From domestic destinations to far-off cities, here were 15 popular places to travel in 2015.
Adventure in Antarctica
It’s the last terrestrial tourism frontier that nature lovers, adventurers and explorers are rushing to visit. In the 2015 tourist season, more than 37,000 people were expected to visit the coldest continent on Earth.
While some tourists climb Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest point at 16,050 feet (4,892 meters), others seek a chance to take in the views of other-worldly terrain or snap pictures of massive groups of penguins as they bop in and out of the water. Still others do extreme sports, like scuba diving in icy waters, or imagine themselves as early 20th century explorers during re-enactment expeditions. Read more about tourism in Antarctica on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Eat your way through Japan
Japan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for food tourism.
From street food to sushi, to whiskey, you’re sure to find activities that are rich in culture and flavor. Read about dining with locals in Japan and the must-see spots/best towns to visit in the country on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Chile’s Lake Villarrica
Located in Chile’s Lake District in the southeast portion of the Province of Cautín, Pucon and the surrounding area is home to Lake Villarrica and the Villarrica volcano. It’s about 11 hours (700 kilometers) by bus traveling south from Santiago, Chile’s capital.
Many travelers to Pucon come to see the volcano and then realize there are many other things to see and do when they get there. Read about the adventures that await on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Hikers go ‘Wild’ over Pacific Coast Trail after blockbuster
More hikers were expected on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015, thanks to the movie “Wild,” according to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, which preserves and promotes the trail.
The PCT starts near Campo, California, outside San Diego at the Mexican border, and stretches 2,650 miles (4,264 kilometers) through California, Oregon and Washington. It ends in Washington’s remote Pasayten Wilderness at the Canadian border. Read more about the hiking craze on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
The best of the Caribbean
Looking for a vacation filled with waterfalls, coconut trees, snorkeling and white sand? An AP reporter takes a look at two Caribbean islands: Dominica and Barbados, each with its own allure. Read about what you can expect from both on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
The Pacific Northwest: A food-lover’s dream
Home to scenic coastal cities with laid-back vibes, beer gardens and fresh seafood, it’s not hard to see why thousands of foodies flock to the Pacific Northwest every year. Between the abundant rows of grapes in Washington and organic farms and ever-growing street food scene in Oregon, this area has become a mecca for food lovers across the world. Read about the must-taste spots on wtop.com.
(Courtesy Rob Fink)
Bigger, taller, fancier: Visiting Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh is undergoing a staggering period of development 40 years after the communist Khmer Rouge regime took over the city and forced thousands to evacuate to rural Cambodia in its brutal campaign to create an agrarian-based society.
Today, the citizens of Phnom Penh are still recovering from the devastation of the past while a stylish regional capital comes into its own. Dilapidated structures are being bought, torn down and replaced with shiny high-rises. High-end restaurants featuring Khmer and Western-style cuisine fight for space alongside street vendors and busy cafes while rooftop bars are packed at night. Read more about what’s new on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
Hanging in HawaiiHonolulu offers rain forests, snorkeling and rich history; Maui is a must for beaches and scenic drives. Read more about tourism in Hawaii on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Slovenia’s Lake Bled
If Slovenia is Europe’s undiscovered jewel box, Lake Bled is its precious diamond. Tucked in the northwestern corner of Slovenia, between Austria and Italy, Lake Bled’s emerald-green waters create a spectacular landscape, with a lush, tiny island and a church tower peeking out of evergreens surrounded by the rocky, snow-covered Julian Alps. Read more about this destination on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
South America’s Iguazu Falls
From above, the Iguazu Falls resemble a massive hole punched in a river and surrounded by jungle. Spray from the falls douses the nearby viewing areas where some tourists don rain ponchos while others take off their shirts and dance and hug in the drenching mist. The falls are part of one of the world’s largest reservoirs of fresh water, known as the Guarani Aquifer. They are in the middle of thick jungle that has more than 1,000 plant and hundreds of animal species. Read more and see photos on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Trekking in Nepal
If you’re looking for a family adventure that immerses you in nature, beauty and a fascinating culture — and you’re willing to rough it some — consider trekking in Nepal. Read more on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
AP Photo
Morocco’s Rabat makes its mark on the map
With its imposing mountains, peerless beaches and medieval cities, Morocco has been a key tourist attraction for centuries, though few take the time to visit its tidy little capital Rabat unless on business.
Rabat, however, is making its mark on the cultural map. Read why and what to see on wtop.com.
(AP Photo)
