The Hottest Travel Destinations in 2017

There seems to be a general consensus: 2016 was, in the best of cases, a controversial year.

So long, 2016…

Welcome, 2017!

2017 is shaping up to be a memorable year for American travelers thanks, in part, to a strong dollar.

If you’re still working on your New Year’s Resolutions, already started circling potential travel spots on your map and need some help, we’ve got you covered!

We’ve put together a list of the hottest destinations in 2017 where you’ll be able to get the best bang for your buck.

Canada

Lonely Planet picked Canada as its number one destination for the upcoming year and we couldn’t agree more. The travel magazine cites its friendly citizens, and an amazing display of natural destinations and vibrant cities as the main reasons to visit the Great White North.

It also figures to be among the best-value destinations for American travelers in 2017 and will be celebrating its 150th anniversary. G’O Canada!

CheckMyBus recommends:

If you live in the West Coast, the Seattle-Vancouver route by bus is your best bet. From there you can head north to Whistler (bus tickets start at USD 14) or head east down the Trans-Canada Highway (a sight in its own right) until you get to one of Canada’s natural marvels: the mountain town of Banff, which is actually located within the Banff National Park.

Portugal

Portugal has some of the best beaches in Europe and its citizens might arguably be the friendliest on the planet. When in Portugal, no matter the city, it’s impossible not to get infected by the contagious feel-good vibe of the locals.

The country itself didn’t make Lonely Planet’s list but one of its cities, Porto, is recommended for being a great-value destination. And it is. You’ll be able to find affordable accommodation, cheap bus tickets, and great food for only a fraction of the price you would pay either at home or in most other European countries.

Thanks to its size and its shape, the country can be traversed from its southernmost point to the Spanish border to the north in one day thanks to a very efficient bus network.

CheckMyBus recommends:

You can begin your Portugal trip in Porto, which has an airport offering international flights; from there take the bus to Lisbon. Once you’ve explored “the city of the seven hills”, you can head down to the beautiful region of Algarve, where pristine beaches will be waiting.

United Kingdom

Yet another destination where a dollar can get you much more than it did a year ago. The Pound Sterling has reached record lows against the dollar, making it an ideal destination to visit in 2017.

London should be on your list, sure. But once you’ve discovered the city by the Thames, you should explore what the rest of the country has to offer.

CheckMyBus recommends:

You can begin your journey by heading west to one of the most picturesque towns in England: Bath. The bus network in England is extremely reliable and a bus from London to Bath can cost you as little as $7.

You can also do a short tour of the Cotswolds -a set of typical villages near London-, where you’ll find hidden gems, such as Castle Combe, a 12th century village that has been featured in Hollywood movies, such as Steven Spielberg’s Warhorse and the popular British TV series Downton Abbey.

All of these can be easily reached from London and are on a 200-mile radius. But the UK has so much more to offer! So much in fact, we would have to write another full article for each destination: from the Scottish Highlands, Edinburgh, and Cardiff all the way to the Isle of Man.