Be Trendy: Visit These 7 Countries in 2016

It’s that time again – time to plan your vacation for next year.

You may reflect on your past travels by looking at photos and videos. You smile as you think about the places you traveled to and the people you’ve met along the way.

But that past is the past and it’s time to move forward by planning next year’s travels.

Read on to learn about the top seven countries to visit in 2016. You may have traveled to them already. But that’s okay. You may discover things new things about these places or fall in love with them, again. You may also meet people who may become lifelong friends.

Vacation in One of These Trendy Countries

Antarctica

Tourists visit Antarctica from November to March, so book your expedition or cruise early. A TPI travel agent can help you plan the perfect Antarctica cruise vacation. If you’re not ready for a colder vacation, book a flight on Qantas Antarctica. They depart from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia and fly low, close enough for you to see Antarctica.

Australia

Thanks to its magnificent scenery, variety of wildlife, outdoor activities, and seasons that are opposite the rest of the ‘western’ world, Australia attracts millions of people each year. Water and conservation enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Adventure seekers will be thrilled to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Hikers can tour Uluru (Ayers Rock). Don’t forget to visit Australia Zoo in Queensland!

The Balkans

The Balkans is made up of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. However, portions of Greece and Turkey are included, too. What makes the Balkans a popular destination is the number of historic towns, brilliant architecture, luxurious resorts, and natural wonders. There’s something for everyone.

England

From shopping to historic sites, museums, the London Eye, and theaters and pubs, you’ll have plenty of to do. See the Tower of London where Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, was imprisoned and eventually lost her head on Tower Green. Spend a pleasant weekend in Bath (only a one and a half hour train ride) and visit the Roman bathhouse and nearby shops and restaurants. You may also travel to Stratford-Upon-Avon and visit Shakespeare’s birthplace. England has much to offer – simply too much to list! And according to the Knight Frank Wealth Report, England may surpass France and Italy by 2018 as the luxury shopping market.

Greece

Regardless of Greece’s financial and political situation, now is the time to visit the beautiful Mediterranean country. Take out a map or smartphone and friendly locals will help you navigate their country. The weather is enjoyable year-round – you’ll enjoying walking tours and seeing historic sites such as the Acropolis, Panathenaic stadium, and more. The cuisine and shopping are sublime making it the perfect luxury vacation. Travel to Greece and you won’t be disappointed.

Fiji

Fiji is made up of over 300 islands and somewhat isolated, making it the perfect destination to disconnect from social media, email, and life’s drama. Accommodations include many luxury and private island resorts. The most famous is Likuliku Lagoon Resort, one of the 31 most romantic island getaways, according to Islands Magazine. Happiness and serenity will find you in Fiji.

Ireland

Ireland is only a 6-hour plane ride from North America. The friendly and cheerful people, incredible landscapes, and historic sites will draw you into the country’s mystery. You can have a laugh in a pub with friends, new and old, as intoxicating traditional music washes over and warms you like Irish whiskey. If you like road trips, travel from Donegal to Cork and breathe in Ireland’s beauty. Once the culture grabs hold of you, it will be difficult to leave.

New Zealand

If you’re looking for a vacation that will please everyone, visit New Zealand. Thrill seekers can bungee jump, skydive, and go canyoning. Nature lovers can swim with seals and dusky dolphins. Head to South Island in June to mid-October for skiing (seasons are reversed from the rest of the western world). For those who prefer luxury vacations, you’ll find luxury and boutique lodges pleasing. New Zealand has a feeling of being untouched, which is unusual when it comes to tourist destinations.

Which Country Will You Travel to in 2016?

Whether you want to travel somewhere that’s off the radar, like Fiji, or visit a familiar favorite destination, like England., book your vacation right now! Just imagine the time you’ll have in Australia. Perhaps you’ll visit Australia Zoo. Not only will you see brilliant animals, but you may meet the Irwin family, too. From Australia, you can travel to unspoiled New Zealand and stay in some of the finest accommodations in the world. Sound good? Pick up the phone or email a Travel Planners International travel agent right now and plan next year’s vacation.

by Amandah T. Blackwell, Savvy-Writer