THE TRAVEL and tourism industry is booming as more and more people take advantage of low airfares and increased opportunities to see new places.
While there has been resistance to increased visitor numbers in some European destinations, much of the world still welcomes visitors with open arms.
The following destinations are sure to please if you visit in 2018.
The Philippines
Brilliant green rice fields, teeming cities, colourful jeepneys, stunning beaches, and smiling, happy-go-lucky people are all part of the Philippines scene.
With more than 7000 tropical islands to choose from, you can find what you are looking for.
Divers have long known about the country’s underwater attractions while Northern Palawan is perfect for sea kayakers, and Boracay is a world-class kiteboarding and beach destination.
The Philippines was colonised by Spain and the US for 400 years and vestiges of that era can be seen in exuberant town festivals and centuries-old stone churches, while huge shopping malls, fast-food chains and widespread spoken English come from the influence of the Americans.
Manila, the capital, is a pulsating hub that blends the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary.
Cebu is a choice tourist destination with balmy weather, pristine beaches, crystalline waters, and luxurious resorts.
Banaue is a place for nature adventures and cultural immersion; the rice terraces are quite extraordinary.
Palawan has thick green forest, white-sand beaches, sparkling water and magnificently sculpted jade islands.
Philippines Airlines flies from Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne and Sydney to Manila.
South Africa
Go almost anywhere in South Africa and you can experience a combination of nature, wildlife, culture, adventure, heritage and style.
During these tough economic times, it’s good to find a bargain destination where you can afford luxury and even have spending money left over.
There is natural beauty in mountains, forests, coasts and deserts and world-class facilities.
It is not possible to talk about South Africa without mentioning wildlife.
Everyone wants to see the big five, but there are also whales, penguins, meerkats, wild dogs, birds and much more.
If you are looking to experience wildlife viewing in luxury, Tintswalo Safari Lodge, in the pristine private Manyeleti Game Reserve could be your answer.
It shares an unfenced boundary with the renowned Kruger National Park and suites are decorated to reflect colonial times.
The same company has beach-side Tintswalo Atlantic, a 5 star, award-winning boutique lodge nestled at the base of Table Mountain National Park near Cape Town.
This is one of the city’s hidden gems.
The views of a wild sea crashing below contrasting with a roaring fire and fabulous welcome drinks will set the tone for a memorable stay.
For a city location, the all-suites Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, Johannesburg appeals because it is directly connected to the Michelangelo Towers Mall and the Sandton Convention Centre, and is located directly opposite Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square in the in heart of South Africa’s Richest Square Mile.
Monaco
Situated at France’s south eastern corner near the Italian border, occupying an area of just 2.8 km2, Monaco might be the second smallest country in the world (after the Vatican), but what it lacks in size it sure makes up for in attitude and variety.
There is an ornate opera house, Michelin-starred restaurants and casinos, palaces, cathedrals, supercars, mega yachts, deluxe hotels and designer boutiques.
There are also museums and galleries, festivals, nightclubs, and gardens with exotic plants and sea views.
The country is one of the most surprising and rewarding destinations in Europe.
It is just 30 minutes by car, bus or taxi from Nice Airport through hairpin bends and along rocky cliffs.
Monaco enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year and a temperate climate.
Los Angeles
Shot for Discover LA by Matt Marriott
Many readers will have been to Los Angeles, USA but most will not be aware of the wide range of museums, art galleries and concert halls that are spread throughout the city.
In the downtown area the futuristic Walt Disney Theatre is an architectural masterpiece and is right next door to the city’s newest cultural and design showpiece, The Broad.
LA Live is another vibrant entertainment complex offering restaurants and live music venues. The Westside perhaps has even more attractions.
There is the Getty Centre located atop the Santa Monica Mountains then on Museum Row there is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Pettersen Automotive Museum, the Craft and Folk Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.
In Century City you will find the Annenberg Space for Photography.
Hollywood, known as the entertainment capital of the world, is an essential part of the L.A. experience.
Film enthusiasts will love the renovated TCL Chinese Theatre and you can tour the Dolby Theatre, home of the Oscars.
Not far away is Universal Studios Hollywood with its rides, shows and tours.
If you consider LA nothing more than a gateway to the USA, you had better re-think.
It is one of the top picks for places to visit in 2018.
Check www.smarttraveller.gov.au for travel warning advice before booking holidays.
