With the new year comes new resolutions. “Be healthier.” “Spend more time with family and friends.” “Be open to new experiences.” “Cross something off my bucket list.” Travel can be a great way to enhance your new year and help you stay committed to those resolutions. Want to be healthier? Spend a week at a spa in Arizona kickstarting your new healthy lifestyle. Want to spend more time with family? Plan a multi-generational family cruise to Alaska. Always wanted to go on an African safari? This is the year to cross it off your bucket list!
With this in mind, we asked our West U Travel advisors what their top travel suggestions are for 2017. Here’s what they had to say:
Dasha Westerfield, Owner: My number one recommendation for travel in 2017 would be Croatia. There is so much more to this country than Dubrovnik (which is without a doubt a great place to visit). Discover medieval towns like Motovun (where their exquisite truffles are celebrated in food and oils), experience the beautiful forests and lakes of Plitvice National Park, and enjoy the scenery and swim in the gorgeous waterfalls of Krka National Park. Finally, you can visit a sampling of thousands of islands and private beaches that are not difficult to get to. This country has something for everyone.
The port of Dubrovnik (with Bokar Fortress at bottom right)
Stephanie Meckert, Travel Advisor: New Zealand. Air New Zealand now offers direct flights from Houston, which makes this far away destination easily accessible. New Zealand is surrounded by its natural beauty and has so much to offer. Abel Tasman, Glacier Trekking in Franz Joseph, Tagariro Crossing where the Lord of the Rings was filmed, Maori culture, Waitomo glow worm caves, Queensland, and so much more. Or if you are into extreme sports – bungee jumping, sky diving, white water rafting, hiking, canyon swinging, the caves, and zip lining. Also, the food and wine is original and world class. My favorite place to travel and worth the journey!
Hobbiton
Michele Grace, Travel Advisor: I highly recommend the South of France. Most people think of Saint Tropez, Nice, and Monte Carlo when you mention the Cote D’Azure. But there is so much more. Spend time in the medieval hill towns of Mougins and St. Paul de Vence. It’s similar to Tuscany, offering gorgeous scenery, great food & wine, interesting history, and gorgeous accommodations. Staying in the hills allows you to explore that area while still being close to the sea. And the price point can be better.
Mougins, France
Samantha Collum, Office Manager & Travel Advisor: If you are looking for somewhere more exotic, try Thailand this year! There is something for everyone, whether you’d prefer the more cosmopolitan city of Bangkok with its floating markets, or relaxing beach time in Phuket or Koh Samui. Make sure to allow plenty of time in the “Golden Triangle”, where many of the country’s ancient cities and temples are. For a truly unique trip, spend several nights in a tented elephant camp, where you can learn about the “mahouts” that care for these majestic animals. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Taylor Gadaleta, Office Assistant & Travel Advisor: I would highly recommend visiting Costa Rica. There are direct flights to both main airports from Houston via United Airlines, and it’s an easy 3h 45m flight. Costa Rica offers something for everyone – zip lining, hiking, and surfing for the active traveler; plenty of animals and rainforests to explore for family traveling; and majestic mountains contrasted with unique, dark beaches perfect for a relaxing or romantic getaway.
Bajos del Toro, Costa Rica
Whether you want to create a memorable family trip to Costa Rica or plan a romantic getaway to France for an upcoming anniversary, we hope our
Your West U Travel advisors are here to help you make your travel dreams come true. Leave the planning to us!