2017’s Best Holiday Locations
Whether you fancy the beaches of Bermuda, the glories of Granada or colder locations, the world can be your oyster in 2017 if you choose to visit one of these ten holiday hotspots.
Chile
Brazil was the place to visit in South America last year, but Chile is the hottest destination for 2017 – in part because of the 2016 World Travel Award it picked up for being the best adventure tourism destination. It boasts 36 national parks and some of the planet’s most extreme environments. Add to this the fact that non-stop flights start from Heathrow this year, and it is easy to see its appeal.
Canada
Canada marks the Canadian Confederation’s 150th anniversary this year, remembering when it became a self-governing dominion. Must-see locations during a birthday visit include the Canadian Rockies, Osoyoos in British Columbia, the Inside Passage, Alberta’s prairies and the Canadian Arctic.
Granada, Spain
Granada offers a historic Spanish choice, and EasyJet is starting a route from Gatwick this year, adding to the flight options already on offer. Sights and activities include the gardens and palaces of the Alhambra and skiing in the Sierra Nevada.
New Zealand
New Zealand is hosting the tour of the British and Irish Lions this summer, making it the hottest ticket in town for rugby fans. In between matches, fans can see the Lords of the Rings set at Matamata, take in the outstanding natural scenery, visit local wineries or go on a whale-spotting trip.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Aarhus, Denmark’s second city, is this year’s European Capital of Culture, but it will still be hard to resist the charms of Copenhagen with its abundance of world-renowned eateries, historic sights and Hans Christian Andersen connections. The start of the year will also mark the last opportunity to visit the famous Noma restaurant.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis will mark four decades since the death of musical legend Elvis Presley in August, and Elvis Week will be held at Graceland between August 11 and 19. In a big year for the King’s former home, Graceland is also unveiling its new Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex on March 2.
Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
Mongolia is a haven for the adventurous visitor keen to see the Gobi’s majestic shifting dunes or the country’s green pine forests and upland lakes. Despite its remoteness, Mongolia is increasingly easy to reach, especially with this year’s opening of the New Ulaan Baatar International Airport.
Peru
Peru has long held lots of appeal for travellers, but from May, a new option will be steaming into Cuzco. The city is to be the embarkation point for people travelling on the first South American luxury sleeper train. Belmond’s Andean Explorer will travel on one of Earth’s highest railways.
Russia
This year marks the centenary of 1917’s great revolutions, giving even sceptics the perfect excuse to visit the Winter Palace, Lenin’s mausoleum, Moscow’s Red Square, the Kremlin and St Petersburg’s Romanov palaces.
Bermuda
Bermuda will be transformed in June, when it hosts this year’s 35th America’s Cup, but most of the time it is a sleepy haven renowned for pink beaches, pristine golfing greens and deep-sea fishing. The city of Hamilton and its harbour is a must-see and St George’s in the north-east is a Unesco World Heritage Site.
