National Geographic geniuses have revealed the 10 destinations every curious traveller should escape to this year, as one million holidaymakers gear up to book their summer breaks over the coming week.

Global travel search engine Skyscanner estimates that as payday hits British households on Friday, thousands of Brits will take to the web to get their next escape in - but where to go? That is the question.

The definitive 'Rough Guide' by National Geographic features little-explored regions such as Gujarat , Arunachal Pradesh in India and invites you to embark on rocky mountain trails in Canada, and hot spring soaks in Uganda.

For staycationers, travellers are invited to break away from the norm and head to Scotland's breathtaking highlands where you'll find tranquil surf spots, white-sand beaches and remote pubs.

We've broken down the full list of places to visit over the next 12-months - and how to get their on a budget.

1. India
The sun rises behind the Gateway of India in the Apollo Bunder area of Mumbai (
Image:
Getty)

India has a lot more to offer than the Taj Mahal. Explore regions such as Gujarat , Arunachal Pradesh – or even the far-flung Andaman Islands that offer flavours and cultures quite different to more touristy states such as Rajasthan , Kerala or Goa .

What National Geographic says:

"Much has changed since India achieved independence seventy years ago; the economic revolution has introduced new wealth into booming cities, while technology continues to spread into even the most unlikely corners of the country.

"Yet as urban India races towards the future at breakneck pace, vast swathes of the Subcontinent still remain untrodden by travellers."

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2. Scotland
Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Europe (
Image:
Getty)

Stately homes, hidden whisky bars and a vibrant arts scene all make Scotland a perennially popular destination year in, year out, but in 2017 travellers are being invited to explore the greener side of things.

Head to the highlands and embrace a North Coast 500 rugged road-trip route past isolated cottages, white-sand beaches and top-notch surf spots.

What National Geographic says:

"Off the road, Scotland’s food and drink scene is rapidly evolving; Glasgow is one of the best places to head for culinary experimentation, while you’ll find bottles from Scottish microbreweries at even the most remote pubs.

"If you’re the type to eschew beer for butterbeer, the 20th anniversary of the first Harry Potter book makes a great excuse for a trip. Hop on the Jacobite steam train (also known as the Hogwarts Express) for a magical journey over mountains and freshwater lochs, hang out in JK Rowling’s charming Edinburgh haunts, or hike out to the site of Hagrid’s hut in awe-inspiring Glen Coe ."

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3. Canada
Canada's spectacular wilderness (
Image:
Getty)

In 2017, the world’s second largest country celebrates its 150th birthday, with a host of events planned throughout the year including creative cuisine festival Winterlicious and Luminato festival in June.

Its collection of world famous events can be found in full at See Toronto Now or find out how you can get involved in the celebrations at Londoncelebrates.ca .

What National Geographic says:

"This year, discover Canada with the people who’ve stewarded the country’s incredibly biodiverse lands and waters for countless generations.

"Horseback camping excursions along forgotten Rocky Mountains trails with Alberta’s Métis, snowmobiling alongside Inuvialuit reindeer herders or navigating the Great Bear Rainforest alongside the Kitasoo and Xai’xais First Nations are just a few of the possibilities."

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4. Uganda
A stunning panoramic view of Kideopo Valley, Uganda (
Image:
Barcroft)

The "pearl of Africa" as Winston Churchill called it in 1908, Uganda remains a fascinating yet vastly under-explored destination.

In 2017, expect Uganda to vie with Kenya and Tanzania for international visitors, drawing more and more travellers with its astonishing wildlife.

What National Geographic says:

"Find everything from three-horned chameleons to the iconic mountain gorilla – now more accessible than ever thanks to a recent gorilla-tracking initiative that allows trekkers to spend more time in the presence of these beautiful creatures.

"Where else can you canoe past crocodiles on the Nile, track gorillas in dense jungles, soak in hot springs, scale snowy mountain peaks or visit a traditional Batwa village – all within a single day’s journey? Only in Uganda."

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5. Bolivia
A beautiful sun set over the Salar de Uyuni of Uyuni Salt in the Dakar Rally, Bolivia (
Image:
Getty)

South America's hidden gem, Bolivia, currently welcomes fewer than a million visitors a year - and with a sunset like above, we've no idea why.

Trekking through the astounding biodiversity of the Bolivian Amazon , blazing through the surreal salt flats of Salar de Uyuni or climbing craggy mountains blanketed in snow - its tourist options are crowdless and remarkably cheap.

There's also the Andes mountains, the Atacama desert and Amazon basin for your Instagram.

What National Geographic says:

"If there’s one thing not to miss in 2017, it’s the rising tide of La Paz’s wrestling Cholitas.

"This is a movement through which Aboriginal women have taken back a once derogatory term in the name of self-empowerment, battling against gender roles, discrimination and male machismo one thespian match at a time."

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6. Nicaragua
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The largest and least-visited nation in Central America begs to be explored in 2017.

While broadening flight routes are opening Nicaragua up to the world, for now, the country’s gorgeous colonial cities and picture-perfect beaches remain some of the most unspoiled in the region.

What National Geographic says:

"For adventure travellers, Nicaragua offers the best of Central America for a fraction of the costs you’ll find in neighbouring countries.

"Sloth-spotting in dense rainforests, epic surfing trips, remote eco retreats and excursions to nineteen different volcanoes are just a few of the intrepid activities you’ll find in 'Costa Rica without the crowds'."

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7. Portugal
Portugal is on the up, finally surfacing after five years of deep economic crisis

There's plenty more to see beyond the Algarve's sandy beaches in Portugal. The country's cities are becoming increasingly cosmopolitan thanks to thriving creative industries, world-class restaurants and cutting-edge art scenes.

Central to this transformation is Lisbon , home to a host of forward-thinking startups and a growing bohemian vibe. There's also unbeatable weather all year round - an added bonus.

What National Geographic says:

"In the north, laidback Porto is proudly embracing its own identity, too, both as a gritty cultural hub and the country’s food-and-drink capital.

"Along the country’s long swathes of coastline you’ll find everything from quaint fishing towns, all of which are perennially cheap, to the balmy beaches and wildlife reserves of the Algarve ."

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8. Finland
2016's National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year captures "snow ghosts" over Finland (
Image:
Pierre Destribats/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year)

Finland is something of an enigma within Europe – a mix of Nordic, Russian, Western and indigenous cultures - with views of the Northern Lights to die for.

In 2017 the country celebrates one hundred years of independence, and this isn’t a centenary to skip. Elaborate exhibitions showcasing Finnish thought, art and design will pay homage to the country’s place as a creative powerhouse and world leader in the fields of education and human rights.

What National Geographic says:

"This year will also see a range of Nordic sporting competitions, the world’s largest snow restaurant, several music festivals and the grand opening of Finland’s fortieth national park, Hossa, where brushing shoulders with brown bears is commonplace.

"And no trip would be complete without kicking back in a piping hot sauna such as Helsinki’s Löyly, a masterpiece of contemporary wooden architecture overlooking the Baltic Sea."

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9. Nambia
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Image:
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Namibia only gained independence in 1990, making it one of the last African countries to do so.

Budding travel photographers can embrace skydiving over the planet’s most ancient desert, high-intensity hiking in Fish River Canyon, hot air ballooning over the shimmering Kalahari or on safari tracking free-roaming lions, black rhinos and elephants.

What National Geographic says:

"Venture to the country’s Skeleton Coast and you’ll find Atlantic waves crashing against the edge of the Namib Desert and washed-up shipwrecks scattered like surrealist sculptures stranded in sand.

"Further inland, the sun-blackened trees of Dead Vlei jut awkwardly from the bright white ground, like the remains of some post-apocalyptic Earth."

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10. Taiwan
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Image:
Getty)

Cosmopolitan Taipei was named the World Design Capital last year, highlighting its pioneering creative scene, new wave cafés and all-round sophisticated city life, while the country’s cuisine and night markets remain world renowned.

What National Geographic says:

"High-speed trains will whizz you out of cities to steamy forests and jagged mountains. Non-stop nightlife is never far from bubbling hot springs and sunny sub-tropical shores. Cutting-edge modern architecture sits side-by-side with ancient temples.

"Many travellers are only just waking up to all this island has to offer: get here before everyone else does."

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