Best Travel Destinations 2019

When travel comes up on our ‘to do’ list, we want places that are trending, newly discovered and underrated because we want a one-off experience and not just a place where you can shop off the vacation. So, here is a list of the top 10 travel destinations that will make awesome memories and will be spam-worthy on your social media with epic Instagrammable pictures.

The Azores, Portugal

Resembling the otherworldly landscapes of Avatar, the Azores islands, an archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, are topping the lists of adventure travelers for 2019. The islands have volcanic crater lakes, natural hot springs and black-sand beaches. The high-thrill activities include scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, whale watching, birding, surfing and more. And while five-star luxury isn’t easy to find, there are some lovely hotels that will cater to everything you need.

Eastern Bhutan

International tourist numbers to Bhutan are creeping up every year but the majority of travellers visit the well-known areas of Western and Central Bhutan. Eastern Bhutan is opening up, and there is quite a bit that is truly off the beaten track. Take a trip focusing on more remote regions for November, including a short trek in Merak Sakten and a visit to the ancestral village of the Royal Family. Bhutan is one of the most underrated travel destinations in the Far East and there is much to be explored.

Cabo/Los Cabos, Mexico

If you are looking for a luxury vacation then this might not be the best place to start because it is fairly new in the trendy travel destination scene but it is definitely one to try. To be clear, it’s not a total ‘work-in-progress’, you will find luxury resorts for a rejuvenating weekend but in a couple of years, this place will crawl up fast on the list of best places to travel and you don’t want to be left out.

Colombia

In 2017, its president received the Nobel Peace Prize, and the country has quickly gone from one of the most dangerous places on the planet to a nation on the verge of discovery. Tourists have not yet arrived en masse, and the guarded optimism of the Colombian people is palpable. Bogotá doesn’t have the breezy appeal of Cartagena or the financial might of Medellín, but it has been home to artists and creative sorts for decades. You see a spirit of celebrating life in the street art, the weekend cycling parades and frequent family celebrations. Bogotá is also one of the most exciting culinary destinations in South America.

Ethiopia

This East African nation is stepping on to the world’s stage as a crucible of ancient culture, where travellers have the opportunity to experience the intersection of Christianity, Judaism and Islam through unparalleled cultural immersion, a perfect example of diversity. The country is home to rock-hewn churches built into incredible landscapes, rare 4th-and 5th-century antiquities and tribal villages that have lived the same way for centuries. This is a developing tourist destination and you should get there first.

Madagascar

The world’s fourth largest island feels more like an unexplored planet than an unchecked item on your bucket list. This wondrous world has so much biodiversity to discover, both in terms of natural beauty and unique terrains. For flora and fauna, with more than 90% of the wildlife endemic to Madagascar, it’s unbeatable. The famous lemur is only the beginning of the weird and wonderful biodiversity.

Mongolia

With its wide-open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and warm nomadic culture, Mongolia will hold a special place in your heart. Traveling there still feels like visiting the ends of the earth! You can customise your journey as you like; hike, bike, rock climb and stay in welcoming, comfortable camps. There’s much to do in Mangolia for travellers, one-of-a-kind experiences like getting to meet nomads, outings with Kazakh eagle hunters and visits with local shamans.

Pakistan

We’ve always wondered how Pakistan despite its’ natural heritage and finger licking cuisine has lacked exposure on the world stage for tourism. No more because the tidal waves of change are here and it is gathering momentum. Explore the valleys of Hunza, Shigar and Khaplu via the renowned Karakoram Highway. This little-visited region in the far northeast of the country offers the kind of startlingly striking scenery that compels you to gaze from the window, without blinking, for fear of missing a moment of the majesty of the landscape – or one of the astounding suspension bridges that cross the surging rivers filled with snow melt. Add to this the warm welcome of the people, the glacial blue of Attabad lake, the centuries of history, the juxtaposition of granite to greenery, the chance to walk through an age old-apricot orchard along water channels cut by hand, and the blazing snow-covered glory of Rakaposhi, and you must acknowledge there is a grand adventure to be had.

Rwanda

This East African country has emerged as a leader in conservation in recent years. In addition to intimate wildlife experiences, including gorilla trekking and tracking golden monkeys in Virunga, the luxury lodge offerings are impressive: hotels and lodges have views to die for that will keep you glued to the windows and hang in balconies. Rwanda too is an upcoming destination so there is much to expect in a few years.

The Turkish Riviera

Open-minded travellers are slowly returning to Turkey, parts of which had been no-go zones for the past few years. The chic beach resorts in Bodrum have been enjoying a moment in the spotlight. These stylish properties are situated on the beautiful Aegean coastline – which has been likened to that of the South of France – and days here are best spent sailing, visiting ruins and scuba diving. Plus, the people are nice and the food is great.

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