1.Julia Alps, Slovenia
With the natural appeal of Chamonix or Zermatt – but with fewer crowds – the Julian Alps offer mountain bliss in an overlooked corner of Europe. Over two-thirds of the region is protected by the Triglav National Park mandate, a mechanism that not only curbs development along the summits but ensures that improvements to local infrastructure are effected in a slow and studied manner. Once suitable only for the intrepid, the Julian Alps are gently opening the door to every stripe of traveller. A growing number of locally run operators are pairing pulse-racing treks with upmarket versions of homestays in stylish shepherd digs.
Aeolian Islands, Italy
Floating photogenically in the Tyrrhenian Sea, a stone’s throw off the tip of Italy’s boot, the Aeolian Islands are a slow travel paradise. Shaped by their explosive geology, these seven alluring sisters woo visitors with sublime seascapes, volcanic slopes, black-sand beaches, and some of Europe’s best coastal walks and dives. The islands have been largely off the beaten track, but their low-key charms have begun luring wise travellers seeking a good-value Mediterranean break. Even sleepy Alicudi, the Aeolians’ remotest outpost, is having an influx of walking tourism, so 2018 may be your last chance to outpace the crowds.
Lahaul & Spiti, India
If you like your mountains big, your roads rugged and your landscapes verging on the supernatural, then the windswept valleys of Lahaul and Spiti, which run east and west from Keylong, are a little piece of Shangri-La. Kept bone-dry by the rain-shadow of the Himalaya, the ochre badlands of Spiti hide some of India’s most spectacular Buddhist art, while well-watered Lahaul has seldom-visited temples and a back route to Kashmir said to be one of the world’s most dangerous roads. Long overlooked by travellers rushing to Ladakh, this wild and wonderful area is finally starting to get the attention it deserves. Come now, before it becomes just another stop on the Himalayan ‘apple pie’ trail.
Kii Peninsula, Japan
Travel to Japan is red-hot. The number of visitors has doubled in the past three years and is only predicted to rise. Since the word is out about this thrilling country, travellers need to dig a little deeper. The Kii Peninsula, which dips down into the Pacific Ocean south of major tourist draws Kyoto and Osaka, offers many of Japan’s most lauded attractions. There are Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples, sublime natural scenery and steaming hot springs, traditional culture and modern convenience – but without the crowds. So far, that is... the Kii Peninsula is starting to get noticed, in part because travelling here is remarkably hassle-free.
Alaska, USA
Mixing incredible wildlife with a rough-and-tumble outdoor spirit, Alaska satisfies any thirst for adventure. Where else can you spend 20-hour summer days tackling snow-laden mountains, spotting grizzlies or following the path of the Klondike gold rush? Due to increased flight links to many North American and European cities, Alaska has never been easier to reach. Recently, the state’s major cruise companies have announced expanded capacities, larger ships and more variety for travellers. Smaller operators like Alaskan Dream Cruises are increasing their itineraries and expeditions, too, allowing more options to spot bald eagles, humpback whales and glacier-studded fjords.
✅ @jelly.lele, I gave you an upvote on your post! Please give me a follow and I will give you a follow in return and possible future votes!
Thank you in advance!
Hi! I am a robot. I just upvoted you! I found similar content that readers might be interested in:
https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/4753816/lonely-planet-reveals-their-top-travel-picks-for-2018-and-belfast-tops-the-list-of-must-see-regions/