It would be a dream come true to be able to travel the world full-time, but with the pressure at work and the responsibilities for your family, finding the right time and the right place to go can be challenging. That’s why we’ve decided to put together this complete destinations list to help you make 2018 a “wanderful” year!
January
In most parts of Asia, the weather is still favorable for travelers! For the adventurous souls, Jaipur, India, also known as the Pink City due to its stunning building colored in pink, is the perfect place to experience the unique festivals in the city such as the elephant festival and the kite festival. Immerse yourself at the sight of the Amber Fort, the Palace of Winds, Jantar Mantar Observatory and many more fascinating architectural sites around the city.
Head over to the Caribbean islands to explore the 7 natural wonders from the untouched beauty of the natural rain-forest, crystal clear beaches to the endless colourful reefs. Not to mention the savory of various seafood cuisines served in restaurants and other local food festivals. Nevertheless, its diverse culture and heritage surrounding the island, brings in a unique mix of cultural influences from other ethnic groups such as Africans and East Indians.
February
For the perfect Chinese New Year getaway, take a long week off to experience a true paradise on earth – Isla Holbox, Mexico. From taking a stroll along the sun-kissed beachhead to getting down into the one and only unique lobster pizza, you’ll never run out of things to do and sights to explore here.
For a shorter trip, fly to Luang Prabang, Laos to discover the grandiose Kuang Si Waterfalls, Pak Ou Caves, Wat Xieng Thong or learn more about this Southeast Asian soil’s rich culture at the former Royal Palace. Take this opportunity to dine in some of the best restaurants, cafes and bars in the small town that are uniquely Laotian.
May
The dry season is here! There is no better place to visit during this month than the far-flung Dodecanese Islands, Greece. Famous for its turquoise clean water, this magical land is the perfect destination for a family beach vacation (and most likely your once-in-lifetime experience). Compared to the other islands situated in Greece, the Dodecanese Island is the most popular. Thanks to its natural diversity while still retaining well developed tourist sites with fancy resorts and well preserved historical sites.
For a shorter and more affordable trip, you will never regret travelling to Bali, Indonesia. Besides the mouth-watering Balinese foods and the diverse cultural heritage, the geological wonders hidden in this place such as the Bukit Teletubbies and the secret canyon of Sukawati make this vibrant island the perfect place for any traveller to satisfy their wanderlust.
June
As Raya celebrations starting in mid-June, it’s also a good opportunity to take a couple of days off for a trip beyond our homeland. If you are a fan of cultural trips, Beijing is as good as it gets as it is one of the cheapest travel times to explore this part of China. In this capital city, you’ll get to see one of the world’s most ancient sites in a pleasant weather, even better, you can find good bargains for hotels and food too.
Are you a fan of the HBO hit series Game of Thrones? Then you may want to visit Dubrovnik, Croatia and see for yourself one of the many famous filming sites for King’s Landing. The weather in this month is great to enjoy the outdoor activities like taking the ferries to travel around the Croatia’s islands.
July
Looking for a long weekend trip to slot in this month to escape the tropical heat? Head over to Melbourne, Australia. During this peak season in Melbourne, the famous resort of Mt Buller is the best destination for skiing or snowboarding. You can also choose to spend your day traveling around Melbourne city for a food tour, marvel at the local galleries and shop till you drop at the malls.
How about a summer vacation in the land of the rising sun, Tokyo, Japan? Festivals and firework shows are happening all over the city, clad up in a yukata, traditional Japanese clothing and be part of the locals celebrating the summer festival. In this hot season, specialty dishes such as the cold noodles and Japanese ice-cream are a delight.
September
It is a great time to travel to Hong Kong to take advantage of its pleasant weather and lower fair prices. It is also the perfect month to enjoy the mid-autumn festival in Hong Kong while treating yourself to some delicious mooncakes and visiting one of the largest theme parks in Asia, the Ocean Park.
Sicily, Italy is also an excellent destination for this month to explore the ancient ruins at the Valley of the Temples and the Segesta Temple. You can also hike up Europe’s largest active volcano Mount Etna while savouring Italy’s finest pastas, fresh seafood and desserts.
November
The second last month of 2018 brings us a grand festival of lights where Hindu Malaysians celebrate together. For enthusiast travelers, this time of the year is best for a sojourn in Seoul, South Korea, as autumn is drawing to its closure. If you are an avid Kpop fan, get ready to dive into the Korean culture with a tour around Insadong street, enjoy the traditional kimchi dishes or head over to Dongdeamun Market and take your time navigating around the massive fashion hub.
If you are looking for a quick getaway in the Southeast Asia region, Boracay Island is the perfect choice for this month as climate is transitioning between dry and wet seasons. There is a wide array of activities you can do from day to night. Take a boat trip around the island and embrace the sun on the white sand beach, you can even have a private picnic away from the crowd or take a dive and discover the pristine corals reefs and be amazed by the untouched beauty of the aquatic life. Enjoy the nightlife with the locals by having drinks, dancing, among other social activities.
December
Here it is, the last month for the year 2018 where everyone is preparing to head off for their much anticipated Christmas holidays. Siem Reap, Cambodia is perhaps the best pick to conclude your 2018 travel plan. Explore the ancient wonders of Siem Reap, from Angkor Wat to the small village of Tonle Sap, which would easily take up your entire day. Hang out at the pub street in the heart of the city and get a taste of Cambodian delicacies such as the Cambodian BBQ or amok.
For a chilling winter trip, Taipei, Taiwan is the perfect option. Soak up the famous Wenshan Hot Spring to relax your body and clear your mind (it’s the last month of the year after all). Take a stroll along the Aowanda National Forest Recreation to see the wonderful flora and fauna, then head over to the suspension bridge and enjoy the sight of the mountain top. Last but not least, the biggest highlight will be celebrating the New Year’s Eve at the view of the world’s tallest building, the Taipei 101. Hike up the Elephant mountain if you are looking for the perfect view of the entire city.
This article was written by Ng You Jing, a writer at Jobstore.com, the leading job portal in Malaysia.
