When we sat down to write our list of the best vacation spots for 2017, we made sure to ask: “Why now?” Each destination below is ripe for travel and for a wide breadth of reasons, from a once-in-a-century celebration in Nebraska to a new crop of James Beard-winning chefs in Louisiana. Forget 2016 and hold off on 2018—we’re confident that 2017 is the year to visit these 15 spots.

15. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

There’s plenty of history and charm in Boston, but it’s also a city of craft brews and to-die-for seafood, a veritable foodie paradise. Grab a cold one at the tap rooms for Sam Adams, Harpoon, or Mystic Brewery and dive into a plate of fruits de mer in Little Italy for one happy stomach (and don’t forget the cannoli at Maria’s Pastry).

Why you should go in 2017: Boston nabbed 13 spots on Forbes’s “30 Under 30” entrepreneur list in 2016. Stay on the cutting edge by visiting in 2017 and see why the nation’s innovators call Beantown home.

Read our guide to Boston’s public transit system before your trip to help navigate the MBTA.

14. KATHMANDU, NEPAL

Rich in Buddhist culture with easy access to the most epic views of the Himalayas any nonclimber can see, Kathmandu is unlike anywhere else on earth. Travel just an hour away to Nagarkot and you’ll see Everest on a clear, crisp day.

Why you should go in 2017: Though devastated by the earthquakes of 2015, historic areas came out unscathed and much of the cleanup is complete. By visiting in 2017, you can tick off an item on your bucket list and support reconstruction with your tourism dollars.

13. NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

New Orleans is a blast. Greek revival and colonial architecture give the Crescent City a beautiful Old World feel, while nearly every bar pumps out the sound of jazz and serves stiff sazeracs.

Why you should go in 2017: Already a haven for foodies, The Big Easy nabbed nine James Beard nominations last year alone. All those accolades mean tons of hot new restaurants and chefs. Try french cuisine at La Petite Grocery, run by the award-winner for Best Chef in the South, Justin Devillier; or check out modern israeli food at Shaya, winner of Best New Restaurant.

Consider our Bourbon Street “See It or Skip It” review when you visit.

12. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Surrounded by high-quality wineries, Table Mountain, and excellent game reserves, Cape Town expertly pairs wine and culture with adventure. You can take in world-class theater one day, and head off on safari the next.

Why you should go in 2017: After years of work, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa will open in September as one of the continent’s first major museums focused on contemporary art. Highlighting works from South African artists, you’ll find it in the Silo District near views of the sea and Robben Island.

11. BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

Considered a honeymooners’ paradise, Bora Bora’s waters are a swirl of bright blues and turquoises, brimming with life from colorful fish, sea turtles, and sharks. Its unique center lagoon means visitors are surrounded by water, giving the feeling of blissful isolation.

Why you should go in 2017: As sea levels rise from year to year, Bora Bora is sinking. It won’t disappear in the blink of an eye, but drastic changes to its coastline are looming. Go while it’s still pristine.

10. ATLANTA, GEORGIA

It’s not called “Hotlanta” just for the weather—it’s been home to some of the hottest hip-hop acts for decades, making it one of the country’s best cities for live music. Catch today’s up-and-comers at clubs like Aisle 5.

Why you should go in 2017: Delve into the Marvel universe as Avengers: Infinity War and Black Panther are both filming in the ATL in 2017. Getting there also got easier, as JetBlue has announced new flights there in ‘17.

Bringing the whole family? Read our guide to the top kids activities in Atlanta.

9. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Aside from the obvious (stunning beaches, balmy temps, and ocean breezes), San Diego’s just a stone’s throw from Mexico as well as vistas along the Otay County Open Space Preserve and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge.

Why you should go in 2017: Nerdery reaches new heights every year with the market saturation of Marvel, DC, and Star Wars properties. What better place to geek out than the home of Comic Con? Pump yourself up for Star Wars: Episode VIII or the unveiling of the latest Netflix original. The convention will be held July 20–23, but it’s never too early to start planning.

8. PETRA, JORDAN

The former Nabataen capital is an architectural marvel and one of the new seven wonders of the world, but you might know it best as the site of the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Chat with local Bedouins selling wares nearby and immerse yourself in the culture of Jordan at its most famous sight.

Why you should go in 2017: It’s long been one of the Middle East’s safer areas. Go now to experience history away from the crowds and commercialization of other sights.

7. MIAMI, FLORIDA

Few cities have Miami’s vibrant reputation, and that rep is well earned. Cuban culture explodes into the streets on Cultural Fridays (the last Friday of the month) and hip new bars sling fresh takes on classic cocktails, all to a soundtrack of Latin beats and crashing waves.

Why you should go in 2017: Miami’s music scene is currently bursting with talent (and no, we don’t just mean covers of Billy Joel’s “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)”). Check out local acts like hip-hop artist Fuego, a rising star who first hit it big with his Spanish-language cover of Drake’s “Hotline Bling.”

6. BALI, INDONESIA

With the temperature hovering near 80 and plenty of sunshine year round, Bali’s the home of perfect beach weather. You’re not limited to lazy sunbathing, though. Its diverse geography means you can mingle with monkeys, swim with manta rays, and take in mountain vistas.

Why you should go in 2017: The Indonesian government is currently considering an all-encompassing ban on alcohol, which means if your ideal vacay involves sipping cocktails, now’s the time to go.

5. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam mirrors the gorgeous canals of Venice, but without the summer crowds. Paddleboats let you explore the waters with ease, and aftewards you can unwind with a tour (and a drink) at the Heineken brewery.

Why you should go in 2017: Art lovers will get a kick out of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the De Stijl art movement. The Stedelijk Museum will have a special exhibition in honor of the art form running through May 21.

Make sure you complete our international travel checklist before taking a trip abroad.

4. OREGON’S COAST

Not only are Oregon’s beaches stunning, with sheer cliffsides, rolling hills, and enormous rock formations, they’re all free to the public. State law requires landowners to keep beaches accessible, making it easy to spend a day (or three) taking in the salty ocean air.

Why you should go in 2017: August 21 will be your last chance to see a total solar eclipse in the state until 2108. For the best view, you’ll need to stay between Lincoln City and Newport, and while many hotels are already booked, there’s still space at area campgrounds.

3. LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

This bustling university town is a bright spot on the plains of the Midwest. Hop between art galleries and hip craft breweries while enjoying the immense blue skies overhead.

Why you should go in 2017: Nebraska is turning 150, with a full calendar of events, including art installations, festivals, and more. If you visit Lincoln on March 1, you’ll be there in time for the Statehood Day celebration at the Capitol, but all year long you can follow the photo exhibit, Bridges: Sharing Our Past to Enrich the Future, which showcases photos of the state’s hidden treasures.

2. DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

Not that you needed more reasons to love Croatia, but its stunning and sunny coastline and Italianate architecture and wines make it hard to resist. Dubrovnik also has the romantic, Old World feel of Italy without the crowds.

Why you should go in 2017: Its growing popularity will inevitably mean bigger crowds and higher prices, meaning the sooner you go, the better.

1. BANFF, CANADA

Located just 90 minutes outside downtown Calgary, you’ll find the splendor and beauty of Alberta’s Rockies. Home to hot springs and glaciers (not to mention grizzly bears, elk, and moose), it’s Canada’s answer to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.

Why you should go in 2017: In honor of Canada’s 150th birthday, entrance to all of the country’s national parks will be free all year long. That said, remember to get your park pass in advance and consider shoulder seasons to beat the crowds.