In 2018, you're going to need your passport–and your sense of adventure. Our top destinations to visit this year will have you heading out on safari, exploring historic Eastern Europe and South America, tapping into Scandinavia's natural wonders, sunbathing on the beaches of Asia and Africa and discovering hidden gems both at home and abroad.
NEW ZEALAND
There is far more to New Zealand than the set of Lord of the Rings. Yes, the landscape is beautiful—the beaches are pristine, the mountains are dramatic, the countryside is idyllic—but it's the food, wine, under-the-radar shopping, and quirky culture that keeps repeat visitors (and locals) coming back for more. We highly recommend spending a week in the spring traveling down the country's truly magical wine trail. Starting in Napier, you can either drive yourself or take a tour down the North Island before crossing the Cook Straight on a car ferry to Picton, where you'll pass through the famous Marlborough Sounds to end in Blenheim.
If you're a nature lover, The Queen Charlotte Track is one of New Zealand's best hiking spots. For those who don't like camping, there is a variety of luxury accommodation and dining available along the track, complete with water transport services that will transfer your luggage each day. For skiing, head straight to the South Island and marvel at the mountains in Queenstown and Wanaka. Cosmopolitans and country-lovers alike will adore Auckland. While there, shop Karangahape Road (K' Road to locals and those in the know), Grey Lynn and Ponsonby.
Where to Stay: Many of the wineries have accommodation on site—we recommend Black Barn Luxury Retreats and Craggy Range Vineyard Cottages in the Hawkes Bay area, Vynfields in Martinborough, and French Fieldsin Marlborough. If you're on the Queen Charlotte Track, don't miss staying at the Bay of Many Coves, only accessible by boat or walking the track. While skiing, we recommend a stay at Matakauri Lodge. Simply love finding unique places to stay? Take your pick from Treetops Lodge and Estate, The Boatshed on Waiheke Island, Hapuku Lodge and Treehouses, or Minaret Station. While in Auckland, stay at Hotel DeBrett or choose an interesting AirBnb just outside the city. In Wellington, try Ohtel and take in the harbor views and world-renowned museums, like Te Papa, before shopping and eating along Cuba Street.
When to Go: The time of year you visit (June-September is winter; December-February is summer) will determine the kind of trip you take, so think ahead to what excites you most.