Galicia, Spain
If you want to make 2016 your best travel year yet but can’t come up with awesome vacation ideas, look no further! So far, it’s shaping up to be a great year for finding adventure and discovering new places. According to a TripAdvisor poll, “Globally, 69% of travelers plan to try something new in 2016,” and “1 in 3 travelers (33%) are planning to spend more on travel in 2016 than they did the previous year.” Whether you’re planning a splurge or looking for a bargain, you’ve got plenty of fantastic vacation ideas to choose from.
If you’re looking for budget vacation ideas, consider Galicia in the northwest corner of Spain. It has quaint European villages, crystal blue water and seafood to die for. Known for its gastronomy, Galicia is a great foodie destination with over 300 gastronomic fiestas throughout the year.
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Islands always top the vacation spots list and there are a few that you’ll want to add this year. The Bahamas is an easily accessible group of over 700 tropical islands. You can opt for a resort package or go off the beaten path for a more authentic native experience. Either way, you’ll be lounging at the beach. The Chesapeake Bay is often overlooked and underrated. You can travel back to a simpler time on Tangier Island, off the coast of Virginia, and Smith Island, off the coast of Maryland. Get ready to unplug since cell service is limited and you won’t be riding in cars — only bikes and golf carts on the island. Just reading about it is relaxing!
Experience the best of Latin America in Iberá Wetlands, Argentina or Uruguay. The Iberá Wetlands, the world’s second-largest, are one of the best vacation ideas for nature lovers. Enjoy everything from bird watching to overnight safaris. Uruguay is a small country with a wide variety of attractions. Gorgeous wetlands, hot springs, carnivals and fabulous architecture are just a few.
Venture into a completely different world by taking a trip to Timor-Leste, Eastern Bhutan or Casablanca, Morocco. Timor-Leste, or East Timor, is an adventurer’s paradise. There’s breathtaking diving, amazing markets and rugged mountain climbing. For a more Zen experience, travel to Eastern Bhutan in Tibet and find inner peace through outer beauty. Casablanca is home to dazzling sites and spectacular beaches.
Closer to home, we’ve got two U.S. cities: Bozeman, Montana and Seattle, Washington. If you thought Bozeman was just a one-horse town, think again. It’s quickly becoming a hot spot with a winning combo of stunning mountains, outdoor adventures, luxury accommodations and up-and-coming restaurants. Or you can see where our national obsession with fancy coffee concoctions got it start at the original Starbucks, then check out the Space Needle and take a tour of the the growing number of incredible restaurants.
