Good news for Aussies currently living in Sydneys! You’ve ticked off one of National Geographic’s 10 places to visit in 2018 without doing a thing (except spending a fortune to live there!).
Sydney made it into the highly respected publication’s list of places to visit in 2018 alongside some of the world’s most vibrant and culturally fascinating destinations such as Ethiopia, Jordan and Mexico.
According to editors, cities, countries and trails were selected for their uniqueness, culinary offerings, wildlife, attractions and more.
So while you use one hand to check your travel funds for next year, here are the cities, trails and countries Nat Geo says everyone needs to visit next year:
10. Dublin, Ireland
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When you’re not searching for dragon eggs and attempting to find the ‘force’, National Geographic says Ireland, specifically Dublin, is the perfect place to “feel at home in Europe’s largest village”.
9. The Jordan Trail
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The most tourist-curious region, the Middle East, is making a comeback in tourism with travellers keen to visit new and more traditional spots such as Jordan. However, Nat Geo is encouraging tourists to do more than just visit the popular Petra in Jordan, such as explore the newly marked historic route called the Jordan Trail.
8. Malmö, Sweden
Image: Pierre Châtel-Innocenti/Unsplash
If Europe is on the bucket list for 2018, then why not try visiting somewhere that isn’t overcrowded with tourists such as Sweden. Nat Geo says the city of Malmö is a great spot for tourists, especially foodies, because it’s a “United Nations of food” with over 450 restaurants inspired by the 180 nationalities living in the city.
7. North Shore, Hawaii
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Getting out of Waikiki is something Aussies are already doing in Hawaii, but for those yet to follow their lead, Nat Geo says you need to see the rural life and beautiful beaches, which can only be found in Oahu’s North Shore.
6. Vienna, Austria
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Tick off the Sound of Music tour and then explore the art-obsessed capital of Austria as well as the many museums dedicated to its involvement in the Secession art movement.
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
Image: Stephen Lustig/Unsplash
Do you really need a reason to visit Mexico? It has rich culture, incredible food, tequila but also, it’s home to the world’s textile capital, Oaxaca where guests will be dazzled by the “vibrant wool rugs and other handmade textiles”.
4. Sydney, Australia
Oh, sorry Melbourne! Nat Geo chose Sydney as one of the top places to visit in 2018 because of the Opera House.
3. Tbilisi, Georgia
Image: Jaanus Jagomägi/Unsplash
Next door to the Kardashian’s Armenia is the culturally authentic and ancient, Georgia, where Nat Geo is encouraging travellers to experience 24-hour sulphur baths, spiced meat dumplings, and incredible hospitality.
2. Jujuy Province, Argentina
Tango in Buenos Aires and then visit a World Heritage Site in the outermost northwest of Argentina, where the sites are so stunning they’ll send your Instagram following through the roof.
1. Harar, Ethiopia
Nat Geo describes it as a “laid back… contradictory city” where visitors will be amazed by 82 mosques, the best beer in the country, strong khat (or narcotic plant) and the “highest quality of coffee”.
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