LOS ANGELES, Dec 3 — With the US National Park Service set to mark its 100th anniversary next summer, editors at travel magazine Afar have named the American southwest with its many natural wonders the top destination of 2016.

Destinations featured on their “Where to go” list are chosen for offering deeper, richer and more authentic travel experiences, strong value and for boasting emerging cultural scenes.

Topping their list is the American southwest — home to Arches, Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks — many of which will host special events to help the US National Park Service fete their milestone centennial August 25.

“What matters is the depth of experiences you have while traveling the world and what they do to transform you as a global citizen,” said editor-in-chief Julia Cosgrove in a statement.

Here are the rest of their picks on where to go in 2016.

Nepal

Visits to Nepal stopped after a devastating earthquake flattened whole villages and killed 9,000 people back in April, also resulting in a 50 per cent drop in tourism. But local experts say the area is secure and ready to accept visitors, whose dollars can likewise help fund relief efforts.

Tasmania

Look out for this isolated island located south of Australia to generate some travel buzz next year with the new Three Capes Track, a 46km, cliff-hugging hike that takes four days to complete. Likewise, look for cruise lines like Coral Expeditions to make Tasmania a new port of call.

Cuba

Since a diplomatic rapprochement between the US and Cuba helped ease travel restrictions to the island country, Cuba has been top of mind as a destination and 2016 will be no exception. Before mass tourism changes the face of the country, travellers may want to consider booking a trip to the Caribbean island over the next year.

Portugal

Editors point to Portugal’s dynamic food culture, river cruising, idyllic villages, beaches and thriving art scene as reasons to sidestep France and Spain for the country on the Iberian peninsula instead.

Granada, Nicaragua

Afar editors call Granada the “Portland” of Nicaragua for its burgeoning food scene with coffee tourism, and rise of new cafes. The area also offers easy half-day trips to Las Islets in Lake Nicaragua or the Mombacho Volcano.

Mongolia

The arrival of luxury hotel brand Shangri-La was the harbinger of things to come for this eastern outpost, which is now being eyed by affluent adventure seekers looking to explore uncharted territory expedition-style.

East Africa

The recent opening of the Victoria Falls International Airport is expected to provide a major boost to tourism in Zimbabwe, where political stability and the opening of a slew of new resorts help give the country a leading edge as a safari and travel destination. Similarly, more and more luxury safari camps are setting up tent in Tanzania.

Cabo, Mexico

The tourist hotspot famous for its college frat parties is trying to reinvent itself as a luxury destination. Affluent holidaymakers may want to check out the Baja Peninsula which has seen the opening of top resorts and luxury brands.

Ireland

In 2016, take advantage of some of the recently launched travel services including the Belmond Grand Hibernian, a luxury rail trip that departs from Dublin and shuttles guests towards Belfast, Cork, Galway and Limerick. In the coming year, specialist travel agents will also launch boat tours and flying tours of the Emerald Isle.

For more, visit http://www.afar.com/wheretogo2016 — AFP-Relaxnews