Top 10 Hottest Destinations of 2018
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Michael Wynands
Here's how to travel and stay on trend. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Hottest Destinations of 2018.
For this list, we're looking a the most buzzworthy, popular, must-visit destinations in 2018 from around the globe, taking into consideration trends in accommodation bookings and public perception.
For this list, we're looking a the most buzzworthy, popular, must-visit destinations in 2018 from around the globe, taking into consideration trends in accommodation bookings and public perception.
Top 10 Hottest Destinations of 2018
Here’s how to travel and stay on trend. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Hottest Destinations of 2018.
For this list, we’re looking a the most buzzworthy, popular, must-visit destinations in 2018 from around the globe, taking into consideration trends in accommodation bookings and public perception.
#10: Malta
For years, this little island paradise was largely overlooked by those looking to visit the Mediterranean. In fact… many travellers didn’t even know it existed. But in 2017, the Internet caught on to the many virtues of this otherwordly time capsule of a nation. Located south of Italy and east of Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea, and made up of just 122 square miles of land, Malta packs a whole lot of wow factor despite being one of the smallest countries in the world. Pristine shorelines, breathtaking views, ancient cities, underground temples, a distinct (and delicious) cuisine, as well as stunning architecture - Malta’s got it all.
#9: Lisbon, Portugal
As the capital and largest city in Portugal, Lisbon is both rich in history and modern culture - meaning that it has a lot to offer to travellers of all tastes. The city has always done well in the tourism department, but with Spain’s economic struggles and civil unrest (including anti-tourism marches), neighboring Portugal has suddenly become even more attractive. Whether you’re looking to explore a world-renowned cuisine in an ever evolving food mecca, time travel through one of the world’s oldest cities, or embrace vibrant nightlife, you’ll feel right at home in Lisbon. And best of all, Portugal is considered to be among the more affordable destinations in all of Western Europe.
#8: Zagreb, Croatia
The verdict is in: Croatia is officially one of the hottest destinations of 2018. But while you might be attracted to the coastline, it’s the inland city of Zagreb you should really be setting your sights on. A fairytale city with roots going back to the age of the Roman empire, Zagreb has a long and colorful history - some buildings look downright royal. The city is best experienced on foot, so that you can really immerse yourself and soak up everything Croatia’s capital has to offer - from its narrow winding streets and distinct café culture, to its museums and myriad of festivals.
#7: Mar del Plata, Argentina
With a name like that, you know that you’re in for an unforgettable beach vacation - and according to online trends in booking, that’s exactly what travelers are looking for in 2018. On summer weekends, the beaches at this long-popular destination are bustling with activity, but by scheduling your time right and visiting during the week, you can still easily find yourself a spot to soak up the rays with a bit of elbow room to spare. Though the beach, ocean and glorious weather might be the primary reason driving people to this Argentinian destination, you shouldn’t miss out on the seafood, local handcrafts, museums or bumpin’ nightlife.
#6: Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of trendy destinations, but the Eurasian nation’s capital city has recently been added to the must-visit list of savvy travellers the world over. Nestled in a valley on the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi is beautifully hectic and disorganized, a city with a colorful past and relics of its history all over the place to prove it. It is unlike any other place you’ve ever visited. From the mom and pop restaurants and cafés, to the bohemian art scene, unique markets and more, Tbilisi is a destination bursting with gifts waiting to be discovered.
#5: Bologna, Italy
Italy has been among the most popular destinations in Europe for ages, but for the longest time, Bologna has been seen as a second tier destination (at least by the masses) relative to the more iconic cities of Florence, Rome and Venice. No more! In 2018, Bologna is finally getting the attention it deserves. This city is credited with having invented that most delicious of sauces, bolognese, and it still lives up to its legacy today as arguably the single best food destination in the entire country (please don’t bring up baloney). Of course, you’re not just going for the food - this impossibly charming city is also home to the world’s oldest university, two leaning towers and stunning porticoes.
#4: Seychelles
There’s natural beauty… and then there’s the Seychelles. It would perhaps be an overstatement to call the beaches of this 115-island country untouched, but as far as popular beach destinations are concerned, this paradise in the Indian Ocean certainly feels more wild than most. Soft white sand and pristine turquoise water makes up your beachside view, while a lush green jungle makes for a truly picturesque backdrop. The tourist industry has established reliable infrastructure without tainting the natural beauty of the area, and the local cuisine still reigns supreme. While so many of its neighbors have been overdeveloped and overrun, Seychelles still feels fresh; but move quick because people are really catching on.
#3: La Paz, Bolivia
This city is one of the most remarkable and culturally rich places you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting. Long a destination for backpackers and a more rugged breed of traveller because of its many neighboring opportunities for outdoor adventure, Bolivia’s capital (the highest in the world) has recently made a concerted but tasteful effort to modernize - and it’s paid off. La Paz is now a city of remarkable balance, still steeped in its traditional culture but boasting an impressive mass transit system, world class accommodations and an ever-evolving food scene. And it’s nightlife? Well… it’s kinda legendary.
#2: Mexico's Pacific Coast
Who’s ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Forget the resorts, what makes Mexico’s Pacific Coast the perfect destination in 2018 is the collection of varied and unique cities and towns just waiting to be discovered for travellers looking for less manufactured travel experience. Mazatlán boasts an impressive historic centre to pair with those beaches and some truly authentic cuisine. Sayulita is a colorful fishing village and surfing hotspot. San José del Cabo is relaxed, quaint and traditional but is also home to arguably one of the coast’s best beaches, Playa Palmilla. Looking to find your center? Definitely visit Mazunte, the destination for artists, yoga lovers and the free-spirited.
#1: Oita Prefecture, Japan
Japan has long been a major draw for tourists, but distinct to 2018 is a notable increase in traffic to Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. It would seem that many visitors to the land of the rising sun are choosing to embrace a slower pace than that offered by Tokyo. The island is dotted with mountains to hike that offer stunning views. There’s also a plethora of shrines, a craft village, the beautiful Beppu Park and a monkey preserve - not to mention great food. The major draw, however, are the world famous hot springs or “onsens”. 2018 is clearly a year for nature, good food and relaxation!
Here’s how to travel and stay on trend. Welcome to MojoTravels, and today we're counting down our picks for the Top 10 Hottest Destinations of 2018.
For this list, we’re looking a the most buzzworthy, popular, must-visit destinations in 2018 from around the globe, taking into consideration trends in accommodation bookings and public perception.
#10: Malta
For years, this little island paradise was largely overlooked by those looking to visit the Mediterranean. In fact… many travellers didn’t even know it existed. But in 2017, the Internet caught on to the many virtues of this otherwordly time capsule of a nation. Located south of Italy and east of Tunisia in the Mediterranean Sea, and made up of just 122 square miles of land, Malta packs a whole lot of wow factor despite being one of the smallest countries in the world. Pristine shorelines, breathtaking views, ancient cities, underground temples, a distinct (and delicious) cuisine, as well as stunning architecture - Malta’s got it all.
#9: Lisbon, Portugal
As the capital and largest city in Portugal, Lisbon is both rich in history and modern culture - meaning that it has a lot to offer to travellers of all tastes. The city has always done well in the tourism department, but with Spain’s economic struggles and civil unrest (including anti-tourism marches), neighboring Portugal has suddenly become even more attractive. Whether you’re looking to explore a world-renowned cuisine in an ever evolving food mecca, time travel through one of the world’s oldest cities, or embrace vibrant nightlife, you’ll feel right at home in Lisbon. And best of all, Portugal is considered to be among the more affordable destinations in all of Western Europe.
#8: Zagreb, Croatia
The verdict is in: Croatia is officially one of the hottest destinations of 2018. But while you might be attracted to the coastline, it’s the inland city of Zagreb you should really be setting your sights on. A fairytale city with roots going back to the age of the Roman empire, Zagreb has a long and colorful history - some buildings look downright royal. The city is best experienced on foot, so that you can really immerse yourself and soak up everything Croatia’s capital has to offer - from its narrow winding streets and distinct café culture, to its museums and myriad of festivals.
#7: Mar del Plata, Argentina
With a name like that, you know that you’re in for an unforgettable beach vacation - and according to online trends in booking, that’s exactly what travelers are looking for in 2018. On summer weekends, the beaches at this long-popular destination are bustling with activity, but by scheduling your time right and visiting during the week, you can still easily find yourself a spot to soak up the rays with a bit of elbow room to spare. Though the beach, ocean and glorious weather might be the primary reason driving people to this Argentinian destination, you shouldn’t miss out on the seafood, local handcrafts, museums or bumpin’ nightlife.
#6: Tbilisi, Georgia
Georgia might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of trendy destinations, but the Eurasian nation’s capital city has recently been added to the must-visit list of savvy travellers the world over. Nestled in a valley on the banks of the Kura River, Tbilisi is beautifully hectic and disorganized, a city with a colorful past and relics of its history all over the place to prove it. It is unlike any other place you’ve ever visited. From the mom and pop restaurants and cafés, to the bohemian art scene, unique markets and more, Tbilisi is a destination bursting with gifts waiting to be discovered.
#5: Bologna, Italy
Italy has been among the most popular destinations in Europe for ages, but for the longest time, Bologna has been seen as a second tier destination (at least by the masses) relative to the more iconic cities of Florence, Rome and Venice. No more! In 2018, Bologna is finally getting the attention it deserves. This city is credited with having invented that most delicious of sauces, bolognese, and it still lives up to its legacy today as arguably the single best food destination in the entire country (please don’t bring up baloney). Of course, you’re not just going for the food - this impossibly charming city is also home to the world’s oldest university, two leaning towers and stunning porticoes.
#4: Seychelles
There’s natural beauty… and then there’s the Seychelles. It would perhaps be an overstatement to call the beaches of this 115-island country untouched, but as far as popular beach destinations are concerned, this paradise in the Indian Ocean certainly feels more wild than most. Soft white sand and pristine turquoise water makes up your beachside view, while a lush green jungle makes for a truly picturesque backdrop. The tourist industry has established reliable infrastructure without tainting the natural beauty of the area, and the local cuisine still reigns supreme. While so many of its neighbors have been overdeveloped and overrun, Seychelles still feels fresh; but move quick because people are really catching on.
#3: La Paz, Bolivia
This city is one of the most remarkable and culturally rich places you’ll ever have the pleasure of visiting. Long a destination for backpackers and a more rugged breed of traveller because of its many neighboring opportunities for outdoor adventure, Bolivia’s capital (the highest in the world) has recently made a concerted but tasteful effort to modernize - and it’s paid off. La Paz is now a city of remarkable balance, still steeped in its traditional culture but boasting an impressive mass transit system, world class accommodations and an ever-evolving food scene. And it’s nightlife? Well… it’s kinda legendary.
#2: Mexico's Pacific Coast
Who’s ready for the road trip of a lifetime? Forget the resorts, what makes Mexico’s Pacific Coast the perfect destination in 2018 is the collection of varied and unique cities and towns just waiting to be discovered for travellers looking for less manufactured travel experience. Mazatlán boasts an impressive historic centre to pair with those beaches and some truly authentic cuisine. Sayulita is a colorful fishing village and surfing hotspot. San José del Cabo is relaxed, quaint and traditional but is also home to arguably one of the coast’s best beaches, Playa Palmilla. Looking to find your center? Definitely visit Mazunte, the destination for artists, yoga lovers and the free-spirited.
#1: Oita Prefecture, Japan
Japan has long been a major draw for tourists, but distinct to 2018 is a notable increase in traffic to Oita Prefecture on the island of Kyushu. It would seem that many visitors to the land of the rising sun are choosing to embrace a slower pace than that offered by Tokyo. The island is dotted with mountains to hike that offer stunning views. There’s also a plethora of shrines, a craft village, the beautiful Beppu Park and a monkey preserve - not to mention great food. The major draw, however, are the world famous hot springs or “onsens”. 2018 is clearly a year for nature, good food and relaxation!
