Top 10 destinations for 2018

Ten of the best holiday spots to visit in the coming year.

By Lauren Reid
Last updated on: November 6, 2017 at 4:02 pm

Check your passport and pack your suitcase – it’s time for a holiday. Here are our top 10 destinations to visit in 2018, as picked by RAA’s very own travel agents.

Buenos Aires & Iguazu Falls, Argentina

Lauren Davidson, Modbury Shop

It’s hard to pick just one spot to visit in South America, so why not try two? Buenos Aires – Argentina’s vibrant capital – is the home of tango so make sure you pack some comfy footwear for dancing. Browse the craft markets for a unique souvenir, and take some snaps of the stunning European-influenced architecture. The La Boca area, with its brightly painted buildings, is great for ticking off food, music and markets, so don’t miss it.

And then there’s Iguazu. Stay on the Argentinian side to avoid needing another visa, and give yourself a full day (or two) to explore. My favourite views were from the crest and also the amazing ‘Devil’s Throat’.

Yosemite National Park - one of RAA's top destinations for 2018.
Yosemite National Park - one of RAA's top destinations for 2018.

Yosemite National Park, USA

Rena Lombardi, Elizabeth Shop

Yosemite National Park (pictured above) is perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, no matter how young or old. It’s not just for hikers, either.

Take an open-air tram tour, have a leisurely picnic, go for a bike ride, take an art workshop at the Yosemite Art Centre or stop in at one of the many visitor centres to learn about the flora and fauna of the park.

Even though spring is considered the best time to catch Yosemite in all its glory, it’s worth considering a winter visit if you’re a keen skier or snowboarder.

Porto, Portugal

Amber Plail, Colonnades Shop

Portugal is like Spain’s cool little sister, and it only takes one glance at their famous blue painted tiles (Azulejos) to see why. You can see them for free on the exterior of the Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina (pictured above).

Porto is also known – funnily enough – for its port, so it’s well worth trying a couple of the port wine caves along the riverfront while you’re there.

Livraria Lello bookstore is a delight for literature and architecture-lovers alike, but the lines can be crazy, so you might want to fuel up on a Francesinha (a giant layered sandwich/doorstop hybrid) to tide you over.

The famous tiled exterior of the Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina - Bolhao, Porto, Portugal.
The famous tiled exterior of the Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina - Bolhao, Porto, Portugal.

Gansu Province, China

Michelle Twigger, Victor Harbor Shop

Gansu is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Chinese culture but get off the beaten track of Beijing or Shanghai. It’s home to the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in China, which you can find at Dafo Temple.

There’s also a lot of contrasting scenery in this area of China, from grasslands to gorges, to caves and mountains.

Chinese visa requirements can be confusing and the process can be lengthy. Tourists sometimes fear getting around China beyond the big cities. However, it’s well worth the extra planning, so ask your travel consultant for their top tips.

Honolulu, Hawaii

Narissa Swaker, Mount Gambier Shop

Hawaii’s always popular with sun-seeking families, and now’s a great time to visit thanks to regular cheap flight deals. Waikiki Beach is a classic, and it’s certainly worth doing the Waikiki Trolley tour and hitting up the Cheesecake Factory while you’re there, but head to the island of Maui if you’re after relaxation time.

Adventure tours, hiking or snorkelling with turtles are great fun for all, but also leave time to shop up a storm – especially on cheap clothes and cosmetics. Don’t forget to ask your travel consultant about ESTA visas, as Hawaii is part of the USA, and avoid visiting in July – that’s summer break for Americans so it’s super busy.

A real winter wonderland - Salzburg, Austria, in winter
A real winter wonderland - Salzburg, Austria, in winter

Salzburg, Austria

Noel Watson, West Lakes Shop

There’s more to Salzburg than The Sound of Music, but you can cover that off while you’re there, too. The Old Town and Castle make you feel like you’re in a fairytale, so leave yourself plenty of time to explore them, but the tourist loop buses are also pretty good for getting a sense of the city’s history if you’re short on time. If you’re visiting Salzburg in winter, it’s great fun to head off on an authentic sleigh ride through the Alps.

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cat Fanto, Marion Shop

Siem Reap has become better known by travellers in recent years, but there’s still plenty more to discover – whether you’re after a high-adrenalin adventure or something more relaxing.

Within Siem Reap, tuk tuk is the easiest (and most fun) form of transport, but it’s worth venturing out on a quad bike tour (or just on an ordinary bicycle) to see the countryside, nearby towns and rice fields too.

As clichéd as it may sound (or look on Instagram), it really is worth getting up early to catch a sunrise at Angkor Wat temple.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Cathy Sherman, Mile End Shop

Dubai is so much more than just a stopover! My absolute must-dos are heading out on a dune safari and taking a walk through the spice and gold souks – the colours, sounds and aromas are like nothing else.

If you’ve got kids – or are just a big kid at heart – there are plenty of theme parks to visit. Atlantis Aquaventure, Wild Wadi Water Park and LEGOLAND® are just a few I would recommend.

Of course, the shopping and restaurants are also world class, so it’s a great spot for foodies or shopaholics too.

Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island.
Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island. Image: SATC

Kangaroo Island

Lisa Wright, RAA Call Centre

The ferry is a handy way to get to KI, as it means you can take your own car with you – great for navigating the surprisingly large island. There are heaps of opportunities to get out in the great outdoors, so make sure you pack for the weather.

Sandboarding, pelican feeding, sheepdog farm tours – and of course meeting the local seals – are some of the best family activities, but there’s plenty for grown-ups too. My top tips are Cliffords Honey Farm, KI Oyster Farm and Island Pure sheep dairy, and maybe even KI spirits or Dudley wines for a delicious tipple.

Northern Ireland

Amy Telford, Adelaide Shop

Northern Ireland might’ve had a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, but it’s having a real renaissance at the moment.

Belfast contrasts grand Victorian architecture with a vibrant music scene and Michelin-starred restaurants – and is only a stone’s throw from some of the most gorgeous scenery in the UK, too.

The nearby Giant’s Causeway is a tourist must-see – and for good reason – so pull yourself away from that pint of Guinness and make sure your camera batteries are charged.

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