As the Chinese New Year — which starts on February 16 — approaches, frequent and occasional travelers should look to the their animal sign for their next vacation.
Under the Lunar calendar, your birth year is designated as the year of one of 12 animals. 2018 is designated as the Year of the Dog, which is expected to bring good luck to most of the signs, which makes it a great year to explore.
We rounded up the best places to travel, according to your sign.
Keep scrolling to see what destinations should be on your list this year.
Known for being clever and charming, the rat will want to travel to a place of similar energy. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has an ability to charm all of its visitors thanks to its ornate shrines, luxury shopping, and vibrant culture.
Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009): Tel Aviv, Israel
Brave and independent are two words that are often used to describe those born under the tiger sign. Tigers’ bravery will serve them well on a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, a destination that provides adrenaline junkies with ample opportunities for adventure.
There’s shark diving, helicopter rides, and hiking or gondola rides up to the top of Table Mountain for breathtaking views of the city and coast below.
Rabbit (1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011): Lima, Peru
Those born under the sign of the dragon possess a level of energy and excitement that makes them well-suited for a trip to the bustling city of Shanghai, China. The city is the economic and cultural hub of eastern China and is home to more than 24 million people.
Those born under the Year of the Snake — like Taylor Swift — should head to Paris in 2018. According to KarmaWeather, this is the year for single snakes to start a serious relationship, and for snakes who are coupled up to prove their love to their partner. What better place to do so than the City of Love?
The creative types, typically born in the Year of the Goat, will thrive in Glasgow, a diverse Scottish city.
Musicians shouldn’t sleep on live music venue King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, which is known for having hosted The Verve, Radiohead and Oasis before they got big. Likewise, foodies should grab Indian food from Scotland’s high-profile Scots-Sikh chefs.
Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016): New York City, New York
Thanks to their good sense of humor, monkeys will enjoy a trip to New York City, which has one of the best-known comedy scenes in the world.
Those born in the Year of the Monkey should check out Comedy Cellar, where greats like Sarah Silverman, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart are known to occasionally pop back in for a surprise show. There’s also Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, where Amy Poehler, Ilana Glazer, and Abbi Jacobson got their starts.
Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017): Tokyo, Japan
The observant and hardworking Rooster signs will appreciate the Japanese beauty scene. Tokyo is an enthralling place packed with an overload of intriguing sites, sounds, smells, and tastes. The sharp-eyed Rooster won’t be overwhelmed by this abundance, though.
Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018): Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires. Milosz Maslanka/Shutterstock
Argentinians are known for their loyalty — particularly when it comes to soccer, or as they call it, fútbol. Also a loyal bunch, those born in the Year of the Dog will find common ground with Argentinians in Buenos Aires, a bustling hub that’s near the water and filled with excellent food, shopping, and monuments.
International travelers, especially those good-mannered Pig signs, will appreciate a city with low crime rates. Reykjavik, which has become a top tourist draw thanks to its otherworldly landscapes and sites like the famous Blue Lagoon, has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, meaning nervous travelers will feel more comfortable exploring.
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