Every year our team of travel experts from around the world helps us curate a list of up-and-coming destinations that should be on every traveler’s radar. This year’s list includes something for every type of traveler — from laidback old-world charm to an unexpected desert adventure, and more.
Close your eyes and imagine the vineyards, cypress trees, and quintessential rolling hills of Tuscany, minus the typical tourist crowds. You can find it all in Umbria, a region in central Italy known for producing some of the world’s best wines, olive oils, and truffles. Spend some time wandering through the area’s medieval hilltop towns and winding cobblestone streets and you’ll see why travelers fall in love with this Italian gem.
From its culturally eclectic urban centers to its sprawling countryside, Argentina beckons travelers with rich history, incredible architecture, and legendary food and wine. Here you can learn to tango with the pros, wander through world-renowned vineyards, marvel at breathtaking public art, and embark on a quest for the ceviche of your dreams.
Nestled along the southwestern coast of Africa lies a landscape so surreal, it seems straight out of a dream. The Namib Desert, one of the oldest and driest on Earth, lures adventurous travelers with its otherworldly beauty and some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Its proximity to fascinating coastal cities like Swakopmund and the capital of Windhoek earn this off-the-beaten-path locale a place on travelers’ bucket lists.
Namibia & South Africa: Epic Landscapes & Wildlife
Situated on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Quebec’s capital city is fast growing in popularity as U.S. travelers realize they can get a taste of Europe without leaving North America. This Canadian cultural hub is a mish-mash of French joie-de vivre, indigenous heritage, and old-world European charm with a distinctly Canadian flair.
The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete has historically taken a back seat to glitzier neighbors like Mykonos and Santorini. But as overtourism continues to be an issue in the Mediterranean, more travelers are discovering the allure of Crete’s pink-sand beaches, ancient ruins, out-of-this-world seafood, and larger expanse of area to explore with fewer crowds.
Gems of Greece: Athens, Naxos & Crete
If this one surprises you, it shouldn’t. Not only is Fairbanks known for its incredible views of the northern lights in winter, it also happens to be surrounded by one of North America’s last great wildernesses. And since it's light outside almost all night long here between late May and late July, travelers will have even more time to explore neighboring natural wonders like Denali National Park.
Feeling inspired yet? There’s no better time than the present to start planning your next big adventure.