It’s about that time of year, folks. You’ve almost concurred January, pay day is within reach and your sights are set on finally booking that holiday you’ve been promising yourself.
Congratulations, you’ve made it. But where to actually go?
Never fear, we've got you covered. From the 'it' destinations of 2017, to industry research led recommendations, to the places we’ve been and loved. We've rounded up the genuinely good places to take yourself this year.
And we’re not just on about a cheeky last minute trip across the way for a not-so-long weekend in Berlin. Oh, no. We’re in it for the long haul, baby.
Canada
Canada is having a moment and we're completely on board with it. Besides being the land that gave us with maple syrup, Justin Bieber, Drake, Ryan Gosling, and the ability to go skiing at pretty much any time of year; the world’s second largest country has a lot going for it.
It just so happens to be Canada's 150th birthday this year, which obviously gives you the perfect excuse to pay a visit. To celebrate the Confederation, the federal government announced that access to its national parks will be free throughout 2017. Banff park tends to be a popular among tourists and great if spotting a grizzly bear is on your bucket list. However Jasper in the middle of the Canadian Rockies is stunning and absolutely worth a visit.
Cape Town
South Africa is a really cool place for a holiday but a quick poll among mates tells me that it rarely makes people’s lists of places to visit. Well, that stops now my friends. And it starts with Cape Town.
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront has the most insane views of the Atlantic Ocean and tourist favourite Table Mountain (it’s a flat mountain that looks a bit like a table). And if you’re into the whole mountain thing but can’t face attempting the Table, Lion’s Head is a good old walk that’s meant to be a shorter, easier and a bit less intimidating. Cape Town also hit the Post Office Travel Money Top 12 destinations of 2017 list and we can’t say we’re surprised. The annual report looks at how much it costs to buy the typical bits and bob you pick holiday - such as sun cream, insect repellent, drinks, etc. It comes in at number 11 which, as one of only 3 non-European countries to make the top 12 budget-friendly destinations, I’d say isn’t bad at all.
Tokyo
Japan’s capital city also made this year’s Travel Money list as the most value for money destination outside of Europe. We’re not going to pretend a round of drinks in Tokyo is going to be the cheapest in the world, but apparently it’s the most budget friendly of the popular legitimately far away holiday cities.
And let’s face it, it’s a bloody cool place to go. Whether you’re into new tech, fashion, baseball (yes, baseball) or you’re all about Japanese food, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by how much the city has to offer. And when that gets too much for you, jump on the train for an hour or so and head over to Mount Takao for a literal change of scenery. Fun fact, my friend loved Tokyo so much that he proposed to his girlfriend over there. And she said yes. Just saying.
Bali
You wouldn’t be blamed for having a bit of a conflicted view of Bali. Some people have an image of a euphoric ‘I went away and found myself’ type of beachy paradise, while others seem to believe that tourism has ruined the magic of the island. But as with most places, it’s about knowing which bits are worth your time.
Bali is amazing if you’re into the whole water activity thing. Surfing, snorkelling, diving – it’s all there and shouldn’t cost you too much to get involved. Bali is also very much a yogi paradise, just head further inland towards Ubud where you’ll find just about every variation of yoga to have a go at.
New Orleans
The city that is definitely towards the top of my bucket list. It kind of goes without saying that there’s a time to go to New Orleans, it’s for Mardi Gras. This year it takes place on 28 February so if you fancy it, it might be time to scan for flights because it’s a super popular time to head out to the Big Easy.
If you can’t make that or fancy a different sort of vibe, get yourself over there on the last weekend of April for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. If tickets to the actual festival are a bit out of your budget (a day ticket comes in at about £50 when bought in advance), it’s still an amazing time to be in the city if you get your kicks from a buzzy atmosphere.
Kerala
This little gem in India was listed on the Association of British Travel Agents list of 12 destinations to watch in 2017, and which certainly makes it sound like a pretty big deal. Kerala sits on the south coast of India and if you want somewhere to make you feel totally zen, this is for you.
The most exciting thing about Kerala is it’s 1500km long series of interconnecting rivers canals and lakes that spread through the state. The best way to see them? On a houseboat, obvs.
New Zealand
Aukland might be at the pricier end of the Travel Money destinations list, but New Zealand is another destination everyone seems to be heading this year. Now, you're probably wondering whether making that 24 hour journey because no matter which way you dress it up, it's going to be a bit of a ball ache. But oh the wonders you will see when you finally set off that plane, my friends.
As tricky as it might be to do, the biggest way you can prepare is just make sure that you've given yourself enough time to travel around, because there's a LOT to see. Oh and maybe be weary of buying a ticket for the first tour you come across as they can be quite pricey. But things like visiting the Hot Water Beach at Coromandel, the waterfalls of the Waitakere Ranges, visiting one of the wine regions and just chilling the hell out in the sunshine should all be made priorities.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.