The Best: DESTINATION

We wrap up our look back at 2016 with the best destinations our well-traveled colleagues visited in the past twelve months and we look forward to visiting in 2017:

Sydney, Australia
“Because it’s my third home and I go every year. Lived there for a few years some 10 years ago and hope to live there again, it’s just heaven on earth.” ~ Anders Lindström, Director of Communications USA, Norwegian Air

Austin, Texas
“Austin is weird, and that’s why I love it. The downtown scene is vibrant and the mix of LGBT and straight bars in the same cluster creates a tolerant stew of something for everyone. In one day, and with minimal driving, you can have some of the best barbecue or food truck fare, relive tall tales of Davy Crockett at the State Capitol, swim in a public pool filled by natural springs, each donut voodoo dolls; and watch a million bats fly under your feet.” ~Ben Broyles, Marketing & VIBE Manager at Hard Rock Hotel Palm Springs

Tel Aviv, Israel
“What I liked about Tel Aviv was the relaxed, liberal atmosphere, the mix of European and Arabic influences, the friendliness and openness of the people, the yummy food, and, of course, the beach.” ~Karin Schupp, editor, L-Mag

Havana, Cuba (photo at top)
“Havana is an exciting city to visit now because there is an energetic anticipation everywhere you turn that things are changing for the better. The people are friendly and love Americans. The architecture is fascinating and there are old buildings everywhere you look with great bones (but in need of restoration.) Many restorations have already been done in the historic inner city that are great examples of what the future holds.” ~ Steve Wilson, CEO & Founder, 21c Museum Hotels

New Orleans, Louisiana
“Went for my annual American South trip. Wanted to confront this notion that New Orleans ‘cuisine’ was as powerful as everyone says it is!” ~ Mac Malikowski, editor, Mouthfeel magazine

Mexico City, Mexico
“There wasn’t anything I didn’t love about this city from the food to the architecture to the overall vibe. I definitely got the sense that something exciting was bubbling under the surface here. I promise you, Mexico City is on the verge of becoming a hot LGBT destination.” ~Bryan van Gorder, editor, OutTraveler