HOLIDAYS are expected to remain a top priority for sun-seeking Brits in 2018, a new report has revealed.

And travellers are predicted to explore new and unusual places as they search for a one-of-a-kind getaway.

5 The island nation of St Lucia has featured on the list of 12 holiday destinations to watch in 2018 Credit: Getty - Contributor

The report by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) revealed the 12 destinations around the world that are expected to be in high demand next year.

The locations were picked for several key reasons: they offer unique travel experience, something special is happening in 2018, there is easy accessibility for British tourists or it’s a well-known destination with hidden gems.

The list features a number of destinations the average holidaymaker wouldn't think to include on their flight plan.

While Germany, Sweden and New Zealand are relatively common stops for Brits, other places like Rwanda, Nepal and Montenegro offer vastly different cultural experiences and breathtaking scenery.

12 best holiday destinations to watch in 2018 Argentina

Arizona

British Columbia

Germany

Malta

Montenegro

Nepal

New Zealand

Rwanda

St Lucia

Sweden

Turkey

The Caribbean nation of St Lucia made the top 12 for its year of festivals ahead.

The small island nation will run their Summer Festival from January to October, featuring extensive displays of food, art and culture.

Despite the weakening pound and wider economic issues over the past year, vacations will remain a spending priority into the new year.

The ABTA Travel Trends report found bookings for next year are already tracking five per cent higher than the same time last year.

5 Montenegro combines gorgeous countryside with high-quality seaside resorts Credit: Getty - Contributor

It also found as many as 31 per cent of Brits plan to spend more on travel in 2018 than they did over the last 12 months.

The report highlighted five major trends for overseas travel next year, headlined by a rise in responsible travel, as holiday makers seek to reduce their impact on the environment during their visit.

5 While a common destination for Brits, New Zealand offers plenty of hidden gems Credit: Getty - Contributor

5 Nepal offers an "intensely spiritual" experience for travellers Credit: Getty - Contributor

Travellers are also expected to explore unusual and alternative destinations, and seek to combine luxury and escapism to create a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.

It is anticipated Brits will look for cheap holiday deals by utilising package options when booking, and making the most of low-cost, long-haul flights on budget airlines.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA chief executive said: “Although household budgets are under pressure, the underlying demand for travel remains strong as savvy British holidaymakers are planning ahead and seeking the best value holidays and destinations.

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“While value for money will certainly influence many people’s holiday choices, others will also reflect on the impact their holiday has on local people and the community.

“Popular TV programmes like Blue Planet II have put sustainability issues firmly in the spotlight, increasing awareness of the impact that large numbers of visitors can have on some of the world’s most popular destinations.

"We expect these factors to inform people’s choices about where and how they holiday next year, with a greater demand for holidays to a wide range of alternative destinations.”