World

11 incredible new destinations to discover in 2016

We look at 11 incredible destinations that need to be on you travel list now!

Multimedia Desk March 08, 2016

PHOTO: Glen Orsak

With travel becoming increasingly accessible, the world is becoming a smaller place. And with that said, it's time to look ahead to another year of travel. There are many destinations on our travel radar, but some, less traveled destinations often don't make it to the bucket list.

So, we compiled a list and narrowed it down for you. From ancient temples, to crystalline waters, stunning landscapes and heritage sites, we look at 11 destinations to visit this year.

1. Guadeloupe

Gaudeloupe is all about dramatic landscapes and sandy beaches. With its crystal clear waters and verdant cliffs, this island is deserving of being on any traveler's list. Davis Cup tennis fans descended on Guadeloupe's Vélodrome Amédée Detreaux for the France-Canada match — the first time the country has ever hosted the tournament outside of continental France.

PHOTO: John Burcham for The New York Times

2. Cesme, Turkey

Dotted with olive and mastic groves, artichoke fields and vineyards, Cesme is the road less traveled in Turkey. Its fine restaraunts and cafes are turning this city into a culinary hot spot. Not as bustling as its counter-part, Istanbul, Cesme offers visitors peace and tranquility.

PHOTO: Andrea Wyner for The New York Times

3. Road of the Seven Lakes, Argentina

With the long-delayed paving of the Road of the Seven Lakes completed last summer, it is now possible to drive, cycle or motorbike down this 66-mile route that takes in some of Argentina’s most compelling scenery. Connecting San Martín de Los Andes to the mountain village of Villa La Angostura, an hour’s drive from the skiing and snowboarding mecca of Bariloche, the route is stunningly scenic, winding its way through forested valleys and around the namesake azure lakes, taking in national parks, snow-capped mountains and abundant waterfalls along the way.

PHOTO: Danielle Villasana for The New York Times

4. San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián is known as a culinary paradise, but its packed cultural calendar this year will prove it has much more to offer. As the Basque beauty celebrates its reign as a 2016 European Capital of Culture, large-scale artworks will populate public spaces, theaters will screen films as part of its annual film festival, and the historic Hotel Maria Cristina will impress with its refurbished belle époque interiors.

PHOTO: Daniel Rodrigues for The New York Times

5. Tamil Nadu, India

North India, with its famous Moghul era palaces and forts, might be the country’s most popular tourist destination, but Tamil Nadu in the south has an equally rich and undiscovered history. The state is where India’s major temple cultural complexes are, and some are so large that they’re considered minicities. For a true taste of history and culture, this destination needs to be on your list.

PHOTO: Poras Chaudhary for The New York Times

6. Barcelona, Spain

Known for its architecture and heritage, Barcelona this year prepares for an influx of architecture aficionados as it marks the 90th anniversary of the death of Antoni Gaudí, whose work famously peppers the city. The city boasts numerous museums, art galleries, beaches and be sure not to miss out on the infamous paella.

PHOTO: Pep Daudé/Basílica de la Sagrada Família

7. East Coast, Sri Lanka

Cut off for the last 30 years because of civil unrest, the east coast of Sri Lanka offers a collection of new hotels and private villas. There is something for everyone on offer, from back road cycling, leopard spotting and land safaris. With tourist access to forgotten Hindu temples, there is much left to be discovered.

PHOTO: Tuul & Bruno Morandi/Corbis

8. Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Although Phnom Penh doesn't get majority of Cambodia's tourism, developments in the city have paved way for travel fiends. For those interested in the Khmer Rouge history and Asian genocide studies, this destination is ideal.

PHOTO: David Hagerman for The New York Times

9. Thessaloniki, Greece

In an attempt to tackle the country's high levels of unemployment, young professionals of this Greek city opened new restaurants, but with a modern twist of traditional Greek. Drawing inspiration from Ottoman and Slavic flavours, the city is fast becoming a destination for 'foodies'.

PHOTO: Andrea Wyner for The New York Times

10. Beaufort, South Carolina

Petite Beaufort has the appeal of a much larger city without giving up its small-town, Low Country charms. The restaurants, festivals and art galleries have been exchanged with bike lanes, walking paths and romantic park benches overlooking the water. And there is an old-new spot from which to enjoy it: the Anchorage 1770, a 250-year-old historic house with generous porches and views ofWaterfront Park.

PHOTO: Hunter McRae for The New York Times

11. Guizhou, China

Guizhou province has long been one of China’s least accessible regions. As a result, its ethnic minority Miao and Dong mountain villages retain an unhurried pace and authentic feel compared with Lijiang, China’s famous minority centre, which draws 20 million visitors a year. Now Guizhou, too, is starting to open more widely to tourism.