8 Up-and-Coming Places to Travel in 2016

Where are you headed in 2016? With a little guidance from Lonely Planet and Travel and Leisure, these are some of the world’s most unique and affordable hidden gems that are yet to be discovered by mass tourism. Explore the roads less traveled with these up-and-coming travel destinations in 2016.
Transylvania, Romania

Different places and people throughout history have dominated Transylvania. Today, “The Land Beyond the Forest” is an off-the-beaten-path escape from the busy and bustling Bucharest. Here you can explore everything from Dracula’s castle to the Bavarian-inspired town, Sinaia. If you like nature, explore the many hiking trails in the Carpathian Mountains.
Botswana, Africa

Once a poverty-stricken area, Botswana now balances economic growth while protecting its natural environment. From African wilderness adventures to the International Courtyard restaurant, visitors can explore the local staples of natural and culinary culture. One of the most iconic experiences is to watch the sunset over the safari.
Riga, Latvia

Known for its historic and Baltic wellness treatments, places such as Riga have earned their stereotype as one of the best places to visit in Eastern Europe. Riga is affordable and offers plenty of authentic spas and traditional cuisine. Visitors can explore everything from the city’s medieval to communist history without blowing their budget.
Poland

Poland is another magical Eastern European country that flourishes with mouth-watering cuisine and unthinkable human history. Wroclaw made the list as one of the European Capitals of Culture 2016. Krakow, Poland’s most popular and friendly city, sets the stage for its historic culture with underground cafes and horse and carriage rides around town.
Borneo

Borneo is a fertile island that is part Indonesian and part Malaysian. Regardless of its territorial reign, Borneo is an adventure lover’s destination where visitors explore its underdeveloped terrain and towns. Borneo is also home to the endangered Bornean orangutan. Sleep in style at the brand new 101-room Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa.
Tasmania

Tasmania is the lonely island located just south of Australia. Known for its secluded national parks, visitors can explore untouched rainforests in places such as Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. When you need a touch of reality, head to Tasmania’s water capital city, Hobart, to explore MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art.
Havana, Cuba

It’s no secret that politics have kept Americans from exploring Cuba. Thanks to President Obama, Cuba is now on the radar as one of the most exciting destinations in 2016. Havana, a 1950’s time capsule, looks exactly like a picture-perfect vintage postcard. Preparations for major tourism have ignited with modern constructions such as chic hotels, retro art spaces and contemporary bars.
Canggu, Bali

If you eat, breathe and dream surfing, that head to Canggu. This southwestern coast beach town bubbles with a relaxed Australian vibe. Besides surfing, you can find everything from SUP lessons to yoga classes to smoothie shacks. It’s the place where hippies, hipsters and hot-weather fans flock to enjoy everything that has to do with the sun, sand and sea.