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Where to Travel in 2018, According tothe Experts

Buenos Aires, ArgentinaPhoto: Alamy

Atacama Desert, ChilePhoto: Alamy

Detroit, MichiganPhoto: Alamy

La Laz, BoliviaPhoto: Alamy

Oaxaca, MexicoPhoto: Alamy

RwandaPhoto: Alamy

ZambiaPhoto: Alamy

A new year brings with it a whole new list of plans—and for the intrepid traveler, a

whole new list of places to visit. 2018 is no different: Economies and tourism are

flourishing in far-flung locales that travelers rarely considered previously, while

beloved but forgotten destinations are experiencing sudden cultural resurgences. It

all makes for a whole world’s worth of destinations to consider—from South

American cities on the cusp of becoming culinary meccas to landlocked African

countries that boast surprising waterfront views, to revamped classics closer to

home. Here, 13 places travel experts recommend adding to your list for 2018 and

beyond.

Argentina“Buenos Aires has always been a late-to-bed city where dinner can go into the wee

hours and tango dancing can last until dawn. It’s a city that’s festive and artistic—

so it’s a natural choice as the first Art Basel partner city. The contemporary art

fair, which spurred a whole scene in Miami, is set to take over this Latin American

capital in September of 2018. Plan to be there, maté in hand, as the festivities

unfold.”

—Maria Hart, editor, Oyster.com

“While all eyes are on Argentina’s rising culinary and arts capital of Buenos Aires,

I’m most excited about under-the-radar happenings in the country’s vast north. In

February, Awasi Iguazú is slated to open with 14 villas in northeast Argentina.

Each booking will include a private guide to the area, totally reimagining what

travel to Iguazú Falls will entail. In the northwest, Salta is emerging as an

adventure-travel and oenophile haven. It’s an area so far off the beaten path that

Argentines themselves seldom visit. Flush with serene desert landscapes and

perfect for summer road trips, experiences include high-altitude llama trekking to

salt flats with Say Hueque, horse riding at historical fincas like House of Jasmines,

hikes to the country’s newly-discovered rock art galleries with Autentica Salta, and

luxe stays at properties like Grace Cafayate, which is known for producing the

country’s famed Torrontes, a high altitude white wine varietal that’s incredibly

refreshing.”

—Michaela Trimble, contributor, Vogue.com

Bhutan“Bhutan is going to be on every media outlet’s radar next year thanks to the highly

anticipated upcoming opening of Six Senses Bhutan, a collection of five lodges

spread out over Gangtey, Paro, Punakha, and beyond. It is sure to redefine luxury

travel in the Himalayas.”

—Clara Sedlak, executive editor, Jetsetter

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“The Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary is an amazing new lodge opening in early 2018 near

Paro. There, a focus on wellness is central, and travelers have privileged access to

the Tigers Nest Monastery. Also in Bhutan, the new Six Senses will be opening,

which is terribly exciting for the area.”

—Tom Marchant, founder, Black Tomato Travel

Chile“Chile has been rapidly gaining popularity as a travel destination and 2018 is a

great time to go. From wine tasting to desert camping to fjord jumping, it offers

travelers a range of experiences that vary dramatically from region to region.

There’s never a bad season to visit and it’s more accessible than ever. Santiago has

flourished in recent years as an artistic and culinary capital, and the Atacama

Desert has certainly put Chile in the international spotlight as a stargazing mecca.

With such diversity, it’s an impossible country to define—there’s something for

every kind of traveler.”

—Daniel Houghton, CEO, Lonely Planet

“Chile’s Colchagua Valley is often overshadowed by neighboring valleys like

Casablanca and Maipo, but the Colchagua region is special for a very specific

reason: Due to the soil and terroir, it only produces red wine varietals. With

quaint country homes and an area largely free from traffic, it’s a joy to cycle to

familial wineries like the organic and biodynamic Neyen, the Grand Marnier–

owned Clos Apalta, and small-batch producer Clos Santa Ana. Plus, you can stay

at the luxurious Viña Vik and Relais & Châteaux property Lapostolle before

venturing to Hotel Alaia, where you can surf and practice yoga to your heart’s

content.”

—Michaela Trimble, contributor, Vogue.com

Comporta, Portugal“Comporta is truly the new Ibiza, where a bygone casual elegance, sophistication,

and barefoot luxury reign. It’s the ultimate summer destination. Going to

Comporta means escaping the glitterati crowds and you’ll immediately see its

quaint village appeal in the stunning villas—many of which are owned by Lisbon’s

well heeled—dotting the landscape. The elegant and understated Sublime will put

you at ease and the soft, white-sand beaches are unfettered and unspoiled. It all

makes Comporta a must for 2018.”

—Tom Marchant, founder, Black Tomato Travel

Detroit, Michigan“The world-class Art Deco architecture, Motown music scene, and automotive

history have always made the city a standout, but thanks to recent economic

growth, the city now offers plenty of top-notch dining, hospitality, and

entertainment options as well. So many American Rust Belt cities are experiencing

a renaissance right now, but not all of them have managed to preserve their

distinctive character the way Detroit has. There’s no city like it in the world.”

—Trisha Ping, editor, Lonely Planet

“People have been talking about it for a while, but 2018 will finally be Detroit’s

year. There’s a new Shinola Hotel opening up soon, as well as the chic Siren

Hotel. The QLine Streetcar just launched, so it’s easier to get around the city and

hundreds more development projects are in the works for 2018.”

—Clara Sedlak, executive editor, Jetsetter

Lake Malawi, Malawi“Malawi is wonderful and unusual—though the landlocked country might seem so

far from this fact. Lake Malawi is sprawling and the surrounding landscapes offer

safaris teeming with endemic wildlife and an absence of crowds—or really, any

other travelers. Stay at Kaya Mawa; it boasts incredible villas in a breathtaking,

waterfront setting. If you can time it right, try to go in September when Lake

Malawi’s Lake of Stars Festival, which celebrates music, arts, and culture, is on.

You won’t disappointed.”

—Tom Marchant, founder, Black Tomato Travel

La Paz, Bolivia“Bolivia is pulsing with the energy of a country on the verge. While the country is

known for dramatic, otherworldly scenery (the Salar de Uyuni salt flats are quickly

topping bucket lists), its cultural capital, La Paz, is just hitting its stride. Framed by

the jagged Andes mountains, the fun, soulful city has recently emerged as a foodie

capital. Danish chef and Noma cofounder Claus Meyer launched an award-

winning eatery and social enterprise, Melting Pot Foundation, which aims to train

local people in the food services business. The resulting destination restaurants,

plus two luxury hotel openings and a resurgence of La Paz’s historic center make

Bolivia a must-visit for 2018, especially for nature lovers and gourmands.”

—Melissa Bradley, founder, Indagare Travel

Milan, Italy“Brimming with attitude and sophistication, Milan is no longer the stopover

destination that it once was. ‘The only city that works in Italy’—as it’s sometimes

called—is also the country’s chicest and most modern metropolis. It has bloomed

in recent years as a design-lover’s mecca. In 2015, the Milan Expo put the city on

the map as a stand-alone destination and with the recent opening of the Prada

Foundation and Armani Museum, as well as the ongoing success of the yearly

Salone dei Mobile furniture fair, the city has officially debuted on the world’s

stage. Add in a collection of ultra-luxurious hotels, innovative Italian cuisine, and

some of the best architecture in Europe, and the city’s momentum shows no signs

of stopping.”

—Melissa Bradley, founder, Indagare Travel

Oaxaca, Mexico“I can’t say enough good things about Oaxaca, and it’s not just because of the

mezcal. Thanks to that spirit’s rapid worldwide growth, tourist activity to its home

state of Oaxaca is quickly increasing. The vibe in Oaxaca is a bit like that of Venice

Beach in California—a bohemian artists’ community splashed with neon-hued

walls, frequent street art, and some of the absolute best food and drink in all of

Mexico. There are beautiful hotels in the region (Quinta Real, Hotel Escondito),

excellent restaurants (Origen, Enrique Olivera’s Criollo), and of course prime

drinking (Montelobos, Mezcaloteca), much of which is within a few blocks of

downtown Oaxaca City.”

—Kat Odell, contributor, Vogue.com

Panama“Panama will continue to top travelers’ wish lists in 2018—and with tons of direct

flights from JFK and LAX on Copa, it’s never been easier to go. The perfect

itinerary would start in Panama City at one of the beautiful new hotels opening in

2018 such as Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Resort. After some urban

exploration, finish your trip with some R&R at Islas Secas, a tiny cluster of private

island eco-lodges off Panama’s unspoiled Pacific coast.”

—Todd Plummer, contributor, Vogue.com

Rwanda“Although most travelers head to this landlocked country to see the endangered

mountain gorillas—a wildlife experience that is unlike any other—it is the resilient

spirit of the people and the beauty of the landscapes that make so many vow to

return. In fact, this central African country delivers an incredible amount of

optimism and promise: two things that are too scarce in the world today. Twenty-

three years after the horrifying genocide, Rwanda has emerged as a beacon of

hope, and its positive progress is drawing everyone from luxury tour operators to

world leaders and conservationists, all of whom are visiting to get a dose of

inspiration. These days, guests can now experience a new level of comfort, as the

first five-star lodge in Rwanda, Bisate Eco Lodge, opened in June. A Singita

property is in the works as well.”

—Melissa Bradley, founder, Indagare Travel

“After two decades off the radar, Rwanda couldn’t seem to stay out of the

headlines this year. It’s hard to say which feeds the other: Newfound optimism for

an economy on the rise, or a newfound interest in gorilla tourism. Kigali, its

capital, has become something of a boomtown thanks to a wave of new hotels,

restaurants, and open-air bars that are drawing increasing amounts of tourists.

One of the year’s biggest hotel openings, Wilderness Safaris’ Bisate Eco Lodge,

introduced a whole new level of luxury to the region: Its six thatched villas feature

soaking tubs and sweeping views and sit less than 10 miles from Volcanoes

National Park, which is home to half the world’s mountain gorilla population.

(Two other openings, One&Only Nyungwe House and One&Only Gorilla’s Nest,

are slated to open in late 2017 and 2018, respectively.) Despite Rwanda’s gorilla

permit cost doubling from $750 to $1,500 a person last May, the experience of

seeing these endangered creatures remains as sought-after as ever.”

—Clara Sedlak, executive editor, Jetsetter

Santa Barbara, California“Santa Barbara has always been an idyllic escape, but recently the city has traded

its signature sleepy glamour for something a bit more lively. This newfound energy

is especially apparent along the waterfront, where the gorgeously designed Hotel

Californian opened just a few months ago. The hotel’s three mission-style

buildings include a spa, rooftop pool, and impressive Mediterranean-influenced

restaurant helmed by Per Se and French Laundry alum Alexander La Motte.

Located on a previously underdeveloped stretch of lower State Street just one

block from the main beach, the hotel makes an ideal base from which to explore

the city’s pedestrian-friendly streets as well as other recent additions: the newly

opened Museum of Exploration and Innovation, the trendy restaurants and

galleries of the Funk Zone warehouse district, and the ever-growing number of

tasting rooms on the Urban Wine Trail. At the Four Seasons Biltmore, which

celebrated its 90th anniversary last year, guests can experience a slice of Santa

Barbara’s golden-era Hollywood past by whiling the day away on a pink lounge

chair at the historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club overlooking the cliffs of

Butterfly Beach, while those looking for a peek into the town’s future would do

well to book a room at the secluded Rosewood Miramar Beach Montecito, set to

open in 2018.”

—Christina Pérez, contributor, Vogue.com

Zambia“2018 will be a great year for buzz-worthy new properties in Zambia such

as Chundu Island, a waterfront lodge on an in the Zambezi near Victoria Falls,

and King Lewanika, a new camp in the game-rich Liuwa Plains. Those interested

in supporting wildlife conservation can visit—or plan an extended stay by

volunteering with—Game Rangers International, which operates several elephant

facilities, including an orphanage near Lusaka and an anti-poaching unit in the

heart of beautiful Kafue National Park.”

—Todd Plummer, contributor, Vogue.com

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