
All of the islands in the Okinawa Prefecture are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving and exploring a rich tapestry of underwater reefs and creatures.
Ensure you visit during the warm months to make the most of the water activities.
Budapest, Hungary
Glorious architecture and dazzling views over the Danube will surround you when in Budapest, which we reckon is one of the best cities in Eastern Europe.
Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Great Synagogue are all must-sees here. Make sure you also take a dip in the famed city hot springs and get into the thriving food culture.
Livingstone, Zambia
Why go to this remote town in Zambia? Livingstone is only very small, but it’s the key town from which you can easily access the largest waterfall in the world: Victoria Falls.
Here, you can do anything you like in the great outdoors, from horse riding to white water rafting to bungee jumping.
Surrounding the falls, you’ll also find the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, where you can easily safari and spot zebra, giraffe, antelope and warthog.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
While everyone else flocks to Thailand, you can experience a totally same-same-but-different culture in Vietnam!
Ho Chi Minh City sits at number #2 on Lonely Planet’s ‘best value’ destinations for 2016 (Estonia is #1, FYI) and it’s a place where your dollar will stretch far and wide.
Our top picks include the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Ben Thanh Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Take a trip up to Bitexco Financial Tower for some awesome views, and of course, don’t forget the quintessential day trip to Angkor Wat.
Muscat, Oman
Don’t know much about Muscat? Think desert mountains, old-world tradition, beautiful ocean sights and a rich arts/performance scene.
Catching a show at the Royal Opera House is recommended in Muscat, as is walking along Mutrah, the main port area, exploring the Grand Mosque and shopping at the Mutrah Souq.
Montreal, Canada
If you want the experience of a big city without having to brace the language barrier, Montreal is one of our faves.
The food is diverse and spectacular, the arts and festival scene is practically non-stop and neighbourhood pockets like Old Montreal and Mount Royal mean there’s plenty to do.
Make sure you check out the city’s biggest attraction, the Basilique Notre-Dame, too.
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
Torres del Paine is your 2016 chance to see Patagonia at its best and satisfy (beyond belief) your adventurous side.
It’s a destination where granite peaks, snow-capped mountains, glorious glaciers and captivating waters (and waterfalls) can all be traversed, explored and ogled at.
To get here you’ll need to head to Santiago, fly down to Punta Arenas and then drive for around 4 hours to the park. It sounds like a lot, but it’s more than worth it – and there are plenty of amazing things to see along the way.