Top 3 Travel Destinations For 2017

By Larissa Klerck. 

Are you guilty of day dreaming about sailing Croatia when really you should be compiling data in a pesky, non-holiday related spread sheet? Well we don’t blame you, especially since it’s all that we see scrolling through Insta these days. #FOMO hasn’t just set in; it’s at an all-time high. I think that we all need something to look forward to in life and let’s face it, travelling is the best kind of motivation.

The world is huge, a radius of 6,371 kilometres to be exact, so it can be hard to choose a destination if you don’t already have your heart set on a particular country. We’ve listed three epic places that should be on your list…

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is one of the many Islands in Hawaii with Honolulu as its capital city.

This is by far the most popular Hawaiian destination among Aussies as it is home to the Pearl Harbour Memorial, Hanauma Bay and the hiking ‘must do’, Diamond Head. While Honolulu boasts many natural wonders and a rich history, it also offers all the things that we love about America; cheap shopping, juicy burger joints and a never-ending choice of beach front resorts.

If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can head over to Oahu’s North Shore and book your own holiday home where it’s a little more low-key. The stretch of beach along the North Shore has been blessed by Huey, the surfing God, with some of the best breaks in the world.

Bottom line is you’ll be drinking from coconuts, wearing lei’s and surfing waves – the ultimate chill out vacay! Oh and I almost forgot to mention, it’s a direct flight from Brisbane straight to Honolulu. ‘A’ole Pilkia! (you’re welcome).

Osaka, Japan

Want to know what the most popular holiday destination for Australians was in 2015? No, it’s not Bali or Thailand or even America it was… Japan!

I’ve noticed a lot more people have been travelling to Japan in the last couple of years and it makes sense because it’s only a nine hour flight from Brisbane, as opposed to Europe which takes about 47 days to get there.

Osaka is a large city on the Japanese Island of Honshu and is known for being a stylish shopping hub with Japanese restaurants and nightlife venues galore – SOLD! During your travels throughout Osaka you can visit Universal Studios Japan, the Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory and if you’re game enough to hit the slopes, there are plenty of day trips available to go skiing in surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for cheap flights as the airline companies offer specials for Japan on the regular.

Melbourne City, Australia

Last but not least is good ol’ Melbourne. If you just want a weekend getaway, Melbs is your best bet. If you’re originally from the GC, you’ll know that it feels like a completely different world when you’re there. Those city feels are enough to make anyone feel like Carrie Bradshaw for a day.

The shopping throughout Melbourne is astounding. From high end malls such as The Emporium in the city to designer boutiques on Chapel Street and vintage shops in Brunswick, there’s something to tickle everyone’s fancy.

The food scene in Melbourne is all the rave, as I’m sure you’ve heard before. Walking through the city you’ll find hidden alley ways with restaurants and tapas bars in the masses. But make sure you get in early, as most popular dining spots don’t take bookings. Now you can’t do a Melbourne trip without a visit to the MCG for a good game of AFL even if you’re not a diehard fan. Finally, don’t forget to check out the new QT Melbourne, which is opening its doors on the September 5.