Travel

Mérida, the capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán, is a captivating colonial city brimming with activities. From its beautiful churches to lively squares, intriguing museums, and delightful restaurants, the friendly atmosphere is alluring, making it an ideal spot to spend a couple of days.

Whether we realize it or not, food is one of the key ways in which we experience a place when traveling. That secret locals’ tapas bar you stumbled across down a backstreet; that briny-fresh seafood you saw hauled straight from the sea and onto the barbecue. Ingredients evoke landscapes, recipes recall history, and certain dishes can unlock the very essence of a place and its people.

Recently, we had the opportunity to visit a region of the UK we had yet to explore—the historic city of Newcastle. The thought of traveling to Newcastle evokes various associations—celebrated nightlife (thanks to Geordie Shore), a remarkable city to discover, the iconic Angel of the North, and a landscape dotted with numerous bridges. However, the idea of visiting a beach in Newcastle is not the first notion that typically comes to mind. In the British context, beaches are more commonly linked with southern locations such as Cornwall and Brighton, or even more secluded areas like the Isles of Scilly.

Make next year one to remember by adding one of these 10 irresistible countries to your travel itinerary. From the awe-inspiring grandeur of Canada to the ancient allure of Ethiopia, all of them are worthy destinations to visit in 2017.

If you’re curious about the magic metropolises that have made it to the top of our travel list for 2017, this article highlights flourishing cities that beautifully combine style with substance. Consequently, these destinations should undoubtedly be part of your travel plans this year.

From a lost Inca city in the Peruvian Andes to a lonely island of Christian pilgrims off the coast of Ireland, these 10 diverse regions of the world are demanding our attention in 2017.