What a great way to welcome the new year by traveling to the best places around the world. It's certainly new year, new travel goals for some people out there. Ever wonder where to start making great memories this 2017?
To give out some new year travel ideas, Travel + Leisure and CN Traveler listed five best places to visit in 2017. Kitesurfers have long considered the breezy beaches of Paros as their playground. The island is a Cycladic triumvirate of sandy shoreline, history, and culture. Earlier this year, the island debuted a new airport, opening it to larger aircraft and more visitors. It's a must to visit the fishing village of Naousa or stay at the elegant Seven Santa Maria, where six airy, all-white suites come with a private boat and skipper for exploring the island's secret coves.
New Zealand is becoming a popular place to travel to. It also became easier to go to this place now that three major carriers (United, American, and Air New Zealand) launched three new daily directs to New Zealand from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston this year. This region of Northland just upgraded by opening a multi-million dollar Helena Bay resort, the only luxury lodge in the country located right on the beach. You might also want to try Auckland superstar chef Al Brown's cuisine in Depot or just go straight to Queenstown, where there's a massive terrace overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
The year 2017 will be all about adventuring into the countryside, specifically the Scandinavia's countryside: Norway, Finland and Sweden. Might as well try the year-round ice hotel and Finnish tourism initiatives inviting travelers to just relax. In addition, try a 100-mile Swedish road trip from Gothenburg to the border with Norway, or skip Sweden and tackle Norway. In Finland, it's a must to enjoy the nightlife in nature.
Croatia has been featured in "Game of Thrones" because of its beautiful scenery. Destinations like Hvar and Dubrovnik are favorites by regular travelers. Head to Vis, a small, mountainous island best explored by scooter, where you'll find fresh seafood, tranquil coves, and zero crowds. You can also try Korcula Island instead. Its wine trails have grown in popularity and people can't get enough of the dry white wine. Try to come in Istria, too. It is known for both its fine food and first-century Roman amphitheater.
Commonly more of a pilgrimage site than a sybaritic city, Jerusalem has now turned into a culinary force to rival Tel Aviv. Visit the Mahane Yehuda Market, where food-and-drink spots have popped up in produce stalls, many of which stay open long past sunset. The Jewish diaspora and Middle East merge at restaurants like Ishtabach and Machneyuda, famous for its standout beef tartare with plums. Consider staying at the new boutique Brown Jerusalem Hotel, which will open soon in a restored Ottoman-era villa and serve drinks in an underground water cistern.
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