Top travel spots for 2017 have been revealed – we bet you won’t guess No. 1
TripAdvisor today revealed the top trending travel spots for 2017, with the laid-back city of San Jose del Cabo in Mexico taking out first place in the world rankings.
This is the fifth year of the Travellers’ Choice awards for Destinations on the Rise, and TripAdvisor has recognised 43 destinations world-wide with new hot-spots revealed across Europe, Asia and South America.
The Travellers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise list offers plenty of options for Aussies seeking inspiration for new places to visit in the new year,” said Joanne Kershaw, TripAdvisor spokesperson.
“Travellers can choose from these award-winning locations featuring pristine beaches, historic cities and natural wonders, all of which are emerging in popularity among the TripAdvisor community as a result of their highly-rated options for places to eat, play and stay for travellers,” Kershaw added.
- San Jose del Cabo, Mexico — Only 20 miles south of the lively Cabo San Lucas, Jose San Jose del Cabo is a quiet alternative for those seeking a spot of peace and tranquility. The Las Ventanas al Paraiso hotel is a top-pick among TripAdvisor users, situated near the charming San Jose del Cabo main square filled with restaurants, art shops and historical landmarks such as the parish church of San Jose del Cabo and the Town Hall.
- Whistler, Canada — Just a short trip from Vancouver, Whistler boasts rugged beauty and outstanding skiing opportunities. For the thrill-seeking traveller, make sure you check out Peak-to-Peak Gondola, the world’s longest and highest gondola ride, stretching 4.4 kilometres between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
- Jericoacoara, Brazil — Best known for having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, travellers to the remote Jericoacoara can take their time to explore the village’s unspoiled beaches, saunter down streets paved with sand and admire the sunset at Duno do Por do Sol for a “must-see experience in Jericoacoara.”
- Kihei, Hawaii — Located on Maui’s western shore, the Maui Coast Hotel (seasonal average of A$337 per night when booking on TripAdvisor) is a “great hotel with easy beach access” for visitors wanting to dive, swim and sun themselves on Kihei’s white-sand beaches. Travellers can visit the Red Line Rafting Co., for a fantastic snorkelling adventure” and explore Hawaii’s rich marine life.
- Baku, Azerbaijan — Situated along the Caspian Sea, Baku is an interesting mix of Asian and Western cultures, of the old and new, all of which are best reflected in the city’s sights and landmarks. Hailed as a “must-visit” is the famed medieval Old City Baku, which houses the UNESCO-listed Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.
- El Nido, Philippines — Known as the Philippines’ last frontier, El Nido in Palawan is perfect for travellers seeking a ‘tourist-less’ experience. Ranked as Asia’s second best beach in this year’s Travellers’ Choice awards, the off-the-beaten-path Nacpan Beach is every travellers paradise! Book to stay in a water cottage overlooking the sea at the El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island on TripAdvisor for $550 per night.
- Eilat, Israel — Perched on the shores of the Red Sea, Eilat’s tropical weather, beaches, national parks and desert provide the perfect environment for a whole range of outdoor recreational activities. Indeed, travellers looking for “amazing desert landscape” can discover authentic desert flora and fauna through hiking and biking at Timna Park.
- Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain — The capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, is nestled amid two bays and the beautiful beaches of the Playa de las Canteras and Playa de las Alcaravaneras. History-lovers can enjoy the capital’s historical and cultural heritage through a walking tour of Vegueta, the oldest quarter of the town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And why not put your feet up at the spacious and comfortable rooms at Reina Isabel Hotel for A$240 per night on TripAdvisor.
- Tbilisi, Georgia — In the capital of Georgia, travellers can saunter down the brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets of the Old Town, where they can taste Georgian food and wine to their heart’s content. Rest at the “hip and chic” Rooms Hotel Tbilisi for a seasonal average of $237 per night when booking on TripAdvisor.
- Jodhpur, India — The second largest city in Rajasthan, Jodhpur is a reflection of the royal lineage it has witnessed for centuries! Majestic forts and palaces, including remnants of the glorious past, adorn the landscape of this popular tourist attraction. Ratan Vilas, bookable on TripAdvisor at $75 per night is a mansion from the 1920s that has been beautifully refurbished into a hotel and “provides a wondrous setting to recharge and enjoy its magnificent setting”. Travellers can also visit the impressive Mehrangarh Fort which is one of the oldest forts in India and offers “sweeping views of the Blue City”.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
San Jose travellers choice tripadvisorLatest News
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.