British Airways has revealed its annual travel predictions for the year ahead, selecting the top 18 must-see destinations for 2018.
1. BARBADOS
Those looking for action will find water sports, while those looking for relaxation will love the beach. Soak up the history in Bridgetown, enjoy a spot of afternoon tea at a 17th-century plantation before heading to the legendary Fish Fry for dinner. Wander the scene with a Barbadian rum while enjoying the Calypso background music.
2. COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
Innovation is the theme in Denmark’s capital city, which is home to a design scene, new and old architecture, bakeries and pop-up bars. Ideal for a long weekend, visitors should take a stroll into Tivoli Gardens, stop by and see The Little Mermaid by the coast and relax by the harbour.
3. CROATIA
You can see the set of the Game of Thrones, Dubrovnik, to the coastal city of Pula and to the capital Zagreb. For festival fans, with no Glastonbury happening in 2018, head directly to Split.
4. INVERNESS, SCOTLAND
Inverness is the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, a region of wilderness renowned for its lochs, glens, mountains and coastline. Ideal for adventurous holidaymakers, the highlands offer mountaineering and climbing during the summer, and skiing at Aviemore in the winter months. For a more relaxing day trip, Speyside is located just south of Inverness and has the largest concentration of whisky distilleries in Scotland.
5. LISBON, PORTUGAL
The Portuguese city of Lisbon sits on several hills rising from the northern banks of the Tagus River. A historic city, a break to Lisbon offers traditional culture and beaches alongside a modern foodie scene and busy nightlife.
6. MALTA
Discover history, hidden coves and villages in Malta, one of the smallest countries in the world. Made up of three islands on the southern edge of Europe, a must-visit is Valetta, Malta’s capital and a 2018 European Capital of Culture.
7. MYKONOS, GREECE
Mykonos is a must-visit due to its history, beaches and villages. By day, holidaymakers enjoy snorkelling, diving and exploring the hidden coves and beachfront bars while waiting for night to fall, when the nightclubs come to life.
8. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
A new route to Music City will be music to travellers’ ears, as from May 2018 British Airways will be travelling directly from Europe to the home of country music. Must-sees include Bluebird Café and The Country Music Hall of Fame, while must-dos include a whiskey tour of Jack Daniel’s distillery followed by a traditional Southern meal of crispy-fried chicken and prawns.
9. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
British Airways makes it easier to get to New Orleans; the birthplace of jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and R&B. Famous for its Mardi Gras, guests are encouraged to visit during the historical celebrations to catch the popular parades. Plan a visit to the French Quarter, followed by an evening out on Bourbon Street.
10. NEW YORK
Wake up in the city that never sleeps and enjoy the nightlife, bounty of museums and shops over a long weekend in 2018.
11. MUSCAT, OMAN
Those seeking out the modern face of Arabia while still wanting to sense its ancient roots will enjoy Muscat, Oman’s capital city. The balance between tradition and modernity is well established, with medieval forts, palaces and bazaars sitting beside modern malls and resorts.
12. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
The city offers museums and historical sites, an arts scene, restaurants and bars, and boutique shops. Catch the train for a short journey to San Francisco, a small city which is big on food, sights and history.
13. RUSSIA
From the capital Moscow to St Petersburg, Russia has so many cultural and national treasures that it would take several trips to see them all. Both are host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup for any football fans.
14. SANTIAGO, CHILE
Stretching 4300 kilometres from the driest desert in the world to massive glacial fields, few countries can boast the contrast of Chile. Santiago is a cultural feast for the senses. By day the sights, vineyards, coastline and mountains are all within easy reach of this city.
15. SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
The capital of South Korea, where skyscrapers and pop culture meet Buddhist temples and street markets, is a must-visit for 2018. Explore the culture of Seoul through its local cuisine. For those who prefer an active holiday, hiking is a popular activity in Seoul, and there are golf course and ski resorts within driving distance. Snow-sport lovers should plan to visit in February to tie in with the Winter Olympic Games being held in Pyeong Chang.
16. SEYCHELLES
Seychelles is famous for its beaches and coral reefs. Made up of 115 individual islands, there is something on offer for all, from snorkelling and scuba diving to markets and beaches.
17. TALLINN, ESTONIA
2018 will mark the 100th Birthday of the Republic of Estonia, with celebrations aplenty across the country. These will be led by the capital, Tallinn, a city whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
18. TORONTO, CANADA
Catch a direct flight from London to Toronto, the biggest city in Canada, which has a plethora of art, culture, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife offerings. Visit during the Toronto Film Festival, which draws global crowds and is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world attracting over 480,000 people annually.
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