For many this time of year brings reflection – and people wonder why they didn’t travel as much as they promised themselves they would at the start of the year.
To get you feeling inspired and to help with planning for 2016, we’ve selected some of the very best up and coming spots around the globe to be hitting up.
Get here before the crowds ruin them and while they are still much more affordable.
1. Guatemala
Nowhere near as popular as its neighbours Mexico and Belize, but every bit as nice.
A central American country with steep volcanoes, vast rainforests and ancient Mayan sites.
2. Iran
Now that the ice is starting to thaw with the Americans every so slightly it is slowly opening up to tourism and some small Western influence.
Not mass tourism yet which is why you’ll be able to brag that you were here well before everybody else.
3. Charleston, USA
A small city that has more of a European vibe to it than American.
The food is wonderful, the streets and buildings charming and the pace of life slow and inviting.
4. Myanmar
The country formerly known as Burma.
It’s home to over 100 ethnic groups and tourism here is only slowly developing but it is widely seen as one of the big up-and-coming economies – so take a punt and see it before the masses get here.
5. Greenland
People used to go to Iceland to get as far away from the densely populated areas of the planet as possible but the new trend is to go a step further and go to Denmark.
You’ll see amazing things, have loads of space and plenty of clean air!
6. Latvia
Part of the old Soviet Union and a wonderful and charming little country that is incredibly affordable to visit.
Nice all year around but especially pretty at Christmas with markets and the snow although you’ll need to wrap up warm.
7. Vietnam
Southeast Asian country on the South China Sea known for its beaches, rivers, Buddhist pagodas and bustling cities.
Incredibly cheap once you get off the beaten track although you will need a good two weeks to do it justice.
8. Western Australia
While most people head to the Gold Coast, Sydney or Melbourne the smart people who want endless beaches, pristine waves and gorgeous towns head out West.
Endless amount of space and a great standard of living as well as plenty to explore while on holidays.
9. Cuba
Has been enjoyed by tourists from all over the world for decades bow but with the USA softening their stance and palling up with them, we suggest you get there quick before the high rises and hordes of tourists make it like every other Caribbean island.
10. Botswana
A landlocked country in southern Africa, has a landscape defined by the Kalahari Desert and the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods.
The perfect place to come on a safari and to enjoy Africa at its best.
11. Vancouver, BC, Canada
Often voted one of the best places on the planet to live and easy to see why. Super place to come for an all action holiday with the mountains nearby and the water.
Also a large mix of communities mean the food is top standard.
12. Sri Lanka
Very much underdeveloped from a tourism perspective for years because of the war but with thousands of miles of unspoilt coastline this is going to quickly become one of the biggest tourism spots in the world.
Get there while it is still quiet enough.
13. Sardinia
All the best things about Italy but on it’s own island with a gorgeous rugged coastline and friendly locals.
The place comes alive and really shines during the summer months.
14. Colombia
For a couple of decades it was tarnished with a reputation for being dangerous and the drug trade in general but has seriously cleaned up its act, and welcoming a new influx of tourists to see the stunning scenery.
15. Tonga
Certainly not somewhere that would instantly spring to mind when booking a holiday but this Polynesian kingdom of more than 170 islands, many uninhabited, most lined in white beaches and coral reefs and covered with tropical rainforest is a once in a lifetime experience.
16. Portland Oregon USA
It’s known for its parks, bridges and bicycle paths, as well as for its eco-friendliness and its microbreweries and coffeehouses.
A really good place to base yourself as a foodie and explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
17. Durban, South Africa
Effectively the third city in South Africa and one which doesn’t get nearly enough loving when compared to Joburg and Cape Town.
Amazing beaches, great food offerings and tons of stuff to do on day trips if you base yourself here for a couple of weeks.
18. St Vincent And The Grenadines
With yacht-filled harbors, chic private isles and volcanic landscapes, it’s known for its major sailing competitions.
Great snorkeling, golf and some of the best resorts in the world to chill out in. Lots to do within the island as well on day trips like exploring the amazing waterfalls.
19. Zimbabwe
You’ll often hear it on the news for all the wrong reasons but the reality is that the country is very tourist-friendly – and has amazing things to see and do once you get out into the bush.
20. Oman
Doesn’t get as much attention as it flashy neighbours Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
This nation on the Arabian Peninsula, has terrain encompassing desert, riverbed oases and long coastlines on the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman and an endless amount of things to see and do.
21. Kerry, Ireland
Pretty much as far West as you can go in Ireland.
The Ring of Kerry is a popular tourist route but getting off the beaten track into the pubs and chatting to locals while listening to Irish music is what this country is all about.
22. Rabat, Morocco
Most don’t realise that it is the capital of the country and it is known for landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French-colonial heritage, including the Kasbah of the Udayas.
A bustling city but plenty of great things to do and things get seriously relaxed as soon as you leave the city into the countryside and mountains.
23. Switzerland
Can often be the forgotten country in Europe despite being at the very heart of the continent. Skiing here or sliding across lake Geneva during the summer are just two of the great activities you can do.
You quickly see why it is often names as one of the best places in the world to live.
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