Author: Olivia Varnson
Sports journalism enthusiast and program researcher for Travel Bags With Annita
January 2015

Travel and Leisure released a list of twenty-five new attractions opening across the world in 2015. From libraries to food markets, museums to roller coasters, the list is well rounded enough for every traveler to find a new dream destination. I picked the five destinations that appeal to me as a young traveler looking to get some miles under her belt.

Markthal Rotterdam, Netherlands; Image Source: domusweb.it

In the Netherlands, Markthal Rotterdam’s indoor market represents a glimpse into the future. Its unique horseshoe shape and 36,000 square foot mural are marvels all on their own. But what’s more is that the building is home to 228 unique apartments and, on the lower levels, a hub of booths, restaurants and cooking classes. One of my favorite travel memories is when my friend and I visited New York City. It was freezing cold outside and we were desperately searching for a place to warm up. We stumbled into the next door we saw and were pleased to find a small indoor food market featuring dishes from all over the world. It was warm, and lively and people were passionate about the food they were eating. I can only imagine what it would be like to experience that kind of passion and excitement at Markthal Rotterdam, where there are over 100 unique booths with fresh produce and a diverse selection of restaurants, including Moroccan and Italian. You could spend an entire day inside, exploring the booths and enjoying the giant mural while you eat delicious food.

Starry Night Bicycle Path, Netherlands; Image Source: smithsonianmag.com

Towards the evening, you can take a trip to Nuenen and ride along the Starry Night Bicycle Path. The pathway comes to life with 50,000 glow-in-the-dark stones. It sounds like the perfect way to burn off calories after a day spent snacking at Markthal Rotterdam.

Museum of Tomorrow, Brazil; Image Source: BBC.com

Continuing with the theme of futuristic architecture, the Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro is set to open in late 2015. later this year. The building is structured to resemble a fish with elaborate scales and fins. On the grounds there will be a reflecting pool, a bike path, a recreation area and a garden. On this inside, though, is where the fun begins. The Museum of Tomorrow will allow visitors to craft their own experience with hands-on and interactive features in each exhibit. I love the idea of being able to learn about my surroundings through experience instead of just reading a pamphlet or placard. It is especially fitting for a museum focused on what we can accomplish in the future. I am part of a generation that bridges the gap between the technology of the past and the technology we know today, so I have a feeling I would be inspired to see what we can do together in the future.

Batman: The Ride, San Antonio; Image Source: sixflags.com

In San Antonio’s Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a new thrill ride is combining two of my favorite things – roller coasters and comic book characters. Batman: The Ride is a 4D Free Fly Coaster set to open this summer. Throughout the ride, magnetic fins cause you to flip in near constant rotation as you fly over the top of a 12-story hill, two beyond vertical drops and six full inversions. After watching the video on the Six Flags website, I know that I will have to find a way for my brothers and me to take a ride on this coaster. Despite the flips and drops, it looks like a very smooth and sleek ride. You may be in constant rotation, but you aren’t jerked violently like you might be on an older high-speed roller coaster. San Antonio seems like a great place to visit overall. With its beautiful river walk, nature reservations and unique historical monuments, Batman: The Ride could be just one stop on a very enjoyable vacation.

Albertine Book Shop, New York City; Image Source: newyorker.com

One of my oldest friends goes to the Parsons New School of Design in Manhattan. I can picture her going to Albertine after a long day of classes. The décor looks cozy and inviting. And with over 14,000 titles, along with comics and music, she could get lost in there for hours. What I love about bookstores is that, no matter how many there are and no matter how similar their collections might be, each one has something special about it. Albertine is home to a wide selection of both English and French titles. Not only that, but it also hosts author signings, festivals and other special events.

 To read the rest of Travel and Leisure’s list, highlighting renovations to the Eiffel Tower and new museums, visit http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-new-tourist-attractions-2015.