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Explore our selection of the best destinations for 2017-2018The 21 Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2017 Alexandra Talty , Contributor I cover personal finance and travel. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Tweet This Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked The Philippines is heating up as a destination for 2017. From the Philippines to Georgia, this year’s list of best budget travel destinations features exotic ideas from some of the world’s experts in travel. While some of these countries made the cut thanks to fluctuating currencies (Australia, we’re looking at you), others like Kyrgyzstan are more off-the-beaten path. With this list, stretch your dollar further in 2017. Time to get traveling! Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains. Photo credit: Alesha Bradford. Northern Vietnam is a great budget travel destination for 2017. Consider renting a motorbike to see spectacular scenery like these rice terraces and mountains. Photo credit: Alesha Bradford. The digital nomads Jarryd Salem and Alesha Bradford are based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. They are in the midst of traveling across land from Thailand to South Africa, and are documenting their wild journey on NOMADasaurus. These are their two low cost suggestions: 1. Northern Vietnam Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked by travelers. This is truly a shame, because Northern Vietnam is where the most sensational scenery and culture can be found. Rice terraces, towering mountains, twisting roads and ethnic minority people all add to the adventure. For budget travelers, private accommodation can be found for between $10-15 a night or dorms are as low as $5. Food ranges between $0.50 - $2 a dish and transport never costs more than a few dollars between towns. To really keep your costs down consider renting a motorbike. 2. Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan With 93 percent of the nation covered in mountains and a rich history and culture that goes back thousands of years, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most spectacular and underrated countries in the world. The capital city, Bishkek, is an incredible hub for exploring Central Asia, with Silk Road remnants like the Burana Tower just a short drive away and some incredible trekking opportunities in the surrounding mountains. Best of all for a budget traveler, Kyrgyzstan is surprisingly affordable. Private accommodation in the city can be found for as little as $15 a night and good meals start around $2. Even a traditional yurt stay with 2 meals can be as cheap as $20 per person. One of the first budget travel bloggers, Matt Kepnes has made a name for himself with his website and community, Nomadic Matt. And although the backpacker’s travel style might have evolved over the years, he still knows how to travel for less. Here are his favorite go-to spots: 3. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon offers a good mix of museums, historic buildings, eclectic music and nightlife, and squares and cafés to watch the world go by. I fell in love with this city when I visited. It had this old, gritty feeling that gave it tons of character. Plus, it is much less than many other European destinations, with budget accommodation clocking in around $30. 4. Seoul, South Korea Seoul is a fascinating metropolis filled with high tech infrastructure, modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, a large expat scene and delicious Korean food all at rock bottom prices. Plus, since it’s a major hub it is easy to access this low cost city. 5. Bucharest, Romania With several centuries of architecture in Bucharest, there is an interesting display of old and new here. There are plenty of museums, cemeteries, historical sites to explore, plus wild nightlife and cheap, hearty food to be found! A go-to spot for digital nomads, it's a city on the rise.The 21 Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2017 Alexandra Talty , Contributor I cover personal finance and travel. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Continued from page 2 Tweet This Vietnam is known as a budget destination, but the region north of Hanoi along the Chinese border often gets overlooked The Philippines is heating up as a destination for 2017. American Nicole Brewer first moved to South Korea over seven years ago to teach English. Since then the thirtysomething serial expat launched a blog, documenting her adventures at ILuv2GlobeTrot. Brewer now lives in a small town in Oman, where she is teaching at a college. Here are her two favorite budget destinations for 2017: 6. Cape Point, South Africa Overlooking the Cape of Good Hope, the southern most tip of Africa is a cheap day trip from Cape Town. Photo credit: Nicole Brewer. Overlooking the Cape of Good Hope, the southern most tip of Africa is a cheap day trip from Cape Town. Photo credit: Nicole Brewer. Home to African penguins at Boulder Beach and Cape Point National Park, Cape Point is the most southwestern point of Africa. One can take an affordable day trip there from Cape Town with a hop on, hop off tour-bus. For 500 Rand or $35 for a full day, this tour is a must do in 2017. 7. Crete, Greece The largest island in Greece, Crete is great for those looking to party on a budget, as it offers an array of clubs and restaurants with affordable prices. With idyllic beaches, there are lots of low cost lodging options, making it a steal when compared to the more well-known areas of Athens and Santorini. The Australian couple Caz and Craig Makepeace of YTravel have traveled all over the world with their two children in tow. While they love life on the road, part of their philosophy is to travel slowly and make sure to experience it all. These are their favorite, off-the-beaten path recommendations: 8. Palawan, The Philippines The Philippines is heating up as a destination for 2017. Palawan is where the magic still remains a little more untouched and quiet compared to popular, Boracay Island (which we do love). Palawan has some of the most diverse landscapes as well as some of the best aquatic life in the country. You'll spend your days snorkeling, diving, beach hopping and exploring underground cave systems. Palawan is not a party island like Boracay, which means you'll save more money by spending your evenings relaxing with quiet conversation under a star filled sky instead of pouring it into the nearest beer bucket. That being said, beers are quite cheap in the Philippines. 9. Burleigh Heads, Queensland, Australia I'm going to go out on a limb here and suggest an Australian town as a budget destination! But honestly, Australia has never looked better for travel from a budget perspective. Flight prices have plummeted and the Aussie dollar is much weaker, meaning travelers can get way more bang for their buck. Competition is also helping to lower the prices of accommodation, tours and eating out. Burleigh has the best of Australia wrapped up in one small bohemian beachside town. The natural beauty of the beaches, national parks and nearby hinterland provides plenty to do without spending a lot of money. It has a flourishing coffee, food and craft beer culture, making it a hip place for both young and old travelers. Plus, with a sub-tropical climate that sees 300 days of sunshine a year and very little sweater time, you can travel during off-peak times, save even more money and still have an incredible time. 10. Porto, Portugal Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal. With its affordable eating, accommodation and inexpensive museums and tours, it is a trending budget destination in Europe. Porto has a historic center that dates back to 300 BC, a Unesco World Heritage colorful riverside quarter and dramatic 12th-Century Romanesque cathedral churches and chapels. Stop by the Port Houses for a tipple or two as you meander the riverside and hilly streets filled with hipster bars and smoky cafes. Canadian YouTube star Nadine Sykora has traveled to nearly 50 countries, while earning six figures a year. The millennial is known for her high-quality, adventure focused content. Here are her best budget destinations for 2017: 11. Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago This small island is not very touristy and cheap in comparison to many other places in the Caribbean. From beaches to restaurants to diving, it is an adventure-lovers dream. 12. Trencin, Slovakia Think: a beautiful small town under the shadow of a medieval, castle. A lovely place to visit for less in Europe. Lee Abbamonte, the youngest American to visit every country in the world, is famous for his top 30 lists, like the best cities in the world. These are his three favorite travel destinations for the new year: 13. Luang Prabang, Laos Laos is tranquil, beautiful and cultural. This out of the way destination has as much bang for the buck as anywhere on earth. 14. Cairo, Egypt Thanks to political unrest and fluctuating currencies, the cradle of civilization is as cheap as it will ever be. You can get tremendous value especially on top end hotels and tours. 15. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Bolivia is one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in the world is cheap, fun, easy and well worth acclimating to the altitude for the views and amazing photos. Do it for the gram! Following an epic year-long road trip around the United States and Canada, Josh and Erin Bender are planning their next big trip and sharing their adventures along the way at Travel With Bender. Traveling with two young children, here are the Australians' recommendations for low cost family travel: 16. Moab, Utah Incredibly natural geography make Moab a top notch destination for 2017. Photo credit: The Benders Incredibly natural geography make Moab a top notch destination for 2017. Photo credit: The Benders Southern Utah is one of our favorite places in the United States thanks to its mouth-wateringly delicious landscapes. Close to three major national and state parks (Arches, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point), Moab is centrally positioned to spend a few days exploring this beautiful wilderness. You only need a car or an RV and your sense of adventure. To keep the vacation budget as low as possible, use an RV to save on accommodation costs or make use of small hotels offering off-peak discounts. If you don’t already have one, get your hands on an annual pass for national parks to save on entry fees. 17. Antigua, Guatemala There are lots of reasons to love amazing Antigua. But if you’re looking for a budget vacation in Central America with a generous dose of culture, this is it. You can find relatively low cost accommodation, transport and food is cheap, and there’s no shortage of amazing cultural events like Semana Santa - the world’s largest Easter celebration. For peace of mind, consider renting a house or apartment in a gated community. If you have time, extend your vacation to the nearby Lake Atitlan region which is often ranked as one of the most beautiful places in Central America. 18. Brasov, Romania With medieval castles and low cost lodging, Romania has lots to offer in 2017. Photo credit: Travel with Bender. With medieval castles and low cost lodging, Romania has lots to offer in 2017. Photo credit: Travel with Bender. Romania in winter is magical. It has many of the conveniences of Western Europe but at Eastern European prices. Grab a rental car and drive into the snowy Transylvanian Alps. There’s plenty of affordable holiday homes and apartments in Brasov and the nearby countryside, plus the city houses beautiful Christmas markets. Many Romanians in tourism-centric cities understand and speak some English so language is rarely a problem. And while in the area drive to the heart-warming Libearty Bear Sanctuary and the world famous, Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 horror novel, Dracula. The travel bloggers behind Two Monkeys Travel Kach and Jonathan Howe were recently married and are now on a yearlong honeymoon, which they kicked off in Antarctica. After traveling all around South America and Asia on a shoestring budget, here are their top destinations: 19. Hopkins, Belize While this surprising little paradise has a reputation as one of the most expensive countries in Central America, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a budget destination. Belize is still a whole lot cheaper than Europe or the Florida coast. Although a great deal of the 240 miles of coastline are built up with resorts, like Placencia, Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, we found one little bastion of chill hiding in plain sight: Hopkins. Hopkins, Belize is everything that a Caribbean beach paradise should be - natural, rough around the edges, with fallen palm leaves littering the beach and driftwood washed up on the shoreline. Food and accommodation options are simple, maybe even a bit limited, but that will be the last thing on your mind as you sway in a hammock at sunset, wishing your time here would never end! 20. Copán, Honduras Kach Howe fell in love with beautiful ruins like these at the budget travelers dream in Copan, Honduras. Photo credit: Two Monkeys Travel. Kach Howe fell in love with beautiful ruins like these at the budget travelers dream in Copan, Honduras. Photo credit: Two Monkeys Travel. Honduras gets a bad reputation as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, which puts a lot of people off from traveling there. In truth, it’s a beautiful country with a huge amount to offer in nature, history and culture. While there is crime in the major cities between gangs, it doesn't affect the tourist destinations as much as the media would lead you to believe. The high altitude provides fresh, cool air and mountainous landscapes which are home to the best Mayan ruin sites we have seen outside of Mexico. There are far fewer tourists and the ruins offer a much more natural and wild feel to them. The town has everything from cheap hostels to expensive hotels and everything in between, with the best food found on the streets or in tiny street-side cafes. Just an hour minibus ride further into the mountains is a beautiful natural hot springs, sculpted into the terraced hillside. If you give Copán (and the rest of Honduras for that matter) a chance, you’ll be very happy you did! Tbilisi, Georgia Poland and Czech Republic are better known as budget travel destinations in Europe, but Georgia has lots to offer in terms of architecture and history. Photo credit: Two Monkeys Travel. Poland and Czech Republic are better known as budget travel destinations in Europe, but Georgia has lots to offer in terms of architecture and history. Photo credit: Two Monkeys Travel. A country usually overlooked as a budget travel destination in favor of more famous names like Czech Republic or Poland, we found Georgia to be one of the most interesting places we’ve ever visited. In Tbilisi, beautifully preserved orthodox churches and medieval style architecture are punctuated by recent modern architectural landmarks. The Georgian food is truly amazing and the most surprising element of our stay, with far more fresh vegetables and unique flavors than we ever expected. In the comments below, share your favorite budget hot spots for 2017. And, for reference, here's last year's list. All Inclusive Vacation Deals - Affordable Vacation Packages Sponsored: book.bluesunvacations.com/All-Inclusive/Apple-Vacations | All Inclusive Trips to The Caribbean & Mexico. Best Rate Guaranteed. Call Today! 2 Official CheapCaribbean® Sponsored: www.CheapCaribbean.com/OfficialSite | Best Internet Rate - Guaranteed! Book Today With CheapCaribbean®. 3 Expedia Trip Sponsored: Expedia.ie/Trip | Book Online & Save up to 50%. Great deals on Trip 4 Vacation Special Offers - FEI World Equestrian Games '18 Sponsored: www.exploreasheville.com/equestrian-game/packages-deals | Going to the World Equestrian Games? Get Asheville Vacation Special Offers Now. 5 Low Cost Travel Packages - Browse Results Instantly Sponsored: us.wow.com/Low Cost Travel Packages | Search for Low Cost Travel Packages. Find Quick Results and Explore Answers Now! 20 Ways To Visit Japan On The Cheap - forbes.com Here are 20 tips to help your travel dollar go even further. ... you’ll also want to factor in the cost and time of getting to and from airports.Read More... How To Get The Best Hotel Deals - forbes.com Be flexible about travel dates. ... end up as an additional cost on your bill. ... Hotel web sites advertise packages and deals.Read More... The Ten Best Budget Travel Destinations for 2016 Travel doesn't have to break the bank if you're willing to beyond the typical ... as the cost of living there is just so low compared to Western wages.Read More... A Monthly Guide To The Best Hotel And Travel Deals ... ... A Guide to the Best Travel Deals of 2017. ... lodging can be half the cost as well. ... which is why you can find low prices there.Read More... The 30 Cheapest Places To Travel In 2017 - forbes.com ... Morocco is the ultimate dream trip, and yet cost ... This is thanks to low-cost ... Bring a ton of American cash and you’ll get better deals ... Read More... The 30 Cheapest Places To Travel In 2017 Laura Begley Bloom , Contributor Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Tweet This I interviewed 14 travel experts who make it their business to keep track of the best bargains around. Time to start packing your bags: 2017 is shaping up to be a banner year for budget travel. The dollar is enjoying historic highs — meaning your money goes much further in many destinations around the globe — and according to an American Express Global Business Travel report, airfares are expected to fall in 2017. Bali rice paddy Bali — one of the most affordable destinations for 2017. (Photo courtesy of Nastasia Yakoub/Dame Traveler) So where should you go on your next trip? I interviewed 14 travel experts who make it their business to keep track of the best bargains around. Here are their favorite picks for the most affordable destinations to visit next year. Mazatlan The Mazatlan coast. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Mazatlan, Mexico Chosen By: Holly Johnson, founder of Club Thrifty, a website with tips on travel savings whose motto is “Stop spending. Start living” Why: The current exchange rate ($1 = 20.69 Mexican pesos) makes Mexico one of the most affordable destinations. For the frugal traveler who wants to enjoy more culture than they might in the Riviera Maya, my top pick is Mazatlan. As the shrimp capital of Mexico and a foodie paradise, Mazatlan is teeming with awesome eateries and fresh, interesting dishes. Hotels (including all-inclusive properties) are extremely inexpensive and authentic since most aren't part of the huge chains. El Cid Marina has awesome pools that are perfect for families, great food and huge rooms. (Rates are as low as $100 for a family of four.) You can also enjoy superb dining at a top-notch restaurant like Casa 46 for less than half what you'd pay in the United States. Side note: Sinaloa (the state where Mazatlan resides) grows the bulk of produce in Mexico, so Mazatlan produce is unbelievably cheap as a result. You see this reflected in top restaurants all the way down to street markets. South Africa safari On safari in South Africa. (Photo courtesy of Oh The People You Meet) Where: South Africa Chosen By: Michaela Guzy, founder of Oh The People You Meet, a global collaborative of contributors who create content for travelers, foodies and philanthropists seeking authentic local connections Why: In South Africa, the exchange rate is in our favor, but so is the fact that it's a developed tourist destination with a solid infrastructure. In spending a month in Cape Town earlier this year and relying on Uber to get me to and from meetings, activities and lunches, I averaged under $20 in transportation per day — a major win. Hotels are cheaper, too: Take a standard room at Taj Hotels & Resorts in New York, and you are out about $786 a night, whereas in Cape Town, a room at a similar luxury property costs $266. Remember, South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so seasons are the opposite: Consider going in low season (our summer) when hotels and safari lodges are even less expensive. Airbnb and private villa rentals are also reliable and cheap options in the major cities. Travelers should also consider booking domestic airfare in advance for the greatest cost savings, since flights on South African Airways can sell out quickly. The best value of all is the wine: Travelers can order a glass of one of the best locally produced varietals for less than the cost of a can of soda. For more information on travel in South Africa, watch "Michaela's Map: First Timers' Guide to Southern Africa." San Juan, Puerto Rico Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon in San Juan, Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon/Jet Set Sarah) Where: San Juan, Puerto Rico Chosen By: Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon, founder of Jet Set Sarah, where travel and shopping meet Why: The best way to get a deal in the Caribbean is to travel during the low season (end of April through mid-December) to destinations that have direct and frequent fights from your gateway; plenty of hotel inventory; and economies that aren't euro-based. Puerto Rico fits the bill, and I'm a big fan of San Juan, which I think is seriously underrated as an easy and affordable getaway, especially for visitors from the East Coast of the U.S. Old San Juan oozes charm, and if you stay within the old city's two-square-mile radius you won't need a car rental to access great restaurants, sightseeing and shopping. U.S. citizens can save themselves the cost of a passport since it's not required to visit, and since the U.S. dollar is the legal tender, there's no money lost on currency exchange. Hotel Casa Blanca and Villa Herencia are two of my favorite high-style/low-cost boutique hotels. Santiago A Santiago cityscape viewed from the Santa Lucia Hill. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Chile Chosen By: Annie Fitzsimmons, digital editor at Virtuoso and editor-at-large at National Geographic Why: Europe is on everyone's list of value-added trips this year and for good reason — the exchange rate is more favorable for American travelers than it has been in years. But the destinations I most dream about and long to return to are in South America, a destination that has long given travelers great value for money. In Chile, I love Santiago for its vibrant food and wine scene — think tucked-away wine bars, delicious tapas and hip hotels in a beautifully chaotic city. For a lesser-known and truly special corner of the world, I love the small lakeside town of Puerto Varas. It is part of the lakes district in Chile and the northern start of Patagonia. It is easy (and cheap!) to rent a car and explore this area. There is a surprising German heritage, so you'll see signs for "kuchen" (cake). With Puerto Varas as a hub, you can explore great places within a two-hour drive from the city: going to the top of a volcano, exploring waterfalls, finding the best cakes and food. This area sees very few American visitors and everything is CHEAP. It's one of those places I almost want to keep to myself, but it's so special that I can't. Crete waterfront A waterfront taverna in Crete. (Photo courtesy of Meagen Collins/Food Fun Travel) Where: Crete Chosen By: Meagen Collins, co-founder of Food Fun Travel, traveling the world in search of the ultimate foodie vacation experiences and discovering food worth traveling for in 85+ countries and counting Why: With the U.S. dollar strong against the euro right now and the economic crisis in Greece keeping prices lower than other parts of Europe, it’s the perfect time to visit the beautiful island of Crete. Crete is a foodie dream come true. A place where farm-to-table isn’t a new fad, it’s a way of life. The people here often live to be well over 100 years old so they must be doing something right! With truly stunning natural beauty (like Balos beach) and locals that welcome tourists with open arms, you are bound to have the trip of a lifetime and save a few dollars at the same time. For more, see Fun Food Travel's "Crete Food." Marrakech The affordable Riad Yasmine in Marrakech. (Photo courtesy of @misjetsetter/Instagram) Where: Morocco Chosen By: Lucie Josma, @missjetsetter, a full-time photographer, content creator and social media manager specializing in travel and tourism. Why: For many, Morocco is the ultimate dream trip, and yet cost tends to keep most from visiting. But what you might not know is that it's one of the most affordable African countries, particularly when comparing flight costs. Reaching Marrakech from cities such as Lisbon, Madrid and Paris may only set you back $40 to $100 roundtrip with many budget airlines. And this past Black Friday, flights from New York were a mere $400 roundtrip. Food is by far my main reason for visiting as often as I do, and typical meals can range from $2.50 to $15 for two, which includes appetizers, entree and unlimited mint tea. For vegetarians and vegans, the country is especially great, as veggies are cheaper than meat and fresh fruit smoothies are barely $1. Souvenir shopping can get a bit intense when you realize leather goods such as wallets, handbags and weekenders run from $5 to $60. (A shopaholics dream!) When it comes to accommodations there's something to fit everyone's budget, my favorite being Riad Yasmine (only $80-$160 per night). For those looking for Moroccan luxury while still on a budget, my go-to is Riad Kheirredine, which will have you living like a queen without breaking the bank and even provides a cell phone during your stay to ensure guest safety. Belize Seaside in Belize. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Belize Chosen By: Shereen Rayle, founder of ShereenTravelsCheap.com, which shows you how to go farther and do more for less without sacrificing comfort or fun Why: Modern conveniences and history collide in Belize. It's a perfect place to take a budget romantic vacation. Many of the four-star hotels offer extras, like bicycle rentals, included in their low rates, as well as Belize's excellent local wines. Some affordable resorts to check out are George Hardie's Las Vegas Hotel in Corozal (Northern Belize) and the oceanside Royal Caribbean Resort in San Pedro along Ambergris Caye. Both can be booked for under $100 per night. Meals are also crazy cheap, but delicious. Two can eat at an upscale restaurant for less than $30, and much less at an everyday venue. Halong Bay, Vietnam Boats sit in the harbor in Halong Bay, Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Vietnam Chosen By: Marybeth Bond, National Geographic writer, author, adventurer and founder of The Gutsy Traveler Why: Affordable upscale accommodations, cheap and remarkably healthy food and beautiful sights make Vietnam a standout among budget-friendly South Asian destinations. Eat your way through historic Hanoi, kayak in the emerald waters of Halong Bay or relax in ancient Hoi An and the nearby beaches. There are clean, safe accommodations to fit everyone's wallet. In Hanoi, my favorite is the Tirant Hotel, near the old town, where you can bag a room for less than $70 a night. Don't miss the Hanoi street food tour: For just $20 per person, a guide will lead you on foot or by scooter through backstreets, markets and footpaths. You will eat like the locals and learn the names and ingredients in the dishes so you can order them again. And be sure to take the time to sip a bowl of steaming "pho" noodle soup in restaurants, push carts and food stalls, where a street meal and a beer can cost the same as a caramel macchiato at Starbucks. Costa Rica Costa Rica landscape. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Costa Rica Chosen By: Stephanie Parker, founder of Big World Small Pockets, created to showcase the highs and lows of happy, healthy budget travel. Its motto: Spend Less, Travel More! Why: Costa Rica is the one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and to be able to see this on a shoestring is an incredible opportunity. There's a ton of national parks to explore, for instance, that only cost a few dollars to enter. Once there, you can then enjoy free self-guided walks that won't cost you a cent, but will deliver some great encounters with amazing wildlife like tapirs, monkeys, sloths and macaws. Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks are two of the best. Public transport is also super cheap in Costa Rica, with buses generally less than $10, even for an eight-hour ride. This makes traveling between destinations in this compact country very affordable and means you can see a lot in a short amount of time. In addition, budget accommodation in Costa Rica — even at some of the best surf beaches — can be as little as $6 per person. And a "plato tipico" (local dish) can be enjoyed anywhere for as little as $2-3. Portugal Cliffside in Lagos, Portugal. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Nourse/TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com) Where: Portugal Chosen By: Jackie Nourse, founder of TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com, which inspires and equips Americans to get into the world of travel in a realistic, affordable, and most of all rewarding way Why: Portugal is a pocket of affordable travel in contrast to the rest of Western Europe, especially if you get off the highways and take the back roads (where you can also avoid tolls). A bottle of delicious port and a plate of the day with a glass of wine can be found for around €5 each. Nowhere else in the world can its "California Highway 1 meets Tuscany" landscapes be enjoyed on such a budget, especially now that the dollar is strong against the euro. Ecuador The landscape of Ecuador. (Photo courtesy of Nora Dunn/The Professional Hobo) Where: Ecuador Chosen By: Nora Dunn, The Professional Hobo, a woman who sold everything she owned (including a busy financial planning practice) in 2006 to embrace her dreams of full-time travel Why: Although Ecuador is not quite as inexpensive as Peru to the south, it’s an easy and affordable destination to travel to, especially if you stay a bit off the beaten path. It’s a short cheap flight from Florida with budget airlines like jetBlue and TAME, and accommodation is pretty cheap. Shop at your local market and you can get a week’s worth of groceries for $10. And Ecuador has lots of variety; from surf beach towns like Montanita, to the volcanic Banos with famed hot springs at the gateway to the Amazon basin, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cuenca in the high Andes, there’s a lot to see. The bus systems are good and domestic flights cheap and plentiful. Find a free accommodation option like house-sitting or volunteering, and your trip can be even cheaper. barcelona A street corner in Barcelona. (Photo courtesy of Nastasia Yakoub/Dame Traveler) Where: Barcelona Chosen By: Nastasia Yakoub, founder of Dame Traveler, sharing her passion for travel with a sizable community of female travelers Why: Barcelona is ranked right up there with cities like Paris and London as one of the most popular European cities, but it is by far the most affordable. This is thanks to low-cost tapas restaurants, endless free attractions and affordable things to do. Have a meal of tapas and wine at El Xampanyet for around €10-15. Soak up the rays on the beach at Barceloneta. Get lost in the La Boqueria Market. And take the tram up to Tibidabo (only €5) for sweeping panoramic views of the city; it's also where you can experience a vintage amusement park and a gorgeous cathedral. Guatemala Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. (Photo courtesy of Shannon O'Donnell/ALittleAdrift.com) Where: Guatemala Chosen By: Shannon O'Donnell, National Geographic Traveler of the Year and founder of ALittleAdrift.com Why: Often bypassed in favor of nearby Costa Rica, Guatemala is unique unto itself in Central America. And because it's a bit more "off the path" in the region, it's also easy on the budget and a nice place to splurge. The villas and hotels rimming Lake Atitlán have all the beauty you could want for a small fraction of the price you'd pay in Europe or elsewhere. From the lake, you can then delve into the country's unique culture by visiting the indigenous markets and villages in the Guatemalan highlands. Lush Atitlan is a gorgeous, affordable place to stay in San Marcos La Laguna, the prettiest and most culturally interesting of Lake Atitlan's villages. bonaire A secluded beach in Bonaire. (Photo courtesy of Melinda Crow/FirstRead.Me) Where: Bonaire & Curaçao Chosen By: Melinda Crow, founder of FirstRead.Me, whose motto is "Go more. Experience more. Enjoy it More." Why: In the deep Southern Caribbean, Bonaire and Curaçao are always out there on the edge of everyone's Caribbean consciousness. Both are known for scuba diving, but also for other water sports, hiking and amazing secluded beaches. Vacation villas that let you live like a local are plentiful and affordable on both islands, but chain hotels like the Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino are an option on Curaçao (great if you're using points). Bonaire gets its very first chain hotel at the end of 2016 when a Marriott Courtyard opens. Las Vegas The sun sets over Las Vegas. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Las Vegas Chosen By: Shereen Rayle, ShereenTravelsCheap.com Why: If you can avoid the slots, there are lots of free things to do in Vegas: The Flamingo's flamingo habitat, the fountains and conservatory at the Bellagio and the outdoor movies at the Container Park are just a few. You can also find many places for cheap eats if you are willing to get off The Strip to do so. Check out the nearby Crown and Anchor, which serves up delicious British favorites, and Ninja Teriyaki Sushi 2 Go for fresh-made amazing sushi rolls in a no-frills setting. Angkor in Siem Reap Oh The People You Meet founder Michaela Guzy at Angkor in Siem Reap. (Photo courtesy of Oh The People You Meet) Where: Cambodia Chosen By: Michaela Guzy, Oh The People You Meet Why: Sadly, the average income in Cambodia is about $950 per year. What does this mean for international travelers? Your international airfare might be expensive, but once you are in Cambodia, you can live well. Tuks tuks (a combo bike/taxi) and food cost just pennies. Even international hotel chains and luxury river boats down the Mekong are more affordable than other Asian destinations. Before visiting, I suggest doing your homework to support luxury companies like the Shinta Mani Resort, whose foundation plays a large role in its community, building water wells, schools and farms and providing the best healthcare in the country to its employees. Culturally conscious companies like Aqua Expeditions sustainably introduce their guests to the communities along the Mekong River, including the floating markets and the farmers in the rice fields; the company can even arrange a conversation with a local Buddhist monk to discuss the significance of his journey from childhood to monkhood. For advice on how to travel sustainably through the culturally rich Kingdom of Cambodia, see "Michaela's Map: How to Be a Responsible Traveler in Cambodia." Bali Waterfront in Bali. (Photo courtesy of Nastasia Yakoub/Dame Traveler) Where: Bali Chosen By: Nastasia Yakoub, Dame Traveler Why: If you're looking into an exotic long-haul trip, Bali offers a ton of high quality experiences for a great value. You can easily stay in a private villa overlooking stunning rice paddies with a private pool for around $50 per night. (Airbnb is a great way to go.) However, if you want to splurge a bit but not go overboard, a stay at a high-end luxury resort will still cost you less than a stay at a luxury resort, for example, in Maui. Not to mention, spa and transportation costs are quite low relative to other exotic locales, as well as the amazing and healthy food options that end up being a fraction of the cost elsewhere in the world. Parthenon Athens, Greece The Parthenon in Athens, Greece. (Photo courtesy of Holly Johnson/Club Thrifty) Where: Greece Chosen By: Holly Johnson, Club Thrifty Why: The weakened euro has made any trip to Europe more affordable, but this is especially true in Greece. The struggling economy craves tourist dollars and makes it known with affordable pricing on everything from hotels to food. In Athens, you can book a three- or four-star hotel for well under $100, like 360 Degrees, a nice and modern hotel with a huge breakfast buffet included and an awesome location directly on Monastiraki Square. Throughout the countryside, prices may be even better. Best of all, you can sit down to an amazing Greek meal with drinks (Mythos or Ouzo?), appetizers (Saganaki, anyone?) and entrees of your choosing for less than half what you'd pay in the States. Heck, you can pick up Souvlaki or a gyro for $1-$2. Souvenirs are insanely cheap, too. Albania Waterfront in Saranda, Albania. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Albania Chosen By: Stephanie Parker, Big World Small Pockets Why: This forgotten corner of Europe is a wonderfully off-the-beaten-track budget destination in an otherwise very touristy and expensive continent. With fantastic beaches along its coastline, including the fishing port of Saranda, Albania gives visitors the chance to enjoy the Mediterranean waters for a fraction of the usual price. Accommodation starts from as little as $5 per person and fishing trips or boat rides to the nearby islands are similarly well priced. There's also some fascinating historical sites across Albania that are either free to enter or cost only $2-$5. From the moutainous medieval town of Gjirokastër to the Roman ruins at Butrint, this is a diverse and very different side of Europe, which is definitely worth visiting before the crowds do. san luis potosi, Mexico Edward James Surrealistic Garden in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Nourse/TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com) Where: San Luis Potosí, México Chosen By: Jackie Nourse, TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com Picture a perfect class III white water rafting experience through a limestone canyon of turquoise waters, a visit to a living garden of eden, complete with art sculptures, hidden pools, butterflies and waterfalls, a hike to the largest known cave shaft in the world, which you can rappel into, and a series of waterfalls for cliff jumping. Top this all off with a plate of homemade tacos and a local beer for $2, and you've got yourself a piece of adventure paradise on a budget. Still very much under the radar to anyone outside of Mexico, San Luis Potosí could be compared to Costa Rica in terms of adventure and Cambodia in terms of affordability. Since Election Day, the dollar has been especially strong in Mexico, offering an even better excuse to travel south of the border. Quebec City Street scene in Quebec City, Canada. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Quebec City, Canada Chosen By: Marybeth Bond, The Gutsy Traveler Why: Take advantage of the weak Canadian dollar and travel north for a 25% discount on prices. Enjoy a slice of Old Europe without the jet lag or the cost of a transatlantic flight. Indulge in some of the best French food outside France — steak-frites, oysters and pastries at a bargain price. Stroll and shop in the narrow cobblestone streets of the picturesque Old Town and enjoy night parades and ice canoe races during the colorful Winter Festival in January and February. Buenos Aires A colorful street corner in Buenos Aires. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Dooley/Flickr) Where: Buenos Aires Chosen By: Annie Fitzsimmons Why: One of the world's most intoxicating cities, Buenos Aires has only grown in popularity, but it's still relatively cheap compared to European and Asian capital cities. There are many green parks, French-inspired architecture, late-night dancing, custom leather shops and fantastic food. Taxis are relatively cheap (around $5-8 a ride), but you should also walk for miles in all of the distinct neighborhoods, like Palermo (try Salon Canning, a super casual milonga, or dance hall, after midnight). Must-try cheap eat in Buenos Aires: anything dulce de leche. It is everywhere — inside crepes, drizzled over grilled bananas and in gelato. Tip: Bring a ton of American cash and you'll get better deals in many places. For example, I bought my custom leather jacket at a shop called Uru Recoleta (close to the famous Recoleta Cemetery) and was able to buy it for much less than using my credit card because I brought American dollars. On Sundays, the place to be is the San Telmo market for browsing leather, antiques, watches, jewelry and more. Haiti Wahoo Bay in Haiti. (Photo courtesy of @misjetsetter/Instagram) Where: Haiti Chosen By: Lucie Josma, @missjetsetter Why: While Haiti still remains under the radar as a travel destination, many people have been flocking to the vibrant country, and I can see why: The island provides all the stunning Caribbean characteristics without the high costs. Outside of holiday seasons and the later part of the summer, flights from New York range from $300 to $500, and even cheaper when flying from cities in Florida. The real gem is how cheap the hotels are, with many starting at $50 to $150 per night including airport transfers. Even the newest Marriott Port-au-Prince will only set you back $130 to under $200 a night for larger rooms. One of my favorites is Wahoo Bay Beach, which has epic mountain and ocean views from its stunning pool and rooms. You can take small boat tours around the area for a couple of dollars per person. Lobster, conch and crab can be caught right from the water and prepared for you without costing more than $10. Descanso Beach Club on Santa Catalina Island Descanso Beach Club on Santa Catalina Island. (Photo courtesy of Santa Catalina Island Company) Chosen By: Melinda Crow, FirstRead.Me Why: Santa Catalina Island is one of my new favorite places. It is way more than a weekend SoCal jaunt. Hotels are quaint and average under the $200 per night mark. The Avalon Hotel is a charming choice. It’s right in the center of town, making it an easy walk to almost any activity. There is plenty to do, like kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, ziplining, hiking or just beach sitting. The Catalina Island Museum is a must-visit stop to get the full story of the island's fascinating history, including its Hollywood connection. Food and shopping choices are extensive. And you don’t need a rental car. Getting to the island is easy: Catalina Express Ferry whisks you to there from three different ports, Long Beach, Dana Point and San Pedro. I prefer Long Beach because flights there are often lower priced than neighboring LAX. Indonesian temples Indonesian temples. (Photo courtesy of Meagen Collins/Food Fun Travel) Where: Indonesia Chosen By: Meagen Collins, Food Fun Travel Why: With 17,000 islands, you are bound to find the ideal paradise to suit your travel style and budget in Indonesia. There are stunning untouched beaches that offer world-class snorkelling and scuba diving in Raja Ampat, fascinating Unesco World Heritage Sites dating back to the 9th century in Yogyakarta and — everywhere you turn — the friendliest locals. In Raja Ampat, we found a homestay that included breakfast, lunch and dinner — plus it was right on the beach for around $29 USD per person per night. For more, see Food Fun Travel's "Bali Food Guide." Wine country, Bulgaria Wine country, Bulgaria. (Photo courtesy of Jackie Nourse/TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com) Where: Bulgaria Chosen By: Jackie Nourse, TheBudgetMindedTraveler.com Why: The entire Balkans region is an excellent option for budget travel, and if you haven't been before, I recommend starting with Bulgaria. From wine country to snowy peaks to the Black Sea coast, it's an adventure playground that every budget can afford. In Bulgaria's wine country you can get a full winery tour with multiple tastings plus bread and cheese for about $5 (check out Villa Melnik winery), take a hike through Bulgaria's famous sandstone pyramids and then sleep in a beautiful authentic style hotel like Zlaten Rozhen with breakfast included for about $30. Cusco in Peru Overlooking Cusco in Peru. (Photo courtesy of @misjetsetter/Instagram) Where: Cusco, Peru Chosen By: Lucie Josma, @missjetsetter Why: Most people who pass through Cusco are en route to the very popular Machu Picchu, but you should make sure to spend a few days, maybe even a few weeks in this colorful city. Not only is the city absolutely stunning and oozing with culture, most accommodations range from $20 to $100 a night. Peruvian textiles are extremely affordable and the vibrant colors are stunning. Eating out in Cusco can be extremely cheap, if you know where to eat. Restaurants are quite affordable compared to most American and European restaurants, but street food here is the real winner. I'm personally addicted to ceviche and can't find it cheaper than $15 for a small portion in the states, but in Cusco's San Pedro Market you can find ceviche plus Peruvian fried rice for only $3. On my last trip, I had steak and ceviche nearly every day and never spent more than $15 for two including a drink and soup. Georgia A regal setting in Georgia. (Photo courtesy of Meagen Collins/Fun Food Travel) Where: Georgia Chosen By: Meagen Collins, Food Fun Travel; and Shannon O'Donnell, ALittleAdrift.com Why: Meagen Collins: This ancient European country is starting to grab the attention of travelers from all over the world. Georgia has so much to offer — beautiful scenery, unique culture and tradition everywhere you look, and the food will leave you drooling for more. Add to that the fact this country lays claim to being the birthplace of wine (winemaking here goes back 8,000 years) and you have the ultimate new travel destination. In Georgia, you can get a full meal plus copious amounts of wine for two people in a higher end restaurant, with live entertainment and still spend less than $30 — total. But get there fast: Word is getting around about this little gem and it won’t be tourist-free for long. Shannon O'Donnell: This country flies under the radar for many tourists but has a favorable exchange rate, making it surprisingly budget friendly. The country a has gorgeously rich cultural heritage and is perhaps best known for its culture hospitality. That said, the food, wine, dance, and mountainscapes will wow you, too. Within days of arriving in Tbilisi, Georgia topped the list of places in the world where I felt most welcomed. Mozambique A pretty beach in Mozambique. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Mozambique Chosen By: Stephanie Parker, Big World Small Pockets Why: This country is one of Africa's best budget travel destinations, with some extremely affordable accommodation situated along white sand beaches and next to an azure ocean. (Check out Villa Sands or Terraço das Quitandas.) There's great scuba diving, too, and you can easily feel like a millionaire here for nothing! For more ideas, see Big World Small Pocket's "17 Incredible Budget Travel Destinations Still On My List (That Should Be On Yours Too!)." Dallas The skyline of Dallas. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock) Where: Dallas, Texas Free Unlimited Florida Golf And Lessons? A New Twist On All-Inclusive Vacations Unlimited free golf is almost unheard of in the travel world, but that's exactly what Club Med is offering on this Florida course. While all-inclusive vacations often connote images of watered down sugary drinks and chafing dishes, recent years have seen a big increase in the upscale version of the concept. In fact, here at Forbes.com, I did a guide to 10 very impressive luxury all-inclusive resorts that easily hold their own against high-end a la carte competitors. But regardless of price point, “all-inclusive” pricing never really means what it says. Years ago, the luxury Four Seasons brand tested a true all-inclusive concept for a week at its Forbes 5-Star Jackson, WY location, a package called “Have It All” that included unlimited spa treatments, sushi, wine and bubbly in addition to the expected room and three meals daily. At the end of the test week they tallied up the revenues and costs and promptly shelved the idea for good. Certain things seem to never be “included” in all-inclusive rates, mainly spa treatments, motorized watersports, golf, and often premium food and liquor. Cruises are widely marketed as all-inclusive, but not only do many charge extortionate rates for Wifi, most don’t even throw in soda. When it comes to golf, there are several notable all-inclusive resorts with great courses, especially in the Dominican Republic (Casa de Campo), and Mexico (Moon Palace, Iberostar) but the golf itself costs extra - often a lot extra. Club Med golf lessons Unlimited lessons? They're free too. Club Med, the world’s best known all-inclusive resort brand, is courting golfers worldwide with unlimited free group lessons at all of its golf properties - and there are a surprising number of them - from Morocco to Mauritius. You can take a lesson every single day if you want to, which is practically unheard of in golf travel. Taking it one step further, Club Med’s South Florida golf resort, Sandpiper Bay, is throwing in the course too, and offering unlimited free 18-hole greens fees, with no catch, through October 31, in addition to the free group lessons for all levels and ages. A lesson and a round of golf daily for no extra fee is nothing to sneeze at, and something you are not going to find almost anywhere else in the world, and certainly not outside Miami. Yes, to some degree you get what you pay for, which is hot summer off-season at a relatively unheralded golf course, and Club Med is not Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton. On the other hand it is a bargain, especially for families, kids interested in taking up the game, and beginners, and frankly, while there is a niche of avid golfers cherry picking the best designs, lots of travelers pay good money every single day to play courses no better than Sandpiper. Club Med Florida Sandpiper Bay is in Club Med's luxury tier and its only resort in Florida. On the company’s own scale, Club Med Sandpiper Bay is a 4-Trident Resort, with 4T and 5T representing the luxury end of its portfolio (there are very few 5-Trident properties, and none in the U.S.). It is the nation’s only “premium sports resort,” and includes a 20 court tennis center and full tennis academy, as well as instructional academies for beach volleyball, golf, fitness and triathlon, included in rates. It has a signature spa by L’Occitane with its own more luxurious lodging option. There are 15 more area golf courses guests have access to, but not on the free unlimited basis.19 Top Travel Tips and Destinations for 2017 Next Avenue Where grown-ups keep growing Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Richard Eisenberg Richard Eisenberg, Contributor If you’re mulling taking a vacation this year, you’re in luck: I just came back from The New Times Travel Show and will share the best advice I heard on how to save money and where to go. “This year, the whole world is open to you,” said Pauline Frommer, co-president and editorial director of Frommer Media. “The dollar is so strong, it’s whupping pretty much every currency.” “Nomadic Matt” Kepnes told me that “Australia, Great Britain, Canada, South Africa and India are really affordable right now.” Credit: Shutterstock And “airfares to Europe haven’t been lower in years,” said Jason Cochran, editor-in-chief of Frommers.com. The reason: growing competition with cut-rate airlines such as Norwegian, WOW, XL and Thomas Cook. Fares to Asia are down 25% from a year ago in many cases, added Frommer. Kepnes told me: “Norwegian and WOW offer great deals now.” (WOW recently rolled out a $69 one-way fare from California to Europe.) But that doesn’t mean every flight, cruise, train trip, hotel or B&B is a bargain. In fact, Frommer, Cochran and Reid Bramblett (Reidsguides.com) spent most of their talks telling prospective travelers how not to overpay in 2017. Their top tips (now promise me you won't be one of the 51% of Americans who, according to AARP and Project: Time Off, don't plan ahead for their paid vacation days): How to Save Money Rather than searching for an airfare at a major travel search engine like Expedia or Priceline, Bramblett said, use an aggregator like Momondo.com, Google.com/flights or Skyscanner.com. Aggregator sites include low-cost carriers; monster search engines don’t always (but aggregators can’t include Southwest in their choices because that carrier won’t let them). You can often save about 15% with an aggregator. Among the aggregators, “Google is getting better, but Momondo and Skyscanner are the best,” said Bramblett. When Bramblett did dozens of fare searches for Frommers.com, Momondo found the least expensive fares 93% of the time. Google.com/flights has a good “Explore Destinations” feature worth checking out, said Cochran. You say when you want to fly and a map opens with a wide variety of flights and prices by destination that day. For the best fare bargains, book at least a month ahead, said Cochran. He cited a recent FareCompare study that turned up the lowest domestic fares by booking 30 to 90 days in advance and the least expensive international fares six weeks in advance. “Last-minute airfare deals don’t really exist anymore — just fire-sale stuff,” said Cochran. Be on guard for “ugly” basic economy fares, said Frommer. These are fares that look alluringly low — until you see what you give up with them. Delta and United already have basic economy fares. “American will start selling them at the end of this month,” said Frommer. “They’ll tend to be where American, Delta and United compete with Spirit and Frontier.” You don’t get frequent flier points with these fares. And you never get to choose your seat, said Frommer. “That can be a problem for families.” The "ugliest" part, Frommer noted: “With United and Delta, you’re not allowed to use the overhead bin if you get a basic economy fare. Your bag has to fit under your seat.” The good news for cruisers: Many cruise lines, such as Celebrity, Holland America, Oceania and Azamara Club Cruises are now changing their itineraries to give passengers much more time on land. “I think it’s a wonderful development,” said Frommer. “The only bad part is that to accommodate longer time on shore, it means fewer sea days.” Frommer strongly suggested using a travel agent to book a cruise. If you’re interested in taking a river cruise, be sure you know the difference between the cruise companies. “A river cruise is a wonderful way to see a continent, but not all are alike,” said Frommer. “Everyone thinks of Viking, but they’re not the most luxurious. They’re in the middle. Over-the-top luxury ones are Uniworld, Tauck and Scenic. And budget lines include Emerald Waterways, CroisiEurope and Grand Circle — Grand Circle markets to Americans, with burgers available at every meal.” Also on Forbes: For first-time river cruisers, Frommer recommends taking a trip along the Danube, Mississippi or Mekong. “They give you the most variety,” she said. To find the least expensive lodging in the specific area where you want to stay, Bramblett advised, try Booking.com. When he compared Trivago with Booking.com for hotels in Rome, Trivago had more hotels overall, but many were in the suburbs. Booking.com had a much better selection of hotels in Rome proper for under $160 a night. If you’re steamed by a hotel’s “resort fee,” said Cochran, challenge it. “Dispute it with your credit card company if you didn’t use something on the ‘resort fee' services list. Or demand a refund for it from the hotel’s front desk due to your continued loyalty as a guest of the hotel chain or if the resort fee wasn’t made clear to you at booking,” Cochran advised. Don’t let a hotel or airline’s computerized “dynamic pricing” system force you into paying a higher price. With this sneaky tactic, if you don’t book the first time you search the site, you’re charged more on your next go-round because the airline or hotel knows you’re interested. “To beat dynamic pricing, use a different browser with every search, if you can, and clear your cookies and history cache between searches,” said Cochran. Save money on local tours by “looking for ones run by starving grad students,” said Frommer. “In places like Venice, Rome, Chicago and New York, those tours are free and the grad students are working on dissertations in art history or history. You just have to pay a tip at the end.” To find them, search “free walking tours” online. Frommer also recommends free Greeter Tours. They’re offered by locals in 132 destinations around the world who love their cities. GlobalGreeterNetwork.info has a complete list. Where to Go Bramblett thinks some of the best travel deals in the world are now in Eastern Europe — Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovenia and Croatia — where you can stay for $25 to $43 a night. Frommers.com just picked its 18 favorite destinations for 2017. Among them: Paris “Since the attacks, Paris lost 30% of its tourism. You can now wander in the Louvre and be in a room there totally alone, as I did in June,” said Frommer. “The French are happy to see Americans. It’s just miraculous.” The plummeting Euro makes Paris almost a bargain, too. Nashville It will be the only major U.S. city in direct viewing line for the solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21. Karasjok, Norway This will be another sky superstar because 2017 will mark the end of the 10-year Northern Lights cycle and light-pollution free Karasjok is an Aurora Borealis hotspot near the Arctic Circle. “The Northern Lights will be really sucky for the next 10 years,” said Frommer. If you visit, Frommer added, you can spend the day with reindeer herders and dog sledders. The Pantanal in South America The largest inland wetland in the world, it’s mostly in Brazil (also in Bolivia and Paraguay) and features animal-spotting boat tours plus more than 500 species of birds. Haida Gwaii, British Columbia This 130-island archipelago “has everything you’d get in Alaska” but “you can spend much less,” said Frommer. “We think it’s about to hit it big because Prince William and Kate were there last fall.” Cuba (while you can) At The New York Times Travel Show, Cuba was very much the buzz — partly because it’s newly open to travelers and partly because that might not be true much longer. “President Trump says he’s going to shut the door and he can do that by executive order since that’s how Obama opened it up,” said Frommer. “Will this happen? I don’t know.” But because it might, Frommer added, the Cubans fast-tracked development of hotels and there are now six cruise lines.50 Best Places to Travel in 2017 The 50 destinations that made our list this year include one of France’s lesser-known wine regions, America’s next big dining spot, and a buzzy Greek island. Chosen By: Melinda Crow, FirstRead.Me Why: Dallas is often overlooked, but packed with fun, food and great places to stay at prices far below the national average. (The city was voted the most affordable destination in the U.S. last year by Priceline and continues to remain a great value.) Downtown buzzes with excitement and culture, and the nearby Design District is exploding with eclectic shopping for home décor. The high-rise Omni Dallas has rooms with stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the city starting at just under $200, putting you in the center of the action. With a rental car, you can fully explore everything the city has to offer. Look at fringe cities like Grapevine and Plano for the charm of small towns of yesteryear with main street shops and eateries. The Gaylord Texan Hotel in Grapevine is convenient to DFW airport and offers full-out luxury at rates around the $200 mark. Top 25 Destinations — World EXPAND LIST United States World Regions 25 of 25 2 of 25 Bali (245886826) Bali (128608656) BALI蓝梦岛斑斓的海 (29022949) rice terrace (28887909) 1 Bali, Indonesia Bali is a living postcard, an Indonesian paradise that feels like a fantasy.... more Don't miss Waterbom Bali Mayong Village Tracking Experience Tirta Gangga All 4864 things to do Shop for hotels in Bali mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy Need inspiration? See more Travelers’ Choice Awards. All-inclusive resorts All-inclusive resorts Go > Attractions Attractions Go > Airlines Airlines Go > Restaurants Restaurants Go > Islands Islands Go > Museums Museums Go > Beaches Beaches Go > Landmarks Landmarks Go > Hotels Hotels Go > Destinations on the Rise Destinations on the Rise Go > Destinations Destinations Go > Putting together our annual list of the best places to travel is a process that takes several months—we survey writers based around the world, talk to our A-List travel specialists, and look at the most exciting hotel and restaurant openings. While news and global events have a large impact on the places we choose, we also pay attention to cities that are worth revisiting: Philadelphia, in particular, may surprise you with the amount of growth and development it has seen in recent months. North America made a strong showing on this year’s list—more than a quarter of these places are within reach for a long-weekend trip from the United States. We know that people will travel far and wide for incredible food and drink, which is why that was a key factor in our decision-making. In 2017, you’ll want to head to Jerusalem for its exciting Levantine food, Oslo for its coffee culture, Belgrade for craft beer, and Valle de Guadalupe for coveted Mexican wines. While beach vacations are timeless—you truly don’t need much more than a comfortable resort, warm waters, and a good book to read—tack on a bit more time if you’re visiting these places: Tofino, in British Columbia, has a wild food scene; Honolulu will host its first arts biennial this year; and Málaga has amazing hidden museums. Technology and globalization can make the world feel small and thoroughly explored. But there are always places to discover—and rediscover—for yourself. Take a look at last year’s list for additional inspiration, and share your own picks with us on social media using #TLBestPlaces. Scroll Down Advertisement Sponsored Content The app that teaches you a new language in 3 weeks The app that teaches you a new language in 3… Babbel Enzo Biochem Q2 Revenues Up 7 Percent Enzo Biochem Q2 Revenues Up 7 Percent 360dx.com Recommended by Angra dos Reis, Brazil SambaPhoto/Cassio Vasconcellos/Getty Images Angra dos Reis, Brazil Brazil’s visa waiver during the Olympics was a success for one big reason: it encouraged travel beyond the big cities. The tourism board hopes to bring back the waiver, and if you’re planning to take advantage, save time to visit Angra dos Reis, between Rio and São Paulo. This popular Brazilian vacation area is where cariocas go to escape the crowds. “It’s where many of the country’s elite have their beach villas,” says Martin Frankenberg of Matuete, who has access to several of these glamorous rentals. Big changes are coming to the region. In May, Brazilian chain Fasano will open a long-awaited 54-suite hotel in a complex that includes a marina, golf course, restaurants, and a spa. The design is striking, with elevated wooden buildings that look like they’re floating, all with open-air terraces and views of the forest and sea. And the government recently pledged $8 million to improve the infrastructure on Ilha Grande—an island that’s so popular that they’ve had to impose a daily limit on visitors. —Stephanie Wu Belfast, Northern Ireland Allan Baxter/Getty Images Belfast, Northern Ireland With a growing array of open-air bars, arts venues, and restaurants, Belfast is quickly becoming an attractive destination for travelers. Stay at the design-forward Bullitt Hotel (inspired by the Steve McQueen film), which opened in October with casual, well-appointed rooms and complimentary grab-and-go breakfast granola. Check out arts organization Seedhead, which runs street-art tours and hosts pop-up cabarets around the city. The Michelin-starred OX and EIPIC lead the fine-dining pack, but also visit Permit Room, with its internationally inspired breakfast and locally roasted coffee. Noteworthy new nightlife spots include the Muddlers Club, a stylish restaurant and cocktail bar in the trendy Cathedral Quarter, and Vandal, a graffiti-adorned pizza place that turns into a late-night club, on the top floor of a 17th-century pub.—Nell McShane Wulfhart Book a trip to Ireland Belgrade, Serbia Nemanja Pancic/Anzenberger/Redux Belgrade, Serbia Since the end of the Yugoslav wars, Belgrade has attracted steady investment—its graffiti-covered neighborhoods are now full of restaurants and bars. You’ll find hearty platters of ćevapi—smoky sausages without casing—and stuffed somborka peppers at Sokače, paprika-laden kebabs at Tri Šešira, and pan-Latin tapas at Toro. But the biggest draw is the growing craft-beer scene (the city has 37 breweries). Don’t miss the Kabinet Supernova IPA at Prohibicija in the bar-filled Savamala district, as well as Kas’s full-bodied pale ales and Salto’s IPA at Bajloni, set in a 100-year-old brewery space in Cetinjska. —Govind Dhar Bermuda Courtesy of Hamilton Princess Bermuda After being hit hard by the financial crisis, Bermuda is shaking itself out of stagnation and attracting a new generation of travelers. In 2014, the island won a bid to host the 35th America’s Cup, the high-profile international sailing race, which takes place this June. The promise of a flood of wealthy visitors—and a loosening of restrictions on foreign investment—has sparked a spate of development. Big news is the $100 million overhaul of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, the island’s 132-year-old grande dame, whose revamped rooms have a fresh, contemporary look. The hotel has also added a stellar art collection, a spa, and a restaurant serving locally sourced fare from James Beard Award–winning chef Marcus Samuelsson. Elsewhere on the island, a St. Regis, a lavish Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the Ariel Sands resort (backed by actors Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones) are in the works. —Paola Singer Cambodian Coast Courtesy of Alila Cambodian Coast Cambodia has some of Southeast Asia’s most stunning islands, but getting to them has always been arduous (a flight to Phnom Penh, a four-hour drive, then a choppy ferry ride). Luckily, there are now direct flights into the coastal Sihanoukville airport via Ho Chi Minh City. That means a much smoother journey to the newest island escapes: the wellness-minded Six Senses on Krabey Island, where spa treatments are Cambodian-inspired, and the Alila eco-resort on Koh Russey, which has an emphasis on Khmer cuisine and community service. And if you want to spend some time in the capital of Phnom Penh before or after your island vacation, you can do that in style as well: Rosewood has announced plans to open there in early 2017. —Stephanie Wu Cape Town, South Africa Gallo Images/Getty Images Cape Town, South Africa Beyond its iconic mountain backdrop and cinematic beaches, Cape Town has a compelling art and design scene, and it’s only going to get better when the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art opens at the V&A Waterfront in 2017. The MOCAA—heralded as South Africa’s answer to the MoMA or the Tate Modern—will take over a soaring concrete building once used for grain storage. Atop the museum sits The Silo, a luxury hotel from the Royal Portfolio that’s set to open in March. Until then, visitors can fill the hours between gallery-hopping with a taste of the legendary local fare. The surrounding Cape Winelands—Stellenbosch, Constantia, and Franschhoek, among others—keep Cape Town’s residents well hydrated, while acclaimed restaurants like the Test Kitchen (ranked number 22 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list) and its new sister spot the Shortmarket Club keep them well fed. —Mary Holland Cincinnati, Ohio Richard Cummins/robertharding/Getty Images Cincinnati, Ohio The Queen City’s transformation is most evident in its Over-the-Rhine district, first settled by German immigrants in the 19th century. Once a dodgy neighborhood, it has renovated buildings and warehouses that are now apartments and offices for tech companies. On Vine Street, young brands like interiors shop Elm & Iron sit alongside Cincinnati institutions like Holtman’s Donuts. There are larger changes throughout the city: the new Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar links the northern fringes of OTR with downtown and the Ohio River, and Ziegler Park, with a deepwater pool and redesigned public spaces, will be unveiled this spring, followed by the reopening of the city’s historic Music Hall and the inaugural Blink Cincinnati light and art festival in October. Locals zip across state lines on a daily basis, and the best new place to bed down is actually a 10-minute drive across the river in Covington, Kentucky. The boutique Hotel Covington occupies the former headquarters of Coppin’s Department Store, and the original 1907 architecture serves its new purpose beautifully: upon entering, you get a sweeping view of reception, the lobby, and the bar with its 20-foot ceilings, thanks to a sloping floor originally designed to let shoppers see the entire department store when they walked through its Madison Avenue doors. Filmmakers are also increasingly drawn to Cincinnati, thanks to its Art Deco buildings and its tax incentives. Off-camera, Nicole Kidman, Colin Farrell, and Ellen Page have all been spotted dining in hot spots like Boca and Sotto and checking in to the art-filled 21C Museum Hotel. —Aoife O’Riordain Devon, England Courtesy of the Pig Devon, England Devon is best known for cream teas and surf beaches, but a raft of openings are elevating the county’s image with rarefied takes on the rural experience. The elegant Lympstone Manor has been reimagined by eminent chef Michael Caines, who will reopen it in 2017 as a 21-room hotel and restaurant. Design lovers can soon overnight at the Secular Retreat, a strikingly minimal property inspired by ecclesiastical architecture and designed by Peter Zumthor. And on the coast, the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel has another groundbreaking design in the works: a suite that bridges the vertiginous gap between two rocky outcrops. —Emily Mathieson Guayaquil, Ecuador Westend61/Getty Images Guayaquil, Ecuador As a gateway to the Galápagos, Guayaquil has seen its fair share of overnight visitors en route to the islands. But additions to the tropical port city are enticing travelers to stay longer. The just-opened Hotel del Parque sets a new standard in the city, with 44 elegant rooms in a restored 19th-century colonial complex that also includes a riverside restaurant. The massage-treatment room is in a repurposed bell tower atop the property’s original chapel, an airy mix of Gothic and Mediterranean styles where mass is still held. And the hotel’s setting on the seven-acre Parque Histórico Guayaquil makes it easy for guests to explore a wildlife sanctuary, historic structures, and a former cacao plantation. See modern Guayaquil when you visit the Malecón 2000, the city’s revitalized riverfront promenade lined with plazas, playgrounds, monuments, galleries, gardens, and two fantastic museums. Go at night for the best view, when the Ferris wheel—Ecuador’s newest toy—is backed by the twinkling lights above the hillside village of Las Penas. —Nina Kokotas Hahn Book a trip to Ecuador Hamburg, Germany Iwan Baan Hamburg, Germany Slicker than graffiti-laden Berlin and edgier than Munich or Frankfurt, this booming port town has always been one of Germany’s most intriguing cities. Recent years have seen the banks of the Elbe River morph into an architectural wonderland, with icons such as Zaha Hadid’s River Promenade reshaping the landscape. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg by Herzog & de Meuron, a concert hall featuring an undulating glass structure on top of a midcentury brick warehouse, will welcome visitors for its inaugural performance on January 11, 2017. Not far away, The Fontenay, a stylish grande dame, will open its doors in summer. The once-gritty isle of Wilhelmsburg is transforming into a hot spot, drawing comparisons to the similar-sounding Williamsburg in Brooklyn thanks to projects like IBA Hamburg – Energiebunker—a former air-raid bunker converted into an eco-friendly power source—WCW Gallery, and third-wave coffee shops like Kaffeeliebe. —Diana Hubbell Hampi, India Courtesy of Orange County Hampi, India One of India’s most spectacular monuments will become newly accessible this year with the launch of a high-end resort in Hampi. When the 14th-century capital of the Vijayanagara Empire was constructed, in what is now the southwestern state of Karnataka, it was one of the largest cities in the world. The ruined settlement’s dazzling temples, monuments, and public buildings—strewn across a landscape of giant boulders, banana groves, and rice paddies—have long been a must-visit for dedicated Indophiles. But the town of Hampi has lacked world-class accommodation and infrastructure, making a visit less than luxurious. Now the new Orange County, Hampi offers a solution: 46 rooms spread across a palatial, Vijayanagara-inspired estate less than three miles from the UNESCO World Heritage site area. As Lucy Davis, director of India tour operator Banyan Tours, puts it, “the property is a game-changer for visitors to Hampi.” —Flora Stubbs Book a trip to India Helsinki, Finland mlle-jules/Getty Images Helsinki, Finland Finland celebrates 100 years of independence on December 6, 2017, but the parties will start much earlier—and many of them will be happening in Helsinki, the capital. The country's gift to itself is a major new landmark: the sinuous Central Library, designed by ALA Architects to be Helsinki’s new living room (it will open in 2018). Sauna culture is a big part of everyday life in the city. The latest and greatest public one is Löyly, a contemporary geometric complex of wood designed by Avanto Architects. And on Sauna Day, which takes place twice a year, several unique private saunas, including one on a raft and another in a castle, open to the public. When it comes to a design-savvy place to stay, book a room at Lilla Roberts, at least until the summer opening of sister hotel St. George, a grand 150-room property in a 19th-century landmark building. —Gisela Williams Honolulu, Hawaii Courtesy of Surfjack Hotel Honolulu, Hawaii The tides are changing in Honolulu. Hawaii’s capital is becoming a cultural powerhouse—in 2017 it will host its first Biennial, which will attract artists from across the Pacific Rim as well as celebrate Hawaii’s own underrepresented artists. Check out the litany of installations, panel discussions, and performances from March 8 to May 8, when creative forces will transform sites like Foster Botanical Garden, City Hall, and Chinatown. But the cresting art scene can be found year-round. In the gritty Kaka’ako neighborhood, dozens of new Pow! Wow! murals saturate the walls of warehouses, construction sites, and burgeoning collectives-cum-galleries like Lana Lane Studios. Further proof the capital is becoming an arts hub: Even touristy Waikiki is changing, thanks to brand new art-centric hotel, Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, which collaborated with local artists—from the restrooms’ custom bird-of-paradise wallpaper to the Matthew Tapia–designed graphic mural at the bottom of the pool that reads “Wish You Were Here.” —Jenna Scatena Indianapolis, Indiana Peter Frank Edwards/Redux Indianapolis, Indiana The city shattered expectations of Midwestern dining a couple of years ago with the opening of beloved brunch spot Milktooth, and the culinary scene has only gathered steam since then. In the fall, Indy hopped on the fried-chicken trend with Crispy Bird, a sustainability-focused joint from James Beard Award–nominated restaurateur Martha Hoover, while Milktooth’s Jonathan Brooks lent his expertise to the gastropub menu at the Owner’s Wife. This coming year, Sun King Brewery will open a 15,000-square-foot distillery in nearby Carmel. And with hotels in the works from 21c, Ironworks, and home-goods brand West Elm, Indianapolis is poised to become America’s next big destination. —Lila Battis Jackson Hole, Wyoming Richard Maschmeyer/robertharding/Getty Images Jackson Hole, Wyoming The total solar eclipse on August 21 will be the first in almost 40 years to be visible from the continental U.S., with a path of totality that slashes across the States from Oregon to South Carolina. For prime viewing, head to Jackson Hole—spectacular scenery, expansive vistas, and minimal light pollution make it an ideal vantage point. Once the two-minute main event is over, there are plenty of warm-weather activities to keep you occupied, from hiking the backcountry of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks to exploring Jackson proper (be sure to snag a pastry at Persephone Bakery and a chic, locally crafted souvenir at Made). —Lila Battis Jebel Akhdar, Oman Courtesy of Anantara Jebel Akhdar, Oman A two-hour drive from Muscat, in the rocky contours of Oman’s Al-Hajar Mountains, is Jebel Akhdar, an area beloved for its astounding views, craggy wadis, and natural terraces. Come spring, a blanket of velvety pink damask rose blossoms shroud the hills with their romantic scent. From these blossoms, distillers produce soothing rosewater potions that are used in both spa treatments and cocktail menus. To best experience Jebel Akhdar, head to the recently opened Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The magnificent property is giving the region’s reigning boutique hotel, the Alila Jabal Akhdar, a run for its money. While both promise canyon-view infinity pools and post-hike pampering treatments, the Anantara’s splashy suites, six restaurants, and amenities (like a cliff-side private meal), are unbeatable. —Dylan Essertier Jerusalem, Israel Sivan Askayo Jerusalem, Israel Typically more of a pilgrimage site than a sybaritic city, Jerusalem has now emerged as a culinary force to rival Tel Aviv. At the sprawling Mahane Yehuda Market, food-and-drink spots have popped up in produce stalls, many of which stay open long past sunset. The Jewish diaspora and Middle East merge at restaurants like Ishtabach—try the Kurdish shamburak, a pastry with brisket, potatoes, and chimichurri—and Machneyuda, known for its standout beef tartare with plums. Stay at the new boutique Brown Jerusalem Hotel, which will open soon in a restored Ottoman-era villa and serve drinks in an underground water cistern. —Sara Toth Stub Jura, France Zimnevan/Getty Images Jura, France Concealed by Alpine peaks and rolling, wooded hills, Jura—France’s smallest wine region—has long been shielded from the swarms that descend upon Burgundy to the west and Switzerland to the east. But in recent years, the Jura’s highly idiosyncratic, oxidative wines have generated explosive interest, with bottles making regular appearances on sommelier lists at U.S. restaurants like Eleven Madison Park and the French Laundry. Thanks to the newfound attention, the secret of Franche-Comté’s remote gem—a medieval-era region perfect for gourmands and nature-lovers—is out at last. Oenophiles will want to visit buzzy vineyards like Domaine André & Mirielle Tissot; co-owner Stéphane Tissot is a dynamic, progressive vintner who produces one of Jura’s famous sherry-like vin jaunes. Pair them with the Jura’s rich, rustic cuisine and the regional specialty, wheels of raw-milk Comté cheese. Burn off the calories hiking, cycling, or skiing the miles of quiet trails that arc around steep mountain ridges, shimmering lakes, and primordial waterfalls. For lodgings, turn to Les Jardins sur Glantine, a charming B&B that also produces superb natural wines. —Christopher Ross Kanazawa, Japan Courtesy of Nomura House Kanazawa, Japan This city on the western coast of Honshu has seen a boost in visits since a bullet-train extension shortened the trip from Tokyo to just 2½ hours. Go for the old wooden teahouses of the Higashi Chayagai district, the beautiful samurai residence in Nagamachi, and the contemporary art museum. Then have your pick of sushi that’s just as good as, and much cheaper than, what you’d find in Tokyo. Try it at Sentori, Kagayasuke, or Omi-cho Market—a favorite of sushi master Masa. For a truly traditional experience, head to the Noto Peninsula and stay in a Japanese farmhouse, where you can forage for wild mountain greens and mushrooms and dine by an indoor fire pit. —Selena Hoy Lake Lucerne, Switzerland   Richard I'Anson/Getty Images Lake Lucerne, Switzerland The city of Lucerne’s medieval charms continue to draw busloads of tourists, but neighboring Lake Lucerne is full of developments that entice visitors to venture out as well. Make your base the ultramodern Bürgenstock, a $480 million project that opens in mid 2017 with scenic lake views, four hotels, and a massive yet tranquil spa. From there, explore the craggy summit of Mount Pilatus—once thought to be a dragon den, it’s become more accessible lately (its popular cog railway will be included in the Swiss Travel Pass starting this year). At the lake’s southern arm, called Lake Uri, the 36-mile-long Gotthard Base Tunnel (the world’s longest train tunnel) opens for passenger service in December 2016—it has shaved 40 minutes off the trip from Milan. Hikers to the region won’t be disappointed either: the nearby village Engelberg has created the Buiräbähnli Safari, a two-night Alpine trek that utilizes farmer’s gondolas and aerial cable cars to visit remote farms, where you can sample cheese and Alpine butter. —Adam H. Graham Laos Getty Images/AWL Images RM Laos Despite its many allures (milky-blue terraced waterfalls, mountains blanketed with jungle, centuries-old golden stupas, and crumbling temples) landlocked Laos has always been overshadowed by its tourist-magnet neighbors. But that’s changing: in the fall, the country was thrust into the international spotlight with a historic visit from Barack Obama, the first sitting U.S. president to set foot in the nation. Recent negotiations with Thailand opened up additional flights from Bangkok, and new upscale lodgings have made Laos’s two major cities—the temple-studded capital of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, a UNESCO-protected town prized for its natural sights and mix of traditional and French-colonial architecture—much more accessible. In 2017, the President by Akaryn—the area’s first five-star hotel—arrives in Vientiane just steps from the temple of the Emerald Buddha, followed by a Rosewood in Luang Prabang. —Lila Battis Book a trip to Laos La Paz, Bolivia Nick Ballon La Paz, Bolivia Once beleaguered by frequent strikes, roadblocks, and a paucity of amenities, the backpacker haven of La Paz has emerged as a true culture capital. Infrastructure has played a key role: in 2014 the city introduced Mi Teleférico, a network of aerial trams that transport riders across the city in minutes on routes that once took an hour by bus. The city’s culinary scene is being driven by fine-dining restaurant Gustu, launched by Noma cofounder Claus Meyer in 2013. Since then, the restaurant scene has exploded with ventures from Gustu alums: elevated vegan fare at Ali Pacha, locally inspired pastas at Propiedad Pública, and house-roasted, single-origin coffee at Typica. Stay in the city’s first Design Hotel, the Atix. Each of the 53 rooms doubles as a gallery, displaying works by Bolivian artists like Gastón Ugalde. It’s a microcosm of the city’s thriving contemporary art scene: galleries like Mérida Romero, Mamani Mamani, and the reopened Salar Galería de Arte showcase much of the country’s top talent. —Nicholas Gill Madagascar Courtesy of Miavana Madagascar Madagascar is sometimes overlooked as just another safari destination. But this massive island is home to thousands of species that are found nowhere else on earth—more than 90 percent of Madagascar’s flora and fauna are endemic—and with the threat of climate change and deforestation looming ever larger, this is one trip that shouldn’t be delayed. Reinstated Airlink flights from Johannesburg to Nosy Be have expanded access to the northern stretches of the country just in time for the April 2017 opening of Miavana, Madagascar’s most well-appointed property yet. Situated on the island of Nosy Anko, the eco-friendly resort includes 14 villas designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the architects behind similarly luxe African retreats like Chinzombo and Angama Mara. Between seaside pursuits, guests are whisked by helicopter to Ankarana National Park for lemur-spotting or Amber Mountain National Park to explore its waterfalls and crater lakes. —Jane Broughton Málaga, Spain Courtesy of Museo Picasso Málaga; Photo by Ake Lindman Málaga, Spain Málaga, in Spain’s Andalusia region, is now a veritable museum-goer’s paradise. The first wave included a Picasso museum (the artist was born here) and the sprawling 8,000-square-foot CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo), which has hosted exhibits by Ai Weiwei and Marcel Dzama. Since then, the Carmen Thyssen, an outpost of Madrid’s Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum that houses the famous baroness’s extensive private collection, has opened; so has a five-year pop-up of Paris’s Centre Pompidou displaying works by Magritte, Chagall, and Kahlo. The Pompidou’s location along Málaga’s renovated waterfront is marked by a hypermodern, rainbow-hued glass cube. And in the industrial space of a former tobacco factory is a sister site of the Russian Museum in St. Petersburg. Archaeology buffs can comb the extensive collection at the Aduana Palace (it houses both a fine arts and archaeological museum) or head to the Antequera Dolmens (a prehistoric burial site that earned its UNESCO World Heritage nod in 2016). Unwind afterward at the lavishly appointed Gran Hotel Miramar; it opened at the end of 2016 in a historic 1926 Art Nouveau building across from Málaga’s most timeless attraction: Malagueta Beach. —Fiorella Valdesolo Book a trip to Spain Montevideo, Uruguay   Courtesy of Hyatt Centric Montevideo Montevideo, Uruguay Montevideo, the quiet capital of Uruguay, is making a name for itself in design, fashion, and food. The new Rotunda Estudio—a sleek three-story boutique, design studio, and workshop in residential Punta Carretas—sells capsule collections by emerging local talents alongside its flagship line of minimalist women’s wear. Nearby, Telma stocks sophisticated, loose-fitting dresses, shirts, and shoes, plus prints by illustrator Valeria Rienzi from Good Objects. The city’s gourmands are flocking to supper clubs like Mesabrava, where guest chefs prepare multicourse communal dinners in antiques auction houses and shuttered factories. One of the rising stars of the local culinary scene is Lucía Soria, whose casual spot Jacinto in the historic quarter is all about perfectly cooked market ingredients. And Uruguay’s famously high-quality meats are the focus at Plantado Restaurant, inside the gorgeously decorated Hyatt Centric Montevideo—which also happens to be the city’s best new place to stay. —Paola Singer Montreal, Quebec Mickaël Bandassak; Marc Cramer Montreal, Quebec In January, the Canadian city kicks off a year of events in honor of its 375th birthday. Look for art pop-ups, symphony performances, and the unveiling of the Promenade Fleuve-Montagne, an urban boardwalk that will connect Mont-Royal to the St. Lawrence River. And plan on returning a few pounds heavier. Montreal’s phenomenal culinary scene—influenced by its French-British background and multiethnic population—is drawing interest from foodies far beyond Canada’s borders. Don’t miss local favorites like Foxy and Candide, which prove that sophisticated doesn’t have to mean stiff, and the hotly anticipated Marconi, from chef Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly, who recently moved back to his native Montreal after a five-year stint in New York City. —Mary Holland Nashville, Tennessee Courtesy of Ryman Auditorium Nashville, Tennessee This gateway to the South has hit its stride, and 2017 looks to be a banner year. The iconic Ryman Auditorium celebrates its 125th anniversary with a full calendar of fêtes, while the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates 50 years and the Bluebird Café turns 35. The city is brimming with new and upcoming eateries: Maneet Chauhan’s The Mockingbird, John Besh’s Marsh House, and Henrietta Red from Per Se–trained chef Julia Sullivan. And there are plenty of places to stay, thanks to a hotel boom—the Westin and Thompson recently debuted, with a Kimpton and 21c slated to open this year. —Kristin Luna Nicaragua Courtesy of Nekupe Nicaragua A wave of incredible new properties is bringing renewed attention to Central America’s largest country, which visitors flock to for rain-forest tours and snorkeling around surrounding islands. Fifteen miles south of Granada is the recently opened Nekupe Sporting Resort & Retreat. Nekupe, a native word used to describe heaven, is an intimate eight-villa resort spread across 1,300 acres on the mountainside. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of Mombacho, but the best way to experience the cloud-forest-covered volcano is hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Travelers seeking a beach escape should head to the new Meson Nadi hotel on the edge of Costa Esmeralda: a contemporary, Bauhaus-inspired, six-suite boutique with concrete tiles, handwoven hammam blankets, and gardens. —Melanie Lieberman Book a trip to Nicaragua Noosa Heads, Australia PETER HARRISON/Getty Images Noosa Heads, Australia One of the unsung sirens of Australia's eastern coast, Noosa Heads—less than two hours from Brisbane—is gaining attention for its upscale hotels and modern restaurant openings. The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort is the first five-star player to hit the beach here. It’s a short stroll from surfer heaven Main Beach and not far from Noosa National Park, which features cliff-hugging boardwalks through lush rain forest. Richard Branson's Australian hideaway, Makepeace Island, is situated just up the Noosa River: the lavish, Balinese-inspired resort is usually an exclusive-use affair but lately has been opening up individual villa bookings during certain weeks. Restaurants in Noosa Heads skew Asian: the hottest table in town is Wasabi, a Japanese omakase concept where the dining room is suspended over the water, while the more casual Embassy XO, in the next town over, serves pan-Asian dishes like killer “son-in-law” eggs and jasmine-cured duck leg. But don’t miss the natural wonders here, either—head into the dreamy, ruggedly beautiful hinterland with Tropical Treks, an outfitter offering guided bushwalks, bird-watching, and wildlife experiences. —Emma Sloley Book a trip to Australia Norfolk, Virginia traveler1116/Getty Images Norfolk, Virginia Once characterized mainly by the defense industry and a massive naval base, Norfolk has become an off-the-radar, affordable hot spot​ thanks to a flourishing arts scene and increasing city- and university-supported entrepreneurship. Its craft beer continues to be a huge attraction: Benchtop Brewing was one of the newest breweries to open in 2016; the upcoming Bearded Bird Brewing ​​will operate as a microbrewery co-op and have a large patio where visitors can sample beers. ​A ​taproom from Starr Hill Brewery ​will be part of a newly developed Waterside District—an area that will see several restaurant openings (like regional favorite Cogan’s Pizza) in 2017. Nearby, The Main aims to become another downtown hub in the spring, with a seafood restaurant, rooftop lounge, 300-room Hilton, and other entertainment additions. And don't miss the​ NEON District—the mural-studded home of the Chrysler Museum of Art—which has recently introduced an extra element of urban cool. —Christine Wei Okavango Delta, Botswana Courtesy of Sanctuary Retreats Okavango Delta, Botswana It’s now possible to spot the Big Five in Botswana, an idea that just a few years ago may have seemed far-fetched. Buoyed by the antipoaching efforts of the Botswana government and local conservation groups, the philanthropic arm of the (impeccably renovated) Sanctuary Chief’s Camp has helped reintroduce populations of both black and white rhinos to the Okavango Delta. The neighboring andBeyond Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp also got a thoughtful redesign of late, with understated, sustainable accommodations that echo the surrounding landscape. For lovers of wildlife and luxury, there’s never been a better time to visit. —Krista Simmons Oslo, Norway Courtesy of Supreme Roastworks Oslo, Norway Once prohibitively expensive, the city’s still not cheap—but the dollar's worth around 25 percent more today than it was two years ago. Some 28 million additional visitors will pass through Oslo’s airport in the next 12 months, thanks to its new swooping, Scandi-chic wing. Many of these travelers are here to participate in one of the world’s most thriving coffee cultures. Two great spots are in the Grünerløkka area: Supreme Roastworks, where a world-champion brewer helms the bar, and Tim Wendelboe, whose owner is so obsessed with quality beans that he bought 17 acres of Colombian farmland. After the buzz from your first few pour-overs wears off, explore another formerly gritty neighborhood, the warehouse-filled Vulkan, where Hendrix Ibsen sells the trendy triumvirate of single-origin coffee, vinyl, and craft beer. —Eimear Lynch Panama City, Panama Courtesy of Princess Cruises Panama City, Panama After nearly 10 years of construction, the Panama Canal expansion has opened. Giant cruise ships—like the Caribbean Princess—can now pass through via the 180-foot-wide locks. Princess is one of the first lines to take advantage of this, with six sailings in 2017. On land, a sleek W Hotel will open downtown, and a new boutique property, La Concordia—where rooms have private balconies and claw-foot bathtubs—is near completion in historic Casco Viejo. For an introduction to Panama City, book a tour with Black Tomato. They can arrange private helicopter rides or sailings around Gatun Lake. Best of all, Panama uses the U.S. dollar, making shopping easy. —Melanie Lieberman Paros, Greece Poike/Getty Images Paros, Greece Kitesurfers have long made a playground of the breezy beaches of Paros, and no wonder: this sunshiny isle is a Cycladic triumvirate of sandy shoreline, history, and culture. Last summer the island debuted a new airport, opening it to larger aircraft and more vacationers. And the fishing village of Naousa, with its boxy white architecture and seaside tavernas, is increasingly sophisticated—check in to the modern, adults-only apartments of Porto Naousa or the elegant Seven Santa Maria, where six airy, all-white suites (and a separate villa) come with a private boat and skipper for exploring the island’s secret coves. —Emily Mathieson Perth, Australia Courtesy of Crown Towers Perth Perth, Australia It’s one of the most remote cities on earth, but that hasn’t stopped the capital of Western Australia from becoming a dining hot spot. Take City Beach, where the new restaurants have the best ocean views in town. The latest is the beautifully designed Odyssea—its veranda is a favorite for seafood and sundowners. Elizabeth Quay is a contemporary urban precinct on the Swan River that combines public spaces and art. There, the Reveley has three levels of modern Australian dining, including a rooftop bar; and Isle of Voyage, in a restored historic kiosk, serves swank café fare like crab tagliatelle paired with local wines. The chicest cocktail bar in town is the Waiting Room, in the lobby of Crown Towers, the city’s new ultra-luxe, 513-room hotel. Design firm Bates Smart has taken inspiration from the glamour of Manhattan and Palm Springs, with lush jewel tones, a marble bar, and a sprawling terrace with vistas of the river and city skyline. —Carrie Hutchinson Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Haocheng Tang/Getty Images Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philly is coming off a high-profile couple of years, between hosting Pope Francis and the DNC and being the first U.S. city inducted into the Organization of World Heritage Cities. Bathed in that ego-boosting afterglow, America's birthplace is adding hotel options from brands like Four Seasons, W, SLS, and Study, and debuting its new Museum of the American Revolution this spring. The young population here is growing at a faster rate than any other major city, and tidy residential neighborhoods like East Passyunk are being diversified. Here, the old guard sipping homemade limoncello at the Sicilian social club shares sidewalk seating with the double-IPA enthusiasts at the craft-beer boutique next door, while across the street, two young female sommeliers have put together thrilling lists of skin-fermented Malvasia, Breton cider, and quirky Canary Island reds at hot spots Townsend and ITV. Around the corner, the succulent slow-cooked lamb tacos at South Philly Barbacoa come with a side of social justice: owners Cristina Martinez and Ben Miller are staunch activists for undocumented workers' rights (Martinez is open about her own undocumented status). And the new mayor is on their side as well—he’s fighting to protect Philly as a sanctuary city. —Adam Erace Pisco Province, Peru   Ed Gifford/Getty Images Pisco Province, Peru A new airport in the port town of Pisco is making access to coastal Peru’s top attractions easier than ever. It’s shortened the journey to the Nazca Lines, the 2,000-year-old geoglyphs that are best spotted from a plane, as well as the Paracas National Reserve, a protected swath of desert and marine habitat where visitors can see colonies of sea lions and the occasional group of Humboldt penguins. The lush oasis of Huacachina, in the neighboring Ica province, is a popular day trip for high-speed buggy rides over the surrounding sand dunes. Pisco’s namesake brandy is on tap in the region’s tasting rooms—including one at the oldest distillery in the Americas—and vineyard hotels. —Nicholas Gill Book a trip to Peru Provence, France Serge Chapuis Provence, France Wineries and hilltop bastides have always lured travelers to Provence, but a recent wave of modish auberges has turned the destination downright stylish. Take the Domaine de Fontenille, a refurbished 17th-century Luberon estate that now includes a 17-room inn and a contemporary art gallery. In St.-Rémy-de-Provence, a landmark mansion has been transformed into the Hôtel de Tourrel, a sleek seven-room inn dotted with Eileen Gray designs and crowned with a rooftop pool terrace. And just outside Aix-en-Provence, the 28 villas at the contemporary Villa La Coste are encircled by vineyards that supply the estate’s organic winery. Its sculpture park contains works by boldface architects and artists such as Louise Bourgeois, whose mammoth Crouching Spider guards the Provençal landscape like a Modernist scarecrow. —Raphael Kadushin Queenstown, New Zealand Ramiro Torrents/Getty Images Queenstown, New Zealand There are two new places to stay in New Zealand’s adventure capital (ski season starts in mid-June, but there’s bungee jumping and jet boating year-round). Bed down at the boutique Hulbert House, with six suites in an 1888 Victorian villa, or the 69-room QT Queenstown, which is slated to land on the shores of Lake Wakatipu this year. And those who have previously traveled here for adrenaline rushes have a new treat in store: the Nevis Thriller, coming early in 2017. Details are sparse, but its creator, the AJ Hackett company, says it will combine “speed, height, and flight.” —Carrie Hutchinson Book a trip to New Zealand Rotterdam, Netherlands Maarten Laupman Rotterdam, Netherlands After years in Amsterdam’s shadow, the second-largest city in the Netherlands is stepping into the spotlight thanks to its burgeoning culinary and design scenes. Eye-popping architectural stunners such as the Modernist De Rotterdam have been joined by De Markthal, a mural-covered hall where 96 vendors hawk gourmet goods. You’ll find more locavore eats at Fenix Food Factory and Roffa Streetfoodbar, a smokehouse where virtually everything is locally sourced. Art is everywhere in this city—more than a thousand pieces, including sculptures by Picasso and Rodin, are scattered throughout Rotterdam. Be on the lookout for one of the newest pieces, Bobbing Forest, a surrealist installation of floating elm trees by art collective Mothership. The innovative, fun-loving spirit of the city is best embodied by its upcoming attraction, RiF010, an artificial wave park where surfers will be able to show off their skills in the Steigersgracht Canal. —Diana Hubbell Rwanda Rebecca Yale/Getty Images Rwanda Of the 800 or so mountain gorillas left in East Africa, more than half live in the forested foothills of the Virungas, a chain of 12,000-foot volcanoes stretching through Rwanda, Uganda, and Congo. Rwanda is by far the safest and most reliable (in terms of infrastructure) of the three, and this summer it will become even more enticing when Wilderness Safaris’ first Rwandan property, the upscale, six-villa Bisate Lodge, opens near Volcanoes National Park. With dramatic views of the forested volcanic peaks, this new base—close to park headquarters, the departure point for daily treks—exists to fund conservation projects, including a reforestation program. In addition to spotting silverbacks, guests can see Buhondo and Burera lakes, the lava tunnels of the Musanze Caves, and the golden monkeys that are endemic to the region. —Jane Broughton Book a trip to Rwanda Salta, Argentina Yadid Levy/Anzenberger/Redux Salta, Argentina More travelers are starting to take notice of Salta, a province in northwestern Argentina known for its diverse topography, from jungles and volcanoes to vineyards and salt flats. LATAM Airlines has added service between Salta and Lima, Peru, a testament to the region’s growing popularity. The best months to visit are September through November or May through July—travel outfitter Auténtica Salta recommends going to wine country to sip a glass of Torrontés (the area’s emblematic grape) at Piattelli Vineyards' Cafayate winery and staying at the latest luxury hotel, Grace Cafayate. Other operators are increasing their offerings, too: Wanderlust Expediciones recently launched a textile tour that visits artisans keeping the ancient custom of weaving alive, while Jacada Travel’s 4 x 4 trips to Tolar Grande will include a stay at at Antofallita Oasis, two new guesthouses in Puna owned by locals from the Andean community. —Nora Walsh Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Jane Sweeney/Getty Images Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic is making a name for itself beyond sumptuous resorts and golf clubs. Santo Domingo is amping up the party vibe and giving beach-lovers more reasons to stay in the capital. Upscale neighborhoods like Piantini and Naco are home to scores of new restaurants, many of which turn into nightspots after dinner—try Santru, home to some of the city’s best nueva dominicana cuisine. The electronic music scene is booming, too: The Warehouse, an industrial space that's been repurposed into a venue, hosts some of the liveliest club nights in town, while promoters ShaveUrLegz run festivals and regularly bring in international DJs. For live music, Mecenas Café Cultural is the spot; the sangria and terrace draw a crowd. Recent openings, like the boutique Luca and Casas del XVI’s expanding collection of colonial mansions, are upping the hotel ante as well. —Nell McShane Wulfhart Seychelles Courtesy of Six Senses Zil Pasyon Seychelles There are beaches, and then there are beaches. This 115-island nation off Africa’s eastern shore has some of the world’s most beautiful white sands—and lavish new resorts, so you can experience them in style. On the private island of Félicité, Six Senses Zil Pasyon is paradise for honeymooners, with five open-air spa pavilions and a plunge pool adjoining each of the 30 villas, which face the ocean. Later this year, Desroches Island’s sole resort will become a Four Seasons: guests can stay in an airy, eclectic-chic beach suite or one of 11 palatial villas. Also ideal for families: the new Presidential Villa on Cousine Island. —Jacqueline Gifford Suzhou, China  Daniel Traub/Gallerystock Suzhou, China A half-hour from Shanghai by bullet train, 2,500-year-old Suzhou has two faces. Most know of its classical gardens (nine UNESCO-designated), celebrated in Chinese art and poetry for centuries, and its canal-filled Old Town with traditional white-washed buildings. But there’s also the high-rise-filled Suzhou Industrial Park (built in partnership with the Singaporean government), which has lured many Fortune 500 companies and is a recreational spot for locals and expats. It has a shopping and entertainment district named Times Square, a London Eye–like Ferris wheel, multiple Western and Asian restaurants, bars, theaters, and a concert hall, plus colorful musical fountains on Jinji Lake at night—and it’s all just a 20-minute subway ride from the heart of Old Town. Over the next two years, W Hotels, Sheraton, and the Luxury Collection join a stampede of Western hotel brands that include the stylish Tonino Lamborghini, a Hilton, and a Hyatt Regency. —Sharon McDonnell Tamuda Bay, Morocco Courtesy of Sofitel Tamuda Bay Tamuda Bay, Morocco A mélange of cultural and geographic influences has given this string of seaside towns on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast a uniquely European flavor, and recent upscale openings have turned the area into a bona fide resort destination. Last spring in the town of Mdiq, Sofitel debuted Tamuda Bay Beach & Spa, a 104-room hotel with a palette inspired by the mid-20th-century Côte d’Azur. It’s a lively contrast to the subdued Moorish aesthetic of Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, a new all-villa resort 20 minutes north in Fnidek. But there’s more to the region than sun and surf: the nearby port city of Tétouan has several museums and one of Morocco’s best-preserved medinas. Head there now—with a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the horizon, Tamuda Bay won’t stay under the radar for long. —Lila Battis Tofino, British Columbia Andrew Hetherington Tofino, British Columbia Known for its year-round swells, Canada’s surf capital comes with a cold-water reputation that has helped to keep it a relative secret from the rest of the world. But lately, this remote Vancouver Island gem is seeing more visitors for a new reason: wild food. Chefs are using ingredients foraged straight from the Pacific Ocean and huge swaths of temperate rain forest—Tofino’s front and backyard. The salmon is so recently caught that chefs try not to grumble over the fact that the still-tense flesh is difficult to clean. Check out the new Sea Monster Noodle Bar, where the broth simmers with dried kelp and the poke is made with fresh-caught tuna. At Wolf in the Fog, order smoky potato-crusted oysters and sourdough toast topped with just-plucked chanterelles. Pair it with forest-fresh beverages, like the rye infused in-house with raw cedar or Tofino Brewing Company’s seasonal Spruce Tree Ale, steeped with locally foraged Sitka spruce tips. And stay at Long Beach Lodge Resort, where magical days on Cox Bay Beach include foraging treks with chef Ian Riddick—so you can see what the same food looks like in the wild. —Nina Kokotas Hahn Turin, Italy DarioEgidi/Getty Images Turin, Italy Best known for its historic cafes and the Shroud of Turin, the city is also a vibrant contemporary art destination. Last year, superstar curator Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev was named director of two major institutions, Galleria Civica d'Arte Moderna, Italy's first modern art museum, and Castello di Rivoli, its first contemporary art museum, featuring works from powerhouses like Michelangelo Pistoletto and Paul McCarthy. Earlier eras can be explored at two other newly overhauled museums: the Galleria Sabauda, where visitors can see more than 500 works once owned by the royal Savoy family, and the Egyptian Museum, which houses one of the most extensive Egyptian-artifact collections in the world. Early in 2017, Turin's medieval roots will be revealed at Lavazza coffee's new headquarters in the Aurora neighborhood, when the company unveils a fourth-century basilica discovered during construction. —Carol Kino Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico Courtesy of Baja California Ministry of Tourism Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico This wine region 80 miles south of San Diego is known for its red blends, but most bottles can’t be exported, so a visit is the best way to try the coveted pours. Start at Decantos Vinícola, which uses a flavor-preserving antigravity decanting method for its rich Malbecs. There are several new design-forward hotels here, too: chef Javier Plascencia runs Finca La Divina, a four-room B&B with a pool. It’s just a few miles from his acclaimed Finca Altozano restaurant and Lupe, his torta truck, housed in an Airstream. And in the summer, hacienda-style El Cielo Winery will open a 58-suite hotel where you can sip its traditional varietals with abandon. —Archana Ram Veracruz, Mexico Witold Skrypczak/Getty Images Veracruz, Mexico In lieu of the crowded beaches of Cancún and Cozumel, make your way to the state of Veracruz, where the seafood alone is enough to warrant a visit. Enjoy dishes like spicy crab broth on the Emerald Coast, a 12-mile stretch of beach free of crowds and lush with vegetation. Stay at the Maison Couturier, a Design Hotel surrounded by the banana plantations of San Rafael. The French community that’s been there since 1833 sells artisanal cheese and pan de agua, a French-style bread baked in wood ovens. Then venture to Papantla, a well-known Mexican village famous for its pre-Columbian architectural ruins and centuries-old vanilla farms. —Diana Spechler Book a trip to Mexico