It’s been about a month since I’ve hopped on a plane and about four months since I’ve left the country. As an adventurous wanderluster, I am getting antsy. Discovering new countries, cultures and people is one of my greatest joys in life, probably driven by my professional experiences as a journalist. While I currently have my heart set on exploring Cuba, I am still curious to see what the professionals say:
TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN 2017
(according to popular travel publications)
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GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR
ZIMBABWE
“A new $150 million airport in Victoria Falls, capable of welcoming 1.5 million people a year aboard massive passenger jets, is only one of several reasons why Zimbabwe is on our 2017 list. The country is building up its tourism infrastructure despite—and, sometimes, in spite of—years of economic downturn and authoritarian governance. The same resilience is on show in the country’s conservation efforts; there’s been a clampdown on poaching and biodiversity flourishes in Hwange National Park, the country’s largest game reserve. While everyone’s booking stays in the safari parks of Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa, we recommend scouting for the Big Five in much less-crowded (and often more affordable) Zimbabwe. A new under-$1,000 eight-night safari by Gecko Adventures, launching in the spring, will take you from Victoria Falls, through Hwange and into South Africa’s Limpopo province, making it possible to see the best of the country in a single stretch.”
FINLAND
“The Finnish may be a modest lot, but they will have a bunch to boast about in 2017. Helsinki is buzzing with the energy of the country’s centennial: A grand hotel called the St. George will open this summer in a 19th century landmark building, and a showstopping public sauna by Avanto Architects is stokingthe flames of a longtime national obsession. But the real excitement lies in Finnish Lapland, where adventurers on the hunt for “the next Iceland” can find the country’s most magical experiences. Such dramatic arrivals as the ultra-mod Arctic Treehouse Hotel and the glass-domed Northern Lights Village make plush spots to witness the Northern Lights, which are said to appear there 200 times a year. Luxe outfitter Abercrombie & Kent is launching a private jet expedition to the area that includes an Arctic treasure hunt and ice track racing with champion drivers.”
Where do you want to visit this year? Any tips on where I should head next? As always, loving hearing from you!