Every year there are a few destinations that a few of your travel savvy friends seem to visit before everyone else is talking about adding the destination to their bucket list. There are a lot of different things that work together to make international destinations the hottest place to travel, including economic boosts, development, international recognition and popular culture. For 2015, several of the hottest destinations have their own economic growth and development to thank, along with a desire to welcome tourists. While these spots have always been great places to visit, it just got a lot easier, more affordable and you have plenty more options.
A little over a dozen international destinations have been named the places you want to see this year, but these five are the hottest for 2015 because everyone is trying to snag a cheap plane ticket.
Manaus, Brazil
Brazil and the Amazon have always been an exotic destination worthy of the adventurous traveler, but Brazil put itself on the map with hordes of global futbol (soccer) fans and travel agents devoted to scouring out the best destinations, attractions and accommodations. Manaus has emerged as the place to be, both city and jungle as it sits at what most consider the edge of the Amazon rainforest, though it is actually in the middle of the rainforest. For anyone wanting to see one of the last treasured and untouched corners of the world, but still keep in touch with the rest of the world, Manaus is waiting.
Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa has been on the tongues of many, and is making its way onto more and more travel wishlists as travel magazines take a closer look at this destination. South Africa has spent the last few years trying to redeem itself, and while it has worked hard to build tolerance, the city of Cape Town was busy rebuilding too. A lot of people that have been to Cape Town urge others to go, but now we don’t need convincing as Cape Town was announced the World Design Capital of 2014 and still has all the trappings and luxuries of a seaside resort town.
Antarctica
While Antarctica is a destination that needs to done through a travel provider, rather than pieced together on one’s own, there are a lot of options. As humans, we are always interested in seeing and doing things for the first time, and oftentimes before others. 100 years ago Shackleton and a crew of men set out to cross the Antarctic, but failed. Still, his journey and story is legendary, and adventure travel providers have capitalized on it, working with cruise ships, outfitters and expedition crews to put together once in a lifetime adventures. If Antarctica has ever been a dream of yours, now is the time to go.
Glasgow, Scotland
Scotland has worked hard to gain international attention this year, Scotland even held a vote to decide if it should be a nation apart from the United Kingdom this year. While other international destinations have been busy building new districts and tourist accommodations, Scotland is interested in showcasing its rich cultural and recreational charms. Glasgow has set itself apart as a cultural center. When you are ready to leave town, most highland tours leave from Glasgow, and with the newly revived interest in Outlander, there are sure to be plenty of new tours in the making.
Brisbane, Australia
Skip the big cities of Australia and instead head to Brisbane which has been on the pages of every less traveled list lately. Brisbane has become a foodie and arts destination, mostly because of its economic boom and small town charm that has made it easier for budding chefs, businesses and artists to establish themselves. A building boom has also contributed everything from lavish luxury hotel accommodations to eco-conscious resorts that fit every type of travel. Skip Sydney and head to Brisbane this year.
Have you traveled to any of these destinations yet? If not, which one would be at the top of your list?
Make sure you check out some of our other informative travel posts here at Imperfect Women.
Pam Buttikofer is a co-founder of Imperfect Women. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 37 years and enjoys spending time with her husband, sons and her lovable pups.
I have never been outside of he USA, except for Mexico. To be honest, I get nervous thinking about it. Call me Paranoid Polly.
Believe it or not, every one of these destinations is already on my bucket list. I’ve always wanted to travel more.
This may sound crazy but I always wanted to visit Antarctica. I think it would be great to take a cruise around the area. I love the cold so that wouldn’t bother me in the least. Some of the other places I don’t really have much of a desire to visit but maybe that will change as I cross more places off my bucket list.
My sister went to Cape Town, South Africa last year and LOVED it. She did a shark cage tour where they went out to sea and the passengers got to go into one of those shark cages. So cool.
While I travel quite a bit I haven’t been out of the country. I won’t be able to for a few more years, not as mom’s caregiver. One day though, I am going to take off and visit everyone of these places. I pinned it to share thanks so much!
I haven’t been to any of these destinations. I really want to see the rest of the U.S. before I travel abroad.
Australia and Scotland is one of the things I do want to make a visit though it might be probably next year than this year for me lol.
Great list! I have always wanted to visit Australia.
Greece is still at the top of my list, but if I had to pick from your list, I would be all about Scotland, for sure!
I’ve never traveled to any of these cities/countries. Australia is on my list of must-visits, though.
All these places would be awesome to visit. I think I went to Scotland once as a child but I don’t remember it too much.
I haven’t travelled to most on your list yet. But it is a great list to cross out!
I have always wanted to visit Scotland. There’s so much history there, and I’ve heard it’s very pretty.
I have never made it to any of them, I really want to go to Scotland sometime though, it doesn’t seem that far away. x
I have never gotten the chance to travel out side Canada or the USA but I want to travel the world has been a dream of mine. These places look like great places to travel to
I’ve never been to any of those places! If I could pick just one I would choose Brisbane, Australia. I’ve always wanted to visit Australia and so does my hubby!
I would LOVE to visit any of these destinations! I would love it. I have always wanted to go to Australia!
These are awesome places, would love to go to them too; though I’m personally aiming for Japan sometime this year!
these destinations are all great! I am thinking Australia is my pick
I’m one of the weirdos that want to go to all 7 continents. That includes Antartica! 😀
I would love to go to any of these places. Antarctica would be last on my list though since I’d rather go to a warm climate but I’d still like to visit there someday.
I have not traveled to any of these destinations but I love reading about them! I am on oxygen so it is hard to travel outside the country! Thanks!
All are great destinations but I’d choose Australia.
I’ve been to Glasgow. My husband’s second favorite trip was there, out of all of our vacation travels abroad.
Antarctica? Really? I guess the Canadian in me just never really understands the desire to go visit ice and snow for the sake of a few penguins, etc. I haven’t been to any of these destinations but would love to see most of these places except for Antarctica!
I would never think Antarctica and I can guarantee you it’s not a place I’lll be going any time ever. Way too cold for me.
I really hope I get to visit some – one – any of these soon. 2015 would be nice .. you never know
Thx for the ideas! I need it! Can;t wait to travel this year!
I’ve always wanted to travel out of the USA. These are great destinations Thank you
I haven’t been to any of these. I am thrilled to see Scotland on the list. I hope to be making a trip there and to Ireland very soon.
Going to go to Cancun or Cazumel next November, so Really excited about that. I think Brisbane would be awesome or Scotland.
I would love to travel to any of these amazing locations. Brazil is on the top of my list.
I have never been to any of these places, but would love to go to all!
Australia has always been on my list of places to visit.
I have never been to any of those places, but I’d love to go some day in this life!
Very good information!
have never been out of the US,,,but scotland is one place I have on my bucket list!! 🙂
If I was able to go to one of those places it would be Australia
One day I’m going to visit Australia, it’s my dream destination.
My bucket list destination was Japan – and I am visiting currently! I love it! Next is Australia
Australia has always been on my bucket list. Antarctica seems like a place my daughter would enjoy since she enjoys cold and snow!
I would have loved to go to any of these places when I was younger. Antartica is alil out my league in my old age lol
what a great list you have here,, Scotland and South Africa is just a couple on the list that I would love to visit someday 🙂
Glasgow is definitely on my list!
I would LOVE to add these places to my list!
I so want to go to Cape Town, South Africa, it’s first on my wishlist.
I would love to have the chance to go to Brazil.
I wouldn’t mind visiting any of these spots. I think Brazil and South Africa would be at the top of my list.
Just added all but the Antarctica destination to my bucket list!
Nice places to visit and get away from it all!