Made travel plans for the summer yet?
You might want to hold off a little bit – at least until finish reading this.
Why? Well, because we have taken a look at the cities the experts at
Lonely Planet and
Airbnb think are must-sees for 2018, and really, these all sound amazing.
Even better? They are all just a short flight away – and perfect for either a romantic break with your hubby – or a much-needed getaway with the girls:
1. Bilbao, Spain
Tapas, sangria, Zara – we already have so many reasons to dream about a break to Spain. And this year, if you really want to do what the cool kids do, you should be heading straight for Bilbao, Spain's northern port city, and a haven for everyone who is in any way into culture, arts (the Guggenheim is a must-see) and architecture.
And as for food and shopping too? Well, you won't be disappointed.
According to Airbnb, they saw a whopping 234 percent increase in bookings for this stunning city, and we for one can't wait to check it out for ourselves.
2. Famagusta, Cyprus
After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, large parts of Famagusta were deserted by its inhabitants, and still to this day remains a ghost town. However, the city around the deserted area of Varosha is thriving, and according to Airbnb, booking were up over 200 percent last year.
Cyprus overall is stunning, and the climate is so pleasant you can visit all year long (keep in mind it can get very hot the months between May and October), and Famagusta is known for its 16th-century ruins (like the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and its pristine beaches.
3. Matera, Italy
Oh, Italy... the food, the scenery, the gelato – it's no wonder once you have visited, you'll always keep coming back for more.
And if you are already in love with all things Dolce Vita, then
Lonely Planet has now revealed where you should head next. Stunning Matera, with its honey-stoned houses perched above a ravine certainly has the looks, but there is so much more to discover too.
Largely restored from near ruin, below the surface of the stunning town of Matera lies a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches and monasteries that date back over 9000 years – making it one of the oldest living cities in the world.
Next year, Matera will be the European Capital of Culture for 2019, and sure to draw a lot of attention and visitors from around the globe. Meaning, of course, right now is the time to visit.
4. Oslo, Norway
Oslo might have been a little eclipsed in previous years by its very trendy and stylish Scandi neighbours, Stockholm and Copenhagen. But trust us – this
small, yet really impressive capital city is oh-so-worth a visit this spring.
Between the amazing architecture, the stunning parks and green areas, the food, the art and the shopping, you'll have plenty to see and do on your visit. Even better? In 2018, the king and queen of Norway (King Harald and Queen Sonja) will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, so expect a packed calendar of events – civic, culinary and cultural, in this stunning city.
As well as this, Oslo’s landmark Opera House is marking its 10th birthday this year too, with a celebratory season of concerts and performances. We are off to book our tickets, ya'll.
5. Bournemouth, UK
Even closer to home, Airbnb could inform that the UK city of Bournemouth saw a whopping 353 percent increase in booking demand last year.
Bournemouth's sunny location on England's south coast has always made it a popular destination for tourists, attracting over five million visitors annually with its beaches and popular nightlife. For keen swimmers, surfers and sunbathers, Bournemouth has seven miles of sandy beaches for you to enjoy, and while there is plenty to do in the actual city itself, you can also it as just a base to discover the rest of Dorset’s history, heritage and picture-postcard scenery.
2. Famagusta, Cyprus
After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, large parts of Famagusta were deserted by its inhabitants, and still to this day remains a ghost town. However, the city around the deserted area of Varosha is thriving, and according to Airbnb, booking were up over 200 percent last year.
Cyprus overall is stunning, and the climate is so pleasant you can visit all year long (keep in mind it can get very hot the months between May and October), and Famagusta is known for its 16th-century ruins (like the Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque and its pristine beaches.
3. Matera, Italy
Oh, Italy... the food, the scenery, the gelato – it's no wonder once you have visited, you'll always keep coming back for more.
And if you are already in love with all things Dolce Vita, then Lonely Planet has now revealed where you should head next. Stunning Matera, with its honey-stoned houses perched above a ravine certainly has the looks, but there is so much more to discover too.
Largely restored from near ruin, below the surface of the stunning town of Matera lies a labyrinth of cave dwellings, churches and monasteries that date back over 9000 years – making it one of the oldest living cities in the world.
Next year, Matera will be the European Capital of Culture for 2019, and sure to draw a lot of attention and visitors from around the globe. Meaning, of course, right now is the time to visit.
