Exciting Destinations for Travel Lovers
Top travel destinations on trend for 2018.
Every year new and exciting destinations and resorts pop up onto our radar and this year is no exception. There are some crackers proving to be popular for 2018. We’ve got the low down on them as well as some great holiday deals to help get you there too.
Take a look at some of these dreamy places and start planning your adventures with us. This year we want to really get everyone sharing their holiday plans and telling us where they’ve been, where they’re going and how YOU can help other tripsologists by posting hints and tips on how fellow holidaymakers can get the best from their trips. tripsology isn’t just a one stop booking and planning service for all your holiday needs, we’re a community of travel lovers and this year we want to grow that community and really open up the world for our tripsologists.
Let us take you on a journey of some of the best travel destinations for 2018 and you could be jetting off to one of them sooner than you think.
New Zealand
As one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world, it would be a shame not to set foot on its welcoming shores at least once in your lifetime.
New Zealand has scenic beaches, spectacular landscapes, dramatic mountains, pretty lakes and rolling vineyards as well as vibrant towns and cities for you to explore on your holiday.
The warmest months for visiting New Zealand are December through to February so it would seem like a good time to think about escaping the cold British winter and heading for the other side of the world where a warm welcome awaits. Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for high-octane adventure or a chilled-out nature lover, you’ll get what you came for in New Zealand and much, much more.
Our Top Places in New Zealand:
- Auckland
- Christchurch
- Milford Sound
- Dunedin
- Marlborough Sounds
- Wellington
- Waiheke Island
New Zealand is one of those places on just about everyone’s bucket list, make this the year you tick it off.
Check out some of the great prices on hotels and flight packages to New Zealand with Expedia.
Malta
Although Malta has been gracing the pages of holiday websites and brochures for decades, it seems to be enjoying a surge in popularity this year and this charming Mediterranean island is definitely back in vogue.
Malta’s weather is arguably one of the island’s biggest pulls. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine per year, this is the place for serious sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. Malta has some of the best scuba diving in the Med if that happens to be your thing. There are loads of beaches and pretty coves for lazy days in the Mediterranean sun and elegant harbour towns to visit after dark to enjoy a vibrant nightlife. It is also a magnet for culture and history buffs and it’s just packed with character and atmosphere. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the world, this little treasure trove of an island is filled with ancient artefacts, fortresses, churches and cathedrals, all waiting to be discovered, if you fancy getting out and about to do some exploring. It may be small but Malta sure packs a punch, so go on; give it a whirl this year!
Our top places to visit in Malta:
- Mellieha Bay
- Valletta
- Bugibba
- Qwara
- Sliema
- St Julian’s
TUI have some wonderful package holidays to Malta.
Porto and Comporta, Portugal
Portugal is already a firm favourite, especially among British holidaymakers who have flocked to her beautiful shores for years. However, there’s a new kid on the block and about to emerge as Portugal’s best kept secret. Comporta. Roughly an hour or so from Lisbon, Comporta lies in the Troia peninsula, a peaceful spot relatively untouched by mass tourism and it would seem the Portuguese jet-set take their holidays here. So, if you’ve exhausted the Algarve and if think you know Portugal like the back of your hand, check out this up and coming resort for something a little different.
Our top places to stay in Comporta:
Comporta package breaks:
Porto
One of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and was awarded World Heritage Status from UNESCO back in 1996. Brimming with impressive architecture and filled with a vibrant atmosphere, Porto is fast becoming one of the coolest spots for discerning city breaks fans. You can probably explore much of Porto in a couple of days so it’s an ideal short break destination and you’ll still have time left over to enjoy relaxing in one of the many bars or restaurants.
Our top things to see and do in Porto:
- Clerigos Tower
- Porto Cathedral
- Ribeira Square
- Cais de Gaia
- Palacio da Bolsa
- Sao Bento Station
Tokyo and Sapporo, Japan
Japan’s rich, cultural heritage is very much alive and evident today and long haul travel lovers should seize the opportunity to experience everything this fascinating country has to offer.
Our top two to consider going to this year are Tokyo and Sapporo.
Tokyo is simply one of the most vibrant, dynamic cities you could ever hope to visit. A world leader in technology, in Tokyo you’ll find every high-tech gadget under the sun and everything from luxury hotels to superfast trains and bustling shopping malls. Tokyo embraces the future, yet in the midst of all the cutting-edge technology and shiny skyscrapers you will still feel the old traditions and ancient rhythms beating along nicely with the modern world.
Our top things to see and do in Tokyo:
- Tokyo Imperial Palace
- Senso-ji – ancient Buddhist Temple
- Tokyo Sky Tree – Japan’s tallest tower
- Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Tokyo City View and Mori Art Museum
- Shibuya Crossing
- Tokyo Disneyland – the first Disneyland opened outside the USA
- Yoyogi Park
- The Ginza district – for upmarket shopping and dining
Sapporo
The capital of Hokkaido Island, Sapporo is relatively young, dating back just 120 years and as such, it’s a bright, cosmopolitan city, probably best known for hosting the winter Olympics. It is also host to the Sapporo Snow Festival which takes place every February. It is Japan’s fifth largest city and offers everything from a thriving food scenes, great cafes, nightlife and shopping.
Our top things to see and do in Sapporo:
- Okurayama Ski Jump Museum
- Odori Park
- Mount Moiwa
- Hokkaido Shrine
- Sapporo Clock Tower
- Maruyama-koen Park
- Sapporo Beer Museum
- Sapporo TV Tower
Seville, Spain
City breaks are so popular right now and Spain’s majestic cities are a constant favourite. Seville is one of the hottest destinations again this year and it looks like even more of us will visit this dazzling, sun-drenched Andalusian city.
Baroque facades, white washed houses, and impressive structures form the city landscape as the scent of orange trees fill the air.
The hypnotic sound of traditional flamenco music is never far away and there’s no better place than Seville to see authentic performances; this ancient art form is truly part of the city’s passionate and fiery soul. Seville is packed with historic treasures for the culture vultures among you but it’s also a super stylish modern city with fabulous shops, bars and restaurants.
Our top things to see and do in Seville:
- Plaza Espana
- Seville Cathedral
- Royal Alcazar Palace
- Torre del Oro (the gold tower)
- Royal Maestranza Bullring
- Maria Luisa Park
There are some fantastic deals from our travel partners right now and Seville could be next on your list. Tempted?
easyJet holidays have some fantastic prices on Seville city breaks.
The latest route to Seville has just been announced and there are now direct flights from Edinburgh for 2018.
Seoul, South Korea
Another top destination if you fancy visiting the Far East this year is Seoul, capital of South Korea. An up to date, forward thinking city with cutting edge technology, architecture and industry yet the metropolis of Seoul is still deeply traditional too. Ancient temples and traditional wooden houses sit side by side with stylish shops, cool bars and cafes. It also boasts top notch public transport, superfast Wi-Fi and an abundance of places to charge your phone across the city.
Our top things to see and do in Seoul:
- Doosan Tower shopping mall
- Ujang Park
- Gallery Hyundai
- Seodaemun Independence Park
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Bongeunsa Temple
Book your trip to Seoul with great prices on hotel and flight packages from Expedia
Singapore
One destination that’s sure to inspire an Asian adventure is Singapore. Even the name sounds exotic and full of (far) eastern promise…
Often treated as a convenient stopover en-route to Australia or New Zealand, and to be fair, it is a fine place to stretch your legs between long flights but Singapore is so much more than a pit stop. It has been described as exhilarating and enchanting all at the same time. Singapore is also a land of contrasts, blending together an ancient, mystical world with futuristic skyscrapers, advanced technology and absolute luxury, delivering everything you could want from a holiday of a lifetime.
Our top things to see and do in Singapore:
- Gardens by the Bay
- Sentosa Island
- Marina Bay Sands
- Raffles Hotel
- Chinatown
- Orchard Road
Grab a great deal on Singapore package holidays from Thomas Cook.
Fiji
In the heart of the South Pacific, you will find your perfect paradise right here in the islands of Fiji. Ideal for your next tropical holiday. The islands are popular for weddings and honeymoons but you don’t need to tie the knot to enjoy this blissed out romantic destination. Stunning, unspoilt beaches, friendly locals and zero stress awaits you. There are some truly gorgeous hideaways to stay in too…
Our top places to stay in Fiji:
- Royal Davui Island resort
- Taveuni Palms Luxury Resort
- Inter-Continental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa
- Sheraton Fiji Resort
- Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay
Expedia have fantastic prices on flight and hotel packages to fiji.
Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Looking for a remote, perfect beach to laze around on this summer? Check out the picture postcard scenery of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland. They sure have the wow factor!
If you’ve had some of these places on your radar but haven’t got around to visit them, now’s the time to just do it, especially if you’re in desperate need of some R&R!
The beaches are more than a match for some of the paradise resorts of the Caribbean with turquoise waters and sugar white sands. Discover the magic of the Outer Hebrides this summer and you’re bound to feel like you’ve escaped to another world.
Our top places to visit in the Outer Hebrides:
- Barra
- Lewis
- Harris
- North Uist
- South Uist
- St Kilda
- Benbecula
Expedia have some great packages to the Outer Hebrides.
Cape Town, South Africa
The vibrant port city on the south-west coast is a big hitter for 2018. Lying in the shadow of the imposing Table Mountain, Capetown has everything you could want from a holiday. Whether you’re a beach lover or an adventure junkie, choose from chilling out on pristine white beaches, sightseeing, scuba-diving, wildlife safaris and for more urban thrill-seekers there’s the city pleasure of art galleries, hip and trendy bars, restaurants and shopping.
Our top things to see and do in Capetown, SA
- Robben Island
- Table Mountain
- Shipwreck Scuba Diving at Cape Point Route
- V&A Waterfront
- Wine-tasting in Stellenbosch
- Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Slangkoppunt Lighthouse
- Day Safari Trips
- District Six Museum
- Capetown Diamond Museum
Have you got any destinations in mind for this year that we’ve not mentioned? We’d love to hear your suggestions!
Don’t forget to keep up to date with all of our weekly travel partner deals to help you make the right choices and get the best prices for all your trips.