If you’ve decided to travel more in 2017 then this just might be your best year yet. As airlines have begun to slash fares more often, and more and more countries are depending on tourism dollars to boost their economies, traveling this year can be cheaper and better than ever.
While you might be tempted to stay close to home, many international locales are not only very much worth your time, but it’s difficult to say how long these low travel prices will last. While many travel-savvy experts predict this low-cost trend could persevere long beyond 2017, why not honor your travel resolution and go as soon as possible?
Even some of the more exotic destinations are now within reach, now is the time to exchange those saved up points for flights. You might also consider using some of those points for flight upgrades or hotel stays in order to further maximize your vacation of a lifetime in one of these fascinating and exotic destinations.
1. The Maldives
Once strictly reserved for the wealthy, this island chain in the Indian Ocean is now accessible to more travelers than ever, provided you can handle the 24+ hours that it can take to get there. However, the long flight will be worth it when you check in to your bungalow perched over the turquoise waters.
Travelers generally fly to the capital of Male, and then transfer by seaplane to one of the tiny islands that make up the Maldives. If the paradisiacal tropical aspect of the Maldives isn’t enough of a draw, the fact that this island chain could eventually disappear under water is another reason to visit in 2017.
2. Croatia
While Croatia has been on the lists of savvy travelers for years, this country on the stunning Adriatic Sea is now one of the hottest destinations in the world. Well known for its gorgeous coastline, fascinating national parks, and a food scene that is beginning to rival the rest of Europe.
It can be difficult to decide exactly how to tackle this small but diverse country. If you’re a water lover, consider a multiple day cruise on the Adriatic or just make your way between the beach towns at your own pace. Photography buffs will love the hundreds of cascading waterfalls at Plitvice National Park, and if you’re a fan of history there are plenty of Soviet-era relics scattered around the country.
3. Cuba
Once the private paradise of those without U.S. passports or those brave American travelers who were willing to circumvent the rules, the Caribbean island nation of Cuba is now more accessible to U.S. citizens, but there are still some legal loopholes to jump through.
Most of the people who are currently visiting Cuba must do so through licensed tour operators who adhere to the rules of the United States government. While a trip here will definitely prove to be interesting, don’t expect the luxury that you’ll find on other Caribbean islands. Cuba still has a great deal of work to do to handle a burgeoning tourist industry, and right now accommodations are generally more in the budget range.
4. The United Arab Emirates
Travel to the Middle East may be off putting for some, but the United Arab Emirates is one of the safest and most opulent countries in the region and it definitely deserves a visit in 2017. Getting there is easy and carriers like Emirates and Etihad have nonstop flights from Chicago and San Francisco, among others.
The UAE is home to more experiences than can be had in one vacation, but if you try hard enough you can hit many of them. Visit Ski Dubai for a snow experience in the desert and have lunch at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, one of the only 7 star hotels in the world. Hit some of the country’s hottest clubs for a glimpse into the true jetsetter lifestyle, and take a dune bashing tour of the desert.
5. Uruguay
One of South America’s best under-the-radar destinations is the small country of Uruguay. Located on the Atlantic coast, Uruguay is an unassuming country that is big on culture and character. Its capital city of Montevideo is gritty and charming and offers up incredible beef that rivals its neighbor to the south, Argentina. You’ll want to visit Argentina to experience their Yerba Mate. I got to try some for the first time when I met some Argentineans in Ecuador!
Visit during the summer months and experience the high-end beach town of Punta del Este. Positively sleepy during the off season, this seaside town comes alive with summer visitors from all over the world, which creates an international party scene that rivals that of Ibiza.
Whether you’re craving a beach getaway or want to dive head first into a cosmopolitan city, this is your year to travel. Take advantage of the savings and see where 2017 takes you.