10 Increasingly Popular — And Unique — Destinations To Visit In 2018
Get there before everyone else does.
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 75 per cent
When to go: October, for the warm weather
Tip: If you’ve gawked at the gorgeous, lush scenery on Survivor, you should make your way here, stat. (A number of seasons of the reality show were filmed here in Fiji.) Plus, a new direct 10-hour flight from Singapore makes things so much easier.
Now that you’ve figured out when to take leave next year, it’s time to figure out where to go. If you’re all about avoiding the usual tourist faves, then you’ll appreciate these 10 destinations, which have seen a sharp spike in number of searches on Skyscanner in the past year. Herewith, the 10 destinations, in order of popularity.
Jaipur, India
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 63 per cent
When to go: February and March for the psychedelic Elephant Festival held during the Holi festival.
Tip: Get your cameras and phone cameras ready. The insane cacophony of colours in this town culminates at the Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds).
Athens, Greece
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 60 per cent
When to go: Late April to early June to avoid the crowds and still enjoy fantastic weather
Tip: We’ve been there, done that — and have got a treasure trove of tips for you.
Okinawa, Japan
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 51 per cent
When to go: First week of August — to catch massive traditional folk dance fest, the 10,000 Eisa Dance Parade.
Tip: Okinawa is among the world-famous diving spots for its immensely rich and unusual marine life.
Cape Town, South Africa
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 37 per cent
When to go: September is prime time for whale-watching (you may catch the Southern Right whales nursing their calves), and soaking in Cape Town’s fab scenery.
Tip: Go to Woodstock, a popular district peppered with independent galleries that is a hip fave among young artists.
Casablanca, Morocco
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 32 per cent
When to go: May, for the great weather.
Tip: Get blown away by the architecture of the world’s third-largest mosque, the Hassan II Mosque, or put your haggling skills to the test at the eclectic markets in Derb Ghallef.
Danang, Vietnam
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 26 per cent
When to go: February, when it’s not unbearably hot and humid
Tip: While Danang is known to be one of Vietnam’s fastest modernising cities, time stands still in the nearby quaint town of Hoi An. Worth a visit.
Nepal, Kathmandu
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 24 per cent
When to go: For the best weather, head there in September
Tip: Tick something off your UNESCO World Heritage Site bucket list when you slink over to the stunning Boudhanath — the most famous Buddhist stupa in Nepal earned its accolade in 1979. Singaporeans require a visa to enter Nepal. Apply in Singapore at the Nepalese Consulate or get a visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Caticlan, Philippines
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: 18 per cent
When to go: November — it’s dry season and you avoid the school-holidaying crowds from Mar to May.
Tip: Caticlan is one of two gateways to the Insta-stunning Boracay (the other is Kalibo). Must-dos include diving in the crystal-clear waters, feasting on fresh seafood — basically soaking in the beach life, preferably with a cocktail in hand.
Dublin, Ireland
Increase in flight searches on Skyscanner from 2016 to 2017: Four per cent
When to go: Mid-March, or in time for St Patrick’s Day on Mar 17, where only the biggest parties are happening.
Tip: Take a swig, or three, of stout at the Guinness storehouse.
