EACH year we find plenty of reasons to travel — like checking off bucket list destinations and staying at a new hotel that just opened.
While many of those wanderlust to-dos can be accomplished in any year, there are some events special only to 2016. From a wild butterfly migration to historic site anniversaries, these are seven awesome sights you can only see this year.
1. THE RIO SUMMER OLYMPICS
Yes, the Summer Olympic Games come around once every four years, but 2016’s is sure to be a blast. Taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5-21, the games are expected to attract hundreds of thousands of fans. When you’re not watching your favourite sport, the city has plenty of other activities to offer like stellar restaurants, nightclubs, and museums.
2. THE MONARCH BUTTERFLY MIGRATION
Each year Monarch butterflies migrate south, but 2016 is set to be a special one. More than three times as many butterflies are expected to pass through Michoacán in Mexico, making it a spectacular site to see.
“[The goal is] 225 million monarch butterflies returning right here to Mexico every year,” US Interior Secretary Sally Jewell told the Mexico News Daily.
3. THE RELOCATION OF THE TSUKIJI FISH MARKET
The Tsukiji Fish Market has been a staple for Tokyo locals and tourists alike. Starting as early as 3am, fishermen arrive with their catches while wholesalers, food-processing firms, and large retail chains wait to make their purchases.
Now after 81 years, the world’s biggest wholesale fish and seafood market is set to move to its new location by March. Book a trip to be one of the last to set foot in the historic market — or one of the first in the new one!
4. SHAKESPEARE’S 400TH ANNIVERSARY
This year marks 400 years since Shakespeare’s death, so it only makes sense to commemorate the great playwright in a big way. King’s College London has co-ordinated a program of performances, screenings, concerts, and exhibitions that will run for the entire year. Guests will be able to see everything from his Will to some of his classic plays performed live.
5. THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY
Get out your telescopes! A transit of Mercury across the sun is set to take place on May 9 and there are some key spots where you can get the best views of this rare astral event.
While it can be seen in North and South America, western Europe, and sub-Saharan Africa, the best locations include western Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Chile’s Atacama desert. The last time it occurred was back in 2006.
6. THE PEARL HARBOUR ANNIVERSARY
December 7, 2016 marks 75 years since the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. This major wartime event was the catalyst to involving the United States in World War II, making it one of the most significant moments in the country’s history.
To mark this special anniversary, the National WWII Museum has a weeklong series of events scheduled from December 1-8 in Hawaii. You can book a pre-planned trip that includes a four-part symposium led by historians and special access to the ceremony at the USS Arizona commemorating the attacks.
7. NAMIBIAN GIRAFFE CONSERVATION
You can only see (and be an active part of) the collaring of Namibian giraffe in the name of conservation in 2016. Country Walkers Safaris has created a special once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who are eager to be involved in wildlife conservation in Africa. The nine-day journey in Namibia gives guests the opportunity to actively participate in the preservation of Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife on a unique safari that focuses on the conservation of its most iconic species
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