A new year inevitably means new adventures, but where to go? With the world feeling smaller and smaller every year and flights dropping in price seemingly every day, the choice is up to you.
But if you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration on exactly where to stamp your passport next, then we’ve gathered together our top travel destinations for 2019.
Social media blew up a few months ago with news that the world’s longest hiking route (all 1,700 miles of it!) would be opening up 17 of Patagonia’s national parks to outdoor enthusiasts. So if you’re looking for a little adventure in 2019, give Patagonia a try!
Even if you’re more indoors-inclined, Patagonia has a great selection of entertainment on offer, including some of the best wines in the Southern Hemisphere and enough luxury hotels to keep you satisfied no matter what your style.
Finder’s tip: Patagonia may not be as cheap as you might be expecting for South America. This is one trip you’ll definitely need to save for, but we think it will be worth every penny!
Portugal has been sneaking up the must-visit destination list for a while and 2019 could be its year! Skyscanner has seen a 27% increase in searches for the Portuguese capital between 2017 and 2018.
Popular travel provider Contiki agrees, naming Portugal as the #8 destination on the rise for 2019. So if you fancy a European adventure this year, or are looking for a suitable destination for year-round travel, then give Lisbon a try.
Finder’s tip: Visit Lisbon for its famed Portuguese tarts, but don’t forget to take some day trips out of the city too! Portugal’s varied weather makes for some stunning landscapes around the country.
2019 is the year of Turkey’s return. Its stunning sceneries and vibrant culture has seen it plastered all over social media and holiday companies including TUI and First Choice are making it easier than ever before to visit this beautiful country.
But Turkey is not just for package holidays. Several popular hostel websites have also listed Turkey as a top destination of 2019 so if Backpacking is more your style then Turkey might be the cost-effective, sun-drenched destination you’ve been searching for!
Finder’s tip: If you have time, don’t get stuck in one city as the country has so many mysterious and enchanting sites to visit. This includes the ruins of Ephesus near Izmir, the fairy chimneys in Cappadocia and the white thermal waters of Pamukkale.
Contiki, Booking.com and tons of other well known travel providers have all placed Jordan on their hot for 2019 lists making it definitely one to beat. Inspiring thousands with its incredible scenery at Petra, Jordan is definitely a place you want to visit before everyone else beats you to it!
For now, Jordan is still a little off the beaten path and that makes it a great destination for those looking for a little added adventure on their 2019 holiday.
Finder’s tip: Tick these off your list: stay in a Bedouin camp to sleep under the stars, swim (well, float) in the Dead Sea and don’t pass up the chance to see the mighty structure of Petra, imposingly carved into pink sandstone cliffs.
Japan is a country full of rich and fascinating cultures and, seemingly, something for everyone! From pink-tinged cherry blossoms and powder-soft snow to traditional temples and onsens to quirky shopping and fashion, you’re sure to find the holiday os a lifetime in Japan.
Japan will also host the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the summer Olympics in 2020, so it’s little wonder that most of the travel industry has this one pegged as a top destination.
Finder’s tip: If you want to see the infamous cherry blossoms, an your trip around April.
Once just for the very brave hearted, the colourful creativity of India is now attracting more British tourists than ever!
If its pure activity, colour and variety you’re looking for then look no further. Condé Nast Traveller is hailing Mumbai as one of the most creative cities in the world, and that’s before you even get started on the food! Mumbai hosts some of the top restaurants in India and it’s the ideal place to try diverse regional cuisines from all across the country.
Finder’s tip: Travel lightly! Not only do temperatures soar to as high as 40°C in Mumbai during the summer, but the amount of things you’ll find at the various street markets that you want to take home, you’ll be glad for the extra space in your suitcase.
If you want to hop across the pond to somewhere a bit more imaginative than NYC, in 2019 you should be heading to New Orleans.
New Orleans boasts an eclectic combination of the old and the new, the weird and the wonderful. Whether you’re partying on Bourbon Street, dancing to some of the world’s best Jazz musicians, antiquing in the French Quarter or getting in touch with your spiritual side, New Orleans offers something for everyone.
Finder’s tip: New Orleans is a foodie paradise, there’s no way you’ll go home hungry after the great Southern hospitality!
Another perfect spot for those looking for a European getaway in 2019 is the picturesque lakeside town of Vevey in Switzerland.
One for wine lovers, this year Vevey will host the Fête des Vignerons, a wine festival of olympic proportions. Only once in a generation will the small Swiss town pay homage to the world of wine making and you could be there!
Finder’s tip: If you can’t find the right accommodation in Vevey, you can stay almost anywhere on the Swiss coast of Lake Geneva and enjoy the festival all the same!
As South Africa’s tropical coast draws in more and more tourists each year, in 2019 British Airways is predicting Durban, rather than the more well known Cape Town, as the place to be.
One of the best ways to experience South Africa is to take the Garden Route. Start in Cape Town and end up in Durban, exploring miles of gorgeous coast along the way! You’ll never be short of something to do, with panoramic views off Cape Town’s Table Mountain, the chance to go on safari and not to mention visit a beach full of wild penguins!
Finder’s tip: While safaris are definitely a South African experience worthy of anyone’s bucket list, don’t underestimate how much time you’ll want doing other activities! With dozens of beaches to visit, panoramic peaks to climb, colourful neighbourhoods to explore and the Cape Peninsula and wine regions nearby, you can easily spend weeks on South Africa’s coast without getting bored.
Getting away in 2019 doesn’t have to mean getting far away! One of the most beautiful areas in the world lies right on our doorstep and if you haven’t been before, then 2019 is your year to visit the highlands.
Best seen by car, travel back in time and see scenery right out of Outlander and Braveheart. The rugged Scottish landscapes are worthy of anyone’s time, even with some traditional Scottish clouds and a bit of rain, everything just seems more dramatic and enchanting.
Finder’s tip: A trip to the highlands can be a perfect last minute getaway. If the forecast looks good on Thursday, drive up after work on Friday! Alternatively, take the train and hire a car once you get North of the border.
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No one has to know what happens at the stag party. Kick back and relax or go wild and party all night at any of these awesome destinations.
Are you on the lookout for a cosy little coastal cottage? Or what about a lakeside log cabin? We’ve got just the thing thanks to Airbnb.
