The start of a new year always has me dreaming of possibilities, namely the possibility of where to go. Do I want to experience the Scandinavian charm of Stockholm, go gorilla trekking in Rwanda or live la dolce vita on Italy’s Amalfi coast? (In case you were wondering the answers are yes, yes, and yes). There is a whole wide world out there to explore and it can be hard to narrow down where I’d like to go, but each of the following destinations has caught my eye. These are the 16 places on my radar for 2016.
Quebec City, Canada
Cobblestone streets, 18th century buildings and a grand chateau; Quebec City is a haven of French culture in North America. Quebec City’s European charms are enough to draw any traveler but this UNESCO world heritage city is an enchanting blend of culture, world class cuisine and romantic old world neighborhoods. Spectacular scenery and outdoor activities can be found just minutes from town.
Photo credit: Lillie Marshall-Around the World “L”
Savannah, Georgia
Sinuous oaks laced with Spanish moss grace cobblestone streets that meander past grand antebellum homes; no city has more Southern charm then Savannah. The largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, Savannah transports you to a more genteel era. While there is plenty of sweet tea and biscuits to be had, a new wave of chefs is pushing boundaries while staying true to Savannah’s Southern roots.
Photo Credit: J. Conn
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Chile is a country that is full of other-worldly landscapes but perhaps none quite as surreal as the Atacama desert. Volcanoes and salt flats dot the landscape of the world’s driest desert but a surprising number of wildlife, including vicuna and flamingo, call this arid terrain home.
Photo credit: Elena Soninno:Live,Do,Grow
Singapore
From the futuristic trees at the Gardens by the Bay and the stunning sky high infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands hotel to the historic fishing island of Palau Ubin, Singapore seamlessly blends modern and traditional. With a confluence of Malay, Indian and Chinese flavors Singapore may be the best place to eat in Southeast Asia.
Photo Credit: Stefan Arestis: Nomadic Boys
Rwanda
Rwanda is emerging as a top eco-tourism destination and there is no better place to view the endangered mountain gorilla than Volcanoes National Park. Aside from from the spectacular wildlife viewing you can also find out where your favorite morning drink comes from. Rwanda’s volcanic soil and mild climate are ideal for both tea and coffee and you can tour plantations throughout the country.
Photo credit: Bret Love-Green Global Travel
Stockholm,Sweden
Stylish and reserved, modern and traditional; Stockholm has mastered the art of balance. The Swedish capital is built across an archipelago of 14 islands and boasts an easily walkable medieval old town graced with museums, churches and palaces. The food scene has kept pace with its Scandinavian neighbors, Michelin- starred New Nordic restaurants coexist with cozy cafes where locals meet for an afternoon break of coffee and pastries known as fika.
Photo Credit: Marissa Sutera- Little Things Travel
Grenada
The three islands that make up Grenada are the nature lover’s Caribbean. Home to wide, unspoiled beaches where sea turtles nest and a vast rainforest perfect for hiking, bird watching and river tubing; Grenada invites you to experience the Caribbean the way it used to be.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons Flickr/TonyHisgett
Hobart, Tasmania
Dynamic wines, creative farm-to-table cuisine, and an outdoor playground at it’s doorstep there’s no doubt Hobart is having a moment. Start your day with a hike at Mt. Wellington, located just 20 minutes from downtown, where you can take in dramatic views of Hobart, Bruny Island and the Tasman Peninsula. Visit local vineyards where you can sample award winning Pinot Noirs and end your day with the flavors of Tasmania at one of the world class restaurants on Elizabeth street.
Photo credit: Megan Jerrard-Mapping Megan
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee offers big city fun with a dose of Midwestern hospitality. Craft beer, cheese and traditional German sausage are a hallmark of the city’s dining scene but don’t be fooled, hosting two Michelin starred restaurants and several James Beard award winning chefs Milwaukee can satisfy the pickiest of palates. Explore downtown with a stroll along Milwaukee’s RiverWalk and in late June be sure to check out Summerfest, the largest music festival in the U.S.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons Flickr/JimBauer
Quito, Ecuador
Nestled high in the Andes Quito is mistakenly overlooked by travelers on their way to the Galapagos or Amazon. Located 9,350 feet above sea level on the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano the views aren’t the only reason you’ll be breathless. The historic center is the largest in South America with charming plazas, restored mansions-turned-hotels, museums and over 40 colonial churches.
Photo credit: Creative Commons Flickr/ZacharyGarces
Positano, Italy
Positano bites deep. It is a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you have gone.” – John Steinbeck
Confection colored buildings dot steep cliffs that tumble into the impossibly blue waters of the Mediterranean. Lemon and bougainvillea scent the air in Positano. Romantic alleys lead to intimate plazas or dazzling ocean views; plates of fritto misto di mare are chased with limoncello. This is la dolce vita.
Photo credit: Katie Gard- Domestiphobia
Okinawa, Japan
White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and…….Japanese palaces? This is Okinawa. Boasting a tropical climate and its own culture distinct from mainland Japan, Okinawa is an often overlooked destination for travelers to Asia. Explore the 15th century Shuri Castle, dive famed coral reefs and experience the birthplace of karate before the crowds discover this Japanese gem.
Photo credit: Jessica van Dop DeJesus- The Dining Traveler
Barcelona,Spain
Barcelona, the sultry capital city of Spain’s Catalonia region, is a beguiling city. A conflux of architectural styles, from the labyrinthine Gothic Quarter to the whimsical works of Antoni Gaudi are but one facet of Barcelona. Sun soaked Mediterranean beaches, a dynamic art scene and one of the world’s most creative dining scenes keep visitors returning to this enchanting city time and again.
Photo credit: Charles McCool- McCool Travel
Boquete, Panama
Boquete is a land of eternal spring. The lushly green mountains in Panama’s verdant north may be best known for coffee, including the exclusive (and pricey) Geisha; while adventure lovers come for the rainforest treks, whitewater rafting and hot springs. Boquete is also a haven for birders, many coming with binoculars in hand hoping to catch a glimpse of the vibrantly plumed resplendent quetzal.
Photo credit: Melody Pittman- Wherever I May Roam Blog
Yellowstone National Park
The U.S. National Park system celebrates its 100th birthday this year and I can’t think of a better way to honor what’s been called “America’s best idea” than a visit to the park that started it all- Yellowstone. Magnificent geysers, stunning waterfalls and unparalleled wildlife viewing make Yellowstone a destination everyone can enjoy.
Photo credit: Chris Boothman- A Brit and a Southerner
Patti says
I love your list! I want to visit most of these destinations soon (especially San Pedro de Atacama) and some I have already visited and love (Singapore and Rwanda). I have plans to visit Savannah in March but the rest might have to wait until after 2016 for me. Hope you are able to visit as many of these as possible this year.
Brianna says
Thanks Patti, March is supposed to be a great time to visit Savannah.
Kevin Wagar says
Grenada is beautiful and calm and nearly absent from tourists which makes it a great spot for a beach vacation. The Atacama on the other hand, that is like travelling to a different planet. Many times I would be walking and then I would just stop and stare at the landscape around me thinking “I can’t believe I’m here”.
Brianna says
You’ve highlighted the exact reasons both of these places have piqued my interest.
Svet Dimitrov says
Great! My brother and his fiancée have just visited the Atacama desert and they were flabbergasted by its beauty!
Happy travels in 2016!
Brianna says
I keep hearing more and more good things about the Atacama.
Kaylene Chadwell says
I visited San Pedro this past year! It’s incredible, such a fun place to explore! I hope you make it there this year 🙂
Brianna says
Any sights to recommend?
Sue Reddel says
Terrific travel list for 2016. I’d highly recommend Milwaukee & Quebec City they’re both wonderful places to visit with exceptional culinary choices. If you haven’t been to Traverse City, Michigan you might want to add that too.
Brianna says
My husband is from Michigan and we defintely want to stop by Traverse City. If its good enough for Mario Batali, its good enough for me.
Alouise says
All of these places look fantastic, and I haven’t been to any of them yet. Time to start planning some travels.
Brianna says
So many places, so little time!
Sarah Morrison says
Awesome list! Glad to see my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin made the list.
Brianna says
I’ve got a wedding there this summer, it looks to be a lot of fun!
Jesper, The Biveros Effect says
Thank you for a nice list, nice to see that you have included Stockholm 🙂
Brianna says
I love Scandinavia and definitely need to explore more of it.
Jesper, The Biveros Effect says
No doubt, but if you end up in Sweden, make sure that you see more than only Stockholm. There is so much more to see and there is a big difference between big cities like Stockholm and the smaller towns. 🙂
Brianna says
Most definitely! I always try to include some time in a smaller town or natural area on any big trip.
BonBon says
Great list:) Definitely Granada:) such a beautiful place and yeah… still unspoiled:) If you decide to go, lemme know coz I have local friends there… I can help you with your booking as well. Enjoy 2016… Safe travels. xoxo
Brianna says
Will do!
Alice Teacake says
I can vouch for Singapore! It’s a really fun place and though on the surface looks like it’s going to be a serious dent in your travel budget, you can still see all of the sights very well by walking around and not paying to get into everything.
Brianna says
I just really want to go to Singapore to eat!
Anda says
Wow, a very ambitious list, Brianna! Hope you’ll get to see at least some of these gorgeous travel destinations. I surely want to go to the TBEX meeting in Stockholm next summer, so maybe we’ll meet there.
Brianna says
If we both make it to TBEX Stockholm I’d love to meet up!
Ashley says
What a diverse selection! I’m jealous! I imagine all the very different places keep you inspired.
Brianna says
Its a big, big world!
Brenda Tolentino says
Great list for 2016, Brianna. As for us, we are going to France this month, we’re looking into Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain, Scotland, Ireland, Luxembourg and the list goes on.
Brianna says
Looks like you have a great year ahead!
Jackie says
A list of great places to have on your 2016 travel radar, for sure! Barcelona is such a fun city. There are so many sights, great places to eat, and exciting nightlife to experience. The Atacama Desert would be amazing to see. Chile is such a beautiful country. Hoping to make it to Stockholm this summer, too!
Brianna says
South America is calling my name!
Travelwith2ofus says
You made some good choices there. Let’s compare to our list. We have Grenada, Panama, Ecuador and Chile. So who knows we may meet up after all.
Brianna says
It looks like there’s a good chance, happy travels!
Lesley says
You have some of my favorite places in the world on your list, but gorilla trekking might top the list. It was an amazing and beautiful experience. Will you visit Uganda as well? Many treks include both countries.
Brianna says
Still working out my travels, but we’ll see what happens!
Fiona @ London-Unattached says
terrific list. I’ve already been to Barcelona this year but then it’s just a hop across the channel for me (and I did only go for the day!). Quito is my favourite tip!
Brianna says
Any tips for Quito?
Melody Pittman says
Quito and Quebec City are on my radar, too. From your list, my #1 choice would be Amalfi Coast. It is simply FABULOUS!! Grenada is beautiful and cheap so you can just hop over there when you have a long weekend. Stockholm is amazing, beautiful and full of cultural lovelies. Of course I am a bit partial to BOQUETE, Panama. 😉 I think everyone should try to visit ME there. 😉
Brianna says
Just have the coffee ready for me when I come!
Vicky and Buddy says
I can tell you that Quito is a beautiful city, just make sure you’re ready for some altitude sickness lol. In 2016 I’ll be going to California, Ireland, and Denmark for sure. Who knows what other last minute weekend plans will come up though 😉
Brianna says
Let me know if you need any tips for Denmark, I loved it!
Vanessa says
Come, come, come to Quebec City! I promise you that it’s beauty has not be exaggerated in the least!
Brianna says
Been wanting to get to QC, fingers crossed!
Himanshu says
All are awesome but Grenada& Barcelona are intriguing.
You must come to India also.
Look forward to your tarvel tales from these 16 places.
Brianna says
I’d love to see Jaipur and the Taj Mahal!
Kimberly Erin says
So stoked to see that San Pedro is at the top of your list!! I moved there a few years ago and love it! ALSO Shout out to canada! Quebec city is amazzzzzzzzzzzzing! and when you go to Georgia! Make sure to check out Saint Simmons Island and Jeckyll Isaldn..sure to be a fav… promise 🙂
Brianna says
I’ve heard fabulous things about Saint Simons!
Amanda Zeisset says
There’s some great travel inspiration in here! Rwanda is high on my list.
Brianna says
Rwanda should be high on any adventurers list.
Alyssa | Adjust Your Focus™ says
Great list! I visited Barcelona and Yellowstone in 2015, both were amazing! Cheers to 2016 and Happy Travels! Sounds like you have a lot of exciting things planned 🙂
Brianna says
Happy travels to you as well!
Christina Wagar says
Great list! We also want to make it to Yellowstone this year. I highly recommend Grenada! We had a great time.
Brianna says
Grenada seems just like the Caribbean I want.
Corinne says
I would love Rhwanda! Gorillas! Love this kind of dreamy post!
Brianna says
Dreaming about travel is almost as fun as the trips themselves!
Arnie says
Just got back from Savannah. Loved it! Hoping to make Quebec City this summer. Looking forward to that!
Brianna says
Hoping to make it to Savannah soon myself!