Eye On Travel: 2017 Trends: Where in the World should you go this year?

Wet & Wild, Pyongyang: Not on the list yet

If you are still thinking about where to go this year and want to go somewhere different then you can’t go wrong with a bit of advice from Lonely Planet. Gone are the days when this was the guide book that could show you how to travel the world for 10p a day. It’s moved on to cover all budgets without losing that pioneering spirit of adventure.

So let’s have a look at some of the countries they recommend as being the places to go in 2017.

Oman: The Empty Quarter; apart from sand

Think of the Middle Eastern cities and you think Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha as modern metropolises in the desert. However, relatively unvisited Oman stands out by not really standing out.

Modest Muscat has the feeling of a welcoming Arabic city with souks that haven’t changed in centuries. Activities include desert excursions & diving. Accommodation is in elegant high quality hotels on an untouched coastline.

GET THERE: Fly direct to Muscat from Heathrow or regionally via Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi
BEST TIME TO VISIT: October to April is ideal; June-August is for oven enthusiasts.

Bermuda: Great place to disappear to

If you are looking for an island with a touch of British influence and think the Caribbean is a bit over done then try the remote Atlantic option of Bermuda, made famous by its triangle.

Elegant, laid back and nowhere near anywhere else, it boasts great beaches and diving and is less crowded than its Caribbean counterparts. This year it hosts the America’s Cup yacht race. Triangle, Schmiangle.

GET THERE: Fly direct from Heathrow or via USA (2h) if you like Immigration queues.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: An all year destination. May to October is peak season for US visitors

Cartagena: Eat this Dulux

Some places have a reputation that precedes them. Colombia is one of them like Johannesburg or Croydon. But today’s Colombia is a remarkable, energetic and safe country to visit.

Think Caribbean beaches, Rainforests, Colonial towns, coffee plantations and vibrant Bogota. Travel is easy, people are friendly and the music is infectious. Just don’t buy any commemorative packs of flour to take home as a souvenir!

GET THERE: Fly direct from Heathrow to Bogota or via Madrid to Bogota and Cartagena
BEST TIME TO VISIT: A year round destination; December-February is high (price) season

Nepal: Yes can Kathmandu

If you have just completed your annual month in the gym and think you can climb Mt Everest, prove -go to Nepal. This extraordinary Himalayan country is back in business now after the destructive earthquakes of 2015 and they need tourists.

From crazy Kathmandu to the stunning trekking routes of Annapurna and the Khumbu valley to lower altitude wildlife reserves, this country will give you memories to last a lifetime. It is also very good for weight loss.

GET THERE: One stop flights to Kathmandu operate via Middle East or India
BEST TIME TO VISIT: February-April and September-December are the trekking seasons

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I have been to Oman, Colombia and Nepal. Bermuda is on the list!

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