While you’re frantically pondering those 2018 New Year’s resolutions, take a break and ask yourself what you really need. To learn more patience? Eh, that can wait. To eat healthier? But pizza is the perfect food pyramid. To learn a new skill? Just stick with what you’re already good at.
No, no, what you really need is to travel more – to find your inner wanderlust – and experience new cultures and sights, and lucky for you, we’ve got some buzzworthy ones to add to that resolution bucket list.
Kuai, Hawaii
Hawaii has always been a hot travel destination, after all it is Hawaii. But 2018 makes it extra special because Southwest Airlines has finally announced flights to the Aloha State starting in 2018. So start saving up those frequent flier points now!
Bermuda
Let the wind catch your traveling sails and take you to Bermuda, 2017 winner of the 35th America’s Cup. With eight major sailing events scheduled in 2018, as well as the first new-build hotel on the island in 45 years, Bermuda is looking more and more appealing – as if gorgeous blue skies and surf green beaches weren’t enough to lure you.
Costa Rica
Beach? Check. Volcano? Check. Rainforest? Check. Adventure? Absolutely. Costa Rica is the perfect getaway for travelers looking for a gorgeous adventure destination. The Central American country, which makes most of its revenue from tourism (with sustainable energy coming in second), offers everything, including zip lining through the rainforest, white water rafting, hiking the active Arenal volcano, welcoming visits to old, indigenous tribes, simmering in luxurious hot springs and lounging at all-inclusive resorts on Jaco beach. Costa Rica might also be home to some of the best pineapple in the world.
Baja California, Mexico
If you’re coming from the US, you may have to hop the border into Tijuana (yikes), but it’s just a small price to pay for what lies further south. Aside from the remarkable affordability, Baja with cities like Ensenda, San Ignacio and La Paz offers fantastic beaches, exquisite cuisine and hot spots for great night life. And if you’re a wine connoisseur – or just the casual vino drinker – make sure to take a trip down through the Valle de Guadalupe for an amazing Napa-like wine country experience, but at a fraction of the price.
Perth, Australia
This western Australian city has quickly grown into a must-see travel destination making Sydney not the only coveted place to visit on the country. Packed with buzzworthy restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and cool art installations, Perth promises tourists an amazing vacation. And with a new Premier League soccer stadium coming in the summer of 2018, as well as an expansion plan for 13 new hotels in the next two years, this Western city is ready for you to come visit.
Essaouira, Morocco
This north African paradise offers plenty in the way of sensory delight. Enjoy everything from superb wind and kitesurfing to beach time and hammams (traditional Moroccan baths). Better yet, all these experiences aren’t just a delight to your senses, they’re a delight to your wallet. Oh, and did we mention the tasty just-landed seafood that’s totally nom-worthy?
