Top 10 Best New Travel Openings and Attractions of 2017
Embark on unforgettable 2017 adventures, from getting up close to Icelandic volcanoes and riding one of Earth's highest rail routes to exploring the creative genius of a world-renowned designer. There's an experience for every traveler.
Lonely Planet's expert travel team has curated this essential list of the year's top new openings and attractions to ignite your wanderlust. Choosing our favorites was tough—we could have included hundreds more. Follow Lonely Planet Travel News for ongoing inspiration.
1. Museum of the American Revolution, Philadelphia
With heightened global focus on U.S. politics, Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution (amrevmuseum.org) delivers an immersive dive into a defining chapter of American history. Showcasing historic artifacts, permanent and rotating exhibitions, and multimedia experiences—including General George Washington's actual wartime headquarters tent—it's essential for grasping the forces that shaped the nation.
2. Lava Center, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland
Iceland excels in tectonic spectacles, from notoriously hard-to-pronounce volcanoes and fiery Viking lore to Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth. The cutting-edge Lava Center (lavacenter.is) features an earthquake simulator, artifacts, and a viewpoint over Eyjafjallajökull, Katla, and Hekla volcanoes. Guided tours bring you closer to the action.
3. KI Wilderness Trail, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Australia's newest iconic multi-day walk, the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail (kangarooislandwildernesstrail.sa.gov.au), showcases the island's stunning South Australian landscapes. Trek through forests, clifftops, beaches, and lagoons amid abundant wildlife and landmarks like Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. The Rocky River section opened last year; the full trail is now complete.
4. Musées Yves Saint Laurent, Paris and Marrakesh, France and Morocco
Opens September 2017
Legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent gains two dedicated museums. His Paris atelier reopens in its original 1960s style, offering insight into his creative workspace. In Marrakesh, near Jardin Majorelle, another showcases his designs, a library, café, and exhibitions.
5. Akagera National Park, Rwanda
Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park is famed for mist-shrouded gorillas, but in 2017, Akagera National Park steals the spotlight by reintroducing black rhinos—completing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino).
6. American Writers Museum
Opens spring 2017
Celebrating America's literary legacy, the American Writers Museum (americanwritersmuseum.org) in Chicago explores how U.S. authors have documented and shaped national culture and identity.
7. Viking Sun World Cruise (Global)
Circling the globe on the 141-day Viking Sun maiden voyage—from Miami to London via 66 ports including Cuba, Bora Bora, Hong Kong, Mumbai, and Malta—offers unparalleled luxury cruising across the Mediterranean, Orient, South Pacific, and beyond.
8. Pinky’s Eco Retreat and Beach Club, Rottnest Island, Western Australia
Opening 2017 on car-free Rottnest Island—30 minutes by ferry from Perth—Pinky’s offers glamping with 29 luxury eco-tents, 10 family tents, and 35 budget options. Sustainable features include solar power, water recycling, and eco-materials. Explore 63 beaches, snorkel trails, quokkas, whales, dolphins, and seals.
9. Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Departing May 2017
South America's inaugural luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Andean Explorer (belmond.com), traverses one of Earth's highest rail routes through Peru's Andes, Lake Titicaca's floating islands, and Cusco—gateway to Machu Picchu. Enjoy panoramic decks, seasonal local cuisine, and en-suite cabins.
10. Design Society, Shēnzhèn, China
Shēnzhèn's Shékŏu district welcomes Design Society, partnering with London's V&A Museum. The V&A Gallery highlights 20th- and 21st-century design—from drone tech to Dior gowns—with major exhibitions in 2017 and 2018.
