18 Must-Visit Places In 2018

If you're ready to set off on your next big adventure, but you're not sure where to go or what to do, take a look at the following list with suggested destinations and what you can do there.

The Azores, Portugal

It's the best-kept secret since Iceland: a volcanic Eden in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that's still unseen by most travelers. But the isolation won't last.  It's basically an outdoor playground. Rappel down rock faces, hike through dense forest, mountain bike around the crater of a volcano, or get up close and personal with the islands' 27 species of resident whales and dolphins.

Greenland: Half Marathon

Natural Habitat Adventures debuted Base Camp Greenland, a seasonal eco-lodge . When you've had enough of the wilderness, go to the western shore. Check out the glamping retreat Camp Kiattua, which has tents with fireplaces and fur-draped furnishings, and the new Ilimanaq Lodge, which is the Arctic's answer to the overwater bungalow. 

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands boast a landscape of surreal mountains and cliffs, countless waterfalls, grass-roofed houses and dramatic seas—plus thousands of proud puffins, shaggy sheep and diminutive Faroese ponies. 

Kauai, Hawaii

Snorkel around sea caves and see whales, sea turtles, and dolphins. Go on the Waimea Canyon Bike Downhill Tour, and hike Koke'e Awa'awapuhi, Na Pali Coast, and Wailua Falls. You don't want to miss the Ultimate Ranch Tour: It's a magnificent 3-hour Kauai off-road scenic tour through Kipu Ranch.

Belize

Splurge at treat yourself to a once in a lifetime stay at a bungalow on a private island, Cayo Espanto. Swim and snorkel with sharks at Shark Ray Alley. And go cave tubing for a thrilling adventure.

Alaska

Skip the cruise and head straight to Winterlake Lodge which is remote and peaceful. It is along Alaska's Iditarod Trail. Experience the famous Alaska Rail; take a journey to Denali National Park and stay at Denali Backcountry Lodge. Here you will have the best chance to see the big four: Moose, Caribou, wolf, and everybody's favorite, the brown or grizzly bear. Go to Seward to see Orcas, sea otters, and puffins on a boat cruise in the Kenai Fjords. See active salmon spawning and spot a bald eagle while sea kayaking with Sunny Cove Sea Kayaking.  

Bolivia

Bike down Yungas, also known as Death Road; visit the Witches Market; explore the Salar de Uyuni and stay in a salt hotel. See hundreds of flamingos at 14,000 feet at the stunning red lake, Laguna Colorada, and the equally beautiful Laguna Verde.

Greenville, South Carolina

For a cycling retreat and delicious farm-to-table fare head to Hotel Domestique. Explore Paris Mountain State Park and Falls Park, bike or run along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and eat locally at Roost and Nosedive.

Petra, Jordan

With ongoing turbulence across the Middle East, Jordan has seen its visitor numbers plummet in recent years; and while the U.S. State Department has placed a travel warning on Jordan, citing a high terror risk, similar warnings have also been issued for far more visited countries like Germany. Petra remains a safe and stable enclave within the region, rich with ancient monuments. It is home to dramatic natural gorges, temples and tombs carved into the rocks, and winding trails that lead to mountain summits. If you're feeling adventurous, sign up for the Jordan Trail, a 400-mile hiking route.  

Bhutan

Buddhist monasteries are nestled into cliff sides. Colorful prayer flags are flapping in the wind. Rugged peaks are towering over valleys. There are views that are common in Bhutan, one of the most secluded adventure destinations in the world, and there are now more opportunities for travelers to see them. Getting there will be easier, too: Bhutan Airlines, one of only two airlines that fly into the kingdom, is increasing flights in 2018, and a second international airport is under construction. 

Big Sur, California

When historic rainfall pummeled California last February, the damage to Big Sur was severe; mudslides cut off the access to Highway 1 the region's only thoroughfare. Nearly a year later, Big Sur is stirring back to life. Visit the iconic Bixby Bridge along the scenic 17 mile drive, and splurge and stay at the incredible Post Ranch Inn.

France

History buffs know that 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. By all means, visit Paris. But, luckily for the audacious traveler, France still has many lesser-known and underexplored towns, villages, mountains, and parks that offer some of nature's finest. 

Sun Valley, Idaho

Stay at Knob Hill Inn after a day of skiing, mountain biking, or trail running at Adam's Gulch.  Get a spa treatment or go for a swim at the year round indoor/outdoor pool at Zenergy. Eat at Enoteca or Ketchum Grill to fuel you for the next day's adventures.

Finland

Cross off staying in an igloo from your bucket list with a couple of days at the Kakslauttanen and Levin Iglut. Hiking, dog sledding, ice fishing, and Northern Lights chasing are among the most popular adventures tourists embark on.

Salta, Argentina

Most people go to lively Buenos Aires, but Salta, located in the north-west of Argentina, is growing in popularity. Visit the salt flats, go to Cafayate for wine tasting, go hiking in the Hills of Seven Colors, and ride the Train to the Clouds. Also, this old colonial town boats gorgeous architecture

Egypt

Open-minded travelers are slowly returning as the country experiences continuous political stability; luxury tour operators have reported a swift increase in tourism in the past year. Egypt's famous sites are still uncrowded, allowing travelers to have experiences like horseback riding around the Great Sphinx of Giza and touring pyramids with renowned Egyptologists without masses of people. Make sure not to miss the tombs in Luxor.

Slovenia

The home country of first lady Melania Trump is gaining popularity. The wild, beautiful and small Central European nation is known for its mountains and lakes. Most tourists usually go to Lake Bled but the lesser-known Lake Bohinj offers equally awe-inspiring backgrounds. Popular activities in and around this serene lake include fishing, swimming, hiking, and biking.

Rwanda

Rwanda came onto the luxury travel scene in full force when Bisate Lodge opened last June.  A visit to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla tracking and to Akagera, which is home to the Big Five is a must for every adventure traveler and animal lover to experience in their lifetime.