2016 was a bad year for the world of travel, if you believe everything you read in the media that is. Here's 5 places you NEED to visit in 2017!
1. Dahab,South Sinai,Egypt
Formerly a Bedouin fishing village on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, Dahab is now considered to be one of the world's most treasured diving destination and is adored by those that give Egypt the chance. Tainted by bad press over the last few years Egypt's decline in tourism is obviously, but this slice of magic in Sinai remains a bubble of beauty. The Red Sea of Dahab provides scuba divers with some of the most beautiful corals and marine life in the world, while the Blue Hole gives freedivers the ultimate spot to sink into the abis.
When the lights dim the stars come out to play and illuminate the sky showing only the shadows of the breath-taking Sinai desert and a small glisten of Dahab below. One of the most unique towns in the world, every one who lives there knows it, but their small voice is yet to be heard. Until now.
2. Jersualem, Israel
One of the oldest and most historic cities in the world, Jerusalem used to be called "Urusalima", meaning "City of Peace". However, if you tell anyone now that you are travelling to Israel their response may be something along the lines of "but isn't it dangerous?". This electric city is saturated in history and energy yet offers so much more than just that. It's emerging night life and music scene has encouraged a flock of younger people to move to the city searching for a more creative and fulfilling lifestyle.
The passion and love Jersualem exhales in each breathe is inspiring. A country that has received so much bad press is finally coming out the other side and with a push on tourism in 2017 you'll be seeing Jersualem pop up everywhere very soon. But remember, you saw it here first.
3. Amman, Jordan
Who knew how happening Amman was?
Millennia's sip their lattes in cafes full of books, bite into chocolate brownies on rooftop coffee shops and smoke shisha while watching outdoor movies. The capital city of Jordan is electric, vibrant and a complete surprise to any of those expecting the conflict you see in the media. A popular city for expats, community projects are popping up all over the city integrating local culture with modern trends.
There's even a hip, yet small, nightlife scene in the ever-trendy Rainbow Street where falafel sandwiches meet beer and coffee's mingle with cocktails. Becoming one of the most sophisticated cities in the Middle East, Amman is ridiculously underrated and more than deservers a place on your 2017 must visit list.
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
If you haven't seen "those balloon photos" you may well have been living under a rock for the last few years. As voted as one of the most "Instagrammable" destinations in the world by numerous publications, Cappadocia is a dream destination for most - if you don't let what you read about Istanbul put you off. Around 5am every morning (weather permitted) hundreds of hot air balloons cover the morning sky creating an out-of-this-world experience.
Back on steady land Turkish feasts wait for you as you sip coffee on cave hotel rooftops and sit on traditional Turkish carpets. The "land of the fairy chimneys" looks like it has come straight out of a fairytale and is somewhere everyone needs to visit now.
5. Ramallah, Palestine
Would you ever Travel to Palestine? What horrible press it gets. But, it really deserves your chance, it really deserves your love. Hidden in between the conflict is a beautiful soul. Palestine is more than just war. Palestine is the best hummus in the world, Palestine is a creative hub of genuine people, and holds beautiful terrain and peaceful sunsets. It is nothing like you see on T.V. Ramallah, in particular, is its own little bubble, with locals smoking shisha in cafes, drinking arak in bars and eating sweet treats and Shawarma goodness. Give Palestine a chance in 2017.
