The top travel trends for 2018 revealed
While 2017 was all about lavish escapes and Insta-worthy dining experiences, the 2018 travel trends look to be more about heading off the beaten track and diving into new cultures around the world.
Australian travel company, Intrepid Travel, has revealed their top travel trends for 2018 and among them is an overarching theme of sustainable travel.
'The Intrepid style of travel has always been to travel the local way: using local accommodation and transport, eating in local restaurants and employing locals,' CEO James Thornton said.
Here, FEMAIL looks at where you should be heading in 2018 and how you can make it happen.
While 2017 was all about lavish escapes and Insta-worthy dining, the 2018 travel trends look to be more about heading off the beaten track and diving into new cultures around the world
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK DESTINATIONS
Due to over-tourism, travellers are increasingly seeking out authentic local experiences in lesser known destinations.
Instead of adding to the masses in Croatia, Greece and China, many will likely head to destinations like Cyprus and instead of Tuscany, a trip to Moldova could see you visiting the world's largest wine cellar.
As sri lanka seek new and authentic experiences, travel to the Middle East is also on the rise with Intrepid's Iran departures increasing by 24 per cent in 2017.
In South America, Suriname and French Guiana are a popular choice.
Located between Brazil and Venezuela on South America's north-eastern coast, these little-known countries are a must see.
Due to over-tourism, travellers are increasingly seeking out authentic local experiences in lesser known destinations (pictured is a street food marked in Iran)
Instead of Tuscany, a trip to Moldova could see you visiting the world's largest wine cellar (pictured)
Instead of adding to the masses in Croatia, Greece and China, many will likely head to destinations like Cyprus (pictured)
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SAVE MONEY WITH OFF-SEASON TRAVEL
Travellers often take a holiday to escape winter but there has been an increase in holidaymakers flocking to winter destinations to make the most of off-season prices and avoid crowds.
From a white Christmas in Canada to Northern Lights tours, Australians are becoming increasingly keen to give up a warm summer for chillier sightseeing.
Instead of the over-crowded and over-priced Alps, you could take a trip to the Tatra Mountains combining a traditional sleigh ride in Zakopane, go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in Jasna, or take a Zalipie village visit and cooking class in Krakow.
And with Game of Thrones driving travellers to Iceland in droves, Finland in winter offers an alternative Arctic wonderland of pristine peaks, snow-dusted woodlands and the chance to get to know the indigenous Sami people.
With Game of Thrones driving travellers to Iceland in droves, Finland in winter offers an alternative Arctic wonderland of pristine peaks
From a white Christmas in Canada (right) to Northern Lights tours, Australians are becoming increasingly keen to give up a warm summer for chillier sightseeing (pictured left is a lodge in the Tatra Mountains)
HEAD OFF ON AN IMMERSIVE ADVENTURE
Travellers are increasingly wanting to get active, stay healthy and really immerse themselves in a destination, and not just see it from inside a bus.
Hiking, biking and rafting tours will also be the thing to do - from rafting along white water rapids on the Ganges in India to riding through tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Tours include hiking along the famous Nakasendo trail that linked Tokyo and Kyoto in ancient times in Japan and exploring the northern Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on two wheels while continuing to help the quake-stricken country rebuild.
Travellers are increasingly wanting to get active, stay healthy and really immerse in a destination, and not just see it from inside a bus (pictured is a group hiking in Sri Lanka)
Pictured is a group at an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka
MOVE AWAY FROM FINE DINING
Travellers are seeking more authentic food experiences.
Guided tours of local markets and family feasts around the table in a local's home is now a more preferred way to dine for tourists the world over.
Intrepid suggests experiencing Jamaica like a local by dining with Jamaicans to perusing markets or taking a spicy sojourn in southern India.
Other ideas include taking a visit to Japan to sample the best sashimi the country has to offer, heading off to tour far-flung coffee plantations in Peru or enjoying succulent street kebabs to chewy baklava and a home cooked stew in Iran.
Guided tours of local markets and family feasts around the table in a local's home is now a more preferred way to dine for tourists the world over (pictured is
Pictured is Indian street food in Delhi
EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA'S INDIGENOUS CULTURE
Australians don't have to go far to see some of the world's most untouched wilderness or immerse themselves in the oldest civilisation on Earth.
uncommon places to visit in sri lanka can walk in the footsteps of the Yolngu people's ancestors in remote East Arnhem Land as the local Indigenous people share their culture, history and traditions.
After a visit to East Arnhem Land, Thornton said Intrepid was proud to be using its position to expose more Australians to Indigenous culture.
'While I spent time in East Arnhem Land, I was able to learn about the land and the environment from a culture who know how to look after it. Sometimes we get a bit carried away with the big vision for changing the way people see the world and forget about looking after our own,' Mr Thornton said.
'By working with the local Yolngu people on a sustainable tourism product which offers an accessible and engaging way to explore Arnhem Land, we hope to change the way Australian people look at Indigenous Australia, while providing one of the most special travel experiences available down under.'
Australians don't have to go far to see some of the world's most untouched wilderness or immerse themselves in the oldest civilisation on Earth
Travellers can walk in the footsteps of the Yolngu people's ancestors in remote East Arnhem Land as the local Indigenous people share their culture, history and traditions
TAKE A SOLO TRIP
Solo travel is more popular than ever before, with many ditching a group gap year for an adventure on their own.
Whether it's jetting off to India or adventuring around Morocco, men and women are packing up their sacks and heading off on an adventure of a lifetime - with no one to hold them back.
Solo travel is more popular than ever before, with many ditching a group gap year for an adventure on their own
Whether it's jetting off to India or adventuring around Morocco, men and women are packing up their sacks and heading off on an adventure of a lifetime - with no one to hold them back
Read more:
Small Group Tours & Travel, Big Adventures | Intrepid Travel AU