If life were a pie, travelling would be the maraschino cherry on top.
Whether it’s a short getaway down up coast of ‘Straya or a months-long expedition through the most far-flung Peruvian jungle imaginable, taking a break from everyday life is not only enjoyable; it’s necessary.
But where do you decide where to go when you’ve decided to go?
Everyone’s got their old faithfuls (never met a Perthonality who didn’t love Bali) but sometimes you want to go somewhere you won’t bump into Tom, Dick and Harry. Somewhere you can get a fire Instagram pic and people will blow up your celly with the “but where tf are you?” comments.
We’ve scoured the net, Googled stats and stalked all manner of celebrities to bring to you our prediction of 2018‘s hottest destinations.
1. Tulum, Mexico
Eternal ‘It girl’ Cara Delevingne recently celebrated turning 25. What did she do to celebrate?
She took a boatful of her best friends on a luxury getaway to Tulum.
Among her crew was model-of-the-minute Abwoa Aboah, Vogue casting director Tallulah Bernard, Game of Thrones actress Jazzy De Lisser and Mark Ronson‘s ex-wife, Josephine De La Baume.
They rode on luxury boats, visited ancient ruins and lapped up the Mexican sun at a $10K a night (per person) luxury villa.
Whether you go full luxe or visit on a shoestring budget, Tulum is out of this world. It’s famous for deep blue cenotes, ancient ruins, sandy beaches, lush jungle and a near-constant warm Caribbean breeze. While it’s growing in popularity, it still retains a laid back community vibe.
It’s basically as close as you can get to heaven on earth.
2. Scarborough, England
According to Business Insider, bookings for Scarborough are up a whopping 258%.
It’s resort town on England’s North Sea coast. Its 2 bays with sandy beaches are split by a headland bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle.
The castle is a history-lovers dream, having been built way back in the 1130s. It has seen civil wars, sieges and conflicts, as kings fought with rival barons, faced rebellion and clashed with republican forces.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BYm8a5-hGYA/?tagged=scarboroughcastle
These days though, it’s a huge drawcard for visitors. Sitting atop a hill with the best vantage point across the North Sea, the historically-significant site is basically a heritage listed collection of walls and towers.
Ancient history aside, Scarborough boasts a thriving creative scene.
You’ve got Scarborough Brewery, for frothie lovers:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA4wk3VEV94/?taken-by=scarboroughbrewery
Old Parcel’s Office, a groovy (eww sorry I said that word) industrial art space:
And Crescent Art Centre:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWZueqWACiS/?taken-at=419741
The town has the UK’s first free Wi-Fi seafront and harbour area and one of Europe’s fastest internet connections. Say no more.
3. Reykjavik, Iceland
While Iceland is probably most famous for the Northern Lights, the icy paradise offers so much more than an intergalactic light show.
The country’s capital, Reykjavik, is an arty Instagrammer’s paradise. They’ve got streets lined with candy-coloured houses, museums full of viking history and ponies, so many wild ponies.
The capital city sits pretty on a sparking silver sea and is overshadowed by snow-capped mountains. It’s wondrous.
This destination tore its way up the hot list after our very own Lara Worthington took a trip there earlier this year with husband Sam, visiting one of the world’s 25 wonders, Blue Lagoon:
4. Levanto, Italy
Levanto is a beautiful town in the Italian region Liguria.
Locals call it the ‘hidden gem’ of the Italian Riviera, and it’s considered as the doorway into the Cinque Terre.
The town sits on the coastal line across the end of a striking valley, wooded thick with pine and olive trees. The streets have that Italian charm you’d expect in a Diane Lane film but lack the touristy vibe you get in the country’s most well known towns. With only 6,000 permanent residents, it’s as local as you can get.
Best of all? The town has a ripper surf beach.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BY3jRdDhWOT/?taken-at=219334218
5. Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom
Scotland’s just been voted the world’s most beautiful country.
And when you imagine Scotland in your head, provided you’ve never been, you probably imagine rolling green hills and mountains steeped in fog. The Highlands and exactly this, and more.
A readers’ poll by travel company Rough Guides have counted the top twenty most picturesque places in the world and Scotland has come out on top thanks to their their wild, wooly beaches and deep lochs.
(I’d say Outlander probably helped, too.)
Are you salivating for a trip yet? Do you like the idea of group travel but want to stay in control of where, when and what you do? You’re in luck. Come 2018, Contiki are launching their first ever Independent Insider tour. It’s basically a fully-customisable Eurotrip but without the rigid itineraries and wake up calls, but with the benefit of making lifelong mates.
