Five top travel destinations to visit in 2017

Chile

"If Brazil owned South American travel last year, Chile takes over for 2017," says Telegraph Travel.

The long, thin slice of land running down South America's west coast is evolving into the "most desirable adventure tourism destination" - British Airways launched its first ever direct flight there this year. From the heat of the desert to the subpolar islands, dense rainforests to power-blue lagoons, Chile offers holidaymakers a challenge that is hugely rewarded. Meanwhile, culture vultures can enjoy fine dining and stay in boutique hotels in the capital Santiago, which is taking over as the continent's coolest city.

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Canada

Could it be the Justin Trudeau effect? Lonely Planet says 2017 will see Canada inundated with "international gatecrashers" as it celebrates 150 years since confederation. Events are taking place throughout the year and visitors are being offered free entry to the country's 47 parks and 168 historic sites. Head to Vancouver and Toronto for a relaxed city experience, or escape into the great outdoors - there's an abundance of it out there.

The weak Canadian dollar also means you'll get more bang for your buck if you wish to indulge in the country's highly underrated food and wines.

Cambodia

There must be something about the letter 'c' this year, because Conde Nast Traveller recommends not just Chile and Canada, but also Cambodia.

Angkor Wat is "one of the world's eternally great wonders which far exceeds all the hype", it says, but Cambodia's southern coast is also gaining a reputation as one of south-east Asia's hottest beach destinations. The tiny, ivory-sand islands dotting the coast are pristine and mellow and the people are sweet and welcoming.

It has been on the backpacker trail for decades, but a smattering of top end hotels have now opened up to embrace all tastes.

Oman

Oman, says Vogue, is the "Middle East's ultimate holiday escape". While its neighbours may be doused in bling, Oman's vast desert, pristine coast and rugged mountains offer incredible natural beauty.

Make it top of your travel list, says Telegraph Travel, and discover a country combining mystique and modernity. You can explore the rich heritage and ancient culture in towns where friends sit chatting over coffee and dates, then hire a car and go dune-bashing, camel trekking and camping under the starry night sky of the Wahiba Sands.

Germany

"Forget Berlin," says the London Evening Standard,"Hamburg is fast becoming Germany's coolest city break destination.

Design lovers will have plenty to visit, from Zaha Hadid's promenade along the Elbe river to the 19th-century Warehouse District, which became a Unesco World Heritage site in 2015. There's also the Herzog & de Meuron designed Elbphilharmonie concert hall, a 360ft-tall glass structure on top of an old warehouse which was completed this year, or you can head to hipWilhelmsburg for Hamburg's equivalent to Hackney.