Top Five Luxury Destinations for 2018

A new year means new adventures. If your resolution was to travel more, consider discovering a destination you might’ve once looked over. It’s time to revisit your bucket list and revise your plans because we’ve got the top five luxury destinations you need to explore in 2018.

Japan
With the 2020 Olympics in sight, Japan has recently seen an increase in tourism. There’s historic temples, castles, gardens, architecture, bustling nightlife—need I say more? Japan is a unique travel destination in that it combines ancient culture with modern influences and breathtaking natural landscapes.

The two most famous cities are Tokyo and Kyoto, named by Condé Nast Traveler readers the No. 1 and No. 2 best cities in the world. Respectively, spring is the most popular time to visit either of these cities because of Japan’s infamous cherry blossom season. But overall, there really is no bad time to visit. For a further look into Japan, one that goes beyond its major hubs, check out Seto Inland Sea which is considered Japan’s Mediterranean equivalent or the Okinawa Islands, a popular vacation spot for visitors where they can swim with whale sharks, eat a bowl of soba or surf the swell.

Photo by journeytags.com

South Africa
Cape Town is home to wine lands and some of the world’s best restaurants. If a picnic atop Table Mountain suits your fancy—we say give it a go! South Africa also has renowned beaches along its coastline and of course, plenty of safari opportunities. We recommend a trip to Kruger National Park, Sodwana Bay (and its coral reefs), and the Valley of Desolation at Camdeboo National Park.

Photo by flickr.com

Croatia
A top European luxury destination, Croatia boasts a plethora of stunning natural attractions and year-round sunny weather. It has its fare share of medieval, historic-style cities like Zagreb and Dubrovnik, but tourists come and stay for the falls. Inside of Krka National Park, there is a series of seven waterfalls and similarly, if you take a trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park, there’s a series of 16 interconnected lakes that change colors. Split is Croatia’s second largest city and a major port for cruises. Its point of interest is Diocletian’s Palace, but there’s also white water rafting, rock climbing and sailing tours.

Photo by huckfinncroatia.com

Morocco
If sand dunes in the Sahara and markets in Marrakech peak your interest, Morocco is the place. Desert adventures are expected to be all the rage in 2018, so get ready to climb aboard a 4×4 or trek along on the back of a camel. A more luxury Moroccan excursion is a visit to Jardin Majorelle, a garden once created by an artist and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint-Laurent.

Photo by bladi.net

Ireland
Popularized by the latest Star Wars and the highly-favored Game of Thrones, Ireland is more than just a place to study abroad. Belfast’s new Titanic Quarter offers an urban retreat, with an architectural headquarters that features large-scale modern sculptures lining the streets. In 2018, Ireland will also focus on highlighting its most iconic sights including the Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland’s Ancient East and the Causeway Coastal Route. Highly sought-after spots like Emerald Isle, known for its “forty shades of green”, and the Cliffs of Moher somehow still remained unspoiled for those who have never been, and boy do we hope to go.

Photo by ireland.com