Buenos Aires, Argentina

Best for: Urban discovery

Why: Once considered territory only for backpackers and career-break travellers, South America is now a very feasible option for a shorter holiday. Along with sampling some of the country’s finest steaks and Malbecs at parrillas (steakhouses) such as Don Julio, you can admire the ornate beauty of the Teatro Colon opera house or learn about the history of tango at the Carlos Gardel House Museum.

Inside the ornate Teatro Colon opera house. Photo: Monica Sabatini / Wikimedia Commons

Picos De Europa, Spain

Best for: Hiking

Why: One hundred years ago, this stretch of peaks linking Cantabria, Asturias and Castilla y Leon was designated the first national park of Europe. Just 20km from the northern coast of Spain, it’s regarded as one of the most scenic wilderness areas in the country.

Limestone mountains, cloud-reaching forests and tumbling glaciers make up the nearly 500sqkm terrain, which is ideal for easy, multi-day hikes. Aside from the landscapes, there’s also the possibility of seeing golden eagles, wild horses and (if you’re really lucky) the Cantabrian brown bear.

Spain’s Picos De Europa. Photo: Jose Miguel Salazar / flickr

Dundee, Scotland

Best for: Art and design

Why: Excitement is mounting for the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee, which is expected to open in the late northern summer and is part of an ambitious $A1.7 billion development of the city’s waterfront.

The first museum of its kind in Scotland will house a permanent collection tracing the country’s design heritage – from Charles Macintosh, the inventor of waterproof fabric, to Ian Callum’s creative input at luxury car manufacturer Jaguar – along with world-class touring exhibitions.

In 2018, the city also celebrates its links with Mary Shelley, whose Gothic classic Frankenstein was first published 100 years ago. Explore streets described in her book on a walking tour with Dark Dundee tours.

V&A Museum of Design is scheduled to open in September.

Malawi

Best for: Wildlife

Why: Although it’s frequently overshadowed by neighbouring safari giants Zambia and Tanzania, this small, friendly and politically-stable country is gearing up to be a world-class wildlife destination.

Last year, the world’s biggest ever translocation of elephants took place, successfully restocking the Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, and next year there are plans to reintroduce lions into Liwonde National Park with the help of Leonardo DiCaprio’s charitable foundation.

But even without the big cats, Liwonde is a natural treasure. Watch elephants swim across the park’s Shire river on a boat safari and fall asleep listening to hippos snuffling in the undergrowth.

Elephants by the Shire River in Liwonde National Park. Photo: St Georges / flickr

Liverpool, UK

Best for: Culture

Why: With 12 months of cultural events planned for this dockside city, there’s good reason to visit year round. One of the biggest talking points is the impending arrival of the Terracotta Army from Xi’an.

For more than 2000 years, these statues guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor and, from February 9 until October 28, they’ll form part of a major exhibition at the World Museum, recounting one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Other highlights in the arts calendar include a return visit from French puppeteers Royal De Luxe as part of the city’s celebrations to mark 10 years since being European Capital of Culture, The Liverpool Biennial of contemporary art (July 14-October 28), and Tate Liverpool’s 30th birthday celebrations.

Bound for Liverpool: the Terracotta Army. Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons

Nashville, USA

Best for: Foodies

Why: Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Tennessee’s capital ripples with intrigue. Sure, cowboy boots still tap to irresistible riffs in crowded bars, but the appeal of the city renamed “Nowville” by American GQ is so much broader.

A dynamic food scene runs from gritty Southern fare to classy gourmet creations, and the reinvigorated neighbourhoods of 12 South and East Nashville are shaping up to be hipster magnets.

Nashville by night. Photo: Thomas Hawk / flickr

Akureyi, Iceland

Best for: Adventure

Why: A wilderness within easy reach, Iceland’s popularity grows every year. Now second timers are venturing beyond Reykjavik and heading north for similarly striking waterfalls, geothermal pools and lava caves – only without the crowds.

Iceland’s second city, Akureyi, is the gateway to the Arctic North, where highlights include Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss, lava formation Dimmuborgir and Myvatn Nature Baths – a far less touristy alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Dettifoss waterfall. Photo: GR Javier / Wikimedia Commons

-PA