Ahhh another year is about to begin and so we’re ready to dream about where to go in 2016. Now is the perfect time to start planning all those exciting places you want to visit… It’s hard to believe there are only 12 months in the year.
Just like fashion, travel hot spots change every year, which is fantastic for tourism. Granted, Cancun will always been known as the original Spring Break destination, there are some other destinations ‘less trampled’ by others that deserve you attention this year.
Just a side note, I will be accepting plane tickets to any of these places.
Cuba
A U.S. invasion is coming to Cuba and they are armed with cameras, luggage and curious minds.
Cuba has been on the top my list for a couple years now, but for one reason or another, I haven’t made it. This year I am determined to get there.
If you are of the U.S citizen variety, one cannot simply travel to Cuba as a tourist, but there are some great companies organizing supervised programs.
Even though I hold an Australian passport and rarely choose tours over solo travel, I think Cuba is somewhere I would gain more through a catered group. I came across Conscious Cuba, a organized tour company group offering authentic trips, allowing you to experience Cuban culture first hand! I am looking more and more into what they offer and plan on trying one of their trips this coming year. If their social media pictures are anything to go by, I know it will be incredible.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka remains unspoiled territory by tourism despite offering all the same ‘amenities’ of neighboring hotspots such as India and Thailand with it’s beaches, UNESCO sites, and fantastic food. Unknown to many, Sri Lanka boasts some of the most pristine beaches that lend themselves to some epic surfing. The best part is the area hasn’t been turned into a tourist touting Disneyland just yet.
Jamaica
Music fans and foodies alike will love this place. But really is all about the people and their infectious smiles. The locals are proud of their country and welcome visitors with open arms. But book early, the best time to get Jammin’ in Jamaica is between January and April.
Western Australia
Well the exchange rate right now is prime time for international travellers buying Australian dollars, meaning after you pick your mouth off the floor from the price of the ticket to the other side of the world, the rest of the spending is chump change. I highly recommend flying from Perth to Broome and make sure you have a window seat. This will be the second time your mouth will be on the floor after your fly over where the red sand meets the turquoise water.
It would be nice if I could continue with my ever-growing bucket list, but unfortunately there is this little thing called life that that gets in the way every time I drift into a traveller-coma.
Vacation time is sparse, but to quote the over quoted, ‘travel is the only thing that makes us richer’.
Question is will you fulfill all your travel goals this year and are any of them on this list?
Herstory is a weekly column on women and travel by Steph Ridhalgh. Steph is a Sydney born; New York based television producer and travel blogger. Not one for being quiet for too long she simply loves talking about travel and lifestyle.
Steph is the founder of STEP(h) ABROAD, a travel and lifestyle resource for those who love to be in the know and know how.
