Travel trends for 2017: Where should you venture next?

24 Jan 2017

With adventure and multi-generational travel on the rise, smart travellers are no longer content with a generic, all-inclusive hotel holiday. If you're looking to enjoy your retirement by getting out of your comfort zone, here is where you should venture next.

Iceland

Home to glaciers, waterfalls, puffins, the famous Blue Lagoon and the magical Northern Lights, nature lovers and adventurers will fall in love with this Nordic nation. With breathtaking scenery at every turn, there are plenty of outdoor walks to enjoy. And for those who are feeling extra adventurous, the national dish hákarl – or fermented shark meat – has a strong ammonia smell and fishy taste.

Tip: Invest in a rubber grip for your shoes and plastic-tipped hiking poles for those icy walks.

Myanmar

After being closed off for so many years, Myanmar is now one of the few places in Asia where you can still enjoy an authentic Eastern experience. The landscape remains untouched, traditional customs are still part of everyday life, and sacred sites, monasteries and pagodas abound. It’s a culture rich in history that will intrigue both young and old.

Tip: Don’t miss the ancient city of Bagan, where over 2200 temples and pagodas from the 11th and 13th centuries still stand.

Colombia

Having shaken off its undeserved reputation as a place to avoid due to cartels, Colombia is a great place for travellers seeking adventure and those simply looking to unwind. Whether you want to camp in the tree-tops of the Amazon, sample some of the best coffee beans in the world, or relax on the Caribbean shores of Cartagena, it’s no mystery why this country is hailed as South America’s best kept secret.

Tip: Arrive hungry. Colombian cuisine – a mixture of Caribbean, Indigenous Chibcha, Spanish, African, Arab and Asian influences – is not to be missed.

Esperance, WA

With turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and a temperate climate all year round, Esperance is Western Australia’s own slice of paradise. It offers plenty of beaches, walking trails, and fishing spots, and is just a 45 minute drive from Cape le Grand National Park. Located 720 km southeast of Perth, this picturesque coastal town is the ideal destination for a family holiday, with Cape Le Grand National Park only a 45mins drive away, and beaches, walk trails and fishing spots aplenty.

Tip: Consider hiring a car so you can experience the stunning coastline scenery that’s worth every minute of the eight hour drive from Perth.

Tasmania

The so-called Apple Isle is a must for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be able to indulge in fresh seafood, fine wine and tasty desserts, then stroll through the World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Or get your culture on at the Museum of Old and New Art, which boasts Australia’s largest privately owned art collection, and dip your toes in the crystal clear waters of Oyster Bay.

Tip: Tassie is known for its unpredictable climate, so pack a warm jacket.