A Visual Tour Of 2017’s Most Exciting New Hotel, Museum, And National Park Openings


If you’re like us, and one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more, then Lonely Planet is here to help. Because you don’t just want to see the world. You want to see the freshest, newest sites now open to the public.

Lonely Planet has compiled their list of the most exciting places opening this year around the world, and they’re amazing. From incredible new museums to a cruise around the world — everything on this list should be immediately added to, then checked off of your bucket list.

So pack your bags now and be the first to visit these stunning new trails, trips, and museums.

10. Design Society, Shēnzhèn, China

Opening in October 2017, Design Society is a brand new museum located in Shekou, Shenzhen, China. It will showcase groundbreaking designs from across the ages and innovations in design that will be catalysts for our future. The gorgeous museum is a work of art in itself, and the exhibits look equally tantalizing.

9. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru

Dreaming of a romantic train ride through the Andes? Starting in May you can take a trip on South America’s first luxury sleeper train line. It’s set to travel along one of the highest rail routes on earth and will cross the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.

8. Pinky’s Eco Retreat & Beach Club on Rottnest Island, Western Australia

Now you can visit beautiful Rottnest Island in style! Opening in late 2017, this eco-friendly resort will offer comfortable glamping with resort facilities to include a bar and restaurant.

7. World Cruise (everywhere)

Boasting a trip from Miami to London in 141 days, this cruise will take you all over the world. You’ll visit five continents and 35 countries on this amazing cruise including its first stop in Havana, Cuba. If you have the money to drop (it’s obviously not cheap) this could prove the trip of a lifetime!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOzAdN4jkYz

6. American Writers Museum

Opening in Chicago in 2017, the American Writer’s Museum seeks to fill the gap that museums have left by not having one specifically to celebrate the written word and its importance. The mission of the American Writers Museum is to engage the public in celebrating American writers and exploring their influence on our history, our identity, our culture, and our daily lives.

5. Akagera National Park, Rwanda

While the park isn’t new, in 2017 Akagera National Park will be reintroducing black rhinos to its wildlife population. Now you can see them thriving in their natural environment! Definitely worth a trip if trips to Africa are in your budget!

4. Musées Yves Saint Laurent Paris and Marrakesh, France and Morocco

Two new museums celebrating Saint Laurent are set to open in 2017. The first is his original atelier (workshop) in Paris which is being lovingly restored to its condition when he worked in it. The second is a museum in Marrakesh which will showcase his designs and other exhibits! Both are supposed to be fabulous.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO0Qw3tAqae

3. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Australia

The brand new trail takes you around the stunning landscape of South Australia and is now fully open. Be ready to see kangaroos up close and personal along with forests, lagoons, and breathtaking cliff views.

2. Lava, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland

This museum highlighting tectonic activity in Iceland is an interactive experience that focuses on “revealing the epic forces of nature that shape our planet and created Iceland.” Located at the base of three volcanoes (Eyjafjallajökull, Katla and Hekla), it even has a 360 degree viewing platform.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ7tkHFALqc/

1. Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia_

The new museum will house artifacts and history from the American Revolution in one of America’s most historic cities. It even has the actual tent that General George Washington used as his headquarters and home for most of the war.

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