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Best travel destinations for 2016: The 16 best places to travel to next year
TIME : 2016/2/26 18:17:22
SRI LANKA: How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting - but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller. Pictured, Galle Fort Lighthouse.
SRI LANKA: How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting - but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller. Pictured, the swimming pool at Amangalla resort, in Galle, Sri Lanka.
SRI LANKA: How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting - but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu. Pictures, passengers poses for a "selfie" inside a capsule on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel in Hong Kong, China.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu. Pictured, The Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
HONG KONG: You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good - although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
SPAIN: Any region of Spain, from Andalusia to Galicia to Catalunya, could easily entice you to visit the Iberian peninsula. However, in 2016 all the action will be in the Basque country, with the beachside town of San Sebastian, pictured, being named Europe's City of Culture for the year. That means even more good food, even more festivals and events, and even more of an excuse to just wander the alleys of the city's old town soaking up one of the best destinations in the world.
SPAIN: Any region of Spain, from Andalusia to Galicia to Catalunya, could easily entice you to visit the Iberian peninsula. However, in 2016 all the action will be in the Basque country, with the beachside town of San Sebastian, pictured, being named Europe's City of Culture for the year. That means even more good food, even more festivals and events, and even more of an excuse to just wander the alleys of the city's old town soaking up one of the best destinations in the world.
USA: Yes, the Australian dollar has lost a lot of ground, which makes a holiday in the States a more expensive prospect than it once was. But this is still one of the world's great destinations, and in 2016 there's something special happening: a presidential election. This is more carnival than democratic process, a spectator sport as exciting as any football game, and one that will answer some very important questions. Will Hillary Clinton be the first female US president? Can Ben Carson really be in with a shot? Is Donald Trump being controlled by his hair? Be there to find out.
USA
Yes, the Australian dollar has lost a lot of ground, which makes a holiday in the States a more expensive prospect than it once was. But this is still one of the world's great destinations, and in 2016 there's something special happening: a presidential election. This is more carnival than democratic process, a spectator sport as exciting as any football game, and one that will answer some very important questions. Will Hillary Clinton be the first female US president? Can Ben Carson really be in with a shot? Is Donald Trump being controlled by his hair? Be there to find out. Pictured, Las Vegas Strip at night.
USA: Yes, the Australian dollar has lost a lot of ground, which makes a holiday in the States a more expensive prospect than it once was. But this is still one of the world's great destinations, and in 2016 there's something special happening: a presidential election. This is more carnival than democratic process, a spectator sport as exciting as any football game, and one that will answer some very important questions. Will Hillary Clinton be the first female US president? Can Ben Carson really be in with a shot? Is Donald Trump being controlled by his hair? Be there to find out. Pictured, sunset at the Brooklyn bridge park.
SARDINIA: Though perennially popular with Europe's mega-rich, this Italian island is in many places still a quiet, unpretentious, and relatively unspoiled destination for those hoping to enjoy Mediterranean paradise. From the charms of Cagliari to the history of Castelsardo, the stunning beauty of the Costa Smeralda to the rugged allure of Tempio Pausana, Sardinia is worth battling the odd Russian oligarch to see.
Sardinia, Italy: It has been drawing the wealthiest clients since the Aga Khan stumbled on the island 50 years ago. There was only one small coastal strip that interested Prince Karim, however: the Costa Smeralda, which today has all the essential ingredients of a luxury enclave: fabulous beaches that eschew the regimented and overdeveloped in favour of the natural style; a romantic backdrop of granite peaks; bars and boutiques where the top brands are flaunted, and yachts aplenty. The hotels match up too, most with their own private strands not to mention fairways and helicopter pads - but prices can be eye-watering.
FRANCE: Sports fans will appreciate the fact that France is hosting the European football championships next year. However, there are more reasons than that to visit the country. With the Champagne and Burgundy wine regions recently being awarded UNESCO heritage listing, it's as good a time as any to hit the cellar doors and see what all of the fuss is about. Pictured, a vineyard in Burgundy.
FRANCE: Sports fans will appreciate the fact that France is hosting the European football championships next year. However, there are more reasons than that to visit the country. With the Champagne and Burgundy wine regions recently being awarded UNESCO heritage listing, it's as good a time as any to hit the cellar doors and see what all of the fuss is about. Pictured, Fontaine des Mers in the Place de la Concorde in Paris.
FRANCE: Sports fans will appreciate the fact that France is hosting the European football championships next year. However, there are more reasons than that to visit the country. With the Champagne and Burgundy wine regions recently being awarded UNESCO heritage listing, it's as good a time as any to hit the cellar doors and see what all of the fuss is about.
COLOMBIA: The word is well and truly out. Colombia used to be a no-go zone, but it's cleaned up its act in recent years, and the travellers have arrived to make the most of it. From the bars of Medellin to the dancehalls of Cali, the cobbled streets of Cartagena to the beaches around Barranquilla, there's a lot to love about Colombia. And that's before we even talk about the people. Pictured, a bus and other traffic in the historic Candelaria neighborhood of Bogota, Colombia.
TASMANIA: The unlikely hero of Australia's arts scene - thanks to MONA - is also the unlikely hero of Australia's food scene, with some of the country's best produce originating in Taswegia. They've got all the good stuff down there: the wine, the cheese, the seafood, the fruit… even the whisky. Once you've finished stuffing your face, Tasmania is also home to some of our most spectacular and pristine national parks.
TASMANIA: The unlikely hero of Australia's arts scene - thanks to MONA - is also the unlikely hero of Australia's food scene, with some of the country's best produce originating in Taswegia. They've got all the good stuff down there: the wine, the cheese, the seafood, the fruit… even the whisky. Once you've finished stuffing your face, Tasmania is also home to some of our most spectacular and pristine national parks.
MONA FOMA employs music, performance and art to engage the new free thought festival.
TASMANIA: The unlikely hero of Australia's arts scene - thanks to MONA - is also the unlikely hero of Australia's food scene, with some of the country's best produce originating in Taswegia. They've got all the good stuff down there: the wine, the cheese, the seafood, the fruit… even the whisky. Once you've finished stuffing your face, Tasmania is also home to some of our most spectacular and pristine national parks.
BRAZIL: A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties, with athletes and spectators from around the world descending upon its famed beaches, its samba clubs, its caipirinha-peddling kiosks and its buzzing streets in the name of sport and pleasure. You don't want to miss it.
BRAZIL: A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties, with athletes and spectators from around the world descending upon its famed beaches, its samba clubs, its caipirinha-peddling kiosks and its buzzing streets in the name of sport and pleasure. You don't want to miss it.
BRAZIL: A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties, with athletes and spectators from around the world descending upon its famed beaches, its samba clubs, its caipirinha-peddling kiosks and its buzzing streets in the name of sport and pleasure. You don't want to miss it.
NEW ZEALAND: You're probably skied in New Zealand before. You've probably hiked there as well. Maybe you've bungy-jumped. Or gone wine-tasting. In 2016, however, it's all about adventure on two wheels. The Kiwi government has poured more than $80 million into developing the "New Zealand Cycle Trail", a network of 23 routes offering single- or multi-day adventures across numerous terrains and difficulties throughout the country. It's time to get on your bike in NZ.
NEW ZEALAND: You're probably skied in New Zealand before. You've probably hiked there as well. Maybe you've bungy-jumped. Or gone wine-tasting. In 2016, however, it's all about adventure on two wheels. The Kiwi government has poured more than $80 million into developing the "New Zealand Cycle Trail", a network of 23 routes offering single- or multi-day adventures across numerous terrains and difficulties throughout the country. It's time to get on your bike in NZ.
NEW ZEALAND: You're probably skied in New Zealand before. You've probably hiked there as well. Maybe you've bungy-jumped. Or gone wine-tasting. In 2016, however, it's all about adventure on two wheels. The Kiwi government has poured more than $80 million into developing the "New Zealand Cycle Trail", a network of 23 routes offering single- or multi-day adventures across numerous terrains and difficulties throughout the country. It's time to get on your bike in NZ. Pictured, cityscape of Auckland at night, New Zealand.
IRAN: It's safe. That's the first thing you need to know. Despite what you might have read in the news, the Iranian people are some of the kindest, most welcoming hosts around. But there's more reason than that to go to Iran in 2016. With a moderate government now in place, and relations with the US rapidly improving, Iran is opening itself to the world. It's worth being there to join the celebration.
MARGARET RIVER: It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life. Pictured, Vasse Felix restaurant, Cowaramup.
MARGARET RIVER: It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life. The Margaret River region is still one of the most popular destinations for WA-bound tourists.
MARGARET RIVER: It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life. Pictured, surfers checking out the surf breaks near Margaret River, WA.
MARGARET RIVER: It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life.
ANTARCTICA: There's never a bad time to plan a trip to Antarctica. This is bucket-list stuff, the sort of journey you'll never forget. It's a cruise across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. It's that first sight of the world's coldest, most inhospitable continent; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; hearing the gunshot crack of calving glaciers; spotting whales and seabirds and seals from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now.
ANTARCTICA: There's never a bad time to plan a trip to Antarctica. This is bucket-list stuff, the sort of journey you'll never forget. It's a cruise across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. It's that first sight of the world's coldest, most inhospitable continent; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; hearing the gunshot crack of calving glaciers; spotting whales and seabirds and seals from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now. Picture, view from the Academik Ioffe.
ANTARCTICA: There's never a bad time to plan a trip to Antarctica. This is bucket-list stuff, the sort of journey you'll never forget. It's a cruise across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. It's that first sight of the world's coldest, most inhospitable continent; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; hearing the gunshot crack of calving glaciers; spotting whales and seabirds and seals from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now. Pictured, Neko Harbour, Antarctica.
ICELAND: With great deals to be had on trans-continental flights that stop over in Reykjavik (pictured), this cold little country is turning itself into a tourism hotspot. Most will visit to see its natural attractions, from the hot springs to its striking mountains and plains. What you don't hear enough about, however, is the arts scene, with some of world's best indie bands calling Reykjavik home.
ICELAND: With great deals to be had on trans-continental flights that stop over in Reykjavik, this cold little country is turning itself into a tourism hotspot. Most will visit to see its natural attractions, from the hot springs to its striking mountains and plains. What you don't hear enough about, however, is the arts scene, with some of world's best indie bands calling Reykjavik home. Pictured, Gullfoss - a waterfall in Iceland.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
CUBA: Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
It's time to start planning for the travel highlights of next year.
CUBA
Go. Go now. Everyone is talking about travelling to Cuba, and with good reason. This is a country on the cusp of change, an island nation that's slowly been revealing itself to the world for some years now, but is about to completely throw open the floodgates as relations with the US improve. The embassy has reopened. The tourists won't be far behind. Get there now.
Read: Top 14 things to do in Cuba before it changes forever
"Hong Kong are criticised for only being interested in business, but it's the only thing they've been allowed to do": Paul Theroux.
ICELAND
With great deals to be had on trans-continental flights that stop over in Reykjavik, this cold little country is turning itself into a tourism hotspot. Most will visit to see its natural attractions, from the hot springs to its striking mountains and plains. What you don't hear enough about, however, is the arts scene, with some of world's best indie bands calling Reykjavik home.
Read: The island where the earth will move for you
ANTARCTICA
There's never a bad time to plan a trip to Antarctica. This is bucket-list stuff, the sort of journey you'll never forget. It's a cruise across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. It's that first sight of the world's coldest, most inhospitable continent; it's setting foot among a huge colony of penguins; hearing the gunshot crack of calving glaciers; spotting whales and seabirds and seals from the side of your ship. Plan to go there. Now.
Read: A crazy place to go swimming
MARGARET RIVER
It's often overshadowed by big-name competition such as the Barossa or Yarra Valleys, but Margaret River produces some of Australia's best wine, and it's also one of our most enjoyable areas to holiday in. When you're not slurping the region's finest exports, there are great beaches in Margs, as well as the 135km Cape to Cape Track, a coastal hike that will help work off the effects of living the good life.
Read: What to eat in Margaret River
HONG KONG
You think Australians are obsessed with food? Check out Hong Kong, a city filled with gourmands, a bustling, blaring metropolis where every single person is thinking about their next meal. It's not just local Cantonese food that's good – although this is the home of dim sum. In Hong Kong there's cuisine from all over China; in fact from all over the world. If you travel on your stomach, this city should be on your 2016 menu.
Read: Twenty reasons to visit Hong Kong
BRAZIL
A few years ago it was the World Cup, and in 2016, Brazil will play host to another of the globe's biggest sporting events: the Olympic Games. Rio de Janeiro is getting set for a party that's going to be even bigger than its usual parties, with athletes and spectators from around the world descending upon its famed beaches, its samba clubs, its caipirinha-peddling kiosks and its buzzing streets in the name of sport and pleasure. You don't want to miss it.
Read: The other Rio de Janeiro: Brazil's newest party hotspot
SPAIN
Any region of Spain, from Andalusia to Galicia to Catalunya, could easily entice you to visit the Iberian peninsula. However, in 2016 all the action will be in the Basque country, with the beachside town of San Sebastian being named Europe's City of Culture for the year. That means even more good food, even more festivals and events, and even more of an excuse to just wander the alleys of the city's old town soaking up one of the best destinations in the world.
Read: San Sebastian: Welcome to the pleasure dome
SRI LANKA
How much can you fit into a small island? How about soaring, rainforest-covered mountains, ancient temples, bustling, sometimes chaotic cities, charming little towns, endless beaches, and even more in between? Sri Lanka is as culturally rich as its colossal neighbour to the north, as diverse and interesting – but it's far more manageable for the solo traveller.
Read: Sri Lanka - Asia's next great city
TASMANIA
The unlikely hero of Australia's arts scene – thanks to MONA – is also the unlikely hero of Australia's food scene, with some of the country's best produce originating in Taswegia. They've got all the good stuff down there: the wine, the cheese, the seafood, the fruit… even the whisky. Once you've finished stuffing your face, Tasmania is also home to some of our most spectacular and pristine national parks.
Read: Twenty reasons to visit Hobart
FRANCE
Sports fans will appreciate the fact that France is hosting the European football championships next year. However, there are more reasons than that to visit the country. With the Champagne and Burgundy wine regions recently being awarded UNESCO heritage listing, it's as good a time as any to hit the cellar doors and see what all of the fuss is about.
Read: Best food spots in central France: The secret inside
USA
Yes, the Australian dollar has lost a lot of ground, which makes a holiday in the States a more expensive prospect than it once was. But this is still one of the world's great destinations, and in 2016 there's something special happening: a presidential election. This is more carnival than democratic process, a spectator sport as exciting as any football game, and one that will answer some very important questions. Will Hillary Clinton be the first female US president? Can Ben Carson really be in with a shot? Is Donald Trump being controlled by his hair? Be there to find out.
Read: What to tip? How to survive the pitfalls of eating in the US
SARDINIA
Though perennially popular with Europe's mega-rich, this Italian island is in many places still a quiet, unpretentious, and relatively unspoiled destination for those hoping to enjoy Mediterranean paradise. From the charms of Cagliari to the history of Castelsardo, the stunning beauty of the Costa Smeralda to the rugged allure of Tempio Pausana, Sardinia is worth battling the odd Russian oligarch to see.
Read: Would you recommend Sardinia?
URUGUAY
So often travellers forget about this country, lost as it is between its two famous neighbours, Argentina and Brazil. However, Uruguay is a fantastic destination in its own right, and a place you won't have to share with many other tourists. Its capital, Montevideo, has charm to burn, while smaller towns like Colonia del Sacramento and Punta del Este have the party scenes covered. Throw in some beautiful countryside and you have yourself one very underrated destination.
Read: Why this is South America's next big thing
COLOMBIA
The word is well and truly out. Colombia used to be a no-go zone, but it's cleaned up its act in recent years, and the travellers have arrived to make the most of it. From the bars of Medellin to the dancehalls of Cali, the cobbled streets of Cartagena to the beaches around Barranquilla, there's a lot to love about Colombia. And that's before we even talk about the people.
Read: The home of perfect coffee, but they can't make a decent cup
IRAN
It's safe. That's the first thing you need to know. Despite what you might have read in the news, the Iranian people are some of the kindest, most welcoming hosts around. But there's more reason than that to go to Iran in 2016. With a moderate government now in place, and relations with the US rapidly improving, Iran is opening itself to the world. It's worth being there to join the celebration.
Read: Why you should visit a Muslim country
NEW ZEALAND
You're probably skied in New Zealand before. You've probably hiked there as well. Maybe you've bungy-jumped. Or gone wine-tasting. In 2016, however, it's all about adventure on two wheels. The Kiwi government has poured more than $80 million into developing the "New Zealand Cycle Trail", a network of 23 routes offering single- or multi-day adventures across numerous terrains and difficulties throughout the country. It's time to get on your bike in NZ.
Read: Why New Zealand might just be the best destination in the world
See also: The best destination in the world for a holiday See also: Top travel destinations for 2015 picked by travel writers
