The world is full of diverse destinations that are waiting to be explored. However, with so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your bucket list. Could you believe we did it for you?

The ranking includes terra incognita in Europe, off-season destination in Asia, “the land of the wanderers” and much more. Enjoy! :)

 

Pyeongchang, South Korea

The Pyeongchang Winter Olympics will take place very soon (February 9–25) – and it is a wonderful opportunity not only to attend this major sports event but also to discover Korean culture and ski at the best resorts (Alpensia and Yongpyong).

Winter Olympics will feature 102 events in 15 sports. Moreover, four new disciplines in existing sports will be introduced in Pyeongchang, including big air snowboarding, mixed doubles curling, mass start speed skating, and mixed team alpine skiing.

Ahead of the big event, the region will debut a new high-speed rail line that will drive travelers from Incheon International Airport right to the resort town in just 70 minutes, making it easier to access all tourist-friendly attractions.

In case you missed it, click here for our Olympic recommendations and find answers to each question a tourist may have – from Olympics schedule to transportation and places to eat.

Minsk, Belarus

If you read our blog carefully, you already know that the core of travel opportunities in 2018 is to step off the beaten track. This eastern and less-discovered European country is a great choice – it now offers a five-day visa-free travel opportunity if you arrive through the Minsk National Airport.

Minsk is a thoroughly pleasant place that is easy to become fond of, and there are so many things to see and to do – world-class museums, catching views from a space-age library, performances at Opera and Ballet Theatre, traditional pancakes, Soviet-style buildings, graffiti, cultural hubs and even its own Minsk Sea.

We have predictably covered all the questions concerning this country and present to your attention articles about Minsk nightlife, top things to do, coolest hotels and hostels, restaurants and much more. Check out the blog. :)

Mexico City, Mexico

As the world’s second largest city, Mexico City offers something for everyone and for every budget. The typical “must-see” sites for the foreign visitor are the places of interest in and around Centro Historico and Chapultepec Park, a look on the ruins of Teotihuacan in the outskirts and a visit to Xochimilco.

What else to do here in 2018? The city has been named 2018 World Design Capital – this way the World Design Organization recognizes cities for their effective use of design to drive economic, social, cultural, and environmental development. So be ready to catch one of these events: Material Art Fair in February (8-11), Design Week in October (11-15), and the Condo Fair, which will debut in Mexico’s capital in April.

Have we mentioned the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere?

Zagreb, Croatia

The jewel of the Adriatic Sea and home to more than 1,200 islands, Croatia is a country of dramatic mountainous landscapes and dreamy deep-blue water. Many outdoors-lovers come to Croatia specifically for its adventure-sports facilities – between the sea and the mountains, sailing, scuba diving, sea kayaking, rafting, mountain biking and rock climbing are all on offer. Seems like this destination was meant to host wellness holidays (just alongside the 2018 health-conscious travel trend)!

Would you prefer the peaceful idyllic island landscapes off the coast of Dubrovnik or the more lively island lifestyle of Brac and Hvar, closer to Split? Or even the culture and history of the Old Town of Trogir or Sibenik?

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan means “the land of the wanderers” (however, ironically, it is not a major tourist hub yet) – and the country’s futuristic cities, calm landscapes and friendly locals reward those who choose to explore it.

We advise you to pay attention to two cities – Almaty and Astana. It is simple. If you choose a city standing at the foot of the majestic Tien Shan, a city of diverse nationalities and cultures, hundreds of fountains, large cars and the Green Bazaar – head to Almaty. This biggest city may have ceded capital status to its showy young rival, Astana, but it remains the country’s cultural and financial center.

If you vote for shiny, new capital packed with ultra-modern buildings (many of them were designed by famous British architect Sir Norman Foster), entertainment venues, busy boulevards, a monorail, boating river and even a beach resort – your path lies to Astana.

No matter, what you choose, don’t forget to visit Ak-Zhaiyk Reserve (a wetland habitat for migratory birds) or see thousands of Iron Age rock carvings in the Tamgaly region.

Are you ready to conquer Central Asia?

Buenos Aires, Argentina

This year, Buenos Aires is a hub for art, sports, and politics: the first project in Art Basel Cities program, the Youth Olympic Games, and the G20 will all take place here.

Come to see penguins, whales and sea lions (for example, in the national park on the Tombo Peninsula – it is home to the largest colony of Magellanic penguins in the world, or at the coast of Puerto Desadeso). Discover 275 waterfalls (Iguazu Falls is a whole group of 275 separate waterfalls in the shape of a horse horseshoe. They are located on the border of two countries – Argentina and Brazil and are justly considered their sights equally: the countries agreed that water walks will be organized by Argentines, and air tours – only by Brazilians.). Go to the glaciers (due to its size and accessibility, Perito Moreno is one of the major and, we must admit, the most photogenic tourist attractions. Moreover, trekking tours on the ice are available here – a “mini-trekking” option, consisting of a short walk of about an hour and a half, and a “big ice” version, which usually lasts about five hours.). And find yourself in a country where football is even more than religion (Argentina, just like Brazil, loves football – there is no way to miss a local game here).

You see – Argentina has something to please even the nerdiest of the travelers!

 

Now it is time to plan your dream vacation to one of these superlative destinations. Just in case you need a helping hand before or during your trip – you can always write directly to our team or to one of the local MeetnGreeters.

And don’t forget to share your 2018 travel plans with us below!