Top 6: Our Bucket List Destinations for 2018

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TOP 6

TOP 6OUR BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS FOR 2018

Only the freshest, most exciting and innovative places have made it on to our specialists’ ultimate trip wishlist

Journey into a troubled past

1 Northern Ireland

Take a ride back through recent history on a black cab tour of Belfast with a local cabbie who will share first-hand accounts of life during The Troubles, the period of political turmoil that ended with the signing of the Belfast Peace agreement just 20 years ago. Then head further back to relive Northern Ireland’s shipbuilding heyday with a visit to the city’s regenerated dockyards that play home to the Titanic museum, and the new Titanic Hotel (p12). Coupled with the beauty of the spectacular Causeway Coast (as depicted in Game of Thrones), it’s no wonder the region topped Lonely Planet’s list of regions to visit in 2018.

Enjoy new world comforts

4 Bhutan

Bhutan attracts a certain kind of intrepid traveler – willing to travel great lengths to experience this remarkable land. This year, thanks to significant progress on Bhutan’s massive road maintenance project, travel time on itineraries around Bhutan is expected to decrease dramatically, making a multi-point trip more manageable. Timing couldn’t be better for the opening of five new Six Senses properties this year in Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. Travelers will be able to comfortably travel between all five to create a well-rounded journey, combining thoughtful immersion into the local culture with proven luxury stays.

Support gorilla conservation

2 Rwanda

With the 2017 opening of two fantastic eco-lodges, One & Only’s Nyungwe House and the Bisate Lodge, Rwanda is ideal for travelers seeking comfort that supports conservation. While the increased gorilla trekking permit fees in 2017 made some people rethink a visit, the change deserves a second look. It reflects a strategy shift toward limiting tourism’s footprint on the primates’ habitat, ensuring the sustainability of conservation initiatives and helping generate revenue for communities living around Virunga Volcanoes National Park. Rwanda is also great for travelers short on time thanks to minimal travel distances, and can easily be combined with a safari in East Africa.

See wildlife and wilderness

5 Tasmania

Head to Australia’s lesser-visited island of Tasmania for what’s now regarded as the country’s best multi-day hiking tours and scenery. We’ve seen growing interest in the island, which luckily hasn’t affected the relative value of travel here. Travelers can stay in style while learning about the history of the former-penitentiary island at the new 5-star MACq 01. Each room tells a story about a certain characteristic that impacted Hobart history, giving travelers the unique opportunity to learn about the island’s convict roots and their ongoing impact on Tasmania’s unique culture, art and food.

Go island hopping

3 Indonesia

While Bali’s long been considered a top beach destination, we have been seeking options to visit its numerous rural communities to offer beach-goers a more immersive experience. We’ve developed multi-day tours in Sidemen and De Klumpu focused on responsible travel and traditional local life. These combine perfectly with the coastal town of Candidasa where great touring options include cycling and street food tours. Travelers to Indonesia also have a brand new ultra luxury retreat at the new Bawah Island – an exciting private island escape for the seriously wealthy in a remote corner of Indonesia that opened with just 35 eco luxe rooms.

Explore lost civilizations

6 Northern Peru

A lesser known pre-Incan fortress in Northern Peru is just starting to attract foreign visitors. The site known as Kuelap is set in a pristine cloud forest where the mountains meet the Amazon rainforest. Rivaling Machu Picchu in size and grandeur, only 5% of visitors to Kuelap are foreign tourists. The round houses were built by the Chachapoyas civilization using millions of cubic feet of stone, and were estimated to have taken over 200 years to complete. A new direct flight from Cuzco to Trujillo, will reduce travel times for clients who wish to see the country’s key spots in one trip.

AUDLEY TRAVELER | 23