When thinking about the best vacation spots for 2018, we looked to ones bubbling over with excitement in the new year. We didn't want just a list of the best spots, but specifically the best vacation spots that will really shine in the new year. Whether that means the opening of a new museum, nabbing a top spot on a "best of" list, or simply being a surprising new fave, these vacation ideas are sure to give you plenty of inspiration for where to travel next.

Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia is one of the most remote natural wonders in the world. At the southern tip of South America, it's just a short trip from Antarctica as well as home to some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth.

Why you should go in 2018: Currently, you can still trek the area's massive ice fields, but that won't always be the case. Go now, before global warming does even more damage eventually making them too dangerous.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is a gorgeous city on the Atlantic coast that's full of gorgeous red-roofed homes along cobblestone streets, combining the best of Old World Europe with a sunny seaside retreat.

Why you should go in 2018: The popularity of Portugal has been surging, leading publications like GQ to wonder if it's the new Iceland. Go now to get ahead of the curve!

Antwerp, Belgium

Situated in the heart of Flemish country, it might surprise you to know its a capital of couture. Home to the "Antwerp Six" in the '80s, its maintained a rep as a breeding ground for fashionistas.

Why you should go in 2018: The city's baroque architecture is being celebrated all year with the festival "Antwerp Baroque 2018. Reubens inspires." See special exhibits and events celebrating the artist Reubens and all things baroque.

Trondheim, Norway

A stunning city on the Trondheim Fjord on the country's west coast, it lets you escape from the bustle of the big cities while showcasing a vibrant arts scene. The city is also near several of the National Tourist Routes—stunning drives that show off the best of the local scenery.

Why you should go in 2018: Norway's National Tourist Routes were recently renovated and upgraded and have been opened to the public.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is utterly charming, full of life, colorful buildings, and sweet ocean breezes. Cleanup has been underway since Hurrican Maria hit in September, 2017, but cruiselines are already on their way back.

Why you should go in 2018: As a popular vacation destination, the city relied heavily on tourism dollars to function. Exploring "voluntourism" will let you see a beautiful island and help the local population as it rebuilds.

San Antonio, Texas

The River Walk is the crown jewel of San Antonio. It stretches 2.5 miles along the San Antonio River and is lined with shops, restaurants, and gorgeous grassy parks.

Why you should go in 2018: The city is celebrating its 300th anniversary! That's right: this Texas town is even older than the country itself. Join in the festivities with special exhibits and a weeklong tricenntennial celebration on May 1–6.

Sydney, Australia

Blessed with one of the most iconic cityscapes in the world, Sydney is downright gorgeous in the land down under. It's a city where hustle and bustle mean laidback beach vibes for a rich mix of culture and activity.

Why you should go in 2018: The city's most famous structure, the Sydney Opera House, has been undergoing massive renovations and the $45 million dollar upgrade to the Joan Sutherland Theatre will finally be completed in 2018.

Cleveland, Ohio

The city that rocks the Midwest lays claim to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Cuyahoga River, and LeBron James. It's having something of a renaissance as it draws talented chefs, craft-beer brewers, and artists to the once rundown downtown.

Why you should go in 2018: From July to October, the Cleveland Museum of Art will host Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrors exhibit. The art installation is so popular advance tickets sell out almost instantly and visitors line up for hours to get a glimpse of her fantastical mirrored rooms.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Get a dose of Midwest Nice with a visit to Minneapolis, whose 13 different lakes are just a few of the thousands in the state. You can canoe across Lake Calhoun, stroll through the sculpture garden, and still have time for a trip to BauHaus Brew Labs for a pint.

Why you should go in 2018: The city will play host to the NFL's championship on February 4. Head up for some wintry fun and to get caught up in football fever.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As historic as Boston, but with more of a big-city feel, Philly is more than just a history buff's paradise. It's also a foodie haven, with a slew of great restaurants and bars popping up all over the ultra hip Fishtown neighborhood.

Why you should go in 2018: Missed Hamilton in NYC? Now's your chance to catch the next stop on the Broadway tour! It's running at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts into the 2019 season.

San Francisco, California

In San Fran, a stroll through SoMa lets you celebrate the future as you take in the changes the booming tech industry has brought. But if you keep walking to the southwest, you'll hit the historic Mission District where you can step into the past and learn about the neighborhood's rich LGBT history.

Why you should go in 2018: Three of the city's finest bars made the cut on the list of The World's 50 Best Bars: Trick Dog, ABV, and Tommy's. Cheers to that!

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a sprawling, foodie heaven. World-class restaurants can be easily found downtown or you can peruse the markets of Chinatown, reknowned as one of the best Chinatowns in the world.

Why you should go in 2018: According to Business Insider, Bangkok was the number one international tourist destination in 2017 with 20.2 million international visitors. See what all the fuss is about!

Mexico City, Mexico

Unlike the country's popular resort destinations, this is where you can discover the "real" Mexico. A truly cosmopolitan city, you can stroll down its ancient canals, sip the finest mezcal, and take in the art of Frida Kahlo all in a day's work.

Why you should go in 2018: The city earned the impressive honor of being dubbed the World Design Capital of 2018 thanks to its innovative urban designs and architecture.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A futuristic oasis in the middle of the desert, there's no place quite like Dubai. Home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, and the second largest indoor mall in the world (it even has a ski slope!), there's something new and excited around every corner.

Why you should go in 2018: The Dubai Frame, a nearly 500-foot artistic structure, will finally be open to the public allowing visitors to get amazing 360-degree views of the city.

Talinn, Estonia

The proud capital of little Estonia, Tallinn is on few travelers' radars despite being storybook charming. Expect your dollar to carry you far as you take in the sights from the Open-Air Museum to the Kumu gallery of Estonian art.

Why you should go in 2018: Help Estonians celebrate their country's 100th year of independence, starting with a proper birthday celebration complete with parade on February 24.