The 10 "It" Destinations For 2017

National Geographic named Banff National Park in Alberta one of the 2017 "Best of the World" destinations, and we agree. Isolated in the serenity and beauty of the Canadian Rockies, it's worth a visit. But if you can't make it west to Alberta, Quebec City's iconic Château Frontenac is also a must-see. 

The surreal scenery of Patagonia makes this South America country a destination for 2017. Although there are resorts and restaurants, it is still a remarkably remote area that's great for all outdoor activities from trekking to horseback riding to rock-climbing.

Colombia's culture, arts, food, oceans (it borders both the Pacific and the Caribbean), and unique red rivers are just a few reasons you should make it to this country in 2017. Although Colombia long had a bad rap as a dangerous country, thanks to drug cartels and (in the rural areas) guerilla conflicts, the cartels are largely a thing of the past and this year's peace talks with the country's FARC have begun to pave the way for safety. Not just Bogotá but Medellin, Cali, and Cartagena are not only safe for visitors, but full of attractions.

Macedonia is rich in history with an abundance of museums, monuments, and ancient mosques to visit. Unlike most tourist hotspots, you won't find overcrowding to be an issue in Macedonia (at least not yet). Fun fact: It's also home to one of world's deepest underwater caves, Cave Vrelo. 

Every time Nepal is knocked down, it gets right back up. Past earthquake damages haven't kept travelers from going here. Nepal's grand temples, monasteries, and mountains make it an "it" travel destination for 2017.

If you're sick of hearing about trips to Machu Picchu, it should be noted that there are a lot of other places to see and things to do in Peru. The sand dunes of Huacachina are increasing in popularity among adventurous travelers. If you don't want to travel to a desert, there's still the Peruvian Amazon that's worth seeing, the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman, and the Incan site of Choquequirao.

From the medieval streets of Coimbra to the romantic town of Sintra, Portugal is incredibly diverse from place to place and worth considering. The picturesque landscapes and a top-notch food and wine scene will call to you once you start planning your trip. 

If you're looking to fall in love with the wilderness, wildlife, and safaris of Africa, South Africa is the country for you. And if you prefer a city, Cape Town — with tours, markets, and plenty of things to do just outside the city — is quickly becoming a popular travel destination. 

South Korea was a destination mentioned pretty often in 2016, but it'll be even more popular in 2017. Seoul, the capital, is a popular metropolitan city that has been focused on going green for years now. It's also known for one of the most vibrant food scenes in Asia. If you're an eco-conscious traveler, Seoul should be at the top of your travel list for the new year. 

Mountain views, waterfalls, and castles are just a few of the countless reasons Switzerland made the list. Between the architecture of each city and the dreamlike topography of the country, Switzerland should be at the top of your list in 2017.