Top 16 Places to Visit in 2016

As this year is coming to a close, it is time to start planning next year’s adventures. There are so many places to travel and so little time...but we’ve got to start somewhere! Here are my top 16 places to visit in 2016! Just hope I can make it to most (all) of them...

1. Cuba

*Photo via www.GiveMeBackMyFiveBucks.com*

Cuba is finally starting to open up their doors to the public and now is the time to go. The beautiful city of Havana looks like it's been caught in a time warp from the 1950s and I'm all about that nostalgia.

2. Spain

*Photo via www.GreatPerformanceTours.com*

Going all the way back to my roots in Spain... It's about time that I spend some time in this beautiful country. I would love to spend a few weeks at the end of the summer exploring the country, eating delicious tapas, and drinking great wine. Barcelona and The Canary Islands are top of mind for me.

3. Dominican Republic

With beautiful beaches, coastal diving and snorkeling, and places to completely go off the grid, Dominican Republic is a prime spot to check out for 2016. The waterfalls of Samaná (shown above) are reason alone to go and visit!

4. Japan

Japan is filled with so much rich history, stunning nature, and unbelievable architecture that is ranks high on my list of places I'm dying to see. The fact that I love sushi and Asian food doesn't hurt either... Kyoto and Tokyo are 2 places that would be fascinating to see first.

5. Germany

Germany is home to many attractions and sights that are calling my name. Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, along with the idyllic castles on the Castle Road... I am going to have trouble picking just 1 place first! The Neuschwanstein Castle seems like a good place to start.

6. Thailand

I might be a little late to the party, but Thailand is still on my bucket list of places to visit. I vowed to myself that I would make it there this year; but another year has gone and passed and I still haven't been. Thailand has so much to offer visitors from a lower cost of living, to delicious food, to gorgeous ancient temples. I'm looking forward to seeing cities such as Chiang Mai and Bangkok first.

7. Puerto Rico

It's (embarrassingly) been about 5 years since I've been back to Puerto Rico and I'm itching to get back. I think it is important for everyone to keep close to their roots of where they came from in any way possible. Puerto Rico has been making strides in recent years to encourage more tourism despite their current economic situation. Great spots include El Yunque, Old San Juan, Isla Culebra, and Rincon.

8. USA

There are still so many places in the US that I have yet to check out. High on my list are places like Napa, California; Portland, Oregon; Santa Barbara, California; San Diego, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Washington D.C. What better place to start touring than your own backyard, right?!

9. Canada

Oh, Canada. Don't tell the USA, but I definitely have a crush on you. Places like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal are calling my name in 2016. There is so much to love about Canada and I'm antsy to explore more of what it has to offer.

10. Belgium

Belgium is a country that I think will soon be climbing every traveler's list (if it isn't already on there). With charming towns like Brussels and Bruges, it is hard to think of a reason not to go. The waffles and fries may or may not be 2 of my top reasons for wanting to go...

11. England

It's been 10 years since my last visit to England, and I think 2016 would be a fabulous time to return. London is high on the list, along with Oxford, York (pictured above), and a few other great spots.

12. Denmark

I've only had the pleasure of seeing Denmark from the airplane window, so I'm hoping to get down into the city at some point next year. Copenhagen and it's cute little streets are top of mind for my visit there. Any city surrounded by water is good for me!

13. Czech Republic

The city of Prague has been on my to-do list since Lonely Planet said that it was equal parts beauty to Paris. That's a heavy statement that I'm going to have to investigate on my own; but something tells me I won't be disappointed.

14. Austria

Maybe I watched too much "Sound of Music," but Austria is a must-see country for me in the coming year. Places like Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Vienna are full of natural and historic beauty that I'm excited to see.

15. Indonesia

The country of Indonesia is known for it's iconic destinations such as Bali, Ubud, and the Gili Islands. This gorgeous country is a perfect destination to escape and relax in the stunning nature that surrounds the country. I'm feeling a yoga retreat along the beach here sometime in 2016!

16. Morocco

Last, but certainly not least, is Morocco. This little country is full of culture, architecture, spices, and color. Marrakech and Casablanca are obviously 2 must-see destinations, but there are so many other spots like Essaouira and Fes that would be wonderful to catch as well. The architecture alone is a driving force for getting me to this country! Have you seen pictures of that Blue City?!