Lonely Planet recently named their top travel destinations in 2017. Out of the top five countries, some of them just might surprise you, but before we share Lonely Planets list, we would like to give you our top 5 choices: Iceland, Portugal, Ireland, Canada & Cuba. We chose these destinations because the airfares are reasonable, there have been no incidents in these destinations which raises consumer confidence and they are absolutely beautiful!
Another country we would like to mention is Japan. Without a doubt, Japan is one of the most authentic and special destinations in the world, offering travelers the opportunity to experience ancient traditions as well as modern. Get up before dawn to see the world’s largest fish market, followed by a meal featuring the freshest sushi. Go ‘glamping’ in the foothills of Mt. Fuji. Visit Jimeji Castle, Japan’s most beautiful. Stay at a Ryokan, complete with Kaiseki dinner and steaming Onsen bath. Shop in Tokyo’s smartest neighborhoods, and watch the fashion-forward Lolitas in the Aoyama district. If you suffer riding Amtrak, imagine zooming through Japanese countryside at 200 mph on a sleek Shinkansen train. Explore Japan tours for 2017.
Canada
This country is the number one destination for 2017 for good reason. Travelers can get a good bargain with the country’s dollar bringing prices down. Canada is a lot more than maple leaves and poutine. It’s full of many sights and a culture that’s infectious.
Fun Fact: Parts of Canada have less gravity than the rest of the world. This means that you will actually weigh less in some cities like Hudson Bay and Quebec.
Colombia
As more people discover what a hidden gem Colombia is, the more popular it will become. It’s the 25th biggest country in the world and is home to quite a few UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Barranquilla Carnival. It’s also a very cheap country to visit which is great for travelers that are on a budget.
Fun Facts: Colombia is the largest producer of roses in the world. They are also the world’s largest producer of coffee.
Finland
This is a great country to live in and visit. Although it’s fairly small and only has around 5 ½ million residents, it has a lot to offer. In 2017 it will host the World Figure Skating Championships. Finland is known for its cultural experiences and the intense pride that the country feels for its people and history.
Fun Fact: Finland has the most heavy metal bands and saunas per capita in the world.
Dominica
It’s hard to find a more beautiful country than Dominica. With its rainforests, waterfalls and mountains, it’s a true paradise for any traveler. Located in the Eastern Caribbean, it’s a great destination for those that are looking for a little adventure balanced with some much needed relaxation.
Fun Fact: Dominica was actually formed by volcanoes many years ago.
Nepal
Despite suffering an earthquake in 2015, the country is still a very inviting place for tourists. It’s packed with a rich culture and a variety of sights including quite a few medieval cities. Nepal is also home to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest.
Fun Fact: Even though the official language of Nepal is Nepali, less than half the population actually speaks it. There are more than 123 different languages in the country thanks to the more than 80 ethnic groups that live there.