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Find out where the 10 must-see places to visit in 2016 are


November 25, 2015
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Rio Grande do Norte © Photo: Rex

The National Geographic have pooled together their editors around the world to work out which destinations are going to be the hottest places to visit in 2016. Here's our favourite ten, in order of when to go...Rio Grande do Norte, BrazilRather than jetting to Brazil's famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, head further north to the state of Rio Grande do Norte. It's increasingly becoming a hotspot thanks to private and public investment in the area and its 233 days of sunshine a year.When to go: All year round. The first weekend in December is Carnatal, Brazil's largest off-season Carnival. Christmas through mid-March is high season.

Seychelles

SeychellesFamous for being one of the most romantic places in the world as well as for its wonderful snorkelling and diving, the Seychelles archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean has made it into 2016's best places to visit, naturally.When to go: March to May, and September to November for diving; April to October for bird-watching; May to September for hiking and surfing; year-round for sailing and snorkelling.

hawaii © Photo: Rex

Hawaii Volcanoes National ParkHome to Kilauea, one of two volcanoes that are among the world's most active, this sizzling hot park sees 250,000-650,000 cubic yards of lava produced per day. The 520-square-mile Big Island park celebrates its centennial in 2016.When to go: Mid-March to May, and September and October for lower rates and lighter crowds; expect some rain any day.

Tigers Nest Bhutan © Photo: Rex

Eastern BhutanThe last remaining Himalayan Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is difficult enough to get to, never mind its far-flung eastern region which requires an arduous two-day journey by 4x4. The number of hotels has tripled here over the past decade as the once isolated country opens to more visitors. For those after an adventure, expect unspoiled natural beauty, pristine forests and Bhutan's Taktsang monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest, one of the most breathtaking temples in the world.When to go: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) for eastern Bhutan's major religious festivals, including the Gomphu Kora Festival in March and Monggar Tshechu in November.

Glasgow2 © Photo: Rex

Glasgow, ScotlandSteeped in aural heritage, this Scottish gem is a laid-back cultural hub and a UNESCO City of Music which has been highlighted for its art, architecture and music.When to go: March to May for the spring flowers; June to August for outdoor festivals and up to 17 hours of daylight; the New Year brings the Hogmanay and Burns Night festivals.

Capability Browns Gardens © Photo: Rex

Capability Brown's Gardens, BritainThese British gardens have been transformed by famous 18th-century landscaper Lancelot Capability Brown. Stroll around them for a walk back in time through one of Jane Austen's books.When to go: May to June for the wildflowers and greenery; July and August for the clear skies (though always be prepared for some rain) and warm temperatures; September and October for fall foliage.

Botswana © Photo: Rex

Okavango Delta, BotswanaIf you haven't been for the experienceof a lifetime, make 2016 the year. Head off on safari to Botswana to be in with the chance of seeing the Big Five: elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros.When to go: June to August (high-water season) for mokoro and boat safaris; May to October for clear skies and ample water levels; year-round for dry (land-based) safaris and wet (water-based but not flood dependent) safaris

Masurian Lakes Poland © Photo: Rex

Masurian Lake District, PolandBoasting over 2,000 lakes as well as large forests and historic towns, it's little wonder the region of Masuria in Poland is a paradise for sailing and windsurfing.When to go: June to August for water sports and festivals; September and October for hiking and fall foliage.

Antarctic © Photo: Rex

South Georgia IslandYou'll have heard of the Galapagos Islands, but National Geographic Traveler says we should go to South Georgia Island next year. Expect to see "mountains no human has climbed, rare whales — such as fin-blue hybrids — and inquisitive waist-high penguins in one of the only places that remain as wild as they were when explorers like Shackleton were still filling in blank spots on the map," says travel writer Kate Siber.When to go: October to March (austral spring and summer)

philippines © Photo: Rex

PhilippinesNational Traveler recommends exploring one of the Spanish churches in Manila before checking out some of "the thousands of beaches, from the pink sands of Great Santa Cruz Island to the black sands of Albay." Another must-visit is the 2,000-year-old World Heritage site, The Banaue Rice Terraces.When to go: November to February (during dry season)All 20 of the destinations featured in the 2016 Best of the World list in alphabetical order:• Bermuda• Capability Brown’s Gardens, Britain• Côte d’Or, Burgundy, France• Danube River• Eastern Bhutan• Glasgow, Scotland• Greenland• Hawaii Volcanoes National Park• Hokkaido, Japan• Masurian Lakes, Poland• New York City• Okavango Delta, Botswana• Philippines• Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil• San Diego/Tijuana• Seychelles• South Georgia Island• Tangier and Smith Islands, Chesapeake Bay• Uruguay• Winnipeg, Canada

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