Where to go this year? That is the question of all questions when the year slowly comes to an end and you’re already daydreaming about the next beach. You can decide between five continents, 194 countries or states and thousands of cities. This makes it hard to figure out the best vacation hotspots. To help you a little, I made some research about this important question. Also, to get some inspiration by myself.

As a source, I used the guidebook brand Lonely Planet, which yearly reveals the top destinations of the new year. According to this, I’ve rounded up a hot collection of places you need to visit in 2018 and why. From classic cities to new destinations, get inspired now by my suggested vacation hotspots!

 

Vacation Hotspots: Countries

 

Chile

Due to its high mountains, Chile is isolated from the rest of South America. That makes this country and its landscape so interesting. But in 2018 the rich and poor, the farmers and the metropolitans will unite to celebrate 200 years of independence. This is definitely worth a visit to one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations.

 

 

Malta

The Mediterranean archipelago not just delights with prehistoric temples and mystical tunnels. Malta’s capital Valetta also has been chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2018. This means you can expect international film festivals, a contemporary art biennial. And a laid-back lifestyle with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

 

 

Mauritius

It is an idyll off the coast of Africa: in Mauritius, you live a perfect life. From luxurious beach resorts to fun reef dives, kitesurfing, kayaking, and lagoon cruises. In 2018 the island celebrates 50 years of independence which is a great reason to celebrate with the locals. Plus, there are new connections now to Mauritius include Air Mauritius and flights from Amsterdam.

 

 

Vacation Hotspots: Cities

 

Seville, Spain

Once a busy metropole that is resting on its historic past, Seville transformed in the last ten years into a city of bicycles and trams and now is anxious to bring its artistic past alive again. So the capital of Andalucía will both host the 31^st European Film Awards in 2018 and celebrate the 400^th anniversary of homegrown Baroque painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo. Also, parts of Game of Thrones were filmed in Seville.

 

 

Canberra, Australia

There is so much happening in Canberra in 2018. Australian’s capital will not just host a test cricket match at Manuka Oval for the first time, it will also host the 100^th anniversary of the WWI Armistice. Not least to mention that the city offers new boutiques, gastronomic highlights and national treasures around every corner.

 

 

Oslo, Norway

If you are romantic, Oslo might be the perfect trip for you in 2018. Oslo and the rest of the nation celebrate the 50^th year of marriage of Norway’s beloved king and queen. This means you can expect a calendar full of exciting and interesting events. Plus the Opera House is turning ten in 2018 and comes with a celebratory season packed with concerts and performances.

 

 

Vacation Hotspots: Regions

 

Belfast & the Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland 

Once a violent city, Belfast is now a hip capital with trendy bars and authentic restaurants. The old docklands are now the vibrant Titanic Quarter with fancy apartments and a museum. Not to forget the beautiful Causeway Coast, that gives a variety of golf, whiskey and some of the world’s most famous rocks.

 

 

Aeolian Islands, Italy

Find a slow and easy-going travel paradise off the tip of Italy’s boot. The Aeolian Islands are seven sisters, who convince with sublime seascapes, volcanic slopes, black-sand beaches and some of Europe’s best coastal walks and dives. Far off the touristic spots, the islands are perfect for travelers who seek a good-value Mediterranean break.

 

 

Southern USA

50 years ago Martin Luther King was assassinated in Memphis. Due to this memorial anniversary, there will be open several civil rights-focused sights such as the Memorial to Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, which shows a structure of suspended columns that symbolize the nation’s 4.000 lynching victims. The National Civil Rights Museum – a former motel in which King was killed – will hold poetry slams, concerts, and other special events. And New Orleans celebrates its 300^th birthday with a multi-event party.

 

 

Value Hotspots

 

Tallinn, Estonia

When a city is small, fashionable and extremely value, then it is Estonia’s capital Tallinn. From walking for free in the lovely old town to the good-value apartments and houses, Tallinn also shows a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea and over the city from the flat roof of the Linnahall. Also, head to the neighborhood Kalamaja. There, food trucks offer instagrammable moments, that doesn’t cost a thing.

 

 

Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

Lanzarote strikes with the moon-like scenery of Parque Nacional de Timanfaya. Unspoiled beaches of Órzola and black-sand wineries of La Geria. It impresses with César Manrique’s artistic and architectural footprint. Stunning hiking trails, unexpected views and a well-developed infrastructure that makes you find everything you want. Lanzarote is truly an island with a package full of breathtaking roads and adventurous nature, that is just waiting to be explored.

 

 

Jacksonville, USA

Jax, as the locals call the city in Florida, doesn’t get much attention, although it has 35 km (22 mi) of beaches, surfing, art, and live music. Moreover, you can explore America’s largest urban park system on foot, by bike or on a guided kayak tour. Barbecue joints and beach bars offer good-value and family-friendly dining. And Jacksonville had the lowest hotel rates in the state. So good reasons to pay attention to this city.

 

 

What are your travel plans? Do you know of any vacation hotspots to see this year? I would love to read more about your travel plans in the comments.