This year, don’t simply follow the crowd—wander off the beaten track by visiting some of TripAdvisor’s Destinations on the Rise for 2018! Click the colored links below to see more of that destination on TripAdvisor—including accommodations, restaurants, and top things to do!
Kapaa, Hawaii
This picture-perfect beachside town sits on the southeast shore of Kauai. Nestled at the base of Nounou Mountain, time slows down in Kapaa and encapsulates a true sense of what Hawaiians call ohana (family). Explore the Sleeping Giant hiking trail, strike up conversations with friendly locals at quaint cafes such as the Art Café Hemingway or tuck into local favorites such as musubi and lau lau at the authentic Pono Market. Fun fact: Kauai was one of the location sets for the 1993 Jurassic Park movie as well as the subsequent 2015 installment Jurassic World.
Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi
The Kenyan capital is easily East Africa’s most cosmopolitan city and an energetic and modern city waiting to be discovered. Besides a pulsing nightlife and a restaurant scene offering some of the best African cuisine, you can also visit the Nairobi National Museum for insight into Kenya’s history, culture and art. Known as the safari-capital of Africa, the incredible Nairobi National Park is also right on your doorstep. After a day of close encounters with some of Earth’s most majestic creatures, we recommend staying at the luxurious Hemingways Nairobi to catch your breath. Fun fact: Oscar-winning film Out of Africa, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford was filmed in Nairobi.
Gdansk, Poland Gdansk
This unassuming city along the Baltic coast is one of Poland’s most beautiful places to visit. Wander down the narrow, cobbled streets of Old Town, one of the largest historic town centers in Europe, and visit Long Market (Dluga Street), where you can pick some amber antiques, as Gdansk is the world’s hub for amber trading. We suggest staying at the historic boutique hotel Podewils Hotel—the 18th Century architecture and interiors will transport you to another world.
Rovinj, Croatia Rovinj
Rovinj is a historic fishing port on the Istrian peninsula and heavily influenced by Venetian culture and architecture. Steep cobbled streets open out to old-town piazzas and houses are tightly wound around the city, facing the sea. At the heart of the town is the imposing Church of St. Euphemia, which is well worth a visit for its 18th Century architecture alone. Rovinj is also the perfect base for exploring the 14 islands that make up the Rovinj archipelago. We recommend Sveta Katarina and Crevni Otok to watch the sun set on this city trapped in time.
Casablanca, Morocco Casablanca
Unlike the Casablanca in the film of the same name, this Casablanca is a true reflection of modern-day Morocco, blending the country’s old French colonial heritage and the pulsating energy of its millennial generation. Casablanca is an architect buffs’ paradise—visit the Hassan II Mosque and the Old Medina and don’t leave without a stop at Café La Squala where the tajine will have you wanting to stay! Explore the rest of the 2018 Travelers’ Choice Destinations on the Rise winners here on TripAdvisor.