Your travel bucket list for 2018 – July to December
Looking for ideas for where to go next year? We’ve already published our picks for the first half of 2018, where we sent you from Japan in January to Turkey in June. Now we’re back with ideas from July to December. Where will your magic bucket take you next? Read on…
July: Witness the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, Kenya
Visiting Masai Mara in July has to be better than watching National Geographic. Tear yourself away from Blue Planet II, July to October is the time to witness the yearly Great Migration. So get your camera ready for the Big Five and be prepared to be overwhelmed by the sight of more than a million animals galloping across the endless plains or crossing over the infamous Mara River. When you go on safari, stick to neutral palette outfits like khaki, tan, brown, beige or olive, as brightly-coloured clothing may scare off animals while dark blue or black can attract tsetse flies. Experience luxury glamping at Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, Ashnil Mara Camp or Neptune Mara Rianta Luxury Camp.
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August: Enjoy 24 hours of sunshine in Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland’s got a chilly reputation, but what treasures are waiting for you in the summer? Incredibly long days with 24 hours of sunlight, which give you extra energy and time to enjoy the trip. Although northern lights cannot be seen in summer, a midnight sun is equally as dazzling. Not only that, certain tours become available to you only during the summer season: try dropping inside the vast dormant volcano Thrihnukagigur, or visit the Lofthellir lava cave, with its extraordinary natural ice sculptures. Landmannalaugar and the Westfjords are a hikers’ paradise, offering splendid natural landscape as well as nice geothermal pools. For foodies, rest assured that Icelandic cuisine is more than fermented shark (hákarl), pickled ram’s testicles (hrútspungar) or sheep’s head (svið). Check out fish specialists like Fiskfelagid and upmarket meat grills like Grillmarkadurinn.
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Also Read: KAYAK: the all in one travel app
September: Walk the Great Wall in Beijing, China
As the famous saying by Chairman Mao goes, ‘One is not a true man until one reaches the Great Wall’. Stretching over 8,851 km from Dandong in the east, near the Chinese border with North Korea, all the way to Jiayuguan in the west, the Great Wall is simply massive. Even in Beijing, there are three sections that you can choose from. The most conveniently located (and most touristy) is Badaling. If you wish to escape the crowds, head to the fully restored Mutianyu, or the slightly further-flung Jinshanling, close to Chengde city. Besides the Great Wall, other historical attractions for your travel bucket list include the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, just to name a few.
October: Marvel at the Great Pyramid of Giza in Cairo, Egypt
As the last remaining member of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the fabulous Pyramids at Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx are a must-visit on your travel bucket list. With its ancient monuments, medieval city, and modern skyscrapers, Cairo has even more to offer than the Giza complex. You will be charmed by Midan Tahrir, known as ‘Paris on the Nile’, and fascinated by Old Cairo, home to Egypt’s Coptic Christian community. To soak up the atmosphere, try one of the traditional coffee houses or indulge in the famous local sheesha water pipes. A must-have on your travel bucket list!
November: Swim with a Whale Shark in Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
Swimming with the largest fish in the ocean should be an unforgettable experience for any adventurer – a must-have on your travel bucket list that will earn you a lifetime of bragging rights! You can spot these (harmless) whale sharks all-year-round around Alif Dhaal Atoll in the lowest country on earth, the Maldives. This laid-back island nation will not disappoint, even if you decide to forego the diving and just laze around in the sun. Before flying out to the country’s many island resorts, spend a day exploring the densely-packed capital Malé. While you roam around the city, remember to dress modestly (without exposing shoulders and thighs), so do pack some shawls or cover-ups in your suitcase.
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December: Visit the Santa Claus in Rovaniemi, Finland
Tick the last location off your 2018 travel bucket list and end the year on a high note with this magical experience. Fulfil your childhood (or your child’s) dream and pay a visit to Santa Claus in his official hometown, Rovaniemi. Christmas season may be a busy time to visit the town but isn’t it the more the merrier during holiday season? You will never get bored in Rovaniemi – with tons of activities available like a husky sleigh ride, snowshoe adventure, snowmobile safari, or if you’re lucky you may even catch the beautiful aurora borealis. Make your trip even more magical and stay at Arctic Treehouse Hotel, where you can watch the northern lights without even leaving your room.
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Also Read: Scared to ask for time off? Tips to get your boss to approve your holidays
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on nz.kayak.com on 19 December 2017. The prices are quoted in NZD. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy and include taxes and fees. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
