National Geographic Picks Philippines as a Top Destination for 2016

It’s that time of the year again when major publications build their lists of top destinations that they recommend that their readers visit in the coming year. National Geographic leads the pack with their top choices of must-see places. “Whether it’s Botswana’s Great Plains or snow-covered Greenland,” reads the article published just this month, “these 20 go-now destinations will get you packing.”

Not surprisingly, the Philippines made it to the top 20. In the writeup contributed by Erik R. Trinidad, the Philippines is described as the odd one out in the clan of Asia-Pacific nations. The post also encourages visitors to see at least one Spanish church in Manila before heading off to the countryside, “from the pink sands of Great Santa Cruz Island to the black sands of Albay. Divers off Palawan, Apo, and Siargao islands delight in hundreds of coral and fish species.”

The article closes with an invitation to try the food, “a uniquely Filipino fusion experience that intermingles salty, sour, and savory flavors. ”

Joining the Philippines in the list are Burgundy, France; Glasgow, Scotland; Hokkaido, Japan; Eastern Bhutan and Seychelles.

To see the full list, check out Best Trips 2016.