If you are looking for an exciting new travel destination to check out, there are several options to check out in the new year.
Whether you want to kick back on a postcard-perfect, sparkling white sand beach or get lost in a lush jungle with the sounds of curious birds and monkeys in the canopy overhead, there is an otherworldly hot spot with your name on it.
V.I.A. has rounded up a list of places around the world that offer unique travel experiences in stunning natural settings.
Have a look at some of the best options available and how to plan your trip to them from Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Bora Bora
Known for warm locals, a rich culture, and pristine beaches, the sun-soaked island sees scores of visitors seeking private and often romantic holidays in private, over-water bungalows. These eye-catching accommodations and the island's captivating inlets have made the destination a social media darling, with honeymooners sharing snaps of breathtaking views from their private digs.
Find out everything you need to know about planning your trip to Bora Bora from Vancouver.
Barbados
It might be the birthplace of rum, but it isn't the dark liquor that makes this island magical (although the rum is top-notch).
Barbados overwhelms the senses from all angles. While it is a fairly small country -- you can drive across the island in under an hour --- the landscape varies drastically, offering the mighty swells of the Atlantic on one side and the calming Caribbean on the other.
Bajans have an infectious warmth and spirit, as evidenced by their lively celebrations and inviting culture. During the summer months, a visit to the country may coincide with Crop Over celebrations, which means there will be a party that you can attend virtually any time of the day every day of the week (yes, a place this awesome really does exist).
And if you attend one of these celebrations -- or even if you just happen to be in the right place at the right time -- you might spot one of music's biggest stars.
Fenty Beauty owner Rihanna hails from St. Michael and owns a massive mansion on the island that overlooks its hypnotically blue waters on the Caribbean side.
Here is everything you need to know to book a trip from Vancouver to Barbados.
Fiji
Nadi is a town on Fiji's largest island, Viti Levu. The capital and largest city, Suva, is also located on the big island. But with 333 remote tropical islands, visitors will discover plenty of crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, plenty of sunshine, and an array of activities.
The county is also known as the "Soft Coral Capital of the World," which makes underwater exploration a diver's dream.
Here is everything you need to know to book a trip from Vancouver to Fiji.
Vietnam
Postcard-perfect shores with blazing sunshine, friendly locals, and arguably one of the best value for your dollar for any tourist destination in the world, visitors can discover most parts of Vietnam at a steal.
Considered the county's most popular tourist attraction, cruises through Halong Bay include mesmerizing vistas of over 1,500 islands and islets with limestone pillars rising from that rise majestically from the ocean; most of them are uninhabited spots and untouched by human presence. it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a couple of threatened species that are endemic to the area, meaning they aren't found anywhere else on Earth.
Find out everything you need to know about planning your trip from Vancouver to Vietnam.
Hawaii
Maui re-opened to travel in November 2023 but officials caution against visiting areas that continue to struggle in the wake of the tragedy. However, travellers will find no shortage of places to visit across the rest of Hawaii instead.
Honolulu on Oahu is famous for its breathtaking, crescent-shaped beach and offers incredible nightlife, shopping and dining --- but it's only one of several islands to enjoy.
One of Hawaii's most popular attractions is the Diamond Head Crater located near the eastern edge of Waikiki’s coastline, which was formed about 300,000 years ago during a volcanic explosion. Considered the state's most recognizable landmark, the stunning saucer-shaped crater offers sweeping coastal views and a historic hiking trail.
Here is everything you need to know to book a trip from Vancouver to Hawaii.
Bali
For many travellers, Bali offers a rare blend of culture, natural beauty, high-end resorts, low-cost accommodations, and a spiritual gravity that few other places command. People from across the world travel to the tropical province to live, work, and holiday; some stay for a spell, and others fall in love with its paradisaical charms and never leave.
Find out everything you need to know about planning your trip to Bali from Vancouver.
Costa Rica
Animal lovers, thrill-seekers, beach bums, and anyone looking to take a walk on the wild side will find countless options in magical Costa Rica.
Tourists will find jaw-dropping, sparkling white-sand beaches located just steps away from lush rainforests, which are home to sloths, several species of monkeys, and hundreds of brightly-coloured birds.
Here is everything you need to know to book a trip from Vancouver to Costa Rica.
