Nowadays, with all the technology and globalization, the world feels kind of small. However, there is always something new to discover.
Traveling alone or with friends can be an amazing experience. It’s honestly something that everyone should experience at least once in a life. Whether traveling to see art, people, food or spirituality, the world has lots of interesting things to offer.
Pick a destination and start building wonderful memories that will accompany you for the rest of your days. Here are some of the most amazing places to visit this year.
Best Places to Travel
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Guayaquil, also known as the gateway to the Galapagos. It is an Ecuadorian city with a magical feeling to it that entices travelers to stay. Guayaquil is the economical heart of Ecuador, bursting with life and activities that you should definitely try! One of the most popular spots is the Guayaquil Historical Park. It’s a seven-acre wonder where you will be able to enjoy a mixture of wildlife sanctuary, historic buildings, and museums.
You can also go for a walk at the malecón, a riverfront town square-eater-playground at Río Guaya. There you will find all kinds of vendors, restaurants, and monuments. This area is part of a project to rebuild and modernize the city and is actually considered one of the most active and colorful places of Guayaquil. One of the most perfect places to get in touch with the amazing people of Ecuador.
Devon, England
It is hard to mention Devon and not think about cream tea and beautiful beaches, but this beautiful county has much more to offer! Devon is the perfect place to practice thrilling outdoor activities like climbing, horse riding, and whitewater rafting. For a more low-key time, you can also kick back and relax at its fantastic landscapes.
Design lovers will love visiting the city´s museums and art galleries, like the House of Marbles. This is where art meets fun and puzzles, but there’s much more. Visit the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, an award-winning gallery in Honiton, East Devon.
Hampi, India
One of the best places to travel to is the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of the largest cities in the world. Hampi has always been a must-see for those who love the Indian culture thanks to the plethora of temples, monuments, ruins, and historic buildings across its captivating landscape.
While you can actually visit the whole World Heritage Site in a couple of days, we strongly recommend that you linger for a while so that you don´t miss out on any of the marvels this city has to offer. Like the majestic Virupaksha Temple and the shops at the Hampi Bazaar.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Honolulu is becoming more and more a cultural powerhouse! It attracting artists from all over the world. 2017 will be one of the greatest years for the city, since Honolulu will be hosting its first Biennial, celebrating Hawaii through art. The art scene is always present with murals and performances in the streets, especially in the Kaka´ako neighborhood. There is even an art-centric hotel, the Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club, that collaborates with local artists to offer a truly amazing and unique experience through custom murals and wallpapers.
Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is slowly emerging as a culinary and art force in Israel, rivaling even the well-known city of Tel Aviv. If you ever visit the city, be sure to spend a day at the Mahane Yehuda Market, where you will find all you need to taste the beauty of this historic country. There are restaurants serving traditional Jewish dishes and vendors with the widest range of ingredients in the world.
The forte of this city, however, remains its beautiful historic heritage. It’s no wonder why Jerusalem is considered by some as the holiest city on earth. This Old City houses some of the most important religious sites in the world, like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Kanazawa, Japan
Kanazawa is well known for its three hills and is the seat of the prefectural office of the Hokuriku region. The city houses the Kenroku-en Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Japan. It took about 170 years to construct this enormous 105,000 square-meter garden, known for the “Yukitsuri”, a traditional way to protect trees from snow using ropes.
Kanazawa also gathers over 70 temples together, along with other historical buildings where art and history blend with the modern skyline of the town of Korinbo. You will also find art shops full of cultural value. The “Kanazawa-haku” decorated pottery is a must-see for those who love traditional Japanese craft. Definitely, one of the best places to travel for food, as well.
Luang Prabang, Laos
This country is usually overlooked by tourists, mostly because it rests right next to Thailand and Vietnam, two giants when it comes to attracting visitors. However, the panorama is shifting thanks to the opening of new flights from Bangkok to Laos. It is becoming one of the best places to travel to. The town of Luang Prabang is protected by the UNESCO due to its amazing cultural heritage. Visiting its temples is the perfect way to get in touch with the people and culture of Laos.
Luang Prabang means “The city of the Golden Buddha Prah”, a statue that is believed to protect the city since the 14th century. The wonder of the large monk community and the magical feeling surrounding its temples will definitely catch your heart.
Málaga, Spain
Málaga is growing to become a museum paradise, establishing itself within the cultural scene of Europe, and it is no surprise since this has been the birthplace of artists like Pablo Picasso and Miguel Berrocal. The city also offers wonderful Mediterranean weather, beautiful beaches, and history-filled castles. As expected, the Picasso Museum is one of the favorites, housing a permanent exhibit on one of the most famous artists of the world.
Be sure to visit the Museum of Glass and Crystal if you plan to stay at Málaga. Not only this museum is home to a magnificent collection of crystal and glass items from ancient Egypt to the present day, but it also tries to make all the exhibitions an experience as aesthetically pleasing as possible. The sights of this colorful museum are something to behold.
