The start of the New Year opens up new possibilities when it comes to travel. There are new places to see, things to experience, food to try and people to meet, and National Geographic makes it easier to choose your next destination with the unveiling of its annual Best of the World list.

The list includes 21 must-see destinations, selected by travel editors in three categories: cities, culture and nature.

“The No. 1 question we get from our 9.6 million readers is, ‘Where should I go next?’ Our Best of the World list responds to that question with 21 timely destinations that make for a year of transformative travels,” said George Stone, editor in chief, National Geographic Traveler.

According to Stone, editors “looked for cities that bustle with new energy and intrigue; parklands that percolate with vitality and ecological protection; and communities rich in local character that offer opportunities for cultural engagement.”

For an unforgettable urban experience, the 2018 Best of the World destinations are: Dublin, Ireland; Malmö, Sweden; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; San Antonio, Texas; Santiago, Chile; Sydney, Australia; and Tbilisi, Georgia.

Home to Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, famous museums and countless traditional pubs, Dublin offers something for everyone. The ever-expanding capital city of Malmö in Sweden is a fascinating blend of historic and modern, offering convenient, direct access to Copenhagen via the famous Öresund Link.

Noted for its beautiful architecture, walkable riverfronts and restaurants, Phnom Penh is one of the most impressive cities in Asia. And, on the other side of the world, a visit to San Antonio comes complete with historic landmarks, including the famous Alamo, and beautiful parks and gardens.

Surrounded by the snow-capped Andes and Chilean Coast Range, Santiago is one of the most scenic destinations in the world, home to historic colonial architecture, museums and world-class shopping.

Art and nature lovers should add Sydney to their travel list — best known for its harbor-front Sydney Opera House and other unique architecture, as well as its thriving art and restaurant scenes and endless outdoor activities.

From its cobblestoned old town and fourth-century fortress to its modern galleries and open-air markets, Tbilisi is quickly becoming one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Ranked by National Geographic as Best in the World for cultural experiences are Cleveland, Ohio; Friesland, Netherlands; Harar, Ethiopia; Labrador, Canada; Oaxaca, Mexico; Tétouan, Morocco; and Vienna, Austria.

If you’re planning a nature-focused trip in 2018, National Geographic suggests the following: Albania; Jordan Trail, Jordan; Jujuy Province, Argentina; Madagascar; Oahu, Hawai’i; Ruaha NP, Tanzania; and Seoraksan National Park, South Korea.

Where will your travels take you in 2018? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com.