2017 is the year of eco-friendly tourism and exploring new and fresh destinations that are yet to discovered. Leading travel provider HolidayMe has compiled a list of such destinations which are accessible within a short flight duration of 6 hours or less from Dubai.

10 new destinations to visit in 2017 from Dubai

1. Romania
Average flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh1,091 ($296.9) – Dh1,745 ($474.9)

Romania is a beautiful country shaped by mysterious forests, virgin mountains, scenic castles and charming countryside comprising of villages and farms that still appear to be from the Middle Ages. This is a land shaped by folklores, fairy tales and ghost stories of legends like Dracula. Bucharest, the capital city is blessed with imperial palaces and churches while its lanes are dotted with quirky cafes and art galleries. The areas of Transylvania, Moldovia, the Danube Delta and the Carpathian Mountains are some of the sights that one can enjoy in Romania.

2. Bulgaria
Average flight time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh757 ($206) – Dh2,719 ($740)

Another exciting country with white sand beaches and Black Sea Resorts and world class ski fields, Bulgaria is a country that is making steady transformation from a Communist Bloc nation to a liberal and independent country. Bulgaria is redefining its national treasures with flamboyance. There are heavy metal concerts in castles, synchronised orchestra shows at ancient Roman amphitheatres and plenty of historic attractions in cities like Sofia and Plodiv. Beautiful mountains, turquoise waters and green natural parks and picturesque and energetic cities are enough to ensure a soul satisfying holiday in Bulgaria.

3. Slovenia
Average flight time: 5 hours 35 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh2,245 (611) – Dh2,965 ($807)

Slovenia is a dream destination for outdoor lovers and nature hikers. This is a country blessed with poetic landscapes like Lake Bled, sensational Adriatic Coast and underground complex of caves, grottos and subterranean lakes. Slovenian food borrows the best elements of Italian, Austrian, Hungarian and Balkan cuisines and is fused it with locally produced ingredients to serve a sophisticated and delectable platter. Slovenian locals are fond of outdoors so, don’t be surprised if you are invited for a cycling tour or a nature hike anywhere in the country. A wonderful country that surely knows how to offer the best of its cultural delights to its visitors.

4. Macedonia    
Average flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh1,404 ($382) – Dh3,214 ($874.8)

Macedonia is a contrasting country that has a part Balkan, part Mediterranean look and feel with a rich history comprising of Greek, Roman and Ottoman era and heritages. Macedonia is scenic, fresh and unspoilt. The capital city of Skopje is an entertaining city with a mix of history, culture and contemporary museums and projects. Tourists looking for a peaceful ambience should head to Ohrid, the country’s most stunning destination. Ohrid is a charming medieval town with cobbled streets, traditional restaurants and cafes and the serene Lake Ohrid, one of the best lakes of Europe. The country’s national parks are attracting tourists with innovative cultural, food and music scene.

5. Montenegro
Average flight time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh2,248 ($611.9) – Dh2,388 ($650)

Montenegro is the crown jewel of the Mediterranean with picture perfect sea beaches, turquoise blue waters and quaint medieval towns dotted with historic remains of Roman, Byzantine, Greek, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman heritages. Montenegro is all about delightful Mediterranean cuisine, white sand beaches and typical red-tiled towns surrounded by moats. Its charming capital Podgorica has a mix of historic heritages of Ottoman era, structures of Eastern Bloc and contemporary architecture. The locals Montenegrins are friendly, easy going and love to strike a conversation. The country has stunning medieval coastal towns like Kotor, Budva, Niksic, etc. that are ideal for pleasant holidays in 2017.

6. Albania
Average flight time: 5 hours 45 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh2,204 ($599.9)

Albania emerged from its deep communism slumber in 1991 and it took another 20 years to catch up with the rest of Europe. Fortunately, Albania is back on the tourism scene owing to the wonderful sea resorts of Albania Riviera, Unesco World Heritage Sites, delicious food and plenty of cultural heritages of Ottoman, Italian and communist Yugoslavian era. Tirana, the capital city is a colourful, energetic city that is reinventing its cityscape. The historic town of Berat is all about Ottoman heritages and a world heritage site while the Saranda is a delightful sea resort town with typical promenades, beaches and Mediterranean climate.

7. Bosnia and Herzegovina
Average flight time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Flight Budget – Dh1,312 (357) – Dh2,807 ($764)

Bosnia and Herzegovina, a landlocked Balkan country, has emerged successfully from its turbulent days of Balkan Wars and the siege of its capital, Sarajevo. Today, this country is stable and has maintained its unique culture and heritage that incorporates the elements of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian eras. It doesn’t have sensational coastal towns like its neighbours, but offers plenty of adventures, scenic countryside, craggy national parks, fast flowing rivers and historic towns dotted with Turkish style cafes, restaurants, art galleries and museums. The best of Bosnia and Herzegovina is represented in the cities of Sarajevo and Mostar - two iconic destinations that nearly faced oblivion, but are now thriving tourism centres.

8. Georgia
Average flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Flight Budget: Dh746 ($203)– Dh1,400 ($381)

Georgia is the crown jewel of the Caucasus region. A beautiful country shaped by craggy mountains, valleys, forests and beautiful countryside, Georgia is a true heaven for hikers and nature lovers. This is a land strewn with ancient cathedrals, picturesque villages and acres of landscapes meant for horse riding, trekking and hiking. The capital city of Tbilisi is an exciting place with rich cultural heritages and contemporary attractions. The city of Batumi is a delightful Black Sea resort with historic Belle Époque architecture. Friendly people, delicious food, contemporary nightlife and plenty of adventure activities makes it a beautiful destination to visit in 2017.

9. Armenia
Average flight time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Flight Budget: Dh812 ($221) – Dh1,863 ($507)

Armenia is a landlocked country in the Caucasus region surrounded by Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgia and Iran. Once part of the USSR, Armenia is now a thriving politically stable country with free market economies. This beautiful country is dotted with historic churches, monasteries and ruins of the forgotten empires. The capital city of Yerevan boasts of contemporary architecture, Soviet era buildings, Second World War monuments and martyrs’ memorials. Explore the holy cities, lovely hidden alpine towns, historic medieval towns and stunning landscapes like Lake Sevan, Debed Canyon and many more. Armenia also offers plenty of hiking and trekking opportunities and eco-friendly activities.  

10. Azerbaijan
Average flight time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
Flight Budget: Dh713 ($194) – Dh3,159 ($859.8)

Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, is a study in contrast. Lying at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Azerbaijan is blessed with mud volcanoes, fire phenomena, semi-desert landscape, Caucasus mountains and plenty of timeless rural villages. The capital city of Baku has a mixed feel of Paris and aided with a little bit of Soviet elements. The city’s old parts are still well preserved with historic attractions, delightful restaurants and cultural centres. - TradeArabia News Service