Where Every Travel Expert and Outlet Says to Go in 2018
With the start of a new year, many travelers have already begun making lists of their travel plans for 2018, plotting out everything from three-day weekends to off-the-grid getaways.
Travel publications and industry experts have also done the same, offering their recommendations for the best places to go this year. Travel + Leisure has its own stellar list, and along with our own recommendations, we've compiled a list of all of the top places recommended by publications and experts from National Geographic to The New York Times to the U.S. Tour Operators Association.
Related: Travel + Leisure's 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018
To qualify for this super-list, these destinations had to be recommended at least four times. We've broken down the exact cities, national parks, and even waterfalls that will make 2018 the best year of travel yet.
Japan
T+L recommends the Iya Valley, which offers its turquoise Class Four rapids for adventure travelers. Fodor's and AFAR both recommend Tokyo, where visitors can admire the futuristic cityscape, sample sushi, and shop at some of the most unique stores around. Travelers looking for something off the beaten path should check out the Kii Peninsula, recommended by Lonely Planet.
Ireland
Dublin is a great destination for book lovers, whiskey aficionados, or anyone looking for a city vacation, and Fodor's and National Geographic agree. Travelers seeking steep cliff views and charming villages should head to County Clare, Frommer's suggests.
France
France has long been one of the top destinations for tourists around the world, and 2018 is no exception. Fodor's, Lonely Planet, AFAR, the U.S. Tour Operators Association, Luxury Travel Agents, and DK Eyewitness Travel all agree. The New York Times suggests the lesser-known village of Megève in the French Alps.
Mexico
Despite a devastating earthquake in Mexico City in 2017, this country's tourism rebounded quickly, continuing to draw visitors looking to appreciate the vibrant art city in the capital or explore stunning beaches. Nine different outlets put Mexican destinations on their lists, making it tied with Australia as the top recommended place.
Canada
T+L's Destination of the Year saw love from multiple publications, particularly for its spectacular natural beauty. National Geographic suggested a visit to Labrador, and Fodor's listed Prince Edward Island as a top pick.
New Zealand
Up to 24 hours of travel time from the U.S. is not enough to deter travelers from its vast beaches, welcoming people, and abundance of wildlife. Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Luxury Travel Agents, and ABTA all agree. Adventurers can check out the mud baths in Rotorua, New Zealand, according to The Times.
Argentina
Hike in the Jujuy Province, selected by National Geographic, or explore the European-inspired city of Buenos Aires, as recommended by T+L, Fodor's, and Robb Report.
Italy
Italy offers something new for visitors, whether it's the first, second, or twentieth time to the country. Try Ischia (Fodor's), Matera (Lonely Planet), or the Aeolian Islands (Lonely Planet),
South Korea
Set as the home to the 2018 Winter Olympics, there's no better time to visit Pyeongchang. T+L, Robb Report, and AFAR all recommend it.
South Africa
Five outlets suggested South Africa for 2018 travel. The country offers diverse destinations, from wildlife reserves to vineyards to scenic roadtrip routes.
Morocco
T+L, Robb Report, and Fodor's all recommend Marrakesh, a city known for its sprawling souks, or markets. Lonely Planet recommended the lesser known port city of Essaouira.
Australia
Tied with Mexico for the top recommended place to visit, suggested activities ranged from people watching at Bondi Beach to scuba diving near the Great Barrier Reef.
Malta
Malta's famous azure window may have collapsed last year, but the island nation still has plenty to offer, and it was rated as one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Europe.
India
Check out the Lahaul and Spiti districts for breathtaking mountain views, according to Lonely Planet, or head to the ancient city of Madurai, according to Frommer's.
Mauritius
The East African island of Mauritius might not yet be on your 2018 travel list, but with its waterfalls, national parks, and exotic plant gardens, it should be.
Spain
Returning visitors to Spain can explore beyond the mainstays of Madrid and Barcelona to check out Bilbao (Fodor's), Seville (Lonely Planet), or Lanzarote in the Canary Islands (Lonely Planet). The New York Times suggested Spain's wine region of Ribera del Duero, only an hour away from Madrid via high-speed train.
China
Visit the Du Fu Thatched Cottage in Chengdu or explore the bustling city of Shanghai. With more than 3.7 million square miles in China, you will never run out of new places to see.
Germany
Robb Report, Lonely Planet, and Frommers all suggested Hamburg, the second-largest German city. For a slower pace, travel to Bayreuth in Bavaria.
Jordan
Jordan remains a safe and welcoming country to visit — the perfect destination for history buffs to explore Petra or the lesser-known Jerash.
Chile
AFAR recommends Torres Del Paine National Park and National Geographic suggested the Chilean capital of Santiago.
U.K.
London is an amazing destination for culture, food, and shopping, but the U.K. is much more than just London. Explore favorite filming spots from “Game of Thrones” in Belfast, or check out England's Lake District, per Frommer's' recommendation.
Colombia
T+L recommends the Pacific Coast for fishing villages and eco-lodges, and Bookingdotcom suggests Bogota. You can't go wrong.
California
The Golden State saw some of the worst wildfires in its history this year, with separate fires damaging the Los Angeles region as well as Northern wine country. Almost all attractions in the state have already reopened to visitors, with AFAR suggesting a trip to Northern California's wine country and T+L suggesting Big Sur among its top places to visit.
Texas
Head to the Lone Star State and visit Austin for BBQ and live music, or San Antonio for their scenic Riverwalk.
