Top Travel Destinations 2017 – Part II

By Ethan Desseta

Did you travel as much as you would have liked to in 2016? If not it’s okay, there are millions of people, me included who feel the same way. Traveling more is consistently a most popular new year’s resolution along with eating better and going to the gym more. For those looking to achieve this resolution I have compiled a list of the 10 top travel destinations for 2017. This list was based on travel trends in 2016 along with future predictions of elite travelers. Hope you enjoy!

6. Highlands, Paupa New Guinea

Papua New Guinea is an exotic gem of the Pacific, remaining mostly untouched by travelers, rich in cultural, eco and bio diversity. The country is home to over 700 tribes (each with their own language and culture) and an estimated 200,000 species of plants and animals, most still unknown.

7. Trinidad, Cuba

Cuba should be on everyone’s bucket list for 2017! Head to Trinidad Cuba for not only the gorgeous cobblestone streets lined with colorful homes and old cars driving the streets but some amazing outdoor activities. Fifteen minutes way from Trinidad is Playa Ancon a gorgeous beach on the Caribbean Sea and just outside of town is Topes de Collantes a massive nature preserve. There is some epic hiking and waterfalls to be found in Topes de Collates and very few tourists hit the hiking paths.

8. Port Barton, The Philippines

The small town of Port Barton on the island of Palawan in the Philippines is a must visit for 2017. There are at least two big reasons for this. One, because it’s stunningly beautiful and two because it’s still relatively undiscovered…for now. It’s not easy to get to this little piece of paradise as the road there is unpaved and pretty rough, but it is more than worth the effort.

9.Tbilisi, Georgia

Georgia is an up and coming destination that needs to be on your radar for 2017. Amazing countryside, vast and fascinating history (did you know that Georgia is considered the birthplace of wine?) and the food is unique and out of this world. Katchapuri (cheese bread), Khinkali (soup dumplings) and if you love BBQ then you’ll be in heaven.

10. Siem Reap, Cambodia

If there is a place I recommend to visit in 2017, that is Siem Reap in Cambodia. Not only Siem Reap is a cool city to hang out, with a friendly atmosphere, happy vibe and super-budget friendly. It is also the main port of access to the spectacular archeological site of Angkor Wat, which well deserves to be explored.

While some of these locations may seem unexpected or unfamiliar, they are all sure to provide you with a unique and unforgettable vacation. Now head to your favorite airline and book that flight!

P.S. Don’t forget to download the app Uplift so you can overcome jet lag and spend more time enjoying your vacation!

Top Travel Destinations 2017

By Ethan Desseta

Did you travel as much as you would have liked to in 2016? If not it’s okay, there are millions of people, me included who feel the same way. Traveling more is consistently a most popular new year’s resolution along with eating better and going to the gym more. For those looking to achieve this resolution I have compiled a list of the 10 top travel destinations for 2017. This list was based on travel trends in 2016 along with future predictions of elite travelers. Hope you enjoy!

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India  

Thousands of kilometers away from the mainland, India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands are perhaps the most remote spots on the planet. Out of the 600ish islands in the group of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, only 9 are open for international travelers after they obtain a permit. Out of those nine, Havelock and Neil are the most visited ones.

2. Dahab, Egypt

Boasting some of the best scuba diving in the world, this Egyptian paradise should be well and truly on your 2017 bucket list. Not a diver? No worries. Get your hiking shoes on and walk around coloured canyon before stopping for a traditional Bedouin lunch and tea. Experience Egypt at its finest in Dahab – but don’t tell too many people, there aren’t many places left in the world quite as special as this.

3. Indonesian Borneo, Indonesia

If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure this year then look no further than Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo.

Spend anywhere from a day to a week exploring the jungle by boat with your own private guide and crew.

4. Paracas, Peru

About 2-hour bus ride South of Lima, there is a small town that the backpackers are often skipping and not paying attention to. Paracas is a peaceful and quiet town where the sea and the desert meet. It is home to the famous Paracas Natural Reserve and also the Islas Ballestas which is often referred to as the super mini Galapagos in Peru. Beach living is amazing and a lot of kitesurfers traveling South America for the sport flock Paracas as the wind speed and direction are just right for riding.

5. Taipei, Taiwan

While there are plenty of incredible places in Taiwan to explore, you can’t leave the island without a few days in Taipei. A bustling city, full of some of the most incredible night markets I’ve ever seen, Taipei has everything: incredible food, affordable $1 sulfur hot springs, beaches, mountains, pristine temples, and friendly people … you really can’t go wrong.

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Traveling on an airline has certainly changed over the years. There are many factors that contribute to a good flight. Flying can be fun for some and stressful for others. So whether you are young or old your attire and attitude and can affect that long flight.

So much has been in the news recently with behavior from unruly passengers and frankly all passengers suffer as a result. Even what people wear on an airplane has caused passengers to get booted off the plane. Gone are the days where people dress for a flight. On the flip side wearing pj bottoms, slippers and beach attire is probably going to cause some attention. Yes, you want to be comfortable, but with the airliner being a breeding ground for germs you want to make sure your feet and legs are covered up! Getting from point a to point b is sometimes not as simple as it used to be in years past. So many factors including delays, plane problems, regulations, passenger issues and overcrowded flights have left passengers weary, tired and irritated. How can our attire and attitude help with a long flight? Being positive, comfortable and avoiding some of the no, no’s for airline travel can certainly affect a long flight. Those bad habits on a plane that we have all seen shared on social media include being rude, having too much to drink, not wearing shoes or socks and grooming right at your seat in front of other passengers!  Here are some points to remember:

• Yes, wear comfortable clothing and shoes but due to germs and bacteria stay covered. So many times you see people barefoot on the plane! What if they have a cut on their foot and bacteria from the seat and isle can seep in. Yuck! Plus, no one wants to be that next barefoot photo on social media (or that passenger clipping their toenails) If you must take off your shoes bring an extra pair of slipper socks and change back into your comfortable shoes before you exit the plane. Slip on sneakers are the best to wear while traveling as they are easy on and off. Save your grooming and make-up application for the bathroom or when you arrive at your destination.
• Dress appropriately – yes you are heading to the beach on your destination but wait to wear your swimsuit and cover up until you arrive to your destination. Again seats are a breeding ground for bacteria so wear comfortable pants to keep you covered and bring a sweater or a shawl to keep you warm -it’s yours and you know no one else has used it. As they say in business and life appearance is everything.

You booked the flight, you know how long it is so prepare – you can try to factor in the variables like delays and unruly passengers but when it comes down to airline travel the crew as well as passengers just want to arrive to their destination safely and without any problems so keep a positive attitude, bring lots of reading materials or games to keep you occupied and yes maybe even smile at the flight attendant and passenger next to you! Being polite goes a long way.