Bitten by the Travel Bug? Here Are 5 Places to Go in 2015
The world is enormous. And it’s only getting bigger. That’s because, as every earnest traveler knows, checking one destination off your bucket list inevitably opens the door to others. But with so many places to consider, it can be difficult to decide where to go. Lucky for us, some destinations are setting themselves apart in 2015 with don’t-miss events, infrastructure changes, and new-found affordability. We checked in with the experts to find out where to go.
Da Nang, Vietnam
Why not head to Vietnam this coming year?
Da Nang, Vietnam, was recently named the No. 1 “Destination on the Rise’’ by TripAdvisor … and it’s for good reason, according to spokesperson Julie Cassetina.
“What all of these destinations have in common is that they serve as a sort of playground for travelers,’’ said Cassetina.“Da Nang, Vietnam is a getaway that has it all.’’
The city recently built a new bridge, making it more accessible than it once was, and is starting to build more modern hotels and trendier restaurants. Culinary tours are a must-try, as are the limestone caves and Buddhist grottos of the Marble Mountains.
“It’s a given that travelers want explore the culture and the sites, but at the end of the day, you generally want a good meal where you can sit down and just enjoy the atmosphere and being in a new destination,’’ she said. “Da Nang has fantastic attractions and outstanding cuisine options, too.’’
London, England
London, England, is holding yearlong celebrations.
It’s the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta—and the city of London is going all out. What’s on tap? There will be four original copies on display at the British Library (along with a copy of the US Bill of Rights) and the venue is hosting a “once in a lifetime’’ exhibition exploring the history of the document. And that’s not all. A company dubbed Magna Carta Trails will be taking tourists around the country to visit towns and villages connected to the charter.
“Many people are looking for the undiscovered, places that are more off the beaten path and offer more unique experiences,’’ wrote Anne Banas, the executive editor of SmarterTravel.com, in an email. “Of course, the classic tourism spots are still popular, but many travelers are craving authenticity and want to immerse more into the local culture.’’
Still looking to visit England, but history not your thing? No sweat. The Story Museum in Oxford will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of “Alice in Wonderland’’ with art, music, and story-telling events.
Oia, Greece
The sun sets over Oia in Greece.
Greece is a destination that has long captured the imaginations of travelers. While the country’s economic woes and a precarious political situation have kept tourists away in recent years, a record number of visitors are expected in 2015.
“As the country rebounds, it is taking efforts to make itself more affordable to tourists,’’ said Banas. “Anecdotally, I keep hearing more and more people say they are going to Greece when I ask them about their vacation plans.’’
Convinced yet? Here’s where to go: Nestled in the island of Santorini, peaceful Oia is famous for its sunsets, and the town itself is carved out of cliffs.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown, New Zealand, is the filming location of LOTR.
Are you looking to experience the thrills of Middle-earth? What was once an add-on to Australia has become a destination unto itself. According to Terri Hansen, an executive with the luxury travel company Virtuoso, “The Lord of the Rings’’ movies helped to build awareness for the country, bringing with them revitalized interest, increased airlift, new hotels, and unlimited activities for travelers of all ages.
“More and more, destinations that offer truly authentic experiences are where people want to go,’’ said Hansen.
If you go, check out the gorgeous resort town of Queenstown, then take a cruise to the nearby Milford Sound.
Tokyo, Japan
Have you always wanted to go to Tokyo, the capital of Japan?
If you’ve never been to Japan, 2015 is the year to go. It’s steeped in a tradition and culture that is hard to find elsewhere, and recent infrastructure improvements make it a difficult opportunity to miss.
“Japan is adding a Tokyo-to-Kanazawa bullet train route, cutting the travel time in half,’’ said Banas. “It is [also] adding a slew of new hotels and will continue to do so as it gears up to host the Olympic games in five years.’’
Need more incentive? The exchange rate is favorable to Americans, so you can book early and save. Head to Tokyo for the Imperial Palace, then catch the train to Kanazawa to experience the very best of both worlds.
In other travel news, go around the world in 160 seconds without hopping on a plane and check out what travel will look like in 2024.
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