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With the new year just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking of the year ahead and we already have some incredible destinations planned for 2017. In fact, some of our 2017 must see destinations are ones we didn’t even have on the radar back a few months, which is an exciting prospect to have some completely new places coming up soon.
Make sure you check out our previous lists in 2016, 2018 and 2019 and 2020 for even more top travel destination inspiration!
So here are our top destinations for 2017 for family travel, or any travel:
OUR 2017 MUST SEE DESTINATIONS
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The biggest trip on our 2017 agenda is an 8 day stay in the tropical Caribbean paradise of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
Honestly, I knew very little about the Dominican Republic and probably had never even heard of Punta Cana until about 12 months ago, but thanks to the incredible opportunity to earn an all expenses paid incentive trip with my direct sales business, I get to take the whole family there in March/April.
Punta Cana is white sandy beaches, luxury resorts and palm trees. A tropical paradise, just what you would expect of the Caribbean. We will be staying at the Now Larimar Hotel for 5 nights for our incentive trip fun, after 2 nights at the extremely well priced and highly rated Guesthouse Caribe Punta Cana.
Our main focus will be enjoying the warm weather, beautiful beaches and hotel facilities with our two young girls, but we will definitely be doing an eco cave tour and a monkey experience during our time in Punta Cana. Very exciting!
California, USA
So a visit to California may not sound overly exotic or exciting to those of you who have travelled well around the United States, however, this will be our very first visit to the continent… finally.
So we are indeed excited!
Our visit falls on either side of our Punta Cana trip, as getting to the Dominican Republic from Australia is no easy task… so a week on either side to explore Los Angeles and surrounds seemed like an amazing opportunity!
We haven’t planned too many details yet but we are looking at spending a week in the Hollywood area so we can take in some of the well known sights and attractions, including the cliche stuff like the Hollywood walk of fame.
But also a must-do for hubby is an NBA game so a night at Staples Centre to see either of the LA teams is a priority. He’s an NBA fanatic and while it will be a late-night for the kids, no doubt the experience will be fun.
For the end of our trip, a few days in Anaheim is looking to be the plan, close and convenient for a couple of days visiting Disneyland parks of course!
Disneyland was an experience we always said we would do when our kids were old enough to really enjoy themselves and take advantage of the excitement of rides and attractions.
Well… it’s kind of a case of if we’re in the area, we can’t really not go. Plus our two kids already love theme parks, even at the age of 4 and 18 months. There will be plenty to delight the smaller kids at Disneyland.
Check out our tips on the best places to stay and best eats in Anaheim.
Byron Bay, Australia
Despite it only being 2 hours away, just over the New South Wales border, I’ve never really been to Byron Bay. I’ve been through there maybe once on one our many family trips to Victoria over the years, but haven’t stopped to enjoy this popular beach destination in Australia.
Totally un-Australian really!! So we have plans to change this very soon. We will be collaborating with Discovery Holiday Parks early in the new year and this is the perfect opportunity to explore Byron Bay during the summer months.
Byron is a popular Aussie destination for surfing and beach holidays so the kids will love the chance to splash at the edge of the water and build sandcastles… plus no doubt there is some great foodie places to enjoy!
Gold Coast, Australia
Not a new destination at all for us but the Gold Coast is somewhere close that we always return to as often as we can. Our kids love the Gold Coast as there is so much to do as a family. Not just the beaches. Plus we have theme park passes valid for the next 6 months.
Although in 2017, I have a solo trip to the Gold Coast for a work training event… overnight and all expenses paid resort stay. Yep, did I tell you I love my job!!
This will be my first night away from my youngest so while I’m a little nervous about being away from her for the night… since she hasn’t quite weaned yet, I’m also looking forward to handing over the parenting duties for about 28 hours to Simon!! I’m sure he will survive!!
Agnes Water and Town of 1770, Australia
A few hours north from where we live is a holiday destination I had not even heard of about 6 months back, but suddenly I’m hearing so much about this place and how incredible it is!
Yet another beachy destination, which seems to be our theme with summer focused must-see destinations for 2017. A pair of towns at the south of the Great Barrier Reef, this coastal area is meant to downright glorious.
Our reason for this trip is actually an extended family holiday with Simon’s family, as a sort of halfway point as some of them live up in Mackay.
It will be great fun now that most of the cousins have kids. Lots of little people to play together and make for a memorable trip. At this stage, the plan is towards the end of December into the new year, although possibly for Christmas 2017 too. We will see!
Check out our must-have travel essentials we always pack.
So that is our 2017 must see destination list for now. Who knows what other opportunities may arise and send us adventuring elsewhere too!!
What are your must see destinations for 2017?