10 emerging hottest destinations to visit in 2018
It’s time to do holiday planning to make the most of your precious time off in 2018. With higher expectations for something ‘different’ when they travel, Singaporean travellers are seeking unique travel experiences. Skyscanner has curated a list of the emerging hottest destinations to visit in 2018, and when to see them at their best. To get the best deals, Skyscanner advises planning ahead, with flights from Singapore typically being the cheapest 21-25 weeks in advance.
1. Cape Town, South Africa
Clifton Beach, Cape Town, South Africa, Photo by SkyPixels, Wikipedia
Get up close and personal with nature’s in this stunning city in South Africa. Cape Town brims with unbridled, raw wildlife and gorgeous scenery. Be mesmerised by Southern Right whales nursing their new calves, or wait patiently at Boulders Beach to greet African penguins heading home to nest.
Penguins, Boulders Beach, Cape Town, Photo by Sharon Ang
For culture vultures, Cape Town’s popular neighbourhood, Woodstock, has become a hip hangout for young artists, exhibiting in independent galleries. With so much to do in this city, it’s no wonder that Cape Town is one of the emerging hottest destinations.
Woodstock Street Art and Graffiti, Woodstock, Cape Town, South African, Photo by Craig Howes, Cape Town Tourism
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 37%
Average flight prices: $916
When to go: September for the best whale watching period and wild flowers bloom as the weather warms up
Best times to book: May
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2. Casablanca, Morocco
Mosque Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco, Photo by Mohammed Mekssi
As Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca might not be as well-known as its more famous neighbours but that’s part of the charm. Its vibrant day- and night-life won’t disappoint also. Pay a visit to the awe-inspiring Mosque Hassan II and the neighbourhood around the Shrine of Sidi Abderrahmanm, or try your hand at haggling with stall holders at The Derb Ghalef neighbourhood.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 32%
Average flight prices: $889
When to go: May for the most pleasant temperature
Best times to book: January
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3. Caticlan, Philippines
White Beach, Boracay, Photo by lapping
Someone shouted “Beach please?” Caticlan is a gateway to Boracay, the Instagram-perfect beach paradise of the Philippines. Boracay’s White Beach is simply stunning, with extraordinarily pure powder sands that extend forever into azure blue waters. Dive into crystal clear waters, savour fresh seafood by the beach or simply work on getting a healthy tan. When dusk descends, live music starts, and dancers emerge on the scene. Sit back, lean into your deck chair with a cocktail and soak up the atmosphere.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 18%
Average flight prices: $333
When to go: November, during the dry season and away from the school break crowds that normally take place between March and May
Best time to book: June
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4. Kathmandu, Nepal
Boudhanath, Kathmandu, Nepal, Photo by Dipesh KC, Unsplash
Kathmandu is a sprawling metropolis in Nepal and a heritage lover’s delight. Be sure to visit the most famous Buddhist stupa in Nepal, the Boudhanath. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Visit during Gai Jatra, also called the Festival of the Cow. It is celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley to commemorate the death of loved ones. As part of the festival, family members of the deceased of the past year send people dressed as cows to parade on the streets. Gai Jatra is a time to remember lost ones and also to ease the pain. The festival usually falls in July or August.
Gai Jatra, Nepal, Photo by Suman Maharjan
Don’t forget that Singaporeans need a visa to enter Nepal – get a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, or at the Nepalese Consulate in Singapore.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 24%
Average flight prices: $339
When to go: September during the onset of Autumn which provides the best weather
Best time to book: April
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5. Jaipur, India
Amer Fort, also popularly known as the Amer Palace, Jaipur, India, Photo by Srshiva2, Wikipedia
Gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a thrilling city of buzzing auto rickshaws, majestic historic palaces and ancient forts. The breath-taking Hawa Mahal (Palace of the Winds) is as Instagram-worthy as it gets. In addition, the Iswari Minar Swarga Sal has city views that will take your breath away. Next, take a walk around the bazaar and send your senses into overdrive. To commemorate the visit of Queen Victoria in the 19th century, the Maharajah of Jaipur coloured the whole city in pink. To this day, the Rajasthani capital maintains this look, and buildings are either constructed from pink stone, or painted in various shades of rose pink.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 63%
Average flight prices: $395
When to go: February and March for Jaipur’s annual Elephant Festival
Best time to book: Now
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6. Da Nang, Vietnam
Alpine Coaster, Ba Na Hills, Da Nang, Vietnam, Photo credit: thang nguyenhuu
Nothing stands still in Da Nang, one of Vietnam’s fastest modernizing cities. Take a leisurely stroll along the Han riverfront where new hotels, and apartments and restaurants pop up every other month. The river is now dotted with remarkable bridges, and in the north a new skyscraper city, D-City is emerging. While at Da Nang, it is worthwhile to pay a trip to nearby Hoi An, a charming city caught in a time capsule. This ancient town is blissfully free of noise pollution typically found in cities and whilst your ears adjust to the heavenly peace, drink in sights of colourful heritage shop houses, ancient temples and meditate by the riverside while enjoying a bowl of pho.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 26%
Average flight prices: $187
When to go: February, where the weather is not too hot nor humid
Best time to book: Now
7. Okinawa, Japan
Kuroshio Sea, Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Photo credit: Wikipedia
For diving fans, Japan’s Okinawa islands offer one of the most famous diving spots in the world, with rich marine wildlife and unusual underwater features. Yonaguni of the Yaeyama Islands stands out with an underwater structure called the Yonaguni monolith. Besides diving, Yonaguni is also very popular for hammerhead shark sightings. Put on your diving equipment and explore the mystical depths of the earth! Don’t dive? Not to worry, explore these 11 other things to in Okinawa; you’ll never be bored here, one of the emerging hottest destinations.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 51%
Average flight prices: $471
When to go: First week of August where a large-scale dance festival called 10,000 Eisa Dancers Parade takes place
Best time to book: March
8. Nadi
Yasawa Islands, Fiji, Photo by Andreas
The Fiji islands are probably the closest thing to heaven on Earth. An archipelago of more than 300 islets in the South Pacific Ocean, they are famous for their unearthly beauty, from the crystal clear seawaters to golden beaches, accentuated with lush greenery and palm trees. You can now access all this perfection in just 10 hours, with Fiji Airways’ new direct flight from Singapore Changi Airport to the town of Nadi on Viti Levu island.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 75%
Average flight prices: $785
When to go: October when the weather is warm
Best time to book: April
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9. Athens, Greece
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens, Greece, Photo by Michel
Athens is the historical capital of Europe with a long history; dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. Standing high above Athens, Mount Lycabettus offers a fantastic view across the Attica basin and the Aegean. Then, head to the Temple of Zeus, a 3,000 year-old building and renowned as the largest temple in Greece. Continue your journey and trace the footsteps of emperors and kings at the Acropolis, an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. Wait, there is also New Acropolis Museum, one of the top museums in the world. More attractions not to miss in Athens.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 60%
Average flight prices: $685
When to go: Late April to early June when the weather is agreeable and crowds are thinner
Best time to book: January
10. Dublin, Ireland
The Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, Photo by Diliff, Wikipedia
The popularity for searches to Dublin might be modest compared to the rest of this list but it deserves a place as one of the hottest destinations. It’s chock-full of Irish quirkiness and charm! Visit during St Patrick’s Day and join in the street parades as the Irish let down their hair and everything is decked out in playful green. Otherwise, on any normal day, pop into Guinness storehouse to enjoy a pint or two, or trace Oscar Wilde’s footsteps and visit the sites that inspired the literary genius.
Increase in Skyscanner flight searches (from 2016 vs 2017): 4%
Average flight prices: $836
When to go: 17 March for St Patrick’s Day
Best times to book: Now
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To find flights and cars rental for your upcoming holidays, visit Skyscanner and start searching now!
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