Where to go in 2016: Top 16 emerging travel destinations
The Arctic: Iceland, Greenland and Norway —
Forget the beach. Extreme and isolated lands are attracting more adventurers than ever, say travel pros. This pic of Iceland's Godafoss Waterfall makes it easy to see why.
Intrepid Travel
Madagascar —
Undeveloped and raw, Madagascar has 8,000 species of animals found nowhere else on the planet. Aside from wildlife, highlights include Avenue of the Baobabs -- home to these stunning 1,000-year-old trees.
Anisha Shah
North Cascades National Park —
While Yosemite and Yellowstone pull in millions of visitors annually, other U.S. national parks remain largely unexplored. That includes stunning North Cascades National Park in Washington State, which attracted just 24,000 visitors in 2014.
NPS
Patagonia Corridor —
About 1.5 times the size of the UK, Patagonia straddles the border of Chile and Argentina. Argentina's dramatic Perito Moreno Glacier, pictured, is its 30-kilometer-long glacial centerpiece.
Intrepid Travel
Georgia —
With medieval architecture, timeless culture and staggering scenery, Georgia is simply stunning. According to the pros, cheap flights, new routes and improved infrastructure and accommodation ensure it will be a hot ticket in 2016.
Wild Frontiers
Gabon —
Though Gabon travel isn't easy, rewards are high. The former French colony, home to the gorgeous mandrill, has escaped the strife afflicting some of West Africa and is betting its future on green travel. In fact, 10 percent of the country's mass is national park land.
Intrepid Travel
Iran —
Iran's Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Isfahan. The easing of diplomatic relations means added flight routes and easier visa processes for travelers looking to head there in 2016.
Anisha Shah
Palau —
Palau's Jellyfish Lake. Not to worry, these cute little dudes can't hurt you. An ecotourism leader, Palau has one of the world's highest marine biodiversity populations.
Anisha Shah
Romania —
Sure, there's so much more to Romania than Transylvania. But its vast and varied landscapes, filled with skyline-piercing castles and churches don't disappoint.
Sean Gallup/Getty Images
South Georgia —
Located in the south Atlantic, South Georgia Island is a stopover on many Antarctica expeditions. Its tundra is filled with colonies of thousands of noisy king penguins.
GSGSSI 2015
Taiwan —
Travel pros say Taiwan's soaring green mountains, thriving cities and excellent food will place it on many wish lists in 2016. Among its attractions is Taiwan's 100-acre Fo Guang Shan monastery, which has more than 15,000 Buddhist temples.
Anisha Shah
Papua New Guinea —
A mirage of islands in the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea offers tribal cultures, biodiversity and adventurous water and land activities.
Intrepid Travel
Mongolia —
"Mongolia is yet to hit mainstream," says Tom Bodkin, CEO of travel company Secret Compass. "Travel feels authentic, gritty and real for true isolation."
Wild Frontiers
India —
India's national parks offer some of the world's best opportunities to see tigers up close. Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park and Karnataka's Nagarhole National Park are renowned tiger spotting destinations.
Wild Frontiers
Honduras —
Honduras is emerging as one of the hottest destinations in Central America, say travel industry execs. White-sand beaches, Mayan ruins and colorful colonial cities are its primary allures.
Medioimages/MedioImages/Getty Images/MedioImages
Uganda —
"While the crowds are in the Serengeti or Masaai Mara, you'll find a lush country with fewer tourists in Uganda," says James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel. "Mountain gorillas are the main attraction but the countryside offers many activities."