This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive.

The Best Places To Travel In 2017, According To National Geographic Traveler

The best places to travel, according to National Geographic Traveller.

Editors of National Geographic Traveler magazine have released their picks for the best destinations of 2017, giving shout-outs to places like Banff, Chengdu, Seoul, Madrid and Georgia, USA.

For their annual Best of the World list, editors chose a total of 21 destinations they deem to be “must-see” places to visit next year.

The selections fall into three categories: cities, nature and culture.

In the nature category, the magazine shines the spotlight on Kauai, a paradisiac island in Hawaii which has stood in as blockbuster locations for no less than 60 feature films, including the “Jurassic Park” franchise.

Cartagena, Colombia, was chosen as one of Nat Geo Traveler's picks for the best destinations of 2017.

Nature lovers will find renewal in Kauai's towering sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, mahogany forests and lush living landscapes.

Finland is also singled out for travelers looking for quiet. The country's 40 national parks, 12 wilderness areas, and six national hiking areas are described as “sanctuaries for silence-seekers.”

The year 2017 will be a big one for the country, as they will celebrate 100 years of independence marked by four nationwide “Finnish Nature Days,” one for each season.

Similarly, Canada fetes its 150th birthday next year. To experience the best of the country, editors suggest heading to the jewel of Canada, Banff, renowned for its rugged mountain peaks, meadowed valleys and turquoise-blue lakes.

Banff, Alberta, was chosen as one of Nat Geo Traveler's picks for the best destinations of 2017.

On the flipside, travellers in search of an exciting, city holiday are advised to check out Seoul, which “can make even the most hardened urbanite feel like a country bumpkin.”

With a population of 25 million for the Greater Seoul area, the city pulses with humanity, palaces, markets, high-rises, restaurants and fashionistas.

And for its legendary, unparalleled cuisine Sichuan cuisine, Chengdu, China made the cut in the culture category.

A UNESCO-designated “City of Gastronomy,” the region is known for dishes like tea-smoked duck, ma po tofu, hot pot, twice-cooked pork and kung pao chicken. The online hub features additional details such as travel tips for each locale and 360 videos.

Here are Nat Geo Traveler's picks for the best destinations of 2017 in alphabetical order:

  • Anchorage, Alaska, USA
  • Baja California National Marine Parks, Mexico
  • Banff, Alberta, Canada
  • Canton Uri, Switzerland
  • Cartagena, Colombia
  • Central India's National Parks
  • Chengdu, China
  • Cradle of Humankind, South Africa
  • Ecuador's Cloud Forests
  • Finland
  • Georgia, USA
  • Guadeloupe Islands
  • Hamburg, Germany
  • Kauai, Hawaii, USA
  • Madrid, Spain
  • Malta
  • Marrakech, Morocco
  • Moscow, Russia
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Seoul, Korea
  • Via Dinarica, Western Balkans

Also on HuffPost

Close
This HuffPost Canada page is maintained as part of an online archive. If you have questions or concerns, please check our FAQ or contact support@huffpost.com.