One of the most exciting things about a new year is the opportunity to go new places. If you’re trying to decide where to go in 2018, let us help! We’ve compiled a list of 25 great destinations and a few bullet points about why each place is worth discovering. No matter where you choose, don’t forget to skip the parking at Newark Airport and make a reservation at Value Parking.
Solta, Croatia
Why:
- Turquoise waters, pebble beaches, lush greenery
- Open-air restaurants and nightlife
- Not as touristy as Hvar or Brac
Grenada
Why:
- Year-round temperatures between 70 (low) and 88 (high)
- Preserved rainforests and white sand beaches
- Lively local culture and bold cuisine
The Lake District, Cumbria, England
Why:
- Idyllic English countryside
- Home to the country’s tallest mountain and deepest lakes
- Outdoor activites galore
Antigua
Why:
- Tourist dollars spent will benefit Barbuda (hit by Hurricane Irma)
- Beautiful hiking opportunities
- 365 beaches
New Orleans, Louisiana
Why:
- 2018 marks the city’s 300th birthday
- Traditional Creole cuisine
- New hotels (The Ace, The Henry Howard, Troubadour)
Seville, Spain
Why:
- Pedestrian-friendly transport
- Beautiful Moorish architecture
- Exciting nightlife
Marrakech, Morocco
Why:
- Variety of art galleries
- Gardens and colorful buildings
- Souks and markets
Fiji
Why:
- New luxury hotels/resorts
- Crystalline waters, colorful reefs, swaying palm trees
- Friendly locals
Antwerp, Belgium
Why:
- Baroque art and architecture
- History and charm
- Lots and lots of coffee bars
Sichuan, China
Why:
- Unique, spicy cuisine
- Stunning mountain vistas
- World’s largest stone Buddha statue
Salina Island, Italy
Why:
- Not as touristy as nearby islands
- Quaint villages
- Steep mountains with lush flowers
Toronto, Canada
Why:
- Innovative art scene
- Forward-thinking restaurants and hotels
- Cultural diversity
Bangkok, Thailand
Why:
- Perfect balance between traditional and modern
- Floating markets
- Stunning palaces and temples
St. Petersburg, Russia
Why:
- Rich historical significance
- Elegant gardens and parks
- Exciting nightlife
San Antonio, Texas
Why:
- 2018 marks the city’s 300th birthday
- Mexican food
- The San Antonio River Walk
Antarctica
Why:
- Much easier to get to than before
- Bucket-list check-off
- Beautiful icy scenery
The Maldives, Portugal
Why:
- Tropical seclusion
- Luxurious resorts
- Underwater sealife
Tasmania
Why:
- New restaurants, vineyards, distilleries, breweries
- Tasmanian devils
- The Taste Festival on Bruny Island
Copenhagen, Denmark
Why:
- Colorful waterfront houses
- The palaces
- Up-and-coming places to eat and drink
Mendoza, Argentina
Why:
- Great wine
- Aconcagua National Park
- Overall laid-back lifestyle
Mornington Peninsula, Australia
Why:
- Beautiful beaches
- Rolling vineyards and seaside villages
- Markets and shopping opportunities
Taipei, Taiwan
Why:
- Delicious street food
- Unique Asian architecture
- Friendly locals
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Why:
- New nonstop flights from Southwest, United, Alaska
- Southwestern scenery
- Art galleries and museums
Salvador, Brazil
Why:
- Historic buildings
- Afro-Brazilian music culture
- Exciting beaches
Dundee, Scotland
Why:
- Quaint, local vibes
- Waterfront views
- Shopping and art galleries