Trazee In-Depth: Experiencing 2018

Whether looking for new bucket-list destinations and experiences in 2018 or just trying to stick to that travel more resolution, here is some travel inspiration for your next adventure.

Šolta, Croatia

Croatia’s ancient villages, incredible natural beauty and unending charm put it at the top of most travelers’ lists. With more than 1,200 islands, Croatia has been a top spot of the Adriatic Sea for some time, drawing private boats and chartered yachts to the crystal-clear waters.

For a seemingly untouched by tourism destination in Croatia, opt for Šolta. Located in the central Dalmatian archipelago, west of the island of Brač, south of Split, Šolta is often passed over by tourists for the more popular islands, but what the island lacks in size, it makes up for in beauty and peacefulness and can be traveled by any budget.

With UberBOAT, Uber launched on-demand boat transfers and private tours along the Dalmatian Coast. Check out the neighboring islands in affordable style and hit the high seas in the direction of Šolta. The incredible views of the hilly isle are just nine miles from Croatia’s second-largest city, Split — so you can easily have it all.

Prepare for pristine beaches, wild natural beauty and ancient charm, including pebbled beaches, tranquil waters and medieval villages complete with 18^th-century architecture and winemaking.

Taste homemade wine of the Dobričić variety, indigenous to the area and a completely unique experience for Croatian visitors. Try local olive oils, purveyed by family-run producers such as Olynthia. Taste, see and enjoy all Croatia has to offer, from the comforts and quiet of Šolta.

Laya, Bhutan

In the small village of Laya, located in the South Asian country of Bhutan, is a unique and travel-worthy festival. Plan for a trip this fall, preferably in October during the town’s third-annual Royal Highlander Festival.

Laya, one of the highest settlements in the world, celebrates Himalayan nomad culture during the festival with traditional highlander sports, including horseback riding, archery and yak beauty contests— all while decked out in vibrant nomad attire. Even the King of Bhutan has been known to attend the Royal Highlander Festival, so you’ll be in good company.

Bled, Slovenia

You may already be familiar with the picturesque beauty of Lake Bled in Bled, Slovenia, from countless photos without knowing where or what you were looking at. The tiny town of Bled offers incredible beauty both natural and man-made.

Slovenia should be on your bucket list for many reasons, but, while there, take some time to spend a day or two in Bled. Hike up the hillside and check out the sweeping beauty below or get out on the lake via kayak and get an up-close look at Bled Castle.

See all the quaint town has to offer and spend the night at Vila Bled. The 4-star hotel sits alongside the shore offering lovely accommodations, alfresco dining with an unbeatable view of the lake and castle, boat rides and incredible service.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands — a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean belonging to Ecuador — offers nature lovers the ultimate place to view wildlife. Most famously visited by Charles Darwin in the 1800s and inspiring his theory of evolution, the unique Galápagos wildlife is a sight to be seen.

Visit the isolated terrain by cruise ship or hired boat tour and witness incredible animal and plant life that can’t be found anywhere else. Get up-close photos of penguins, sea lions, sea turtles and maybe even a Galápagos shark. Pack your camera, hiking shoes and plan an island adventure fit for 2018.

Tunis, Tunisia

Tunisia, a North African country located along the Mediterranean Sea and Sahara Desert, boasts incredible archaeological exhibits, history and art. The capital city Tunis is a sprawling metropolis bursting with museums featuring Islamic art and Roman mosaics.

Check out the city’s medina district, including the immense Al-Zaytuna Mosque and souk, or marketplace. Nestled along Lake Tunis, Tunis is just inland from the Mediterranean Sea’s Gulf of Tunis, offering sweeping views of the sea in one direction and ancient city in the other.

Visit Carthage to the east and get a good look at the ancient ruins of the city. There’s also the Antonine Baths and the artifacts within the Carthage National Museum.

Drink coffee and enjoy the nearly private streets of town, completely unbothered by tourists. Wind down old city streets and pop in local shops and cafes, or take a ride to the Sahara desert and feel like a tourist — because you’re not going to feel that way in Tunis.

Tallinn, Estonia

Visit Estonia’s capital city Tallinn along the Baltic Sea. Considered the city’s cultural center, Tallin is a walled city with a quaint cobblestoned Old Town boasting gothic architecture and 15^th-century sites. Check out the local shops and cafes in town or take in the sights at the Gothic Town Hall. Built in the 13th century, the Gothic Town Hall looms over Tallinn’s main square.
Convenient for travelers trekking to Estonia in 2018, the country turns 100 this year. Celebrate like a local and join in the festivities.