Traveller columnist Ben Groundwater has spent much of 2016 scouring the globe for the hottest destinations. "My favourite trip so far has been a food tour of Israel and the Palestinian Territories," he says. "It was great to see a part of the world I'd heard so much about with my own eyes. Oh, and to eat its food."
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So many destinations, so little time. For most travellers, it's not a case of if you'll go next year; it's not a case of when you'll go; it's only a question of: where?
Where do you choose for that dream holiday? Where do you select for that once-in-a-lifetime adventure, that relaxing getaway, that ski trip, that road trip, the culinary tour de force?
For 2017, the Traveller team has put together a few answers. Next year, it will be all about great experiences, all about immersing yourself in a destination, living like a local, of "doing" rather than just seeing.
It will be about trekking in Guatemala, and fine-dining in Cape Town; it will be about haggling on the streets of Fes, and taking a siesta in Seville. It will be a year in which travellers rediscover some of their favourite destinations, places such as Canada, Japan and France, while also setting their sights on countries that are relatively new to the tourism world, including the likes of Papua New Guinea and Georgia.
Of course, there are no wrong answers when it comes to travel, no bad decisions in choosing a destination. Every country, every city, and every town offers something fascinating and unique. But if you need inspiration for 2017, this is where it begins.
COUNTRIES
GUATEMALA
Why you should go: Guatemala should be world famous. It should appear on bucket lists as frequently as Peru or South Africa or Egypt. It should be known for ancient ruins such as Tikal, for natural attractions like Lake Atitlan, for colonial towns like Antigua, and even for bustling mountaintop hubs like Quetzaltenango. But it's not, which is good news for visitors, because it means there are fewer people to share it with.
Don't miss: Lake Atitlan is not only surrounded by volcanoes, but also by charming little villages like San Marcos and San Pedro.
When to go: November to April.
More: visitguatemala.com.
*FRANCE
Why you should go: The recent security issues in France have been well documented, and while it never seemed like this would be a country in need of support for its tourism industry, now might be that time. For potential visitors, in one sense it's worth remembering that your chances of being caught up in a serious incident in France are still extremely small (though check smartraveller.gov.au for the latest warnings). In another, even more important sense, it's worth remembering that some travellers will be scared off by the current security situation in France, meaning this notoriously tourist-filled destination might just be a little quieter next year.
Regardless of your reasons, the charms of France will still be there. Whether you're into chateau living in the Loire, or cycling around Provence, sunning yourself in the Riviera, feasting in Lyon, or enjoying city life in Paris, you'll find what you're looking for in 2017. And you'll be helping to support a country that needs a boost.
Don't miss: Even the most parochial, food-obsessed French person would be forced to admit the country's culinary capital is Lyon. Though it doesn't have the global recognition of Provence or the Riviera, it also doesn't have the global inundation of visitors, making a trip to Lyon an unexpected pleasure.
When to go: Year-round.
More: au.france.fr.
SOUTH AFRICA
Why you should go: Here's all you need to know about South Africa: it's very affordable, and it's not far away. With the exchange rate hovering at around 11 rand to the Australian dollar, and with direct flights from Sydney to Johannesburg taking only 14 hours (the same as Los Angeles) and costing as little as $1500 return, now is the ideal time to visit Cape Town, or drive the Garden Route, or explore the Drakensburg mountains, or roam around a game park.
Don't miss: Chef Luke Dale-Roberts' Cape Town restaurant, The Test Kitchen (testkitchen.co.za), was recently named No. 22 in the world by 50 Best.
When to go: Year-round.
More: southafrica.net
PERU
Why you should go: Which is the only city to boast three of the world's top 30 best restaurants? It's not Paris, it's not New York, and it's not London. It's Lima, the Peruvian capital, whose dining scene has gone stratospheric in recent years. While the country's stars, the likes of Central (world No. 4 on the 2016 "50 Best" list), Maido (No. 13), and Astrid y Gaston (No. 30) garner international attention, any dining out experience across Peru will be a good one.
Don't miss: Virgilio Martinez's Central restaurant should be first on the list for food-obsessed visitors.
When to go: May to September.
More: visitperu.com.
SPAIN
Why you should go: Even if you've been to Spain, this destination is worth getting to know better – each region has its own cuisine, its own traditions, and very often its own language. Get off the tourist trail next year and visit more remote regions such as Galicia and Asturias on the north coast, or Extremadura and Castilla la Mancha in the south.
Don't miss: The Camino de Santiago, a pilgrim's trail from the Basque country in Spain's north-east to the city of Santiago de Compostela in its far west, is becoming a popular way to see the country.
When to go: Summers are hot in the south, and winters cold in the north. Otherwise, visit year-round.
More: spain.info.
PALESTINE
Why you should go: Admittedly, the Palestinian Territories don't figure on many bucket lists, given the stories people often hear. But still, this is a fascinating and surprisingly welcoming part of the world, a place you won't readily forget visiting. While mainstream tourism has yet to arrive, it's still possible to tour cities such as Nablus and even Ramallah, checking out religious sites, eating amazing food, and putting faces to the Palestinian name.
Don't miss: Bait al Karama, the Nablus branch of the Slow Food Movement, a social club and cooking school run entirely by women (baitalkarama.org).
When to go: September to April. For the latest security advice, check smartraveller.gov.au.
More: travelpalestine.ps.
SOUTH KOREA
Why you should go: Korea has been on the cusp of a tourism boom for some time, and 2017 might just be its year. This is, after all, a country rich with culture, though one that has often had to live in the shadow of its more well-known neighbour, Japan. But Korea can hold its own, in terms of food, culture, city life, and for the sheer foreignness that makes this area so interesting.
Don't miss: There's more to Korean food than barbecue – try bibimbap, the fried-rice dish, or Korean-style fried chicken, or anything with kimchi.
When to go: Autumn or spring.
More: visitkorea.org.au.
RUSSIA
Why you should go: Despite a recent slew of bad press for Russia, including its athletes doping and its politicians possibly plotting world domination, this is a country you want to visit in 2017. As it gears up to host the FIFA World Cup in 2018, Russia is ready to show the world how much it has to offer: it's a country of high culture and world-class sights, a seemingly impenetrable place that rewards those who give it a chance.
Don't miss: The best of Russia is seen from the window of the Trans-Siberian train.
When to go: April to September.
More: russiatourism.ru.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Why you should go: Australia's closest neighbour has plenty to offer travellers adventurous enough to make the journey there in 2017 – and those numbers are sure to increase with cruise lines adding Milne Bay and Kokopo to their itineraries. For first-time visitors, the best of PNG is celebrated at its annual events: celebrations like the Mask Festival in Kokopo, the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, and the Canoe and Kundu Drum Festival in Alotau.
Don't miss: The 2017 Mask Festival, scheduled for July, will be one of the most popular events on the calendar.
When to go: May to October.
More: papuanewguinea.travel.
BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
Why you should go: Of the former Yugoslavian states, it's usually Croatia that garners most attention from tourists thanks to its stunning coastline. However, people are beginning to discover the charms of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly cities like Sarajevo and Mostar. Both boast fledging arts, music and dining-out scenes, as well as classic architecture that still bears the scars of war.
Don't miss: Stop off at Stari Most Bridge in Mostar to see daring locals and crazy tourists take a leap of faith into the river far below.
When to go: Peak season is from June to August, though shoulder seasons offer better value.
More: bhtourism.ba.
THAILAND
Why you should go: You've probably been to Thailand, to Bangkok, or Chiang Mai, or to islands like Koh Samui or Koh Phi-Phi. But there's more to discover here, particularly for those prepared to get off the beaten track. Every region of Thailand offers different food, different culture, and a different attitude. Each is worth discovering.
Don't miss: The Isan region in Thailand's north-east boasts some of the country's tastiest – and fieriest – cuisine. Just order whatever the locals eat, and have a bottle of water handy.
When to go: September to April.
More: tourismthailand.org.
CHILE
Why you should go: Chile is a country of isolated extremes, from the glaciers of Patagonia in the south to the bleak plains of the Atacama Desert in the north. It's also, however, beginning to gain traction as one of South America's safest countries, a politically stable place that boasts not just those physical extremes, but also artsy hubs like Valparaiso, wine country in the Aconcagua Valley, and rolling green hills in the Lakes District.
Don't miss: The Atacama is ruggedly beautiful, but is also home to high-end resorts like Tierra Atacama (tierrahotels.com).
When to go: Winter for the Atacama, and summer for Patagonia.
More: chile.travel.
*CANADA
Why you should go: The big, beautiful, and ridiculously friendly country of Canada turns 150 years old in 2017, which means it's time to celebrate. While most of the action will centre around the capital, Ottawa, which is putting on 12 months of festivals and events, next year will be a great time to be in any part of the country, with events taking place nation-wide.
Even without that as a drawcard, however, you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason not to want to visit Canada. This country is overflowing with tourism attractions, from the ever-popular Rocky Mountain regions of British Columbia, to the cultural capital of Montreal, polar bear spotting in Manitoba, the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia, and plenty more in between.
Don't miss: While it often flies under the radar as a tourist destination, next year Ottawa will be abuzz with activity. Check out ottawa2017.ca for the roll-out of celebrations and events over the next few months.
When to go: You'll find great things to do year-round in Canada, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the shoulder seasons to soaking up city life in the summer.
More: canada.travel.
SWITZERLAND
Why you should go: Recently deemed the most beautiful country in the world by the Traveller team, Switzerland really is insanely attractive. While its cities are fun – Zurich has a great restaurant scene, and Bern sits on the Aare River, perfect for floating down on a hot summer day – the true wonder of Switzerland is out in the countryside, from the towering peaks around Lauterbrunnen to the rolling green hills of the Emmental.
Don't miss: Lace up your hiking boots and do the six-hour walk from Schynige Platte to Grindelwald First near Interlaken to experience some amazing scenery.
When to go: Year-round.
More: myswitzerland.com.
GEORGIA
Why you should go: Though at one point Ukraine looked on the cusp of entering the tourism mainstream thanks to its Black Sea coastline and charming cities, political unrest there has meant that many tourists – as well as many cruise lines – have had to alter course, and Georgia could be the beneficiary. The former Soviet state shares that seaside location, as well as having a surprisingly good culinary scene and a rich, independent culture.
Don't miss: While its cities have plenty to offer, the best of Georgia might just be its beautiful countryside, which is perfect for hikers and cyclists.
When to go: May to September.
More: georgia.travel.
IRELAND
Why you should go: Whether they realise it or not, plenty of people will be seeing Ireland in 2017. That's because the opening scenes of Star Wars: Episode VIII, due for release next December, were shot in County Kerry. That sci-fi stardom is sure to provide a boost to the country's tourism numbers, as Star Wars fans flock to this picturesque location.
Don't miss: Skellig Michael is a jagged outcrop of rock off the coast of County Kerry that was once a monastery, and was more recently the fictional hideout of Luke Skywalker. It's truly beautiful.
When to go: May to September.
More: ireland.com.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
Why you should go: While cashed-up honeymooners will always want to head to Bora Bora or Moorea, there's more to French Polynesia than those famously romantic – and famously expensive – locales. In 2017, set a course for the out-islands, to places like Rangiroa in the Tuamoto Islands, which is an almost-uninhabited paradise, or the Marquesas, where it's as much about adventure as romance.
Don't miss: If you're lucky enough to be in the main island of Tahiti at the right time, check out the Billabong Pro surf tournament at Teahupo'o, known as the world's "heaviest" wave.
When to go: April to October.
Why you should go: There's always something new opening in Dubai: it's obsessed with having the biggest, the fastest, the highest and the richest of just about everything, so it pays to keep up. But even still, 2016 was a bumper year for new attractions in this booming emirate.
The Dubai Opera, an opera house planned to rival Sydney's version, opened in August with a concert by Placido Domingo. The $US1 billion indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, threw its doors open at around the same time, treating guests to film-and-TV-themed attractions across an area the size of 28 football fields. And now Dubai Parks & Resorts, a mega-theme-park consisting of four interconnected parks – Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Waterpark – has also opened. That should be reason enough for a stopover in 2017, even if you don't take into account the regular spate of hotel and restaurant openings across the city.
Don't miss: You can't turn down the chance to take a ride to the top of the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. From the observation deck, 555 metres above the ground, the world looks like a kid's toy.
When to go: October to May.
More: visitdubai.com.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Why you should go: Brussels has always been unfairly maligned. It used to be thought of as dull, which was never right. And now, following the March terror attack on its airport, it's also thought of as dangerous. But even that isn't true. Brussels is, by and large, a safe place to visit (DFAT's travel warning is "exercise a high degree of caution"), as well as being a thriving cultural hub, and a city that could use a little love.
Don't miss: Give the Manneken Pis, depicting a naked little boy urinating into a fountain's basin, a miss and instead devote an afternoon to exploring Brussels' antiques stores, which are filled with bits and pieces from around the world.
When to go: April to September.
More: visitbelgium.com.
SEVILLE, SPAIN
Why you should go: Part of southern Spain's tapas-and-siesta belt (a gloriously food- and sleep-obsessed grouping of Andalusian cities that includes Granada, Cadiz and Cordoba), Seville is a pleasure to visit at any time. Its fiendishly winding streets are filled with tapas bars calling out to the lost and hungry, and the Real Alcazar, a royal palace used on Game of Thrones, is worth a visit to the city alone.
Don't miss: Go on a tapas crawl from the touristy old town to the more local-friendly Triana neighbourhood.
When to go: Autumn or spring. In 2017, the Feria de Abril, a festival of dancing and drinking, is from May 2 to 7.
More: visitsevilla.es.
MANCHESTER, BRITAIN
Why you should go: It's always a surprise to find that the home to two of the world's most famous football teams, as well as countless of the world's most famous bands, is a city of only half a million people, a place you can walk around in a day. Manchester is a dream to navigate, a compact place full of classic architecture, museums, live-music venues, cafes, comedy clubs, pubs, and a lot of football fans.
Don't miss: The city comes alive when there's a Manchester football derby – United v City. Even if you don't get tickets, it's worth being around.
When to go: Summers are best.
More: visitbritain.org.
ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA
Why you should go: Adelaide has been quietly transforming itself over the last decade, morphing from a city of churches and little else into a city of great restaurants, great bars, and world-class events. You only have to look at the success of the Womadelaide festival, or the inevitable migration of the Barossa Valley's gourmet scene, to understand that Adelaide can hold its own.
Don't miss: The line-up for the 2017 iteration of Womad is yet to be released, but it's sure to be a calendar highlight.
When to go: Year-around. Next year's Womad is from 10 to 13 March.
More: southaustralia.com.
TOKYO, JAPAN
Why you should go: Tokyo will always be hot, because there's just so much to do. It's a city of a thousand neighbourhoods, each one distinct and worthy of exploration. You could spend a week just checking out all of the bars in Ebisu, or the fashion boutiques in Harajuku, or strolling ancient lanes in Asakusa, or feeling like a local in Yoyogi-Uehara, or taking in the bright lights of Shinjuku. Every return visit rewards you.
Don't miss: Spend a night eating and drinking at the Ebisu Yokocho, a covered alleyway filled with bars and restaurants.
When to go: Year-around, although November to February is cold.
More: jnto.org.au.
STONE TOWN, TANZANIA
Why you should go: There are very few African cities that are tourist attractions in their own right, and don't act as mere stepping-off points for more famous attractions. But Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar is the exception. With a mixed history involving the Portuguese, Arabs, native Africans and more, plus a stunning oceanfront location and a couple of recent high-end hotel openings – including a Park Hyatt – Stone Town is looking good for 2017.
Don't miss: The nightly waterfront markets are always abuzz with tourists and locals dining on fresh-caught fish and "Zanzibar pizzas".
When to go: June to October.
More: tanzaniatouristboard.com.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA
Why you should go: While most international visitors to Cambodia concentrate on the ruins of the Angkor kingdom in the north, or the beaches in the south, there's plenty to like about the country's ramshackle capital. Phnom Penh ain't pretty, but it is fun: the restaurant scene is growing, the coffee is good, and expats and locals alike hit the pubs and bars most nights to fight off the humidity with cold drinks.
Don't miss: Get a taste of colonial-era PP with a drink at the Foreign Correspondents' Club (fcccambodia.com).
When to go: November to February.
More: tourismcambodia.org.
LOS ANGELES, USA
Why you should go: A few years ago the only reason you would have gone to downtown LA is if you were on a business trip, or you were lost. These days, however, the city is transformed, with art galleries – the Museum of Contemporary Art, the brand-new The Broad – plus fresh food at Grand Central Market, green space at Grand Park, and restaurants at the L.A. Live precinct.
Don't miss: Catch a show at the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, a venue that was the harbinger of downtown LA's revival.
When to go: Year-round.
More: discoverlosangeles.com.
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
Why you should go: First there was Buenos Aires, then Lima, and now… La Paz? As unlikely as it sounds, this chaotic Bolivian city is becoming South America's hottest foodie destination. For the best in upmarket cuisine, try Gustu, a fine-diner opened by Claus Myer, one of the co-founders of Danish restaurant Noma, and run by Kamila Seidler, recently named Latin America's best female chef by 50 Best. For something more traditional, grab a saltena – a soupy empanada – from Pacena La Saltena, a kiosk that's famous city-wide.
Don't miss: A meal at Gustu will be up there with any you'll have in Lima or BA (restaurantgustu.com).
When to go: Spring or autumn.
More: bolivia.travel.
*MEMPHIS, USA
Why you should go: Memphis is always a great city to visit – however, 2017 will be a particularly notable one for this city of soul. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of Memphis's favourite son, Elvis Presley. The King's former home-turned-museum, Graceland, will host a week of events around August 16, including nightly tribute concerts, panel discussions, and a candlelit vigil to mark the passing of one of the true greats.
If you can't make it in August, there's still plenty of reason to head to Memphis next year. Spend a few long evenings in the blues bars of Beale Street, or check out the hipster revival in suburbs like Binghampton and South Main, or just gorge yourself on Tennessee barbecue. Whatever you choose, you'll be wooed by the wild spirit and friendly nature of Memphis.
Don't miss: There's so much musical history here, from the famous Graceland to Sun Studio, where Elvis recorded, to the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum downtown.
When to go: Next year, the 40th anniversary celebrations will make August the best time to visit (see graceland.com).
More: memphistravel.com.
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO
Why you should go: While the tourist hordes have well and truly descended upon the old city of Dubrovnik, in neighbouring Montenegro there's a small amount of solace in Kotor. While the latter city shares the stunning waterfront location, ancient city walls and winding alleyways of its Croatian counterpart, Kotor still carries with it the feeling of untouched charm, particularly if you avoid the July-August holiday rush.
Don't miss: Climb the 1350 steps of Kotor's city wall to enjoy a spectacular vantage point on St John's Hill.
When to go: Summer is beautiful, though popular. Try autumn or spring.
More: visit-montenegro.com.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY
Why you should go: The city affectionately known as "Hypezig" has transformed in the last few years from being a bleak, industrial East German hub into a hotspot of creativity. Reflecting its history as the home of Mendelssohn, Bach and Wagner, Leipzig is now host to a new wave of musicians, artists and designers, giving it the feel of a smaller Berlin.
Don't miss: Catch high art at the Gewandhaus, Leipzig's main concert hall, or view pop art at the Baumwollspinnerei, an industrial area turned arts district.
When to go: May to September.
More: leipzig.travel.
FES, MOROCCO
Why you should go: While political unrest plagues much of northern Africa, Morocco remains a safe, stable exception, making this an ideal time to visit the country, and in particular the ancient city of Fes. Fes seems like it's changed very little in the past few hundred years – its sprawling medina is still packed with shoppers and onlookers, hawkers and touts, the air filled with scents of spice and the screams of merchants peddling their wares.
Don't miss: Spend the night in one of Fes' riads, the old mansions that have been turned into boutique hotels.
When to go: Year-round.
More: visitmorocco.com.
HONG KONG
Why you should go: It was 20 years ago next year that Hong Kong was returned from Britain to the Chinese; however, this city-state still marches to the beat of its own drum. While official celebrations will mark the handover, for most of Hong Kong's residents 2017 will be business as usual: sumptuous meals at the city's tens of thousands of restaurants; long nights in upmarket expat bars; and shopping, shopping, shopping.
Don't miss: Grab a dim sum breakfast at Lin Heung (linheung.com.hk), a restaurant that falls somewhere between a pleasant dining experience and all-out warfare.
When to go: October to April.
More: discoverhongkong.com.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Why you should go: Somewhere in among the horror stories of drug cartels and petty crime, the truth about Mexico City got lost – and that truth is that this place is oozing culture and charm. For examples, check out the boutique hotels and smart eateries in La Condesa district, or the huge Diego Rivera murals in the Bellas Artes gallery, or the former home of Frida Kahlo in Colonia del Carmen, or even the Zocalo, the city's main square.
Don't miss: Spend a few nights at the Red Tree House, a B&B-style hotel that's one of the friendliest places you'll ever stay (theredtreehouse.com).
When to go: March to May.
More: visitmexico.com.
PAPHOS, CYPRUS
Why you should go: This entire town, the mythical birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the former home of Roman nobles, is UNESCO heritage-listed, but that's not the only reason to visit. In 2017 Paphos is one of two European Capitals of Culture (with Aarhus in Denmark), an honour marked with a full year of cultural events, many of them free.
Don't miss: The Paphos Archaeological Park houses ruins of several Roman villas that have large mosaics intact.
When to go: Paphos is great year-round, although summer is most popular.
More: visitpafos.org.cy.