With global — and for many Aussies, interstate — jet-setting still well and truly off the table, we’re all having to make do with daydreaming about our next trip.
Images of tropical islands and cobblestoned European laneways have helped many of us cope with the weeks spent at home, but it seems Aussie spots are also on our minds.
TripAdvisor’s 2021 Traveller’s Choice Best of the Best Awards have revealed the ’emerging’ destinations people are dreaming of visiting, and fortunately not all of them involve a long-haul flight.
Coming in at number 10 on the list, which ranks the under-the-radar locations that have seen the greatest increase in “saves” on TripAdvisor in the last year, is Mudgee.
Located in New South Wales’ Central Tablelands, the town is beloved for its wineries, food, shopping, heritage architecture and landscape.
Mudgee has something for just about every traveller — local wines and farmers markets for the epicureans; glorious countryside and national parks for the active adventurers; and for the romantics, perhaps a scenic hot air balloon ride?
The region is already a popular spot for Sydneysiders seeking some fresh air for a weekend away, but TripAdvisor’s list suggests it’s no longer flying under the radar.
Slightly further up the emerging destinations list at number eight is Shoalhaven, and it’s not hard to see why.
If you’re in the mood for a beachy holiday, you really should put this section of the NSW South Coast on your list. Immediately, if not sooner.
Dotted with towns, villages and incredible beaches, Shoalhaven includes localities like Jervis Bay — home to the famous Hyams Beach — Nowra, Ulladulla, Berry, Sussex Inlet and Kangaroo Valley. Road trip, anyone?
The region is a dream destination for anyone who loves a dip, a surf, bushwalking, water sports, Insta-worthy sights (turquoise water ahoy) and good food.
If you need further incentive to pack your bags, Shoalhaven was among the regions devastated by the 2020 bushfires, with the local tourism industry taking a major hit.
As for the other destinations TripAdvisor users are busy planning hypothetical (for now) holidays to, the Caribbean island of Martinique is sitting pretty in the top spot.
The top five is rounded out by Panama City Beach in Florida, Brazil’s Armacao dos Buzios, Holbox Island off Mexico, and St Ives on England’s Cornwall coast.
Source: Kahla Preston, 27 January 2021
Link: https://amp.nine.com.au/article/da1eb3a8-f928-4344-9642-9ddd0f62f74f