If you are planning your travel resolutions for 2016, these 10 exciting destinations should definitely be on your must visit list for holidays in 2016! According to Skyscanner‘s data, these are the top 10 vacation destinations that have seen the greatest increase in flight searches from Singapore between 2012 to 2015 (3 years)! So start planning your next trip to visit these emerging destinations and find out for yourself why fellow Singaporeans are loving them so much.
1. Phu Quoc, Vietnam (up 202%)
Phu Quoc is the cleaner, calmer and untouched version of Phuket, a beach town that’s devoid of tacky souvenir stores and love-you-long-time massage parlours. Fringed with white, sandy beaches, this emerging destination makes an easy choice for beach bums and water babies. Although not as well known as its neighbours, the island is fast ramping up its offers with a brand new international airport, more resorts, and most importantly, easily accessible wifi pretty much everywhere. Don’t miss the Dinh Cau Night Market where you can pick your fresh seafood and have them whip it up into a delicious, authentically Vietnamese meal for you. Remember to hone up your bargaining skills too!
2. Paro, Bhutan (up 147%)
Bhutan is best known for being the world’s happiest country. If you are looking for happiness in 2016, Paro is probably the perfect place to start. The historic town is filled with sacred sites and buildings you’d want to spend time in, plus the Paro Valley is known to be one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Witness the serene yet grand monasteries of Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) and Rinpung Dzong while you are there. Paro is the best place for nature lovers and those who seek peace and quiet.
3. Kalibo, Phillipines (up 66%)
Kalibo is the lesser known cousin of Boracay which is famous for its incredible beaches. However, the city that you’re probably landing into to get to those beaches is worth a stay. Visit Kalibo during Ati-Atihan, a festival in January that has remained true to its Filipino culture and roots. Originally a pagan animist festival that the Spaniards adapted, Ati-Atihan lets you participate in the festival and dance your heart out with the performers instead of just watching along the sidelines. Other than this festival, don’t miss out on the Sampaguita Gardens, Bakhawan Eco-park, and the Aklan Animal Rescue Centre for some fun dog walks and cat cuddles.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland (up 57%)
Reykjavik is the go-to for the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The city is Iceland’s coastal capital and despite how cold it gets, it’s renowned for its clubs and bars that open until dawn! But even if you’re partying till late on most nights, you shouldn’t miss the amazing Hallgrimskirkja church, the rotating Perlan glass dome that offer stunning views of the city, and a well deserved soak in the geothermal wonders of the Blue Lagoon.
5. Shenyang, China (up 55%)
The biggest city in Northeast China, Shenyang is the capital of the Liaoning Province and its economic and historical centre. Being the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty, the city boasts multiple cultural relics that tell the story of the infamous prosperity and subsequent decline of China’s ultimate feudal dynasty. Chinese history buffs must visit Shenyang Imperial Palace, which is of great historic and artistic significance and second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing.
6. Sapporo, Japan (up 46%)
The city of Sapporo is known for skiing and their annual snow festival in February that features larger-than-life ice sculptures. In fact, the city hosted the winter Olympics in 1972. Interesting note: Sapporo was built based on a North American-style rectangular street system, so you can navigate the streets really easily if you’re not on the slopes. And regardless if it’s snowing, check out the Shiroi Koibito Park (chocolate factory), Sapporo Beer Museum, and Odori Park for beautiful views.
7. Nagoya, Japan (up 38%)
Located in between Tokyo and Kyoto / Osaka on the Tōkaidō Shinkansen line, Nagoya is an unpretentious city – and their parks, museums, temples and bustling recreational activities are definitely worth visiting, even if it’s for a quick day trip. Check out Nagoya Castle during its Spring Festival to bask in the beauty of the sakura.
8. Hobart Australia (up 30%)
The capital of Australia’s Tasmania island, Hobart is the second oldest capital in Australia, after Sydney. Enjoy fresh air, lush greenery as well as scenery of picturesque mountains and idyllic quays while you are there. Hobart is a place to kick back and chill out because things move at a glacial pace, especially suitable when you’re on vacation. Enjoy a glass of local wine while you dine at the finest establishments, bask in beautiful architecture and spend time enjoying nature.
9. Osaka, Japan (up 30%)
If nightlife and street food are things right up your alley, it’s time to make your way to Osaka where, unlike New York City, the city actually truly never sleeps. Beyond just that, it is a city that offers literally everything for any kind of traveller: incredible museums for history buffs, gastronomical journeys for foodies, beautiful parks to chill out and watch the world go by, and copious amounts of shopping for the fashionistas.
10. Tokyo (up 28%)
Tokyo doesn’t need an introduction. What city has this much eclectic mish mash of traditional and ultra modern, yet still manages to pull it off so seamlessly? Tokyo is another city that has everything for any kind of traveller, but specifically if you’re a foodie with a soft spot for Japanese-anything, book a ticket and try to return. With the seafood markets, hole-in-the-wall bars, secret Michelin Star restaurants, you might gain weight, but also be filled with lots of interesting travel tales for sure!
You may also like to read and share this infographic by Skyscanner with your travel mates. Have fun planning your next holiday!
