The Wanderlist: Top Destinations for 2018

This tiny island found 2,000 kilometres off the coast of Africa is the epitome of a tropical paradise with its sparkling cerulean waters, white sand beaches and glamorous luxury resorts. Increasingly, however, this island is no longer restricted to affluent travellers, with a growing list of accommodation, dining and activity options catering to a range of budgets.

The island is hugged by the world’s third largest coral reef, a prime spot for diving and snorkelling. On land, mountainous terrain and a wealth of wildlife make for excellent hiking, horseback riding and other outdoorsy activities. There are diverse architectural sites to explore too, with centuries of colonization leaving the island with a mix of Hindu shrines and colonial plantation mansions. In 2018, the country is celebrating 50 years of independence, so expect the atmosphere to be especially festive with lots of exhibitions and events marking this noteworthy anniversary.

With Pyeongchang hosting the Winter Olympics in February, South Korea is finding itself in the world spotlight. Most travellers begin their journey in Seoul, a fast-moving metropolis home to 24-hour street markets, K-pop clubs, edgy fashion and coveted beauty products. In 2017, the city opened its Seoul-lo 7017 walkway, a futuristic overpass park lined with cafes, bars and greenery.

While South Korea’s ultra-modern present is fascinating, so too are its deep connections to its past. Serene Buddhist temples, traditional bathhouses and old-world countryside villages invite travellers to slow down and appreciate the country’s 5,000 years of history.

Soviet occupation and subsequent wars kept Georgia (that’s the country, not the state) hidden from travellers for most of the 20th century, but conflicts with Russia have calmed over the last decade and this beguiling country is garnering the attention it rightfully deserves. There are intriguing cave cities to discover, along with picturesque countrysides dotted with ancient churches, castles and watchtowers. Georgia’s mountainous terrain also makes it a mecca for hiking, horseback riding, cycling and skiing.

The world’s earliest evidence of winemaking was uncovered in Georgia, and the tradition is still very much alive today. There are scenic vineyards to tour and the opportunity to sample the country’s UNESCO-listed amber wines.

Nicknamed “Canada’s Galapagos,” Haida Gwaii is an alluring archipelago found off the coast of BC. Comprised of around 400 islands and islets, Haida Gwaii’s main attraction is the southern section of Moresby Island, designated as Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site. The park protects some of the world’s only remaining old-growth rainforests, along with animals ranging from bald eagles and sea lions to unique subspecies like the Haida Gwaii black bear.

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, the Haida First Nation people regained control over the archipelago, their ancestral home, in the 1980s and Haida culture has been experiencing a growing revival here ever since. The Ocean House at Stads K’uns GawGa, a remarkable floating wilderness lodge managed by the Haida, is set to open in 2018.