The 7 Hottest Travel Destinations for 2016

Author: Daniel Taylor

Now that we are a month into 2016, travel plans for the year are starting to be made. Whether you are planning a family beach trip or looking to trek through the jungle, it's likely that you are already planning your itinerary. Here is a look at some of our hottest travel destinations for 2016.

Maui, Hawaii

What is not to love about the Hawaiian Islands? You can lie on the beach, catch some waves, or hike around a volcano. There is something to do for just about everyone. Hawaii is a location that will probably always be on a list of must visit places because it is easily accessible from the United States with several non-stop flights daily.

If you are planning a trip to the islands, then Maui is a must. The beaches are some of the best in the world. You can take a day to visit a pineapple plantation or even drive the road to Hana. Just be careful because it's a road like you have probably never traveled before.

The island has an endless supply of luxury hotels for you to choose from. If you are going as a family, then one of the best hotels is the Sheraton Maui on the western part of the island. Located on Kaanapali Beach, it's home to some of Maui's best snorkeling at Black Rock. Prices at the Sheraton Maui start at around $300. If you are looking to stay in the southern part of Maui, then a great option is the Andaz Maui.

Cuba

Some people might have thought Cuba could ever become a tourist destination. After a 54-year-old trade embargo was lifted things look to be turning a corner. Now is the time to visit the country because you can expect things to change over the next decade as tourism starts to pick up steam.

Most people will head to Havana for the cultural experience, but if you are looking to expand your trip to other parts of the country then head to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This town was once the largest sugar producer in the world, and now visitors can take a train to visit the valley of the sugar mills. A slave watchtower in the area will give you amazing views of the surrounding area.

Cuba isn't known for their amazing accommodations, but the best in Trinidad is the five star Iberostar Grand Hotel Trinidad.

Zimbabwe

If your bucket list includes an African safari, then Zimbabwe needs to be in consideration for this year's travels. The crowds have yet to really take off. However, that will most likely change soon. A brand new airport was opened at the end of 2015 in Victoria Falls, which will make direct flights possible from different parts of the world. If you are hoping to spot a herd of elephants up close and personal, then you might want to consider staying at the Wilderness Safaris Linkwasha Camp. Here you will stay in one of their eight luxury tents or the larger family tent that they have on the property.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

After a successful World Cup in 2014, Rio de Janeiro is set to once again be on the world's stage in 2016 with the Summer Olympic games. In preparation for the hundreds of thousands of people that are expected to arrive this summer, the city has undergone a massive amount of growth with new buildings popping up all over the city.

Make sure you head to the port area while you are there. This was an area that was once nothing but abandoned warehouses and slums, but $2.5 billion has been added to the area and now it will be full of museums and other exciting attractions. Make sure you check out the Museu do Amanhã, which just opened in December. This museum covers everything from outer space to the effects of climate change and what we can expect in the future for humanity on earth.

Another effect of the Olympic games is that the city is filled with new and updated hotels. One of them happens to be a brand new five-star Grand Hyatt that is now taking reservations for stays starting in March. The Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro is located in the Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, which has one of the cities best beaches.

If you are heading to Brazil this summer, it's important to know that the country has been at the center of attention for the Zika Virus. Before your trip, make sure you understand how to protect yourself and are educated on the signs that you may have contracted the virus.

Denver, Colorado

While Denver might have been a stopover city for visitors on their way up to the many ski resorts, that is no longer the case. It's a city full of museums, sporting events and amazing dining experiences and is now a top travel destination.

If you are traveling as a family, then the Denver Children's Museum is a must visit after they recently finished a $16 million dollar expansion. If you are looking for a place to sleep, then look no further than the newly opened Westin Denver International Airport. This hotel is covered with glass and will give you amazing views of both the western plains and the Rocky Mountains. If you want to get a little closer to the city, then you will soon be able to board the light rail train that will take you from the airport to Union Station. There you will find plenty of restaurants and a hotel after a recent renovation.

Oman

For travelers planning a trip to the Middle East in 2016, you might want to add a leg to your travels and make the short flight to Oman. This graceful city, which is located right on the Gulf of Oman, is often forgotten about because of its proximity to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

While you are in Muscat, Oman's capital of 1.5 million people, make your way to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The Sultan built this mosque so that it could welcome westerners to have a better understanding of Islam. You are going to want to make sure you also go on a dune-bashing excursion with one of the countries many reputable operators.

There are several large and boutique luxury hotels located in Muscat. One of them is the Grand Hyatt Muscat, with 280 Arabian styled rooms.

Iceland

One of the hottest destinations over the past couple of years has been Iceland. The country offers visitors a wide mix of glaciers, volcanoes, and beaches. It's also one of the most popular places for anyone looking to see the Northern Lights.

Make sure you book a whale-watching tour and stop to relax in The Blue Lagoon. If you are going to be in Reykjavik, then a great place to stay is the Radisson Blu 1919 Hotel, which is right in the heart of the city.

The Bottom Line

No matter if you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a culture filled adventure, each of these locations will offer travelers a unique destination to experience in 2016.