Global luxury travel network Virtuoso released its annual Luxe Report revealing 2018 will be the year to discover less visited destinations.

The Luxe Report forecasts what to expect in travel for the year ahead. According to Virtuoso advisors, these are the five trends to keep an eye out for:

• Cold is hot. Travellers in search of new destinations set sights on colder climates. Iceland continues to surge in popularity, and cruisers show increasing interest in Alaska, Antarctic and Arctic cruises.
• Exploring new destinations is the year’s top trip motivator, as travellers embrace the opportunity to push beyond their comfort zone. Virtuoso advisors suggest people check out at least one new place per year and challenge themselves to try something new.
• Connecting with family through travel topped the list of trends since 2010, as multigenerational travel firmly established itself as a travel niche. Following close behind is travel with immediate family, also a consistent trend moving into 2018.
• Experience Africa. From culturally rich South Africa to the unspoiled wilds of Botswana and the markets of Morocco, Africa is one of the most diverse continents in the world, offering experiences for every type of traveller.
• Be a traveller, not a tourist. Immersive, authentic travel not found in guidebooks or brochures offers opportunities to meet locals and experience and understand different cultures and destinations around the world. Experiential travel isn’t necessarily a new trend, but it continues to develop and grow in popularity as we move toward the New Year.

The report lists top emerging destinations for 2018 including Iceland, Croatia, Japan, Cuba and Portugal; top U.S. destinations including New York, Maui, Miami, Las Vegas and Napa Valley; and top cruise itineraries, including the Mediterranean, Alaska, European rivers and the Caribbean.

The desire for experiences fostering genuine human connection is the key driver for today’s travellers, and it’s an exciting trend not likely to disappear anytime soon.