Hottest Travel Destinations of 2016

It’s that time of year again and the Internet is clogged with reviews of 2015 and predictions for the year ahead.

Travel websites usually help people to plan their next adventure, but this time around we will be predicting the hottest destinations for 2016. Each of the countries on the list is included for different reasons, but the focus is on areas of the world that should be visited before they are affected by the forces of globalization.

First up is Myanmar, the Southeast Asian nation emerging from decades of military dictatorship. As the shackles are thrown off and foreign visitors start to visit, authorities are improving infrastructure and working hard to promote the natural and manmade riches of the country. One particular highlight is a balloon ride over the temples of Bagan.

© Kmiragaya | Dreamstime

Cuba is set to open up to tourism, specifically from U.S. visitors. After years of embargoes, the White House looks set to announce U.S. tourists can visit the land of Fidel Castro, cigars and rum. Get out there soon before the multinational companies turn the socialist nation into another tacky Caribbean island.

Last but not least is Botswana, a heart-warming story of success in Africa that bucks regional trends of violence and poverty. Tourism plays an important role in the economy, boosted by luxury safari camps and other wildlife-based trips.